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Government, Traditional Leaders unite for Oti Region’s Development 

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Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with traditional authorities to foster peace, development, and effective governance in the Oti Region. 

This was stated during a meeting with Nana Ayeng Anebo II, the Kpassa-Wura, and a delegation of traditional leaders from Kpassa at his office in Dambai.  

The meeting focused on key areas such as chieftaincy representation, revenue mobilization, and infrastructural development. 

The Minister assured the delegation of his commitment to investigating concerns around Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and pledged to work closely with traditional leaders to ensure accountability and fairness in resource allocation.  

He also revisited critical infrastructure projects, including the Nkwanta-Kpassa road and the Agenda 111 hospitals. 

Nana Ayeng Anebo II’s call for adherence to constitutional principles in chieftaincy matters and transparency in revenue management aligns with the government’s shared vision for a stable and thriving Oti Region.  

The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between traditional leadership and government, with a focus on building a stronger and more prosperous Oti Region. 

Atwima Kwanwoma DCE pushes for Municipal status  

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Madam Grace Asamoah Agyemang, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanwoma in the Ashanti Region, has pledged to pursue processes initiated by the previous government towards the elevation of the district to a municipal status.  

She said she would work closely with the Member of Parliament (MP) in that regard to facilitate accelerated development of the district for the benefit of all. 

Madam Agyemang was speaking after obtaining 100 per cent endorsement from all 47 Assembly Members as the President’s nominee for the position of District Chief Executive (DCE). 

She urged all stakeholders including Assembly Members, head of departments, chiefs, religious leaders and political parties to support her administration to achieve its developmental goals. 

She said her vision for the district would be presented before the Assembly in their next meeting for collective assessment and implementation. 

The new DCE said she felt duty-bound to deliver after receiving overwhelming endorsement. 

Mr. Kofi Amankwah-Manu, the Member of Parliament, pledged to support and cooperate with the new DCE to solve the developmental challenges of the people. 

He said the people’s expectations were high and deserved a collective approach of the expertise, ideas and experience from all stakeholders for sustainable development and lasting solutions. 

Kpone-Katamanso MCE tours flooded communities after devastating rainfall 

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Mr Samuel Tetteh Kwashie Morton, the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has embarked on a tour of communities affected by the torrential rainfall that hit parts of the municipality on Sunday. 

The downpour, which lasted several hours, caused severe flooding and destruction in areas including Kpone, Nmlitsakpo, Bethlehem, Gbetsile, and Zenu, displacing several residents and destroying property. 

The tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the challenges faced by the affected residents. 

Mr Morton, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the tour, described the extent of damage as disturbing and called for a collective approach in addressing the municipality’s flooding challenges. 

“It is time all stakeholders come together to reset the municipality. What we witnessed today is a wake-up call for coordinated planning, infrastructure investment, and community education,” the MCE stated. 

The MCE was accompanied by assembly members from the various communities who highlighted specific concerns, including poor drainage systems, unregulated development, and improper waste disposal. 

Residents expressed frustration over recurring floods during the rainy season, appealing to the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA) to urgently intervene. 

Mr Morton assured the victims that the assembly would work with relevant state institutions to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions and also urged them to support the KKMA by adhering to building regulations and environmental guidelines. 

“We cannot do this alone. Community cooperation is critical if we are to make Kpone-Katamanso flood-resilient,” he added. 

The MCE also hinted at plans to intensify public education and enforce municipal  

sanitation by-laws. 

Four new MDCEs sworn into office in Eastern Region   

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Four Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Eastern Region have been sworn into office following their confirmation in accordance with article 243(1) of the Constitution and section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act 2016. 

The swearing-in followed confirmation elections conducted for assembly members by the Electoral Commission of Ghana across the respective Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs).  

Their confirmation marks a significant milestone in local governance and leadership in championing inclusive development at the local levels for improved living conditions. 

The newly confirmed MDCEs are Mr. Hakeem Antwi Abdul – Birim North Municipal Chief Executive; Madam Linda Ahenkora; Akyemansa District Chief Executive; Mr. Eric Ahinarkwa – Asene Manso Akroso District Chief Executive; Madam Paulina Akabila – Lower West Akim Municipal Chief Executive. 

