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Kumasi-Accra expressway—Tony Asare questions project timeline feasibility

Tony Asare

The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Tony Asare, has raised concerns about the timeline for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway. He made the comments after the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, indicated that the project could be completed within three years.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, April 20, Tony Asare said major road projects require several critical preliminary processes before construction begins.

Tony Asare explained that these include detailed road surveys, land acquisition, and engineering design works. He noted that these stages are essential for ensuring durability and safety.

According to Tony Asare, these processes are often underestimated in public discussions, yet they determine whether project timelines are realistic.

“Knowing the processes you must go through to be able to start road construction, I am not very confident whether we will be able to finish the road in two years. We will need to do the road survey and the land acquisition of the reservation itself before we come out with various surveys to be able to determine how bridges and other things will be designed before we start the construction.

Tony Asare warned that rushing these stages could compromise the quality and long-term sustainability of the expressway.

He added that while the project could be completed within 36 months with strong project management, timelines should not be politicized. He urged stakeholders to focus on proper planning to ensure a well-executed project.

MobileMoney Fintech strengthens fraud monitoring systems using AI

Fraud monitoring by MTN

The Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Shaibu Haruna, says the company is intensifying efforts to tackle fraud using artificial intelligence (AI)

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, April 20, Shaibu Haruna explained that the company now relies on advanced technology to monitor transactions and detect suspicious activity in real time.

Shaibu Haruna noted that once a fraud report is received, the system can trace transaction trails and identify patterns linked to agents frequently involved in fraudulent activities. He said this allows for faster intervention and more accurate tracking.

According to Shaibu Haruna, the integration of artificial intelligence marks a major shift from traditional rule-based systems to behavior-driven analysis. He explained that this new approach improves precision when identifying fraud cases.

“Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence, we are strengthening our monitoring mechanisms,” Shaibu Haruna said, adding that the system makes it easier to isolate fraudulent elements.

Shaibu Haruna emphasized that the move forms part of broader efforts to sanitize the mobile money ecosystem and protect users.

He assured the public that the company will continue to take decisive action against fraudsters operating on its platform.

OSP convictions null and void: High Court annuls all cases prosecuted by Office of Special Prosecutor

kissi agyebeng on osp cases being null and void

All convictions by the office of the Special Prosecutor have been declared null and void. The court, presided over by Justice Nana Brew, ruled that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) lacked the legal authority to prosecute without prior authorization from the Attorney General.

The decision also directs the Attorney General to assume control of all ongoing criminal prosecutions initiated by the OSP. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, initially appeared limited in scope. However, details released on Friday, April 17, revealed a far-reaching impact.

The court held that any conviction secured by the OSP through its prosecutorial powers is invalid. According to the judgment, “any convictions secured by the respondent as a result of the purported exercise of prosecutorial power are hereby declared void, and I order the trial of the persons convicted to be commenced de novo.”

This means all affected cases must be retried from the beginning.

Explaining the decision, Justice Nana Brew stated that Article 88 of the Constitution is clear and unambiguous. The court rejected arguments by OSP lawyers that the case required interpretation by the Supreme Court. The judge noted that neither party presented conflicting interpretations of Article 88. He ruled that the constitutional provision clearly mandates that prosecutorial authority rests with the Attorney General.

A combined reading of Article 88 and Section four of the OSP Act, he said, confirms that the OSP must seek authorization before initiating prosecutions.

The court further observed that other state institutions with prosecutorial powers operate under explicit authorization from the Attorney General. The judge concluded that the OSP failed to follow this legal requirement.

Impact on previous convictions

The OSP convictions null and void ruling affects all cases prosecuted by the Special Prosecutor since its establishment. Data from the OSP indicates that 33 individuals have been put on trial. Out of these, seven convictions have been secured, with ten cases still ongoing. One of the convictions involved Andy Thomas Owusu in the case linked to alleged corruption in the illegal mining task force. He admitted to taking a bribe to facilitate a mining licence process and was fined.

