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As deputy elevated, Cyra Pamela Koranteng leaves her position as Judicial Secretary.

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Her Ladyship The role of Judicial Secretary Cyra Pamela Koranteng has been resigned.

The Judicial Council formally approved her judgment at its 291st meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Following her resignation, Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuuroh was chosen by His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the Acting Chief Justice, to fill the position in an acting capacity until a permanent Judicial Secretary is confirmed. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie instructed Dr. Bapuuroh to take over the duties of the position right away in a memo dated April 24.

“Wherefore you are hereby directed to assume the duties of Judicial Secretary pending decision by the Judicial Council and the eventual appointment of a substantive Judicial Secretary,” the memo stated.The notice also instructed that members of the Judiciary, the Judicial Service of Ghana, and the general public should take note of the development.

Kasoa MCE nominee sworn in amidst chaos and threats 

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Some Assembly Members of the Awutu Senya East Municipality have threatened to go to court over what they described as “mafia tactics” in the confirmation of the President’s nominee as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). 

The nominee, Mr Seth Sabah Serwornoo-Banini, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority of 13 of the total 19 votes cast in the first round of voting to qualify as MCE for the area, obtaining 10 ‘Yes’ votes and 9 ‘No’ votes. 

The second round of voting, which was shielded from the media, witnessed the snatching and tearing of ballot papers in the full glare of the Police. 

In the second round, the nominee secured 11 ‘Yes’ votes and four ‘No’ votes, making a total of 15 votes. 

Addressing the press on behalf of the aggrieved members, Mr Shadrack Boakye Yiadom, Assembly Member for the American Town Electoral Area, said the group was prepared to go to court. 

According to him, members were threatened amidst the “illegal” confirmation of the nominee. 

“It was pathetic that before counting could begin, one Fahd snatched and tore the ballot papers, yet they went ahead to declare the nominee as MCE. 

“But I want to state clearly to the whole world that Awutu Senya East Municipality has no MCE—we will go to court,” he stated. 

“What transpired today is an affront to our democracy,” Mr Yiadom added. 

Prior to the counting, the judge assigned to swear in the nominee walked out with others, saying, “Our hands are clean.” 

In his acceptance speech, the newly confirmed MCE, Mr Serwornoo-Banini, said; “Indeed it is a day that we will commence the forward movement of Awutu Senya East in the central region.” 

“This day we will see a different level of development, it is a day that will see the rebranding of the district, a day to give voice to the voiceless and a day that is going to make sure the history of Kasoa, is rewritten again.” 

He pledged to fully implement the President’s development agenda to advance the municipality. 

The Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, Prof Richard Asiedu, assured of the party’s utmost support to ensure the development of the area. 

He added that the earlier scuffle was the result of politicisation by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) camp, but an agreement was reached to allow the process to conclude peacefully, he added. 

ECOWAS@50: Mahama announces 1,000 Scholarships for West African students  

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Ghana is offering 1,000 scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in the nation’s universities, President John Dramani Mahama, has announced. 

This forms part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and as part of efforts to strengthen regional bonds. 

“This is not just a gesture, it is an act of solidarity. It is a bridge to a future where our young people who grew up seeing each other not as foreigners, but as partners,” President Mahama stated in his address at the launch of the ECOWAS@50 Anniversary Celebration and the unveiling of the Anniversary Logo in Accra. 

The event, on the theme: “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”, was attended by Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Togolese Prime Minister, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Gambia, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and representatives from all the 12-Member ECOWAS countries. 

“As we look to the next 50 years in our unity and solidarity, (as) leaders, let that be our guide on how we respond to insecurity, how we manage our diversity, and how we build our prosperity together,” President Mahama said. 

“ECOWAS must remain a forum for listening. It must be a space for healing. A home for visionary African-led solidarity and diplomacy.” 

President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS Region and to the values of dialogue, peace, and partnership that sustain it.  