The swearing-in was performed by Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister at each of the four Municipal and District Assemblies. 

Three out of the four MDAs gave 100 per cent endorsement to the nominees and Mr Ahinarkwa of the Asene Manso Akroso District got two-thirds majority of the 31 members of the assembly present to vote. 

In her speech, Mrs. Awatey tasked the MDCEs to offer their best in the discharge of their duties as they are responsible for the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the District Assembly. 

She commended the electorates for the comportment exhibited in the electoral process and urged them to contribute their quota to the development of the nation. 

The newly approved MDCEs pledged to perform their duties required of them. 

The Minister was accompanied by Dr Mark-Oliver Kevor, Acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency and the Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress. 

GEA CEO lauds efforts of ISSER, Mastercard Foundation for youth empowerment  

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Ms. Margaret Ansei, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), has lauded the Mastercard Foundation for its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment across the continent, describing it as “transformative” and critical to shaping Africa’s future.  

She made the remarks during the launch of the Mastercard Foundation Youth Futures Initiative and Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held at the University of Ghana. 

In an address, Ms. Ansei expressed appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation and the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) for organizing a “timely and significant event,” stressing that youth-centred development strategies were essential to sustainable national growth. 

“The Mastercard Foundation Youth Futures Initiative centers on quality education, skills development, and dignified employment. But what stands out most is its recognition of youth voice, agency, and creativity,” she said  

Ms. Ansei highlighted the Ghana Enterprises Agency’s ongoing collaboration with the Foundation, spotlighting flagship initiatives such as the Business in a Box (BizBox) Project and the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for the Youth (HAPPY) Project.  

The BizBox Project, she explained, equips young people with entrepreneurial training, startup kits, and mentorship, while the HAPPY Project focuses on agribusiness development in post-production value chains, including rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry. 

“These projects are not just creating jobs,” she said. “They are cultivating a generation of resilient and empowered young entrepreneurs ready to drive Ghana’s economic transformation,” she added. 

Speaking on the broader policy environment, Ms. Ansei endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Agenda, noting its potential to create more flexible and inclusive economic opportunities for Ghanaian youth.  

“The 24-hour economy policy is especially relevant for our youth, an economy that never sleeps, supports innovation and empowers enterprise,” she added. 

She urged all stakeholders to work together across sectors and borders to empower the continent’s youth. “Let us invest not only in projects, but in people, with full confidence that their ingenuity will multiply our efforts in ways we can only begin to imagine.” 

Professor Peter Quartey, Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), also lauded the Mastercard Foundation for the initiative, describing it as a much-needed intervention that aligns perfectly with Ghana’s economic development goals.  

He emphasized that such collaborative efforts were critical in addressing youth unemployment and equipping the next generation with skills for the future. 

COCOBOD urged to deal with difficulties in the cocoa sector  

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Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area in the Volta Region, has called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to deal with difficulties associated with the cocoa sector of Ghana. 

He said human activities such as illegal mining (galamsey) and smuggling of cocoa beans were affecting the sector which was one of the flourishing sectors in Ghana and West Africa at large.  

Togbega Gabusu made the remarks when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD, Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey,  and other staff paid a courtesy call on him adding that the sector was a heavy task for the CEO, but the traditional authorities were solidly behind him to succeed to bring the cocoa sector back to life. 

He said the rule of law should be applied to any citizen caught in the smuggling of cocoa beans and no traditional authorities would shield anyone. 

Togbega Gabusu said smuggling affected income levels as well as the GDP of the state hence as traditional leaders, they would collaborate with the firm stance against illegal mining. 

He urged the CEO to support cocoa growing areas to expand productivity and support youth from the communities in employment to reduce pressure on traditional leaders.  

Dr Abbey said the courtesy call was for him to visit all the seven cocoa regions to interact with traditional leaders, cocoa farmers, and staff of the Agency to ascertain the issues at hand. 

He said the tour would also receive the needed advice, prayers, and support from traditional rulers to establish a strong bond and relationships to forge synergy needed for the development sector. 

Downpour delays collation of DLEs results in Nkoranza North –EC 

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A downpour that hit Nkoranza North in the Bono East Region delayed the collation of ballot papers in the District Level Elections (DLEs) conducted in the Municipality on Tuesday. 
 
