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“My “thank you tour” is driven by gratitude,” Asiedu Nketia stresses

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Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed claims that his nationwide ‘thank you tour’ was a political strategy for a future presidential bid.

He said the tour was to express gratitude to party faithful, chiefs and supporters for their support and hard work towards the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections. 

Speaking in Lambussie, Mr Nketia described the tour as a fulfilment of a campaign promise to return and thank constituents if the NDC won. 

He noted that some party members had criticised the move as unprecedented for a national chairman and that such tours were traditionally handled by presidential or parliamentary candidates. 

Mr Nketia said: “I embarked on a campaign tour that secured a decisive victory for our then Flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama and the NDC parliamentary candidates and no one criticised me on that.”

“Why are they now criticising me that my thank you tour is a political strategy for flagbearership,” he asked.

Mr Nketia, however, said it was his responsibility to appreciate party members and supporters for their role in the 2024 polls, adding that the tour marked the second round of post-election engagements by the NDC since assuming office in January 2025. 

He insisted that his actions aligned with the NDC’s long-standing tradition of gratitude and solidarity and stressed that the 2024 victory was a collective effort and that unity was needed to maintain power. 

“Those who disagree with me can continue with that, and I will continue to honour my promise by going round to thank Ghanaians for the massive victory they gave to the NDC in the 2024 general elections.

“When you beg someone to give you something, and you are given what you requested, the next thing is to go back and say thank you, and that is why I have come to say thank you to everyone,” he said.

 At Bullu, in the Sissala West Constituency, the Chairman gave assurance that the NDC administration remained committed to delivering its promises to strengthen the livelihood of the people.

Kuoro Abdul-Rahaman Kassim Baatah IV, the Divisional Chief of the Bullu Traditional Area, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the national chairman for the initiative of coming back to thank the people of the region.

He said the region was an agricultural area particularly the Sissala enclave and that proper investment in agriculture would accelerate development as well as boost the country’s economy.

Mr Abudu Gbene Fuseini, the Sissala West District Chief Executive (DCE), highlighted key developmental projects undertaken in the district under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.

The DCE commended Mr Mohammed Adams Sukparu, the Member of Parliament for the area, who is also the Deputy Minister of Communications, Technology and Digital Innovations, for securing several GETFund projects for the Senior High and Basic School in the area.

Mr Sukparu reaffirmed the government commitment to resetting the country and called for peace and unity, stressing that peace was the essential tool that could promote the needed development in the area.

He also underscored the need for peaceful coexistence for the people in the Region to unite and project the peace being enjoyed in the area.

He urged party executives and supporters to be patient for jobs and appointments when the country is fully reset.

Mr Naawulle Ireneous Basingbie, the Lambussie District Chief Executive, appealed for the completion of the district’s Agenda 111 Project, which was about 70 per cent complete to enhance healthcare delivery in the area.

Mr Nketiah also commissioned a new FM station and an NDC new party office in the Lambussie district and indicating that the new radio station would enable residents to access information locally rather than from outside sources.

Ghana urged to create secure investment options for diaspora capital

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Diaspora investors in the United States have urged the government to provide structured, secure and profitable investment vehicles to drive a shift from remittances to investments.

They made the call at the Bank of Ghana’s maiden Remit2Invest roundtable in Virginia, held on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings.

Participants noted that while Ghana’s improving macroeconomic indicators, including a stronger cedi and declining inflation, had boosted investor confidence, gaps in governance frameworks and trust remained key constraints.

They expressed readiness to invest, citing availability of capital, but stressed the need for robust systems to ensure capital protection, transparency and high productivity.

However, they identified trust deficits in cross-border investments, failed projects, land acquisition challenges, and regulatory complexities as major barriers requiring urgent institutional reforms.

Dr Paul Ametepei, Executive Director of Inspired Options Incorporated, said there was the need to move from informal remittance channels to a structured and regulated investment ecosystem.

He said verified investment vehicles and transparent partnerships would help replace uncertainty with confidence and promote sustainable growth.

“By aligning diaspora capital with well-structured local opportunities, Ghana can unlock a cycle of reinvestment that significantly reduces the country’s dependence on foreign aid and commercial loans,” he said.

Dr Ametepei also called for strategies to leverage diaspora expertise to identify market gaps, particularly in agro-processing and services, to create jobs.

Dr Ayim Akyea-Djamson of Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants, LLC, said the financial sector must evolve beyond transfer services to support investment-driven remittances.

He advocated collective investment vehicles such as diaspora-targeted pension funds and venture capital pools to enable participation in Ghana’s industrial growth.

“The diaspora is our most reliable partner in development, but we must stop asking them for help and start offering them value. By creating an approved financing net, we provide the safety and transparency necessary to turn every remittance into a brick in the foundation of our national economy,” he said.

