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Two-term Secretary eyes Navrongo Central chairmanship 

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Mr Moses Abangba Amoah, a two-term sitting Constituency Secretary for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Navrongo Central constituency, has declared his intention to contest for the position of Constituency Chairman. 

The announcement follows the party’s release of timelines for its internal restructuring. 

Mr Amoah stated that his decision comes after “extensive consultations” with party stakeholders and fuelled by a desire to transition from a subordinate role to the head of the Constituency Executive Committee. 

In his declaration statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, Mr Amoah highlighted his deep-rooted history within the party.  

He cited a steady climb through the ranks, including serving as polling station secretary, electoral area coordinator, Assembly Member, and member of both the Constituency and Regional Communication teams.  

“These roles have provided me with invaluable grassroots experience and deep institutional knowledge, and I am convinced that now is the time for my experience and skills to be best utilized as the head and not a subordinate to the Constituency Executive Committee for the party’s benefit,” Mr Amoah stated.  

The central theme of Mr Amoah’s bid is the recapture of the Navrongo Central seat in 2028, as he described the current political climate as a “crucial juncture” that requires a leader who could unify the party’s machinery. 

In the statement, the Aspirate, who is also a Nursing Officer, outlined his vision of strategic resourcing to ensure the party base had the tools needed to campaign effectively. 

He further indicated his quest to ensure unity and consensus, stressing the need to move past internal divisions through open dialogue, collaboration, and energizing the grassroots to create a “resilient and more united NPP.” 

As the NPP prepares for its internal elections later this year, Mr Amoah is transitioning from the consultation phase to an active campaign. 

He called on party members and potential delegates for their “prayers, support, and wise counsel” as he begins a constituency-wide tour to engage the rank and file. 

With his intimate knowledge of the constituency’s dynamics, Mr Amoah’s entry into the chairmanship race is expected to significantly shape the party’s internal landscape in the lead-up to the next general election. 

Marcus Rashford’s permanent Barcelona transfer clause expires, meaning he will return to Man United.

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Marcus Rashford’s long-term future has been called into question after Barcelona reportedly missed a critical transfer deadline. The England forward, who has spent the season on loan at Camp Nou, might make an unexpected return to Manchester United this summer.

Barcelona failed to exercise the buy option in Rashford’s loan agreement, so they no longer have the unilateral right to sign the forward for a fixed fee. The Catalan giants had until March 31 to notify Manchester United of their intention to activate the €30 million (£26 million/$35 million) option, but the deadline has passed without any official action from the La Liga leaders, according to Cadena SER.

The scenario has left the 28-year-old in dilemma following what appeared to be a successful career rehabilitation in Spain. While sports director Deco previously revealed the existence of the buy option, his refusal to act before the deadline shows that the club’s transfer plan is once again influenced by financial constraints. According to the source, Barcelona is interested in a second loan deal, while United want a clean break and a permanent sale this summer.

Despite Rashford establishing himself as a regular under Flick, the deal has been complicated by La Liga’s strict financial regulations. While the €30m transfer fee was considered manageable, the player’s substantial wage demands proved to be the sticking point for a club still navigating significant debt. Deco recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding the move, admitting that the decision involves several complex factors. Speaking on the forward’s continuity, he said: “[Rashford staying?] The matter is tied to financial fair play, priorities, performance, and the coach’s decision, and it’s something we haven’t done yet because it’s not the right time.”

Manchester United are reportedly relaxed about the situation and have no intention of lowering their valuation. If Barca cannot or will not pay the agreed fee, the Red Devils are prepared to entertain offers from Premier League rivals for the academy graduate. There is a growing belief at Old Trafford that the English market could yield a higher price than the €30m figure that was previously on the table in Spain.

South Africans stockpile fuel as the war in Iran causes a significant price increase.

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As the world continues to feel the effects of the Iran war, which has affected global oil and fuel prices, South African drivers flocked to petrol stations on Tuesday in anticipation of record fuel spikes that will take effect at midnight.

This is true even though Enoch Godongwana, the nation’s finance minister, announced a 3 rand ($0.18) drop per litre of fuel on Tuesday in an effort to mitigate the price shock. The southern African country has already been rocked by price increases of 3.06 rand ($0.18) for petrol and 7.51 rand ($0.44) for diesel, the highest on record.

