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Ashanti Region: Kumasi peak electricity demand rises from 420 MW to 640 MW in two years 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Obeng Antwi, pro for ECG; Ashanti Region on dumsor

In Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, peak electricity demand has surged from 420 megawatts to about 640 megawatts within two years, highlighting the rapid growth of power consumption in the region.

According to the Public Relations Officer for the Electricity Company of Ghana in the Ashanti Region, Benjamin Obeng Antwi, the sharp rise in electricity demand reflects the rapid expansion of Kumasi and surrounding communities.

Speaking in an interview on the Orange Sunrise, Mr. Obeng Antwi further explained that most power lines in Ghana, including those in the Ashanti Region, are overhead lines, which are more exposed to environmental conditions.

According to him, when the wind blows strongly, tree branches or leaves can swing into the overhead lines, causing the network’s protection systems to automatically shut down the power supply.

He explained that when the wind moves the branches away again, power may return briefly, which sometimes leads to the on-and-off power supply residents experience during storms.

Lightning and safety concerns

Mr. Obeng Antwi also noted that lightning and thunder during storms create additional risks for the power network. He said lightning can release high electrical currents, which may interact with power flowing through the system.

Because of this, engineers sometimes wait for the rain and lightning to subside before restoring power to avoid dangerous voltage interactions. Another factor that affects supply during bad weather is road accidents involving power infrastructure.

Mr. Obeng Antwi noted that poor visibility during rainfall can cause drivers to crash into power poles or transformers, resulting in intermittent power outages in some areas. 

“Operation Keep the Lights On”

Referring to earlier efforts introduced by former Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh, when authorities promoted a policy to keep the power supply stable during storms, Mr. Obeng Antwi confirmed that the ECG launched an initiative called “Operation Keep the Lights On.”

He said the program focused on clearing vegetation around electricity lines and strengthening weak components within the network.

However, he noted that some individuals resisted the cutting of trees along power corridors, especially where residents considered the trees family property or traditional assets.

He said ECG continues to work on maintenance and upgrades to ensure the network can support the rising Ashanti Region peak electricity demand while maintaining a stable power supply.

Oral Health in Ghana: 84.9 Percent of Adults Have Never Received Dental Care

By
Ivy Hollys
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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on oral health

Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has raised concerns about the country’s oral health situation, revealing that about 84.9 percent of adults in Ghana have never received dental care. According to the minister, the worrying statistic highlights a major gap in awareness and preventive health practices related to oral health across the country.

Speaking in Parliament, Akandoh attributed the situation largely to a lack of education and awareness about oral health and hygiene. He explained that many people prioritize routine medical checkups but often overlook the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Akandoh further revealed that poor oral health can have serious health consequences beyond the mouth. He noted that medical professionals have warned that certain germs in the mouth can travel through the body and potentially affect vital organs.

“I was amazed to hear from a professional, a medical doctor, that there is a particular germ that can attack your heart from your mouth if you don’t have very good oral hygiene,” he stated.

The minister stressed that ignorance about oral health risks remains a major factor contributing to the low number of people seeking dental care. To address the challenge, the Ministry of Health says it plans to intensify nationwide education on oral health, particularly targeting younger generations.

Akandoh said the education campaign will begin in schools to help children understand the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene from an early age.

In addition to education, the minister said the government is also considering measures to improve access to dental services by exploring ways to deploy more oral health professionals across the country to ensure that dental care becomes more accessible to the public.

Health experts say strengthening oral health education and expanding dental services could significantly reduce preventable oral diseases such as cavities, gum infections, and tooth loss.

Reverend Minister Arraigned Over Alleged Inappropriate Videos Involving Children

By
Ivy Hollys
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inappropriate videos of children

The head pastor of Mahanaim Christian Centre, Ebenezer Conduah, has been arraigned before a court over allegations that he recorded inappropriate videos involving children on his mobile phone.

According to court documents, Ebenezer Conduah is accused of recording videos showing naked children. Prosecutors told the court that one of the videos allegedly found on his phone featured a child holding a white card displaying the web address of a pornographic website, while a male voice in the background instructed the child to mention the platform.

Investigators say Ebenezer Conduah was arrested on March 6 at his apartment in Woraba, a community near Eguase in Cape Coast.

During a search of the residence, authorities reportedly retrieved several items, including five mobile phones, two hard drives, two memory cards, a computer system unit, sex toys, and female underwear.

Prosecutors further revealed that Ebenezer Conduah is already standing trial in a separate case involving a defilement charge before a Circuit Court in Cape Coast.

The court has remanded Ebenezer Conduah into prison custody. He is expected to reappear before the High Court of Ghana later this week for further proceedings.