Professor Charles Appeadu of the University of Cincinnati underscored the importance of financial literacy and tailored investment products to meet the diverse risk appetites of diaspora investors.

“We must move beyond the emotional appeal of patriotism and provide the diaspora with rigorous, professionally managed investment vehicles. The goal is to ensure that when a Ghanaian abroad sends money home, they are not just supporting a relative but are acquiring a verified asset that grows with the national economy,” he stated.

Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, acknowledged the concerns and assured investors of Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges.

He said efforts were underway to integrate diaspora capital into the national development agenda, including exploring diaspora bonds and strengthening regulatory frameworks for financial technology and cross-border payments.

Dr Asiama also advocated the adoption of blockchain technology and decentralised finance to improve transparency, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency in remittance flows.

Mr Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, said the Centre was introducing reforms to improve investor experience.

He said digital portals were being developed to enable diaspora investors to register businesses and track investment processes, while sector-specific profiles would link them to verified opportunities.

“These solutions focus on building a confident investment environment where the diaspora can commit their resources to structured projects that are both legally protected and aligned with the national development strategy,” he assured.

Farmers’ challenges are temporary- Asiedu Nketia

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Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the NDC, has called on farmers in Welembelle and the wider Sissala East Municipality to remain patient as the government works to address challenges affecting the agricultural sector.

Speaking during a community engagement to thank voters, Mr Nketia acknowledged the difficulties farmers were currently facing, particularly the high cost of inputs and low market prices for produce.

He described the situation as a “Transitional problem” and assured farmers that measures were being put in place to improve the situation.

“We are aware of the difficulties you are going through. Do not let this discourage you from farming in the next season. The government is working to resolve these challenges, and very soon farming will become profitable,” he said.

He disclosed that the government was in the process of establishing mechanisation centres to provide affordable services to farmers.

Mr Nketia said, efforts were underway to make agricultural inputs more accessible and reasonably priced.

He noted that current hardships were temporary and tied to ongoing policy adjustments and expressed confidence that with the implementation of sound policies, conditions will stabilise and improve.

During the visit, traditional leaders also reminded the delegation of key development promises made during the campaign period.

In response, Mr Nketia assured them that the government remained committed to fulfilling all pledges, including infrastructure development and the completion of abandoned projects.

“All uncompleted projects will be worked on. These projects were started with public funds, and it is only right that they are completed for the benefit of the people”, he said.

Mr Nketia also used the occasion to commend the people for their continued support for the party and called for unity ahead of the upcoming internal elections.

He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and working together to sustain development gains.

Mr Issah Mohammed Bataklia, the Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency attributed the community’s long-term transformation to a consistent vision and strategic investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare dating back to the 1980s.

He said key milestones, such as the establishment of the Tumu Training College and the modernisation of maternal health services through professional nursing school had significantly improved local livelihoods and maternal health care.

 He emphasised that the party’s commitment to the road sector was being seen under the Big Push roads project, which had seen most of the contractors at the site.

By prioritising this connectivity through roads, the MP aims to unlock the region’s farming potential and create sustainable economic opportunities for the youth.

Mr Charles Lwanga Puizuing, the Upper West regional Minister encouraged residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of government agricultural initiatives like the Feed Ghana, ‘Akoko nkitinkiti’ aimed at boosting employment.

 The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by party leadership to engage grassroots communities, assess progress on campaign promises, and gather feedback on government performance.

Police assure enhanced security, as NPP protesters hit principal streets of Sunyani    

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The Police have assured absolute security and protection, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters prepare to hit the principal streets of Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital on Wednesday April 22. 
 
Aggrieved supporters of the largest opposition NPP are expected to undertake the demonstration dubbed: “Yensuro Ahunahuna Demo” to register their displeasure against what the party described as “the government-sponsored attack on free speech and our democracy”. 
 
Their protests followed the arrest of Mr Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as ‘Baba Amando’ and Mr Kwame Baffoe also known as “Abronye”, the Sunyani East Constituency Officer and the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, respectively. 
 
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, the Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Administration said the Police had beefed up their presence in the capital to maintain law and order. 
 
He said the Police had already engaged the conveners of the demonstration and expressed the hope that the protesters would use the approved routes for a peaceful demonstration. 
 
C/Insp. Akeelah said the personnel of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department had also been stationed at vantage points to manage vehicular traffic, saying that there was also a Police standby to respond to any eventuality. 
 
He added that some non-uniformed personnel had also been dispatched to respond to potential threats, and hoped that the protestors would remain decorous, as the police maintain law and order. 
 
