Flight KL590, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, departed Kotoka International Airport at approximately 10:19 p.m. local time en route to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

According to flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft turned back about 45 minutes into the journey and carried out a series of holding patterns east of Accra before returning safely to the airport. Such manoeuvres are typically undertaken to allow flight crews to assess technical issues, coordinate with air traffic control, or prepare for a precautionary landing.

The aircraft landed safely in Accra and was met by emergency response teams on the ground as a precautionary measure.

Sources at the airport confirmed that no passengers or crew members were injured during the incident.

The exact cause of the reported fire scare remains unclear, as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the relevant aviation authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Hon. Elikem Kotoko, raised concerns on social media about the aircraft involved and questioned whether airlines operating routes to Africa were deploying ageing aircraft.

In a post on X at 12:02 a.m., he wrote: “@KLM flight KL590 just forced an emergency landing back to Acc after about 45 mins of take-off. Suspected fire. How old is this plane?”.

We need to start questioning these airlines on the state and age of the airplanes they use to ply their trade in Africa. @KLM flight KL 590 that took off 10:08pm from Accra to Amsterdam had to force an emergency landing back to ACC after about 45mins in the skies. pic.twitter.com/HfY1KIiChl

— Elikem E. K. Kotoko 🇬🇭 (@ElikemKotoko) June 12, 2026

In a subsequent post at 12:40 a.m., he added: “We need to start questioning these airlines on the state and age of the airplanes they use to ply their trade in Africa…”

Further details are expected once KLM and aviation authorities complete their preliminary assessments and issue official statements on the incident.

National First Vice Chairman hopeful, Richard Oti-Aboagye, said the party lost power in 2024 due to apathy, which he attributed to poor leadership and negative attitudes by some executives who led the party into the election.

He explained that some leaders failed to listen to the concerns of party supporters and did not address their grievances, leading to widespread disaffection at the grassroots level.

According to him, the anger among supporters and their sense of neglect contributed to low voter turnout for the party in the 2024 elections, resulting in its defeat.

“There is the need for practical leadership that understands the party structure, appreciates the sacrifices of members, and possesses the versatility to help reposition the party for the future,” he said.

Mr. Oti-Aboagye, who has declared his intention to contest for the position of First Vice Chairman, said he has worked for the party for many years and understands the concerns of grassroots members. He added that if given the mandate, he would address these challenges to strengthen the party ahead of the 2028 elections.

The Sweden branch chairman of the NPP noted that his experience and commitment position him well to help the party return to power.

He outlined his campaign agenda to include strengthening collaboration between national, regional, constituency, and external branches, as well as promoting internal unity and constructive engagement at all levels of the party.

He also pledged to support effective conflict resolution and reconciliation mechanisms, enhance grassroots participation, and strengthen branch structures.

Other key priorities include strategic mobilisation towards the 2028 general elections, a youth-driven and innovation-oriented approach, responsiveness to emerging political and social realities, and engagement with professionals, CSOs, students, and the diaspora.

He further said his leadership would be attractive to floating and first-time voters, while prioritising the welfare of party members.

Mr. Oti-Aboagye urged delegates to vote for him in the upcoming national executive elections, saying he is best positioned to lead the party with experience and dedication toward victory in 2028.

The initiative is aimed at sustaining gains made during a three-day clean-up, desilting, and dredging exercise as the rainy season intensifies.

The move follows a June 10–12 anti-flood operation undertaken with FeDems Limited, Dredge Masters Limited, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and various MMDAs. The exercise cleared major drains at Mallam, GBC, Weija, Circle, Kaneshie, and Ablekuma West following recent downpours that caused flooding in parts of the capital.

Speaking to the media, Zoomlion Greater Accra Regional Manager, Ricky Anokye Frimpong, said the deployment of officers is key to ensuring sustainability.

“To ensure sustainability, we have attached our officers to the MMDAs. We know that at least quarterly this kind of exercise will go on. We also have a campaign with NADMO, ‘No Do No Do’ Flood Awareness Campaign, and we believe it will help keep these gutters clean,” he said.

Each officer will work closely with Environmental Health Departments of their assigned MMDAs, as well as NADMO district officers, to monitor flood-prone areas and schedule regular desilting activities.

At Ablekuma West’s Shiabu Electoral Area, Municipal Chief Executive George Kpakpo Allotey said the goal is to ensure that drains remain clear to allow the free flow of water.

“We want to have this place in shape so that at least we can have our gutters free to allow the free flow of water,” he said.

He disclosed that enforcement actions have already begun against encroachers.

“We also identified that some people have put structures on the gutters. We’ve asked them to clear them within two hours. Otherwise, we will remove them, and they have agreed,” he stated.

Mr. Allotey blamed human activities for recurring flooding and urged residents to change their behaviour.

“We are appealing to people to stop dumping refuse into the gutters because the gutters are there to allow the free flow of water. Once you put garbage in, the water cannot flow, and that causes flooding,” he said.

He described flooding as a national challenge rather than a purely local issue.

“Every year we talk about flooding, but this time the rains are heavier than normal… when you look at Weija and beyond, all waterways have been encroached upon. So it is more of a national issue than a municipal issue,” he added.

The MCE noted that the Assembly is intensifying efforts to clear drains after years of neglect.

“This exercise has not been done for about eight years. So definitely, this is overdue, but we are determined to clean and clear all gutters within the municipality,” he said.

He also called on residents to support enforcement efforts by reporting offenders.

“Our message to Ghanaians is to change our attitude. If gutters are constructed, they should be used for their intended purpose. And when you see someone dumping refuse into them, report the person so we can take action,” he added.

Mr. Frimpong warned that the current rains are only a preview of what is to come.

“This is just what we are experiencing now. The real rains are coming, and we need to prepare,” he said.

He stressed that flooding in Accra is largely preventable.

“If we stop dumping refuse into gutters and keep them clean, flooding will be greatly reduced. It is not only natural; it is also man-made,” he stated.

The sustainability plan includes continuous monitoring, quarterly clean-up exercises, and community engagement through unit committees to help enforce sanitation laws and discourage illegal dumping.

The study published in the journal Heliyon found that 59.8% of health workers surveyed across 10 public and private hospitals in the region reported intentions to leave their current jobs, highlighting persistent workforce challenges in Ghana’s health sector.

The researchers led by Dr Phillip Apraku Tawiah from the School of Public Health, KNUST, surveyed 495 health workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory personnel, physiotherapists and supporting staff, to identify factors driving turnover intentions.

The study revealed that health workers who worked overtime, worked more than five days a week, perceived their departments as understaffed, or had experienced physical assault at work, were significantly more likely to consider quitting. Supporting staff recorded the highest likelihood of intending to leave their jobs.

Health workers who perceived understaffing in their departments were 40% more likely to express intentions to leave, while those who worked overtime were 26% more likely to consider quitting. Exposure to physical assault increased the likelihood of turnover intention by 21%.

In contrast, the study found that health workers who slept at least eight hours daily were less likely to report intentions to leave their jobs, suggesting that adequate rest may play a protective role against workforce attrition.

The researchers noted that although the turnover intention rate was lower than some previous studies conducted in Ghana and other African countries, it remains high enough to threaten healthcare delivery if left unaddressed.

“Supporting staff category, worked for more than five days in a typical week, worked overtime, perceived understaff and exposure to physical assault were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of turnover intention,” the authors reported.

According to the researchers, excessive workload, staffing shortages and workplace violence contribute to stress, burnout and job dissatisfaction among health workers, increasing the likelihood that they will seek employment elsewhere.

The study recommends that health administrators and policymakers address overtime work, staffing gaps and workplace safety concerns to improve retention and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare workforce.

Measures such as improved staffing levels, better work schedules, enhanced security and staff wellness programmes could help reduce turnover intentions and maintain quality healthcare services.

Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults have used AI chatbots for advice or help when they felt upset, nervous or anxious, according to a new study published June 1 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Researchers also found that many of these young people use chatbots repeatedly and consider the advice helpful, suggesting that AI is already becoming part of the mental health information ecosystem for millions of young people. Those insights are raising important questions about how these tools should be used and where their limitations lie.

• Read also: More than a Machine: How Gen Z confides in AI Chatbots

To help us untangle these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner and is the mother of two young children.

CNN: What did this new study discover about why so many young people are turning to AI chatbots for support?

Dr. Leana Wen: This study surveyed 1,009 adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 across the United States and weighted the findings to represent nearly 43 million young people nationwide. Researchers asked participants whether they had used AI chatbots for advice or help when feeling sad, angry, nervous or stressed.

The team found that 19% reported doing so, which translates to more than 8 million young people nationally. Among those participants who used chatbots for emotional support, many individuals reported doing so repeatedly, with more than 4 in 10 using chatbots at least monthly. Interestingly, young people who had recently discussed their mental health with a physician were more likely to report using AI chatbots, which suggests that these tools are often being employed alongside traditional sources of support.

As to why young people are turning to chatbots, I think the answer is self-evident. These tools are available at any hour of the day, they respond instantly, they do not appear judgmental and they can feel private. For a teenager who is embarrassed to discuss a problem with a parent, teacher or counselor, typing a question into a chatbot may feel easier than starting a conversation with another person.

CNN: The study found that most users considered the advice helpful. Does that mean these chatbots are helping?

Wen: Not necessarily. This is one of the most important distinctions in the study.

The researchers found that more than 91% of users viewed the advice as somewhat or very helpful. That tells us that young people generally liked the responses they received. It does not tell us whether the responses improved their mental health, reduced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or led to better long-term outcomes.

This is a key distinction because AI chatbots are often designed to be engaging and agreeable, even flattering and sycophantic. They can make users feel heard and validated, and to want to come back for more “conversation.” Those qualities may create a positive user experience, but they are not the same as evidence-based mental healthcare.

Consider how this finding applies to other aspects of healthcare. Patients want a warm and friendly interaction with their provider, but it really matters whether the advice is accurate and actually improves someone’s health outcomes. You wouldn’t go to just anyone for your medical care, and you shouldn’t just go to a general-purpose AI tool for your mental healthcare.

CNN: What are the biggest concerns about relying on AI chatbots for mental health advice?

Wen: The first concern is accuracy. These systems can hallucinate and provide incorrect information. They can misunderstand context and offer advice that sounds convincing but is wrong and even dangerous. They are not substitutes for clinical judgment and, importantly, cannot recognize when someone may need urgent intervention.

Second, chatbots may reinforce what users want to hear rather than what they need to hear. If a young person expresses a distorted belief, unhealthy coping strategy or potentially harmful idea, the chatbot may validate parts of that thinking rather than appropriately challenging it.

Third, some adolescents may delay seeking professional help because they feel that the chatbot is providing enough support. For mild stress or everyday frustrations, choosing that type of help may not matter. For serious depression, anxiety, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, a delay in treatment matters a lot. There have been numerous cases in which parents blamed AI bots for mental health harms and suicides in their children. Teens not obtaining appropriate and timely mental healthcare can have very real consequences.

CNN: The researchers found that most young people did not tell anyone they were using chatbots for this purpose. Why is that significant?

Wen: This was one of the findings that stood out most to me. Nearly two-thirds of users said they had not told anyone they were using chatbots for emotional support.

Again, there are understandable reasons, such as privacy. The problem is that parents, clinicians and other trusted adults may have no idea how much AI is influencing how a young person thinks about emotional challenges. If an adolescent is receiving inaccurate information or becoming overly dependent on a chatbot, the adults in their life may never know.

That is why I think parents and healthcare professionals should begin asking about AI use in the same way they ask about social media use. It is becoming an increasingly important part of how young people gather information and seek support.

CNN: Are there situations where AI chatbots can play a positive role in emotional support or mental health?

Wen: Possibly, yes. For instance, AI chatbots may help some people practice difficult conversations, learn basic coping strategies or identify mental health resources. They may also lower barriers for people who are hesitant to seek support. For example, a teenager experiencing anxiety might use a chatbot to learn about relaxation techniques or to develop questions to ask a therapist.

Some AI tools are being built specifically to help patients who are already under the care of a mental health professional. If validated in the future, they may become better alternatives to the generic AI chatbots that we currently have. Again, though, the danger is when AI becomes a substitute for human relationships and professional care.

