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Fresh developments in arrest of Asante Akyem North MP in Amsterdam

By
Ivy Hollys
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Asante Akyem MP

Fresh details have emerged in the arrest of the Asante Akyem North MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, who was detained by Dutch security officials at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam over allegations of romance scams and money laundering.

Information available indicates that the MP departed Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Saturday, May 9, aboard KLM Flight 590 bound for the Netherlands.

The flight reportedly left Ghana through Gate C7 at about 10:10 p.m. and arrived at Schiphol Airport at approximately 4:36 GMT on Sunday.

Sources familiar with the incident say moments after the aircraft landed, passengers were instructed to remain seated for what was described as a security check.

Dutch security officials subsequently boarded the aircraft and reportedly proceeded directly to the business class section, where the MP was seated alongside another senior government official.

The officials allegedly identified the legislator, read him his rights, and placed him in handcuffs before escorting him off the aircraft into a waiting security vehicle.

He was later taken into detention.

The arrest is reportedly linked to allegations involving romance scams and money laundering, although Dutch authorities have yet to publicly release detailed information regarding the case. Speaking on the matter, lawyer and head of chambers for Clinton Consultancy, Amanda, stated that the MP does not enjoy absolute immunity and could, therefore, be subjected to arrest under international law.

More than 5 million Ghanaians may be living with kidney disease—Prof. Boima warns

By
Ivy Hollys
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professor vincent on kidney disease

A professor of medicine and nephrology at the University of Ghana, Prof. Vincent Boima, has raised concern over the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ghana, revealing that more than five million Ghanaians may be living with the condition.

According to Prof. Boima, approximately 13.3 per cent of Ghana’s population is affected by kidney disease, with many patients falling within the productive age group of 20 to 50 years.

Speaking on the issue, the renowned nephrologist disclosed that people of Akan origin face a significantly higher genetic risk of developing the disease.

He explained that findings show 37.2 per cent of Akans carry two high-risk variants of the APOL1 gene, compared to 19 per cent among people of Ga origin and 17 per cent among people from the Volta Region.

Prof. Boima noted that the APOL1 gene originally evolved to protect Africans against sleeping sickness but now increases vulnerability to kidney disease.

He stressed the need for increased public awareness, early screening, and preventive healthcare interventions to help reduce the growing burden of chronic kidney disease in the country.

Former NAFCO CEO and wife face fresh charges over alleged financial misconduct

By
Ivy Hollys
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abdul wahab former nafco ceo and wife

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, are facing fresh criminal charges following new legal action initiated by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice.

According to court documents filed at the High Court in Accra on May 15, 2026, the couple has been charged with 20 counts relating to alleged financial impropriety during Mr. Abdul-Wahab’s tenure at the state food management agency.

The charges include stealing, defrauding by false pretenses, abuse of public office for profit, and money laundering.

The latest development comes shortly after the couple was re-arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following their discharge in an earlier case.

Prosecutors allege that Mr. Abdul-Wahab fraudulently obtained GH¢734,400 from NAFCO in 2017 under the pretext of rent payments said to cover a two-year period from May 2017 to May 2019.

According to the prosecution, the payments were processed under questionable circumstances as part of a broader scheme to unlawfully benefit from public funds while occupying a senior public office. The prosecution also claims the accused persons used various means to conceal the origins of the funds, leading to additional money laundering charges.

Ghana Shippers’ Authority Postpones Revised Container Charge

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghana Shippers Authority

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has postponed the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charge to July 1, 2026, following strong concerns from businesses and stakeholders within Ghana’s shipping and logistics industry over rising port costs.

The revised levy was originally scheduled to take effect on May 1, but authorities say the delay will allow for additional consultations with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other industry operators before a final pricing structure is adopted.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, May 13, the Authority explained that the extended engagement period is aimed at ensuring that any revised charges strike a balance between operational sustainability and maintaining Ghana’s competitiveness within the regional trade and logistics sector.

As part of temporary measures introduced during the consultation period, the Transport Minister has directed the immediate enforcement of a cap on the Container Administrative Charge.

Under the interim arrangement, the charge must not exceed GH¢720 per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) for both import and export containers.

The decision is expected to ease pressure on businesses that have consistently raised concerns about increasing port-related fees and their impact on trade operations.

Industry players have argued that rising administrative and logistics charges continue to increase the cost of doing business in Ghana, particularly for importers and exporters already dealing with high transport and supply chain expenses.

Some operators have also warned that excessive port charges could weaken Ghana’s competitiveness compared to other ports within the sub-region and discourage trade activity.

