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Kasoa-Winneba Road Dualization to Be Extended to Cape Coast 

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Kasoa (C/R), Feb 7, GNA — President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will extend the Kasoa-Winneba Road dualisation project to Cape Coast. 

The former Minister of Roads and Highways had earlier performed the sod-cutting ceremony to commence the $180 million dual carriageway project along the Kasoa-Winneba highway.  

The 30-kilometer road was expected to ease traffic congestion, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and boost trade. 

Speaking in Cape Coast during his thank-you visit to the Central Region, President Mahama affirmed plans to extend the project to Cape Coast. 

“While phase one is ongoing, phase two and phase three will be packaged and funded under our Big Push programme,” the President said. 

“The second phase of this project will be from Winneba roundabout to the Mankessim roundabout, and the third phase will be from Mankessim to Cape Coast,” he said. 

He added that the government had also targeted other significant road projects, including the Yamoransa to Twifo Praso road and the Cape Coast to Twifo Praso road. 

Additionally, President Mahama announced plans to modernize the Mankessim market as part of the NDC’s market enhancement programme. 

NGO commissions renovated classroom block for Tegbi-Ashiata Basic school 

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Tegbi-Ashiata (VR), Feb 7, GNA-Tegbi-Ashiata Basic School in the Anloga Municipality of the Volta region has received a major boost to its infrastructure with the commissioning of a renovated three-unit classroom block by a Germany based non-governmental organisation (NGO), ‘Woezor Elena Haasen Library,’ dedicated to promoting education and literacy in rural communities. 

The renovated classroom block project, worth thousands of cedis, was aimed at boosting and providing quality teaching and learning under a conducive environment for both teachers and students of Tegbi-Ashiata Basic School for better results. 

Dr Christian Haasen, the Co-Founder of the NGO, during the commissioning ceremony at the Tegbi-Ashiata basic school, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting education in rural communities and that the project was part of the NGO’s efforts to improve access to quality education for underprivileged children. 

“The project we undertake here included the repair of damaged roofs, walls, and floors, as well as the installation of new windows, doors, furniture and also stocked the school library with new modern books for pupils from kindergarten to Junior high school,” he said. 

He commended Mr Ephraim Dodzi Jumpah, the assembly member of the area, for dedication to the project and thanked the community leaders, parents, and teachers for their support and cooperation throughout the project. 

Dr Haasen appealed to the school authorities to utilise the items for its purposes to benefit both teachers, students and the entire community, adding that “we are poised to do more in four other communities and school within the area to help improve education.” 

Mr Ephraim Dodzi Jumpah, the Assembly member for Tegbi-Ashiata electoral area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, thanked the donors for the kind gesture which would greatly improve the learning environment for the students and enhance the overall quality of education in the school. 

“This is the school I attended and completed in the year 2002, and these buildings were in bad state for about 30 years before now, l am glad that today my efforts yielded positive result and more will soon be done to alleviate the plight of my community.” 

The commissioning ceremony was attended by community leaders, parents, teachers, and students of construction of some community roads, market shades, support scholarship for brilliant but needy students as well as persons leaving with disability among others who would benefit of the area. 

Mr Dominik Yao Dzanado, the Education Director for Anloga Municipality, who also witnessed the occasion, thanked the assembly member, the NGO and others who supported the project that would uplift the standard of education in the area. 

Mr Gershon Kwame Ameku, headteacher of the school, who received the items on behalf of students and staff pledged the donations would be used for the intended purposes. 

He appealed to the government and other corporate entities to help solve other pressing challenges, which include a fence wall around the school to protect students and teachers, modern toilet facilities, sports materials, school canteen, among others. 

Some students and parents GNA engaged also expressed gratitude to the NGO’s project that demonstrates commitment to supporting underprivileged children and communities and highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations in achieving positive change. 

 Empower young girls on sexual rights to make informed decisions – PPAG 

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Accra, Feb. 7, GNA – Stakeholders in the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) space say empowering girls and young women on their sexual rights will enable them to make informed decisions to improve their lives.  

 Mr Gideon Leckson Leckey, the President, Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), said most young girls often lacked information on their sexual and reproductive health, coupled with their inability to meet their financial needs, making them vulnerable to exploitation. 

“Recently, there is a study that indicated that a lot of young girls, especially in the Ashanti Region, have multiple sexual partners. If you dive deep into some of these issues, you will realise that most of them do not have education on how to protect themselves and do not have that empowerment to make informed decisions,” he said. 

Mr Leckey said this at the EmpowHER Annual Meeting in Accra, organised in collaboration with the PPAG and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). 

