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GIBA Urges Members to Comply with Broadcasting Rules Amid Ongoing Audit

By
Ivy Hollys
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giba on closure of radio stations

The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has advised its members to follow all broadcasting authorization rules to avoid regulatory sanctions.

This follows the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Technology’s recent shutdown of seven radio stations for operating without proper authorization.

In a statement signed by GIBA President Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, the association stressed the need for strict compliance to uphold industry integrity.

GIBA emphasized that all broadcasters must adhere to their licensing terms to maintain a responsible and regulated media environment. Referencing a similar exercise carried out by the National Communications Authority (NCA) in 2017 under Section 13(1)(c) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (ACT 775), GIBA encouraged members to adhere strictly to terms and conditions associated with their granted broadcasting authorizations.

The statement read, “we strongly encourage all members of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and broadcasters to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions associated with their granted broadcasting authorizations. Compliance is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the broadcasting sector.”

The association assured members that it is actively engaging with the National Communications Authority (NCA) regarding the ongoing audit. “GIBA is actively engaging with the NCA regarding this audit exercise and remains committed to supporting its members,” the statement read. 

The association further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting broadcasters and urged those facing regulatory challenges to seek assistance from its Secretariat.

Read the full statement below: 

GIBA

Read also: GJA President Condemns Violence Against Journalists

Akuffo Addo admits economic challenges, protests made his tenure unpopular.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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akufo-addo
Nana Akuffo Addo

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has acknowledged that economic difficulties and frequent public protests during his time in office played a major role in his government’s declining popularity.

During the launch of a book by former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, Akufo-Addo reflected on the economic hardships of his presidency, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected Ghana’s financial stability. He pointed out that the global health crisis disrupted economies worldwide, including Ghana, causing a sharp downturn in economic activity.

With international capital markets largely out of reach, his government had limited options and ultimately had to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance to stabilize the economy.

Akufo-Addo admitted that the resulting economic challenges fueled widespread public dissatisfaction, leading to numerous protests across the country. Although he acknowledged that the protests were not as intense as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) riots in Ghana and other African nations in the 1980s, he recognized that they were significant enough to undermine public trust in his administration.

Mahama criticizes the Akufo-Addo administration for mishandling Ghana’s economy

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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official-portrait-of-John-mahama :free tertiary education

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has criticized the previous Akuffo Addo- Bawumia led administration, emphatically stating that they criminally mismanaged the Ghanaian economy.

The President said this at the National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment—where the government announced a 10% increase in base pay for public sector workers, effective March 2025, expressing shock at the economic mismanagement he has uncovered a few days since he resumed office.

In this delivery, he stated, “We all knew the economy was in crisis, but some of the things I am uncovering myself have been a criminal mishandling of our economy. Ghana is now a crime scene”.“How can a government be so reckless? I cannot understand,”

Minimum wage serves as the baseline for wages across various sectors which impact both formal and informal income earners of the economy. there have been several calls for an increase in minimum wage over the years, and yielded results in 2024 when a 23% increase was approved by government,and now a 10% increase effective March 2025.

Illegal Mining Crisis In Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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illegal mining by akonta mining
illegal mining

Illegal mining has seized control of nine forest reserves in Ghana, blocking the Forestry Commission from accessing these protected areas. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah revealed on Tuesday, February 19.

Addressing Parliament, Buah described the situation as a national crisis. He warned that illegal miners, known locally as galamseyers, pose a severe threat to the country’s forests and water bodies.

“Ghana is currently faced with an unprecedented threat to our forest resources and water bodies due largely to illegal small-scale mining activities. This situation has assumed crisis proportions,” Buah told Parliament.

He disclosed that illegal miners have overrun more than nine out of Ghana’s 44 forest reserves, operating with impunity and denying Forestry Commission officials access to these protected areas.

Despite the alarming situation, Buah assured lawmakers that the government remains resolute in its fight against illegal mining. He pledged decisive action to reclaim the nation’s forests and safeguard its natural resources.