The remaining six convictions arose from a Tamale case involving charges such as corruption, false certification, and causing financial loss to the state.

The OSP convictions being considered null and void means all individuals previously convicted under OSP prosecutions are no longer bound by those judgments. Persons who were fined may halt payments and potentially seek refunds from the state. Those who had ongoing obligations under court orders can now challenge them.

Additionally, all affected cases are expected to be retried under the authority of the Attorney General.

Vincent Ekow Assafuah: NPRA rebuts claims on headquarters project, salaries, and purchase of land cruisers

vincent ekow assafuah

Vincent Ekow Assafuah has received a detailed response from the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) following allegations about its operations and leadership.

The Authority rejected the claims by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, describing them as inaccurate and unsubstantiated.

The NPRA says claims about its headquarters project are misleading and do not reflect the current situation. According to the Authority, Phase 1 of the project remains under construction and is not yet complete, making relocation impossible at this stage.

“A simple visit to the construction site will confirm this fact,” the statement said, urging the public to independently verify the status of the building located at Dworwulu along the N1 Highway.

On the issue of Phase 2, the NPRA explained that the design and scope of the project predate the appointment of its Chief Executive, Christopher Boadi-Mensah.

It added that consultants engaged under previous management advised that the Phase 2 foundation and ground floor park must be constructed alongside the completion of Phase 1 to avoid future structural and operational disruptions.

Based on this technical advice, the Authority said it initiated processes to raise funding for Phase 2, stressing that claims of a 700 million cedis loan backed by pension contributions are completely false.

NPRA Responds to Salary Allegations

The NPRA also addressed claims that its chief executive doubled his salary upon assuming office. It described the allegation as entirely untrue and without basis.

According to the Authority, the previous board approved a 25 percent salary increment in September 2024, which took effect on 1 January 2025, before the current CEO assumed office.

The NPRA explained that this approved structure was already in place and was used to determine the exit packages of former executives. It maintained that the claim by Vincent Ekow Assafuah could have been clarified through basic verification.

Authority Denies Vehicle Procurement Claims

The NPRA further dismissed allegations that it spent 50 million cedis on seven Land Cruiser vehicles. It stated clearly that no such procurement has taken place. According to the Authority, only two Land Cruiser vehicles were purchased, in 2023 and 2026 respectively, contradicting claims of excessive spending.

The NPRA challenged Vincent Ekow Assafuah to provide verifiable evidence to support the allegation, insisting that the claim is false and unsupported.

The NPRA reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process, stating that its decisions are guided by established procedures and in the best interest of pension contributors.

It urged the public to disregard what it described as misleading claims, reaffirming its mandate to protect pension funds and ensure responsible management.

NPRA faces accusations of financial mismanagement and questionable administrative decisions.

NPRA

The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has firmly rejected allegations against its chief executive, describing them as false and misleading. The NPRA issued the response after claims by the Minority Member of Parliament for Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, during a press conference on Thursday. The MP accused the NPRA Chief Executive, Christopher Boadi-Mensah, of financial mismanagement and questionable administrative decisions. However, the NPRA in a statement categorically denied all the allegations.

Allegations Raised by Minority MP

Speaking at the press conference, Vincent Ekow Assafuah questioned the Authority’s financial decisions. He raised concerns about the use of pension funds and the status of the NPRA headquarters project.

“The first phase of the NPRA headquarters, a state-of-the-art facility along the N1 Highway, also known as the George W. Bush Highway, was financed through IGF, derived from approximately 0.33% of the 2.5% pension administration fees,” he said.

He added that the facility remains uncommissioned despite years of investment.

“Some 3-4 years ago, the NPRA committed a lot of money in building the first phase of the headquarters of the NPRA. And today, if you move along the N1 Highway, that facility is there, uncommissioned, unused.” The MP further alleged that the CEO is pursuing an expansion project. “We have a sitting NPRA CEO who has also taken pensioners’ money, about $700 million Ghana cedis, to go and expand that headquarters.”

