The audit, conducted from June 16 to June 27, 2025, shows that both areas have made tremendous improvements compared to previous audits.

The audit was conducted in accordance with the PURC Act of 1997 (Act 538), specifically Sections 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), and Section 11(a), which mandate the Commission to ensure that utility services are provided in a fair, efficient, and sustainable manner.

The audit had the following objectives:

1. Evaluate GWL’s performance in meeting established standards and benchmarks for potable water production, transmission, and distribution

2. Assess operational capabilities and efforts to enhance water treatment and supply units

3. Document shortcomings and challenges faced by system operators

4. Determine operational improvements compared to previous audits

Scope of Audit:

The inspection focused on:

1. Intake and treatment processes

2. Performance of electro-mechanical installations

3. Water quality

4. Condition of electrical panels and dosing equipment

5. State of boreholes and infrastructure

6. Safety protocols

7. Sources of raw water for treatment

8. Production and treatment units

9. Challenges impacting these systems

Key Findings:

Western Region Excels: The Western Region has made significant strides, with the new Regional Chief Manager addressing long-standing issues and demonstrating exceptional leadership.

Good Operational State: The majority of treatment plants inspected, including conventional and borehole systems, are in good operational state and capable of treating and supplying water to consumers.

Progress Noted: Both regions have shown improvement, indicating a positive trend in water treatment and supply.

The PURC will continue to monitor GWL’s progress and work closely with the company to ensure that water services are provided in a fair, efficient, and sustainable manner.

The Commission recommends that the Government of Ghana should undertake:

Water Sector Reforms: Implement reforms to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and accountability of water utilities.

Community Engagement: The Government and Ghana Water Limited must engage with local communities to raise awareness about water conservation, promote participatory management, and build trust in water services.

Climate Change Mitigation: The Government should develop and adopt strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on water resources, such as promoting water harvesting, conservation, and efficient use.

By fulfilling these responsibilities and implementing effective initiatives, the Government of Ghana can complement the efforts of the PURC and ensure that water services are delivered in a fair, efficient, and sustainable manner, ultimately contributing to the well-being of citizens and the economy.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the electricity, water, and natural gas sectors in Ghana. Our mandate is to ensure that utility services are provided in a fair, efficient, and sustainable manner.

Source: Myjoyonline

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The operation covered a distance of approximately 50 kilometres within the forest. Despite thick shrubs and muddy terrain, the task force carried out a robust foot patrol that led to the arrest of 28 young male locals, all Ghanaians, actively involved in illegal mining. Their activities had caused significant devastation to portions of the forest.

Some of the illegal miners fled upon sighting the task force, but 28 suspects were apprehended, and several items were seized.

During the operation, several makeshift structures belonging to the miners were destroyed, and an excavator found within the forest reserve was immobilised to prevent further use.

Items seized during the operation included seven water pumping machines, sixteen shovels, one pickaxe, seventeen pieces of wrapped Indian hemp, seven torchlights, twelve mobile phones, three mini bottles of mercury, cash amounting to GH¢150, assorted malaria drugs, and sachets of packed whisky (Alomo Bitters).

All 28 suspects, together with the seized equipment and exhibits, were handed over to the Agona-Nkwanta District Police Station to commence prosecution proceedings.

The NAIMOS Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and preventing the destruction of water bodies.

It cautioned all individuals involved in illegal mining to desist immediately, warning that such enforcement operations will continue until the practice is completely eradicated.

Source: Erastus Asare Donkor 

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Ansa-Asare said the ongoing case involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, should serve as a wake-up call for the nation to confront deep-seated problems in the land administration system.

According to him, many Ghanaians have fallen victim to fraudulent activities at the Commission, where officials allegedly falsify documents and reassign registered properties to other individuals.

“The Lands Commission is hurting many Ghanaians. Someone will register their property, but land officials can falsify documents and give it to somebody else,” he lamented.

He explained that such malpractice complicates property verification processes, often leaving legitimate owners at risk of losing their land.

“You may go to cross-check documents, and the landed property may not even be in the person’s name. When that happens, the police cannot work with it,” he added.

Dr. Ansa-Asare noted that the verification exercises being conducted in some high-profile cases, including that of Wontumi, are part of efforts to confirm rightful ownership but insisted that the broader issue is systemic.

“This situation is not an isolated case. There are a lot of wrong things going on at the Lands Commission. If you don’t have a lawyer or you are not careful, someone else will take your property as theirs,” he warned.

Touching on Wontumi’s legal troubles, Dr. Ansa-Asare said while the charges against him appear “excessive,” it remains unclear whether his case stems directly from any of these land registration issues.

He urged the Lands Commission to clean up its operations and restore public confidence, stressing that integrity in land administration is essential for justice and national development.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed that the government has achieved all six quantitative performance criteria and four indicative targets for the review period.

He described the agreement as a powerful validation of the disciplined and comprehensive strategy pursued over the past nine months.

The Minister noted that Ghana is beginning to see strong outcomes from President Mahama’s Reset Agenda.

Economic growth has accelerated, with non-oil sectors, where most jobs are created, showing impressive expansion.

Inflation has fallen sharply, returning to single-digit levels, while interest rates have declined significantly.

The Ghana cedi has demonstrated notable strength and stability, and fiscal consolidation efforts are yielding results, reflected in a budget surplus and a substantial reduction in public debt.

He also announced significant progress in bilateral debt restructuring efforts, with the government committed to finalising all outstanding agreements before the end of the ECF programme.

The IMF Executive Board is expected to consider Ghana’s Fifth Review by the end of December 2025. Once approved, it will unlock a disbursement of US$385 million, bringing total disbursements under the programme to US$2.6 billion.

Finally, on behalf of the President, Dr. Forson extended gratitude to the people of Ghana for their patience and resilience and thanked the IMF mission team for their constructive engagement and tireless work.

Source: AdomOnline

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According to a statement signed by William Yamoah, Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee, the exercise was conducted in collaboration with officials from the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

The order of candidates on the ballot is as follows:

1. Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong
2. Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong
3. H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
4. Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
5. Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong

The Committee expressed appreciation to all presidential hopefuls, their representatives, and the Electoral Commission for their cooperation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and the highest democratic standards in the conduct of the party’s presidential primary.

Source: AdomOnline

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Ansa-Asare appealed to Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, to consider the nation’s image and pursue an amicable path rather than confrontation.

According to him, the legal team has every right to appeal for a review of the bail conditions imposed on the embattled politician, adding that the court would give a fair hearing.

“The lawyers must be able to go to court and appeal for a revision of the bail conditions, and I know the judge will listen,” he said.

Dr. Ansa-Asare further urged Mr. Appiah Kubi to reach out to the Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, to help bring closure to the issue.

“Appiah Kubi must also try and talk to the Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, for this issue to be resolved. He cannot drag this issue with the government—it will not work,” he cautioned.

The legal scholar expressed concern over reports that Wontumi and his team had vowed to remain in custody in protest, describing such a stance as unhelpful and counterproductive.

“They should not take an entrenched position like what I’m hearing—that they have vowed to sleep in the cells. It will not help anybody. They must prioritise the interest of the nation,” he advised.

Dr. Ansa-Asare emphasised that the situation was attracting negative attention to Ghana and called for restraint and cooperation between both parties.

“Because what is happening is giving Ghana bad press. Both parties must come together and work for the good of the nation,” he added.

He concluded by reminding the parties involved, especially Mr. Appiah Kubi, to demonstrate humility and seek divine guidance in handling the matter.

“Appiah Kubi must look up to God, be humble and go and talk with the Attorney General. The important thing required in this situation is humility,” he stressed.

Chairman Wontumi remains in police custody despite meeting a ₵25 million bail term granted by the Criminal Division of the High Court in two separate illegal mining-related cases.

His lawyer has attributed the delay in his release to bureaucratic bottlenecks within state institutions.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Several international outlets on Friday, October 10, 2025, reported that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had notified Abrego Garcia’s attorneys of plans to deport him to Ghana.

