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By 2040, Ghana will become a paradise – Alan Kyerematen

Alan Kyeremanten

Alan Kyerematen has outlined a long-term national agenda aimed at positioning Ghana as Africa’s leading economic force by 2040. Speaking under the banner of the Paradise Project, he said the initiative forms the core of the United Party’s development strategy and national economic vision.

Alan Kyerematen declared, “The vision of the United Party is to make Ghana the economic powerhouse of Africa by 2040. That is what we call Vision 2040. Branding this as the paradise project. So by 2040, if the people of Ghana, by the grace of God, install us into power, then we promise them that by 2040, Ghana will become a paradise.” 

National Transformation Agenda

Alan Kyerematen emphasized that the plan will be anchored on peace, unity, and security. He said these fundamentals are necessary to build stability and attract the investments required to drive growth. He also explained that the agenda is designed to create measurable outcomes and national accountability.

The leadership of the United Party reinforced the idea of inclusion and economic fairness. They said the organization intends to ensure equal opportunities for all, breaking the cycle where progress benefits only a few and empowering every Ghanaian to help build a new, inclusive, and economically transformed nation.

Alan Kyerematen stressed that planning and vision-setting are not optional but essential to national progress. He said long-term thinking will help the country set standards and evaluate leadership performance. “What a vision does is to articulate aspirations; what is the overarching goal. How are people going to measure you? Articulating a vision is very important, and this is a fundamental problem in Ghana.”

The Paradise Project, as presented by Alan Kyerematen, is designed to leverage national potential and provide a framework for economic and social advancement. The initiative will focus on transformation, opportunity, and national cohesion through 2040.

Movement for Change is now United Party (UP Plus)

movement for change now UP Plus

Movement for Change is now United Party (UP Plus), following a formal rebranding and certification. Party executives say the transition marks a strategic repositioning ahead of future political engagements. The leadership described the move as the beginning of a new phase built on legacy, inclusiveness, and national relevance.

At the launch, a senior party figure stated, “We will tell you, and I believe ourselves, that this party has come to resurrect the old bones and the aged.” He confirmed that the party received its provisional certificates on the 3rd day of October 2025.

He underscored the party’s confidence and long-term outlook, noting, “Today we announce with enormous pride our arrival on the political scene of our beloved country. Every seed will germinate. But what I want to tell you is that when you sow a seed, it has to rot before it germinates.”

Strategic Direction and Identity

The leadership of Movement for Change explained that the rebranding to United Party (UP Plus) aligns with a broader national agenda. They believe the new identity provides a stronger framework for mobilization and policy engagement. The certification received in October 2025 further legitimises the party’s operations.

The party says the new structure is intended to expand participation and strengthen its national footprint. According to the leadership, Movement for Change has evolved to meet changing political expectations and to build a more inclusive platform.

The rebranding establishes United Party (UP Plus) as the official vehicle for advancing the movement’s goals. 

What Really Happened at Tamale Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital? – Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Explains

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh explians what happpened at Tamale and Ridge Hospital

Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has broken his silence on the controversies surrounding his visits to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital in Accra. In an in-depth interview, the Minister addressed the incidents that sparked national debate, defended his leadership style, and shed light on Ghana’s ongoing health recruitment challenges.

The Tamale Teaching Hospital Incident

The controversy in Tamale erupted after the minister’s unannounced visit to the hospital following the death of a young man. According to Akandoh, tensions were already high. “I picked information that one young guy had lost his life, and there was agitation building up in the media,” he explained. “I was informed that the youth were massing up to attack the health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital.”

To prevent violence, the minister took the first flight to Tamale to assess the situation firsthand. While touring the facility with the CEO, a heated exchange occurred between him and a doctor, which was caught on camera and widely circulated online. However, Akandoh insists his intentions were misunderstood.

“The intention is not to expose anybody per se,” he clarified. “It is for me to know the realities on the ground. Sometimes, if as a minister you sit in the office and send people to bring you reports, you may not know the truth.”