CNN: What can parents do to support their child’s emotional well-being when AI is becoming part of everyday life?

Wen: I recommend approaching AI much as many families have learned to approach social media. Understand what tools your child is using. Ask open-ended questions. Stay curious rather than judgmental.

Parents can help children understand that AI has strengths and limitations. They can query AI together and see how chatbots can provide helpful suggestions but also emphasize how important it is to verify the information provided and to question responses. That includes typing the same question in different chatbots. And they can certainly emphasize that AI is a tool, not a replacement for a therapist or trusted family member.

I also would encourage parents to model healthy help-seeking behavior. Children should know that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. They should understand that emotional challenges are a normal part of life and that there are many trusted — human — sources of help available, including teachers, counselors, pediatricians, and, of course, parents and other caregivers.

CNN: What is your advice for adolescents and young adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety, sadness or other mental health concerns?

Wen: If you are struggling, please know that you do not have to handle it alone. Speak to your parents or other trusted adults. If symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily life or involve thoughts of self-harm, professional help is especially important. That means contacting your primary care physician or licensed mental health professional.

According to the Association, despite the growing importance of pig farming in Ghana’s agricultural economy, the subsector continues to receive limited policy attention compared to cattle and poultry.

The concerns were raised during the inauguration of the Asante Akyem Central Municipal branch of the Association.

Speaking in an interview, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of PFAG, Daniel Yaw Saim, said government livestock interventions have historically focused on poultry and cattle, leaving pig farmers to face challenges such as disease outbreaks, poor feed quality, limited veterinary support, and weak market linkages.

“The government currently has no dedicated policy for pig farmers. As an association, our priority is to push for a comprehensive policy to guide Ghana’s pig-farming industry. We’re battling finance gaps, poor veterinary services, poor-quality feed, frequent disease outbreaks, and weak market connections,” he said.

He noted that unlike poultry farmers who receive compensation when birds die, pig farmers do not benefit from any similar support.

Mr. Saim also appealed for government assistance in the form of starter piglets, which he referred to as “Prako Nkitinkiti,” similar to the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” poultry support programme.

He explained that such an intervention would help smallholder farmers build their herds, increase productivity, and expand local pork production.

“Pork is gaining popularity, with some people even referring to it as ‘Borga Meat.’ We are contributing to the economy by providing an affordable protein source. Since the government spends foreign currency to import protein sources, investing in pig farming could reduce that burden and strengthen the local economy,” he added.

He further stressed that farmers had hoped for a pig-focused intervention similar to the poultry initiative, and were urging government to consider it.

At the event, the Agric Municipal Director for Asante Akyem Central, Martha Ashami Armah, addressed misconceptions about pork consumption and pig farming.

She rejected claims that pork is unsafe, explaining that when properly handled and cooked, it is a safe and nutritious source of protein.

She also challenged the belief that pigs are “dirty animals,” noting that their hygiene depends largely on farming practices.

“When raised in hygienic conditions and fed quality feed, pigs are no dirtier than any other livestock,” she said.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Asante Akyem Central, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, encouraged young people to venture into pig farming, describing it as a viable source of income and a solution to youth unemployment.

He also commended the formation of the association, saying it would help farmers better access government support and address industry challenges.

The Association is therefore urging policymakers to integrate pig farming into national agricultural development plans through targeted interventions, investment incentives, and structured support to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.

The initiative was aimed at demystifying the two core subjects, boosting students’ confidence, and inspiring the next generation to pursue higher education and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The Grand Finale: A Battle Of Wits

The highly competitive tournament saw several schools across the district test their academic prowess. After a series of intense rounds, four outstanding schools secured places in the grand finale:

Brakwa Christian International School, Asikuma Ave Maria, Odoben Presbyterian Girls’ School, and Asikuma Presbyterian School.

Following a fierce and captivating intellectual contest, Brakwa Christian International School delivered a stellar performance, outshining its competitors to emerge as the undisputed district champions.

Inspiring A Shift In Perception

Speaking at the event, the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa Science and Maths Quiz Coordinator, Ato Kwamena, commended the participating schools for their impressive preparation and praised the initiative’s core mission.

“For too long, fear of mathematics and science has held many of our brilliant students back from reaching their full potential and pursuing higher education. This quiz is a powerful tool to cast out that perception. By bringing these subjects to life in a competitive yet fun environment, we are showing our children that they are more than capable of mastering them,” he said.

The atmosphere at the finale was electrifying, filled with cheers from proud teachers, classmates, and parents.

For the students, the event proved to be an eye-opening experience.

Several participants shared their excitement, saying the competition had completely changed the way they view their textbooks. Many expressed renewed confidence, noting that the quiz showed them science and mathematics are not only manageable but enjoyable.

With the success of this year’s competition, the Educational Directorate has laid a strong foundation for nurturing future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians from the basic school level.

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 77/327 designates January 26 as the International Day of Clean Energy. The growing desire of many countries to transition to clean, sustainable, and renewable energy technologies is well enshrined in law and national policy documents. Energy drives the economy and enhances development. As more people strive to achieve a higher standard of living, energy consumption will inevitably continue its upward trend.

Currently, the global economy depends heavily on fossil fuels. This dependence is unsustainable. Fossil fuel resources and reserves are finite, and they take thousands to millions of years to form and accumulate in subsurface reservoirs under the right geological conditions, including traps, seals (caprocks), temperature, and pressure.

When exploited, fossil fuels release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrous oxide. These gases contribute to global temperature rise and pose serious risks to human health. Global warming has several negative effects, including the melting of glaciers, ice caps, and icebergs, leading to rising sea levels. This threatens coastal communities such as Keta and Cape Coast in Ghana, as well as many others across Africa.

The burning of fossil fuels also has serious health implications. In addition, many species have begun shifting their habitats and migration patterns due to warmer temperatures.

To halt these threats and safeguard the planet for future generations, transitioning to a clean energy society has become a necessity. However, this transition—from an economy driven by fossil fuels to one powered by renewable energy technologies—must be fair and just to workers, communities, and countries that currently depend on fossil fuels for income, livelihoods, and energy needs.

Conceptually, Just Energy Transition (JET) refers to the shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to low-carbon and renewable energy systems in a way that is fair, inclusive, and equitable for workers, communities, and vulnerable groups. As countries strive to meet international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, the concept of a just transition has become increasingly important, as climate policies can significantly affect employment, regional economies, and social welfare.

Just Energy Transition And Climate Change

JET promotes the replacement of coal, oil, and natural gas with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Unlike conventional energy transitions, however, JET emphasizes social equity by ensuring that workers and communities affected by the closure of fossil fuel industries receive support through retraining, social protection, and economic diversification programmes.

Globally, Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) are spearheading the decarbonisation agenda. Countries such as South Africa, Senegal, Indonesia, and Vietnam have adopted these partnerships to support their transitions. These initiatives mobilise international finance to help developing countries reduce dependence on coal and align their energy systems with the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

Much of the climate finance comes from development partners in Western and industrialised countries, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank, and the Netherlands Development Organisation. This demonstrates the commitment of developed nations to climate action and offers African countries an opportunity to create policy frameworks for achieving net-zero targets.

Case Studies Of Just Energy Transition In Selected Countries

Case studies from Senegal, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam demonstrate different approaches to balancing decarbonisation with social and economic equity.

Senegal is integrating renewable energy and battery storage while using gas as a transitional fuel, with a strong focus on job creation. South Africa is leveraging international funding to reduce dependence on coal. Germany serves as a strong model through its Energiewende policy, which prioritises worker support during coal phase-outs.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Vietnam are advancing toward net-zero goals through renewable energy expansion and improved grid efficiency, despite facing significant economic and structural challenges.

Lessons For Africa

Africa stands to gain significantly from resource extraction and exports for foreign exchange. However, African countries could potentially triple their earnings by investing in a Just Energy Transition that supports the development of a skilled workforce for clean-energy economies.

Many African nations possess vast fossil fuel reserves but lack the capital, technology, and skilled labour to extract them effectively. As a result, international oil companies often provide the required resources and retain ownership of nearly 85% of exploited assets.

To avoid a similar dependency in the renewable energy era, African countries must take the lead in developing their own renewable energy sectors. This requires building domestic manufacturing hubs, reducing dependence on imported renewable energy hardware, and prioritising local innovation, research, and skills development.

Relying entirely on foreign technology risks leaving the continent permanently dependent on external powers to sustain its clean energy sector. Africa must also prioritise investment in power transmission and distribution as part of its clean energy transition agenda.

Economic Benefits Of Just Energy Transition

A well-managed Just Energy Transition can generate substantial economic benefits. First, investments in renewable energy infrastructure create employment opportunities in manufacturing, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of clean-energy technologies. These emerging industries can stimulate economic growth and regional development.

Additionally, transitioning to renewable energy improves energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and exposure to volatile global fuel prices. Countries that harness domestic renewable energy resources can strengthen their energy independence and lower long-term energy costs.

Furthermore, reducing fossil fuel consumption lowers air pollution, leading to improved public health outcomes and reduced healthcare expenditures. Cleaner air contributes to greater labour productivity and a better quality of life, supporting overall economic development.

Importantly, international climate finance mechanisms such as JETPs provide developing countries with access to significant financial resources for clean-energy projects. These investments can attract private-sector funding, stimulate innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion

The Just Energy Transition has emerged as a critical framework for addressing climate change while promoting social justice and economic development. By supporting the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, countries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, create jobs, and attract investment.

Experiences from Senegal, South Africa, Germany, Indonesia, and Vietnam show that although transition pathways differ according to national circumstances, successful transitions require strong governance, adequate financing, and policies that protect workers and vulnerable communities.

Ultimately, the Just Energy Transition serves not only as a climate change mitigation strategy but also as a pathway toward sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The writer, Engr. Maxwell A. Quaquah, is a Lecturer at the Energy Systems Engineering Department of Koforidua Technical University, Ghana.
Contact: maxwellquaquah@gmail.com

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the hospital’s centenary celebration, Medical Director Dr. Saanwie Suntaa Aiden said the facility has the personnel and wide range of services needed to support that vision.

“This hospital, I think in terms of personnel and the range of services we render, we are at a teaching hospital level,” he said.

Dr. Aiden, however, noted that achieving the goal would require improved infrastructure and modern equipment, particularly the completion of the New Eastern Regional Hospital project.

“What we need to propel us to the realization of that vision fully is to be able to have a well-equipped facility with state-of-the-art equipment,” he stated.

He expressed optimism about the future of the project following assurances from government that work would soon resume.

His comments came after Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey announced that John Dramani Mahama had directed the contractor handling the New Eastern Regional Hospital project to return to site.

“I am pleased to announce the long-awaited news from the President of the Nation that the New Eastern Regional Hospital project will soon revive its work,” she said.

According to the Minister, the directive reflects government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality healthcare in the Eastern Region.

Dr. Aiden said the hospital remains hopeful construction will progress as expected.

“We are patiently following the progress of the work, hoping that that can come out very soon. It is a priority area for us as a facility to get to the next level,” he said.

He added that management would continue investing internally generated funds into the development of the hospital while seeking partnerships to support its growth.

“Whatever little we generate, we are going to put it back into the facility to build it to the next level,” he noted.

Dr. Aiden also stressed the need to develop specialist human resources to support the hospital’s long-term ambition.

“We have to be working towards the human resource to be able to function fully as a teaching hospital when we get there. So that is going to be my goal going forward,” he said.

The remarks were made at the launch of the Eastern Regional Hospital’s centenary celebration under the theme: “A Century of Quality Healthcare, Innovation and Excellence.”

Established in 1926, the hospital has served as a major referral facility in the Eastern Region for the past 100 years and is expected to roll out a series of activities in the coming months to commemorate the milestone.

Weija flooding: Don’t they see people building on waterways? – GWL…

Gov’t repatriates 327 stranded Ghanaians affected by demolitions in Côte d’Ivoire

The award, to be conferred by the African Leadership Organisation and the Editorial Board of African Leadership Magazine, follows a rigorous merit-based evaluation and recognises Dr Donkor’s exceptional leadership and transformative impact on West Africa’s development finance architecture.

