The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled the Ohwim Chief, Nana Kusi Baaye II over alleged involvement in galamsey operations and other criminal allegations.
Nana Kusi Baayi II is also accused of illegal land sales, desecrating the Great Oath, extortion.
During the Kumasi Traditional Council sitting on Monday, February 24, 2025, the chief who served his town for sixteen years was interrogated and assessed based on the charges levelled against him. He was then found guilty and subsequently destooled.
The initial reason for summon was for the reckless invocation of the Asantehene’s Great Oath (Ntamkese), an act considered deceitful to Otumfuo and a desecration of the Golden Stool.
However, His own family head and members of his royal family testified against him, accusing him of selling family lands under the pretense of acting on behalf of the Asantehene, only to later allocate them for illegal mining(galamsey).
Nana Baayi II still pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
The deplorable state of roads in the Kwabre East district, particularly in Mamponteng Dumanafo, has been a long-standing issue that has plagued residents for years. Despite repeated calls for action, the community’s pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
Orange FM’s Community Lens segment recently visited the area, where residents expressed their frustration and disappointment over the appalling condition of their roads. The roads, which have been neglected for years, have become a major concern for the community.
“We’ve reported this issue to the authorities countless times, but nothing has been done,” said one resident. “We’re tired of the empty promises. We need action, not words.”
The community is now calling on the government to intervene and address their pressing issues. “We’re not asking for much,” said another resident. “We just want decent roads that won’t harm our health or hinder our businesses. We need the government’s support to resolve this crisis.”
The residents’ plea comes as a reminder of the urgent need for government intervention to address the region’s poor road infrastructure. Will their cries be heard, or will they continue to suffer in silence? Only time will tell.
The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has detained Kwaku Ohene Gyan, the former Deputy Director of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), popularly known as Osonoba. Gyan was reportedly taken into custody on Saturday evening and is currently being held at the NIB office in Kawukudi, Accra.
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, confirmed the detention during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem program. According to Boakye, Gyan’s legal team is expected to meet with him on Monday morning to discuss the situation and consider possible legal options for his bail.
Although the exact reasons for Gyan’s detention remain unclear. The NSA has recently been embroiled in a payroll scandal involving the presence of ghost names on its employee list. A headcount of active National Service personnel conducted by the Ministry of Finance to clear allowance arrears from August 2024 revealed substantial discrepancies. Following the verification process, GH₵226,019,224 was released for payments to 98,145 personnel—far below the 180,030 names initially submitted by the NSA’s previous management.
In response to the scandal, President John Mahama has ordered an investigation and directed the new NSA leadership to implement urgent reforms aimed at preventing future fraudulent activities. As the probe continues, authorities are also reportedly searching for former NSA Deputy Executive Director Gifty Oware-Mensah, who is said to be on the run amid the allegations.
The situation remains fluid as legal teams work to secure Gyan’s release and the government pursues efforts to address the irregularities and hold those responsible accountable.
Lydia Akanvariba Lamisi, the Minister of State-designate for Public Sector Reforms, has revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) revoked her employment when it took office in 2017. Despite her personal experience, Akanvariba assured the public that she would not engage in similar dismissals. Instead, she committed to implementing measures aimed at enhancing efficiency in the public sector.
During her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on February 24, Akanvariba outlined her vision for the public sector. She emphasized the importance of productivity, efficiency, and fair rewards for public sector workers. “My vision for the public sector is to create an efficient and responsive system that delivers on the government’s agenda and meets the needs of the people,” she stated.
Lydia Akanvariba highlighted the need for good working environments, training, and capacity building. She promised to collaborate with state and non-state actors to integrate new technologies and improve service delivery. Additionally, she pledged to empower women in business and ensure that public sector reforms contribute to national development.
As part of her agenda, Akanvariba vowed to strengthen the digital platforms established under President Akufo-Addo’s administration. She affirmed her commitment to using these technological systems to promote accountability and transform public sector operations. Key initiatives she plans to enhance include the Ghana.GOV platform, the Ghana Revenue Authority payment system, and the Paperless Port system.
“I do believe digitalisation is the way to go,” Lydia Akanvariba said during her vetting. “Some work has been done on the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System and the current payment system, but that is not enough. I’m here to strengthen what has started already. There are offices, like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, that don’t even have enough workable computers. It’s my responsibility to continue from where the Akufo-Addo administration started and make the public sector efficient, modern, and robust.”
Lydia Akanvariba also called for a comprehensive review of the public sector recruitment process. She stressed the importance of ensuring that recruitment into public institutions remains fair, transparent, and merit-based. “We should have a national dialogue on how we hire and recruit into the public sector,” she suggested.