Despite calls from some quarters for him to apologise, Akandoh maintained his stance: “There was no need for an apology anyway. If anything, I thought the leadership there should have been worried about how the doctor spoke to his minister.”

He later added that the misunderstanding has since been resolved and that his ministry provided the hospital with medical equipment worth over two million cedis to improve service delivery.

Addressing the Ridge Hospital Episode

Akandoh also commented on the Ridge Hospital controversy involving a man named Ralph, who allegedly assaulted a nurse. The minister explained that he went to the facility to reassure health workers who had become “apprehensive” after the incident.

“I walked there from the ministry because Ridge is not too far. I wanted to talk to the nurses and reassure them,” he said. After his meeting, Akandoh was criticised for shaking hands with Ralph. “I didn’t even know who he was initially,” he clarified. “It was my officers who later told me that was Ralph.”

The Minister stated that an inquiry was commissioned into the matter and that security at Ridge Hospital has since been strengthened.

The Bigger Picture: Health Sector Recruitment Challenges

Beyond the hospital incidents, the Health Minister addressed the ongoing issue of unemployed health professionals across Ghana. Responding to criticisms from opposition figures like Dr. Ayub Efreye, Akandoh explained that his ministry inherited unresolved recruitment and payroll issues.

“In 2024, government started to recruit nurses and midwives — about 13,500 of them — but no financial provision was made,” he said. “When we took office in 2025, we had to make adjustments. We’ve managed to put about 7,000 of them on the payroll.”

He also revealed a startling backlog of over 74,000 trained health professionals, some dating back to 2019, who are yet to be fully employed. “These are all the things we have inherited,” he stated. “We are cleaning it gradually.”

A Hands-On Approach to Leadership

Despite criticism of his hands-on style, Akandoh remains firm in his approach. “I am not the type who always wants to sit in one place and wait,” he said. “I am a grassroots person, and I’ll continue to visit facilities unannounced. It helps me make better decisions that are popular with the people.”

Illegal Mining in Kwesitwikrom Forcing Girls to Use Filthy Water During Menstruation

illegal mining in Kwesitwikrom

The impact of illegal mining in Kwesitwikrom has pushed teenage girls into an unthinkable dilemma of using foul, dark, smelly pond water during their menstrual periods, or the other option is to stay home and miss school entirely.

At Kwesitwikrom D/A Basic School in the Agona East District of the Central Region, pupils have lived without access to clean water for the past two months. The shutdown of the Kwanyako Water Treatment Plant has left the community in crisis after the Ayensu River, the main source of raw water, became too polluted to treat.

Ghana has made progress in promoting girl-child education, increasing enrollment, and sustaining conversations around menstrual hygiene. But in and around the Ayensu River, those gains are at risk as the water crisis worsens, driven by contamination linked to illegal mining in Kwesitwikrom and surrounding communities.

The Kwanyako Headworks, once the lifeline of the area, was forced to close after turbidity levels in the river soared to nearly 95,000, far above the safe threshold of 50. With taps running dry, girls have resorted to unsafe alternatives, stripping them of their dignity and privacy.

Inside classrooms, menstruation remains unspoken, but its burden is undeniable. The lack of clean water has made it nearly impossible for girls to manage their periods safely and hygienically.

Despite growing calls for urgent action, former President John Dramani Mahama says he is not convinced enough political will exists to declare a state of emergency over mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies.

Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, says the situation is a direct violation of children’s fundamental rights.

He said, “The key thing for me from this documentary has to do with the fact that in all aspects, especially when it comes to the rights of the girl child; the major ones are being abused. You pick the right to health, which is critical in promoting the welfare of children. The right to protection is one of the critical rights of the state. Clearly, you will see that there are major pillars of rights that are being abused,” he said.

He warned that the long-term effects of illegal mining in Kwesitwikrom on children may not be immediately visible but could become devastating over time.