By Tuesday evening, some gas stations in the east of Johannesburg were turning motorists away as they had run of both diesel and gasoline.

At some stations, only gasoline was available and those seeking diesel were turned away. Some lines were visibly building up at some of the stations that still had fuel. Godongwana said on Tuesday that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had increased risks to global energy markets and placed pressure on domestic fuel prices.

The decreased fuel levy for the month of April, before South Africa announced adjusted fuel prices again in March, would cost the government 6 billion rand (more than $351 million) in lost tax revenue.

The country has also been affected by operations and logistical delays in its fuel distribution as dozens of fuel stations ran dry and some fuel stations started rationing fuel purchases to customers, with some putting up restrictions of between 30 to 50 liters (8 to 13 gallons per car).

“Even after fuel levies were reduced, these are the largest increases in recent history and would be devastating for consumers,” said Theuns Du Buisson, an economic researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute.

He said that the fuel increases, especially the record increase for diesel, would have a devastating result on the cost of logistics and transportation, with knock-on effects on inflation in coming months.

With a majority of South Africans using public transport, mainly minibus taxis and buses, the impact is likely to be felt mostly by low-income households, Du Buisson said.

On Tuesday, the bus service in the capital, Pretoria, was disrupted, because of fuel shortages at the city’s bus depots, the municipality said.

MTN Ghana boosts Ashanti U-17 tournament as competition reaches final stage 

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The Ashanti Regional U-17 Football Tournament has received a major boost with telecommunications giant MTN Ghana stepping in as title sponsor ahead of the competition’s grand finale this weekend. 

The sponsorship comes at a crucial stage of the tournament, which has, since its inception in September 2025, served as a key platform for identifying and nurturing young football talents across the region.  

MTN Ghana’s involvement is expected to enhance the profile of the competition while reinforcing support for grassroots sports development. 

As part of its sponsorship package, MTN Ghana is providing jerseys for the four semifinalists, as well as trophies and medals for the eventual winners and outstanding performers.  

The initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development through sports. 

The tournament, spearheaded by Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has drawn participation from 41 districts, making it one of the most extensive grassroots football competitions in the region.  

The participating teams were initially grouped into eight zones, with top performers advancing through the knockout stages. 

Following months of competitive matches held across various districts and key venues including Kumasi and Offinso Ahenkro, the competition has now reached its decisive stage.  

Four teams – Afigya Kwabre North, Afigya Kwabre South, Atwima Nwabiagya North, and Kwabre East remain in contention for the ultimate prize. 

The semifinals and final matches are scheduled for Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Paa Joe Park, where fans are expected to witness high-intensity clashes and emerging football talent at its finest. 

MTN Ghana’s support not only strengthens the tournament’s organisation but also contributes significantly to its core objective of unearthing and developing the next generation of football stars in the Ashanti Region and beyond. 

South Africans respond to rising fuel costs in spite of tax breaks

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Despite the government’s temporary tax cut to alleviate the cost, South African drivers are expressing dissatisfaction about a dramatic increase in petrol prices.

In an effort to lessen the impact of skyrocketing global oil prices associated with the Iran war, authorities announced a cut of three rand per litre in the general fuel charge. Nevertheless, the alleviation hasn’t done much to counteract one of the sharpest hikes in pump prices ever.

Drivers in Johannesburg claim that the growing price of petrol is having a significant impact.

Kagiso Nyokolodi, Motorist: “Furious, I’m angry, I’m out of words, I have ran out of words, no this is not good.”

Others acknowledged the government’s effort but said it falls short of what is needed.

Armand Pretorius, Motorist: “It’s very bad man, but at least the government has helped us with three rands (R3.00) that’s great, but it’s still very expensive.”

For many, the rising cost of fuel is part of a broader increase in the cost of living, affecting households across the country.

Innah Venter, Motorist: “It’s very hard on everybody, salary wise, pensioners wise, buying, everything is going up.”

Economists warn that higher fuel prices could ripple through the economy, pushing up transport and food costs, and placing additional strain on already stretched consumers.

Hohoe MCE commends World Bank, partnering Ministries for development projects

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Mr Prosper Kumi, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has applauded the World Bank, Ministries of Finance and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for the development projects supported in the Municipality.

He said the projects including the Hohoe Central Market, Industrial site, storm drains and a bus terminal when completed would change the economic fortunes of the Municipality and its citizenry.