Beyond recruitment, she underscored the need to leverage technology to enhance public sector efficiency and curb corruption. “People think that when you mention the public sector, it is just about the local service, but there are many agencies involved. We need to understand how we can use technology to tackle corruption,” she noted.
When asked about the termination of last-minute appointments made by the Akufo-Addo administration, Lydia Akanvariba emphasized the importance of engagement and collective agreement. “It’s about understanding the issues and reaching a collective agreement on how we put people into our services,” she concluded.
Skills training is one of the most effective ways to address the growing unemployment rate in Ghana, the Director of Sar Consult, Sidik Abdul-Rahman has indicated.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of graduates from various universities who are unable to secure job opportunities.
As at the first three quarters of 2023, the average unemployment rate in the country rose to 14.7 percent.
The number of unemployed youth aged 15 to 35 increased from approximately 1.2 million to over 1.3 million during this period, with the unemployment rate among females consistently higher than that of males.
For the past 11 years, Sar Consult has trained hundreds of students in various skills, including bakery, decoration, event management, soap making, cookery among others.
In light of this, Mr. Rahman noted that it’s significant to prioritize technical and vocational education training.
“We believe that focusing on technical and vocational education is one of the surest ways for the country to progress,” he stated after the graduation of 11 students from the school in Kumasi.
The Director also noted that the school has continued to collaborate with other institutions, including the National Service Authority, to equip young people with employable skills.
He urged the government to support schools like his and invest in technical and vocational education to boost the local economy and create sustainable jobs for the youth.
The graduands expressed their gratitude to the school authorities for effectively guiding them through their courses and encouraged other young people to follow suit.
One of the students, Suallah Sahadatu, urged graduates who are currently unemployed to take advantage of skills training institutions to acquire employable skills.
She believes that the informal sector often offers better pay than many jobs in the formal sector, and therefore, the youth should embrace skills training.
At least 5,000 Muslims across the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper West Regions of Ghana are set to receive essential food supplies as part of the 2025 edition of the Ramadan Food Basket Initiative.
This initiative, overseen by Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin Humanitarian Service, aims to assist vulnerable and marginalized Muslim families in preparing for the fasting month of Ramadan, ensuring they can observe the holy period without facing food scarcity.
Since its inception in 2022, the project has been funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief) from Saudi Arabia, which has partnered with Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin to distribute food items to thousands of beneficiaries in Ghana.
Each food basket is packed with staple items, including 25 kg of rice, 25 kg of maize, 4 kg of beans, 2 liters of vegetable oil, 0.8 kg of seasoning cubes, 1 kg of salt, and 2 kg of tomato paste.
During the launch of the event held in Kumasi, Mr. Ismail Mohammed Kamil, Executive Director of Markaz Aleawn Alyaqin Humanitarian Service, said the project plays a vital role in supporting many families during Ramadan.
He noted that the initiative would provide nutritious food to sustain families throughout the fasting period.
In addition to food distribution, KS Relief has been actively engaged in various humanitarian efforts across Ghana, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the lives of Ghanaians through sustainable projects.
Mr. Kamil expressed heartfelt gratitude to KS Relief for their support and humanitarian efforts, praying for divine guidance for all those involved in the initiative.
Sultan Abdurahman Al Dhakel, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Ghana, remarked that the food distribution reflects the humanitarian and social initiatives undertaken by KS Relief in numerous countries worldwide.
Meanwhile, during the Ambassador’s visit to the Ashanti Region, Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, advocated for a partnership with the Saudi Arabian government to foster agriculture in the region.
He noted that this initiative aims to encourage youth participation in the sector, thereby creating sustainable jobs and ensuring food security.
Dr. Amoakohene stated that agriculture is the backbone of the nation and should be prioritized.
He also commended the Saudi government for its support of Muslims in the region through the Food Basket Project.
The National Celebrations Planning Committee has announced the lineup of activities for the 2025 Independence Day Celebration.
This year’s celebration would mark Ghana’s 68th Anniversary since independence. The planned events will feature a blend of historical commemorations, educational contests, and a grand ceremonial parade, all aimed at involving citizens, especially the youth, in national history and fostering patriotism.
This annual event honors the memory of three ex-servicemen who were shot during a protest for their rights in 1948, an incident that was a key moment in Ghana’s struggle for independence.
The lined up activities are:
Commemoration of the 28th February Crossroad Shooting Incident on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Finals of a nationwide school quiz competition on Sunday March 02, 2025.
Finals of a nationwide debate competition on Tuesday March 04, 2025.
President’s school children awards programme on Wednesday March 05, 2025.
Ceremonial parade at the forecourt of the Presidency on Thursday March 06, 2025.