The reports also noted that DHS had earlier considered deporting him to Eswatini and Uganda after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and later returned to the United States.

However, in a Facebook post, Mr. Ablakwa clarified that Ghana will not receive Abrego Garcia, emphasizing that the position has been clearly communicated to U.S. authorities.

He stated that Ghana’s agreement with the United States allows for the acceptance of only non-criminal West African nationals—and only under humanitarian and solidarity considerations.

“In my interactions with U.S. officials, I made clear that our understanding to accept a limited number of non-criminal West Africans, purely on the grounds of African solidarity and humanitarian principles, would not be expanded,” he explained.

“Ghana strongly objects to these misleading media reports,” the minister added.

Source: Adomonline

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Below is Mr. Ablakwa’s post:

According to reports, the incident came to light after weeks of speculation among residents. The man later confessed to the act, confirming the rumors that had been circulating in the community.

Speaking to Adom News after the rituals, Nana Owusu Ansah, Ankaasehene Abusuapanin, explained that the traditional leaders had to perform purification rites to cleanse the man’s family and the entire community from the spiritual consequences associated with such an offense.

He said the rituals involved the use of alcoholic beverages and a sheep, which were offered by the riverside to pacify the gods and restore spiritual balance.

Nana Owusu Ansah expressed concern over the incident, revealing that the victim, the man’s wife’s younger sister, had just completed Junior High School.

He condemned the act, noting that the man already has five children with his wife and should have known better.

The chief further disclosed that the man fled the community before the rituals were performed.

“If he had been present during the purification, he would have been protected from the curse. But by absconding, he now bears the full spiritual burden alone,” Nana Owusu Ansah stated.

Source: Isaac K. Normanyo

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Those cited include business operators from areas such as the Tuesday Market, Korle-Bu, Abossey Okai, Kaneshie First Light, Avenor, and Agbogbloshie Market.

Notable offenders include Joseph Angela Tagoe, Sandra Mills, Elisabeth Quaye, Stella Adams, Vida Borbi, Victoria Allotey, and the management of Vision Transport, Kolaa, Aruko, and VVIP Transport Services.

According to the Mayor, the individuals and companies defied a clear directive from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) requiring all shops and markets to remain closed during the exercise, a move he described as “a blatant disregard for lawful authority.”

Leading inspection teams through the Central Business District, Agbogbloshie, Abossey Okai, and other commercial zones, Mr. Allotey directed public health officers to issue statutory notices and court summonses to the offenders.

They are to appear before the newly established AMA Sanitation and Motor Court, in line with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (Communal Labour) Bye-Laws, 2017, enacted under Section 181 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).

During the operation, the Mayor also halted ongoing construction activities at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, emphasizing that no private or commercial work should interfere with the citywide exercise.

“This clean-up is not just about sweeping streets; it is about building a culture of responsibility and pride in our environment,” he stated, urging residents, traders, and transport unions to support the ongoing efforts.

Mr Allotey further declared October as “Sanitation Month” for Accra, with daily clean-up activities across markets, lorry parks, and communities. He said the AMA would intensify public education, enhance monitoring, and ensure strict enforcement of sanitation laws throughout the month.

While commending residents and traders who actively participated in desilting drains and clearing refuse, the Mayor warned that defaulters would face prosecution to protect the integrity of the city’s sanitation campaign and advance his vision of a “clean, safe, and resilient Accra.”

Source: AdomOnline

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The lawmaker has maintained that medical fitness, rather than age, should serve as the determining factor for enlistment.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr. Dafeamekpor argued that the existing age restriction should correspond with the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939), which classifies “youth” as persons aged between 15 and 35 years.

“I intend to test this matter because, you see, we need to test systems to let systems work. And when systems are supposed to work, they must work within the existing legal framework. We must all obey the law,” he said.

He further stated that the Armed Forces could adopt an age bracket consistent with the law, as long as applicants satisfy the medical criteria for service.

“I won’t have any problem if the armed forces say that the person between the ages of 15 years and 35 years is eligible to apply, but subject to a medical fitness test, because in a lot of countries, persons below 18 years are eligible to be recruited into the army, subject to parental consent,” he noted.

Mr. Dafeamekpor cautioned that if the GAF ignores the call for reform, he would be compelled to pursue legal redress.

“So this matter must be tested; if the army resists this call, it may leave me with no option but to seek a remedy in the judicial forum. Our army is constitutionally established and given effect to it under Article 102 by Parliament, and subsequently with legislation such as the National Youth Authority Act, which is the law that governs the youth bracket of this country, whether the army can continue to conduct its business without recourse to this laid down legislation,” he explained.

Earlier, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Mr. Dafeamekpor revealed that several party supporters had raised concerns about the current age ceiling.

He also cited comparative examples showing that nations such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Nigeria, and the United States allow enlistment into the military well into one’s 30s or beyond.

Source: Adomonline 

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Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Vanderpuye observed that the issue has become a recurring challenge throughout Ghana’s Fourth Republic and requires urgent attention.

“It is worrying when, continually in this country, teachers, nurses, and other service staff who are recruited have to spend months before receiving their salaries. It has been occurring frequently.

“In this Fourth Republic, it has always become like a norm that teachers would be recruited, nurses would be recruited, sometimes even doctors, and for months, they wouldn’t be receiving their salaries,” he said.

The former Odododiodio MP attributed the situation to a “structural defect” within the administrative system and urged reforms to facilitate prompt recruitment and salary processing.

“I think it’s a structural defect that we have within our administrative system, and I think we should be looking at how promptly people are employed, and immediately when they are employed, they are captured onto the data system so that their benefits would be paid to them as when they are due,” he added.

His remarks come in response to recent demonstrations by health and education sector workers who report going as long as ten months without pay.

Source: Adomonline 

During an inspection visit to the site with the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, some contractors raised concerns about delays in construction progress due to funding constraints.

In response, Mr. Akandoh assured them that measures had been taken to release funds to ensure the smooth continuation of work.

“The second IPC has been raised, and we have forwarded it to the Ministry of Finance. We have done some follow-ups together with the Members of Parliament here, and the Ministry of Finance has assured us that it is committed to releasing the funds for this project.

“I am happy that today, the workers are on site and are willing to make progress until payment is made,” he stated.

The Minister expressed confidence that, barring any unexpected setbacks, the project will be completed within two years.

“If everything goes according to plan, we should be done in the next two years. We will ensure that the next budget makes adequate provision for this project. We are not going to abandon it; we will continue until it is fully completed,” he added.

Source: Adomonline 

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The doctors, he said, migrated abroad after securing personal loans from local banks.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Business Edition, Mr Awuah disclosed that some doctors who relocate to work in other countries take loans and abandon repayment after leaving Ghana.

“There are processes we are going through with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact the diplomatic corps since you don’t just wake up and write to them,” he said.

“We’ve already started; there’s a letter that is logged at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is trying to achieve that, but that is a reactive mechanism.”

He explained that the issue has become a growing concern within the banking industry, noting that these professionals often obtain personal loans using their bank statements before leaving the country.

“They have bank accounts. They use your bank statements. They have personal loans. The bank will not ask you exactly what you are going to buy since it is a personal loan,” he said.

“They will come to a bank, take, like, let’s say, GH¢120,000 or GH¢150,000, take a visa and jump off and leave the loan hanging.”

Mr Awuah expressed concern that such actions undermine confidence and increase the level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the system.

“Wherever they are going, they are working there and earning, and one would think that as medical practitioners, they will just say, ‘I have a liability in Ghana, which enabled me to demonstrate that I can fund my travel, so let me come and settle,’” he said.

He described the trend as disappointing, particularly because it involves individuals who are generally regarded with moral integrity.

“About 70% of them are not paying. These are medical doctors, people we hold in high esteem,” he lamented.

According to him, the industry had even considered engaging embassies to require visa applicants to obtain clearance from banks before approval, but this had to be done through formal diplomatic channels.

“At some point, we were even attempting to write to the embassies to seek clearance from banks before they would allow visa processes to go through,” he revealed.