He questioned the timing and necessity of the proposed Phase 2 project. “A headquarters that you have not even used. A headquarters that you have not even commissioned.” He argued that the funds could generate higher returns if invested differently. “Now, the problem is that if that money is given to fund managers to manage, the interest that will accrue to pensioners will be about 20%. He is paying less than 7% or 8%.”

The MP also raised concerns about governance decisions within the Authority. “There are also concerns regarding internal administrative decisions, including rapid promotions and appointments.” He cited the reported appointment of a personal aide to a managerial role.

“Reports indicate the appointment of a personal aide, reportedly a veterinary doctor, who has been elevated to the position of assistant manager.” He further questioned the creation of a new directorate. “A further governance issue requiring urgent scrutiny relates to the creation of a new directorate for micropensions.” According to him, the directorate comes with significant financial implications. “We are informed that this new directorate has been established with the appointment of one Mr. Daganu as director, a position reportedly carrying an estimated monthly salary burden approximately 100,000 Ghana cedis to the pension contributor.” He also alleged duplication of costs involving a consultant.

“Despite the establishment of a fully-fledged directorate for micropensions, Mr. Chris Boadi mensah is also reported to have appointed the former CEO, the former Chief Executive Officer of the NPRA, Kofi Anokye, who served during the first administration of His Excellency John Dramani-Mahama as a consultant on micropensions at a reported cost of 4 million Ghana cedis.” He described the situation as a burden on pension contributors. “That is the duplication of costs to the ordinary pensioner.” The MP further alleged salary adjustments without due process.

“A particularly disturbing issue has emerged. We are informed that Mr. Boadi mensah doubled his salary immediately upon assumption of office in February 2025 without a board approval.”

NPRA Responds to Claims

The NPRA has rejected all the allegations. The Authority insists the claims are false and deliberately misleading. It maintains that its operations remain transparent and guided by due process. The NPRA further assured the public that pension funds are managed responsibly. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of contributors. It also urged the public to disregard what it described as unfounded claims.

Ghanaian pastor arrested in Canada over $99,600 fraud scheme

arrest of Ghanaian pastor in Canada over fraud

Fraud arrest investigations in Canada have led to the detention of a Ghanaian pastor and 14 others. Police in Vaughan say the arrests followed a year-long probe into a scheme targeting funds meant for vulnerable residents. The operation was led by the York Regional Police.

Among those arrested are Isaac Oppong, Richard Owusu, and Christiana Oppong. Authorities say the group is linked to fraudulent applications submitted under the Homeless Prevention Program. Investigators estimate that about 99,600 dollars was fraudulently obtained between January and December 2024.

The Canadian Police Financial Crimes Unit, working with regional officials, uncovered what they describe as a coordinated network exploiting the homeless prevention program.

Police executed search warrants across 12 residences and 10 vehicles as part of the operation. All 15 suspects now face multiple charges, including fraud, identity fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.

The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) is a social safety initiative designed to support individuals who are homeless or at risk of losing stable housing. Authorities said the program serves as a critical support system for individuals not covered by other social assistance schemes. 

Between January and December 2024, officials identified numerous applications submitted to the program that contained falsified or misleading information. Investigators estimate that approximately $99,600 was fraudulently obtained through the scheme

Fuel prices drop as GOIL, Star Oil reduce petrol and diesel rates

fuel prices drop at pumps

Fuel prices drop across parts of the country as oil marketing companies begin adjusting their rates.

Some OMCs, including Star Oil and GOIL, have reduced pump prices at the start of the second pricing window for April. The adjustments follow new benchmarks released by the National Petroleum Authority.

