The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno in keeping with his promise to wage a relentless war on illegal mining activities (galamsey) has reshuffled Police commanders in galamsey prone areas.
This is said to be the first phase of the reshuffle exercise as many more are expected to follow to inject fresh energy in the fight against illegal mining activities in the country.
Police Commands affected include some Divisional and District Commanders mainly in the Eastern South, Western and Western North Police Regions.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in its war against illegal mining (galamsey).
A special four continuous days intelligence-led anti-galamsey operations which started on 17th April 2025 within the Samreboi enclave in the Western Region has resulted in the arrest of 47 people for illegal mining activities along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri and Nimiri forests of the Western region.
The suspects comprise 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese as well as four (4) women.
Exhibits retrieved during the operation include.
1. Seventeen (17) excavators
2. One (1) bulldozer
3. Four (4) motorbikes
4. Two (2) Toyota Hilux vehicles
5. One (1) Rav4 vehicle
6. Four (4) pump action guns
7. One (1) single barrel gun
8. 54 live BB cartridges and
9. Eight (8) pumping machines
All the suspects are in custody and will be taken through the due process of the law.
Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia, has assured the people of Keta and surrounding coastal communities in the Volta Region of the government’s unwavering commitment to completing the Keta Sea Defence Project.
The initiative, he said, is aimed at mitigating the long-standing frustrations and environmental threats faced by residents in the area.
Speaking on behalf of Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic, Mr. Segbefia joined the people of the Volta Region to celebrate this year’s Easter celebrations.
He was accompanied by the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, as they toured several communities, including Keta, Alakple, Kedzi and Wltey-Sakpakukope.
During his visit to Alakple, Mr. Segbefia, on behalf of the Vice President’s office, made a financial donation of an undisclosed amount in support of the construction of a CHPS compound and a road project to enhance healthcare delivery and local infrastructure.
Addressing residents, Mr. Segbefia emphasised that the Keta Sea Defence Project is a top priority for the government and forms part of a broader strategy to address the impact of coastal erosion in other vulnerable communities along Ghana’s coastline.
He expressed gratitude to the people of the Volta Region for their overwhelming support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections and reassured them of the government’s dedication to addressing the region’s development challenges.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Farrell announced.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” the announcement continued.
Farrell added: “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope who suffered from ‘prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis‘ associated with thrombocytopenia was recovering at his residence.
Francis was born in Buenos Aires on Dec. 17, 1936, to Italian immigrant parents.
He studied in Argentina and later in Germany before being ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969.
Over a decade into his papacy, Pope Francis remained a figure of admiration and controversy.
He sought to reform the Vatican’s bureaucracy, tackle corruption, and address some of the Church’s most pressing challenges.
While he had been hailed for his humility and commitment to social justice, his leadership had also drawn sharp resistance from conservatives within the Church and beyond.
President John Mahama has underscored the need for the private sector to partner with the government in shaping the future of employment in the country.
According to him, the future of the country will not be a preserve of the government alone.
Speaking at the Opening of the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday,April 19, 2025, under the theme: The Future of Business: The role of the Financial Sector, President Mahama said to truly enable business growth, the country must go beyond economic policy.
“It requires a firm commitment to rule of law, political stability, and respect for contracts and property
rights. It also requires a responsive, corruption-free public service that sees the private sector not just as a revenue source, but as a development partner” he stated
President Mahama intimated that the Kwahu Business Forum will help build a Ghana that is competitive, productive and inclusive
“The Kwahu Business Forum is more than an event—it is a call to action. Let us work together to build a Ghana that is competitive, productive, and inclusive. A Ghana that
creates opportunity for all” he explained
He added “the future of Ghana will not be determined by government alone. It will be determined by our ability to build partnerships—between state and private sector,
between finance and innovation, and between leadership and the people”
The Kwahu Business Forum is a major initiative to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of Ghana’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
It is a direct response to the government’s vision of expanding Ghana’s private sector capacity, especially in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors of the economy.