Mr Awuah said banks are hopeful that, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mechanisms can be established to ensure that borrowers who relocate abroad continue to honour their financial obligations in Ghana.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim 

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The new facility, fitted with advanced surveillance and communication technology, is expected to enhance intelligence gathering and support the government’s 24-hour economy policy through improved monitoring and response mechanisms across the region.

Delivering his keynote address, Muntaka highlighted that the establishment of the command reflects government’s determination to leverage technology in addressing evolving security threats and maintaining national stability.

“This facility empowers us to lawfully intercept and analyse digital communications, helping to prevent crimes such as kidnapping, fraud, and armed robbery before they occur,” he stated.

He noted that the command will boost coordination between the NSB, Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces, ensuring real-time data sharing and quicker operational responses to threats.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described the commissioning as a timely intervention for a region grappling with issues such as illegal mining, drug-related offences, and robbery.

She reaffirmed the region’s commitment to supporting the Bureau’s work to sustain peace and safety.

National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Osman Razak, urged NSB personnel to uphold professionalism and integrity, stressing that safeguarding the country requires collaboration across all sectors.

The commissioning forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise national security infrastructure and strengthen surveillance and intelligence capabilities nationwide.

Source: Adomonline

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In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Jinapor described the engagement as “productive,” noting that discussions focused on key issues affecting tanker drivers nationwide, including welfare concerns, the need for a structured salary system, and the elimination of unlawful surcharges.

“These matters are central to ensuring stability and efficiency within Ghana’s petroleum distribution chain,” the Minister said.

He acknowledged the critical role tanker drivers play in maintaining the smooth flow of petroleum products across the country, describing their contribution as vital to Ghana’s economic and social stability.

According to Mr. Jinapor, the Ministry will collaborate with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the drivers’ grievances.

“The Ministry, in collaboration with the NPA and other key stakeholders, will work towards the development of a comprehensive framework to address the concerns raised,” he noted.

He added that the framework would seek to protect the welfare of tanker drivers, improve operational efficiency, and promote industrial harmony within the petroleum sector.

Mr. Jinapor expressed optimism that sustained dialogue and cooperation would help strengthen the country’s petroleum supply chain and improve working conditions for drivers.

Source: Adomonline

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The operation, carried out by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on October 7, 2025, led to the arrest of three suspects and the rescue of seven Nigerian nationals who were allegedly being held against their will.

The suspects, identified as Peter Okoyie, 36, a computer engineer; Jolly Ezekiel, 30; and Jolly Shadrack, 33, are said to have deceived their victims into travelling from Nigeria to Ghana under the pretext of securing them construction jobs in Tema.

Upon arrival, the victims were instead confined in a house and forced to engage in online fraud activities.

According to police investigations, the victims endured harsh conditions, including physical abuse and confinement in a small, poorly ventilated room measuring about 10 by 12 feet.

They were allegedly starved and denied access to basic hygiene for several months.

The victims told police that they were each given laptops and trained to create fake romantic relationships with unsuspecting foreigners in order to defraud them.

The syndicate is believed to have used over ten laptops, with senior members overseeing the operations and taking the proceeds.

A police search at the suspects’ residence uncovered laptops, routers, mobile phones, and other items, which have been kept as evidence to support investigations. The rescued victims, who had been held captive for close to eight months, are now in safe custody.

On October 9, 2025, the suspects appeared before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by His Worship Derick Parden Eshun, on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Crime and Human Trafficking.

Their pleas were not taken, and they were remanded into police custody to reappear on October 23, 2025. Mobile devices retrieved from them have been sent to the Cyber Crime Unit at Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis.

The Tema Regional Police Commander has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that the Command is working closely with the Ghana Immigration Service to ensure the safe repatriation of the rescued victims to Nigeria.

The police further urged the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking or cybercrime to support ongoing efforts to combat organised criminal activities.

Source: Adomonline

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The exercise, which started at dawn, saw over 140 makeshift structures pulled down. Many affected traders and residents were seen salvaging what they could from the debris as they counted their losses.

According to the Assembly, prior notice was given to all occupants, but some traders ignored the directive to vacate the site ahead of the scheduled demolition.

Municipal authorities say the move is part of efforts to decongest the area and improve trading conditions once the new market complex is completed.

Officials have assured that affected traders will be given priority when the new market is opened to the public.

Source: Adomonline.com

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The delegation from the Tolon District, led by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Seidu Brimah, appeared before the committee on Thursday, October 9, but was unable to respond to key questions concerning ongoing development projects in the district.

The confusion arose when the committee observed that the documents presented by the assembly differed significantly from those in the possession of the DCE.

While examining project records, members of the committee noted that several projects listed as completed in the assembly’s report were either uncompleted or partially executed in the document before the committee.

“If you have different report show me unless you are saying that I am lying from the report i have here. For instance, just come page 47 of 62, (project) not implemented. These are your remarks, on the same page, your best there is partially implemented,” one of the committee members argued.

“How is it that mine is not implemented and yours is implemented? so it means that we are dealing with two different documents, this is page 47 here, not implemented, the best is partially implemented and you have implemented so why are we dealing with two different documents?,” he added.

The discrepancy brought proceedings to a temporary halt, as the DCE and his team struggled to reconcile the conflicting information.

Watch what transpired here

After several minutes of attempts to clarify the situation, it became evident that two separate sets of documents had been submitted, one presented to the committee, which painted a positive picture of the assembly’s performance, and another held by the DCE, which contained conflicting details.

The Tolon District Assembly was directed to return and prepare accurate documentation before reappearing for the continuation of the audit review.

“You might have to go and rectify it and present it (later),” the chairman of the committee told the DCE and his team.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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Rev. Fordjour had criticised proposals by Sam George and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, to increase the maximum enlistment age from 27 to 35 years, suggesting that the idea was politically motivated and aimed at paving the way for “NDC footsoldiers” to join the military.

In a sharp rebuttal posted on Facebook, Sam George described his colleague’s comments as “ill-informed” and “divisive,” while defending his position that the military’s age ceiling should be reviewed to reflect global best practices.

“Sometimes, just sometimes, silence makes one appear wise and knowledgeable,” Sam George wrote sarcastically. “The logic espoused by my friend and colleague is so rich that I am lost for words. Let us celebrate the depth of his knowledge and the latitude of his wisdom.”

The Ningo-Prampram legislator maintained that the current age restriction unfairly excludes many capable and patriotic Ghanaians who remain physically fit and qualified to serve.

He further mocked Rev. Fordjour’s claim that individuals between the ages of 18 and 27 are “not Ghanaian enough” to be NDC footsoldiers, describing it as “deeply flawed and dangerous reasoning.”

“NDC footsoldiers only qualify to be footsoldiers once they are 28 years old, and those between 18 and 27 years are not Ghanaian enough to serve,” he wrote, pointing out what he called the absurdity of the argument.

Sam George concluded his post with a veiled dig at the New Patriotic Party, writing:

“Massive respect to the NPP’s lead person on Defence and Interior. He is the best they have. They truly have the men.”

The debate over the GAF recruitment age has sparked widespread public discussion, with proponents arguing for a more inclusive approach and critics warning against political interference in the military’s recruitment process.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on Daybreak Hitz, the rapper said he wants to expand his business interests beyond music.

“I do maize and cassava farming. I am ready to jump into the ‘nkokor nketenkete’ to start a poultry farm, so the government can help me,” he said.

Kwaw Kese explained that surviving on music alone in Ghana is difficult, hence his decision to diversify. Apart from farming, he runs an automobile business and an eatery.

The Nkokor Nketenkete project is a government initiative under the Feed Ghana flagship programme. It aims to revive Ghana’s poultry industry by boosting local production of broiler chickens and eggs to reduce dependence on imports.

The initiative targets about 55,000 households to participate in egg and poultry production. The government plans to provide day-old chicks, battery cages, feed, vaccines, and other essentials to households and small- to medium-scale producers, along with technical support.

A pilot phase will begin in selected districts, including 12 in the Northern Region, before expanding nationwide.

The project also includes an “anchor farmers” component involving about 50 large or medium-scale commercial farmers, each expected to raise around 80,000 birds.