 The meeting was on the theme: “Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment Through Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).” 

It emphasised evidence-based strategies, advocacy and collaboration to address persistent barriers to gender equality and SRHR access. 

Mr Leckey said the challenges and social rights among young women and girls were different, hence providing adequate information about their SRHR, addressing their problems, and ensuring equality was necessary. 

 “So, the question then is, how do we plan to make sure these young people and young women have that kind of education and access to safe and productive work, and also their rights, to make informed decisions?” he asked.   

He called for a policy action plan that would include empowering the boys as well, which would enable them to help provide a supportive environment for the young girls. 

 Empowering the boy-child would also ensure a future with reduced violence and aggression as well as reduced abuses on the rights of women. 

Naadu Awura Adjoa Duho, Project Lead, EmpowHER Project, said the programme was to foster gender equality and empower young people with accurate information and services on SRHR. 

It also looked at improving advocacy efforts for stakeholders to understand the issue and the barriers to create policies that would better respond to such issues. 

Ghana is spearheading the Anglophone African countries while Togo leads the Francophone countries, with Columbia at the forefront of the North American countries. 

The EmpowHER is a six-year transformative initiative under the IPPF designed to enhance access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services.  

The IPPF supports member associations, mostly from Anglophone and Francophone countries as well as Northern America in delivering gender-transformative, youth-inclusive, and rights-based services to improve health outcomes and gender equality. 

The annual meeting served as a critical platform for stakeholders to reflect on previous years achievements, challenges, lessons learned and to strategically plan for the second year, with a focus on aligning programmatic efforts with IPPF’s global priorities. 

Fuel shortage hits Berekum Municipality, leaves drivers, riders in despair    

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Berekum, (Bono), Feb. 7, GNA- Acute fuel shortage has hit the Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region and left commercial drivers and tricycle (pragyia) riders in a state of despair. 

During a visit, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) noticed that only one out of the 10 pumps had petrol and diesel, with many cars and tricycles parked around the pumps. 

Some of the frustrated drivers and the riders told the GNA that some of the pumps had allegedly hoarded the petroleum products in anticipation of price increases. 

According to Justice Bilatum, a pragyia rider, the commodity had been scarce in the Municipality since Wednesday February 5, 2025, and called on the government to do something about it. 

Some of the pump attendants declined to speak to the media on the shortage, but the drivers and pragyia riders expressed unhappiness, saying the shortage had slowed down their economic activities. 

In another development, residents in the Municipality have expressed concern about the surge in Indian hemp smoking and peddling in the area. 

Describing the situation as alarming, they alleged that the peddlers sold the substance in open spaces at the Central Business District (CBD) of the Berekum Township and appealed to the police to do something immediately and bring the situation under control. 

In an interview with the GNA, Mrs Janet Buabang, a trader at the CBD, said the situation was even worse during the night as the youth crowded the CBD to sell and smoke ‘weed’. 

Mr Emmanuel Gyedu, a concerned resident, said the situation was out of control and called on the police to intensify night patrols to clamp down on the criminals. 

ORAL committee to present report to President Mahama next week    

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Cape Coast, Feb. 07, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee will present its report to him in the coming week.   

Upon receipt, he would forward the report to the relevant investigative bodies for further investigations and appropriate actions against identified culprits.   

The ORAL committee has been set up by the President to investigate alleged acts of corruption and misappropriation by past government officials.   

Speaking at a durbar in Cape Coast to crown his thank-you tour of the Central Region, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to rooting out corruption in government, stressing that that “a very strict” system of accountability would be instituted.   

He said the government would come out with a code of conduct for persons who occupied positions of trust.   

“We are not going to pursue only members of the past regime to account to the people of Ghana. We are going to pursue our own people to make sure they are held accountable to the people of Ghana.   

“So even as we investigate those who have just left office and we carry out our operation retrieve all the loot, those who are current office bearers should also know that they will be held to the same standard as we are holding the past regime,” he cautioned.   

President Mahama rallied the support of all citizens to enable him to fulfil his promises and rescue the country.   

Wood Mackenzie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Knowledge Partner to Unlock the Continent’s Investment Potential

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 6, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Global data and analytics provider Wood Mackenzie has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference as a Knowledge Partner. Through this partnership, Wood Mackenzie brings their expertise to Africa’s premier investment platform for the energy sector, as the continent continues to drive socioeconomic development on the back of its immense resource wealth.

