Seven students from Lawra SHS in the Upper West Region have drowned in a tragic boat accident at a tributary of the Black Volta River. Local divers at the Dikpe Bridge retrieved all bodies, ending a rescue mission that began after their canoe capsized.
The students, five girls and two boys, had just finished their routine weekend jogging. They reportedly decided to explore the river, boarding an overloaded canoe.
Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Pozing, visited the accident scene and Lawra SHS to express condolences. He called for calm and asked for time to complete the necessary procedures.
“Unfortunately, it’s a tragic day,” he said. “We’re not supposed to meet today on a Sunday to be discussing the passing of our children. All I can say is that it’s Almighty God that gives and He takes. Let’s have deep hearts. I further plead with the family that please allow the authorities a bit of time to go through the necessary procedures. And ultimately, our kids will be released for us to do a befitting funeral.”
At the Lawra Municipal Hospital, a large crowd gathered in sorrow. Among the deceased is Lois Kati, a second-year general arts student of Lawra SHS. Lois’ uncle and teacher, Augustin, expressed shock and concern over the circumstances of the incident.
“Unfortunately, yesterday I was called on the phone that there was a tragic issue in the school. I arrived to realize that it wasn’t in the school but rather at the riverside.”
“Whatever the issues are, how they got to the riverside is something that I cannot ascertain. And I need answers to these issues, because the students have been sent to the school to be taught. How they got to the riverside is something that leaves much to be desired. And I think the authorities that are in charge, I will expect answers from them.”
The students involved in the incident were part of the school’s cadet group. Sixteen of them had gone jogging that morning. Ten later chose to take a boat ride on a known tributary of the Black Volta.
The Headmaster of Lawra SHS, who assumed office just a week ago, gave more insight into what led to the drowning.
“According to my cadet organizer and the patron, they wanted to also explore. And in the course of the event, in fact, before they set off, according to their leader, before they set off, the water started entering the boat. Actually, they overloaded the boat.”
“I understand those boats, they take about six people at a go. But ten of them, including the one who was paddling the canoe, making eleven. So even from the set off, the cadet, the leader at that time, indicated that they should stop the journey.”
“But the one who was paddling the canoe carried on. By the time they got midstream, the situation overcame them. So in an attempt to turn back, the water entered and the boat capsized.”
Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Pozing pledged that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
The Attorney General has announced the filing of charges against 12 individuals implicated in what he described as a “sprawling criminal enterprise” within the National Service Authority (NSA), resulting in the loss of over GHS 548 million to the state between 2018 and 2024.
At a press briefing held earlier today, the Attorney General offered an in-depth overview of the findings following months of investigations led by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
“In my last press briefing held on March 24th, 2025, I made clear that investigations into the National Service scandal were almost concluded, and that I will return with a detailed update on the investigations and the decision of my office regarding criminal charges against all persons suspected to have been involved in the looting of state resources,” he began.
Digital Verification Efforts Exposed Deeper Corruption
“I am here today, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow countrymen and women, to announce that I have received the dockets compiled by diligent and hardworking investigators at the National Intelligence Bureau, popularly known as NIB, formerly BNI.”
According to the Attorney General, the investigative dockets were prepared under strict oversight by his office and supervised by the Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Dr. Joseph Simsai. He traced the genesis of the fraud back to early 2022, when the NSA introduced a digital verification system, claiming to have blocked over 14,000 fake entries and saved more than GHS 112 million.
“Ladies and gentlemen, in or around February 2022, the management of the National Service Authority announced the introduction of a digitalization system which they claimed had saved the country some 112 million Ghana cedis,” he said. “Through an app known as the Metric App… the NSA had blocked the enrollment of some 14,027 potential fraudsters on the scheme for the 2021/2022 service year.”
However, a headcount audit commissioned in 2024 by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, ahead of the release of personnel allowance arrears, revealed an alarming figure of 81,885 ghost names on the payroll. The discovery, the Attorney General said, pointed to deep-rooted corruption orchestrated by high-ranking NSA officials in collaboration with private vendors.
“Our investigations have revealed a sprawling criminal enterprise whose network covers the entire country,” he disclosed. “This criminal enterprise was run by top-level executives of the National Service Authority and their accomplices in the private sector, known as vendors or service providers… resulting in the siphoning of huge sums of public funds into private pockets.”
Providing a breakdown of the losses across different service years, the Attorney General confirmed the following amounts: GHS 55,670,584.32 in 2020/2021, GHS 350,926,977.12 in 2022/2023, GHS 32,881,157.07 in 2023/2024.
