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Umar Harris Commends Government’s Efforts to Recover Looted Funds and Curb Corruption

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Umar Harris has praised the government for its strong and consistent commitment to fighting corruption.
Speaking on Orange Sunrise, he said the administration is working tirelessly to recover stolen state funds.
According to him, this forms part of the government’s pledge to ensure accountability and transparency.

Umar Harris explained that during the campaign, the ruling party promised to retrieve all looted public resources.
“This government is doing exactly what it promised to recover what was stolen,” he said confidently.
Harris added that these efforts reflect the government’s determination to restore integrity in governance.

He also criticized the previous administration for what he described as massive misuse of public funds.
“The people of Ghana know the truth, and that’s why they voted for change,” he noted.
Harris said citizens expect responsible leadership, and the current government is living up to that trust.
He urged continued public support to help sustain the fight against corruption and safeguard national assets.

Shamima Muslim Urges Review of Ghana’s Four-Year Presidential Term

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana's

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has called for a national discussion on extending Ghana’s presidential term. She said the current four-year mandate is too short for any government to achieve lasting progress.

Ms. Muslim said the short political cycle causes instability and wasteful spending. She explained that frequent elections make it hard for governments to plan and deliver long-term results. “The four-year term is wholly insufficient if we are truly to change the path of our development,” she stated. “Expensive elections that start soon after another ends are not a practical way to manage scarce resources.”

She noted that new governments spend the first year on appointments and the rest preparing for elections. “Year one is spent making appointments, and by year two, people already talk about the next election,” she said.

Ms. Muslim warned that repeated elemight lead to abuse of power but said constitutional reforms could ensure accountability.

“Even if we do not extend term limits, political parties should be allowed to keep a performing leader for more than two terms if citizens agree,” she suggested.

She stressed that voters remain the ultimate check on power. “If we have a bad president, we simply don’t vote for that person again,” she said.

Ms. Muslim added that keeping capable leaders longer could give governments up to 15 years to deliver steady progress. However, she cautioned that a longer stay in office does not always mean good leadership. “Citizens must use their power to demand change when leadership fails,” she said.

She urged policymakers to use the ongoing constitutional review to rethink Ghana’s governance system. “It would be harmful to the country if we fail to have this conversation,” she concluded.

Ghana’s Gold Industry Contributes GH¢88.1 Billion to GDP in 2024

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana

The government has revealed that Ghana’s gold industry added GH¢88.1 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, with gold exports reaching a record US$11.2 billion as of August 2025.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang announced this during the inauguration of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

She said the mining sector continues to play a vital role in Ghana’s economy, driving job creation, revenue generation, and investment growth. “The opening of the Ahafo North Mine is an act of partnership and progress the result of mutual respect and collaboration,” she stated.

According to her, the strong performance of the gold sector reflects investor confidence and national stability. “Last year, Ghana’s gold industry contributed GH¢88.1 billion to our GDP. This year, gold exports have already reached US$11.2 billion. These figures demonstrate and inspire more confidence in our economy and governance,” she added.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang described the over US$1 billion investment in the Ahafo North Mine as proof of Ghana’s attractiveness to major global investors. She noted that the project will enhance national revenue while creating jobs and promoting community development in the Ahafo Region and beyond.

China City at Santasi Gutted by Fire

By
Ivy Hollys
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China city
China city

A massive fire outbreak has destroyed the China City located at Santasi in Kumasi on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m., has left traders and workers in shock.

According to eyewitnesses, it consisted of two main compartments.

The ground floor contained light goods such as plastics and electronics.

The upper section was filled with furniture and other heavy materials.

A sales attendant who witnessed the incident said she first noticed thick smoke upstairs.

“I saw smoke from the second compartment and shouted for everyone to leave,” she recounted.

She added that all staff managed to escape before the fire intensified.

Within minutes, the flames spread quickly across both compartments, consuming everything in sight.

Another saleswoman alleged that someone might have started the fire intentionally.

“We saw a man acting suspiciously before the fire started,” she said.

She explained that the man, believed to be in his mid-thirties, walked in as a customer.

CCTV footage reportedly showed him performing suspicious actions before the flames began.

Authorities later apprehended the suspect, though the details of his arrest remain unclear.