Its long-term goal is to produce enough poultry domestically to meet nearly all of Ghana’s demand within three years, cutting down the country’s heavy poultry import bill.

Source: Kwame Dadzie 

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Speaking to Adom News at Kenyasi No. 2, Dr. Akosua Owusu-Sarpong, the Regional Health Director, said monitoring teams across the districts have so far reported smooth progress with no major challenges.

According to her, the HPV vaccine is safe and effective, urging parents to support the campaign by allowing their daughters to participate before the exercise ends on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

“The vaccine is safe. We’ve not recorded any significant side effects. Parents must encourage their girls to take part because this is an important step in protecting them against cervical cancer,” she said.

Meanwhile, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator for the region, Appiah Kubi, praised the strong collaboration between the GHS and the Ghana Education Service (GES), noting that their joint effort has ensured wide participation across schools.

He also disclosed that education officers are engaging some hesitant parents to help them understand the benefits of the vaccine.

“We’re working closely with GHS to make sure no girl is left out. Our officers are sensitising parents who are unsure so their children don’t miss this life-saving opportunity,” he added.

The HPV vaccination campaign forms part of Ghana’s national effort to reduce cervical cancer cases, one of the leading causes of death among women globally.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The organisation presented 400 sanitary pads, 1,000 exercise books, 200 mathematical sets, and 200 pens as part of its “Support for Girls at Risk” initiative—a project aimed at helping girls whose parents struggle to provide basic educational and personal needs.

Speaking to Adom News, the Executive Director of TAAG, Isaac Kwabena Kakpeibe, said the intervention seeks to curb teenage pregnancy and child marriage, challenges that often stem from the inability of families to meet the needs of their daughters.

“When girls lack basic items like sanitary pads and learning materials, it becomes difficult for them to stay in school consistently. That’s when issues like early marriage and teenage pregnancy arise,” he explained.

He added that the group’s mission is to ensure that no girl’s education is interrupted because of financial hardship or social barriers.

Girl Child Coordinators for the two districts, Princess Obeng Amoah and Faustina Horla, commended TAAG for the gesture. They noted that many girls, particularly those in rural areas, often stay home during their menstrual periods due to lack of sanitary products.

“This initiative has come at the right time. It will help keep many girls in school and boost their confidence. We hope it continues beyond this first phase,” they said.

The coordinators urged other organisations and stakeholders to emulate TAAG’s efforts in promoting girls’ education and welfare in deprived communities.

TAAG’s “Support for Girls at Risk” programme forms part of a broader campaign to advance gender equality and improve access to education for vulnerable children across Ghana.

Source: Sammy Asare

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The exercise, conducted on Wednesday, October 9, 2025, by the Accra East Regional Office of GWCL with police support, formed part of the company’s ongoing nationwide revenue recovery and anti-illegal connection drive.

According to the Communications Manager for the Accra East Region, Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, the disconnection followed the church’s failure to settle its arrears and the subsequent discovery of an unlawful attempt to restore water supply.

“Our team realised that water was flowing again after disconnection. The meter, which records consumption, had been removed, that in itself is illegal,” Mr. Barnie said.

“It is against the law to reconnect yourself after disconnection, and even more serious to tamper with or remove the meter. We had to carry out another disconnection after detecting the illegal activity,” he added.

He disclosed that Prophet Gaisie has been invited to the GWCL office to resolve the issue and clear the debt.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has disconnected water supply to the Prophetic Hill Chapel at Dome, headed by Prophet Nigel Gaisie, over an unpaid bill of GHS6,923.13.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/dkvoumNpvS

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) October 9, 2025

“He owes GH¢6,913. We expect him to visit our office so we can determine the next steps. Many people have taken the Ghana Water Company for granted, but those days are over. Illegal connections will no longer be tolerated,” he cautioned.

During the exercise, journalists were reportedly prevented from recording the operation by members of the church, while Prophet Gaisie declined to comment on the development.

The GWCL has in recent months intensified disconnection operations nationwide, targeting both private and institutional customers who have defaulted on bill payments or engaged in unauthorised reconnections.

Officials say such practices continue to cause significant financial losses and hinder service delivery improvements.

Source: Adomonline

Their appeal follows the tragic collapse of portions of the market on Monday, October 6, which claimed the life of one trader who sustained severe injuries.

Mr. Armah has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to prioritise the redevelopment of the market to prevent further casualties and improve trading conditions.

“H.E. President Mahama and Hon. Ato Forson, please have mercy on our market women, our mothers, who have suffered for 32 years. H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, we are crying for mercy, show compassion on us. Sekondi is crying out. H.E. President Mahama, please come and rebuild our market for us.

“People are dying, crying, and getting injured. H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, we know you are a mother; we know that through you, you can talk to the President to fulfil his campaign promise. I’m pleading in the name of God. This market is not good for human habitation,” he pleaded.

In an interview with Channel One TV News, some traders expressed deep frustration over the delay and called for immediate government intervention to ensure their safety and restore confidence in the market’s future.

“We’re pleading with the government to come to our aid. We’re owing, and we need to trade to pay off our debts. The government should immediately redevelop the market for us,” he stated.

Source: Citinewsroom

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Speaking on the panel, Mr. Terlabi stated that the Ghana Card plays a crucial role in promoting good governance, digital growth, and access to financial services.

He noted that the National Identification System has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s digital economy, enabling citizens to access essential services more efficiently.

“The Ghana Card has been instrumental in improving access to public services, promoting financial inclusion, and deepening participation in our digital society,” the Deputy Minister said.

He explained that the government has made deliberate efforts to reach all citizens by deploying mobile registration teams to remote areas, integrating ID registration with school enrollments and health facilities, and linking birth registration to the Ghana Card system.

Mr Terlabi assured that the protection of citizens’ data remains a top priority, citing Ghana’s Data Protection Act and robust technical safeguards such as encrypted databases and biometric authentication mechanisms.

“Our approach ensures that citizens’ information is secure, private, and used responsibly,” he noted.

“Ghana’s experience demonstrates that trust, accessibility, and innovation are key to a sustainable digital identity ecosystem.”

The Deputy Minister further stated that Ghana is committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the continent to advance digital governance.

“We aim to inspire inclusive growth and development across Africa. Ghana stands ready to collaborate, exchange experiences, and learn from our fellow nations,” he added.

The Digital Government Africa Conference 2025, opened by the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, brought together policymakers, innovators, and experts from across Africa to deliberate on the future of digital identity, governance, and economic transformation on the continent.

Myjoyonline

The court, presided over by Derick Pardden Eshun, convicted him on his own plea of guilty to the charge of falsely pretending to be a public officer (police officer).

He pleaded for leniency.

The court, however, deferred his sentencing, remanding him into custody to reappear on October 14, 2025.

Inspector Henry Nartey Tetteh, prosecuting, said the complainants are police officers of Zenu-Attadeka MTTD who arrested and sent to the station the accused person.

They reported that on September 17, 2025, at about 09:00 hours, while at their duty point at the Zenu Star Fuel Station, they stopped Frimpong fully dressed in a tactical black long-sleeved police uniform with a chief inspector’s rank badge.

The prosecution added that the officers suspecting that he might not be a police officer engaged him briefly in a conversation, indicating that during the interaction, Frimpong suddenly jumped onto a motorbike and instructed the rider to speed off.

This, the prosecution noted, heightened their suspicion, and after a chase, he was arrested and sent to the police station.

The facts stated that upon interrogation, it was established that Frimpong is a dismissed chief inspector who has relocated to Ashaiman and is still wearing a police uniform and holding himself out as a police officer.

The accused person was subsequently charged with the offence while the investigation continued.

Source: GNA

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Speaking at the launch of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Accra, the Minister said the directive has already led to a noticeable decline in attacks on media practitioners in recent months.

“In more recent times, we’ve not heard of such reports. That is because firm instructions have been issued to all state security agencies to reform the way in which they relate to the media and to show a bit more courtesy than they are doing at the moment.”