Inflated Budgets and Diverted Public Funds
He noted that the 2022/2023 losses were “more surprising and very shocking,” emphasizing the scale of manipulation within the system.
“In total, as I stated, we lost over 548 million Ghana cedis to the criminal enterprise perpetrated by these executives, these directors and staff, as well as the service providers in the marketplace.”
The fraudulent activities, he said, centered around the creation and deployment of ghost names on the NSA’s payroll. Directors and staff allegedly inflated budget proposals to Parliament, then sought authorization from the Finance Ministry to spend excess funds. Once approved, the money was moved into NSA’s project accounts and later diverted into private hands.
“Once authorized, the directors would transfer the funds into NSA’s project account at the Agriculture Development Bank, and under the pretext of executing projects, would divert the funds into private pockets.”
He also provided a detailed account of financial transactions and named additional suspects in the ongoing investigation into widespread fraud within the National Service Scheme. He revealed that;
“In the 2022, 2023 service year, a total of 8,256,000 Ghana Cedis was deposited into an E-Zwich account numbered 1177042059, which is registered in the name of suspect Osei Asibe.”
According to the Attorney General, “investigations show that he personally received these funds,” and during a search of his residence, “the aforementioned E-Zwich card was found,” which will be used as evidence.
The briefing detailed transactions involving other vendors as well: Haruna Maulaya of Alfajra Ventures received 21,306,272.43 Cedis, Rose Hamilton of Marine Ventures received 50,750,923.15 Cedis, and Isaac Asamani of Option Buy Ventures received 11,458,686.90 Cedis, all between 2017 and 2024. A savings and loan company also received 167,554,398.50 Cedis between 2019 and 2024.
The Attorney General continued: “Suspect Sylvia Opare of Salesona Ventures received a total payment of 10,746,634.41 Ghana Cedis into her account from 2021 to 2024,” while Jacob Yawson of Nyansampo Ventures received 19,199,638.57 Cedis.
Others named include Philomena Atta and Steven Korben Argyemfi of BrainWay Ventures (17,646,523.80 Cedis), Solomon Jomina of Alfarita Ventures (8,000,019.67 Cedis), Charles Ohomene Ahemeng of GH High tech Ventures (14,235,118.14 Cedis), and Koku Opare Agofa and Prince Agofa Awooku of Fralisa Ventures (9,011,164.35 Cedis). The Attorney General stated clearly, “none of the aforementioned vendors provided evidence to the investigative team or to myself to prove that the amounts of money they received corresponded to the items supplied or the loans supposedly made to the National Service personnel.”
Charges will also be filed against 12 former staff and directors of the NSA, including Mustafa Yussuf, Osei Asiamanee, Gifty Oware-Mensah, Kweku Ohenejan, and others. Additionally, several vendors operating under the NSA’s central management system will face prosecution, such as Isaac Osei Asare-Amsamoah of Stalwart Option Buy Ventures, Charles Ohomening of GH High Tech Ventures, and Rose Hamilton of Marine Ventures.
The Attorney General noted that some individuals entered into non-prosecution agreements in exchange for testimony: “These have agreed to provide compelling testimonies as witnesses for the prosecution.”
He outlined the charges to be filed, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, willfully causing financial loss to the state, use of public office for profit, false statements to obtain public property, and money laundering. “I have ordered that a comprehensive investigation of the assets of these persons be conducted,” he concluded, affirming the state’s resolve to retrieve misappropriated funds and assets.
The Ghanaian government has taken a significant step in regulating the media landscape by shutting down Wontumi Radio and 61 other radio stations.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken decisive action against these 62 radio stations for violating the regulatory framework governing broadcasting in the country.
According to the NCA, the affected radio stations have failed to renew their expired licenses, which is a requirement under the Electronic Communications Regulations. The terms and conditions attached to their broadcasting authorizations were not met, leading to this enforcement action.
The list of affected stations includes prominent names such as Wontumi FM, Happy FM, and Asaase Radio, among others. These stations are based in major cities, including Accra and Kumasi.
Out of the 62 affected stations:
28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations.
14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, breaching regulatory timelines.
13 are operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.
7 stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation is pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations.
The NCA has emphasized that the enforcement action is aimed at ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework and maintaining the integrity of the broadcasting sector. The Authority has ordered the affected stations to cease broadcasting immediately until they comply with the regulatory requirements.
