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Kwesi Arthur Opens Up on Struggles Ahead of Redemption Valley Album Release

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Kwesi Arthur

Ghanaian musician Kwesi Arthur has shared a deeper part of his journey in the music industry ahead of the release of his “Redemption Valley” album.

In a revealing interview with Apple Music, Kwesi Arthur shared what motivated him to start music in Ghana and how he came to the realisation that music was much bigger than something he enjoyed. He explained that American rapper Drake influenced his perspective on music.

” I think at one point I heard Drake’s ‘Thank Me Later’ and that whole Young Money uprising at a certain point inspired me. Before then I was scribbling down poetry and all that. But that kind of inspired me to write raps. I realized even before then I had uncles who had 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G. CDs. I’ll pop them in and I didn’t really understand it. I gravitated more towards like our local Ghanaian music and like the Bob Marley’s and stuff. I think when I heard ‘Thank Me Later’, it kind of like just opened up my mind to a whole new space, a whole new interest to rap music”, he said.

Kwesi Arthur also shared some struggles he faced in finding himself and his confidence, and in reconnecting with his passion, as well as the difficulties he faced when he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in the US to start life all over.

” Redemption Valley’ is just me coming back to myself. I believe I had this spark within myself, but over time, I started looking outside of me for it, you know, with confidence. I feel like my confidence came from within myself, but as time went on, I started looking for it outside of me”, he explained.

The Ghanaian musician added that his partner had a huge influence on the “Redemption Valley” album, making the album a very personal one for him.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang


CLOGSAG nationwide strike scheduled for March 9, 2026

By
Ivy Hollys
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clogsag logo

The CLOGSAG nationwide strike in 2026 could disrupt public sector services if the government fails to implement a unique salary structure agreed upon with the union.

The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana, says negotiations over a dedicated salary structure date back to 2019.

CLOGSAG states that two Memoranda of Understanding were signed, with implementation expected from January 1, 2025. However, reminders sent to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have reportedly received no response.

The association has therefore announced a planned nationwide industrial action beginning March 9, 2026, unless the government honors the agreement.

Analysts warn that a CLOGSAG strike could affect administrative operations across ministries, departments, and local government institutions.

GTEC closes Royal Nursing College over accreditation concerns

By
Ivy Hollys
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Gtec and royal nursing college

The Royal Nursing College closure in the Ashanti Region has left nearly 600 students uncertain about their academic future after regulatory action by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.

GTEC shut down the Tafo Nyhiaeso institution after management failed to provide the required accreditation documentation.

In June 2024, GTEC directed the college to halt new admissions. However, checks revealed fresh enrolments, including 272 Level 100 students and 320 Level 200 students.

The college reportedly lacks accreditation from both GTEC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, despite running a Diploma in Registered General Nursing programme.

Out of a total enrolment of 802 students, 210 students are expected to continue their studies under the supervision of the University of Cape Coast.

GTEC maintains that the closure protects students from graduating with unrecognized or invalid certificates and reinforces compliance with Ghana’s tertiary education regulations.

The judiciary is still independent- Nana Akwa Esq.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Private Legal Practitioner, Lawyer Nana Akwa, has said that the determination of the Chief Justice, Paul Baffour Bonnie that the petition for the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Measa and her two deputies to be removed from office lacks prima facie elements, shows the independence of the Judiciary.

Speaking to Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise this morning, Lawyer Nana Akwa said the fact that the government can lose cases to individuals affirms the independence of the judiciary.

“There has been that doubt that there is no independence of the judiciary, but now people are realising that there is independence of the judiciary and that independence has been explicitly provided for by the constitution”, he explained.

He also added that the notion that there is no independence of the Judiciary is because more often than not, when individuals file cases against the government, the government wins. Lawyer Nana Akwa said that this was not always the case, citing cases from former President Jerry John Rawlings’s regime.

He added that the decision of the Chief Justice was according to his discretion and backed by the constitution.

“By the Chief Justice’s own deductions from the petitions that were brought before him, he found that there was nothing substantial in what was brought before him, so it is the essence of the constitutional power conferred on him and in line with the constitution”.

He clarified that the decision of the Chief Justice does not imply that there was no truth in the petitions submitted for the removal of the EC, her two deputies and the special prosecutor.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Gold Fields Damang Mine to transition to Ghanaian ownership in 2026

By
Ivy Hollys
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goldfields and the damang mine

Gold Fields Damang Mine transition will take effect on April 18, 2026, as government moves to assume ownership of the mining asset under Ghana’s mineral resource laws.

Mining company Gold Fields confirmed that it will formally relinquish operational control following the expiration of its lease and a subsequent 12-month extension.

The Damang Mine lease originally expired in April 2025. Although Gold Fields applied for renewal, the government opted for a transition to Ghanaian ownership.

Since July 2025, a transition team appointed by the sector minister has worked alongside site management to coordinate the handover. However, the company indicates that a substantive long-term operator has not yet been announced.

Damang Mine production outlook

As part of the lease extension conditions, Gold Fields submitted a feasibility study to the Minerals Commission. The study projects that Damang Mine gold production could continue for at least nine years, with annual output estimated between 100,000 and 150,000 ounces.