In addition to the individual honour, EBID has also been named a Strategic Development Finance Partner of the ALM Africa Summit 2026, further highlighting the Bank’s role in advancing regional integration, infrastructure financing, enterprise growth, and economic transformation across the Economic Community of West African States region.

Dr Donkor has also been invited to serve as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the awards ceremony, scheduled for July 3, 2026, at the House of Lords.

The summit will be held under the theme: “From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Growth and Leadership.”

According to the citation by the Editorial Board, Dr Donkor’s leadership continues to bridge policy, capital structuring, and execution, positioning EBID as a strategic institution linking sovereign priorities with global investment flows.

The Board particularly commended his role in mobilising concessional and market-rate capital, advancing blended finance and co-investment frameworks, and strengthening financial systems needed to accelerate sustainable economic growth across West Africa.

Reacting to the recognition, Dr Donkor described it as a collective achievement.

“This recognition is not only personal but a tribute to the collective dedication of the entire EBID team, our Member States, and development partners who share the vision of a prosperous, integrated West Africa,” he said.

He added that the award reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to inclusive finance, SME growth, women-led enterprise development, and infrastructure financing as pillars of long-term economic competitiveness.

As part of the honour, Dr Donkor will participate in an exclusive high-level panel discussion alongside Heads of State, ministers, sovereign investors, central bank governors, development finance institutions, multinational executives, and global policy leaders.

He will also hold a closed-door engagement with select members of the UK House of Lords.

The African Business Leadership Awards remains one of the continent’s leading leadership and investment platforms, expected to attract over 400 senior delegates for strategic engagements, cross-border capital alignment, and continental thought leadership.

Dr Donkor has previously received several international honours, including the 2023 Development Champion Award at the Rebranding Africa Forum in Brussels and the 2022 Prix de la Foundation award at the Crans Montana Forum.

He has also been listed four consecutive times among the 100 personalities transforming Africa by Financial Afrik.

EBID, headquartered in Lomé, serves as the development finance institution of ECOWAS and finances projects in infrastructure, rural development, industry, social services, and environmental sustainability across the sub-region.

Speaking at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (FRNR) Seminar Series at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST, Mr. Domfeh stressed that effective partnership between journalists and researchers is key to translating research outputs into practical knowledge that informs public decision-making.

He noted that one of the major challenges has been how research findings are communicated to the general public.

“One of the cardinal challenges we’ve had is how we communicate research activities for the ordinary person to appreciate what researchers usually put on the shelves,” he said.

Mr. Domfeh highlighted the growing impact of climate change, coupled with the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, warning that it continues to threaten livelihoods, ecosystems, and national development.

“Every facet of life is one way or the other affected by climate change,” he said, citing examples such as the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure in Oforikrom after resurfacing works.

He also raised concerns about environmental issues including plastic pollution, electronic waste, and illegal mining, describing them as major threats to sustainability.

According to him, the pursuit of wealth without environmental responsibility is worsening ecological damage.

“There is no day that we don’t have reports about the adverse impacts of illegal mining and how our water bodies and forest reserves are being adversely hit,” he noted.

Mr. Domfeh further emphasized that while civil society groups, young people, and businesses are contributing to environmental protection efforts, the media remains central in driving awareness and action.

“The media cannot overlook the fact that we have a critical role to play because, if for nothing at all, the media is also part of the ecosystem,” he said, adding that journalists must simplify scientific information and help make environmental issues more accessible to the public.

The seminar featured interactive discussions, with faculty members contributing insights on the role of the media in sustainability communication.

Gov’t repatriates 327 stranded Ghanaians affected by demolitions in Côte d’Ivoire

Missing baby at Salaga Hospital: They stopped us from seeing our…

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Simon said his wife went into labour at dawn on Wednesday, and they quickly rushed her to the hospital with the help of his mother.

“From about 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., she delivered safely, and the nurses later came to inform me,” he said.

According to him, attempts to see the newborn were initially blocked by hospital staff.

“When they told me the baby had been delivered, I wanted to see my child, but when I got to the ward, they prevented me from entering,” he narrated.

He added that even his mother was also denied access.

“I asked my mum, who is a woman, to go and check for me, but she was also stopped,” he said.

Mr. Simon explained that he was later sent on errands by hospital staff, including buying medication and supplies.

“They told me to go and buy medicine for my wife because the baby was not well. I went to town to get the medicine,” he said.

“When I came back, they also asked me to buy detergents and Parazone, which I did,” he added.

He said confusion set in when his mother was still not allowed access to the ward, prompting concern about the whereabouts of the baby.

“My mum told me she was still being prevented from seeing the baby, so I entered to check myself,” he said.

According to him, that was when the shocking discovery was made.

“When we went there, we realized the baby was nowhere to be found. We informed the nurses, and they only told us they would look for the baby,” he said.

The disappearance of the newborn has left the family devastated and sparked renewed public concern over hospital security, particularly in maternity and postnatal wards.

The Salaga case adds to a growing list of similar incidents, including a reported disappearance of a week-old baby from the Zibilla District Hospital in the Upper East Region in June 2024, which triggered investigations and renewed calls for stronger infant protection protocols in health facilities.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Simon said he was informed by a spiritualist that the newborn had been involved in an alleged illegal transaction.

“We were informed by a spiritualist that they have sold the baby for a huge amount of money,” he claimed.

He further alleged that the baby is still believed to be within the hospital premises, although those allegedly involved in identifying the child are currently not available.

“They said the money involved is huge, and the baby is still in the hospital, but the person who is supposed to identify the baby is not around,” he added.

Mr. Simon insisted that he was later told the baby had been sold but had not yet been handed over to the alleged buyer.

“They told us the baby has been sold but has not yet been given to the person buying it, so the baby is still somewhere in the hospital,” he said.

The allegations come amid growing anxiety within the family, who say they are devastated by the disappearance and are demanding answers from hospital authorities.

The incident adds to a series of similar cases reported across the country in recent years, raising concerns about security and oversight in maternity and postnatal wards.

In June 2024, a week-old baby reportedly disappeared from the Zebilla District Hospital in the Upper East Region, prompting investigations and renewed calls for stronger infant protection protocols in health facilities.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Simon said police officers visited the facility after the incident to investigate where the baby was delivered.

“When the police came, they came to see where the baby was delivered,” he said.

According to him, hospital staff directed the officers to a woman responsible for caring for newborns before they are handed over to their mothers.

“The woman in charge of the babies told them the baby was there earlier, but later she realised the baby was no longer there,” he recounted.

Mr. Simon said he was surprised that the disappearance was not reported immediately.

“They asked her why she did not report it immediately, but she just sat there until they arrived,” he said.

“She is supposed to take care of the babies before they are given to their mothers, so we asked why she didn’t alert anyone when she noticed the baby was missing,” he added.

He said the development left everyone at the hospital shocked.

“We were all shocked,” he said.

Mr. Simon added that his wife had given birth to her third child, making the situation even more distressing for the family.

He further claimed that doctors initially informed him that the baby had been placed on oxygen, but later asked for it to be removed because the baby was stable.

“I was told the baby was on oxygen, and I asked them to remove it because they said the baby was fine,” he said.

“So I don’t understand why later I was told the baby was missing. If the oxygen was removed, why was the baby not handed over to the mother instead of being declared missing?” he questioned.

The disappearance of the newborn has left the family devastated and raised renewed concerns about security in maternity and postnatal wards across the country.

The Salaga case adds to previous incidents, including a reported disappearance of a week-old baby from the Zibilla District Hospital in the Upper East Region in June 2024, which triggered investigations and calls for stronger hospital security protocols.

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In September 2019, the then Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, now the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, led a team of NDC MPs to inspect several abandoned health facilities.

Their tour included the Kumawu District Hospital, the Tepa District Hospital, and the Fomena District Hospital, with MPs such as Charles Agbeve, Dr Kurt Nawaane, Dr Sebastian Sandaare, and Charles Hodogbey forming part of the delegation.

I was among the selected journalists from the Parliamentary Press Corps who accompanied the MPs on that tour. We moved freely. No military officer intervened. No police officer attempted to block access. No security barrier was erected. At no point was it suggested that parliamentary oversight posed a threat to national security. It was a straightforward exercise in democratic responsibility, precisely what Parliament is mandated to do.

That is why the chaos at the Afari Military Hospital in the Atwima Nwabiagya District is so troubling. Reports that Minority MPs on the Health Committee were obstructed by army officers when attempting to visit the facility raise serious concerns about transparency and the creeping politicisation of state institutions. If MPs could access health facilities without hindrance in 2019, why is the same exercise suddenly treated as a security breach in 2026?

The inconsistency is not accidental. It reflects a deeper national problem: a political class that shifts its principles depending on whether it sits on the government or opposition benches. When out of power, parties demand accountability and unfettered access. When in power, they restrict the very oversight they once championed. Their supporters then defend these contradictions with remarkable enthusiasm, further eroding the country’s democratic culture.

Ghana cannot continue on this path. A nation that obstructs its own legislators from performing constitutionally mandated oversight is a nation drifting away from accountability. Until citizens reject partisan hypocrisy and demand consistent standards from all political actors, Ghana’s progress will remain hostage to political convenience.

The latest departure came at a fraught moment. Judgment in the mining case, in which Wontumi and his company Akonta Mining are accused of facilitating unlicensed operations on a concession at Samreboi, is due on July 3. On the same day Appiah-Kubi quit, the Attorney-General’s office told the court that Wontumi had asked to open plea negotiations in a separate case accusing him of defrauding the state-owned Ghana Export-Import Bank. He is, in effect, fighting on one front and bargaining on another just as his lead counsel walks away.

Appiah-Kubi, a former member of parliament, said he had formally notified both his client and the Accra High Court that he was stepping aside, citing what he called “unseen influences” around the proceedings that he said were compromising the trial’s integrity.

The man at the centre of it all is Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who is universally known as Chairman Wontumi. How his defence got here is a story of star additions, abrupt exits and open feuding.

The withdrawal carries weight because of its timing. Judgment in the mining case, in which Wontumi and his company Akonta Mining are accused of facilitating unlicensed operations on a concession at Samreboi, is due on July 3. On the same day Appiah-Kubi quit, the Attorney-General’s office told the court that Wontumi had asked to open plea negotiations in a separate case accusing him of defrauding the state-owned Ghana Export-Import Bank. He is, in effect, fighting on one front and bargaining on another just as his lead counsel walks away.

The first exit

The turbulence began in late May 2025, after national security operatives raided Wontumi’s home and police summoned him.

When he reported to the Criminal Investigations Department in Accra on May 26, it was not Appiah-Kubi who walked him in but Godfred Dame, attorney-general and justice minister from January 2021 to January 2025 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Asked whether he was representing Wontumi, Dame said, “It is obvious,” and declined to elaborate, adding, “No comment, we haven’t started yet.” He had taken over after Appiah-Kubi stepped aside.

Appiah-Kubi never publicly described that first departure as a resignation or gave a single reason for it. But the friction driving the shake-up soon surfaced. As a fight over bail unfolded, he said he had been blindsided by a court application he had not filed. “We encountered a challenge, a legal challenge unknown to me; there was an application that prohibits us,” he said, calling it one “not filed by my good self.” He also said he wanted to keep the defence clear of politics, vowing to “stay out of the politics and the theatrics” and work “within the law.”

Dame’s involvement was itself striking. He was now lining up against the prosecuting machinery he once led, by then headed by his successor, Dominic Ayine.

A crowded, fractious team

The handover was anything but clean. By early June 2025 the team had grown to include Dame, Appiah-Kubi and a new arrival, Gary Nimako Marfo, the NPP’s director of legal affairs, who had been brought in on the instructions of Wontumi’s wife as the family pressed for his release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The strategies collided. While Appiah-Kubi worked to satisfy a 50 million cedi bail bond, Nimako filed a separate motion seeking to vary the terms. Appiah-Kubi blamed that filing for stalling the release; Nimako rejected the explanation. “A variation application is not an injunction application that could have stopped the ongoing process,” he said, calling his colleague’s account “disingenuous.” He said he had blocked Appiah-Kubi and would not speak to him again. Appiah-Kubi, in turn, said he was untroubled and had not been told of the motion. Nimako withdrew it on June 2, and Wontumi stayed in custody for a time before his release.