“It will take five, 10, 15 years to identify the effect. By that time, it will be a bit too late for the state to reverse. And even if the state wants to reverse it under our rehabilitation and maintenance program, it means spending millions of dollars to rehabilitate a child, especially where the gravity of the issue has become a norm in a particular society.”

Bright Appiah stressed that Ghana’s weak social safety systems make the situation even more alarming and called for immediate, pragmatic interventions.

Schoolchildren say illegal mining in Kwesitwikrom has polluted their only source of drinking water, forcing them, and especially girls, to rely on stagnant ponds for washing and sanitation.

For the girls of Kwesitwikrom, menstruation is no longer just a biological process; it has become a battle for dignity, health, and access to education.

SHS Placement: Free on Paper, Costly in Reality?

cssps shs placement

To curb protocol admissions and bribery in SHS placement, the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) was created. This year, over 590,000 BECE candidates qualified, and 483,800 were placed in schools. Those who weren’t placed were directed to use the self-placement portal or visit solution centers.

On paper, SHS placement is transparent and free. But public experiences continue to suggest otherwise.

Public Complaints About SHS Placement

During the Orange Sunrise show, listeners called in to share worrying experiences with SHS placement. Some said relatives were told to provide cement, plastic chairs, or dustbins to secure a spot. Others claimed they were charged between GH¢50 and GH¢5,000, with payments reportedly taken in cash to avoid mobile money traces.

Just yesterday, two individuals were arrested for allegedly trying to manipulate the SHS placement system. According to Dr. Belinda Glover of the Free SHS Secretariat, they arrived with several placement request sheets—some holding five or more. She noted that having more than two sheets often indicates involvement in business deals.

It has been revealed some suspects collect money from desperate parents and pose as guardians to influence SHS placement. They were handed over to the police along with the money they allegedly brought.

These arrests follow claims that placement slots in schools like Aburi Girls were being sold for up to GH¢5,000. Parents in different regions continue to report being asked to pay to “secure” SHS placement for their children.

Official Responses

The Ghana Education Service insists that SHS placement is absolutely free and has urged parents to refuse payment requests and report anyone involved. The contradiction, however, is raising serious questions. 

If SHS placement is free and without corruption, why are arrests being made? Many believe a hidden market exists around the process, and these arrests seem to confirm public suspicions.

With trust declining, even a fair SHS placement procedure can appear compromised.

Is there an oversaturation of Lawyers in Ghana?

lawyers in ghana

Lawyers in Ghana have come under renewed scrutiny following the call to the Bar of 824 new practitioners. However, legal expert David Ofosu-Dorte has urged the public to examine the numbers in context before drawing conclusions about oversaturation. He noted that the latest additions bring the national total to about 9,505 lawyers, with an estimated 7,300 based in Accra.

He compared Ghana’s lawyer-to-population ratio with other countries. Ghana has “about 1 lawyer to an average of about 3,600 people.” Kenya records one to 6,200 people. The United States has “four lawyers to 1,000 people.” He acknowledged that the numbers may appear high on the surface but cautioned against quick assumptions.

Ofosu-Dorte referencing other professions, stated that universities in Ghana graduate about 4,500 MBA students each year. He emphasized that these figures exceed the annual number of new lawyers.

He also drew attention to agriculture graduates. According to him, out of roughly 109,000 first-degree graduates in Ghana each year, about three percent study agriculture. That results in more than 3,000 graduates annually. He argued that the public often ignores these comparisons because other professions do not receive the same attention as lawyers.

He further highlighted the low doctor-to-patient ratio and the limited capacity to place them in the system. For him, the focus should not be on whether the country has too many lawyers.

He said Ghana must decide the kind of development it wants to pursue and which professions should grow to support it. He also questioned how the country can make fields like manufacturing and production engineering appealing to new talent. Employment opportunities, in his view, must match the areas the nation hopes to strengthen.

Ofosu-Dorte also pointed out that many new lawyers come from backgrounds in civil engineering, physics, and science. He explained that law often serves as a second profession and should not be assessed in isolation.