Education Minister Sends Message of Encouragement to BECE Candidates Across Ghana
BECE candidates across the country received warm wishes from Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu as they began their exams. The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination commenced on Wednesday, June 11, and will end on Tuesday, June 17.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Minister Iddrisu emphasized the importance of this academic milestone. He noted that the examination represents years of preparation and learning for over 600,000 students nationwide.
“Today is a significant milestone in the academic journey of these youngsters,” the Minister stated. He confirmed that 603,328 students are sitting for the BECE this year from various regions of Ghana.
Minister Iddrisu extended best wishes on behalf of the President , himself, and the people of Ghana. He encouraged all BECE candidates to approach the exams with calmness and confidence.
BECE Candidates Urged to Remain Focused and Avoid Malpractice
The Minister urged candidates to stay focused and avoid any form of examination malpractice during the process. “A heartfelt encouragement to all of them… they should remain calm, focused, and determined,” he said.
Iddrisu stressed the importance of self-belief and integrity as they go through their assessment period. He reminded BECE candidates that their success depends on effort, honesty, and confidence in their preparation.
“They have to believe in their own ability to succeed,” the Minister noted during the interview. He described the exams as a regular test of memory and understanding, not something to fear.
According to him, the candidates have already acquired the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. “They only need to put their knowledge, skill, and the confidence they have acquired to the test,” he added.
This year’s BECE marks one of the largest cohorts in recent years with 603,328 students participating. Haruna Iddrisu’s message is seen as a strong morale booster for BECE candidates nationwide.
Kumasi Central Prisons has selected five male inmates, aged 20–25, to sit for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which began on Wednesday, June 11. They are writing their papers at the Bantama examination centre.
This initiative highlights the Ghana Prisons Service’s commitment to rehabilitation through education. By offering inmates academic opportunities, it gives them a second chance at reintegration. This step has been widely praised as a symbol of hope and renewal.
As part of his regional tour, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, visited the inmates at Bantama. Where he applauded their determination, encouraged them to stay focused, and pledged support for their future WASSCE registration.
“I’m happy to see these inmates writing the BECE. It’s a symbol of hope for their lives,” Mr. Boadi said.
Also, the MCE’s tour took him to other exam centres, including Opoku Ware School in Nhyiaeso, Adventist SHS, Asanteman SHS in Bantama, and Serwaa Nyarko SHS in Manhyia North. At each stop, he urged students to uphold academic integrity and avoid malpractice.
He reminded them, “Your future begins today. Take the exams seriously and focus on what lies ahead.”
In total, 120,285 pupils are sitting for the BECE in the Ashanti Region, out of over 600,000 candidates nationwide. The participation of prison inmates adds a powerful layer to Ghana’s national effort to transform lives through inclusive education and second chances.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has expressed concern that fully adopting the current demands outlined in the conditions of service for nurses and midwives may seriously destabilise Ghana’s economy. His comments come at a critical moment, as members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) are carrying out a nationwide strike to demand immediate improvements in their service conditions.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Minister Akandoh emphasised the government’s willingness to engage in further dialogue. However, he also underscored the financial strain that the proposed terms could impose on the national economy.
“The government remains committed to ongoing discussions but must also ensure that any agreement reached is financially responsible and does not dislocate the national budget,” he said.
The industrial action has had widespread effects across the country’s healthcare system. Many public hospitals and clinics operate with skeletal staff, leaving patients waiting longer for care and placing additional pressure on the few remaining workers. The strike has sparked concern among citizens and healthcare managers alike, as access to basic medical services has become increasingly limited.
Minister Akandoh acknowledged nurses and midwives’ vital role in the health sector and reiterated the government’s appreciation for their contributions. However, he cautioned that any attempt to meet all their demands without careful consideration could lead to broader economic instability, affecting the health sector and the country as a whole.
In closing, he urged leaders of the GRNMA to return to the negotiation table and work together with the government toward a balanced solution that addresses workers’ concerns while safeguarding the country’s economic health.
Sam George, Minister of Communications,
Digitalization, and Innovation
Sam George, Minister of Communications, Digitalization, and Innovation
The Minister for Communications, Digitalization and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, addressed the press on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, about the prices of mobile data services in the country, emphasizing ongoing efforts toward data price reduction—a very concerning topic with numerous effects on both consumers and businesses nationwide.