As a non-partisan national development agenda, the Kwahu Business Forum brings together business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, and major industry players to network, share experiences, and explore ways to raise capital or leverage available products from financial institutions.
The maiden forum, held during the 2024 Easter festivities at Mpraeso, the capital of Kwahu South District of the Eastern region, successfully brought together business magnates and young entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and expectations with the then-candidate John Mahama. Metalex, Rocksters, Sikkens, Ernest Chemists, East Cantonments Pharmacy, Fon Tissue and other successful business brands were present.
This year’s event features both a forum and an exhibition. The forum will offer direct interaction between business owners and top financial executives, while the exhibition space will provide an avenue for product pitching and networking.
The 2025 Kwahu Business Forum builds on the inaugural event’s success, “aligning with the President’s goal of developing more Ghanaian-owned SMEs that champion export and manufacturing.”
According to the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, “President Mahama wants to be remembered for that one thing, that during his tenure, at least if for nothing, he brought up the conversation, invited business people, and asked them to start something; not just starting, but encouraging banks to give them the necessary support so that we will develop our nation.”.
Debutant producer, Bella Agyemang, has been lauded by Silverbird Cinemas and other industry players for her Box Office ‘Magic’ over the weekend.
Bella’s ‘Check In ’ movie has received praise for being the first to sell at the cinemas this year.
In an interview, the Sales and Marketing Lead at Silverbird Cinemas Ghana, Nana Kwame Obiri-Tete said, for a debutant, Bella Agyemang did fantastically well in her maiden premiere.
He was proud of Bella Agyemang’s effort in getting people to show up, adding that she engaged in a lot of marketing activities.
He said her marketing activations on the streets, coupled with other Public Relations endeavours, pointed in the right direction.
“With what she has done, it shows that Bella has a big future. You might have a good product, but if you fail to market it, you cannot get people to patronize. Bella put in a lot of work, which is why she was able to draw a lot of people to the premiere,” Obiri-Tetteh said.
Bella Agyemang, on her part, expressed appreciation to fellow actors, her team, media personalities and all stakeholders who supported her effort ahead of the premiere.
The much-awaited star-studded Ghanaian comedy movie ‘Check-In’ premiered at Silverbird Cinemas on April 12, 2025.
The movie tells a story of chaos and a blackout at a secluded hotel, and amidst these, a resourceful attendant must unravel hidden connections between guests and restore peace before secrets tear them apart.
The movie, produced by Bella Agyemang, featured Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD), Clemento Suarez, Jeneral Ntatia, Priscilla Opoku-Agyeman, Felicia Osei, Gideon Kojo Boakye, Clinton Odoi, Fiifi Jefferson Pratt, and Gabriel Hogan among others.
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is “Restoration” with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first one scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5 pm on May 11, 2025, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4 pm on May 25, 2025.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also launched a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, is not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
Former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sefwi Akontombra, Appiah-Kubi Baidoo, has officially resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing prolonged maltreatment and neglect by the party as the reason behind his decision.
In a letter addressed to the NPP Constituency Chairman of Sefwi Akontombra, Appiah-Kubi Baidoo expressed deep disappointment over what he described as years of mistreatment directed at him and his immediate family.
According to him, all efforts—including several written appeals—to draw the attention of the party’s National Executives to his grievances have proven futile.
“This decision has been arrived at following years of maltreatment meted out to me and my immediate family by the party,” the letter stated.
“All efforts including written appeals to get the attention of the National Executives have yielded no results.”
Appiah-Kubi Baidoo, who served as the DCE for Akontombra under the administration of Former President John Agyekum Kuffour and also contested as the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate on three occasions, extended his gratitude to the party for the opportunities granted him over the years.
“I would like to thank the party for the opportunity to serve as a District Chief Executive and three (3) times as its Parliamentary Candidate of the Sefwi Akontombra Constituency,” he wrote.
He further offered an unreserved apology to his loyal supporters and sympathisers, acknowledging the impact his decision may have on them.