He noted that the launch of the ECOWAS@50 was not just a celebration but a solemn moment of reflection on their collective journey and an invitation to renew their commitment to the principles that had bound them together for half a century in unity, peace, regional integration, and above all, diplomacy as their guiding compass.  

President Mahama said ECOWAS was born out of a spirit of bold diplomatic engagement in 1975 and that their founding fathers, faced with fragmented economies and fragile political landscapes, chose the path of cooperation over competition and rivalry.  

He reiterated that their vision was clear, which was one to pursue their development not as isolated nations, but as a united community.  

He said since then, ECOWAS had grown to become a key diplomatic and political force in Africa.  

President Mahama said through consistent engagements, dialogue, and mediation, their community had earned a reputation as a trusted arbiter in conflict prevention and resolution. 

ECOWAS had proven that African solutions through African diplomacy could and do work in restoring peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in guiding The Gambia through a difficult political transition, or preventing the electoral crisis in Cote d’Ivoire and Togo.  

“We must not take this legacy lightly. It is one we must protect. It is one we must deepen and refine in the face of new and emerging challenges. Today our Region is faced with a complex array of threats,” he stated.  

President Mahama cited violent extremism, growing insecurity in the Sahel, political instability, economic disparities, and climate vulnerabilities. 

He said in moments like these, diplomacy and solidarity must remain their first and strongest line of defense.  

He said the recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Sahel to withdraw from ECOWAS was a regrettable development.  

“Yet, even in this, continuous engagements must remain our road star. We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and to engage,” President Mahama said.  

“Since assuming office as President, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with our Sahelian neighbors.” 

President Mahama said Ghana had appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States. 

“I have personally led missions to foster trust, rebuild communication channels, and affirm our shared aspirations.” 

President Mahama said these efforts reflect their belief that they had a shared destiny as a sub-region, and that unity, however difficult, remains the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability.  

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, in speech read by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, lauded President Mahama’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals had been a source of inspiration and strength.  

He said as a proud member of ECOWAS, Nigeria pledges to collaborate with every nation, large or small, to build an ECOWAS that was resilient and prepared to confront the challenges of their time. 

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, said in marking the 50th anniversary their objective was to celebrate, reflect, and recalibrate their community. 

Shama MP Donates combined harvester, other implement to Peasant Farmers 

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Madam Emelia Arthur, Member of Parliament for Shama Constituency, has presented a combined harvester and a tractor valued at GHc1.3 million to the members of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) in the Shama district.   

She also donated 700 wellington boots,100 bags of fertilizers and 20 motorized sprayers to farmers in the district. 

The equipment were received by the National President of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Mr. Wepia Awal Adugwala and the Shama District Focal person Nana Affo Kweku II, Chief of Ohiamadwen community, on behalf of the Farmers.  

This gesture was born out of consistent engagement between the MP, who is also the Minister of Fisheries, the focal person and the PFAG to meet these critical needs of rice farmers in that community.  

The Agricultural machinery was acquired from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on a hire purchase basis for use by rice farmers in the district to achieve Ghana’s long-term objective of becoming self-sufficient in rice production. 

 The PFAG leadership in Shama also engaged the assembly to assist them with inputs, wellington boots, and cocoa spraying machines for their activities.  

Commissioning the farming inputs at Ohiamadwen in the Shama Municipality, Madam Emelia Arthur, reminded Ghanaians that Ghana is an Agrarian economy hence farmers required support to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

She said farmers in Shama were very keen on rice farming, cocoa and other food crops and assured them of the necessary support. 

Madam Arthur noted that the NDC government built the dam on the River Window as part of the Inland Irrigation Project and Rice Processing Mill but pollution of the river by galamsey activities posed serious threats to the irrigation system as some farmers had to buy water to irrigate their farmlands. 

The MP said under her own initiative dubbed “Agricultural Improvement Programme, the necessary support would be extended to farmers. 

She added that the President John Dramani Mahama would open the Agricultural Mechanization Center for the first batch of fifty farming communities. 