Under Ghana’s mining framework, mineral assets revert to the state upon lease expiry, giving the government authority to determine future ownership and operations.

According to the company’s internal assessment, extending the life of the mine would require capital investment estimated between US$500 million and US$600 million. Management indicated that, based on prevailing gold price assumptions, the operation would remain profitable over that period, although it cautioned that a new operator could adopt a different technical or commercial model.

The Damang Mine directly employs about 500 staff, with an additional 1,000 to 1,500 contractors engaged in mining services, logistics and energy supply. In total, between 1,500 and 2,000 livelihoods are linked to the operation.

Ghana Water Limited uncovers illegal water connection at mineral water factory

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana water limited discover illegal connection at tema

Ghana Water Limited has uncovered an illegal connection in Tema at a mineral water production facility in the Klagon area, intensifying the national crackdown on water theft in Ghana.

Officials of Ghana Water Limited confirmed that one of its newly inaugurated anti–non-revenue water task teams detected a concealed pipeline illegally connected to a 16-inch main distribution line in Tema.

Internal assessments by Ghana Water Limited reveal that nearly 52 per cent of treated water produced nationwide cannot be accounted for. The high level of non-revenue water continues to cause significant revenue losses and affects service delivery.

The illegal connection in Tema was reportedly buried underground and routed through a nearby sugarcane farm before entering the factory premises. The pipeline was disguised within the facility using valves to make it appear inactive.

Mr Ampah described the act as a clear criminal offence, stressing that illegal connections deprive the company of critical revenue needed to sustain operations.

Ghana Water Limited says the Tema operation forms part of a nationwide exercise to reduce water theft in Ghana and improve operational efficiency. The company has pledged intensified monitoring to protect public infrastructure and recover lost revenue.

Wontumi files a submission of no case; seeks case dismissal

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Chairman Wontumi

Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer has filed a submission of no case, seeking the court to dismiss the case against him on the basis of what they claim is a lack of substantial evidence.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has urged the High Court to acquit and discharge him in the case in which he is accused of permitting two individuals to mine on his concession without ministerial approval.

His counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, presented the submission of no case to the High Court and argued that the Attorney-General (A-G) had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant Chairman Wontumi and his Akonta Mining Company Ltd. being called upon to open their defence. He added that the evidence presented fails to establish prima facie elements.

“Having regard to the evidence adduced by the prosecution and the essential elements of the offences charged, it is respectfully submitted that the prosecution has woefully failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused persons on all six counts”.

The Attorney-General has charged Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, with six counts of permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without obtaining prior approval from the sector minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining.

A submission of no case would allow the accused person to argue that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, requiring them to open their defence.
If the trial court upholds the submission, the accused will be discharged. If it is dismissed, they are required to open their defence.

The court is set to give a final verdict on the case on March 10, 2026, which will determine whether the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party will present his defence or not.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

FDA Requirements for Opening an Eatery in Ghana Explained

By
Ivy Hollys
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Prince opoku Adutwum on fda requirements

FDA requirements for opening an eatery in Ghana have been outlined by Prince Opoku Adutwum, Ashanti Regional Principal Regulatory Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, during a discussion on Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali.

According to him, it is mandatory for anyone who intends to establish an eatery to obtain a license from the FDA before commencing operations.

Business Registration and Medical Certification

Prince Opoku Adutwum explained that one of the key FDA requirements for opening an eatery is obtaining a business registration certificate from the Registrar-General’s Department.

In addition, all workers who will be involved in handling or processing food must be medically certified as fit. He stated that this medical certification is conducted by the Environmental Health Departments of the various Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assemblies.

For instance, if the eatery is located within Asokwa, the owner must visit the Environmental Health Department of the Asokwa Municipal Assembly to arrange medical examinations for staff. The medical cards issued to food handlers must be submitted as part of the licensing process.

Documents Required by FDA

Prince Opoku Adutwum noted that applicants must submit the following documents to meet FDA requirements:

  • Photocopy of the company’s registration certificate
  • Medical cards of all food handlers
  • An application letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority requesting licensing of the facility

He added that applicants are also required to complete an official FDA form as part of the submission process. The forms are available at FDA offices and can also be downloaded from the Authority’s website.

According to him, applicants who download and complete the form beforehand can submit it together with their supporting documents to avoid delays at the office.

Payment of Fees and Digital Submission

Prince Opoku Adutwum stated that after submitting the required documents, applicants are required to pay a licensing fee. The fee is determined by the size, capacity and expected output of the facility.

He explained that client service officers assess the details provided and determine the appropriate fee based on the scale of operations.

He further indicated that the FDA has introduced digital processes to make applications more convenient. Applicants do not necessarily need to visit the office physically. Required documents can be submitted via the official office email, where officers acknowledge receipt and forward the application for processing.

If the documentation is in order, the applicant is provided with the official mobile money number to pay the corresponding fee.

Inspection of the Facility

Prince Opoku Adutwum emphasized that meeting FDA requirements does not end with document submission and payment. After processing the application, officers are assigned to conduct a physical inspection of the facility.