Outside analysts saw a team at war with itself. The confusion, said Kojo Asante of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, pointed to a basic problem: “There is a conflict on who exactly is representing Wontumi, and that is what has complicated the matter.”

The return

Whatever the rancour, Appiah-Kubi was back at the head of the defence by the time the mining cases reached open court.

When Wontumi reported to the CID on October 6, 2025, to have his charges read, he arrived with Appiah-Kubi beside him. Through late 2025 and into 2026, Appiah-Kubi led in court, responding when the state dropped charges against a co-accused turned prosecution witness, and arguing in February 2026 that the prosecution “has woefully failed to establish a prima facie case” and that Wontumi should be acquitted on all six counts.

Days before his second exit, he sounded confident. Ahead of the July 3 ruling, he said the defence was optimistic and that the trial would not derail Wontumi’s bid to become NPP national chairman. “He has very high expectations,” he said. “He is working hard to get elected. We are very hopeful that he will be able to go through the process safely.”

The second exit

Then, on June 11, he was gone again. Where his first departure was quiet and procedural, this one was a pointed protest, blaming “unseen influences” and what he framed as overreach in the conduct of the case.

The court has concluded proceedings in the Samreboi matter and directed both sides to file written addresses, with judgment set for July 3. It was not immediately clear whether Appiah-Kubi’s withdrawal covered all of Wontumi’s cases or the mining trial alone, or whether the court had formally accepted it. The matter is still developing.

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John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, made this known on the floor of Parliament on Thursday.

Earlier, Mr Dumelo disclosed that the government, through the Ghana Buffer Stock Company, had registered 45 licensed buying companies (LBCs) to purchase grains directly from farmers at guaranteed minimum prices.

The initiative aims to address the recurring glut of grains, particularly rice, maize, and soya, while safeguarding farmers’ incomes.

Mr Dumelo, while responding to an urgent question posed by Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, said the government budgeted GHS100 million in November 2025 and additional GHS200 million in 2026 to purchase excess grains.

The question centred on the government’s plans to deal with grain surpluses that often lead to post-harvest losses and price volatility.

The funds will be used to purchase, process, and store grains, thereby cushioning farmers against market shocks.

He said the guaranteed minimum price scheme would ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, regardless of market fluctuations.

This, he noted, would encourage increased production and strengthen food security across the country.

The Deputy Minister further revealed that the government was partnering with the World Bank Group to refurbish food storage warehouses nationwide.

The collaboration is expected to expand storage capacity, reduce wastage, and stabilise grain supply throughout the year.

Mr Dumelo emphasised that the refurbished warehouses would serve as a strategic reserve, enabling the country to manage excess production and prevent sudden price drops that disadvantage farmers.

He added that the initiative would also enhance Ghana’s preparedness against food shortages.

According to him, the government’s intervention was part of a broader agricultural modernisation agenda that seeks to integrate farmers into structured markets. By linking producers directly with licensed buyers, the policy aims to eliminate exploitative middlemen and ensure transparency in grain trading.

Mr Agbana, who posed the urgent question, welcomed the measures but urged the government to ensure timely implementation. He stressed that farmers in grain-producing regions had long suffered losses due to inadequate storage facilities and unstable market conditions.

The Deputy Minister assured Parliament that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was committed to swiftly rolling out the programme.

He noted that the Ghana Buffer Stock Company had already begun engaging the registered LBCs to operationalise the purchase scheme.

The initiative, Mr Dumelo concluded, would not only protect farmers but also contribute to national food security, stabilise grain prices, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports.

He reiterated the government’s resolve to support farmers as a cornerstone of economic growth and rural development.

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Prosecutors argued that Yoon ordered the operation in October 2024 to provoke Pyongyang and create a pretext for his failed martial law bid later that year.

When Yoon declared martial law on 3 December, he had claimed he was protecting the country from “anti-state” forces that sympathised with North Korea. But it soon became clear he was driven by domestic troubles, and he rolled back the order in the face of mass protests.

Yoon was impeached and is now serving time in prison after he was sentenced to life for insurrection over his botched martial law attempt.

On Friday, the Seoul District Court found Yoon, as well as his former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, the former head of the Defence Counterintelligence Command Yeo In-hyung, and the former head of the Drone Operations Command Kim Yong-dae, guilty of treason and abuse of power.

Kim was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while Yeo received 15 years, and Kim Yong-dae received 3 years in prison with a 5-year suspended sentence.

“The defendants used the guise of a military operation to induce provocations from North Korea with the aim of creating a state of emergency,” the court said.

It added that all three officials had “provoked North Korea”, thus “increasing the risk of a military conflict”, but concluded that Yoon bore the “greatest responsibility” in this event.

Yoon’s lawyers had argued that his actions were a “legitimate” response to North Korea’s “provocations with rubbish balloons”.

This was a reference to North Korea dropping hundreds of balloons in 2024, which were later found to contain “filthy waste and trash”, across the border in the South.

The two countries have used such “propaganda balloons” in their campaigns since the Korean War, with messages placed inside them.

But tensions shot up in 2024 when North Korea accused the South of flying drones into its capital. These drones allegedly scattered propaganda leaflets all over Pyongyang, in what the North described as a provocation that could lead to war.

It was Yoon who sent these drones into the North, expecting it to strike back, said a judge in Friday’s ruling.

Apart from insurrection, Yoon was also sentenced to five years in jail for abuse of power and obstructing his own arrest.

Yoon’s attempt at martial law and the protests that followed created months of chaos in the country, culminating in an election in which the opposition Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung won a decisive mandate.

Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.5% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Forecasts for two-thirds of economies have been downgraded relative to January of this year. Global growth is expected to improve to 2.8% in 2027 but will remain 0.4 percentage point below the average during the 2010s.

Weak growth in developing economies has stalled progress toward advanced-economy income levels. By 2028, developing economies other than China and India will have collectively experienced nearly a decade of no progress on narrowing their per capita income gap with advanced economies, the report finds.

“Developing countries have faced a series of challenges over the last decade,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “The impact differs by country, but the basic test is the same: protect people and preserve stability today, without giving up on growth and jobs tomorrow. In response to the current shock, we are providing liquidity where it is needed now — and we are ready with additional financing, guarantees, and private-sector solutions if pressures deepen. Our job is to help countries steady the ship, keep reforms moving, and emerge stronger on the other side.”

According to the report, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted energy markets, with Brent crude oil prices projected to average $94 a barrel in 2026, 36% above 2025 levels, assuming the worst disruptions abate in July. Fertilizer prices are forecast to increase significantly this year, with knock-on effects for food prices. Together, these pressures are pushing up global inflation, which is expected to rise to 4.0% this year, up substantially from 3.3% in 2025.

Yet downside risks are significant. If energy supply disruptions prove more severe than currently assumed and are accompanied by substantial financial stress, global growth could fall to just 1.3% in 2026, and inflation would rise to 4.4%.

This year, growth in developing economies is expected to drop to a post-pandemic low of 3.6%, down from 4.4% in 2025, before recovering to 4.2% in 2027. Economies in the Gulf that are directly affected by the conflict are expected to take the biggest hit as their growth tumbles from 3.9% in 2025 to close to zero in 2026. The report predicts growth will rebound in these economies—to about 5% in 2027–28—as trade recovers and spending on reconstruction begins.

The World Bank Group is committed to supporting all developing countries as they confront crises. In response to the conflict in the Middle East, it is immediately making up to $50–60 billion available through existing instruments, including $25 billion of pre-arranged financing. This can support social safety nets for the most vulnerable people, boost fiscal capacity, and provide working capital and liquidity support for firms and farms. To date, over 30 countries are actively working with the World Bank Group to enhance readiness and enable a rapid response to the crisis under this response plan. If the conflict and its economic fallout persist, the World Bank Group can scale up its support to $80–100 billion over 15 months.

South Asia is expected to see the strongest growth of any region in 2026, but even its growth will register a significant slowdown—from 7% in 2025 to 6.3% in 2026, the report finds. Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth is also slowing, with the biggest pressures coming through inflation, including high food prices due to the fertilizer supply shortages and price hikes.

“The conflict has taken a toll on global activity, but every crisis also brings an opportunity,” said Ayhan Kose, the World Bank Group’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group. “This moment should be used to strengthen policy frameworks, invest in infrastructure, accelerate business-enabling reforms, and mobilize private capital to support job creation at scale.”

The report’s special-focus chapters examine fiscal challenges in developing economies. About two-thirds of developing economies—and nearly 90% of low-income countries—are commodity exporters. Yet these economies tend to have weaker fiscal positions than other developing economies, as they face more volatile and less diversified revenues. Five years after a positive commodity price shock, much of the revenue windfall is spent, rather than saved to strengthen fiscal positions. To manage commodity price volatility, policy makers should rely on frameworks, such as well-designed fiscal rules and sovereign wealth funds with clear stabilization mandates, alongside improved domestic revenue mobilization and greater economic diversification.

The other chapter explores how rising debt levels are making it harder for countries to respond to crises and invest in long-term development priorities—and driving up borrowing costs in the process. Since 2010, aggregate government debt in developing economies has climbed from under 40% of GDP to over 70%. The analysis finds that the more indebted a country already is, the more sharply its borrowing costs rise with additional debt. The effect is particularly acute in more vulnerable countries. For countries with elevated debt-to-GDP ratios, reducing debt levels can yield meaningful financial rewards: greater fiscal space to invest in infrastructure, health, and education, fueling economic growth and job creation.

The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP warned that current interventions are failing to produce the needed results.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 11, he described youth unemployment as one of Ghana’s most pressing socio-economic challenges and called for urgent, measurable action.

“Mr. Speaker, we do not need more slogans or promises that results are in the pipeline. We need a more effective architecture to solve the worsening youth unemployment problem in our country.

“Data from the Statistical Service is clear. The youth unemployment problem is getting worse. The time to act is now,” he said.

According to the MP, recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service shows that unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 rose from 32 per cent in December 2024 to 32.5 per cent by the third quarter of 2025.

He noted that nearly two million young Ghanaians are currently neither in education, employment, nor training, while almost half of young people in the Greater Accra Region remain unemployed.

While acknowledging that successive governments have struggled with the challenge, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the country must move beyond promises and focus on practical solutions that create sustainable jobs.

“Ghanaian youth do not want slogans. They want feasible programmes that create dignified, productive and well-paid jobs,” he stated.

As part of his proposals, he called for all job creation programmes to be tied to published delivery scorecards that measure key indicators such as the number of beneficiaries, cost per job created, time-to-placement, and employment retention rates.

“Anchor every job programme to a published delivery scorecard with clear metrics on beneficiaries, cost per job created, time-to-placement and employment retention,” he urged.

The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP also advocated a clear distinction between skills training programmes and actual job creation initiatives, arguing that training alone cannot solve unemployment if beneficiaries have no employment opportunities afterwards.

He further proposed greater private-sector participation in job creation, with the government focusing on reducing investment risks, co-investing in strategic sectors, and creating an enabling regulatory environment for businesses to expand employment.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah also recommended making apprenticeship programmes the backbone of Ghana’s youth employment strategy through national certification, employer support and structured pathways into jobs and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, he called for the establishment of a credible Labour Market Information System to provide timely data on vacancies, skills gaps and labour demand to support evidence-based policymaking.

He concluded by urging government to adopt bold and measurable reforms to reverse the unemployment trend and create opportunities for Ghana’s growing youth population.

She collapsed in December 2022 while exercising with her dogs. Her doctors attributed it to a severely irregular heartbeat, caused by a mycoplasma infection in her heart.

With her death, the Thai royal family has lost its most visibly accomplished member, and someone who might have played a pivotal role in an as-yet-unclarified succession.

She was the eldest of King Vajiralongkorn’s seven children, born on 7 December 1978 to his first wife and cousin, Princess Soamsawali.

“The medical team provided the closest and most intensive care possible, but her condition continued to decline progressively,” the palace said in a statement on Friday morning, adding that she passed away at 19:48 local time (12:48 GMT) the previous day in Chulalongkorn Hospital.

She trained as a lawyer, getting two post-graduate degrees from Cornell University in the US. She worked briefly at the Thai mission to the United Nations in New York before returning to Thailand to work in the Attorney-General’s offices in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.