The MP said Parliament had approved the Women’s Development Fund to allow women to access the fund to venture into Agriculture and other business ventures. 

The Feed Ghana Programme and the Nkoko Nketekete programmes launched by President John Dramani Mahama were also sustainable measures to empower farmers to live above the poverty line. 

Madam Arthur promised her willingness serving the Shama Constituency as a humble, unifier and development-oriented leader. 

 Mr Wepia  Addo  Awal Adugwala,  (PFAG), urged government to intensify efforts being made to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the country. 

He said the galamsey menace was a threat to sustainable farming practices and urged government to continue with the arrest of illegal miners on water bodies and forest reserves. 

Mr Awal Adugwala said the Association would call on government to equip farmers with the necessary farm tools, equipment and other inputs to produce more food for Ghana to become self-sufficient. 

Mr Awal Adugwala lauded government’s initiatives in Agriculture such as the Feed Ghana Programme and others. 

Mr Abass Muhammed, the Shama District Director of Agriculture, said Shama had a vast land yet to be utilised for agricultural purposes and thanked the MP for boosting rice farming production in the area. 

He said only two extension officers were in the district and appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to post more extension officers to Shama. 

Mr Paul Denis Dentu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Shama, noted that Agriculture held the key to survival of the nation. 

He said the district would continue to team up with the MP to give Agriculture the needed push and asked farmers to be proud of their work to produce more food to feed the nation. 

Nana Afo Kweku II, Chief of Ohiamadwen and the Shama District Focal Person, said the gesture by Madam Emelia Arthur in less than four months in government, was a testament of proven leadership and good governance. 

He said the farming inputs would go a long way to boost farming activities and increase yield to beat hunger. 

Nana Afo Kweku II commended government for some initiatives in Agriculture and appealed to the Assembly to continue to support farmers to expand their base. 

St. Peter Methodist Church crowned champions of new Achimota circuit Easter games

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St. Peter ‘Methodist Church, Mile 7, has been adjudged winners of the New Achimota Circuit Easter games for the second consecutive time, beating eight other societies

The Society’s impressive performance was evident throughout the long list of sporting disciplines including Football, Table Tennis, Tug of Peace, among others, showcasing their versatility and exceptional skills.

The champions were highly competitive, with teams displaying impressive skills and sportsmanship.

The Easter Games, organized by the New Achimota circuit, took place on Monday, April 21, 2025, at St. John’s Grammar Senior High School in Accra.

This annual event is a significant occasion that celebrates the death and resurrection of Christ while fostering bonding among societies within the circuit.

It also provides a platform for members from different Societies to come together, showcase their talents and strengthen their relationships on the day.

Mr Ebow Nyamekye, Circuit Steward at St Peter Methodist Church, commended the members for showing up to support their team. He also thanked the participants for availing themselves to compete in various disciplines.

He added that as Easter was a season to reflect o the unwavering love of Christ, Christians must also show compassion to one another and love their neighbours as the Lord directed them to.

Asante Kotoko appoints Karim Zito as new interim coach

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Karim Zito has been named Asante Kotoko’s new head coach following the dismissal of Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum.

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Porcupine Warriors announced adjustments to their technical structure as they look to finish the season on a good note following recent poor results.

A club statement said, “Asante Kotoko SC is pleased to announce key changes to the club’s technical leadership as part of an ongoing strategic restructuring.

“Abdul Karim Zito has been appointed as the club’s new Technical Director. A former player and head coach of Asante Kotoko, Coach Zito returns with vast experience from both club and national levels, including guiding Dreams FC to a historic CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and leading Ghana’s U-20 team to the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations title.

“He will also serve as Acting Head Coach on an interim basis until a substantive head coach is appointed.

“Additionally, Prince Yaw Owusu has been appointed as Assistant Coach. Coach Owusu is a seasoned football technician with over two decades of coaching experience across Ghana, Sudan, and the United States.