“I unreservedly apologise to the thousands of supporters and sympathisers who have been with me through thick and thin over the last two decades and who will in one way or the other be affected by my resignation.”
Appiah-Kubi Baidoo signed off his resignation by wishing the NPP well in its future endeavors.
The letter was also copied to the Western North Regional Chairman of the NPP, the party’s General Secretary in Accra, and the media.
In a major boost for Ghana’s smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has signed a fund management agreement with ARB Apex Bank to operationalize a US$1 million Revolving Fund under the Food and Nutrition Security Resilience Project.
Funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP), the initiative aims to improve food and nutrition security across 12 selected districts in the five northern regions and the Oti Region.
The Revolving Fund will provide low-interest loans to farmers and agribusinesses involved in the production of staple crops such as maize, rice, cowpea, soybean, and groundnut, as well as in vegetable and poultry farming.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, lauded GAFSP for the US$20 million grant backing the wider project and expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank for its technical support.
“This Revolving Fund, with a 10% interest rate and flexible repayment terms, is a game-changer for our farmers, especially women-led groups who often struggle to access affordable credit,” the Minister stated. “It will boost incomes, strengthen food systems, and empower communities.”
ARB Apex Bank, which will manage the fund through its extensive network of over 800 Rural and Community Bank locations, was praised for its proximity to rural beneficiaries and strong track record in implementing social investment projects.
Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Mr. Alex Kwasi Awuah, assured the Minister and stakeholders of the bank’s commitment to high standards in credit management and project accountability.
“We are honored to be entrusted with this role and will ensure the responsible disbursement and recovery of funds to sustain this intervention,” Mr. Awuah affirmed.
The Revolving Fund complements existing government initiatives like the Feed Ghana Programme and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) scheme, aligning with the broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda.
Hon. Opoku urged all stakeholders to ensure efficient fund administration, with a focus on transparency and impact.
“This is about real transformation—ensuring that smallholder farmers, especially women and the youth, can lift themselves out of poverty through agriculture,” he concluded.
Three island communities in the Ada East District namely Azizakpe, Alorkem, and Aflive have received electricity for the first time following the commissioning of mini-grid electrification projects funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The initiative is expected to significantly enhance productivity, support local enterprises, and improve the overall living conditions in these previously underserved areas.
The mini-grids mark a major milestone in Ghana’s push to expand renewable energy access to remote communities.
At the commissioning ceremony, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, indicated that over 3,000 residents will benefit from the project.
He also announced that the government is set to scale up its electrification efforts to reach 150 additional off-grid island and lake communities.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to extend electricity access to more than 250,000 people across the country as Ghana works toward achieving universal energy access.
“Very soon, we shall launch a bold program, a new program that seeks to bring on board over 250,000 people living across 150 island and lake communities allowing them to also have access to electricity. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
“We intend to pursue an ambitious and aggressive program where our ultimate objective will be to hook on 150 island and lake communities so that they can also get access to electricity. This initiative will certainly expand the reach of renewable energy to even more underserved areas, accelerating our efforts towards energy equity and inclusion and achieving our primary objective of hitting 99.8% access to electricity in line with our policy of light for life program,” the minister highlighted.
Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, also underscored the importance of sustainability in development projects. She urged stakeholders to ensure consistent maintenance of the new energy infrastructure to protect the investment and secure long-term benefits for the communities.
“It would be unfortunate if these mini grids are not properly maintained and operated. I am especially addressing the VRA in this regard as they serve as custodians of these assets. I am confident that we are leaving the mini grids in competent hands,” she remarked.
Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Acting Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for effective and sustainable management of the mini-grids to ensure their continued operation and impact.
“As the operating entity, the Volta River Authority remains committed to the long term sustainability and efficient management of these assets. We are grateful to the Ministry for it assurance that it will provide the necessary support towards fully optimizing mini grid systems,” he stated.
President John Dramani Mahama has charged the youth in Ghana to take advantage of the One Coders Programme to transform the future of Ghana’s technology workforce and the economy.