Lawyer Figures Should Inform Workforce Strategy

Looking ahead, Ofosu-Dorte projected that the number of lawyers could rise next year. He said, “The students in the class in part one that I taught are about 1,500. So if I take the average pass ratio, next year, we are going to graduate more than 1,000 lawyers.” Even with that increase, he stressed that MBA graduates would still outnumber lawyers.

He further argued that Ghana is churning out more journalists than lawyers.

For Ofosu-Dorte, the debate around lawyers exposes a broader issue. He believes Ghana must align professional training with national development goals. He argued that focusing on lawyers alone misses the real challenge of workforce distribution.

Mexico Flood Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 64, Dozens Still Missing

Mexico Flood
Texas Flood

The death toll from last week’s torrential rains and landslides in Mexico has climbed to 64, with at least 65 people still unaccounted for, according to the country’s Civil Defense authorities.

Heavy rainfall across central and southeastern Mexico triggered river overflows, flash floods, and massive landslides that cut off access to dozens of communities. Civil Defense Coordinator Laura Velázquez Alzúa confirmed the updated figures during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press briefing on Monday.

President Sheinbaum assured citizens that government support would not be limited during the crisis.

“There are sufficient resources; this won’t be skimped on … because we’re still in the emergency period,” she said.

Thousands of soldiers and emergency personnel have been deployed to support rescue efforts and distribute relief items. However, access remains a major challenge. In northern Veracruz, around 80 communities are still unreachable by road due to landslides and damaged infrastructure.

Sheinbaum noted that air support is being used to reach some areas.

“A lot of flights are required to take sufficient food and water,” she added.

Early assessments show that over 100,000 homes have been affected. In some riverbank communities, houses were completely washed away.

The destruction spans at least five states, with the following casualties reported so far:

  • Veracruz – 29 deaths
  • Hidalgo – 21 deaths
  • Puebla – 13 deaths
  • Querétaro – 1 death (a child killed in a landslide)

Authorities say many areas are only now being reached, and the numbers could change as searches progress.

President Sheinbaum visited affected communities in Puebla and Veracruz over the weekend and has promised an expanded government response as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Public Account Committee Hearing Highlights Ghana’s Push for Accountability

Public commitee
Public commiee

The Public Account Committee (PAC) of Ghana’s Parliament held a public hearing on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, reaffirming its role as a watchdog over the use of public funds. The committee, mandated by the 1992 Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders, remains one of the most powerful oversight institutions in the country. Its responsibility is to examine audited reports submitted by the Auditor-General and demand answers from government ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and assemblies on how taxpayers’ money is spent.

Role of the Public Account Committee

The public account committee exists to ensure financial accountability and transparency in government operations. By carefully reviewing audit findings, the committee identifies irregularities such as unaccounted expenditures, mismanagement of funds, and breaches of procurement procedures. It then interrogates the responsible officials, holding them accountable before Parliament and, by extension, the Ghanaian people.

These hearings are conducted openly, allowing the public and media to follow proceedings. This practice strengthens democracy by giving citizens confidence that the government is being held responsible for its use of the national purse.

At its October 2025 sitting, the Public Accounts Committee examined the Auditor-General’s recent reports covering MDAs and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Among the issues under review were procurement irregularities, delayed payments, unretired imprests, and financial mismanagement.

Officials from several public institutions were invited to respond to questions, clarify discrepancies, and explain measures being taken to address lapses. The hearing brought together key stakeholders, including heads of institutions, auditors, civil society organizations, and the media.

Strengthening Fiscal Discipline

Through these hearings, the public account committee has become a cornerstone for promoting fiscal discipline. The October 2025 session followed this tradition, shining a light on weak financial practices and reinforcing the expectation that public funds must be managed prudently.

Over the years, PAC hearings have led to corrective actions, with recommendations that have saved the state millions of cedis. By making officials answerable in public, the committee deters misuse of funds and instills discipline in public financial management.