A 19-year-old UCC student (University of Cape Coast), Enoch Eshun, has received a brand-new car and a cash donation of GH₵20,000 from businessman Yaw Amponsah Marfo, CEO of Yesu Dea, a subsidiary of VIP Buses Transport Services Limited. Marfo, also known as Agya Wiase, extended this gesture to support Enoch’s mobility and ease his financial burden after learning about his rare medical condition.
Enoch , the UCC student, who has been unable to sit or bend for the past five years due to Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), gained widespread attention after his interview with blogger Zion Felix went viral. His story moved many Ghanaians as he described the daily challenges of living with the condition, which forces him to either stand or lie down at all times.
After seeing Enoch’s story in a viral video, Marfo decided to donate a Hyundai Tucson to improve his transportation and reduce the financial strain on his family. He also gave Enoch’s mother GH₵20,000 to support her business and commended her for standing by her son through his struggles.
Before receiving the car, Enoch, the UCC student, faced significant commuting challenges. Unable to sit, he had to hire private vehicles daily to attend lectures and manage his activities on campus, which placed a heavy financial burden on his family. The car donation is expected to make movement easier for him and allow him to focus on his education without worrying about transportation costs.
Expressing his gratitude, Enoch described the donation as life-changing and thanked Marfo for his generosity, as well as all Ghanaians who have supported him since his story became public. His mother, who also received financial assistance, became emotional and expressed deep appreciation for the unexpected relief the gift brought to their family.
FOP, a rare genetic disorder, gradually turns muscle tissue and connective tissues into bone, restricting movement and causing severe mobility loss over time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms typically begin in childhood, affecting the neck and shoulders before spreading to other parts of the body. While medical experts continue to search for a cure, the support from Yaw Amponsah Marfo marks a significant milestone in Enoch’s journey to overcome his daily struggles.
The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, has called on the government to reform the country’s VAT (Value Added Tax) system. He describes it as “the killer in the room” stifling local businesses.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, February 20, Dr. Ayim-Darke stressed the urgent need for VAT reforms to prevent market distortions and operational challenges. He also emphasized that it should be done particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“The major tax issue we have tabled is the rationalization of Value Added Tax. It is distorting a lot of operations,” he stated.
He highlighted inconsistencies in the system, illustrating how VAT regulations create an uneven playing field for businesses.
“Imagine two companies operating in the same sector, importing the same product, and paying the same HS code for raw materials. Yet, because of how VAT is applied, their treatments are completely different. That inconsistency is distorting the market and hurting competitiveness.” he explained.
Dr. Ayim-Darke emphasized that AGI’s top recommendation to the Finance Ministry is a complete overhaul of the Value Added Tax regime.
“If you want to implement a total VAT at 21%, then fine, let’s do input-output VAT properly. But don’t embed levies within it that distort our operations. When you do that, businesses have no choice but to pass the cost onto consumers. And this defeats the purpose of fair taxation and stifles economic growth.” he argued.
He underscored that VAT reform must go beyond rate adjustments to ensure fairness and compliance.
“Once VAT is rationalized, the government, through its agencies, must ensure compliance and proper collection. Businesses shouldn’t be burdened with inefficiencies in the system,” he noted.
He acknowledged the government’s efforts in removing certain COVID-related and betting taxes. Dr. Ayim-Darke also insisted that the Value Added Tax remains the most pressing concern.
“Yes, we welcome the steps taken on those taxes—it’s a 60% pick of our concerns—but let’s not kid ourselves. VAT is the biggest hurdle. It’s the elephant in the room—or as I call it, the killer in the room. If we don’t streamline it now, the repercussions for local industries will be dire,” he warned.
He concluded by urging the government to act decisively. “Our message is simple: rationalize VAT. Remove the distortions, level the playing field, and let’s support local industries to thrive. Instead of suffocating them under unfair tax structures,” he said.
Energy Minister John Jinapor has rejected reports suggesting that the government plans to sell the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the state-owned power distributor.
While speaking to the media during a working visit to the West African Gas Pipeline Company Station in Tema, Jinapor firmly denied such claims, stressing that ECG will not be sold. However, he explained that the government is looking for private sector involvement to improve efficiency and financial sustainability.
“The reports, publications, and comments from certain individuals who should know better, claiming that we are selling ECG, are false. It will not be sold. However, we are seeking private sector participation to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and increase revenue, allowing us to meet some of these financial obligations,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
The Minister also discussed the financial challenges caused by inefficiencies in the energy sector, noting that funds intended for development projects are being redirected to pay off debts owed to energy suppliers like the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) and N-Gas.
Mr. Jinapor reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing ECG’s performance by engaging the private sector to boost efficiency, minimize financial losses, and increase revenue.
The discussion surrounding ECG’s future comes at a time when the country is grappling with challenges in the energy sector, particularly concerning debts and financial sustainability. The government insists that reforms are essential to ensure the sector’s long-term viability while safeguarding public interest.
