Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Listen to Orange FM Live
Home Blog Page 5

MoFA Signs $90 Million Shea Industry Investment Deal with AAK Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
-
shea industry in ghana

A major Ghana shea industry investment agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and AAK Ghana Limited to transform the country’s shea value chain.

The agreement formalizes a $90 million investment aimed at boosting local value addition and industrialization.

New Shea Processing Factory to Create Jobs

The Ghana shea industry investment will establish a world-class shea processing factory in Ghana using advanced technology. The facility is expected to create over 100 direct jobs.

The partnership also seeks to reposition Ghana’s shea sector from a raw commodity exporter to a competitive industrial hub.

300,000 Women Shea Collectors to Benefit

Under the agreement, the Kolo Nafaso sourcing programme will expand to support more than 300,000 women shea collectors in northern Ghana through financing and guaranteed market access.

The Ghana shea industry investment also includes the creation of the AAK Ghana Innovation Academy to strengthen SMEs and improve youth employability in the plant-based oils and fats sector.

Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Naveed Akram Faces 59 Charges

By
Ivy Hollys
-
bondi beach shooting

The accused Bondi Beach shooting suspect, Naveed Akram, has appeared in court for the first time following the deadly December attack in Australia.

The 24-year-old faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.

Australia’s Deadliest Mass Shooting in Decades

Authorities allege that Naveed Akram and his father carried out the attack during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring more than 40.

His father was shot dead by police at the scene, while the Bondi Beach shooting suspect was later taken into custody.

The accused appeared briefly via video link from prison during Monday’s hearing in Sydney. Court orders currently protect the identities of survivors.

Legal representatives say it is too early to determine what plea the Bondi Beach shooting suspect will enter.

The case continues to draw international attention as court proceedings move forward.

Ghana Police Arrest 22 Suspects in Pokuase Cyber Fraud Crackdown

By
Ivy Hollys
-
arrest of cyber fraud suspects

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed a major Pokuase cyber fraud arrest operation in the Greater Accra Region, leading to the arrest of 22 suspects linked to alleged international internet fraud.

The intelligence-led operation took place in the Pokuase-Afiaman area.

Police Uncover Alleged “Yahoo Boy” Fraud Hub

Officers from the IGP’s Special Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, supported by combat and surveillance units, uncovered what they described as a large-scale cyber fraud base.

Police believe the suspects were operating computer systems used to facilitate international online fraud schemes.

Links to Human Trafficking Investigated

Preliminary investigations suggest the group may be connected to organized human trafficking activities. Authorities say some younger suspects may themselves be victims of forced labour.

The Ghana Police Service says the Pokuase cyber fraud arrest forms part of broader efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks operating in Ghana.

Investigations continue as police intensify operations against cybercrime and human trafficking.

Government Targets 7 Million Birds Under Nkoko Nkitinkinti Poultry Programme

By
Ivy Hollys
-
nkoko nkintinkiti initiative

The Nkoko Nkitinkinti poultry program is targeting the distribution of seven million birds in 2026 as the government intensifies efforts to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported meat.

The initiative forms part of the flagship Feed Ghana Programme (FGP), aimed at revitalizing the local poultry industry and strengthening food security.

Nationwide Poultry Farmer Recruitment and Training

The National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, announced during the Accra rollout that the strategy includes recruiting and training poultry farmers before distributing the birds.

The Nkoko Nkitinkinti poultry program will support families and commercial poultry farmers across large, medium, and small-scale farms. Authorities say capacity building remains central to ensuring sustainability.

Regions Already Benefiting

Distribution has already begun in the Ashanti, Bono East, Ahafo, and Bono regions. Following the Accra launch, the team will move to the Eastern, Western North, Central, Western, Volta, and Oti regions.

The government expects all regions to access the Nkoko Nkitinkinti poultry program by April, with plans for a second phase to expand production and cut Ghana’s poultry import bill.

NPP Lifts Boycott of Media General Platforms

By
Ivy Hollys
-
media general

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced that it has ended its media standoff with Media General after months of strained relations between the political party and the media conglomerate.

The decision was contained in a press statement dated February 12 and signed by the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, following what the party described as constructive discussions between its leadership and the management of Media General.

According to the statement, the directive applies to all engagements involving party executives and representatives, including interviews, panel discussions, press conferences, and media briefings.

Mr. Ahiagbah indicated that both parties have agreed on ground rules aimed at upholding higher professional standards and ensuring fair, balanced interactions in the public interest.

The party expressed optimism about renewing its working relationship with Media General as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s democratic process.

Background: Why the NPP Boycotted Media General

The decision to lift the restriction marks a significant shift, especially as the boycott affected several major platforms under Media General, including TV3, 3FM, 3News, Onua TV and Akoma FM.

Relations between the party and the media house deteriorated during the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. The tensions reportedly escalated to the point where journalists covering NPP assignments faced hostility, with one incident involving a TV3 microphone being pushed away during a party event.

Media General Responds to Decision

In response, Media General issued its own statement on February 13, signed by Sena Edekor, Esq., for and on behalf of management.

The company welcomed the development, stating that it remains committed to the highest standards of journalism, ethics, and impartial coverage.

Media General emphasized that its dedication to truth and fairness remains unwavering and assured Ghanaians of continued professional reportage.

The development signals a possible reset in relations between the political party and one of Ghana’s leading media organizations.