Transparency and Public Engagement

A defining feature of the public account committee process is its openness. Proceedings are public, ensuring accountability is not confined to Parliament but extends to the entire citizenry. Transparency remains key in building public trust, and the October hearing continued this commitment by exposing both the successes and failures of state institutions.

Civil society organizations have consistently praised the PAC for its openness but have also urged Parliament to enforce its recommendations more strictly. The October 2025 hearing echoed this call, with stakeholders emphasizing that recurring financial lapses must be addressed through stronger sanctions and systemic reforms.

While the final report of the October hearing will be submitted to Parliament in due course, early observations suggest a need for tighter compliance with the Public Financial Management Act, improvements in procurement processes, and enhanced training for financial officers across state institutions.

The public account committee is also expected to direct agencies to refund unaccounted-for amounts and recommend sanctions against officials where negligence or mismanagement is proven.

Contribution to Democratic Governance

The October 2025 sitting once again underscored the vital role of the Public Accounts Committee in Ghana’s democracy. By bridging the gap between audit findings and corrective actions, the committee safeguards the public purse, minimizes waste, and helps ensure that national resources are invested in development priorities.

Importantly, the committee not only highlights weaknesses but also recognizes institutions that comply with financial rules. This balanced approach reinforces accountability while promoting best practices across the public sector.

The public account committee hearing held on October 1, 2025, demonstrated Parliament’s continued commitment to transparency and financial discipline. By scrutinizing audit reports and interrogating officials, the committee upholds its constitutional duty to protect public funds.

Banks Engage Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Recover Loans from Defaulting Doctors Abroad

ministry of foriegn affairs
ministry of foriegn affairs

The banking industry in Ghana has initiated formal discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the growing challenge of loan defaults by medical professionals who have relocated abroad. This move aims to ensure that doctors who secure personal loans from local banks before migrating continue to fulfil their repayment obligations after leaving the country.

President of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, explained that the Association is collaborating with the Ministry to establish diplomatic channels for communication with Ghana’s embassies and consulates abroad. The goal, he said, is to trace and engage loan defaulters who are currently working overseas. “There are processes we are going through with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact the diplomatic corps since you don’t just wake up and write to them,” Mr. Awuah stated.

He confirmed that a formal letter has already been lodged at the Ministry to begin this engagement, describing it as a reactive yet necessary mechanism to recover funds owed to local banks. According to him, the issue has become increasingly concerning within the banking sector, as many medical professionals are taking advantage of the system.

The trend involves doctors applying for personal loans—often between GH¢120,000 and GH¢150,000—under the guise of general financial needs. Using their bank statements as proof of credibility, they secure these loans, obtain travel visas, and subsequently relocate to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, without making any effort to repay the loans. “They have bank accounts. They use their bank statements. They have personal loans. The bank will not ask you what exactly you are going to buy since it is a personal loan,” he explained.

Mr Awuah expressed deep concern over the moral implications of this practice, noting that medical professionals are among the most respected members of society and should be expected to uphold high ethical standards. He disclosed that about 70 percent of these doctors who relocate fail to service their loans once they leave Ghana. “These are medical doctors, people we hold in high esteem, and about 70% of them are not paying,” he lamented.

The situation, he warned, has led to an increase in non-performing loans (NPLs) within the banking industry. This not only undermines public confidence in the sector but also puts financial pressure on banks that rely on timely loan repayments to sustain liquidity and profitability. “Wherever they are going, they are working and earning. One would expect that as professionals, they would take responsibility for their financial commitments in Ghana,” he added.

Mr Awuah further revealed that banks had previously considered engaging foreign embassies directly to ensure that visa applicants provide loan clearance certificates before being granted travel permits. However, this initiative required formal diplomatic authorization, which can only be facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“At some point, we were even attempting to write to the embassies to seek clearance from banks before they would allow visa processes to go through,” he said. “But that has to go through the proper channels, and that’s why we are working with the Ministry.”

He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is well positioned to play a key role in resolving this issue through collaboration with Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad. Such cooperation could allow banks to track borrowers, initiate repayment arrangements, or even enforce financial accountability through international mechanisms.