According to Mr Ofosu, the government remains fully committed to protecting journalists and ensuring that their work is respected.

“President Mahama and the government he leads are willing to work closely with the GJA to ensure that this unhealthy development is stopped and that it does not recur, even as we make progress to advance the frontiers of media freedom,” he said.

He, however, said that the government’s new policy direction was yielding results and called for a stronger partnership between the government and the media to consolidate gains in free expression.

The Minister acknowledged the critical role of the press in promoting transparency and holding leaders accountable.

“Without you, whatever it is that we do in government will not be known to the public. You are an important ally in governance, and it is through your efforts that the people of Ghana know how the mandates and resources they have entrusted to us are being used.”

He also admitted that the media landscape faces challenges, including poor working conditions, low remuneration, and financial constraints that hinder operations.

“Governments will continue to partner with media organisations to explore ways of improving these conditions,” he said.

“Our doors, as government, are open. I have a listening ear and an open-door policy. You can walk in at any time to share challenges or suggestions on how government can improve its relations with the media.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu officially declared the 29th GJA Awards launched and inaugurated the planning committee, commending the Association for its innovation in turning the event into a more engaging experience.

President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, in his remarks, urged journalists to remain firm, impartial, and responsible in their reportage, particularly on issues relating to security and the environment.

“Ghana stands at a crossroads. We face threats of environmental degradation, social discord, and misinformation.

“The menace of illegal mining continues to ravage our lands and poison our rivers, threatening not only our natural heritage but the very survival of our people.”

He revealed that this year’s awards theme, “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security, and the Fight Against Galamsey,” reflects the country’s most pressing challenges.

“Peace and security, the cornerstones of our national stability, are tested daily by division, extremism, and disinformation. It is within this context that the media must rise firm, fearless, and fair as custodians of truth and conscience,” he said.

Source: Myjoyonline 

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During an inspection tour of the project site at La, the Minister was briefed by the contractors on progress made so far and the challenges encountered.

He assured them that the government has allocated GH₵130 million for the project and that the Ministry of Finance is fast-tracking payment processes to prevent any delay.

“This project is very dear to our hearts. We have made the necessary allocations, and I have personally followed up with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that payments are processed quickly. Please remain on site and continue your work, the government will do its part,” Mr Akandoh said.

He urged the contractors to promptly report any challenges so they could be addressed, adding that the Ministry will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the hospital’s timely completion.

The Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, who accompanied the Minister, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support and reassured residents that the project remains a top priority.

“We want to assure the people of La Dadekotopon that this hospital will be completed. Government has not abandoned it; we are committed to seeing it through,” she said.

The 170-bed La General Hospital redevelopment project, once completed, will provide modern healthcare services for residents of La and surrounding areas, helping to decongest other major hospitals in the capital.

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

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During Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors told the court that investigations were still ongoing, explaining that the pending forensic results were essential to completing the case docket before forwarding it to the Attorney-General’s Department for advice and further action.

Lawyers for the second accused person, Thomas Ziggah, urged the court to ensure the prosecution adheres to the timelines set, stressing the need for fairness and expediency in the process.

Both accused persons — Bright Aweh, the first accused, and Thomas Ziggah, the second — were present in court under police escort, as their counsels renewed calls for due process and transparency in the handling of the case.

Outside the courtroom, family members of the late officer expressed frustration over the repeated adjournments, saying justice has been delayed for too long.

One relative, visibly emotional, told JoyNews that the family has “waited long enough” and hopes the case will not be dragged any further.

The proceedings follow weeks of emotional outbursts at previous hearings, including incidents where some relatives invoked curses, demanding swift justice both in court and beyond.

Background

The late Stephen King Amoah, a 38-year-old officer with the Ghana Immigration Service, was found dead under disturbing circumstances on July 3, 2025, after leaving home to meet a friend at Ashongman Estate.

His charred body was later discovered on July 9 at Abuom Junction, near Kwabenya, sparking a manhunt and an intensive police investigation.

The case is expected to resume on October 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., as investigations continue.

Source: Jacqueline Asomah Yeboah

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The disruption, which has reportedly lasted over a week, is effectively denying life-saving care to thousands of cardholders and raising fears that the nation’s dream of universal healthcare is unravelling.

The catastrophic operational failure was starkly evident at the Gbawe SDA Hospital in the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Patients who braved the heavily rain-drenched, unpaved roads leading to the hilltop facility were met with the same dejecting news that the NHIS system was inaccessible, invalidating their insurance for the day, checks by MyJoyOnline revealed.

Cost Shock: Patients Pay Triple for Basic Care

The technological breakdown means that patients who rely on the NHIS—the scheme introduced in 2004 to end out-of-pocket payments—are now required to pay full commercial fees, leading to devastating financial shocks.

• Consultation Fee: The fee, which would have cost a registered member GH₵18 under the NHIS tariff, shot up to GH₵54—a 200% increase—forcing patients to pay triple the cost at the Gbawe SDA Hospital
• Laboratory Tests: Basic but critical lab work, such as malaria tests and Full Blood Count (FBC), were no longer covered, forcing patients to bear the entire cost upfront.

Nii, a young man accompanying his 73-year-old mother for routine care, lamented the unexpected expense:

“I would have paid less than a GH₵30 for consultation, but I paid GH₵54… I have spent a little over GH₵200, which includes the labs we just did. If the NHIS were to be active, I would have paid less than GH₵150.”

Another female patient in her 30s, recently discharged after admission, reported a similar financial trauma, spending a total of GH₵1,500 but believing her charges “would have been less than GH₵1,000” if the NHIS were operational.

She added, “If the system is down, they have to do something about it. It is not everyone who can afford healthcare without insurance coverage. It is a big challenge because I didn’t plan on spending that money.”

Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has acknowledged the challenges, confirming that some facilities were either turning away scheme members or charging them upfront due to their inability to authenticate membership.

“We want our members to have a cash-free experience as much as possible, regardless of the challenge,” he said, describing the situation as unacceptable, during a visit to the Ho Teaching Hospital on October 8.

The NHIA indicated that the national electronic health records and hospital management system that facilitates the scheme’s operations is owned and managed by a separate entity.

Dr. Bampoe pledged immediate action, stating the NHIA is looking at short- to medium-term measures to stop out-of-pocket payments and may even “consider deploying some of our staff to support the facilities and ensure that doesn’t happen.”

While pledging to work closely with the Ministry of Health to restore full system functionality as quickly as possible, the NHIA must address the core issue of the sudden return of Cash and Carry, crippling access to care for the over 16 million active NHIS members, threatening a major regression in Ghana’s public health achievements.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News, counsel for the embattled politician, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that all bail requirements have been met but stated that the administrative processing is still pending completion.

“You know we have been granted bail, and we have been able to meet the conditions of the bail, except that the processing of the order is what is delaying it.

“The execution of the order itself requires verification of the properties used for the bail and confirmation of their valuation—processes handled by state institutions. The delay is coming from those institutions,” he stated.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi cited the Lands Commission as one of the agencies involved, disclosing that officials initially faced challenges in locating the registration plan for one of the properties submitted as part of the bail requirements.

“I’m told that it has now been identified, and the report is being sent to the registrar of the court,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the necessary processes would be completed by the end of the day to secure Chairman Wontumi’s release.

Chairman Wontumi remains in custody two days after the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court granted him bail in the sum of GH₵15 million on Tuesday, October 7, in connection with two separate cases relating to alleged illegal mining activities.

The cases involve Akonta Mining Limited, a company linked to him and alleged mining operations in the Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

He faces multiple charges, including undertaking illegal mining operations and causing unlawful damage to the environment.

In addition, the NPP regional chairman has been placed on a stop list, preventing him from travelling outside the country until the case is resolved.

Source: Emma Ankrah

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According to the groups, the government’s current teacher recruitment and deployment strategy has failed to address disparities between urban and rural schools, leaving as many as 68 percent of teaching vacancies unfilled in remote areas.

At a press conference in Tamale, Project Manager of School for Life, Zulgadine Amadou, said the problem has been worsened by bureaucratic delays and a rigid centralised recruitment system.