From 2012 to 2014, she was Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, where she built a relationship with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

She started speaking out on the need for penal reform, with a particular focus on vulnerable women who end up in prison; Thailand has one of the world’s highest numbers of female inmates.

Once back in Thailand, she became the UNODC’s Ambassador for the Rule of Law in South East Asia and continued to advocate for reform of Thailand’s criminal justice system, in which severe sentences are often handed down to people convicted of relatively minor drug possession charges.

In 2021, her father made her a chief of staff in his private bodyguard, giving her the rank of general.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was also a fitness enthusiast who often took part in long-distance runs.

Her abilities and the trust her father appeared to have in her made her an inevitable topic of speculation about the royal succession.

King Vajiralongkorn, who is 73 years old, has not yet named an heir. Thai custom dictates that the heir must be male, but a 1974 amendment to the constitution allows a female to take the throne.

The king has five sons, but four of them, born of his second marriage, were disowned in 1996 and have lived with their mother in the US since then.

His fifth son, Dipangkorn, by his third wife, is the presumed heir, although questions have been raised about his ability to serve as monarch in a country where the royal institution wields so much influence.

For many Thai royalists, Princess Bajrakitiyabha seemed the most promising figure to succeed her father, either as queen or as a regent to help Prince Dipangkorn.

Her death leaves the question of the succession in Thailand unanswered, and the severity of the country’s lese majeste law rules out any public discussion of it.

The 12-week programme brings together students from Kumasi and Obuasi, with 70 percent of participants being girls, to acquire practical coding and digital technology skills.

At the launch, students showcased innovative projects including driverless vehicles, smart toll gates, and obstacle-avoiding systems.

Speaking at the event, External Affairs Director of Telecel Ghana, Komla Buami, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with digital skills to prepare them for the future.

“At Telecel, we believe that if we are able to equip our young ones and grow with it and also have it as part of their skills, it will be a part of them,” he said.

Mr. Buami further disclosed that the Telecel Foundation is training teachers to become digital skills trainers in their respective schools, in addition to its existing partnership with the Ghana Library Authority.

He added that the foundation will also provide standard kits aligned with the Ghana Education Service curriculum to make teaching technology more practical and effective.

He encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that about 1,000 beneficiaries are expected to participate in the Ashanti Codes programme across centres in Kumasi and Obuasi.

Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene commended Telecel Ghana for complementing government efforts to expand digital education in the region.

“As a government, the Ministry of Communications is also rolling out a similar digital training programme for the youth across all districts in the region. They are targeting about 50 youths per district across 47 constituencies, which brings the total to about 2,300. For Telecel alone to take 1,000 participants and contribute to this effort is commendable,” he said.

He pledged full support for the initiative, stressing the need to prepare young people to contribute to technological advancement.

Board Chair of the Ghana Library Authority, Dr. Michael Essuman, described digital literacy among children as critical to the country’s economic future and urged participants—especially girls—to take the programme seriously.

“The future of our country’s economy is digitisation. Everything happening now and into the future is digitally driven, so you should take it seriously and learn as if your whole life depends on what you do with the Ashanti Codes programme,” he said.

The Ashanti Codes initiative forms part of Telecel Ghana’s broader commitment to empowering young people with digital and coding skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Fortune names Yellow Card among top global crypto innovators

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The Fortune Crypto Innovators list highlights organizations advancing the global digital asset ecosystem through breakthrough technology, infrastructure, security, and adoption, spotlighting builders and enablers shaping the future of blockchain and digital assets beyond traditional measures of scale.

“Being named to the Fortune Crypto Innovators list affirms what we have always known: the future of global commerce runs through emerging markets. Yellow Card exists to bring those markets to global companies, powering the infrastructure that gives businesses everywhere the speed, efficiency, and reliability that modern commerce demands. This is not a regional story. This is a global one,” said CEO and Co-founder Chris Maurice.

CTO and Co-founder Justin Poiroux added: “For nearly a decade, the company has been deliberately building the rails that global commerce increasingly depends on. Our infrastructure gives businesses anywhere in the world frictionless access to stablecoins and digital asset rails without needing to be crypto experts. What began as a mission to serve underserved markets has scaled into a globally trusted operation, and this recognition from Fortune reflects the depth and ambition of what we have built.”

In recent months, Yellow Card has accelerated its global expansion strategy, deepening its presence across key emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The company has also advanced its stablecoin payment infrastructure, fiat settlement rails, and custody wallet services to meet the needs of an increasingly borderless financial system.

Trusted by major global financial institutions and payments companies, including Mastercard, Visa, Thunes, MoneyGram, and PayPal, the company says this reflects its strong compliance standards, reliability, and global interoperability.

As Yellow Card continues to expand its footprint, the recognition serves as both a milestone and a mandate. The company says it remains committed to advancing global payments and digital asset infrastructure, building financial rails that connect businesses worldwide regardless of location.

The private legal practitioner made the announcement to the media, framing his bid around experience, competence, and the stakes of the 2028 general elections.

Tested And Tried

Describing himself as “tried and tested,” Sambian said the NPP needs strategic leadership in the home region of its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“The NPP cannot afford to fail Ghanaians in the 2028 polls, much less so when this is the home region of the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. We need someone capable with the expertise to marshal resources and reclaim lost ground. I have been tested and tried in various capacities, and I will deliver,” he assured.

He argued that regaining lost ground requires more than rhetoric, stressing that his goal is to make the North East Region a stronghold for the NPP and help secure victory for Dr. Bawumia’s presidential bid.

The Contest

Sambian will face incumbent Regional Chairman Nurudeen, who was retained at the last regional conference in Nalerigu on May 27, 2022. At that election, Nurudeen secured 71 of 146 valid votes, winning by a 21-vote margin over his closest challenger, former Yagaba-Kubore Constituency Chairman Akamara Bawah Henry, who polled 50 votes.

Sambian himself was retained as Regional Secretary at the same conference, obtaining 106 of 146 votes—the highest among all contestants.

What’s At Stake

With 2028 approaching, the North East contest is shaping up as a test of strategy versus incumbency. Sambian is banking on experience and delivery, while Nurudeen is expected to defend his record as chairman.

The next regional elections are scheduled for August 8 to August 9, 2026, according to a communiqué issued earlier by the National Executive Committee of the party.

Andy Appiah Kubi files motion to withdraw from Samreboi illegal mining…

Kpandai District Assembly disburses GH¢163,000, tricycles to 147 Persons with Disabilities

The support, which comes from the Assembly’s disability fund, is expected to help beneficiaries expand their businesses, improve their living conditions, and become more self-reliant.

Speaking at the disbursement ceremony, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kpandai, Haruna Abdul-Karim, urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the support provided to them.

“This support is intended to improve your livelihoods and help you become economically independent. You requested these funds and items, so I urge you to use them wisely and invest them in ventures that will bring lasting benefits to you and your families,” he stated.

He further encouraged beneficiaries to remain committed to productive activities that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

“The Assembly remains committed to supporting persons with disabilities. We believe that when given the right opportunities, PWDs can contribute significantly to the growth and development of our district,” he added.

A representative of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Assembly, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

“We are very grateful to the Kpandai District Assembly for this support. This assistance will go a long way to help us improve our businesses and livelihoods. We assure the Assembly that we will use the money and tricycles for their intended purposes,” the representative said.

The beneficiaries pledged to make the most of the opportunity and create sustainable sources of income for themselves and their families.

The event brought together Assembly officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries, who commended the Assembly for its continued commitment to promoting the welfare and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the district.

According to him, the House retains the authority to move a motion to rescind or review its earlier decision on the Bill. His remarks follow the passage of the legislation, after which he has called for further reconsideration.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Supreme Court 150th Anniversary Planning Committee on Thursday, June 11, Mr Bagbin dismissed suggestions that Parliament is functus officio and therefore unable to revisit the matter.

“The recent debate where some lawyers came out strongly to say that by the Constitution, once a law is passed on the floor, Parliament is functus officio. It’s not the law,” he said.

He explained that the legislative process is not fully concluded until the Bill is submitted to the President for assent, adding that Parliament still has room to review its decisions.

“Because we have what we call a passage process before you send it to the President for assent. And that process gives the opportunity for Parliament to reflect on what it has passed,” he stated.

Mr Bagbin further noted that Parliament often revisits legislation to correct inconsistencies or errors, describing it as part of a “reconsideration stage.”

“And on many occasions, we usually identify some inconsistencies or errors. Then we go back to the House… we use a motion of rescission to rescind the decision of having read the Bill a third time,” he explained.

He stressed that it is therefore not correct to argue that Parliament cannot revisit a Bill once it has been passed.

His comments come after he directed Parliament to reconsider the already passed Bill following consultations with leadership aimed at building broader consensus on the legislation.

Earlier, on Tuesday, June 2, the Speaker called for further engagement between the Majority and Minority leadership, expressing concern about the process that led to the Bill’s passage.

Mr Bagbin said he was surprised the Bill was fully passed on Friday, May 29, noting that he had expected Parliament to proceed only to the consideration stage.

He maintained that due to its sensitivity and the national debate surrounding it, the Bill requires wider consultation and consensus among stakeholders.

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The national non-profit organisation, which promotes inclusive development through active citizenship and local philanthropy, believes informed, engaged, and empowered citizens can drive meaningful change in governance and public service delivery.

The appeal was made during a two-day programme that brought together civil society organisations (CSOs), volunteers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on volunteerism and strategies to ensure that all voices—particularly those of marginalised groups and communities—are reflected in decisions affecting their lives.

Currently, STAR-Ghana Foundation works directly with 18 CSO partners across 10 regions, who in turn collaborate with community-based organisations. The foundation says it intends to expand its partnerships while deepening grassroots participation.

The programme also marked the culmination of an 18-month volunteerism project implemented in 91 communities across the country.

Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Ibrahim Tanko-Amidu, said volunteerism presents a sustainable path for Ghana’s development and should be integrated into national workforce planning.

“Volunteerism offers a sustainable way forward for this country, and we need to make efforts to place it at the centre of the national development workforce, so that it provides a resource—whether we are talking about young people or retired people,” he said. “They are there, and we need to mobilise them.”

Mr Tanko-Amidu noted that volunteerism has long been embedded in Ghanaian culture and community development, adding that the project was designed to mobilise local resources rather than rely solely on external donors.

According to him, funding community initiatives should also involve district assemblies, private sector institutions, and community members through local philanthropy.

Touching on youth participation, he observed that many young people have become disengaged from volunteerism due to unemployment and dissatisfaction with democratic outcomes.

“There are a lot of things around youth disengagement. Most of them are not seeing the dividends of democracy and decentralisation. We have voted over and over, but we are not seeing improvement, so they do not see the point in getting involved or even voting,” he said.

He also pointed to high youth unemployment as a major factor, noting that many young people are focused on job seeking and livelihood creation.

“Our culture does not empower young people, and we are not creating enough opportunities for them to get involved,” he added.

Despite limited funding and a relatively short implementation period, Mr Tanko-Amidu said the project has delivered significant impact by mobilising communities and strengthening participation in health, education, social accountability, and local governance.

Project Officer of the Volunteer Project, Allswell Hooper-Garbrah, encouraged young people to embrace volunteerism and recognise the resources within their communities.

“Throughout the implementation period, we have realised that our support has enabled communities to identify resources. It is not just about financial resources; there are resources in various forms, including group capacities and individual skills. Recognising this is key to community development,” she said.

Program Advisor at NORSAAC, Mohammed Sumaila, also highlighted the positive outcomes of the initiative and called for stronger support to revive volunteerism nationwide.

“I call on stakeholders to come on board to support the culture of volunteerism so that our communities can revive this spirit. Volunteerism is not limited to unskilled people but includes skilled individuals as well,” he said.

The foundation said the initiative has reached 91 communities over 18 months, demonstrating the potential of citizen-led action in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

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He said scrap dealers have been vandalising traffic lights and stealing their metal components to sell as scrap.

This is so rampant that even the traffic light in front of the Police headquarters in Accra has had its components stolen by thieves, the minister said.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Mr Agbodza said there are about 415 traffic lights across the country.

Many of them are not working because people deliberately vandalise them and steal the components.