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has therefore urged all stakeholders to comply with the temporary pricing arrangements while consultations continue ahead of a final determination expected later in July.

The development comes amid broader discussions within Ghana’s trade and logistics sector about improving port efficiency, reducing operational costs and strengthening the country’s position as a regional trade hub.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Only 33% of Working Ghanaians Actively Saving for Retirement

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Savings

A new report by Old Mutual has revealed growing concerns over retirement preparedness among working Ghanaians, with many employees acknowledging the importance of long-term savings but failing to make adequate financial plans for life after work.

According to the 2025 Financial Wellness Monitor, although 92 percent of working Ghanaians recognise the need to save for retirement, only 33 percent have taken concrete steps toward retirement planning.

The findings highlight widening gaps in long-term financial security despite signs of gradual economic recovery and improved household financial management in some areas.

The report indicates that nearly three out of four working Ghanaians believe they have not saved enough for retirement, while 74 percent are uncertain whether their current savings will be sufficient to support them during old age.

The level of concern has increased significantly since 2023, reflecting growing anxiety about future financial stability.

The uncertainty extends beyond low-income earners. Even among workers earning more than GH¢3,000 monthly, almost two-thirds expressed doubts about their retirement readiness, suggesting that the challenge is not limited to income levels alone.

The study identified several factors contributing to weak retirement planning habits in Ghana.

One major concern is low confidence in financial institutions. More than half of respondents, representing 52 percent, fear they could lose their savings if pension providers or financial institutions collapse.

The report also points to strong cultural expectations around family support, with 55 percent of respondents indicating they expect relatives to support them financially during retirement.

Limited income remains another major obstacle, as 32 percent of respondents say they struggle to save consistently because their earnings are insufficient to meet both current expenses and long-term savings goals.

Retirement planning also continues to rank low among financial priorities for many households. The report found that it ranks seventh behind immediate concerns such as emergency funds, education expenses and business investments.

The study further revealed a weakening investment culture among working Ghanaians. Confidence in investing declined from 21 percent to 14 percent, while fewer people are setting financial goals or actively monitoring their finances.

Access to professional financial advice also remains limited. Only 13 percent of respondents currently use financial advisers, despite nearly 60 percent acknowledging the importance of expert financial guidance. Nearly half of those surveyed also admitted they do not know where to access reliable financial advice.

While some households are making efforts to improve their finances by reducing debt and cutting spending, the report warns that many of these gains may only provide short-term relief.

Old Mutual therefore called for stronger efforts to improve financial literacy, rebuild trust in financial institutions and expand access to professional financial advice in order to strengthen long-term financial resilience among Ghanaian workers.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Dig Once Policy Will Boost Internet Expansion- Sam George

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Sam George

The Government of Ghana says a proposed “Dig Once” policy could reduce the cost of deploying fibre infrastructure by nearly 60 per cent as part of efforts to expand broadband access and strengthen the country’s digital economy.

The initiative, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, seeks to integrate fibre-optic infrastructure into major road construction projects under the government’s Big Push agenda.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the policy is designed to eliminate duplication in infrastructure development and lower network expansion costs for telecom operators.

Under the proposed framework, contractors building new roads will be required to incorporate fibre chambers into road designs during construction. Telecommunications companies would then be able to install fibre cables through the pre-built chambers rather than carrying out separate excavation work.

According to the Minister, the current system forces both road contractors and telecom operators to independently dig up roads for separate infrastructure works, significantly increasing costs and creating avoidable inefficiencies.

He explained that the new approach would allow telecom operators to focus mainly on securing right-of-way access and laying fibre cables, reducing civil works expenses that typically account for a large portion of network deployment costs.

Sam George described the policy as a potentially transformative step for Ghana’s digital infrastructure strategy, noting that lower deployment costs could support wider broadband coverage, improve internet connectivity and contribute to more affordable data services for consumers.

The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has completed the draft policy framework after incorporating recommendations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways because of the policy’s impact on road infrastructure development.

According to him, the revised draft was received this week and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Government is targeting implementation approval by the third quarter of 2026.

The Dig Once policy forms part of broader efforts to accelerate Ghana’s digitalisation agenda, improve national connectivity and enhance the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Kumasi Waste Crisis: Oti landfill site has exceeded its lifespan—Eugene Amo Asamoah 

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Engineer Eugene Amo Asamoah on Kumasi crisis

Kumasi’s waste crisis has often been linked to the Oti landfill site’s full capacity. Bringing some clarity on this issue, the business development manager for the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant Limited, Engineer Eugene Amo Asamoah, said the landfill has exceeded its operational lifespan.

