Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan has vowed to crush any corrupt official who will pose as hindrance to the revenue collection drive of the GRA.

According to him revenue mobilization is at the heart of the division and his outfit will do everything within its purview to safeguard it.
General Annan cautioned the officers not to compromise on standards and must ensure discipline and professionalism at all times.

“There are standards that must always be met. But let me also be very clear that I will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline, corruption, or abuse of office. Officers will compromise systems for personal gain. They not only damage the image of Customs, but they also rob the nation of very vital resources. These measures will be enforced strictly and fairly” he warned
He maintains that though the customs division of the GRA is making significant gains it must strive to achieve more.

“Year after year, our targets have been increasing, and we do achieve them and so, this year is not an exception. I am very sure that this year we will achieve these targets. And I am committed, together with management, to give you all the assistance required to make us achieve our targets” he assured

He made these remarks after paying a working visit to the Tema Port. He held a staff durbar with officials at the Long Room before visiting the Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Examination Bay.

The Commissioner has since assured of swift measures to address systemic glitches and employ Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Cargo Manifest and other technological tools to advance their revenue mobilization drive in a 24-hour economy.

“We are thinking of using artificial intelligence. There are some discussions currently going on, so some softwares. And you know that our division plays a vital role in this. To this end, the number of personnel for this sector has been increased. We have posted a good number to the sector to augment your strength” he intimated
He was of the firm believe that the appreciation of the cedi will increase the volumes of import which will shore up revenue generation.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has applauded Ghana for what it describes as the move as a significant step toward sustaining child health and immunization coverage.

It follows Ghana’s fulfilled pledge on the payment of the country’s 2025 co-financing obligation of $24.5 million for vaccine procurement.

You will recall that Ghana increased its vaccine budget by 46%, as the West African country fully pays $24.5 million to Gavi. The government is expected to distribute hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses nationwide by August.

According to President John Mahama, Ghana aims to become a regional vaccine manufacturing hub.

Gavi has helped improve vaccine access in Ghana since 2000, vaccinating nearly 95% of children by 2023, official data shows.

In his six-month health sector report to the presidency at the Government Accountability Series on July 18, 2025, Health Minister, Kwabena Minta Akandoh highlighted that the budget hike signals the government’s strong commitment to protecting children’s health and preventing epidemics.

UNICEF in a statement has noted that the timely payment would help prevent vaccine shortages, maintain herd immunity, and strengthen Ghana’s broader health system.

“Ghana consistently and timely met its vaccine financing obligations until 2022, when post-COVID-19 economic challenges, rising co-financing requirements, and reduced fiscal space—linked to the country’s transition from Gavi support—led to delays,” the statement said.

According to UNICEF, the full payment marks a return to pre-pandemic levels of financial performance in vaccine procurement and is critical to ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supply and the introduction of new vaccines.

UNICEF’s Representative in Ghana, Osama Makkawi Khogali, praised the government for prioritising child health despite prevailing economic challenges.

“I am proud to stand with the Government of Ghana in celebrating this important milestone. Although post-COVID economic pressures led to delays in payments, this full payment reflects a commendable prioritisation of child health,” he said.

“By investing in immunisation, the government is ensuring that every Ghanaian child—regardless of location—is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

In February 2023, Ghana was hit with shortage of routine vaccines for children. Health officials said the shortage of vaccines against polio, hepatitis B, and measles was caused by the depreciation of Ghana’s currency, the cedi.

The Pediatric Society of Ghana warned childhood diseases could quickly spread if the vaccines were not soon made available.

While UNICEF has commended government for the timely payment, it also urging sustained domestic investment in vaccine financing, especially as international development aid continues to decline.

The agency highlighted the long-term benefits of immunisation, stressing that preventing diseases is significantly more cost-effective than treating them.

“Investing in vaccines offers one of the highest returns in public health. Sustained investment today lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future generation,” UNICEF stated.

UNICEF is the world’s leading child rights organisation, working in over 190 countries and territories to protect and promote the health, survival, and well-being of children.

The Ghana Armed Forces is set to recruit Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years.

This is according to the Minister of Defense, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah. The recruitment and enlistment according to the Minister will begin in August this year.

The Minister disclosed this when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, 20245 at the Presidency.

“The Ministry of Defence seeks to support the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance the capabilities of the recruitment and enlistment portal ahead of the August-September 2025 manpower enhancement drive” he stated

Adding that “I am excited to announce that, as has been communicated by the Commander-in-Chief, a comprehensive enlistment and recruitment exercise is to be undertaken with the view to increasing the man-power strength of the Ghana Armed Forces. Altogether, we are enlisting and recruiting Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years” he intimated

The Minister has however cautioned the general public especially would be applicants do beware of individuals and institutions who may demand money for enlistment.