In the case of an eatery, inspections are conducted based on the Code of Hygienic Practices for Food Service Establishments. Officers assess the premises to ensure that proper hygienic standards are maintained.

He explained that the first inspection is conducted after an application has been submitted and arrangements have been agreed upon.

Digital Church Registry: Government Moves to Centralise Data

By
Ivy Hollys
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digital church registry in ghana

Digital Church Registry plans are underway as the government takes steps to streamline and centralize data on churches operating across Ghana.

Available regional data indicates that more than 2,200 churches are registered in the Greater Accra Region alone as of 2025, underscoring the rapid growth of religious institutions within the capital. Of this number, approximately 98.1% operate as single-owner churches, while the remaining fraction is affiliated with larger, established church brands.

Currently, the Registrar General’s Department does not publish a consolidated national figure covering all registered churches. While churches are typically registered as companies limited by guarantee, there is no single, publicly available database capturing the full scope of church operations across the country.

Based on available regional figures, it is estimated that several thousand churches operate nationwide, though these numbers remain officially unconsolidated.

Religious Demographics Highlight Need for Digital Church Registry

The Ghana Statistical Service tracks religious affiliation through the national census rather than church registration counts.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, 71.2% of Ghana’s population identify as Christians, confirming the widespread presence of churches nationwide.

The Christian population is distributed as follows:

  • 31.6% Pentecostal or Charismatic
  • 18.4% Protestant
  • 10% Catholic
  • 11.2% Other Christian denominations

These figures reinforce the scale of church activity in Ghana and strengthen the case for a structured and centralised Digital Church Registry.

Government’s Three-Point Plan for Digital Church Registry

To ensure accurate and reliable data on churches, the Ministry has outlined a three-pronged strategy to operationalize the Digital Church Registry.

First, the government will establish a formal collaboration between the Registrar General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Minister of Justice. This partnership will create a data-sharing agreement to assess records of churches registered as companies limited by guarantee.

Second, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will maintain updated local registers of churches operating within their jurisdictions. This decentralized approach will help capture churches that may not be fully reflected in national datasets.

Third, the government will consider the development of a centralized digital church registry system. This digital platform will allow churches to update their operational status and relevant information. The system will also be linked directly to the Registrar General’s Department for verification and validation purposes.

The introduction of a digital church registry is expected to enhance transparency, improve data accuracy, and support effective policy planning. It will also provide government agencies with verified information needed for regulatory and administrative purposes.

With more than 2,200 churches registered in Greater Accra alone and thousands estimated nationwide, the digital church registry represents a significant step toward modernizing church administration in Ghana.

Prince Opoku Adutwum Outlines FDA Mandate and Regulatory Scope on Orange Sunrise

By
Ivy Hollys
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Prince opoku Adutwum on fda requirements

The mandate and background of the Food and Drugs Authority, FDA, were discussed on Orange Sunrise when Prince Opoku Adutwum, Ashanti Regional Principal Regulatory Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, joined Alfa Ali. 

Speaking during the interview, Prince Opoku Adutwum provided historical context to the establishment of the FDA. He explained that the institution was previously known as the Food and Drugs Board under PNDC Law 305 (B). However, Parliament later set aside that law and enacted the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which gave birth to the Food and Drugs Authority in its current form.

According to him, the passage of Act 851 in 2012 formally established the FDA as a national regulatory body with expanded responsibilities in protecting public health.

Scope of Products Regulated by FDA

Prince Opoku Adutwum stated that the FDA is responsible for ensuring that food products imported into Ghana or manufactured locally are safe before they are placed on the market.

He explained that when the Authority refers to drugs, it includes allopathic medicines commonly found on the local market. The FDA also regulates herbal medicines and veterinary medicines.

In addition, cosmetics such as perfumes and toothpaste fall under the regulatory oversight of the FDA. Household chemical substances including detergents, deodorants, disinfectants and washing soaps are equally regulated by the Authority.

Prince Opoku Adutwum further indicated that medical devices form part of the FDA’s mandate. He cited condoms, pregnancy test kits and rapid diagnostic test kits as examples of medical devices that must be registered before being made available to the public.

Registration and Market Authorization

Prince Opoku Adutwum explained that whether a product is manufactured locally, imported into the country, or exported outside Ghana, it must first be registered by the FDA before it can be placed on the market.

He noted that as part of the regulatory process, products submitted for registration undergo scrutiny by the Authority. This includes a review of documentation supporting the application as well as laboratory analysis of the product itself.

If the FDA establishes that the product is safe for human use, it grants marketing authorization.

Inspection of Manufacturing Facilities

Beyond product assessment, Prince Opoku Adutwum stated that the FDA inspects manufacturing facilities, particularly for locally produced goods. He explained that FDA officers ensure that manufacturing sites comply with good manufacturing practices before approving production.

Regulation of Blood and Blood Products

Prince Opoku Adutwum also disclosed that the FDA regulates blood and blood products used in hospitals. He described blood used for transfusion as a medicine, adding that it must be regulated in the same manner as other medicinal products to ensure safety.

He reiterated that the overall mandate of the FDA is to protect public health by ensuring that regulated products placed on the Ghanaian market meet established safety and quality standards.

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