“While the existing teacher recruitment and deployment strategy is well-intentioned, the outcomes have been undesirable,” he said.

“Around 68 percent of vacancies remain in rural areas, and in four out of six districts, over 70 percent of students who took the 2020 BECE scored above grade 30, a clear indicator of poor quality education.”

Mr. Amadou added that some teachers manage to avoid rural postings altogether by seeking transfers shortly after being assigned, further undermining equitable distribution.

He called for urgent reforms to decentralise teacher recruitment, arguing that local authorities should be empowered to respond directly to the specific staffing needs of their communities.

“The current centralisation of recruitment and deployment creates unnecessary bureaucracy and delays, leaving rural schools in crisis,” he stressed.

Source: AdomOnline

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• Gushegu MCE warns against rising cases of child marriage
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Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, the MCE expressed concern over the increasing rate of child marriages in the municipality, attributing the trend to entrenched cultural practices that conflict with national laws.

Mr. Adam disclosed that in September, one offender was sentenced to five years in prison for engaging in the act, a move he said demonstrates the Assembly’s determination to curb the practice.

“We will sustain this effort until the situation is brought under control,” he stated.

He lamented that child marriage continues to negatively impact the education and wellbeing of young girls in the municipality.

The MCE also highlighted the dire shortage of teachers in Gushegu, revealing that in many schools, a single teacher handles multiple classes simultaneously, making teaching and learning ineffective.

Source: AdomOnline

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Carbonu said many young people are increasingly resorting to negative and illegal means to survive, describing the trend as a looming national crisis.

“There is danger ahead. We need to have a national conversation and change our ways of doing things, or we’ll end up in a situation we don’t want,” he cautioned.

Mr. Carbonu lamented that many youths are abandoning hard work and patience for quick money-making schemes, including illegal mining, due to a lack of hope and poor leadership.

“All African leaders have failed their people. The low salaries of young people in Ghana are driving them to adopt negative means to survive, and frustration is spreading across the country,” he said.

He called for urgent national dialogue and policy reforms to restore hope among the youth and promote sustainable economic growth.

Source: Farida Seidu| Adomonline

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According to the group, the current rates are too low, making it challenging for healthcare facilities to provide quality services.

Bishop Responsible for Health at the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier believes the current tariffs may compromise the healthcare system if not reviewed.

“Please, look at those low rates and review them in line with the current situation with prices to help our facilities to reach out to the people,” he said.

The 20th National Conference and Medical Fair of the Catholic Health Service Trust held in Kumasi is themed; “Achieve Universal Health Coverage: CHSTs Renewed Focus on Quality.”

To the Trust, the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme is a major setback for services rendered to the public.

Presently, issues with tariffs and delayed payments continue to erode the working capital of health facilities under the trust.

Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier revealed aside from the low tariffs, payments to the facilities have often delayed.

Acknowledging the improvements in delayed payments, the Catholic Health Service Trust believes more can be done.

“We have suffered from long delays in providing payments and this has eroded the working capital needed for drugs and other consumables,” she added.

However, the National Health Insurance Authority has assured of its continued collaboration and commitment to improving services to the health facilities.

Ashanti Regional Director of NHIA, Mohammed Muniru Muntaka, delivering a speech on behalf of the CEO, indicated payment time has already improved.

“Now our payments are not like before. I want to assure you there are a lot of initiative to bring it closer,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Health Service Trusts is calling for effective collaboration with the Ghana Health Service.

The Most Reverend further indicates such collaborations are key in achieving universal health coverage.

Source: Nana Yaw Gyimah

According to Pastor Joseph Hector Edusei, Coordinating Overseer for Ashanti Zone A, Deeper Life Ministries, there is the need for collective efforts to regulate social media use and impose strict measures to curb the menace.

Speaking at the annual national community congress of the Deeper Life Campus Fellowship at Brofoyedu, Pastor Edusei emphasized that it is a curse for any youth to insult elderly persons on social media and other platforms, citing biblical teachings to support his stance.

He urged religious leaders to intensify their efforts in shaping the character of the youth.

“I will seize every opportunity to speak the truth to the youth,” Pastor Edusei said. “Unfortunately, many churches have deviated from their core mandate, prioritizing entertainment over imparting Christian values.”

The congress, themed “Rising to New Levels for Global Impact,” also marked the launch of Elevation 2025 where students have gathered at Brofoyedu for the conference, which is expected to end on Sunday October 12.

Source: Joseph Obeng

The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing certain types of cancers and diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus, offering protection particularly against cervical cancer, which affects the lower part of the womb.

A health worker at the Manhyia Government Hospital in Kumasi, Adwoa Anima, explained to the Ghana News Agency during a school vaccination exercise that HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

She emphasised that HPV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), and the free vaccines are primarily targeted at young girls before they become sexually active.

Adwoa Anima highlighted that the HPV vaccine has key benefits, as it offers strong protection when given before any exposure to the virus and helps in the prevention of infections and other deadly diseases.

Statistics released by the GHS indicate that over 2,797 women in Ghana are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with only about 40 per cent surviving and cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is recommended as part of routine immunization for girls when they turn nine years old, along with other preventive measures, as the vaccine is safe, effective, and free for girls aged nine to 14 years.

Ms. Anima said the vaccine is not for sale for the targeted age group.

She said adults who wish to be vaccinated can go to a nearby hospital for it, urging parents and guardians to help, teach, and advice their daughters to get vaccinated, as it would go a long way to prevent and curb cervical cancer and other deadly diseases.

Source: GNA

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Carbonu described the situation as a tragic reflection of Ghana’s worsening moral and economic crisis.

According to him, the country has reached a point where the struggle for survival has driven people from almost every profession into galamsey, despite its devastating environmental impact.

“Ghana still remains a poor and challenged country. We’ve destroyed everything, even water, which is fundamental to life. Sadly, some nurses, doctors, and teachers are now involved in galamsey,” he lamented.

Mr. Carbonu revealed that in parts of the Western and Eastern Regions, some teachers have turned illegal mining into an investment venture, with others taking personal loans to fund their participation.

“People now take loans of ₵20,000 or ₵30,000 just to invest in galamsey. It’s no longer the preserve of the unemployed; professionals are complicit,” he said.

He blamed the situation on what he described as a “contaminated mindset” and an inordinate desire for wealth that has blinded many Ghanaians to the long-term damage being caused to the nation’s resources.

“Even some children encourage their parents to sell their homes and join galamsey. It shows how deeply this greed has taken root,” he noted.

Mr. Carbonu added that while some have suggested extreme measures such as a “shoot-to-kill” policy to curb illegal mining, such approaches will not work unless the national mindset changes.

“No government can fully control Ghanaians when our desire for quick wealth keeps growing. We need a moral and mental reset, not just policy enforcement,” he concluded.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Through the COCOBOD’s Special Services Department, credible information on illegal mining in cocoa farms is supplied to the security agencies for redress.

Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, Jerome Sam, says the institution has stepped up efforts to deal with the menace which poses a threat to cocoa sustainability.

“We also have the tree protection unit under the office of the Chief Executive, they receive complains about illegal activities, bring their reports and we also submit it to the necessary security agencies for them to follow up,” he emphasized.

It is estimated that at least 35,000 hectares of cocoa farms have been destroyed by illegal mining activities.

This is among reasons for the decline in cocoa production in the country.

Though some farmers have willingly given out their farms to miners, many are forcefully taken over.

The COCOBOD says it is strengthening systems to deal with invasion of farms to safeguard the industry.

The COCOBOD is enhancing other factors to improve productivity.

Already, distribution of fertilizers and other inputs are being rolled out for farmers.

“We know fertilizers are coming and agro chemicals as well, but they want it in certain quantities which we have agreed to supply,” he added.

Meanwhile, cocoa farmers have lauded the recent increase in prices of cocoa but called for the strengthening of measures to deal with illegal mining.