“Let me sound a note of warning that the Ghana Armed Forces has not contracted or delegated any individuals, organizations or institutions to undertake any recruitment and enlistment exercise on its behalf” he warned.

He further warned that any such engagements are at the peril of the said applicants
“The public is therefore advised to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel.

You engage them at your own risk. Report them to lawful authority. Joining the Ghana Armed Forces under President Mahama will be based solely on merit, not money. We seek to train soldiers who will not be in haste to provide guard duties for unauthorized persons. That era is over!” he warned

Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has warned would be applicants that recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will be based solely on merit.

According to him, monetization of the process will not be countenanced. He has thus warned against fraudulent characters who may take advantage of innocent citizens when the GAF opens its recruitment portals next Month.

The Minister who took his turn at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Presidency said the GAF is seeking to increase its man-power strength by Twelve Thousand in the next three and half years.

“I am excited to announce that, as has been communicated by the Commander-in-Chief, a comprehensive enlistment and recruitment exercise is to be undertaken with the view to increasing the man-power strength of the Ghana Armed Forces. Altogether, we are enlisting and recruiting Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years” he said.

Dr. Omane Boamah further indicated that citizens with special skills will be considered during the recruitment process. This he says will help GAF’s drive towards industrialization and food security.

“Looking at the needs of the Ghana Armed Forces and in particular the desire to build institutional capacity to support the ongoing drive towards industrialization and food security, future enlistment and recruitment exercises will also be targeting specific qualifications— such as Agric Extension Officers, Artisans, Engineers, Biochemists among others” he indicated.

He is thus urging future applicants to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel
“Let me sound a note of warning that the Ghana Armed Forces has not contracted or delegated any individuals, organisations or institutions to undertake any recruitment and enlistment exercise on its behalf. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence seeks to support the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance the capabilities of the recruitment and enlistment portal ahead of the August-September 2025 manpower enhancement drive”.

He added “The public is therefore advised to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel. You engage them at your own risk.

Report them to lawful authority. Joining the Ghana Armed Forces under President Mahama will be based solely on merit, not money. We seek to train soldiers who will not be in haste to provide guard duties for unauthorised persons. That era is over!” he warned

The First Lady’s humanitarian organisation, the Lordina Foundation, has donated a quantity of essential medical supplies and equipment to the Techiman North constituency to enhance healthcare delivery.

The items were officially handed over to the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, by Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady and President of the Foundation.

Mrs Mahama reiterated the Foundation’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the country.

“We are dedicated to contributing to the development of deprived children and women in both rural and urban areas, focusing on quality healthcare promotion, education, and overall well-being,” Mrs. Mahama stated during the presentation ceremony.

“This donation highlights our belief in collaborative efforts to foster sustainable development within Ghana’s health sector.”

Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (MP) expressed her gratitude and that of the people of Techiman North for the gesture, noting that the equipment and supplies will have a positive impact on the health delivery service.

“This contribution from the Lordina Foundation will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in our healthcare system. It reflects our shared commitment to improving the well-being of our people,” she said.

This initiative is part of the Lordina Foundation’s broader mission to modernise and strengthen under-resourced health facilities across communities, and to ensure medical professionals are equipped with the necessary tools to provide high-quality, life-saving care to patients.

The items presented include Hospital and Theatre Beds, Delivery Beds, Incubators, Theatre Lights, Phototherapy Machines, Baby Scales, Syringes and Gloves and Trolleys. The remaining items include Wheelchairs, Commodes, Baby Cots, Baby Carts, Medical Screens, Baby Baths, Bedside Cabinets, and Overhead Tables.

The Editor for the Hawk Newspaper, Charles McCarthy, has shot down claims that the IGP, COP Christian Yohuno, must be fired over some violence incidents recorded during the Ablekuma North election re-run.

The latest to go for the jugular of IGP Yohuno is the former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, who believes the Police Chief is responsible for the violence, questioning why he is still at post.

Former MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, whose men in the area are known for tormenting innocent voters during elections, was violently pushed down when she attempted to spray some substance at her opponents during a misunderstanding.

Despite public statements from the Police assuring thorough investigations into the matter, Duncan seems to be pursuing an agenda to cause public disaffection for Mr Yohuno whose tenure has seen massive reforms in police operations resulting in fierce crime combating in the country.

It is for this reason Charles McCarthy believes Duncan is a “hypocrite” whose government that left office early this year superintended over series election violence that maimed many yet nobody was apprehended for those crimes.

In a response to the former minister, McCarthy said, “Before you were sacked for gross incompetence, there was Ayawaso West Wuogon, where bullets tore through flesh and bones. People were maimed in broad daylight. Did anyone get fired? No.”

To him, Yohuno has outperformed his predecessor and must be encouraged to clamp down on crimes that lead to loss of properties and human lives.