Quality of Service & Regulation
He touched on the increased value or lower pricing alone won’t help unless quality improves. CEOs of telecom companies were tasked with improving service quality and data bundles. The Minister acknowledges that in a free-market economy, he cannot dictate prices, just like the Trade Minister can’t direct private businesses.
He stated that “I am sure that even with increased value or reduced pricing, if quality is not improved, we will still have a sour customer experience… In my fourth month, armed with a clear picture of where we are as a sector, I tasked the CEOs to work with me to improve the quality of service, and to offer enhanced data bundles. Now let me be clear. My mandate as minister, in a free market economy, does not extend to interfering in the pricing by private sector investors. Just like the Minister for Trade does not have the power to direct BOTA members to drop their prices unilaterally, the Communications Minister cannot unilaterally direct price reductions…”
Spectrum Allocation & Network Investment Geared Towards Price Reduction
He addressed how the cabinet has approved the release of spectrum to Telecel and Scancom (MTN) to improve network quality. Telecel to get a connecting entity license to optimize service using 2100 MHz spectrum. All telcos are mandated to invest in network infrastructure from July to September.
He stated that “To address the quality of service issues, I presented a memorandum to the Cabinet of Ghana aimed at making spectrum available to Scancom Ghana Limited and Ghana Telecommunication Company Limited. The process of the spectrum sale is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first week in July.”
“In the case of Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, known as Telecel, I have given additional policy approval for the regulator to grant a connecting entity license, enabling the op- operator to optimize service using the 2100 megahertz spectrum at the disposal of NGIC. This should result in a significant improvement in the quality of service and customer experience in the coming weeks…”
Data Bundle Improvements (Effective July 1, 2025)
AT Ghana (Airtel-Tigo): 10% increase across all bundles. 400 GHS bundle to increase from 195 GB to 236 GB. Telecel Ghana: 10% increase across all bundles. 400 GHS bundle to increase from 90 GB to 250 GB. MTN Ghana: 15% increase across all bundles. 399 GHS bundle reinstated to 214 GB, from the current 92.88 GB (formerly at 350 GHS). The steeper increases are due to MTN’s SMP status. These price reductions will be effective July 1st, 2025.
He also stated that “… I have mandated that all operators make critical investments in their networks to improve quality over the next quarter… I will also, at this point, commend the CEOs of the three telcos for their pledge commitments to collectively invest approximately $150 million in their networks between now and the end of the year to enhance quality of service… At this juncture, I am pleased to announce that my engagement with the CEOs have resulted in the following specific measures which are to take effect from Tuesday, 1st of July, 2025.
Airtel-Tigo Ghana, AT Ghana, a 10% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network. Additionally, the 400 Ghana cedi bundle, which currently offers 195 gigabytes of data, will now offer 236 gigabytes of data. Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, Telecel. Also, a 10% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network. Their 400 Ghana cedi bundle, which currently offers 90 gigabytes, will offer 250 gigabytes from 1st of July. Scancom Ghana Limited, MTN, a 15% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network. And I’m pleased to announce the restoration of the 399 Ghana cedi bundle, which currently has been changed to the 350 cedi bundle that offers 92.88 gig, will henceforth be reinstated to 214 gig for 399 Ghana cedis…”
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has delayed the implementation of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy after resistance from oil marketing companies. Originally set to take effect on June 9, the GHC1-per-litre levy faced opposition from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which raised concerns about its timing and potential impact on fuel prices.
Following discussions with industry stakeholders, the GRA announced a revised implementation date of June 16. “The Association has concerns with the June 9 rollout. After discussions in a spirit of partnership, we have agreed on a new start date of June 16,” the authority stated.
The levy aims to address mounting debts in the energy sector, but industry players argue that inadequate consultation and the sudden rollout could disrupt the petroleum market.
New Levy Rates:
Motor Spirit (Super Petrol): GHC0.95 → GHC1.95
AGO/Diesel & Marine Gas Oil (Foreign): GHC0.93 → GHC1.93
Engr. Kwame Adu-Mante, a distinguished Building Technologist with over two decades of professional experience, has reached a significant milestone in his career by gaining institutional membership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH) in 2025.
A proud alumnus of Takoradi Technical University, Engr. Adu-Mante holds a Bachelor of Technology in construction, an HND in Building Technology and a certificate in Building Construction from Obuasi Secondary Tech.
Over the past 23 years, he has amassed a wealth of practical experience, navigating the complexities and challenges inherent to the building and construction profession. His journey, however, did not end there.