“His career includes head coaching roles at Medeama SC, Inter Allies, Khartoum National Club, and the Ghana U-20 national team (Black Satellites), as well as assistant coach of the national U-17 side.

“Known for his work in player development, Coach Owusu has nurtured talents who have gone on to play for top clubs including AC Milan, Genoa, Sassuolo, and Fiorentina.

“We are also pleased to confirm that Malik Jabir, who has previously served as Technical Director, will now assume the role of Technical Advisor, providing strategic guidance to support the club’s long-term objectives.”

The statement added that these appointments are part of the club’s renewed commitment to building a strong, visionary technical structure aimed at sustained competitive success.

Asante Kotoko, after a four-game recent winless run, will be hosting Aduana Stars this Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Ghana to serve as bridge for West African unity – Mahama 

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Ghana stands ready to serve as a bridge to help re-knit the fabric of West African unity, President John Dramani Mahama, has stated. 

“We believe that through sustained dialogue, patient diplomacy, and principled negotiation, we can restore cohesion and rebuild trust in our good community,” President Mahama stated in his address at the launch of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra. 

The event, on the theme “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”, was attended by Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Togolese Prime Minister, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Gambia, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and representatives from all the 12-Member ECOWAS countries. 

President Mahama said the recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Sahel to withdraw from ECOWAS was a regrettable development.  

“Yet, even in this, continuous engagements must remain our road star. We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and to engage,” he said. 

“Since assuming office as President, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with our Sahelian neighbors.” 

He said Ghana had appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States. 

“I have personally led missions to foster trust, rebuild communication channels, and affirm our shared aspirations.” 

President Mahama said these efforts reflected their belief that they had a shared destiny as a sub-region, and that unity, however difficult, remained the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability.  

President Mahama said the period, called for giving greater solidarity and understanding for the difficult challenges that confronted their brothers in the Sahelian states.  

He said diplomacy was not only about resolving disputes, and that it was about creating the conditions for peace, for inclusion and progress.  

Adding that it was about fostering mutual respect and advancing their common interests.  

He said in this regard, their commitment to integration through diplomacy must extend into economic, social, and cultural dimensions. 

“Whether we are harmonizing trade negotiations, whether we are facilitating free movement of our people, or championing education and health cooperation, our diplomatic instruments must always work in the service of our people.” 

President Mahama advocated the empowerment of ECOWAS institutions to act swiftly, credibly, and transparently.  

“Our citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not some distant bureaucracy, but a living community that understands their struggles and champions their hopes,” he said. 

“And let us never forget the power of soft diplomacy. Our shared languages, our new faith, our literature, and youth culture.” 

He underscored that they were powerful tools binding them together more deeply than any treaty could. 

“Let this 50th anniversary be a turning point for diplomacy in West Africa.” 

He called for more investment in early warning systems, mediation capacities, and youths and women as peace builders. 

He urged his fellow West African leaders to put position as sub-region ECOWAS, not only as a political and economic bloc, but as a diplomatic anchor for the continent; model of integration, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.  

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, in speech read by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, lauded President Mahama’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals had been a source of inspiration and strength.  

He said as a proud member of ECOWAS, Nigeria pledged to collaborate with every nation, large or small, to build an ECOWAS that was resilient and prepared to confront the challenges of their time. 

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, said in marking the 50th anniversary their objective was to celebrate, reflect, and recalibrate their community. 

ECOWAS must reaffirm commitment to founding principles – Okudzeto Ablakwa

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Tuesday called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renew their commitment to the bloc’s foundational principles as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Addressing the official launch of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations at the Accra International Conference Centre, Mr Ablakwa stressed the importance of building on past successes while confronting future challenges.

“It’s time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which this Community was founded,” he stated.

“The next chapter of ECOWAS must build on the foundation of the past, while boldly embracing the future,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa emphasised the need for ECOWAS to consolidate gains in peace and security, deepen economic and political integration, and foster inclusive growth that benefits every citizen of the sub-region.