President Mahama Bans International Travel for Public Institution Boards

By
Ivy Hollys
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President Mahama on banning international travel for board members
President Mahama advises the armed forces

In a bold step to curb public expenditure, President John Dramani Mahama has issued an immediate ban on international travel for board members of state-owned enterprises and public institutions when trips are funded by taxpayers.

The directive, released from the Jubilee House on March 5, specifically targets travel for training programs, conferences, retreats, and study tours.

The move comes amid rising concern over the escalating costs of overseas trips undertaken by boards of state institutions. Officials note that the frequency of such trips has surged recently, placing added pressure on the national budget through expenses on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and other logistical costs.

While the ban is comprehensive, exceptions will be made in special cases where international engagement is deemed absolutely necessary and cannot be conducted locally or via virtual platforms.

Experts suggest that limiting such overseas trips could significantly reduce government spending and redirect funds to more pressing domestic priorities.

GoldBod Jewellery Denies Sponsoring Women of Valour 2026 Event in London

By
Ivy Hollys
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Nana Aba Anamoah and women of valour under scrutiny

GoldBod Jewellery Limited, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, has clarified that it did not sponsor the 2026 Women of Valour event, held on March 7 at the London Hilton on Park Lane in the United Kingdom.

The clarification follows a photograph circulating online showing GoldBod listed as one of the event’s partners, which sparked questions on social media about why a state-linked institution would support a private program outside Ghana.

In a statement shared on X, the company explained that its involvement was limited. GoldBod Jewellery said it only offered promotional discounts on jewelry purchases for participants as part of its Ghana Heritage Month promotions and did not provide any direct financial support for the event.

In what appeared to be a sarcastic comment on social media, Nana Aba Anamoah, the founder of Women of Valour, thanked people for the widespread discussions around the program. She said, “Thank you so much for discussing my event widely. I love free publicity. Thank you.”

Founded by Ghanaian broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah, Women of Valour brings together women from diverse professional backgrounds to network, share insights, and celebrate achievements. The 2026 edition was held just ahead of International Women’s Day, offering a platform for discussions on women’s leadership and empowerment.

Shariff Abdulai Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder of 23 People

By
Ivy Hollys
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police arrest shariff abdulai

The Wa High Court has sentenced notorious serial killer Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as Cristos, to life imprisonment with hard labour for the murder of 23 people across parts of Ghana. The sentence was delivered on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, by Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi after Shariff Abdulai pleaded guilty to the charges.

According to a statement from the Ghana Police Service Upper West Regional Command, Shariff Abdulai admitted to killing sixteen people in Wa, five in Bole, and one each in Banda Nkwanta and Bamboi.

Police say Shariff Abdulai was arrested on October 6, 2025, following sustained intelligence-led operations conducted by the Ghana Police Service.

After months of investigations, Shariff Abdulai was first committed by a District Magistrate Court before being arraigned before the High Court on March 4, 2026.

In court, Shariff Abdulai, who was represented by counsel, pleaded guilty to the charge. Based on his plea, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi sentenced Shariff Abdulai to life imprisonment with hard labor.

The convict is expected to serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

Fuel Pricing Window: Dr. Riverson Oppong Says March 16 Will Reveal ‘Real Marketing’ in Ghana’s Oil Sector

By
Ivy Hollys
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riverson oppong on march 16 fuel pricing window

Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, Dr. Riverson Oppong, says the upcoming fuel pricing window beginning March 16 will reveal what he describes as the true dynamics of fuel marketing in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Wednesday, Dr. Riverson Oppong said the next pricing window will demonstrate how the oil marketing industry truly operates.

According to Dr. Riverson Oppong, Ghanaians should expect significant developments when the new fuel pricing window opens on March 16.

His comments come as the National Petroleum Authority prepares to enforce revised Petroleum Pricing Guidelines aimed at standardizing fuel prices across the country.

Under the new directive, which takes effect on March 16, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) will be required to maintain uniform fuel prices across their retail outlets.

This means the price displayed at the pump must be the same price submitted to the regulator, effectively ending the practice where companies offered discounts at selected stations while maintaining higher prices at others.

However, Dr. Riverson Oppong rejected claims that the National Petroleum Authority has scrapped fuel discounting altogether.

Instead, Dr. Riverson Oppong insists the regulator has only corrected what he describes as a long-standing error in the fuel pricing structure.

“The President’s assertion that U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran could possibly impact African economies is nothing but the truth”—Kofi Asher, NDC Communications

By
Ivy Hollys
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Kofi Asher

Kofi Asher, a member of the communications team of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), says the President is right to suggest that the ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States could have economic consequences for countries like Ghana.

Speaking in a discussion with Alfa Ali on the orange Sunrise, Kofi Asher explained that global conflicts—especially in regions that control a large share of the world’s oil supply—can influence economies across the globe, including those in Africa.