Nonetheless, Mr Chrisentus Derry, the Nkoranza North Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission (EC) said the DLEs were conducted successfully in all the 26 Electoral Areas (EAs) in the municipality. 
 
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said the EC was still collating both results for the District Assembly (DAEs) and Unit Committee Elections (UCEs). 
 
The EC Returning Officer said 98 candidates, comprising 93 males and five females contesting the DAEs with a total of 190 candidates, made up of 176 males and 14 females vying in the UCEs. 
 
Mr Derry expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for the successful conduct of the DLEs in the Municipality and added that the elections were conducted between 0700 hours and 1700 hours peacefully without hitches. 

EC sets May 13 for Nkoranza North and South district elections

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has set Tuesday, May 13, for the conduct of the Nkoranza North and South District Level Elections and by-elections in some electoral areas.

Prior to that, the Commission would mount platforms for candidates to present themselves and their programmes to the electorates as well as answer pertinent questions.

This will take place from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11, 2025.

A statement issued by the Electoral Commission, signed by Mr Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, said at least one platform would be mounted in each electoral area and unit where elections would take place.

The platform would enable the electorate to assess the suitability of each candidate.

“Candidates and their supporters are advised to refrain from employing threats, force or intimidation to induce and compel voters to vote or refrain from voting during the elections, as these acts constitute election offenses,” the statement said.

GRA takes tax education to markets as part of GH¢360 billion revenue drive

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The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intensified its public education campaign on Tax and Good Governance, reaching out to citizens in various markets today to raise awareness about tax compliance and the benefits of paying taxes.
The outreach saw GRA officers engaging traders and residents at Mallam Market, Anyaa Market, and Ablekuma Market, where they provided education on how to file tax returns and why fulfilling tax obligations were critical for national development.
The initiative forms part of the Authority’s broader plan to mobilise GH¢360 billion in revenue by 2028, in line with its medium-term revenue strategy.
GRA aims to achieve this through a combination of taxpayer education, enhanced enforcement, and digital innovations to widen the tax net.
Mr. Anthony Dekagbe, Weija Office Manager of the GRA, speaking to the media emphasised the need for strong public awareness and civic responsibility.
“We need to raise awareness so that every Ghanaian understands the value of paying taxes. It is not just a legal obligation; it’s a civic duty that fuels national development,” he said.
He added that when individuals and businesses honoured their tax obligations, the country would be better positioned to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection.
Beyond education, the GRA is also intensifying enforcement efforts to crack down on tax evasion and non-compliance.
These include audits, compliance checks, and collaboration with other agencies to track income and business activities, particularly in the informal sector.
As part of its modernisation drive, GRA has rolled out the Integrated Tax Application and Preparation System (iTaPS), an online platform that allows taxpayers to file returns, make payments, and access their tax records conveniently.
This move is intended to reduce manual processes and improve transparency in tax administration.
In addition, the Authority is deploying more taxpayer service centres, engaging with trade associations, and running media campaigns to make tax education more accessible and relatable to citizens across all income levels.
The monthly market outreach is expected to continue across regions, targeting traders, artisans, ride-hailing drivers, and other informal sector players who often operate outside the formal tax net.
According to the GRA, broadening the tax base and fostering a culture of voluntary compliance remain central to achieving sustainable revenue growth.

Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV, elected new pope

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Habemus papam. White smoke erupted from the chimney atop the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday night, just after 6 PM Central European Summer Time, signalling the election of a new pope.

When they saw the smoke rising, the people waiting in front of St. Peter’s Basilica cheered and waved to the cameras and onlookers.

Then, on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, “proto-diacon” cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the next pope’s name and the name he would use to start his pontificate: American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has decided to go by Leo XIV.

Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old is the first American pope in history.

He was made cardinal by the late Francis in 2023.

A little more than an hour passed between the white smoke and the announcement of the new pope.

Leo XIV was elected in the evening of the second day of the conclave, after two inconclusive rounds of voting in the morning, signalled by black smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel chimney.

The new pontiff and successor to the late Pope Francis needed to obtain a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, in order to be elected by the 133 cardinals eligible to vote.

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