“… the traffic lights not working, it is on many occasions deliberate, where people go and vandalise the chambers. Some people actually vandalise the chambers and take the metal components and sell them as scrap metals, sometimes vehicles drive into them and then run away, and the value of the vehicles are sometimes less than the things they damage and this is widespread and we are appealing to the public to report any such vandalism to us”.

“The irony is that even the one in front of the police headquarters was also stolen,” Mr Agbodza said. 

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US Central Command (Centcom) said it had completed a wave of “self-defence strikes” targeting military, surveillance and radar sites in southern Iran, hours after President Donald Trump vowed US forces would hit Iran “hard”.

Tehran responded to the attack with a round of strikes targeting US military assets across the region in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

Iran’s foreign ministry said early on Thursday that the overnight attacks violated the two-month-old ceasefire, rendering it “practically meaningless”.

It said in a statement that responsibility for the “extremely serious consequences of this criminal act” lay with the leaders of the US.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had fired ballistic missiles at a US command centre in Jordan, state media reported.

It said it had destroyed “a large number” of US fighter jets and “facilities” after firing 12 ballistic missiles at the Muwaffaq Salti Airbase.

Jordanian state media reported 20 missiles had been intercepted and shot down by the country’s air defence systems and air force, citing an unnamed military official.

The missiles had been fired towards Azraq in central Jordan, it reported, “without any human casualties or material damage” caused.

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s interior ministry said its air raid sirens were activated and that falling shrapnel from intercepted Iranian drones had damaged homes and vehicles in the capital, Manama, and Hamad Town.

Kuwait’s Army posted on X that its anti-air defence systems intercepted “hostile aerial targets”.

Kuwait said it had temporarily closed its airspace due to the Iranian attacks, before reopening it early on Thursday.

In Iran, state media reported explosions around Tehran, the port city of Bandar Abbas and other southern areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC said it had hit two oil tankers passing through the crucial shipping channel shortly after state media reported it was “completely closed to all type of vessel” – although there was no immediate confirmation of a strike.

Centcom, however, said “commercial ships are continuing to transit in and out of the Strait of Hormuz”.

Oil prices rose shortly after the closure of the shipping channel and the apparent attack on the ships was announced.

Brent crude oil, seen as the global benchmark, climbed to around $95 a barrel after rising by about 2%.

Hours before the US launched its latest attack, Trump had warned: “We hit them hard yesterday and we’re going to hit them hard again today.”

Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iranian leaders had “taken too long to negotiate a deal” and threatened further attacks were a deal not reached.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran had been given a chance to make a deal but had not taken it and said bombs would be “dropping on key facilities” in the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country would “stand firm against any pressure or threat”. The foreign ministry in Tehran has accused the US of damaging the diplomatic process through “contradictory messages”.

In April, the US and Iran agreed a ceasefire that was initially meant to last for two weeks. Both sides have since exchanged intermittent fire, without returning to full-scale hostilities.

However, recent efforts to broker a peace agreement have stalled and attacks have grown more frequent.

This week, a US helicopter was downed in an attack that the US blamed on Iran. The IRGC in turn responded by targeting US bases across the Middle East.

UN Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement on X that the Middle East was “being pulled deeper into crisis” and that recent attacks meant “the ceasefire is more like a lesser-fire”.

“We should not minimise the risks of lesser fire becoming full fire. All parties must work towards a diplomatic settlement. No more attacks. No more excuses,” he said.

The Palau-flagged MT Settebello came under attack on Wednesday, accused by the US military of violating an American blockade by “attempting to transport oil from Iran”.

US Centcom said an aircraft fired “precision munitions” into the engine room of the tanker “after the crew repeatedly failed” to follow directions.

The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February.

Iran responded by attacking Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travels.

That oil comes not only from Iran, but also Gulf states such as Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Shortly after a ceasefire was agreed in early April, the US established a blockade of Iranian ports, which Trump said would remain “in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed”.

Africa’s trade ambitions are no longer theoretical. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gaining traction, the continent is steadily repositioning itself as a unified economic bloc. Yet one structural constraint remains clear: trade cannot thrive where payments are slow, expensive, or uncertain.

This is precisely the gap the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is designed to close.

From Fragmentation To Flow

Historically, intra-African trade has been constrained by fragmented payment systems, reliance on third-party currencies, and prolonged settlement timelines. These inefficiencies have increased the cost of doing business and discouraged cross-border expansion, particularly for smaller firms.

PAPSS introduces a more coherent framework, enabling transactions in local currencies with near-instant settlement. The implication is straightforward: reduced friction, lower costs, and improved liquidity for businesses. What has traditionally been a complex and costly process has now been simplified, unlocking new opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Empowering SMEs And Expanding Opportunity

For many African businesses, especially SMEs, accessing regional and international markets has often been constrained by foreign exchange challenges, high transaction costs, and delays in settlement. PAPSS addresses these pain points directly.

By simplifying cross-border payments, PAPSS lowers the barrier to participation in regional trade. It creates a more predictable and efficient trading environment—one where a Ghanaian exporter, for example, can receive payments from a partner in another African country without the need for intermediary currencies or prolonged processing times.

Digital Access: Embedding PAPSS In Everyday Banking

Recognising this potential, Prudential Bank has taken a deliberate step to bring PAPSS closer to its customers by integrating the platform into its mobile banking application. This development ensures that cross-border payments are not confined to corporate channels but are available to everyday users—business owners, traders, and professionals alike.

This reflects the Bank’s strong commitment to digital innovation and its belief that access to financial tools should be simple and inclusive.

The objective is clear: to make cross-border transactions as seamless as domestic ones. Digital access, in this context, is not merely a convenience; it is a necessary condition for scale.

Driving Adoption For Continental Growth

Beyond convenience, this integration is about empowering customers to participate more actively in Africa’s growing trade ecosystem. When businesses can move funds quickly and securely, they are better positioned to scale, compete, and expand into new markets.

However, for PAPSS to achieve its full potential, adoption must be collective. Financial institutions, regulators, businesses, and policymakers all have a role to play in driving awareness and usage.

Growth Of PAPSS = Growth Of African Trade

PAPSS represents more than a payment solution; it is a foundational layer for Africa’s economic integration. Efficient payments enable efficient trade, and efficient trade underpins sustainable growth.

At Prudential Bank, PAPSS is viewed as central to the next phase of Africa’s economic evolution—one defined by deeper regional linkages, stronger SMEs, and a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

The future of African trade is intra-African. For that future to be realised, systems like PAPSS must not only exist but must also grow, scale, and become central to how we do business across borders.

He expressed concern that despite daily monitoring and enforcement efforts by municipal authorities, people continue to erect structures on water channels.

“Every day, new structures are being built, and it is very worrying,” he said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

Mr. Martey questioned the effectiveness of local authority taskforces responsible for preventing such developments.

“The Municipal Assembly has a taskforce that patrols the communities daily. Don’t they see people building on waterways? Later, they come and blame us,” he asked.

He insisted that although warning notices are often issued to developers, enforcement measures are rarely followed through.

“They go and write ‘Stop Work’ on these buildings, but they don’t follow up. Then later, they blame us,” he stated.

Mr. Martey called for stronger enforcement measures, including the demolition of illegal structures obstructing waterways.

“All structures impeding the flow of water must be pulled down,” he stressed.

Mr. Martey said he was encouraged by comments from the Regional Minister authorising Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to demolish such buildings.

“I am happy the Regional Minister has given MMDCEs the authority to pull down those buildings,” he said.

He added that he has documented evidence of ongoing encroachment and warned that the issue would be revisited if it continues.

“I have copies of newspapers reporting these issues. If this happens again next year, I will bring them out and we will review whether we have all been responsible,” he cautioned.

Mr. Martey explained that Ghana Water Limited has been managing the Weija Dam carefully, noting that controlled spillage has been ongoing since last year.

“We started spilling the dam since last year April and we have not closed it,” he said.

He added that the dam has a maximum safe operating level of about 45 feet, which must not be exceeded.

“The maximum operating level is around 45 feet. We always try to keep it there. We cannot allow it to go beyond that, otherwise it becomes dangerous,” he explained.

He said the dam is monitored hourly to ensure safety.

“We monitor the dam on an hourly basis,” he noted.

Meanwhile, hundreds of homes in parts of Weija in Accra have been submerged following the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam, leaving many residents stranded and forcing evacuations.

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The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, filed a Notification of Commencement of Plea Negotiation at the Accra High Court on Thursday, June 11, 2026, under Docket No. CR/0529/2026.

According to the court document, Wontumi’s counsel, Mr. Andy Appiah-Kubi, Esq., wrote to the Attorney-General on June 5, 2026, requesting the initiation of plea negotiations in respect of the charges in the trial.

The notification was filed under Section 162C(3) of Act 30, which governs plea negotiation procedures in Ghana’s criminal justice system.

The case involves Chairman Wontumi as the first accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who remains at large as the second accused, and Wontumi Farms Limited as the third accused.

Wontumi and his co-accused face four criminal charges: defrauding by false pretence, authoring a forged document, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution.

According to the charge sheet dated May 15, 2026, the accused persons allegedly secured about GH¢14.3 million from Exim Bank in 2018 under the guise of establishing a large-scale farming project.

Prosecutors claim Wontumi Farms Limited applied for a GH¢19 million loan facility, presenting documents that purported to show the company had secured a 100,000-acre parcel of land for the agricultural venture.

The prosecution alleged that one of the documents presented as a board resolution letter was dated January 23, 2018, but referred to a resolution supposedly passed on December 9, 2017 — four days before the company was officially incorporated on December 14, 2017.

The prosecution further claims that although about GH¢14.3 million was disbursed for the project, no farming activities were carried out, no machinery was purchased, and no workers were employed.

It is also alleged that a document presented as proof of purchase for farming equipment was falsified.

Count Four further alleges that Wontumi, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, and Wontumi Farms Limited intentionally caused financial loss to the Ghana Export-Import Bank exceeding GH¢30 million in the course of the transaction, with substantial portions of the money allegedly diverted into personal use and unrelated business investments.

Chairman Wontumi pleaded not guilty to all four charges when he appeared before the court on May 18, 2026.

The matter had been adjourned to June 18, 2026, for a Case Management Conference.

This is not Wontumi’s only active criminal matter. He, Akonta Mining Limited, and company director Kwame Antwi are also before the Accra High Court in a separate trial over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi, with judgment scheduled for July 3, 2026.

The Attorney-General’s office has not issued any public statement beyond the court notification. Further developments in the Exim Bank case are expected when proceedings resume on June 18, 2026.

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According to the Service, personnel from the Peki Fire Station responded swiftly to a distress call received at 7:41 a.m. on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, reporting a collision involving a Rhino truck with registration number GX 3516-16 and a Toyota Voxy with registration number GN 6973-25.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and successfully rescued two male victims, aged 52 and 20, from the wreckage.

The GNFS said personnel also salvaged assorted drinks and ammonium sulphate fertiliser from the accident scene to prevent any additional hazards and ensure public safety.

The victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further care, while efforts were made to secure the area and restore normal traffic flow.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The Fire Service used the opportunity to urge motorists to adhere to road safety regulations and exercise caution on the roads to help reduce the incidence of traffic accidents.

Road crashes continue to be a major concern across the country, with emergency responders frequently appealing to drivers to observe speed limits and comply with traffic laws to save lives.

The situation left several students stranded between halls of residence and lecture halls after a heavy downpour overwhelmed the university’s drainage system.

Key bridges and walkways across campus became impassable, forcing students heading to lectures to take longer alternative routes, while others remained in their halls due to safety concerns.

School buses were, however, able to cross some of the flooded areas, helping to transport students, while taxis and smaller vehicles were unable to pass.

University authorities deployed security personnel to monitor the situation and direct traffic to ensure safety and order across affected areas.

The flooding significantly slowed campus mobility, affecting the movement of both students and staff.

University management is yet to issue an official statement on the extent of the disruption.

Some students have expressed concern about accessibility and safety, calling for urgent and long-term measures to address recurring flooding on campus during the rainy season.

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The move comes after the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) warned that Accra faces an elevated flood risk this month, with rainfall totals expected to range between 100 and 150 millimetres across the Coastal Zone.

In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, and signed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, REGSEC outlined several communities considered vulnerable to flooding and requiring urgent attention.