“The next chapter of ECOWAS must build on the foundation of the past, while boldly embracing the future. We must consolidate our gains in peace and security, deepen economic and political integration and foster inclusive growth that benefits every citizen of this sub-region,” the Minister said.

The launch event, hosted by President John Dramani Mahama, marks the beginning of a year-long programme of commemorative activities across member states, highlighting ECOWAS’ accomplishments in promoting regional integration, peace, and development over the past five decades.

The event was attended by dignitaries including former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, and other nationals.

ECOWAS is a regional economic community that aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its 15 member states in West Africa. ECOWAS focuses on issues like: Economic development; Trade liberalization; Infrastructure development and peace and security.

Its goals include creating a single market, improving living standards, and fostering regional cooperation.

GITFiC appoints Mrs Konan Clemence as Francophone Bureau Chief

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The Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) has appointed Mrs Konan Clemence as its Francophone Bureau Chief.

“As GITFiC expands its influence across Africa and advances its Agenda 2031, particularly within Francophone member states, the role of the Francophone Bureau Chief becomes increasingly vital.

“This position is essential for bridging language, cultural, and effective policy implementation gaps, thereby ensuring the comprehensive realization of GITFiC’s vision for Agenda 2031 across all linguistic regions of the continent and beyond”.

A statement signed by Mr Selasi Koffi Ackom, Chief Executive Officer of GITFiC and copied to the Ghana News agency in Accra on Tuesday said the agreement became effective on April 22, 2025, officially appointing Mrs. KONAN Clemence as the Francophone Regional Bureau Chief of The GITFiC.

It said Mrs. KONAN Clemence would undertake her responsibilities under a Six-Point Mandate for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon a positive performance review.

“She will execute her mandate collaboratively with a team of skilled professionals at The GITFiC’s Francophone Bureau Secretariat, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire”.

The statement said Mrs. KONAN Clemence is a distinguished Ivorian magistrate and an accomplished professional mediator.

She currently serves as a member of the AfCFTA Appellate Body and has previously held the position of the immediate past Director of International and Regional Cooperation at the Ministry of Trade and Industry for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

In this capacity, she functioned as Côte d’Ivoire’s Chief Trade Negotiator and played an integral role in all AfCFTA negotiations for the country.

Feed Ghana Programme will build robust, stabilise economy-Director General

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Mr Felix Gyamfi, the Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA), assured that the implementation of the Feed Ghana Programme will build a robust and stabilise economy for wealth creation and poverty reduction.

He said the Authority was well positioned to implement the government’s flagship intervention programme for improved national food productivity, sustainability and security.

President John Dramani Mahama launched the Feed Ghana Programme, an intervention of the government, aimed at improving food productivity in the country.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Techiman in the Bono East Region, Mr Gyamfi described the programme as laudable, saying the NSA remained committed to execute the programme for the nation to derive the optimum benefit.

The Feed Ghana Programme is a positive and strategic initiative and a crucial step for the nation to advance in national food productivity, he stated, saying the NSA was ready to facilitate and ensure that the programme was successfully implemented nationwide.

Mr Gyamfi said the transformative impact of the programme remained unparalleled, saying its execution would create direct and indirect job opportunities for the youth.

“Once the programme is fully operational, it will significantly decrease the cost of importing food commodities, allowing Ghanaians to take pride in self-sufficiency,” he stated.

He explained that the Authority already had farms and those farms would be expanded as the programme took off.

“The future is promising because the programme will help reduce prices of food items and eventually reduce food imports, paving the way for a more sustainable economy”, Mr Gyamfi added.

He said the NSA was currently cultivating more than 6,000 acres of maize, 500 acres of rice, 400 acres of tomatoes, and soya beans in the major and minor seasons and urged service personnel to contribute and remain committed in the implementation of the programme for the nation to build a robust economy.

Mr Gyamfi encouraged them to recognise and appreciate the benefits of the programme not only for the country, but also for themselves for a sustainable livelihood.

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