People immediately called firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

However, several witnesses claim the response came too late.

By the time officers arrived, most of the building had already been engulfed.

Residents at the scene criticized the delay, describing it as “unacceptable.”

They said emergency teams could have contained the fire earlier if they had responded quickly.

The raging flames burned for hours, leaving the building in ruins.

Authorities have not confirmed any casualties yet, but they estimate extensive property loss.

Workers of China City now fear losing their livelihoods as the structure lies completely destroyed.

One attendant said the fire has taken away their “only source of daily bread.”

Authorities are yet to release an official report on the cause of the fire.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the act was intentional or accidental.

Workers at City Mall Appeal for Affordable Food Options

By
Ivy Hollys
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food

Employees working in and around the City Mall are appealing for the establishment of more affordable food joints nearby, citing the high cost of meals within the mall. Many workers say that the current dining options are too expensive for daily lunches, forcing them to either skip meals or depend on snacks.

“The prices inside the mall are costly for workers and staff members who eat there every day,” said one store attendant. “We spend most of our day here, but it’s hard to afford a decent meal without spending a large part of our salary.”

An employee from Melcom said he spends about GH₵100 on food each day, adding that it significantly affects his budget. Another worker shared that he spends around GH₵30 daily on meals, which still strains his finances.

Several workers have expressed that the lack of affordable eateries makes lunch breaks stressful, as they have limited time and few nearby alternatives. Some rely on snacks or small portions to get through the day.

Local observers believe that introducing low-cost food stalls or small restaurants around the mall could ease the burden on workers and improve their overall well-being. “Affordable dining options would not only support employees but also create a more positive working environment,” said a local business consultant.

As the number of workers in the area continues to grow, the call for reasonably priced and accessible food options is becoming increasingly urgent. Many hope that new investors will recognize this need and respond with solutions that cater to the working community.

Throwback Thursday: What Kids Today Would Never Understand

By
Ivy Hollys
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throwback thursday
Friendship on a elementary age students group

Today on The Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong, the Throwback Thursday discussion took listeners on a nostalgic ride as guests Mark, Rhodalin, Kofi, and Nelly talked about what kids today would never understand. From old-school parenting to life before social media, the conversation was filled with laughter, strong opinions, and moments of deep reflection.

The issue of fathers quickly became the hot topic. Rhodalin shared how, in many homes, children had to leave the living room the moment their fathers entered, all in the name of “respect.”

“You could be watching your favorite show,” she said, “but as soon as Daddy steps in, everyone disappears.”

Mark disagreed, saying it doesn’t make sense for children to fear their fathers.

“You should be able to talk to him freely,” he said.

Kofi supported that view, adding that fathers should focus on making their children disciplined instead of fearful. “A father’s job is to guide, not intimidate,” he said.

Nelly also noted that such strictness often made children too scared to share their problems at home.

Listeners on Orange FM’s WhatsApp line joined in with their memories and observations. One message read, “Children today will never understand why some mothers used to cover up for their husbands’ mistakes and even their cheating, all in the name of keeping the family together.”

DJ Zee added that children today will also never understand what it was like to live without social media validation. “Back then, friendship and love existed without likes and followers,” she said.

The debate got so lively that it was never truly concluded. Voices overlapped, laughter filled the studio, and Adwoa had to step in to take a quick break. The topic might make a comeback in another episode.

Ashanti, Greater Accra Reach Semifinals of MTN Elite U-19 Championship

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ashanti Region and Greater Accra Region have booked their spots in the semifinals of the maiden MTN Elite U-19 Championship, joining Eastern and Brong Ahafo Regions in the last four.

Eastern Region kicked off their campaign with a commanding 5–2 victory over Upper West, followed by a win against Western Region. They later edged Brong Ahafo 1–0 to secure top position in Group A, despite a final-day loss to Northern Region.

Brong Ahafo advanced from the same group after recording wins against Northern, Upper East, and Western Regions.

In Group B, Ashanti Region emerged top with 10 points, sealing their position after defeating Greater Accra in their last group fixture. They had earlier claimed two wins and lost only once on penalties to Central Region.

Greater Accra also impressed, beating Upper East 4–0 in their opener and securing another 4–0 triumph over Volta Region before falling to Ashanti in their final match. Their performances earned them the second qualifying spot from Group B.

