The Office of the President has issued a directive restricting government officials from attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York without prior clearance from the Chief of Staff.

The move, announced in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, follows a Cabinet decision by President John Mahama aimed at ensuring lean and cost-effective representation under the “Resetting Ghana” agenda.

Per the directive, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises, political appointees, civil and public servants, and other government staff are barred from accepting invitations or participating in UNGA and related side events without written approval.

“This applies not only to official UN invitations but also to those from agencies, missions, development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector groups, or any third party,” the statement explained. “It also covers self-initiated participation, observer attendance, and trips funded by external sources.”

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly will officially open on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at the UN headquarters in New York City. The high-level General Debate, where world leaders including President Mahama are expected to address the Assembly, will begin on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. The programme will run until 23 September.

The directive further stated that only an official government delegation cleared by the Chief of Staff will represent Ghana, with all pending or previously accepted invitations suspended unless re-approved. Any requests must first be channelled through the relevant supervising Minister before reaching the Chief of Staff.

Officials who breach the directive, the statement cautioned, will face sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has reiterated the Ga people’s commitment to peace and coexistence in Accra but cautioned against what he described as growing disregard for the custodians of the nation’s capital.

Addressing a durbar to climax the 2025 Homowo festival in Kpone on Saturday, August 30, the Ga Mantse stressed that while the Ga people will never banish anyone from Accra, they expect to be respected and duly recognised.

“We won’t banish anyone from Accra because we are welcoming by nature. The least we expect is to be respected and honoured. The Greater Accra Region has been successful as the country’s capital because of the loving nature of the Ga people. It should never happen that we are disrespected for hosting the nation’s capital,” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said.

He assured that traditional authorities remain committed to safeguarding peace and harmony in the region, describing stability as vital for socio-economic development.

The Ga Mantse also underscored the importance of preserving Ga customs and traditions to strengthen cultural identity and empower traditional leadership.

He further appealed to corporate institutions operating in Kpone and its environs to prioritise community development through meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a five-day ultimatum to Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), demanding a retraction and public apology for what it describes as “reckless and threatening” remarks against journalists.

Dr. Tenkorang-Twum, in a radio interview conducted in June amid a nurses’ strike, claimed that certain journalists had practiced unprofessional reporting and stated, “We have taken note of those journalists. They will encounter us in the hospital. I mean it.”

Addressing a press conference in Accra, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described the comments as a blatant act of intimidation and a potential threat to the safety of media practitioners. He said the remarks were “utterly irresponsible, deeply disturbing, and unbecoming of a leader of a professional body.”

Mr. Dwumfour warned that failure to retract and apologise within the given period would leave the association with no option but to initiate legal action and hold Dr. Tenkorang-Twum personally accountable for any harm suffered by journalists in health facilities. He also indicated that the GJA was ready to petition the National Media Commission (NMC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Ghana Police Service for further redress.

Beyond the ultimatum, the GJA urged political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of journalists, particularly those covering the Akwatia by-election on September 2. It also called on media houses to provide protective measures for reporters in the field.

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), working in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has successfully passed out 894 trainees under the second batch of the Fire Assistants Training Programme.

Drawn from across the country, the group consisted of 360 males and 534 females who underwent a three-week intensive training at the Fire Academy and Training School (FATS) in James Town, Accra. The course, which began on August 9, 2025, covered firefighting laws, bushfire management, electrical hazards, first aid, and fire risk assessment, as well as physical drills and community engagement.

At the passing-out ceremony held on Friday, August 29, the Chief Executive Officer of YEA, Malik Basintale, praised the trainees for their dedication and announced a 60 per cent increase in their allowances, effective at the end of this month.

Mr Basintale also noted that the initiative forms part of a broader programme that has already placed 5,000 young people in employment as National Fire Service Assistants, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s youth empowerment agenda.He expressed optimism that many of the recruits would be absorbed permanently into the GNFS.

The Minister of Youth and Development, George Opare-Addo, also encouraged the new assistants to maintain professionalism and vigilance, adding that their service would play a key role in protecting lives, property, and the environment while contributing to the nation’s development goals.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed reports alleging that fixed cut-off points are being applied in the ongoing Senior High School (SHS) placement exercise.

In a statement, GES clarified that placement is not determined by cut-off scores, but rather by a combination of factors including candidates’ raw marks, school competitiveness, programme demand, aggregate scores, residential preference (day or boarding), and catchment area.

The Service described the widespread claims as false and misleading, cautioning parents, guardians, and candidates against relying on them.

“Anyone relying on such so-called cut-off benchmarks has been misinformed,” the statement stressed.

GES further assured the public that the placement process remains transparent, fair, and merit-based, giving every candidate an equal opportunity to secure a school aligned with their performance and preferences.

Source: Myxyzonline.com

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Region 8, Ghana Section has hosted a three-day Africa Students and Young Professionals Congress (ASYPC) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), aimed at equipping students and young professionals with mentorship, training, and practical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Held on the theme “Empowering Africa’s Future Leaders through STEM”, the congress brought together about 200 participants from tertiary institutions across Ghana. Sessions covered entrepreneurship, leadership, aerospace and electronic systems, humanitarian technology, AI and data analytics, cybersecurity, and hands-on workshops on the Internet of Things (IoT).

Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, commended IEEE for serving as a beacon of technological advancement and professional development.

He stressed that platforms such as the congress are crucial for nurturing innovators who will redefine Africa’s digital future.

“By engaging students in real-world problem-solving, we are equipping them with the skills to develop local solutions that protect our digital ecosystem, enhance trust in technology, and promote inclusive growth,” he said.

IEEE President and CEO Professor Kathleen Kramer reaffirmed IEEE’s commitment to connecting students for success in industry, describing STEM education as vital not only to solving today’s challenges but also preparing for tomorrow’s.

Also addressing the congress, Dr. Antonio Luque, IEEE Vice President for Membership and Geographic Activities, highlighted IEEE’s global reach, with nearly 500,000 members worldwide, including 11,000 in Africa, driven by a strong volunteer network.

Chair of the 2025 ASYPC, Mr. Maxwell Darko Addison, described the event as a breakthrough, citing the blend of hands-on technical experience and soft skills training as crucial to participants’ professional growth.

Closing the congress, Engr. Mensah Sitti, IEEE Ghana Section Chair, praised the collaborations and networking fostered, urging participants to continue building Africa’s growing influence in STEM. Awards were also presented to outstanding committees of students and young professionals.

Source: Myxyzonline.com

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has inaugurated a 16-member board to spearhead the development of the academic curriculum and completion of the Anomabo Fisheries College, a long-delayed project first initiated in 2012 under the late President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.

The college, designed to produce skilled professionals to transform Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, stalled for years due to financial constraints and contractor capacity challenges.

Upon assuming office in 2025, President [Insert Full Name] renewed government’s commitment to completing the project, with a target to fully operationalize the college by the first quarter of 2026.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Hon. Emilia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Chairperson of the Board, described the initiative as central to building knowledge, research, and skills development in the sector.

“The board has been tasked with laying the foundation for a transformative educational institution that will enhance productivity and boost performance across fisheries and aquaculture,” she said.

The new board has been tasked to review models of fisheries and aquaculture training institutions locally and internationally, propose a name, vision, mission, and values for the college, develop an industry-aligned curriculum, recommend an organizational and governance structure, and identify priority programmes such as diplomas, degrees, certificates, and short courses.

The 16-member team brings together representatives from academia, industry, government, and civil society. Notable members include Prof. Benjamin Campion of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Elvis Nyarko, former Vice-Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Prof. Ernest Abano of the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Angela Lamptey of the University of Ghana, and Nana Kweigyah of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana.

The Ministry says the Anomabo Fisheries College will become a centre of excellence, training the next generation of fisheries and aquaculture professionals, strengthening sustainability, and supporting Ghana’s broader development agenda.

Source: Myxyzonline.com

The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has announced a sharp rise in its net worth to $755.2 million in 2024, following what management described as a resilient and strategically focused year.

Presenting the 2024 Corporate Annual Report, CEO Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam disclosed that BPA nearly doubled its profit target, recording a net profit of $64.5 million against a projection of $33.6 million.

This pushed the Authority’s net worth up by 9.2% compared to 2023.

However, Ing. Sam expressed concern over a surge in accounts receivable, which jumped from $346.6 million in 2023 to over $816 million in 2024, stressing the need for tighter monitoring to protect BPA’s financial health.

Speaking on behalf of the Board Chairman, Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Member of Parliament for Akan Constituency Hon. Yao Gomado praised BPA’s operational record.

He revealed that the Authority generated 1,348 GWh of energy, slightly above its target of 1,333 GWh, while the Bui Reservoir ended the year at 178.79 meters above sea level, up by 2.41 meters.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Energy Minister, Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah commended BPA’s contribution to Ghana’s energy sector, underscoring the importance of transparent performance reviews to engage stakeholders and address challenges.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to a green and sustainable energy transition, calling it “both a moral duty and an economic necessity.”

With this strong 2024 performance, BPA has reinforced its role as a key player in Ghana’s renewable energy agenda, even as it works to tackle rising receivables to safeguard long-term financial stability.

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Former Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, has called for a balanced national conversation on small-scale mining (galamsey), stressing that while it has supported livelihoods and local economies, its environmental toll cannot be ignored.

Speaking on the Gumbe Show on TV XYZ, hosted by Oheneba Boamah, Hon. Kwakye-Ackah said galamsey has created employment for many young people and boosted economic activity in mining communities.

He noted that gold produced from small-scale mining continues to make a meaningful contribution to Ghana’s broader economy.

At the same time, he warned of the severe environmental consequences of illegal mining. “Our water bodies, cocoa farms, and ecosystems are being destroyed. The use of mercury in mining also poses serious health risks, particularly to children,” he said.

The former MP commended ongoing government initiatives aimed at streamlining the mining sector.

He cited the Responsible Mining and Scale Development (RMSD) Programme, which seeks to encourage safer, more sustainable practices while ensuring mining activities directly benefit local communities.

According to him, the government is also rolling out training and educational programmes for small-scale miners, especially youth, on environmentally friendly techniques.

He acknowledged, however, the tragic loss of government officials in a recent plane crash while they were on a mission to engage young miners on responsible practices.

“Despite this unfortunate incident, government remains committed to regulating the mining sector and promoting sustainability,” he stressed.

Source: Myxyzonline.com