Ghana Passport Visa-Free Countries Reach 50 — More Agreements Expected

By
Ivy Hollys
-
visa-free entries

Ghana passport visa-free countries have now reached nearly 50, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on February 12.

More Visa Waiver Agreements Expected

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that the number of Ghana passport visa-free countries is expected to increase in the coming months as the government signs additional bilateral agreements.

He assured journalists that Ghanaians should expect positive announcements in March, April, and May.

The visa access arrangements include fully visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa entry options.

Countries Offering Access

Countries currently offering access to Ghanaian passport holders include Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, South Africa, and Qatar, among others.

Most of these destinations permit stays of up to 90 days.

The government believes the expansion will improve travel opportunities, promote trade and enhance Ghana’s global competitiveness.

Korle Klottey Assembly Arrests Five for Open Defecation at Osu Cemetery

By
Ivy Hollys
-
open defecation

Open defecation at Osu Cemetery has led to the arrest and arraignment of five individuals before the James Town District Court.

The arrests were carried out by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly as part of intensified enforcement of sanitation by-laws in the municipality.

Court Fines Two, Grants Bail to Three

At their court appearance, two of the persons accused of open defecation pleaded guilty and were each fined GH¢1,200.

Two others initially pleaded guilty with explanation, but later changed their pleas to not guilty. They were granted bail of GH¢3,000 each with two sureties.

The fifth accused also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail under similar conditions.

The case was presided over by Her Worship Anna Akosua Appiah Gottfried Anaafi Gyafi.

Assembly Warns of Tougher Sanitation Enforcement

The Assembly reiterated its commitment to prosecuting sanitation offenders to protect public health and curb the issue of open defecation in the community. They further warned residents to use designated sanitation facilities at all times, stressing that further violations will attract legal consequences.

Ghana cocoa farmgate price reduced by 28% as Government absorbs $150 million COCOBOD loss

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Cocobod on black stars sponsorship

Ghana cocoa farmgate price has been reduced by 28 percent for the first time since at least 2020, following a sharp decline in global cocoa prices and mounting arrears owed to farmers.

The announcement forms part of broader reforms within Ghana’s cocoa sector, with the government assuring farmers that outstanding payments will be settled.

Government to Pay Arrears to Cocoa Farmers

The Finance Minister confirmed that Cabinet has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board to immediately pay all affected farmers.

However, questions emerged over how the payment would be financed, given COCOBOD’s well-documented liquidity challenges in recent years.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko revealed that the government will absorb expected losses from cocoa already supplied.

Government to Absorb $150 Million Loss

According to Mr. Nyarko, approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans had already been supplied by farmers before the price reduction.

Because the supply occurred prior to the new Ghana cocoa farmgate price taking effect, farmers will be paid the previous rate of over $5,200 per tonne.

At current market conditions, COCOBOD is projected to incur losses estimated at $150 million, equivalent to roughly GH¢1.6 billion at prevailing exchange rates.

The government has agreed to absorb the full amount, describing it as a necessary fiscal intervention to protect farmers.

The price reduction is expected to generate mixed reactions across Ghana’s cocoa-producing communities.

Alabaster Box and Medikal copyright case continues in court: Alabaster Box Speaks on ‘Welcome to Africa’ Song Dispute

By
Ivy Hollys
-
medikal-and-alabaster-box

The ongoing Medikal copyright case involving Ghanaian a cappella group Alabaster Box has taken a new turn as the group confirms the matter is still before the courts.

The legal dispute began in April 2025 after Alabaster Box accused rapper Medikal of using portions of their song Akwaaba in his track Welcome to Africa without authorization.

Speaking in a recent interview, members of the group disclosed that attempts to personally serve Medikal and his management team with a writ of summons initially failed.

According to the group, the court later approved substituted service, which allows legal documents to be delivered through alternative means. They say that the process has now been completed, and the case is progressing through the legal system.

Alabaster Box explained that before pursuing legal action, they attempted to resolve the matter privately. After discovering that the song allegedly sampled their work, they reached out to Medikal’s camp.

However, the group claims they were directed to an intermediary instead of engaging directly with the artiste. They later sought legal representation due to the sensitive nature of the dispute.

According to the Alasbaster box, communication broke down shortly after their lawyer initiated contact with the rapper’s team.

The case remains ongoing, and neither party has issued detailed public commentary on the court proceedings.

Canada School Shooting attack: Eight Dead in British Columbia Tumbler Ridge Attack

By
Ivy Hollys
-
canada school shooting attack

At least eight people have been killed in a tragic Canada school shooting attack in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

Authorities say an 18-year-old woman is suspected to have carried out the attack, which has shocked the small Canadian mountain community.

Police report that the suspect allegedly killed her mother and stepbrother at a residence before proceeding to a local school, where the shooting occurred.

Among the victims were a female teacher, three 12-year-old girls, and two boys aged 12 and 13. The other two victims were relatives of the suspect who were found at the residence.

The family of 12-year-old Kylie Smith has publicly confirmed that she was among those killed in the attack.

Police have identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old former student who reportedly dropped out of school about four years ago.

Authorities say they are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Police also disclosed that they had previously interacted with the suspect regarding mental health concerns.

1...456...145Page 5 of 145

Recent Posts

Email: info@focus1mediagh.com