The banking industry is hopeful that, with the Ministry’s support, a sustainable system will be established to prevent future occurrences and recover outstanding debts from existing defaulters. Mr Awuah added that discussions are ongoing to explore policy options that would allow banks to verify visa applicants’ financial commitments before approving loans or facilitating travel-related transactions.

The move underscores a broader effort to promote financial responsibility among professionals and protect the banking sector from rising bad loans. It also highlights the need for stronger institutional coordination between financial institutions and government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addressing cross-border financial obligations.

As banks continue to face challenges from loan defaulters who migrate abroad, this initiative represents a strategic step toward accountability and financial discipline. The collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to serve as a model for similar efforts across other professional sectors in the future.

Tema Police Bust Major Human Trafficking and Cyber Fraud Syndicate in Ashaiman

human trafficking
human trafficking

The Tema Regional Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a major human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicate operating from Peace Land, a community in Ashaiman. The well-coordinated police operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the rescue of seven Nigerian nationals who had been held captive and exploited for months.

According to an official statement issued by the police on Friday, October 10, 2025, the operation was carried out by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, at around 4:00 p.m. The arrested suspects were identified as Peter Okoyie, 36, a computer engineer; Jolly Ezekiel, 30; and Jolly Shadrack, 33.

Police investigations revealed that the suspects lured their victims from Nigeria into Ghana under the pretense of offering them lucrative construction jobs in Tema. Upon arrival, the victims were transported to a house located at Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were confined and forced to engage in cyber fraud activities against their will.

According to police sources, the victims endured severe physical and psychological abuse. They were reportedly beaten, intimidated, and compelled to swear oaths of allegiance to their captors as a means of control. Those who resisted participation in the illegal schemes were detained in a small 10×12-foot room, denied food, and deprived of basic freedom for extended periods.

The victims told investigators that each of them was issued a laptop and trained to operate fake online profiles, particularly for romance scams targeting unsuspecting individuals abroad. Their role was to deceive victims through fabricated relationships and extract money under false pretenses. The syndicate allegedly operated with over ten laptops, with senior members overseeing the fraudulent activities and managing the division of proceeds.

During the search of the suspects’ residence, police recovered a number of items, including laptops, routers, mobile phones, household goods, and foodstuffs. All retrieved items have been kept as evidence to support ongoing investigations. The seven victims, who had been held in captivity for nearly eight months, have since been rescued and are receiving medical and psychological care.

On Thursday, October 9, the three suspects were arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by His Worship Derick Parden Eshun. They were charged with Conspiracy to Commit Crime (Human Trafficking) and Human Trafficking. Their pleas were not taken, and the court remanded them into police custody to reappear on October 23, 2025.

Police further disclosed that mobile phones retrieved from the suspects have been forwarded to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis. This step, according to authorities, will help uncover digital evidence and identify other potential collaborators involved in the human trafficking and cyber fraud network.

The Tema Regional Police Commander assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and progressing steadily. The Police Command is working closely with the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the safe repatriation and reintegration of the rescued victims with their families in Nigeria.

“The Command remains committed to safeguarding public safety and security,” the statement emphasized. “We urge members of the public to promptly report any suspected human trafficking or cybercrime activities to assist in the ongoing fight against organized criminal networks.”

Authorities described the case as a major breakthrough in Ghana’s broader effort to combat human trafficking, cyber fraud, and transnational crime. The operation reflects the increasing sophistication of criminal syndicates that exploit digital platforms to perpetuate exploitation and financial scams.

The Tema Regional Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to intensifying surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations to identify and dismantle such networks. It also called for public vigilance and stronger community collaboration to ensure timely reporting of suspicious activities.

The success of this operation marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s continuing fight against human trafficking and cyber-enabled exploitation. The police emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

Through cross-border collaboration, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement, the Police Service aims to curb the rise of human trafficking and cybercrime, ensuring that Ghana remains a safe and secure nation for all.

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