Speaking in an interview with Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise, the engineer explained that waste generation is directly linked to urbanization and population growth, stressing that waste management remains a critical government responsibility.

According to him, the Oti landfill was originally designed to operate for only fifteen years and has now outlived its intended capacity.

Engineer Amo Asamoah noted that many countries around the world have moved away from the traditional “collect and dump” system of waste management towards a circular economy model where waste is treated as a resource.

He explained that waste materials such as plastics, paper, metals, textiles, and organic matter can be segregated and recycled for productive use.

The engineer further warned that improperly managed organic waste produces harmful liquids known as leachate, which can contaminate soil and water bodies. He added that decomposing waste also releases greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

“Because if you do it the linear way, where you do collection and disposal, in Ghana, the organic fractions in the waste composition are about 60 percent. And these organics, if you don’t treat them properly, they leachate. When it gets into the soil, it destroys the soil. When it gets into our water bodies, it destroys them. When the organics are decomposing, they also emit some gases. These greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide, cause these greenhouse gas effects to deplete the ozone layer and cause this climate change that we are all crying about.”

Despite the challenges, he maintained that Kumasi already possesses the solution to its waste management crisis, highlighting that the largest compost and recycling plant in Africa is located in the Ashanti Region.

According to him, several African countries continue to visit Kumasi to study the city’s waste recycling and composting model.

Majority chief whip urges media houses to exercise caution in reportage

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Majority Chief Whip Nelson Rockson Dafeamekpor, has confirmed that legal representation has been secured for the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North following his arrest in the Netherlands over alleged financial crimes.

According to Mr. Dafeamekpor, the legislator is in good health and continues to cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.

He disclosed that the arrest took place on Sunday, May 10, and urged media houses to exercise caution in their reportage by avoiding unverified claims surrounding the matter.

The Asante Akyem North MP is alleged to have been arrested in connection with financial crimes linked to money laundering and suspected romance scams involving an estimated 32 million dollars.

Mr. Dafeamekpor stressed the need for responsible journalism while official investigations are ongoing.

Mahama chairs special cabinet meeting today

By
Ivy Hollys
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president John Mahama on cabinet meeting
President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama is today chairing a crucial special cabinet meeting to determine the government’s official position on Ghana’s constitution review recommendations.

The meeting marks a major step in the constitutional reform process following months of legal and administrative scrutiny by the attorney general and the president’s legal advisers.

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that a draft position paper on the proposed constitutional amendments is now ready for Cabinet consideration and approval.

According to him, President Mahama had earlier directed that the review committee’s report undergo a detailed legal analysis before the government adopted any official stance on the proposed reforms.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the constitutional review process differs from a standard commission of inquiry exercise, requiring the government to issue a “position paper” rather than the usual “white paper.”

He noted that once the Cabinet approves the document, it will serve as the government’s official blueprint for responding to the constitutional reform proposals and paving the way for implementation.

The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to shape the next phase of Ghana’s constitutional reform agenda.

Fibre cuts in Ghana hit 8,000 annually 

By
Ivy Hollys
-
fibre cuts

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has raised fresh concerns over the rising number of fibre cuts in Ghana, revealing that telecom operators are now recording more than 8,000 fiber cuts annually.

Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, described the development as a major threat to network stability and service delivery across the country.

Speaking during the Chamber’s 15th anniversary soft launch, she explained that the increasing destruction of fiber infrastructure is putting enormous financial pressure on telecom operators. According to her, funds meant for network expansion and service improvement are now being redirected into repair and maintenance works.

She attributed the rise in fibre cuts to the rapid expansion of telecommunications infrastructure over the years, noting that Ghana’s internet penetration has grown from about four percent to more than seventy percent.

“We are experiencing over 8,000 cuts per annum when it comes to fibre cuts, which is increasingly a strain on our operators’ resources,” she stated.

Madam Owusu-Ankomah stressed that the industry wants to move beyond recurring conversations about fibre cuts and focus on strengthening Ghana’s digital future.

To address the challenge, the Chamber is advocating for the implementation of the proposed Dig Once policy, which seeks to make fibre duct infrastructure mandatory in major road construction projects. The policy is expected to allow telecom operators to access protected underground ducts and reduce the frequent destruction of fibre cables.

Meanwhile, the minister for communication, digital technology, and innovations, Samuel Nartey George, says the Dig Once policy could reduce the cost of fibre infrastructure rollout in Ghana by as much as sixty percent.

According to him, the policy will help accelerate broadband expansion while improving access to affordable data services across the country.

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