Among the identified areas are Odawna and Official Town in Adabraka, Sahara in Dansoman, Alajo—particularly the D.K. Poison and Polo Park areas—as well as Berlin Bridge and Downside in Nima.

Other communities listed include Jelil Estate Junction, Baba Yara Area and Akorli Down in Madina, together with parts of Osu Alata, Osu Doku and the Abelemkpe Methodist Church area.

The statement said residents in these communities should remain vigilant and comply with safety directives as authorities intensify flood preparedness measures ahead of the peak rainy season and the upcoming Homowo celebrations.

According to REGSEC, the measures are intended to reduce the risk of flooding while supporting broader security arrangements for the annual Homowo festivities across the region.

The council has also directed increased monitoring of major drainage catchment areas in parts of Weija-Gbawe, Ga West and Ga East.

Communities earmarked for special attention include Old Barrier, Choice, Tetegu and Oblogo in Weija-Gbawe; Manhean, Afuaman and Medie in Ga West; and Dome Crossing, GAEC Road, Christian Village Drain and the Dakyibi River catchment areas in Ga East.

REGSEC said all the identified locations require enhanced surveillance and intervention as authorities work to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.

As part of the preparedness measures, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) have been directed to intensify drainage maintenance and sanitation exercises within their jurisdictions.

The directive forms part of broader efforts by the regional authorities to reduce flood risks, improve public safety and ensure communities are adequately prepared for the anticipated heavy rains.

Greater Accra experiences recurrent flooding during the rainy season, often resulting in the displacement of residents, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities. Authorities are therefore urging residents, particularly those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to take precautionary measures and heed official advisories throughout the season.

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He expressed frustration over what he described as repeated human disregard for warnings not to build on buffer zones and waterways.

“The amount of money we spend on announcements and sensitisation forums every year can even build six classroom blocks or a CHPS compound,” he said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

“We spend that amount every year on sensitisation, announcements and refreshments after community engagements. For how long are we going to continue like this?” he asked.

Mr. Martey stressed that Ghana Water Limited consistently engages communities, stakeholders and local authorities before and during dam operations.

“Every stakeholder in the community is involved. We hold community forums and sensitisation exercises. People have been educated,” he stated.

He said despite these efforts, some residents still go ahead to build on protected areas.

“After educating you not to build on river buffers, you still go ahead. Why should we do that?” he asked.

According to him, the affected areas are naturally swampy and unsuitable for construction.

“Those areas are mushy areas. Nobody should be building there,” he warned.

Mr. Martey added that GWL should not be blamed for the flooding caused by the controlled spillage of the dam.

“We should not be blamed for doing our job. We are simply ensuring safety,” he said.

He explained that the company continuously monitors water levels at the dam.

“We monitor the dam on an hourly basis and take readings every minute. Whenever we see the level rising above safe limits, we have to open the spill gates,” he noted.

He urged the public to support efforts to prevent flooding by respecting planning regulations and avoiding construction on waterways.

“If we do the right things, we will all be safe,” he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of homes in parts of Weija in Accra have been submerged following a controlled spillage of the Weija Dam, leaving many residents stranded and forcing evacuations.

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He explained that many residents have built structures on buffer zones and directly within river pathways, blocking the natural flow of water.

“People keep putting up structures that impede the flow of the river, and that is what is happening in the area,” he said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

He stressed that when rivers are blocked, water will inevitably find alternative paths, often leading to flooding in surrounding communities.

“If you block a river, it will find a place to pass,” he stated.

Mr. Martey noted that there are clear policies prohibiting construction along riverbanks, but these rules have been ignored in several communities.

“On every side of the river, people are not supposed to build, but they have built to the extent that structures are now in the river itself and even filling it up,” he said.

He explained that when heavy rains occur, the blocked waterways cause water to overflow into residential areas.

“When the rains come and the river cannot flow freely, it diverts and floods safer places,” he added.

Mr. Martey therefore rejected claims that Ghana Water Limited is responsible for the flooding due to the spillage.

“So we cannot be blamed for opening the dam,” he stressed.

He further warned that failure to release excess water from the dam could lead to a far worse disaster.

“If we do not open the dam and the excess water has nowhere to go, the dam could break—and that would be more disastrous than what we are seeing now,” he explained.

He cautioned that a collapse of the dam would cut off water supply to large parts of Accra.

“If the dam breaks, we will not be able to abstract water for treatment. It would take three to four years to reconstruct it, meaning about 60 percent of people in Accra could go without water for years,” he warned.

The controlled spillage has contributed to rising floodwaters in downstream communities, submerging homes and shops and forcing residents to move belongings to safer locations.

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The flooding comes after Ghana Water Limited (GWL) confirmed it had begun releasing excess water from the dam due to rising water levels that exceeded safe operating limits, raising concerns of a possible overflow.

However, the Director of Communications at Ghana Water Limited, Stanley Martey, has clarified that the spillage is not the main cause of the flooding in affected communities.

According to him, the situation has been worsened by heavy rainfall and human activities along waterways.

“The dam spillage has not caused the flooding. What we are seeing is the result of the heavy rains we’ve had. Even we are surprised at how some of these places have been flooded,” he said on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.

Mr. Martey explained that many residents have encroached on buffer zones and waterways, which has worsened the impact of the rains.

“Some people have built in buffer zones where they are not supposed to put up structures. Others are even filling up river bodies and building on them,” he stated.

He stressed that Ghana Water Limited has been managing the dam carefully and has been carrying out controlled spillage since last year.

“We have been spilling the dam since last year. The dam has been opened throughout. So what we are seeing this year is not because of the spillage, but the heavy rains,” he explained.

Mr. Martey cautioned the public not to ignore the situation, stressing the need for proper environmental practices.

“We need not joke with this issue,” he warned.

He added that the spillage is a controlled safety measure to prevent the dam from overflowing, not an emergency release causing flooding downstream.

“It is not about the dam. The dam has already been opened in a controlled manner,” he said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as displaced residents call for urgent relief and long-term solutions to recurring flooding in the area.

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Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, described the facility as one of the most modern and well-equipped ports in West Africa.

She made the remarks during a working visit to MPS, where she toured the facility and interacted with management to gain firsthand insight into the company’s operations, technological advancements, and future expansion plans.

The visit formed part of efforts to better understand the critical role MPS plays in facilitating trade and economic growth, while contributing to government’s broader agenda of transforming Ghana into a competitive logistics and maritime hub.

“I am personally impressed with the level of investment that has gone into this facility. The technology, infrastructure, and modern equipment deployed here are truly remarkable. They demonstrate the commitment of MPS to ensuring efficiency and excellence in port operations,” she said.

One of the highlights of the visit was her experience aboard one of the terminal’s state-of-the-art ship-to-shore cranes, which rises approximately 125 metres above ground level.

“I had the opportunity to get on their latest crane and witness operations from a unique vantage point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was an incredible experience and a clear demonstration of the sophisticated technology being used here,” she stated.

Madam Affo-Toffey noted that the investments at the container terminal have positioned Tema Port as a leading maritime gateway in the sub-region, capable of handling increasing volumes of cargo and supporting international trade.

She emphasised that efficient port infrastructure remains essential to Ghana’s economic development and competitiveness within the West African trade corridor.

“Looking across West Africa, Tema Port is undoubtedly one of the best-equipped ports in the sub-region. The investments made here are helping to improve trade facilitation and strengthen Ghana’s position as a preferred destination for shipping and logistics,” she said.

The Deputy Minister explained that her visit forms part of the Ministry of Transport’s efforts to engage key industry stakeholders and identify opportunities for collaboration in support of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.

“As Deputy Minister, it is important for me to visit facilities such as this to gain firsthand information about their operations and understand how government can work with them to advance the President’s vision for national development,” she added.

During the engagement, MPS management appealed to the Ministry of Transport to help protect and secure available land around the port enclave for future development projects aimed at addressing congestion and improving operational efficiency.

Responding, Madam Affo-Toffey acknowledged the importance of preserving strategic land for infrastructure expansion, noting that such developments would significantly enhance cargo handling and logistics management at the port.

She explained that additional land would help ease challenges related to parking and traffic congestion while creating room for future infrastructure to streamline port activities.

“What they are proposing is very important because it will help decongest the port, particularly in relation to parking and the movement of cargo. Having visited and engaged with them, I now have a better appreciation of the need,” she said.

The Deputy Minister assured MPS management that she would brief the Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and submit a report on the concerns raised during the visit.

“I will return to the Ministry and provide a detailed report to my Minister so that we can examine how best government can support this initiative and help bring it to fruition,” she stated.

She stressed the importance of collaboration between government and private-sector operators in driving infrastructure development and strengthening Ghana’s transport and logistics sector.

The visit underscores government’s commitment to engaging industry players and supporting investments that enhance Ghana’s maritime competitiveness, facilitate trade, and contribute to economic growth.

Stakeholders believe sustained collaboration between government and MPS will be crucial in ensuring the port continues to meet growing demand while maintaining world-class operational standards.

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Mr. Afoko received the request a week ago during a visit to the region. Volta Regional executives, through the Treasurer, appealed for support to pave the grounds of their ultra-modern regional secretariat, noting that rain often turns the area muddy—a situation expected to worsen with the onset of the rainy season.

Impressed by the initiative, Mr. Afoko described the project as the most impressive NPP-owned regional headquarters in the country and pledged his “widow’s mite” in support. The donation was presented through Mr. David Apugiba, former Hohoe Constituency Chairman, with support from the Secretary of the Council of Elders and other senior party members.

The Regional Treasurer, Mr. Wisdom Gakpo, received the items in the presence of Regional Chairman Makafui Kofi Woanyah. He thanked Mr. Afoko and urged others to emulate his gesture.

“We thank Mr. Awentami Paul Afoko for this timely gesture. We urge others to emulate his example as we collectively seek support to house the party ahead of the 2028 polls,” Mr. Gakpo said.

Mr. Afoko, who served as NPP National Chairman from 2014 to 2015, is contesting again on a “3R” blueprint: Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture.

See the areas that will be affected by ECG’s planned maintenance…

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In the Accra East Region, a planned maintenance exercise will take place from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The affected areas include West Trassaco, Trassaco Phase 2, Salem Estates, parts of School Junction, Ayikuma, Doryumu and surrounding areas. The notice was originally issued on Saturday, 6th June 2026.

In the Western Region, a planned maintenance exercise will run from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The affected areas include Akoon, UEE, parts of Market Circle, Railway Quarters, Apinto Hospital, Cyanide, Kwabedu, Alhaji Dauda, New Atuabo, Budo City, Banso, Esuosu and surrounding areas. This notice was originally issued on Tuesday, 9th June 2026.

ECG has expressed regret for the inconvenience that will arise from these exercises. The company has advised affected customers to make alternative arrangements for power-dependent activities during the specified hours.

ECG assured that power supply would be restored to all affected areas upon completion of the scheduled maintenance works. Customers have been encouraged to contact ECG’s official communication channels for further updates.

The planned maintenance forms part of ECG’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and network reliability across the country. Affected residents and businesses have been urged to plan accordingly.

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NLA staff give management 14 days to resolve grievances or face strike

In a notice issued on Wednesday, June 10, the union cited several challenges affecting the Authority, including obsolete Point of Sale (POS) terminals, deteriorating office and residential facilities, alleged arbitrary recruitment practices and the use of unsafe vehicles for operational activities. According to the union, these issues continue to affect productivity and staff morale.

The workers also expressed concern over the increasing activities of illegal lottery operators, which they say are eroding the NLA’s market share and putting jobs at risk.

Other concerns raised include delays in the payment of lottery winnings and allegations that management outsourced the maintenance and development of key payment-processing software to a dismissed former employee without adhering to established procurement procedures.

Speaking to Citi FM, Local Union Chairman Eric Tamakloe said the union had formally petitioned management, copied the NLA Board and departmental heads, and subsequently presented its concerns to the National Labour Commission.

He warned that workers would be compelled to take further action if the issues remain unresolved.

“We have given notice of our intention. If the issues we have detailed in our petition to management are not addressed, we will advise ourselves,” he stated, adding that matters relating to salary negotiations, promotions, the Scheme of Service and a proposed staff health insurance scheme also require urgent attention.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education in Accra on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders in education to commit to closing the qualification gap in Ghana’s classrooms.