During a visit to the Sunyani Jubilee Park around 0700 hours, where the protestors were expected to converge, the GNA noticed a heavy Police presence, as the demonstrators kept arriving. 
 
They wore blackly designed ‘T’ shirts, with the inscription “Yensuro Ahunahuna Demo”. 
 
Mr Gideon Kyeremeh Amoah, one of the conveners, told the GNA that the protesters would march through the regional Police headquarters road from the STU roundabout, use the Absa route, connect to the Florence Maternity and to the Sunyani main station road. 
 
They will then use the Bank of Ghana main road and proceed to the Regional Coordinating Council and present a petition to Mr Joseph Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister. 

NDPC, UNECA urge shift in remittances’ use from consumption to investment 

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The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), has called for a deliberate shift in the use of remittances from household consumption to productive investment to accelerate Ghana’s economic transformation.  

Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, the Director-General of NDPC, made the call at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop in Accra. 

In an address read on her behalf by Mr Richard Tweneboah Kodua, Director of Research and Monitoring at NDPC, Dr Amoah said although billions of dollars were received annually from Ghanaians abroad, much of those inflows were directed towards household consumption.  

The workshop aimed at strengthening the integration of migration and diaspora remittances into national and sub-national development planning.  

To address these gaps, NDPC and UNECA have developed practical toolkits to guide policymakers and planners in incorporating migration and diaspora dynamics into the country’s development frameworks.  

The training was aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and tools required to better align planning processes with migration and diaspora inflows. 

She, therefore, underscored the need for policies that channel remittances into sectors that would promote job creation, enterprise development, and sustainable growth.  

The NDPC Boss noted that approximately 1.7 million Ghanaians lived across 50 destinations worldwide, with their financial inflows accounting for nearly seven percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

Those remittances, she added, remained resilient even during global economic uncertainty, and in some cases surpassing foreign direct investment and official development assistance.  

The NDPC Boss explained that recent assessments showed that migration issues were not consistently reflected in sectoral, regional, and district development plans and, therefore underscored the need for a more coordinated approach in their collection and utilisation.  

Mr. Amadou Diouf,an Economic Affairs Officer at UNECA, emphasised that remittances must be treated as a strategic pillar within national development frameworks.  

He noted that Ghana was part of a broader multi-country initiative across Africa aimed at promoting shared learning and best practices in migration and development. 

The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, and technical experts to strengthen Ghana’s migration and development framework.  

Trump extends Iran ceasefire, yet blockade enforcement persists

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Citing a request from Pakistan, Donald Trump announced the continuation of a precarious ceasefire with Iran, stating that he is expecting what he described as a “unified proposal” from Tehran.

The decision is made as diplomatic attempts become more questionable and a two-week truce is about to expire.

According to Trump, the ceasefire will last “one way or the other” until Iran makes a proposal and talks are finished.

Additionally, he affirmed that despite the halt in hostilities, the US military blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place.

At the same time, the White House has postponed a planned visit by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan, where a second round of talks involving Iran had been expected.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said earlier Tuesday that Tehran has not yet decided whether to participate in the Pakistan talks, adding that it will only engage if discussions are deemed productive.

Mounting casualties across the region

The conflict has already taken a heavy toll, with reports of at least 3,375 deaths in Iran and more than 2,290 in Lebanon.

Additional casualties include 23 fatalities in Israel, as well as deaths reported in Gulf Arab states.

Military losses have also been recorded among Israeli and US forces deployed in the wider region.

Military displays signal rising tension

As diplomatic uncertainty grew, Iranian state television broadcast footage of hard-line gatherings in Tehran, where members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were seen displaying a ballistic missile mounted on a mobile launcher, alongside armed personnel.

The missile, identified in reports as a Qadr-type system, has previously been used in strikes involving cluster munitions.

In a televised statement, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that any attack would be met with immediate retaliation against pre-designated targets, threatening stronger responses against both the United States and Israel.

Fragile truce under pressure

With diplomacy stalled and military rhetoric escalating, both sides continue to signal readiness to resume hostilities if no agreement is reached before the ceasefire expires.

Pope Leo XIV visits Equatorial Guinea and calls for justice.

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As he began a delicate visit to one of Africa’s most closely regulated nations, Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday urged Equatorial Guinea to position itself “in the service of law and justice.”

Speaking in the capital city of Malabo, the pope called on officials to reconsider their development strategies and take advantage of chances to improve their standing internationally by upholding justice and the law.

He also issued a warning against inequality, pointing out the rising divide between the bulk of people and a few elite and connecting contemporary social injustice to increasing marginalisation.

Wealth and inequality under scrutiny

Rich in oil, Equatorial Guinea derives much of its wealth from hydrocarbons, yet large parts of the population remain in poverty.

