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Black Stars Boss Says Gyan’s Testimonial Is Long Overdue

By
Ivy Hollys
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Black Stars Team Manager, Ameenu Shardow, has applauded the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for announcing a testimonial match in honour of former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, describing the gesture as “long overdue.”

The GFA confirmed on Tuesday, November 4, that it will organise a special match to celebrate Gyan’s illustrious football career. Details of the event are expected to be made public soon.

Gyan, who officially retired in 2023 at age 37, remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Shardow commended the Association for recognising Gyan’s immense contribution to the national team and Ghanaian football as a whole.

“It’s extremely important because, aside from honouring a distinguished personality who has given everything for this nation, this shows that Ghana appreciates its heroes,” Shardow said.

He added that such gestures inspire current and future players to give their best for the country.

“For me, this is long overdue. I’m very happy that finally, the GFA is taking the lead in getting these things done and not leaving them in the hands of private individuals,” he stated.

Gyan has remained close to the Black Stars since his retirement, supporting the technical team in advisory roles alongside former teammate Stephen Appiah, who serves as deputy chair of the Management Committee.

Both Gyan and Appiah have continued to mentor players and motivate the squad during key assignments, including recent World Cup qualifying campaigns.

KATH Faces Serious Equipment Shortages

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi faces a growing equipment crisis. The hospital serves the Ashanti Region and parts of northern Ghana. It handles thousands of patients each day. However, its medical capacity continues to decline. As a result, many patients struggle to access timely treatment.

During a Public Accounts Committee session, Chief Executive Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo shared major concerns. He explained that the hospital still does not have a cardiac catheterisation machine. Such a device supports heart diagnosis and emergency treatment. Therefore, heart patients must depend on private facilities or travel long distances. Meanwhile, families with limited income face serious medical and financial risks. Many patients delay urgent care due to high private hospital costs.

Furthermore, Dr Baidoo revealed challenges with diagnostic machines. The hospital has three CT scanners. Only one works at the moment. Technicians are repairing a second scanner. However, that process will take time. Consequently, emergency patients often wait for scans. Trauma and stroke cases also face delays. Many critical patients search for private services. This increases pressure on already stressed families.

He stated, “We have three scan machines; only one is working currently, and engineers are fixing another.”

Long queues form daily at the radiology unit. Every day, frustrated patients wait for hours. Although doctors and nurses work hard, they face heavy pressure. Their ability to support emergencies remains limited. Patients who need urgent scans sometimes miss crucial treatment windows. Additionally, emergency referrals increase at private hospitals, creating more inequality.

Experts say this problem reflects years of limited investment. They warn that Ghana’s second-largest referral hospital requires stronger national support. Moreover, they note that advanced hospitals must have reliable modern equipment. Health analysts insist that planned upgrades and maintenance systems are essential. They also recommend increased funding and faster equipment procurement.

Despite these challenges, KATH remains a critical healthcare hub. Therefore, health stakeholders urge swift government action. They argue that improved equipment will protect lives and strengthen public healthcare in the region. Meanwhile, staff continue serving patients under difficult conditions, hoping for urgent improvements.

A/R: EPA Shuts Down Chinese Warehouses

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shut five Chinese-owned warehouses at Anwia Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region. The facilities secretly stored and assembled “changfan” machines used for illegal mining activities. Each warehouse was registered as a spare-parts business to conceal its true purpose. However, inspections uncovered hundreds of assembled machines and loose parts linked to galamsey operations.

The EPA announced that this action followed its nationwide directive banning changfan machines. The machines contribute heavily to environmental destruction, especially within mining communities across Ghana. Officials stressed that the decision aims to protect water bodies, forests, and farmland. They described the equipment as highly destructive, causing severe pollution and land degradation.

According to the Agency, the warehouses operated without approved environmental permits. This violated key provisions under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124). It also breached requirements under the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504). EPA officials emphasised that the violations showed deliberate disregard for national environmental laws.

EPA Chief Executive Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse led the enforcement exercise. She stated that the operation forms part of a national crackdown on illegal mining. The crackdown specifically targets machinery producers, equipment suppliers, and illegal mining networks. She explained that destroying supply chains will weaken galamsey operations significantly.