President Mahama described the initiative as a foundation for a new economy driven by innovation and digital solutions and called on the youth to embrace it in order to change the narrative of technology importation.
He made the remarks at the launch of the programme at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
“Let us not underestimate what this represents for our country. We are changing the national narrative from one of limitations to one of limitless potential. From a country that consumes imported technologies to a country that creates its own. From young people waiting for jobs to young people creating jobs. This is how to build a resilient and future-ready country, Ghana. To the youth of Ghana, I say this programme is for you” he said.
President Mahama urged the youth to passionately own the programme and make it count.
“Take it and own it. Let this be your launchpad into innovation, entrepreneurship and global relevance. Let this be the bridge between your dreams and the opportunities of the digital age” he admonished.
Meanwhile, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George disclosed that over ninety thousand 90,000 young Ghanaians have applied for the program exceeding the minimum number of applications for the first phase training.
“Mr. President, we planned to do the pilot with 260 students, but within the first four hours of announcing, we had over 4,000 applications. We decided to do a double track, and do 520.
As of this morning, about 30 minutes ago, the number of applications we have received is 91,847 applications. This speaks to the visionary nature of your plan and vision, to transform our digital ecosystem” he said.
According to the Minister, the initial courses for the pilot include, Certified Cyber Security Professional, Certified Network Support Technician, Certified Data Protection Manager, Certified Data Protection Expert, Certified Data Protection Officer, Certified Data Protection Professional, and Data Analyst Associate.
Meanwhile government says it will integrate digital literacy and coding into the country’s university and technical schools’ curricular.
This it says aims making digital education not just a short term initiative but a permanent strategic part of our educational system.
President John Mahama has underscored the need for the country to embrace digital transformation which he says underpins the country’s recovery.
President Mahama who fulfilled yet another of his 2024 campaign promise by launching the One Million Coders Programme said the programme is an investment in the youth and the future of the country.
Speaking at the launch of the programme at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 President Mahama urged the youth especially to embrace the initiative to as they seek to create employment avenues for themselves.
“This programme is an investment in our youth, an investment in their future as coders, as analysts, as entrepreneurs and as tech pioneers. When I asked for your mandate to serve once more as President, I made a promise that our national recovery will be people-centred, innovation-led and future-focused. And that recovery begins by breaking down the barriers that hold us back, social, economic and digital” he intimated.
He added that the barriers to Ghana’s recovery will be broken with the coming on stream of the One Million Coders Programme.
“Today, we begin breaking down those barriers. Over the next four years, the One Million Coders programme will train one million Ghanaians in essential digital skills, from coding and cybersecurity to data analytics and networking. These are not just technical abilities, they are economic passports, pathways to decent jobs, entrepreneurship and long-term social, economic inclusion” he said
President John Mahama highlighted the strides nations that embraced coding early enough have made and the need for Ghana to embrace same.
“We do not walk this path alone. Across the globe, nations that recognize the power of coding early have positioned themselves for extraordinary progress.
Take Estonia for example. In 2012, Estonia became one of the first countries in the world to introduce coding as a compulsory subject as low as primary schools. Today, Estonia is a global leader in digital governance and innovation, with one of the world’s most digitally integrated societies. In the United Kingdom, since 2014, children as young as five have been learning basic programming” he explained.
The event was attended by key stakeholders including telecommunication giants, the MTN Group, Telesel Ghana, Csquared, Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, the ALX, Tony Blair Institute, and several other partners who have expressed willingness to support the initiative.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asutifi South in Ahafo Region, Benjamin Asabre Donkor, has raised concern over how unemployment has increased drug abuse among and has therefore pledged to address it.
In an interview with power newsroom, after he secured one touch victory confirmation from 36 assembly members.
He explained that his major priority is to secure jobs for the youth, especially in agriculture to help fight drug abuse which is on rise and poses health and security threats.
Aside from this, he indicated that he will improve the Internal Generated Fund (IGF), sanitation, health, and education for residents under his tenure.
By: Kofi Abrantie
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