The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, October 31, with Greater Accra facing Eastern Region at 14:00 GMT, followed by Ashanti versus Brong Ahafo at 16:00 GMT.

Asokwa Residents Decry Weekend Water Shortages

By
Ivy Hollys
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Water shortages

Residents of Asokwa in Kumasi are expressing growing frustration over persistent water shortages that occur every weekend, disrupting household routines and local businesses.

Many residents report that their taps run dry every Friday evening and only begin to flow again late on Sunday or early Monday morning. The repeated pattern has forced families to store water in advance or buy from private tankers at high prices.

“This happens every weekend without fail,” said Mrs. Coleman, a landlady in Asokwa. “We have to ration water from Friday because we know it will not flow until Monday. It makes life very difficult, especially for families with children.”

Another resident said they depend on stored water from buckets throughout the weekend. “Without the reserved water, we wouldn’t be able to cook, clean, or even bathe,” she added.

Business owners in the area, including restaurant operators and laundry service providers, say the irregular water supply has disrupted operations and increased their costs.

A laundry attendant noted that the shortage makes it difficult to wash customers’ clothes on time. “Sometimes, customers get upset because I can’t finish their work as promised,” he said.

A food vendor also shared that he has to buy extra water every day, which significantly increases his operational costs. “It’s becoming expensive to run the business, but we can’t do without water,” he lamented.

The Asokwa Municipal Assembly has urged residents to conserve water, especially ahead of weekends, while calling on the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to implement long-term measures to address the problem.

As the situation persists, residents are appealing for swift and lasting action to end the cycle of weekend water shortages and restore consistent water supply across Asokwa.

Five More Arrested Over $102M Louvre Jewel Heist

By
Ivy Hollys
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louvre

French authorities have arrested five additional suspects in connection with the daring theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that one of the newly arrested suspects is believed to be part of the four man gang that carried out the October 19 heist. Police have now apprehended three of the four suspected thieves who disguised themselves as construction workers to steal priceless Napoleonic era artifacts.

The jewels, valued at more than 100 million dollars, remain missing. Investigators believe the treasures, including an emerald necklace set with over 1,000 diamonds gifted by Napoleon Bonaparte to his second wife, may have been dismantled for their raw materials.

The latest arrests were made Wednesday night in Paris and Seine Saint Denis, following an 11 day manhunt. The first two suspects were detained last weekend, one of them allegedly trying to flee to Algeria from Charles de Gaulle Airport.

According to prosecutors, both men, aged 34 and 39, have partially admitted their involvement. DNA evidence linked them to a broken display case and one of the scooters used in the escape.

The heist has drawn global attention and sparked criticism of security lapses at the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. Museum director Laurence des Cars told French senators that no surveillance cameras were installed on the second floor balcony where the thieves broke in using an angle grinder.

Police say the investigation is ongoing as they continue to track down the fourth suspect and recover the stolen treasures.

SSNIT Boss Assures Contributors of Financial Strength

By
Ivy Hollys
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SSNIT Boss

Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwesi Afreh Biney, has assured contributors and pensioners that the Trust remains financially strong and capable of meeting its obligations despite past challenges.

Mr. Biney said the institution has used past hurdles as opportunities to improve its operations and strengthen its sustainability.

He highlighted SSNIT’s consistent record of paying pensions since its establishment in 1965. “The institution remains strong. There were challenges, but there were opportunities in there. I inherited both challenges and positives, and we worked together to define a strategy for the future,” he said.

According to Mr. Biney, SSNIT has paid pensions without interruption for nearly six decades. “In 1965, there were only three pensioners. Today, we pay over 257,000 pensioners every month,” he added.

He disclosed that the Trust had disbursed more than GH¢5 billion in pension payments so far this year, reflecting its financial capacity and commitment to contributors. “This year alone, we paid in excess of five billion cedis in pensions. The trust will continue to evolve, become stronger, and put in systems to ensure that we never fail,” he stated.

Mr. Biney also explained that SSNIT operates a defined benefit scheme backed by government guarantees, ensuring contributors’ pensions remain secure. “This is a defined benefit scheme, so it’s one that we have to pay. The government guarantees it. There’s nothing like the trust failing and putting pensions in jeopardy,” he emphasized.

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