Professor Klutse also confirmed that similar enforcement activities will occur in other regions. She said the EPA will intensify inspections at suspected warehouses and workshops. Officials will also track illegal imports and monitor suspicious business registrations nationwide.

The EPA warned that any organisation or individual breaching environmental directives will face prosecution. The Agency urged the public to report suspicious equipment storage sites. It encouraged communities to support efforts to protect natural resources from illegal mining. Officials assured the public that strict enforcement will continue without interference or hesitation.

Blaze at Akyempim Claims Seven

By
Ivy Hollys
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Blaze

A family of seven, including five children, died when fire swept through their home at Akyempim in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said its Dunkwa-On-Offin station received a distress call at 1:04 a.m. Firefighters arrived 16 minutes later to find a bedroom in flames and locked from the outside. They put out the fire at 1:32 a.m., preventing it from spreading to the rest of the house.

Two adults and five children, aged between one and 15 years, died in the blaze.

Investigators believe the husband of one of the victims started the fire on purpose. He allegedly locked the family inside, set the room on fire, and fled into a nearby bush. Police later found him dead, hanging from a tree.

Officers from the Ghana Police Service at Atekyim took custody of the victims’ remains for further investigation.

In a statement, Central Regional PRO of the GNFS, DO II Abdul Wasiu Hudu, extended sympathy to the affected family and community.

“The Ghana National Fire Service remains committed to saving lives and protecting property. We will continue to work hard to keep everyone safe,” the statement said.

Bompata Residents Reject Illegal Mining to Protect Environment

By
Ivy Hollys
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Residents of Bompata in the Asante Akim District of the Ashanti Region have strongly opposed any mining activities in their community. They said their goal is to protect the environment and keep natural resources safe for future generations.

At a press conference on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the residents declared that no company or individual would mine or prospect for gold in the area. They explained that their decision comes from what they have seen illegal mining, or galamsey, do to other communities.

Community spokesperson Joseph Baah said the people of Bompata are united in their stand. “Mining has caused serious environmental, social, and health problems in many places. We will not allow the same here,” he said.

Mr. Baah added that the destruction of farmlands, forests, and vegetation threatens food security and livelihoods. He urged other communities to defend their lands before they face similar damage.

The residents called on the government and regulators to respect their decision. They asked authorities not to grant any mining license or permit for operations in Bompata. According to them, protecting their land matters more than any short term financial benefit.

Ghana Loses 2,500 Women to Cervical Cancer in 2024

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana

Ghana lost about 2,500 women to cervical cancer in 2024 out of 3,000 reported cases. Deputy Health Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah shared the figures in Parliament on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah called the situation alarming. She said many women report to hospitals too late, leaving doctors unable to save them.

“In 2024, we saw about 3,000 cervical cancer cases, and sadly, 2,500 women died. Most patients come only when the disease has advanced,” she said.

She believes the government’s free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for children aged 9 to 14 will help reduce future deaths. The vaccine protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancer cases.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service are increasing education and screening to encourage early diagnosis.

Cervical cancer remains one of the top causes of cancer deaths among Ghanaian women. Yet experts say it can be prevented through vaccination and regular screening.

Health officials say the HPV vaccination drive shows the government’s commitment to protect young girls and improve women’s health.

Mahama Hails Ghana’s 7.3% Economic Growth

By
Ivy Hollys
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President John Dramani Mahama has commended Ghana’s recent economic growth, describing it as evidence of renewed investor confidence and effective fiscal management.

Speaking during a diplomatic engagement with foreign envoys and visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday, November 4, President Mahama said the economy is showing strong signs of recovery.

According to him, Ghana’s GDP growth rose from 5.1% in the first half of 2025 to 7.3% in the second quarter, signalling a steady rebound after years of economic turbulence.

“These indicators send a clear message to our international partners and investors that Ghana is ready and open for business again,” the president noted.

He attributed the growth to improved fiscal discipline, targeted reforms, and renewed private sector participation.

“Through sustained fiscal discipline, bold energy sector reforms, industrial modernisation, and agricultural transformation, we have restored confidence in our economy and laid a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth,” President Mahama added.

The president further stated that the stabilising macroeconomic environment has boosted investor confidence, attracting fresh capital inflows and strengthening Ghana’s position as a competitive investment destination in Africa.