Determined to elevate his expertise and credentials, Engr. Adu-Mante made the bold decision to return to rigorous academic preparation, undertaking the professional engineering examinations required for certification.
This commitment culminated in his successful qualification as a Professional Engineering Technologist, a title that reflects both his technical proficiency and dedication to the engineering discipline.
Reflecting on this achievement, Engr. Adu-Mante remarked with heartfelt gratitude, “This is the day the Lord has made.”
His story is a personal triumph and a powerful testament to the importance of perseverance, lifelong learning, and professional excellence in shaping a successful engineering career.
Engr. Adu-Mante’s accomplishment is an inspiring example for young engineers and professionals across Ghana and beyond, encouraging them to continuously strive for growth and overcome obstacles in pursuit of their goals.
As Ghana continues to develop its infrastructure and engineering capacity, the contributions of committed professionals like Engr. Adu-Mante remain crucial in building a sustainable and prosperous future.
Brief Profile
Mr. Kwame Adu-Mante is an accomplished professional with a diverse background. He currently serves as a Council Member of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and a Board Member of the Effia Kwesimintim Municipal Health Committee.
Engr. Kwame Adu-Mante founded Focus One Enterprise in 2003 after graduating from TTU, which has evolved to be FOCUS ONE GROUP, headquartered in Takoradi.
FOCUS ONE GROUP has an interest in Media, FMCG and Construction.
The subsidiaries are Focus 1 Media, which manages Spice FM and Beach FM in Sekondi Takoradi, PLUZZ FM in Accra and Orange FM in Kumasi.
Focus One distribution, which is an FMCG redistribution business and Focus One Construction, which is a growing construction firm operating mainly in the southern and middle belts of Ghana.
Engr. Kwame Adu-Mante’s extensive involvement in the Entrepreneurship space is highlighted by his additional roles, as Director of Kess Pharmaceuticals Limited, OLIVE HEALTH AND Diagnostics and Director of Bahamus Limited.
He has been adopted by the Sekondi Prisons for the past 13 years and supports them every Valentine’s Day. He also has various students on scholarships at various tertiary, secondary schools and is involved in community water projects.
Engr. Kwame Adu-Mante’s commitment to excellence began in 1997 at Obuasi Secondary Technical in the Ashanti Region.
After 23 years of leaving the field of academia and exploring the entrepreneurship field successfully, he’s back in the classroom.
Currently, Engr. Adu-Mante is pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Management at GIMPA, with an expected graduation date of January 2026.
Plastic waste continues to threaten aquatic ecosystems globally, according to Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.
Speaking during the 2025 World Environment Day event in Jeju, Republic of Korea, Andersen revealed that between 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems annually. This pollution affects lakes, rivers, and seas. She added that another 13 million tonnes of plastic settle in soil, further compounding the crisis.
Andersen, also the UN Under-Secretary-General, warned that plastic waste harms biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and burdens economies. The consequences include lost tourism income, polluted waterways, blocked drains, and increased flooding risks.
She noted that the current plastic use and disposal patterns overwhelm the environment and urged global action. “Plastic waste now finds its way into human lungs, arteries, brains, placentas, and even breast milk,” she stated.
Urgent Need for Systemic Solutions
Andersen emphasised that recycling alone will not solve the problem of plastic waste. She advocated for a comprehensive shift in the global approach to how plastic is designed, used, and discarded.
“We must tackle the entire plastic lifecycle using circular models that prevent pollution at the source,” she urged.
According to her, new product designs should support multiple uses and enable safe and economic recycling. She also called on the private sector to innovate and finance systems that promote reuse and reduce waste.
Refill and reuse models, Andersen noted, must become standard practice. She highlighted the importance of protecting workers in the plastics industry, particularly informal waste pickers.
“Ending plastic pollution requires a just transition that safeguards lives and livelihoods, especially in vulnerable communities,” she said.
Global Policy Momentum Builds
Progress is already underway, with more than 90 countries implementing restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Additionally, reuse initiatives worldwide are pushing societies toward a more circular economy.
Andersen praised efforts by nations exploring policies that encourage the design of reusable packaging. She also referenced the 2022 UN Environment Assembly decision to negotiate a global treaty on plastic waste.
Negotiations continued in Busan, Republic of Korea, with preparations now set for a fifth session in Geneva this August.
The UNEP Executive Director concluded by stressing that plastic waste management must be viewed as a critical issue for human, planetary, and economic health.