At Star Oil, petrol has been reduced slightly from GH¢13.30 to GH¢13.27 per litre, while diesel recorded a more noticeable drop from GH¢17.10 to GH¢16.10. The company also revised its RON 95 price downward to GH¢14.67.

GOIL is now selling petrol at GH¢13.27 and diesel at GH¢16.10 per litre. Its Super XP 95, however, remains unchanged at GH¢15.77. The fuel price drop comes after weeks of increases driven by global oil market volatility, particularly linked to tensions in the Middle East. Government intervention has also played a role, with authorities absorbing GH¢2.00 per liter on diesel and GH¢0.36 on petrol.

Police arrest suspects connected to Berekum Chelsea robbery 

berekum chelsea fc club

Police have arrested suspects in connection with the robbery that killed Berekum Chelsea footballer Dominic Frimpong. The Ghana Police Service says the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation targeting those behind the attack. Dominic Frimpong, who played for Berekum Chelsea F.C., died after armed men attacked the team’s bus earlier this week.

According to police, one of the suspects engaged officers in a gun battle during the operation. Officers returned fire, injuring the suspect before overpowering him. He is currently receiving treatment under police guard.

In a separate but coordinated effort, officers arrested a second suspect believed to be the leader of the gang. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and the identities of the suspects will be released at the appropriate time.

What happened that night?

The robbery occurred on Sunday, April 12, 2026, along the Ahyiresu–Kwame Dwumor Sreso road in the Nyinahin District. The team was traveling from Samreboi to Berekum when six armed men attacked their bus.

Police say about 30 players and officials were on board at the time, with at least three of the attackers carrying pump-action guns. The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring justice is served.

UK asylum fraud: BBC uncovers fake claims industry

UK home office_asylum fraud

An undercover investigation by BBC News has exposed asylum fraud in the United Kingdom. The investigation uncovered a network of law firms and advisers charging thousands of pounds to help migrants submit fake asylum claims.

These migrants reportedly pretend to be gay and claim they face danger if returned to their home countries

The UK asylum system is designed to protect individuals at risk. However, the investigation found it is being exploited. Undercover reporters posing as international students discovered that some firms charged up to £7,000 for fabricated claims. They also promised a low chance of rejection. The investigation revealed that some migrants visited doctors pretending to be depressed to obtain medical reports. In one case, an individual falsely claimed to be HIV positive.

An adviser claimed she had spent over 17 years helping clients file fake claims. Another offered to arrange fake relationships to support applications.

Data shows that migrants with expired visas now make up 35 percent of asylum claims, which exceeded 100,000 in 2025. The UK Home Office warned that anyone exploiting the system will face the full force of the law. Meanwhile, Jo White has called for a crackdown on those involved. She stressed that protection must only be granted to those who meet the required criteria.

In March, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new immigration measures. Under the changes, asylum seekers will receive temporary protection, with cases reviewed every 30 months.

TVET Funding Concerns: Only ¢33 per student is allocated annually for practical training. 

TVET

TVET funding in Ghana has come under scrutiny, as Africa Education Watch warns that current allocations are undermining practical skills training.

In its 2026 First Quarter Education Policy Monitoring report, the think tank revealed that only GH¢33 per student is allocated annually for practical training under the Free TVET policy.

According to the report, this level of funding forces schools to conduct one practical session per month instead of weekly sessions.

Concerns Over Quality of Training

Africa Education Watch noted that even the limited practical sessions are often compromised due to inadequate resources.

The organization criticized the current funding model, stating that it is based on the Free SHS framework and does not reflect the cost-intensive nature of technical education.

The report explained that TVET is at least twice as expensive as general secondary education, making the current model ineffective.

Risk to Industrial Growth

The think tank warned that continued underfunding could produce graduates without industry-relevant skills.

It stressed that this could weaken Ghana’s efforts to drive industrialization and job creation through technical education.

Africa Education Watch is calling on the government to urgently review the funding structure to ensure adequate investment in practical training.

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