“Yohuno has restored confidence in the Police Service. He’s arresting real criminals, busting cross-border syndicates, rescuing kidnapped women from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
While you lot were sitting on reports for years, Yohuno delivered his on the 2020 and 2024 election violence swiftly.,” he argued.

“He’s tackling galamsey in the deep forest while you were taking selfies at campaign rallies. He’s not going anywhere,” he added. “Stop the Hypocrisy – He’s Delivering Where Your Paymaster Failed.

Below is the statement;

RE: WHY YOHUNO IS STILL AT POST
Stop the Hypocrisy – He’s Delivering Where Your Paymaster Failed!

So, Kwamena Duncan—yes, the former Central Regional NPP Secretary who got promoted because the President’s wife liked his voice on the radio—is now asking why COP Tetteh Yohuno is still at post as IGP for Ablekuma-19?

Let’s remind him. Before you were sacked for gross incompetence, there was Ayawaso West Wuogon, where bullets tore through flesh and bones. People were maimed in broad daylight. Did anyone get fired? No.

Those who battered Sam George, an elected MP, were defended by government spin doctors—he provoked them, they claimed.

Ministers who presided over the killing of 8 Ghanaians during elections kept their jobs like nothing had happened.
Now suddenly, you’ve found your moral compass?

Let’s talk about your fellow “former everything”, Mavis Hawa Koomson. Former MP. Former Minister. The one who carried pepper spray to a polling station in a constituency she doesn’t even belong to.
From Central Region to Ablekuma—with pepper spray? That’s not voting. That’s war.
So, what did you expect the IGP to do—roll out a red carpet?

In Assin North, bullets rained on vehicles. No arrests. No resignations. No noise. But here you are, calling for Yohuno’s head?

Let’s be clear:
Yohuno has restored confidence in the Police Service. He’s arresting real criminals, busting cross-border syndicates, rescuing kidnapped women from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
While you lot were sitting on reports for years, Yohuno delivered his on the 2020 and 2024 election violence swiftly.

He’s tackling galamsey in the deep forest while you were taking selfies at campaign rallies. He’s not going anywhere.

So, fix your face, tune your mind, and accept this: Yohuno is your IGP—whether you like it or not.

If your only reason for demanding his removal is Ablekuma-19, then you and your gang should’ve resigned long ago—for worse.
Your Yohuno witch-hunt is tired. And your argument?
Dead on arrival.

If criticisms of the IGP are to carry weight, they must be rooted in evidence of professional misconduct, not political discomfort.

The question should not merely be why COP Yohuno is still at post, but whether his continued service advances the public interest. On current evidence, it does.

Organizers of the Boardroom Governance Summit have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting governance excellence, ethical leadership, and national development with a high-level courtesy call to the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at the Jubilee House ahead of the 2025 edition of the Summit

The strategic engagement, held under the auspices of Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who will also be the Guest of Honor at the Summit in October, marks the beginning of this year’s journey toward the much-anticipated Summit, which is expected to spotlight the national importance of effective corporate governance.

The courtesy call was led by the Convenor, renowned industrialist and global governance advocate Professor Douglas in collaboration with, the Institute of Directors Ghana (loD-Gh) and other partners.

Speaking during the engagement, the Chief of Staff reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting governance excellence across all spheres of national life.

“As a nation, there are times when we become accustomed to our usual ways of doing things, and we need someone to prompt us, because if you keep doing the same thing repeatedly, you tend to become complacent. That’s why we’re excited about this summit: it offers a platform to discuss and strategize on how best we can run our institutions and companies more efficiently” he said.

Mr. Debrah further emphasized that robust governance structures are foundational to effective public sector delivery and private sector growth, particularly in the face of today’s complex global challenges. “From time to time, we must pause and reflect: what are we doing right, and what are we doing wrong? President Mahama intends to reinvigorate our systems of governance in areas where we have become lax” he added.

 his remarks, Professor Douglas Boateng highlighted the importance of national ownership in the governance discourse. “Today’s courtesy call on the government is a reaffirmation of our shared belief that board governance excellence, particularly at the boardroom level, is not a peripheral discussion but a national imperative.,” said Prof.

Boateng.

He added that the principles guiding boardrooms should extend beyond corporate spaces to public decision-making bodies.

He stated, “It is important to remember that boardrooms are not only in corporate towers. Cabinets and ministerial committees are also boardrooms where decisions shaping the destiny of the nation are made. Like corporate boards, they must be guided by best-practice principles of transparency, accountability, competence, and ethical stewardship.”

This year’s engagement builds on the momentum generated by the maiden edition in 2024, which brought together over 700 C-suite executives and governance professionals to explore the intricate relationship between boardroom governance, accountability, and sustainable development.