Mr Kumi made the remarks during a working visit by officials from the World Bank and the Ministries to the Municipality to inspect progress and state of the projects adding that the livelihood of a lot of people also depended on the completion of the projects.

He said although the Assembly acknowledged delays in the completion of some of the projects, such challenges stemmed from various sources.

Mr Kumi said the visit and engagement with the Team would provide ways to handle the challenges while noting that Hohoe was strategically positioned towards development as well as contributing to the economic growth of the country.

He said storm drains and pedestrian walkways remained on two major projects that the Assembly with funding would undertake. However, some work had begun in relation to the walkways.

Madam Doris Amu, President of the Hohoe Market Queens, expressed gratitude to the government and the Team for the efforts to ensure that the Municipality continued to develop.

She called for expedite works on some projects at the market to enable more market women get places to sell.

A member of the Team briefing the Ghana News Agency (GNA) disclosed that the visit was a World Bank mission adding that annually, Team from the World Bank inspected the Bank’s funded project to see what was on the ground.

He said such an inspection known as Implementation Support Mission (ISM) was done twice a year and it was done together with the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Finance and Office of the Head of Local Government Service.

“So, we came to inspect the Urban Development Grant (UDG) projects including the industrial estate site, the transport terminal site, the storm drain, the markets and the roads. We have inspected all their projects”.

He said they also wanted to know about the implementation challenges that the Assembly was having because they were expecting funds which were being worked on.

Khaby Lame named ambassador for 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar

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Social media influencer Khaby Lame has been named an ambassador for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

Lame, an Italian Senegalese content creator with one of the world’s largest online followings, joins a group of Dakar 2026 ambassadors that includes actor Omar Sy, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and influencer Eva Neymar.

Lame was officially appointed on March 26 in Dakar and would play a key role in promoting the Games, particularly among young audiences in Africa and abroad.

“This commitment reflects my desire to support young African talent,” Lame said. “Dakar 2026 will allow Africa to showcase the best of itself and inspire young people around the world.”

Lame rose to global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through short, wordless videos that parody complicated online tutorials, helping him amass hundreds of millions of followers across social media platforms.

Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, said Lame’s appointment highlighted growing international interest in the event.

“Dakar 2026 is attracting figures who want to help make this Games a global success,” Ndiaye said.

Organisers said Lame would take part in key events, including the Youth Olympic Games torch relay across Senegal, and would support initiatives aimed at strengthening the social and inclusive impact of the Games, including outreach to towns such as Mbacké, where he was born.

The Youth Olympic Games would be held in Dakar in 2026 following a postponement from 2025 and are expected to bring together thousands of young athletes from around the world.

Alhaji Grusah advises GFA on picking next Black Stars coach following Otto Addo’s exit

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Alhaji Abdul Karim Grusah has called for technical reforms within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the dismissal of Otto Addo as Black Stars, stating the need for fresh direction and less interference in decision-making.
Speaking in an interview with GNA Sports, Alhaji Grusah said that although he had supported Otto Addo during his tenure, the decision by the GFA to part ways with him should be followed by the appointment of a more experienced coach with a strong track record.
He noted that Otto Addo had made notable efforts during his second stint with the Black Stars, particularly by guiding Ghana to its fifth World Cup qualification.
“Otto Addo has done his best as a coach. At least if not for anything, he qualified us for the World Cup,” he said.
According to him, if the leadership of the GFA believed a change was necessary, then the replacement must be someone with proven credentials, achievements and experience coaching top sides.
“It should be someone with good records and achievements and who has also coached top teams,” he added.
Alhaji Grusah also questioned the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the Technical Director who worked with Otto Addo, suggesting that if the coach had requested the appointment, then the official should also have exited with him.
He said the GFA would receive praise if it made the right coaching appointment but would equally bear criticism if the decision failed to improve results.
“If the GFA appoints a good and better coach, praises will be heaped on them, but if they fail the shame will as well come to them,” he said.
He called on the government to consider reforms at the association and urged authorities to depoliticise football administration.
Alhaji Grusah believes Ghanaian football would make greater progress if its running were less politicised and decisions were guided by the broader interest of the game.

Civil society must safeguard OSP – Special Prosecutor

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Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, Special Prosecutor, has urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and anti-corruption advocates to protect the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

He called on stakeholders to work diligently and without hesitation to sustain the Office, cautioning that attempts by some citizens to scrap the institution had not ceased and could resurface at any time.