According to him, the global economy is interconnected, and developments in the Middle East cannot be viewed in isolation. He said political instability in that region could disrupt oil supply and global markets, which may eventually affect African economies.

However, he was quick to add that external factors alone cannot be blamed as the main cause of an economic downturn.

The NDC communicator explained that the party has never denied the role external developments can play in shaping Ghana’s economic performance. Instead, he said the party’s position has always been that domestic economic challenges should not be attributed solely to external shocks.

He noted that during Ghana’s economic difficulties under the New Patriotic Party administration, the NDC questioned attempts to blame the crisis entirely on global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war.

According to him, the NDC maintained that while those global developments had some impact, internal economic management also played a significant role.

He further challenged claims that the NDC has ever dismissed the influence of external factors on Ghana’s economy, stating that there is no evidence of any senior member of the party publicly making such a claim.

Instead, he argued that former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia had at various times suggested that external factors could fully explain the country’s economic challenges.

The NDC communicator maintained that the President’s comment about the potential economic impact of tensions in the Middle East reflects a reality that cannot be ignored, given the interconnected nature of the global economy.

Tribenet controversy: Afenyo Markin referred to the privileges committee over recruitment allegations

By
Ivy Hollys
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afenyo markin on tribenet controversy

Tribenet, a private software development platform used to harmonize and digitalize recruitment into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana National Fire Service, has found itself at the center of a controversy. 

The development follows allegations made by Afenyo-Markin on February 27, 2026, concerning the Tribenet platform and its role in the ongoing recruitment into the security services. Following the allegations, the Minister for the Interior, Mutaka Mubarak, formally applied for the Minority Leader to be referred to the Privileges Committee over what he described as contemptuous remarks made on the floor of Parliament.

The First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, subsequently referred Afenyo-Markin to the committee for investigation.

The Allegations by Afenyo Markin

Speaking in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin alleged that the Tribenet platform, which is being used to harmonize recruitment across the security services, was being manipulated.

He described the current internal security recruitment as “scandalous,” warning that “there is corruption looming” and that “people will go to prison.”

In response, Interior Minister Mutaka Mubarak strongly defended the use of Tribenet, stating that the platform had previously provided similar services under past administrations.

He told Parliament that in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021, Tribenet Ltd undertook recruitment-related services for the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Ghana National Fire Service under the same business model now being implemented for the 2025–2026 recruitment exercise.

According to the minister, the harmonized and digitalized system aims to prevent “vacancy hijacking,” reduce operational costs, and empower the various agencies to eventually take ownership of their recruitment portals after a set number of cycles.

He explained that the current approach is in line with the 2024 manifesto commitments of the National Democratic Congress, which promises a merit-based, transparent, and decentralized recruitment and promotion process for all security agencies.

Mutaka Mubarak argued that he had earlier offered to provide detailed information to the Minority Leader if he formally requested it. However, he said Afenyo-Markin chose to repeat the allegations during proceedings connected to the State of the Nation Address, “when the whole world was listening.”

Citing Standing Order 31 (E and F), the minister described the remarks as contemptuous and called for the minority leader to be given the opportunity to substantiate his claims before the Privileges Committee.

While this marks the second time he has been referred to the committee, Afenyo-Markin has indicated that he is prepared for the matter to be heard publicly and says he will substantiate his claims before the Privileges Committee. 

Reuben Ameh rejects claims Iran-Israel-US tensions will affect Ghana’s economy

By
Ivy Hollys
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Reuben Ameh

The Secretary of the Combined Kejetia Traders Association, Reuben Ameh, has rejected claims that the escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States could negatively impact Ghana’s economy.

Reuben Ameh made the remarks during an interview with Alfa Ali, following comments by President John Dramani Mahama suggesting that developments in the Middle East may have economic consequences for Ghana.

But Reuben Ameh insisted that Ghana should not be affected.

Questioning the basis of such concerns, Reuben Ameh asked why events in the Middle East should automatically translate into economic hardship for Ghanaians. He argued that similar explanations were given during the Russia–Ukraine war, the 2007 global economic downturn, the Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many citizens challenged those claims.

According to Reuben Ameh, Ghana has sufficient gold and oil reserves to cushion the country against external shocks. He maintained that no politician should use foreign conflicts as grounds to increase fuel prices or weaken the cedi.

Reuben Ameh further cautioned against what he described as “political games,” stressing that leaders must not wake up and announce sharp fuel price hikes under the pretext of international tensions.

He stated that Ghana’s economic foundation should be strong enough to withstand global pressures and urged policymakers to protect the national interest.

He said traders would not accept explanations that blame international conflicts for local economic decisions, insisting that Ghana must remain economically resilient regardless of external events.

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