Under the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programme, teachers currently in service without professional training will undergo structured pedagogical training. The initiative aims to ensure that every teacher, regardless of entry route, meets the National Teachers’ Standards and is equipped to deliver quality learning outcomes.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, stressed the urgency of the reform, noting that Ghana’s education transformation depends on teachers who are not only subject experts but also pedagogical experts.

“This MoU is about equity and excellence. Every child deserves a teacher trained to the highest standards. No more divide between ‘professional’ and ‘non-professional’ teachers,” he said.

He further indicated that government remains committed to investing in teacher education, adding that the Ministry is preparing to roll out a new housing initiative for teachers known as “Teacher Dabre.”

The Registrar of the NTC, Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, also explained the importance of the programme, noting that data shows thousands of teachers entered the classroom through alternative routes without formal training in pedagogy, assessment, and classroom management.

According to him, the gap has affected learner outcomes, and the new PGDE pathway is designed to address this by upskilling in-service teachers while they remain at post.

The PGDE programme will be delivered by the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), the University for Development Studies (UDS), the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), and the Catholic University of Ghana.

The MoU is also expected to strengthen long-term collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the participating universities. It provides a framework for joint research, curriculum alignment with the National Teachers’ Standards, and continuous professional development for teachers nationwide.

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Stop sitting on funds for development – Local Gov’t Minister warns

The Minister expressed disappointment at what he described as the slow pace of development despite significant resources allocated to local assemblies through the District Assemblies Common Fund and Internally Generated Funds.

Mr. Ibrahim made the remarks during a working tour of the Ayawaso West, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso Central and Ayawaso East Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region. The visit forms part of an ongoing nationwide assessment exercise aimed at evaluating projects undertaken by assemblies and promoting accountability in local governance.

Accompanied by the Deputy Minister, Chief Director and other technical officials, the Minister inspected a number of development projects and reviewed the utilisation of public funds across the assemblies.

At several of the assemblies visited, the Minister raised concerns over the management of funds earmarked for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), stressing that the allocations must be used strictly for their intended purpose. He cautioned assembly officials against diverting or delaying the disbursement of the funds and urged them to ensure transparency in their administration.

In Ayawaso Central, Mr. Ibrahim directed the Municipal Finance Officer to submit detailed documentation explaining how more than GH¢400,000 allocated for persons with disabilities had been spent.

The Minister emphasized that local assemblies would be expected to account for every cedi entrusted to them and challenged officials to demonstrate tangible results within a year of assuming office.

“Stop sitting on funds meant for development. The people expect to see projects and services that improve their lives,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, urged the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly to take steps toward constructing its own office complex to reduce expenditure on rent.

She expressed concern that the Assembly continues to spend approximately $12,000 every month on rented office accommodation, describing the situation as unsustainable and a drain on public resources that could otherwise be invested in permanent infrastructure.

The Minister indicated that the monitoring exercise will continue across the country as part of efforts to strengthen accountability, ensure prudent use of public resources and accelerate local development.

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Fresh from winning the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 15th edition of the Ghana Movie Awards, the outspoken actor brushed aside claims that his influence in the movie industry is waning, insisting that his latest triumph is proof that he remains at the top of his game.

In an interview following his victory and sighted by Graphic Showbiz, Lil Win likened his journey and legacy to biblical figures such as Paul, Joseph, Ezekiel, Job and Moses, whose names continue to resonate centuries after their time.

“Some people wanted to sideline me and said I’m no more relevant in the industry because my time has passed. But for me, I’m like biblical characters like Paul, Joseph, Ezekiel, Job, Moses. Have these names ever faded? Not at all?” he said.

The actor further argued that his own name carries a significance that guarantees his place in history.

“I have a bible name, Kwadwo Nkansah is like the biblical names and besides, I’m also called Job so my name will never fade,” he stated.

Lil Win also used the occasion to reaffirm his standing among his colleagues, boldly attributing his latest accolade to his superior acting abilities.

“I won the award for Best Actor in a leading role because I’m the best and the others aren’t good,” he said.

The actor also appeared to take a swipe at content creators who have crossed into mainstream acting, arguing that online popularity alone should not be confused with acting excellence.

“Being a YouTube content creator doesn’t make you the best actor, it’s your good works that will speak for you,” he noted.

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According to GMet’s latest 24-hour weather forecast, valid from 6:00 p.m. on June 10, 2026, mostly cloudy conditions are expected nationwide this evening, but weather conditions are likely to deteriorate as the advancing rainstorms enter the country.

The agency said the weather system is expected to generate thunderstorms and rainfall of varying intensities from the evening through to the night, raising concerns about possible flooding in vulnerable communities.

GMet cautioned that strong winds are likely to precede the rainstorms, increasing the risk of damage to property and disruption of outdoor activities. It further warned that flash floods could occur in low-lying areas, especially locations with poor drainage systems, saturated grounds and choked waterways.

The forecast indicates a high probability of thunderstorms with rain across several major towns and cities, including Accra, Kasoa, Ho, Koforidua, Kumasi, Obuasi, Sunyani, Techiman and Aflao during the evening hours. Some localities in the middle and northern sectors are also expected to experience thunderstorms and rain before conditions gradually improve overnight.

By early Thursday morning, mist or fog patches are expected to form along the coast, forest zones and mountainous areas, potentially affecting visibility for motorists and commuters.

In the Greater Accra Region, Accra and Kasoa are both expected to experience thunderstorms with rain this evening, while coastal cities such as Cape Coast, Takoradi and Axim could also record rainfall activity.

The agency advised the public to take precautionary measures, particularly residents in flood-prone communities, as the unstable weather conditions move across the country.

Meanwhile, GMet reported that sea conditions remain rough, urging fishermen, canoe operators and other marine users to exercise caution.

The latest advisory comes as parts of Ghana continue to experience seasonal rainfall associated with the peak of the major rainy season, with meteorologists closely monitoring weather systems developing across West Africa.

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Sand truck mate dies, driver injured in Bokankye electrocution incident

Forestry Commission staff attacked as mob burns timber checkpoint facility in Bono East

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to information gathered, the deceased, whose identity is yet to be established, was the driver’s mate on a sand-winning truck.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was in the process of offloading sand when its bucket came into contact with a live electrical wire connected to a nearby utility pole. In an attempt to continue the operation, the mate used a shovel to clear the sand but was electrocuted in the process.

“When the driver was offloading sand from the truck, the bucket came into contact with a live wire on an electric pole. In an attempt to continue the operation, the mate decided to clear the sand with a shovel and was unfortunately electrocuted,” an eyewitness recounted.

The eyewitnesses said the mate died instantly at the scene.

They further revealed that the driver of the truck, bearing registration number GR 483-24, was also electrocuted while trying to assess the situation.

“After the mate was electrocuted, he shouted out. The driver then opened the truck door to see what had happened and was electrocuted as well. He was still breathing when we arrived at the scene, so we rushed him to the hospital. We are hoping he pulls through,” another eyewitness said.

The injured driver is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.

Authorities are yet to provide further details on the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the electrocution and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in future sand-winning operations.

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Forestry Commission staff attacked as mob burns timber checkpoint facility in…

According to the Commission, the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 9, at about 3:30 p.m., when an irate mob stormed the facility, assaulted officers on duty, vandalised the structure and set it ablaze.

The accommodation had been built to house personnel deployed to strengthen the monitoring of timber transportation and help curb the illegal movement of timber and timber products to neighbouring countries.

The Commission said information available to it indicates that the attackers claimed the operations of the checkpoint threatened their timber business interests in the area.

Officers on duty sustained injuries during the attack and were taken to the Kintampo Government Hospital for treatment. The incident has since been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command.

The Forestry Commission said it is working closely with the Police and other security agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators, some of whom were captured on video during the attack.

Describing the incident as “an affront to State authority,” the Commission warned that such acts undermine efforts to protect Ghana’s forest resources. It also expressed concern over what it called a growing culture of impunity, noting that similar attacks on Forestry Commission personnel and facilities have occurred in the past.

The Commission cautioned that continued disregard for forest laws and regulations could have serious ecological and socio-economic consequences for the country.

It therefore called on security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society groups, the media and the general public to support efforts to tackle illegal activities in the forestry sector.

The Forestry Commission reiterated its commitment to protecting, developing and sustainably managing Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources for present and future generations.

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The police say it has formally closed after investigators found no evidence of wrongdoing.

According to a police report sighted by Myjoyonline from the Documentation and Visa Fraud Unit (DVU) of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the case originated from a petition submitted on September 29, 2025, by Amar Deep Sing Hari.

As part of the investigation, police requested records from the Passport Office, the National Identification Authority (NIA), the Ghana Immigration Service, the Registrar-General’s Department, and the Indian High Commission in Accra.

Investigators established that both individuals are Indian nationals who later acquired Ghanaian citizenship through naturalisation.

Police records show that Niharika Handa became a Ghanaian citizen on July 8, 2022, while Punarvasu Handa was naturalised on December 19, 2023.

The report further stated that Niharika Handa obtained a Ghanaian passport on July 22, 2022, while Punarvasu Handa secured his Ghanaian passport on May 21, 2024.

After examining the relevant documents and records, investigators found no evidence to support the allegations and closed the case.

Reacting to the outcome, Mrs Handa expressed confidence in Ghana’s institutions and legal processes.

“I am grateful to the investigating authorities for their thorough and impartial work, and I have complete confidence in the integrity of Ghana’s justice system,” she said.

She added: “Out of respect for the legal process, and because related matters remain before the courts and the authorities, I do not intend to comment on those proceedings.

“I am content to let the proper legal channels take their course, confident that the facts will be assessed fairly and in accordance with the law.”

Mrs Handa and her son say they will make no further public statement on any matter currently before a court or under consideration by the authorities in Ghana.

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The GhIB Board, controlled by the Government of Ghana through the Bank of Ghana, told him only last Sunday that his services were no longer needed. An official announcement to staff followed the next day.

While the Board frames his dismissal as Adansi having ‘assumed leave’, his replacement- Ian Owulakwao Greenstreet, an investment banker and international expert in financial risk management, has already been named and welcomed to the post.

Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Johnson Asiama who chairs the GhIB Board, in official communications announcing the new CEO, noted how delighted he was “that Ian Greenstreet has agreed to become Chief Executive Officer of Ghana International Bank,” subject to regulatory approval.

The official communication was silent on the outgoing CEO who served in the capacity for about seven-and-a-half years.

GhIB was established in 1959 as the London branch of Ghana Commercial Bank, two years after Ghana’s independence.

Bank of Ghana holds more than 50% of shares, with the balance held by Ghanaian financial institutions, including GCB Bank, SSNIT, and ADB.

The bank was once on the brink of failure and placed on a regulatory watchlist by UK authorities in 2016.

Adansi, appointed CEO in 2019 and approved by the UK Prudential Regulation Authority “PRA” and Financial Conduct Authority “FCA” as Chief Executive under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime “SMCR”, emailed senior staff confirming his immediate and sudden departure and referencing what appears to be a shocking turnaround.

In his parting note, seen by Myjoyonline, Adansi highlighted GhIB’s turnaround under his tenure.

“We grew trade revenues by over 300% and maintained a clean loan book with a strong LCR and CAR. We reached our goal of $100 million in revenues in five years and we’re looking forward to doubling the size of the business in another five years – while managing our modest capital closely.”

He also praised frontline staff “who have led us to the point of recovery” and said the board had approved a strategy focused on non-interest income, funding diversification and modernisation.

Questions over PRA and FCA compliance
Questions have been raised within governance and regulatory circles about whether the transition aligns with procedural requirements under the UK’s PRA/FCA Senior Managers Regime, which governs the appointment and departure of senior banking executives.

The rules require formal notifications and regulatory approvals for changes to senior management functions.

As at 4:30 am Thursday, June 11, 2026, the bank’s website still listed Mr Adansi as the CEO of GhIB, suggesting that formal filings were yet to be updated.

The bank has, in recent years, undergone regulatory remediation processes, including a period of voluntary business restrictions and a Section 166 review initiated by UK regulators, which section empowers the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority to require a regulated financial firm to appoint an independent third party to produce a report on specific aspects of its business.

Some industry observers say the latest leadership change could attract further scrutiny given the institution’s recent regulatory history.

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