With this year’s summit projected to draw an even larger participation and deeper stakeholder engagement, the 2025 edition promises to further entrench the values of ethical leadership and long-term value creation in Ghana’s corporate and public sector institutions.

President John Mahama has described the illegal mining menace as a national emergency.

According to the President, the devastation on the environment cannot continue in the quest to search for wealth.

Addressing Chiefs and people of Sefwi Juaboso in the Western North Region as part of his Thank You Tour, President Mahama directed the arrest and prosecution of members of the anti-galamsey taskforce members.

“I must be honest, this is a national emergency” he said

He has since assured that the National Taskforce will continue to discharge its duties regardless.

“The National Task Force will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies. I’ve also noted the activities of illegal anti galamse task forces that go around extorting money from legitimate, legitimate, small scale mining companies. I’ve requested that the authorities arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti galamsey activity.” He emphasized.

The President also promised to fix deplorable roads in the region with a firm assurance of returning contractors to site under the big push.

He assured of a holistic development of the region.

The Management Development and Productivity Institute

(MDPI), led by its Director General, Professor Yendaw, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff at the Jubilee House to outline its strategic contributions to national development and discuss key areas of collaboration with the Presidency.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, acknowledged MDPI’s longstanding role in enhancing productivity and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that drive efficiency and reform.

In his presentation, Professor Yendaw reiterated MDPI’s core mandate of providing research-based productivity services and capacity-building programs. He expressed concern over the absence of robust productivity metrics in Ghana and stressed the need for systematic monitoring to improve national performance.

He highlighted the Institute’s training programmes, which have attracted both local and international participants, and advocated for local training of public sector executives by MDPI as a cost-saving alternative to foreign courses. He emphasized the Institute’s readiness to play a pivotal role in the proposed 24-Hour Economy Policy and revealed that a concept paper has already been developed in this regard.

Professor Yendaw called for greater governmental support to enable MDPI lead a national mindset and attitudinal transformation campaign, describing this as essential for advancing the government’s broader reform agenda. He appealed for financial assistance to close the Institute’s funding gaps and also requested help in attracting and retaining skilled quantitative personnel.

He raised concerns about encroachment on MDPI’s land at Spintex and appealed for support in protecting and developing the property. He also shared the Institute’s efforts to build international partnerships with productivity institutions in Malaysia and Singapore. Additionally, he called attention to the outdated nature of MDPI’s Legislative Instrument (LI) and requested assistance in drafting a modern Act to expand and strengthen its operational capacity.

In response, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed the Presidency’s support and expressed optimism about the Institute’s transformational potential. He noted the historical irony of Malaysia, once a recipient of Ghana’s productivity expertise, now surpassing Ghana due to sustained national investment in its productivity institutions.

He tasked MDPI to take practical steps in developing a training programme for Presidential staff, preparing proposals to secure funding and re-establish its technical relevance in national policy-particularly the 24-Hour Economy -while also leading a government-endorsed, media-driven national campaign on mindset and attitudinal change.

The Legal Counsel to the President, Ms. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, added her voice to the discussion, emphasizing the need for civic responsibility and institutional reform. She expressed concern about MDPI’s outdated legal framework and pledged her support in drafting a new legislative instrument to modernize the Institute’s operations.

This engagement signals a timely revival of MDPI’s mandate, positioning it as a key partner in Ghana’s transformation agenda and a catalyst for the successful implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and broader public sector reforms.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed.

The President gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the PIAC members. Led by its Chairman, Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, the Committee members visited to congratulate the President on his recent election victory and discuss matters concerning the management of Ghana’s oil revenues.

President Mahama outlined his government’s ambitious plan to invest $10 billion over the next five years, allocating $2 billion annually, into priority infrastructure projects across the country.

These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.

He specified that agricultural projects under the “Big Push” would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.

The President stated that the primary sources of funding for this significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.

Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama praised the Committee’s efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

He highlighted PIAC as a commendable model for other countries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.

Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned the violent incidents that marred the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency on Friday, describing them as a betrayal of Ghana’s democratic values.

In an interview with JoyNews, Dr Bawumia expressed deep concern over the attacks on political actors, journalists, and voters during the election process.

“This is not the democracy that we want to see in Ghana. Our supporters are being attacked by thugs in the presence of the police, who have been unable to protect them,” he said.

He described the scenes as “very disturbing” and warned that the normalisation of political violence could threaten national stability. “This will be a recipe for disaster if each political party will raise its own army,” he cautioned.

The rerun, ordered by the Electoral Commission (EC) in 19 polling stations, was intended to complete the collation of results from the 2024 parliamentary elections. However, the exercise was disrupted by reported acts of intimidation, arrests, and violence, with dramatic scenes at the St Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor.

Source: Graphic