ANAQ Foundation and Super Ladies Feed Over 1,000 Children in Kumasi on Val’s Day

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The ANAQ Foundation, in collaboration with Super Ladies, have provided meals to more than 1,000 street children in Kumasi on Valentine’s Day.

This initiative was aimed at showing love and support for vulnerable children, particularly on a day dedicated to expressing affection.

The organizations distributed food at key locations, including the Amakom and Aful-Nkwanta traffic light areas, reaching out to children and their mothers in need.

Ama Nyarko Attafuah-Quainoo, President of the ANAQ Foundation, said it was important to feed the children who are often compelled to beg on the streets with hunger.

“We decided that the little God has blessed us with, instead of going to sit at a place and enjoy ourselves as ladies because it’s Valentine’s Day, let us share it, so we are spreading love today to the street children,” she stated.

Mrs. Quaino also expressed concerns regarding the lack of effective solutions from authorities to address the issue of street children in the country.

“The authorities must act swiftly to ensure that these children do not grow up on the streets without access to education. This is a national security issue. If we do not intervene, by the time they reach ages 15 and 16, they may resort to crime, because they will think that society has disappointed them,” she noted.

While acknowledging the current inaction from authorities, Mrs. Quaino believes it is still essential to provide support and nourishment to these children on special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

She called for increased public support to sustain their philanthropic efforts.

The ANAQ Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease and maternal health, while the Super Ladies focus on empowering vulnerable women through skills training and support for women-led businesses in Ghana.

Sophia Akuffo Defends Council Of State Appointments, Pledges Independent Council

By
Ivy Hollys
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sophia akuffo
sophia akuffo

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has affirmed her appointment to Ghana’s 9th Council of State, insisting that her selection adheres to constitutional requirements. President John Mahama swore in Akuffo and 30 other members of the advisory body on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Jubilee House.

Addressing journalists after the ceremony, Sophia Akuffo clarified that she occupies the position in her capacity as a former Chief Justice and not as a representative of the judiciary. She highlighted the constitutional provision that reserves a seat on the Council for a former Chief Justice. And also, asserting that her appointment came as no surprise.

“I am a former Chief Justice, am I not? Do I or do I not qualify? Many people actually expected me to be selected,” she said.

Sophia Akuffo assured the public that she would carry out her advisory role with integrity and independence. She stressed that she has to offer honest counsel to the President, rather than simply endorse decisions.

On President Mahama’s Directive To Pay Bondholders( Sophia Akuffo).

Her judicial expertise and history of advocacy underscore her commitment to good governance and financial accountability.
In 2024, Akuffo led calls for the government to honour bond payments owed to bondholders, including herself. She commended President Mahama’s recent directive to the Finance Minister to ensure bondholder payments. Akuffo describes the action as lawful and appropriate.

“The President’s action was in perfect order and per the law. My stand was not about my pocket; it was about the principle that when the state makes a promise through a contract, it must honor it,” she remarked.

When asked if she would protest again should payment delays recur, Akuffo remained resolute.When asked if she would protest again should payment delays recur, Sophia Akuffo remained resolute.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’m not someone who bows to wrongness. Now that I’m in an advisory position, I trust that if we provide good advice, it will be taken,” she said.

Observers anticipate that Akuffo will bring a firm, independent perspective to the Council of State. Especially on legal and constitutional issues, as she begins her tenure under President Mahama’s administration.

Lydia Contraceptives Supports New Mothers in Kumasi

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Lydia Contraceptives has distributed baby care packages to 20 new mothers in Kumasi as part of the company’s Valentine’s Day celebration.

This initiative aims to support mothers who welcomed their babies on Valentine’s Day at the Manhyia Government Hospital and the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The donated items included baby clothes, feeding bottles, and hygiene products.

Michael Adewale, the Brand Manager of Lydia Contraceptives, stated that the initiative is designed to alleviate the challenges faced by these mothers.

He explained that February is a month dedicated to love, hence making it essential to support the new mothers on this special day.