The remarks come as Ghana continues to implement structural reforms aimed at consolidating economic stability and promoting sustainable development.

KATH, Ridge Hospital and 10 others referred to Attorney General by PAC

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Public Accounts Committee has referred twelve public institutions for prosecution.
These institutions, including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital, failed to recover public funds.
The action follows findings in the Auditor-General’s latest report.
The committee believes the institutions deliberately ignored directives to retrieve the money.

The move was announced during a PAC sitting on Monday, November 3.
Members reviewed reports showing continued non-compliance by affected institutions.
The Ranking Member, Samuel Atta-Mills, stressed the seriousness of the decision.

“All those who have not complied will be referred for prosecution. It’s that simple,” he said.
“Those with 60 and 90 days might also face the same fate if they fail to act. Maybe they will enjoy appearing before the court,” he added.

According to the committee, the inaction breaches the Public Financial Management Act.
The funds involve unretired imprests, unearned salaries, and other financial irregularities.
The total amount runs into tens of millions of Ghana cedis.
It represents a major financial loss to the state.

Michael Addo, Assistant Auditor-General, confirmed several institutions ignored earlier directives.
He presented evidence showing the failure to retrieve the funds.

The referral falls under Article 187(5) of the 1992 Constitution.
The PAC is mandated to examine public accounts and enforce accountability.
The Attorney General will assess the evidence and file charges where necessary.
The step aims to recover public funds and deter future misconduct.

President Mahama Appoints Dr. Afotey Nii Okle as Head of Investment and Tourism in China

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Richmond Afotey Nii Okle as Head of Investment and Tourism at Ghana’s Embassy in China.

Dr. Okle currently lectures at the Beanstalk International Bilingual School in Beijing. He previously served as Secretary of the NDC China chapter since 2018.

He holds a PhD in Finance, a Master’s in Finance and Investment, and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Statistics. He also heads the Mathematics Department at BIBS and completed Mfantsipim School in 2005.

His key mandate is to attract foreign direct investment from China into Ghana. The goal supports government efforts to strengthen productive sectors and advance the 24-hour economy agenda.

Dr. Okle will promote investment opportunities, including Ghana Free Zones and Public-Private Partnerships. He will also engage Chinese firms and financial institutions to drive strategic capital inflows.

Bilateral trade between Ghana and China reached $11.8 billion in 2024. Dr. Okle will participate in investment forums, business seminars, and trade fairs across China to position Ghana as a prime investment destination.

He will serve as the main contact for Chinese investors, offering guidance on regulations, incentives, and business processes. He will also work with both governments to resolve investor challenges.

Dr. Okle will support the $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure vision, targeting roads, rail, and energy partnerships.

In tourism, he will strengthen collaboration between Ghanaian and Chinese industry players to improve visitor experience. He will also promote Ghana’s heritage attractions, including Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, to Chinese travellers.

GRA Boss, Top Aides Questioned in SML Ghana Case

By
Ivy Hollys
-

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has directed Anthony Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and two senior officials to appear before investigators over the controversial SML Ghana contract.

Sources say the directive follows the recent arrest of the GRA’s Acting Head of Legal, who is being probed for alleged corruption, obstruction of justice, and related offences.

Those summoned include Mr. Sarpong, Celestine Annan, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Finance, and Kenneth Agyei-Duah, Technical Assistant to the Commissioner-General. This marks the second invitation for both Mr. Sarpong and Ms. Annan. Their earlier testimonies reportedly contradict the contents of a letter suspected to have been authored or approved by them at the request of SML Ghana’s lawyers in mid-October.

The three officials are expected to clarify inconsistencies linked to that correspondence. Both Mr. Sarpong and Mr. Agyei-Duah previously worked with KPMG, the auditing firm engaged by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to review SML’s operations.

The SML GRA contract involved the provision of revenue assurance services in Ghana’s petroleum and minerals sectors. However, it has drawn public criticism over alleged inflated costs, procurement breaches, and concerns about value for money.

The OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, has broadened its investigation to include senior officials at the Ministry of Finance. Mr. Agyebeng hinted that formal charges could be filed by the end of November 2025 against several individuals, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and two former GRA Commissioner-Generals.

He stated that the investigation aims to “safeguard public resources and ensure accountability in the management of state contracts.”

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