Source: Nana Yaw Gyimah

Those convicted are Albert Quaye, Kwame Owusu Ansah, Daniel Nunoo, Razak Siedu, Haruna Abdul Rauf, Desmond Okeyika, and Moro Sebere.

The court, presided over by Her Lordship Rosemond Vera Aryeetey, found each of the offenders guilty and fined 50 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵600, or in default, will serve three months imprisonment.

According to the prosecutor, Nii Okine Aryee the convicts were arrested by Public Health Officers of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), led by Madam Florence Kuukyi, during a special enforcement operation on 7th October 2025.

Speaking after the judgement, the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, explained that the offenders were apprehended while “busily engaged in open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” acts he described as not only offensive to the city’s sanitation bye-laws but also dangerous to public health.

He noted that such practices contribute to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other diarrheal infections that continue to threaten the well-being of residents.

Mr Ankrah indicated that the Assembly had re-strategized its approach under the “Reset Accra” agenda, intensifying surveillance and enforcement to ensure strict compliance with sanitation regulations.

“This is only the beginning,” he said, revealing that more offenders had already been arrested and were being arraigned before the court.

He said, “With the right support and cooperation from the public, we will sustain enforcement until Accra becomes the clean and healthy city we all desire.”

He called on residents to desist from acts that undermine the city’s cleanliness efforts and support the ongoing ‘Clean Accra Now’ campaign to rid the capital of filth.

Source: AMA

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, Rev. Fordjour criticised recent suggestions by the Minister for Communication, Digital Innovation and Technology, Sam George, and the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, to increase the upper age limit for enlistment into the Armed Forces to 30 years or more.

He described the proposal as “misguided and dangerous,” alleging it is part of a broader attempt to favour political loyalists rather than uphold merit-based recruitment.

“The Ghana Armed Forces is not a dumping ground for political foot soldiers,” Rev. Fordjour said firmly. Recruitment into the military must remain professional, transparent, and insulated from political manipulation.”

He further expressed concern that the involvement of senior government figures like Sam George, who, as a cabinet minister, participates in national decision-making, and Dafeamekpor, as Majority Chief Whip, suggests a deliberate attempt to influence the process.

“This is not an innocent suggestion. It’s a calculated move to insert overaged and unqualified party loyalists into the Armed Forces as a reward for their campaign efforts in the 2024 elections,” he claimed. “Ghanaians must not sit idle and allow this to happen.”

Rev. Fordjour emphasised that the Ghana Armed Forces operates as a disciplined, nonpartisan institution whose standards must not be compromised.

He urged citizens to support the military’s independence and professionalism, noting that its recruitment system is already aligned with international best practices.

“Just look at the recruitment process, it’s transparent, competitive, and consistent with what is done in other countries,” he noted. “Any attempt to alter it for political gain will erode public trust and endanger national security.”

The former Deputy Education Minister vowed to resist any move that undermines the integrity of the Armed Forces.

“We will not sit and watch the military lose its professionalism. The Armed Forces belong to Ghana, not to any political party,” he declared.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking at the maiden Ghana Health and Labour Summit (GHL Summit 2025), themed “Mobilising Against NCDs: Safeguarding Employee Wellbeing in Ghana,” Dr. Anabah noted that these conditions now account for about 43 percent of all deaths in the country, most of which are preventable.

The summit brought together over 300 participants, including government officials, labour unions, health professionals, academics, employers, and development partners, to discuss strategies for improving workplace wellness and tackling the rise of NCDs.

Dr. Anabah identified stress, poor nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, long working hours, and environmental pollution from illegal mining as key risk factors fueling the surge in NCDs, especially among workers.

“These silent killers, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders, now account for over 43% of deaths in Ghana, yet most are preventable,” he stressed.

He urged both public and private sector employers to prioritise employee wellbeing, warning that neglecting workplace health could lead to reduced productivity and increased long-term health costs.

Source: AdomOnline

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They express that the ongoing conflict has placed a significant burden on vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disabilities, who are unable to flee to safety.

They made remarks when the Nkwanta South Assembly donated start-up kits, which include fufu pounding machines, refrigerators, and cash to support over 100 persons with disabilities.

In an interview with Adom News, Evans Boanya, the President of the Ghana Federation of Disability in Nkwanta South, emphasised the urgent need for the conflicting parties to lay down their arms and engage in peace negotiations.

He noted that the conflict has caused untold hardship for persons with disabilities in the municipality.

The president highlighted that many individuals with disabilities who run businesses and participate in other activities have lost everything due to the conflict.

He also urged the government and security agencies to reconsider the curfew hours imposed in the municipality to help restore normalcy.

Adom News spoke to several members of the federation, who echoed their challenges related to the ongoing conflict.

They called on authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the situation, which would allow businesses and other activities to thrive once more.

The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, urged the people of Nkwanta South to embrace peace, noting that the development of the Oti Region hinges on the stability of Nkwanta.

He stated that the area has lost several crucial developmental projects, including a cassava processing factory and a technical university, which were intended to transform the region.

The minister therefore encouraged the community to accept peace and to consider a potential review of the curfew.

Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu

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His comments come amid the arrest of two nannies for allegedly drugging their employers’ twin toddlers.

Speaking on News Desk on JoyNews, Dr. Osafo said parents must take proactive steps to protect their homes and children.

“As parents, you must have eyes at the back of your head and in front. Literally, we shouldn’t take certain things for granted anymore; the world has changed. Before you bring nannies or carers into your home, please do a background check, possibly a police background check,” he advised.

He stressed that in today’s world, safety starts with smart choices and technology.

“You must have certain things at home — have CCTV cameras at home. Even though you are not there, you must have eyes. This means you can have these things on your phone, so as parents we all have to take active steps to prevent it from happening,” he said.

Dr Osafo further cautioned parents about leaving medicines carelessly around the house, as they can be misused.

“Make sure you don’t keep medicines at home. If you have to keep medicines at home, keep them locked up. When you come back home, also be smart and check certain things. You have a nanny; go into their rooms, because when the police did the search, I think they found drugs. So as parents, we have to be detectives — that’s how it starts,” he warned.

The Medicas boss emphasised that background checks, household monitoring, and alertness are essential tools for modern parenting.

Dr Osafo emphasised that while hiring help is sometimes necessary, parents must combine trust with active supervision to ensure their children’s safety.

Background

The Airport Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Accra arrested the two suspects — Francisca Boakye, a 30-year-old student nurse, and Harriet Ansah, 31 — after the children’s mother filed a complaint in September 2025.

She reported that her two-year-old twin boys had shown unusual drowsiness and strange behaviour over a period. Police investigations later revealed that the nannies allegedly mixed sleep-inducing substances into the children’s milk to keep them asleep for longer hours.

A search conducted in their rooms uncovered sachets of the suspected substances, which have been sent for forensic testing.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to appear in court on October 20.

Source: Karen Tei

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As leaders of the fishermen enforce the ban to allow fish stocks to recover, the very people who depend on the sea for survival say they are left to sink without any support, highlighting a critical gap in the nation’s economic safety net.

The bustling Winneba fish market, typically a vibrant hub of activity, now wears a deserted look. The wooden canoes sit idle on the shore, and the voices of fishmongers haggling with customers have fallen silent.

This annual pause, while ecologically necessary, exposes a harsh reality: the absence of financial assistance, government initiatives, or NGO support for the community that forms the backbone of the local economy.

“We are not against the closed season. We understand the sea needs to rest,” said Akua, a fishmonger with over two decades of experience. “But what about us? How are our families supposed to eat? There is no support, no financial assistance. The government should do something to save lives. she stressed.

The closed season, which happens every year, brings an immediate halt to livelihoods. Fishermen cannot go to sea, and fishmongers, like Akua, have no product to sell.

With no income for four weeks, savings are rapidly depleted, and debts accumulate for expenses like school fees and rent.

“The market is the lifeblood of Winneba. When it stops, the whole town feels it,” explained Kojo Mensah, a local canoe owner. The government talks about economic growth, but they see no improvement here. There are no programs for us during this period, no soft loans to help us survive. We have not seen any NGO come to our aid. We are completely on our own.”