“Lydia Contraceptives, as a brand, cares about women particularly mothers. Their health is more paramount to us, so, on this day, we want to show our love to these mothers for carrying their babies for nine months. It’s not easy, so we need to appreciate them,” he stated.

He encouraged the public, particularly women, to take advantage of the company’s services, including the Lydia IUD, when needed.

Hawa Sulemana, the Midwifery Officer in charge of the Maternity Surgical Ward at the Manhyia Government Hospital, expressed her gratitude to the company, noting that this gesture will significantly benefit the mothers.

She also urged the government and other organizations to extend their support to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the beneficiary mothers commended Lydia Contraceptives for its efforts towards alleviating their plights and fostering maternal health.

GJA President Condemns Violence Against Journalists

By
Ivy Hollys
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Albert-Kwabena-Dwumfour-GJA-President On journalist attacks

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfuor, has condemned the increasing violence against journalists in Ghana. Addressing a press conference, he stressed the need for ethical journalism and called for an address of the issues faced by journalists in the country. 

Violence Against Journalists

Mr. Dwumfuor described the recent attacks on journalists as alarming and unacceptable. He cited the brutal assault on Ohene Tawiah of the Multimedia Group Limited by illegal small-scale miners. Tawiah was leading a joint news team to cover a police operation when he was nearly killed by a violent mob.

He also referenced the assault on Erastus Asare Donkor, another journalist from the same media house, by small-scale miners last year. Despite these attacks, he lamented that the perpetrators remain unpunished.

He further expressed his disappointment with the assault on journalists in recent times. He stated, “It is very sad to note that in the month of love, while people are demonstrating love to their dear ones with red gifts, our colleagues who were in the line of duty were made to see red blood as reward for serving Mother Ghana.”

“It is also disheartening to note that just about 50 days into the second John Mahama administration, we have witnessed seven cases of assault against journalists. This is unprecedented.”

According to Mr. Dwumfour, four journalists were attacked in Kumasi while covering the election of the Ashanti Region representative on the Council of State. He said intelligence by the GIJ suggests these individuals were supporters of the ruling NDC. “Our intelligence suggests that the thugs and criminals who assaulted the journalists are supporters or sympathizers of the ruling National Democratic Congress, NDC,” he stressed.  

He further expressed his dissatisfaction with the fact that the perpetrators had not been brought to justice. “Unfortunately, no arrests or prosecutions have been made. The mind-boggling question is, if REGSEC cannot provide security in its own backyard, how can it provide security elsewhere? This only sends warning signals that Ghana is heading towards a state of anarchy. It appears there is no law and order, and there is no security in the country.”

Citing the case involving the assault of two journalists in Walewale, Mr. Dwumfuor criticized the Ghana Police Service and military for failing to protect journalists. He said, “Journalist Alhassan Dokurugu of Asaase Radio and journalist Tahiru Ibrahim of Zaa Multimedia were assaulted by military personnel while covering an incident involving the setting ablaze of a bus at Nalerigu Junction. The incident occurred in the presence of the police, but they neither protected the journalist nor arrested the perpetrators.”

“We once again call on the Ghana Police Service, as promised by the IGP, to bring the perpetrators to face justice. We will not end there. We also call on the military high command to investigate this incident and sanction the wayward military personnel,” he added.

Journalism Ethics and Responsibility

While addressing attacks on journalists, Mr. Dwumfuor emphasized the importance of ethical journalism. He expressed concern over the branding of news on Angel FM as ‘Orgasm News,’ stating that such naming undermines media professionalism and decency.

“We think using the word orgasm to christen the media news defiles decency in journalism. We urge the management of Angel FM to be positively innovative and find an angelic name for the media news,” he stated.

High Cost of Locally Produced Chocolate

Addressing some national issues, Mr. Dwumfuor raised concerns about the high cost of locally produced chocolate in Ghana. He pointed out that despite Ghana being the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, locally made chocolate remains unaffordable for many citizens.

“one bar of golden cream chocolate is sold at wholesale price for 25 Ghana cedis… In other shops, the same bar of chocolate is sold at retail price for 30 Ghana cedis, while on the streets it is sold for 40 Ghana cedis. How many Ghanaians can afford this with a current minimum wage of 18.15 pesewas? ” he questioned.