Mr. Agyebeng made the call at a National Dialogue on the Office of the Special Prosecutor, organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in Accra.

The dialogue formed part of a broader initiative to strengthen accountability institutions and enhance citizen engagement in anti-corruption reforms in Ghana.

It aims to deepen stakeholder understanding of the OSP framework, identify gaps within the existing legal regime, and build consensus around necessary reforms.

Participants included a wide spectrum of stakeholders-CSOs, policymakers, development partners, professional bodies, media practitioners, influencers, opinion leaders, traditional authorities, and representatives of youth and women groups.

It was convened to foster constructive dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and develop actionable recommendations to enhance the OSP’s effectiveness, independence, and operational impact.

Mr. Agyebeng noted that more than 50 per cent of CSOs continued to express trust and support for the Office despite its challenges and stressed the need for citizens to help build an institution capable of standing the test of time.

Reflecting on 2025, he described it as both the Office’s best year of performance and its most challenging period in terms of institutional survival.

“Had it not been the good-naturedness of the President, the Office would have been scrapped by the end of December 2025 in Parliament,” he said.

Mr. Agyebeng further stated: “Ask yourself, why? It is because politicians do not want us around. It is that simple. And why do they not want us around? Because we are bad news for politicians.”

Dr Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at CDD, said findings since the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in 2004 indicated that the Attorney-General, as a Cabinet member, faced limitations in prosecuting colleagues within government.

“Most of the work the Attorney Generals did were prosecute public officials of previous government if you take cases like Quality Grain, Ghana@50 and SML deal amongst others except the cases involving late Mallam Issah and Abuga Pele,” he said.

Dr Asante stressed the need for a well-functioning independent anti-corruption agency, noting that the establishment of the OSP in 2018 addressed longstanding concerns about prosecuting politically exposed persons.

“What’s needed is to strengthen the OSP, tighten the appointment and removal processes to make sure that the Special Prosecutor is truly independent,” he said.

Mrs. Linda Ofori-Kwafo, Team Lead for Governance and Stability at Adam Smith International, also urged government to constitute the OSP Board to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.

GRA launches Advance Ruling System to boost compliance, trade facilitation 

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Mr Anthony Sarpong, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), said the launch of the Advance Ruling System on Tuesday was as a defining moment in Ghana’s revenue administration. 

He said the initiative marked a transformational step in how the Authority operated and engaged with the trading and taxpaying community. 

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Mr Sarpong said the system signalled GRA’s strong commitment to modernisation, trade facilitation and building trust with stakeholders. 

The World Bank, through the Trade Facilitation Support Programme (TFSP), supported areas like legal and regulatory strengthening, digital systems development, capacity building, private sector engagement, peer learning, and knowledge exchange. 

The Advance Ruling System seeks to strengthen predictability and improve the trade environment, while providing traders with binding decisions from Customs before goods are shipped or arrive at the border. 

They cover tariff classification, Origin of Goods, reduce disputes, improve clearance times, lower compliance costs, and enhance transparency. 

The GRA Commissioner-General said Ghana was at a critical stage, with GRA tasked to mobilise GH¢230.1 billion in revenue for 2026 with the Customs Division alone expected to contribute GH¢67.54 billion towards the target. 

He emphasised that achieving those targets required not only increased effort but smarter approaches to revenue mobilisation. 

Global evidence showed revenue growth was driven more by improved compliance than strict enforcement. 

Mr Sarpong said compliance could only be enhanced when systems were fair, predictable and easy for taxpayers to use. 

The Advance Ruling System was designed to provide traders with certainty on how their goods would be assessed before arrival at ports, he noted. 

“This will reduce disputes, improve efficiency and promote consistency in customs decisions,” he added. 

The initiative, he highlighted, formed part of broader reforms within the Customs Division to modernise operations. 

These include the deployment of the Publican AI System to detect high-risk consignments and the continued use of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). 

He said the automation of advance rulings within ICUMS would ensure faster and more consistent service delivery across all entry points. 

The ability for traders to apply online and receive binding decisions within 90 days would enhance planning and investment confidence. 

Mr Sarpong assured the trading community of GRA’s commitment to fairness, integrity, responsiveness, service and teamwork in implementing the system. 

He commended the Customs Division, the Advance Ruling Committee, and stakeholders for their contributions to the initiative. 

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