The community’s frustration is compounded by the cyclical nature of the problem. Each year, they anticipate the hardship, and each year, they face it with the same lack of resources.

This perpetual state of insecurity prevents any meaningful investment in their businesses or long-term planning, trapping them in a cycle of subsistence living.

The situation in Winneba serves as a microcosm of a broader challenge within Ghana’s economy, where small-scale informal workers, who form a significant part of the workforce, often operate without a social safety net.

The resilience of the fisherfolk is being tested not just by environmental policies but by systemic neglect.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, a flicker of determination remains. “We have no choice but to be resilient,” Grace Mensah added.

“But resilience does not put food on the table. We need action, not just empty promises. We are calling for a direct dialogue with the authorities to find a solution that protects both the fish and the people.”

As the closed season continues, the women fishmongers of Winneba wait. Their empty stalls and quiet conversations are a stark illustration of an economy that has yet to find a way to support its most vital contributors, leaving them to weather the storm alone.

Source: Mark Gmapue
Journalism and media studies student
University of Education Winneba
(JMS-UEW)

His remarks follow police confirmation that two suspects have been arrested in Wa, with one confessing to 15 killings.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Dr Opoku-Ware described the arrest as a remarkable achievement, noting that identifying serial killers is one of the most challenging tasks for security agencies worldwide.

“All over the world, you know, when it comes to serial killing, these are one of the types of murders that are very difficult to identify the perpetrators of. So if you look at the way they operate, it is not easy for you to identify them.

“What they do is that they engage in very geographically unrelated kinds of operations, so it becomes tough for you to be able to connect to one particular person at a relatively shorter point in time,” he said.

He explained that many serial killers are difficult to identify because they often live normal lives within their communities.

“Many serial killers, as we know over the period, are people that walk in plain sight. I mean they are people that live with us within a community; they are not sophisticated people.

“So they will be living with us, but we wouldn’t know these are the kinds of activities they engage in. It makes it very difficult for us to be able to profile and identify them over the period,” he said.

Dr. Opoku-Ware said it often takes years for police to track and link such crimes together, describing the Wa arrest as a major success.

“If we look at the consistency and the popularity of these kinds of operations, let me be very honest: it is very difficult for you to identify. That is why a lot of times, they are able to have these opportunities to do these kinds of activities over a long period of time before finally the police are able to pick up the trail and get to them,” he stated.

He further commended the police for connecting the dots within a relatively short period, saying it usually takes much longer to arrest serial killers.

“Actually, I want to even congratulate the police because, from what I know, if you look at the period of his operations, that’s from 2021 until now, which is basically like five years. In fact, throughout history we have had serial killers operate more than 10 or 15 years before the police are able to get to their heels,” he said.

“If you look at the profiling of serial killers, their activities are very temporal and unrelated and geographically spread. They have something we call a ‘cooling-off period’—sometimes they strike and move to another place, relax for some time and then strike and move to another place and strike,” he added.

Dr Opoku-Ware said this pattern makes it “very difficult for the security agencies to be on track,” explaining that linking crimes committed in different areas requires time and patience.

“You need a lot of time to be able to pick the chain to connect it to a particular person or group of people who do those kinds of operations.

“It’s something that is very complex, and over the years, if you look at crime literature, you will get to know that it’s been very, very difficult all over the world to pin down serial killers because of their modus operandi, which we call the MO,” he said.

“So it is very key when we have to talk about what the police have done in the Upper West Region. I think I will really give it up to them because they’ve been able to use the trace and all the key things that the person must have left and been able to connect all the dots and hand it to this person. So I think they’ve really done well,” he stressed.

On whether it is normal for one person to kill 15 people, Dr Opoku-Ware said such cases are often linked to mental health conditions.

“If you look at the typology of serial killers, many of them have been diagnosed with certain mental conditions, especially schizophrenia. So a lot of time, if we are to do a proper assessment of these kinds of guys, we need to also take into account their psychological state at any point in time,” he said.

He added that some killers are driven by thrill, others by financial motives, or both.

“We have those that we call the spree killers — they kill for fun; they get some kind of thrill, and most of the time when you interview them, they tell you that they hear voices in their head that tell them to go and kill.

“So if you have such kinds of people on the loose, it means that apart from the fact that they are committing murder, they actually derive some form of joy from the very act that they commit,” he explained.

Commenting on the Wa suspect, Dr Opoku-Ware said:

“If you look at the pattern of what we have, the guy that we’ve arrested now, apart from the fact that I suspect this form of thrill-seeking behaviour, I also see some form of the classic typology of the serial killers who want to get some form of financial reward. But then what is even more interesting is the choice of people this guy was targeting—mad people and watchmen.”

Source: Emmanuel Attakora

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According to the union, the soaring cost of living, rising utility tariffs, and increased fuel prices have significantly eroded the real value of workers’ salaries, making it difficult for public sector employees to sustain their livelihoods.

TEWU maintains that only a substantial pay rise can restore fairness and cushion workers against the prevailing economic pressures.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, has acknowledged the union’s concerns and expressed hope that their demands will align with the government’s fiscal capacity.

He assured that the government will carefully assess the proposal as part of ongoing negotiations with organised labour.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Carbonou said labour unions are entering the talks with a clear understanding of the economic challenges affecting both the state and workers.

He emphasized that the negotiations should be concluded before the presentation of the 2026 budget to Parliament later this month.

“The process is a negotiation, not an imposition,” he explained. “Government will present its proposal, and labour will also bring its position. We’ll consider key economic factors such as inflation, rent, tariffs, and taxes at the ports. Even though inflation is reportedly in single digits, the prices of goods and services remain unbearable.”

Mr. Carbonou added that labour would also factor in the government’s capacity to employ newly trained professionals.

“We will consider the recruitment of nurses, teacher trainees, and our brothers and sisters who have completed school but haven’t been posted. Labour wants our young ones to be employed too, so depending on what government offers, we’ll take a balanced position,” he said.

He stressed that whatever agreement is reached should take effect from January 1, 2026.

While acknowledging slight improvements in economic indicators, Mr. Carbonou noted that the cost of living remains high, reducing the real value of workers’ salaries.

“We’re aware of the government’s constraints, but workers are struggling. Rent, electricity, and water tariffs, as well as the unstable cedi, continue to erode our income,” he said.

Mr. Carbonou emphasized that labour’s approach will be fair and collaborative, focusing not only on improving the welfare of current workers but also on creating employment opportunities for others.

“No negotiation ends with one side getting everything they want,” he remarked. “The goal is to find common ground that benefits both the workforce and the country.”

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Carbonou stressed that labour unions want the government to finalise discussions on salaries before the budget is submitted to Parliament later this month.

He cautioned that proceeding with the budget presentation without concluding the talks could undermine trust and limit the outcome of the negotiations.

“I will advise the Finance Minister, Ato Forson, not to read the budget until the negotiations with labour unions on the base pay are completed,” Mr. Carbonou said. “I cannot force him, but I can only plead with him. Once the budget is read, the base pay will be capped, assuming it is, say, 15 percent, and that would mean we have no option but to accept what is offered.”

He warned that such a move could make labour feel sidelined and disrespected.

“If the government goes ahead to read the budget without concluding negotiations, it will seem like the outcome has already been decided,” he cautioned. “That will make it difficult for us to accept any cap on the base pay because it would mean the negotiation is a foregone conclusion.”

The NAGRAT President explained that involving labour before the budget presentation would promote transparency and mutual respect.

“If government negotiates with labour and factors the outcome into the budget, everyone will feel consulted, and that will bring harmony,” he said.

Mr. Carbonou also dismissed any suggestion that labour is delaying the process, noting that unions are ready to engage with the government at any time.

“We are ready to be called even next week Monday or Tuesday to sit down. It’s not as if anybody has called labour and we refused to attend. If they call right now, labour will convene,” he emphasized.

He reiterated that the unions are entering the talks with a realistic understanding of the country’s economic situation but expect government to approach the process in good faith and prioritize the welfare of workers.

Source: Gertrude Otchere 

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