Rights groups have long accused the government of corruption and misuse of public funds, while pointing to stark disparities in living standards.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in power since 1979, welcomed the pope at the presidential palace, alongside senior officials including Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

Falancing diplomacy and criticism

The pope’s visit highlights a delicate balance: supporting the country’s large Catholic population while avoiding endorsement of a government frequently accused of human rights abuses, including restrictions on opposition and media.

Despite the political undertones, crowds gathered in the streets to catch a glimpse of the pontiff, reflecting both hope and skepticism among residents.

Final leg of African tour

The stop marks the last stage of Leo’s 11-day Africa tour.

He is expected to travel onward to Mongomo and Bata, continuing his outreach in a nation where Catholicism remains a lasting legacy of Spanish colonial rule.

Three Ghanaian para-athletes secure qualification to 2026 Commonwealth Games

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Ghana’s para-athletics team has secured three qualification slots for the upcoming Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place in Glasgow, marking a significant milestone for the country’s para-sports development.

In a statement signed by Dr Henry Larbi, General Secretary of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC)- Ghana, and copied to the GNA Sports, said the qualification was achieved through a combination of direct placements on the Commonwealth rankings and a bipartite allocation.

The statement said athlete Hayford Addai earned direct qualification in the Men’s 100m T47 event after clocking an impressive time of 11.09 seconds, placing sixth on the Commonwealth rankings. 

It said Zinabu Issah also secured direct qualification by placing fourth in the Women’s Shot Put F57 event with a throw of 8.66 metres.

In addition, Bostyo Nkegbe, a three-time Paralympian, qualified through a bipartite slot, bringing Ghana’s total para-athletics representation to three athletes.

The feat increases Ghana’s total number of para sport slots for the 2026 Commonwealth Games to five, following earlier qualifications in para swimming and para powerlifting.

The NPC-Ghana, with support from the Ghana Olympic Committee, indicated that preparations for the Games would be intensified through participation in International Paralympic Committee (IPC) competitions and other elite events to enhance performance and readiness.

Mr Samson Deen, the President of the NPC-Ghana, described the achievement as a proud moment for the country.

He said, “This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our athletes, coaches, and support teams.

“We are grateful to the GOC for their support and look forward to preparing adequately for the Games.”  He appealed to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and other stakeholders to provide the necessary support, including training resources and international exposure, to boost Ghana’s medal prospects.

Dreams FC to face Nations FC in MTN FA Cup final after semi-final victories

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Dreams FC will meet Nations FC in the final of the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup after both sides recorded hard‑fought wins in their respective semi‑final matches at the Swedru Sports Stadium.

Dreams FC booked their place with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Medeama SC in a high‑tempo contest that swung repeatedly before veteran striker John Antwi struck the decisive goal.

Kelvin Ahiable gave Dreams the early advantage in the 23rd minute, finishing calmly after sustained pressure, before Suraj Seidu doubled the lead 13 minutes later to put the Accra‑based side firmly in control.

Medeama responded before the break, with Prince Owusu pulling a goal back to keep the contest alive.

The Mauve and Yellow carried that momentum into the second half and drew level four minutes after the restart when Richard Appiah struck to make it 2–2.

With extra time looming, Antwi restored Dreams FC’s lead, capitalising on a lapse in the Medeama defence to secure a place in another FA Cup final.

Dreams FC would now take on Nations FC, who reached their first-ever FA Cup final after edging Aduana FC 1–0 in the other semi‑final.

Emmanuel Annor scored the only goal of the match in the seventh minute, finishing clinically to give the Abrankese‑based side a lead they defended resolutely for the remainder of the contest.

Marshalled by captain Razak Simpson, Nations FC produced a disciplined defensive display to withstand sustained pressure from Aduana, preserving their narrow advantage until the final whistle to seal a historic qualification.

The win capped an impressive cup run for Nations FC, who have eliminated Ebony FC, Swedru All Blacks, Berekum Chelsea and Aduana FC en route to the final. The MTN FA Cup final would see experienced contenders Dreams FC face a Nations FC side chasing their first major domestic trophy, with the title and a continental berth at stake.

Patrick Brempoh re-elected Presiding Member for STMA 

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Members of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) have re-elected Mr Patrick Brempoh as their Presiding Member (PM). 

He contested unopposed and polled 50 Yes votes out of a total valid vote of 52, with two No votes and no rejected ballot.  

Mr Brempoh, also the Assembly Member for Adiembra Electoral Area, thanked the members for the confidence reposed in him to lead them to ensure the growth of the Assembly.  

He gave the assurance that he would work assiduously to bring growth and progress for the people of Sekondi-Takoradi.   

He also called for unity and collaboration among the members to spur development in their respective electoral areas.  

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