He urged the Cocoa Processing Company and Ghana Cocoa Board to take immediate steps to make locally produced chocolate more affordable.

As Ghana continues to celebrate National Chocolate Day in February, Mr. Dwumfuor stressed that citizens should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor without financial constraints.

Call for Action

The GJA President called on President John Mahama to personally intervene in the rising cases of violence against journalists. He reminded the President of his promise to promote media freedom and protect journalists.

“We wish to take this opportunity to appeal to one of our own, a senior member of this fraternity, the President of the Republic of Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama, to take a personal interest in these cases as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested, arraigned, and punished for their crimes.” he concluded.

The GJA reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and the welfare of journalists, calling on all stakeholders to work together to protect the media’s role in national development.

Egyapa Mercer’s Thank You Tour In Sekondi, Urges Support for Current MP

By
Ivy Hollys
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thank you tour
thank you tour

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has undertaken his “thank you tour” in sekondi constituency to personally thank residents for their support during his eight years in office and throughout the 2024 election period, which resulted in his defeat.

Egyapa Mercer visited the Sekondi Market Queen Mothers as part of his “Thank You Sekondi” tour on Tuesday, February 18. He discussed development concerns within the constituency and acknowledged the vital role market leaders had played during his tenure.

Addressing the Queen Mothers, Egyapa Mercer highlighted his consistent engagement with them over the years and expressed disappointment that the government had not completed the planned Sekondi Market construction project. He explained that financial constraints arising from post-COVID economic challenges stalled the project, despite its inclusion in the 2022-2024 Medium Term Public Investment Projects framework.

He encouraged the market leaders to remain hopeful about future development initiatives and assured them that he had taken note of their concerns. Egyapa Mercer urged the Queen Mothers to persist in advocating for the constituency’s progress.

Throughout his interactions, Egyapa Mercer reaffirmed his dedication to Sekondi’s development, even though he no longer holds office. He emphasized the need for unity and cooperation to foster growth in the community.

Concluding his “thank you tour’ visit, he expressed profound gratitude to his constituents for their trust and support during his parliamentary service. He called on residents to extend the same goodwill and cooperation to the newly elected MP, stressing that collective effort would drive Sekondi’s continued development.

Reflecting on the engagement, Egyapa Mercer noted, “We held a highly productive discussion. During my eight-year tenure as MP, I consistently engaged the Sekondi Market Queens to seek their input on how best to advance the development of Sekondi.”

He added, “I expressed my disappointment that our government could not fulfill the planned Sekondi Market project during my time in office due to financial setbacks caused by post-COVID economic challenges. The project had been captured in the 2022-2024 Medium Term Public Investment Projects framework. I urged them to stay hopeful.”

Egyapa Mercer reassured his constituents during the “thank you tour” that,although his tenure had ended, his commitment to Sekondi’s progress remained steadfast.

Gov’t disburses GHS 6.08bn to DDEP bondholders.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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official-portrait-of-John-mahama :free tertiary education

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to the Ministry of Finance to honour the Payment-in-Cash(PIC) coupon of GHS 6.01 billion to all Domestic Debt Exchange Programme(DDEP) bondholders. Government has also honoured Payment-in-Kind (PIK) portion of GHS3.46 billion, deposited into the respective bondholders’ securities accounts in line with DDEP Memorandum.

This announcement was made in a press release on February 17, 2025 by Spokesperson to the President Felix Ofosu Kwaakye.

Additionally, Government has also paid into the Debt Service Recovery Cedi Account(Sinking Fund) an amount of GHS 9.7 billions a buffer for the 5th DDEP coupon that will fall due in July and August, 2025.

He also added that government seeks to restore fiscal prudence while ensuring value for every pesewa spent. “Despite the challenging economy that was bequeathed by the previous administration, Government is determined to bring back a stable cedi, control spiralling inflation and create jobs for the teeming youth of our country”, he assured.

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