With an $800-billion, 20-year upstream capital expenditure (capex) program, Africa is well positioned to present substantial oil and gas-driven opportunities for international investors, project developers and service providers. According to Upstream Research Director at Wood Mackenzie Ian Thom, a major theme of investment for this immense capex program will be LNG, which has emerged as one of the continent’s most lucrative sectors to drive investment and development.

In line with its commitment to spurring growth in African energy, Wood Mackenzie publishes a series of African outlook reports, providing real-time data and highlighting the latest trends and investment opportunities shaping the African commodities and energy industry. In its latest Sub-Saharan Africa Upstream: 2024 in Review report, released in January 2025, the intelligence company highlights a steady production growth, with the region’s oil and gas output posting a 5% increase.

Wood Mackenzie’s expertise in African commodity markets has provided the continent with a competitive advantage in attracting global investments

This increase, according to the report, was driven primarily by the start-up of Senegal’s Sangomar oil field and a recovery in Nigeria’s oil sector. The report also shows that mergers and acquisition spending in the region nearly doubled to $6 billion while floating LNG developments gained momentum with energy majors bp and Eni achieving start-ups in the Republic of Congo and the MSGBC Basin.

Meanwhile, in the company’s Energy Transition Outlook: Africa report, released in February last year, the firm showcases a base case scenario whereby Africa’s primary energy demand will increase by 1.2 times from current levels. According to the report, this growth will be driven by the continent’s upwards trending GDP and population growth.

With exploration accelerating across frontier and mature basins, in-depth market analysis from Wood Mackenzie will be crucial in providing global investors with real-time insights on the state of play in Africa’s upstream industry. As such, partnerships like these will be crucial for providing insight into how African countries are expanding their respective oil and gas strategies to attract new investments and create more favorable conditions for global industry players.

“Wood Mackenzie’s expertise in African commodity markets has provided the continent with a competitive advantage in attracting global investments. As African nations prioritize the development of both hydrocarbon and renewable energy resources to ensure energy security and drive industrial growth, Wood Mackenzie’s consulting, research and supply chain insights will play a key role in delivering positive outcomes for both African energy developers and international investors,” says Oré Onagbesan, AEW: Invest in African Energies Program Director.

As a Knowledge Partner to AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Wood Mackenzie will build on these insights, providing the latest updates while enabling global stakeholders to navigate changes to Africa’s regulatory frameworks, fiscal incentives and policies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Secret societies are against Christian teachings – Pastor declares.

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The Reverend Ebenezer Ayer, Head Pastor of Priesthood Worship Centre (PWC), Assemblies of God, Tema Community Six, has cautioned Christians against joining fraternities such as freemasonry, stating that their teachings contradict biblical principles. 


Rev. Ayer emphasised that such fraternities promoted secrecy and doctrines that did not align with the Christian faith, saying that many Christians joined such groups without fully understanding their spiritual implications.


He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that they operated in secrecy, and members often swear to oaths that contradict biblical teachings.


He stated that “although they claim it is an intellectual group, humanitarian group, morality group, to promote unity, to help one another, there are some secret things only known to people at the highest level.”


The pastor explained that Pentecostal doctrine was based on the power of the Holy Spirit, openness in worship, and faith in Jesus Christ alone, arguing that any group requiring secrecy, rituals, or alternative beliefs conflicted with the foundations of Christianity.


He urged members of the church and the Christian community at large to seek wisdom and discernment before becoming involved in any group and encouraged believers to stay true to biblical teachings, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than seeking spiritual or social fulfilment in secret societies.


Rev. Ayer cautioned young people against being influenced by material wealth to join occult groups, emphasising the dangers of such associations, and urged the youth to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid seeking quick riches through harmful means.


He expressed concern over the growing trend of young people being lured into fraternities with promises of wealth, power, and success, noting that the desire for quick money and luxurious lifestyles had led many into spiritual bondage, causing harm to their lives and communities.


Rev. Ayer further explained that true success comes through hard work, faith, and patience, not shortcuts or ungodly associations.


“Before you join this group, think about your soul and salvation because according to the Acts of the Apostles, chapter four, verse 12, it says there is no other name that has been given under this sky, or the sun, that any man must be saved except the name Jesus Christ. So apart from Jesus Christ, there is no saviour anywhere,” he further said.

Four-month-old baby burnt to death in Kisseman fire.

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A four-month-old baby has been burnt to death in a fire incident at Kisseman near Achimota in Accra, razing more than 20 wooden structures.

The fire started at about 0400hours on Wednesday, Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) Grade One (I), Alex King Nartey, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.

He said the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) received a distress call at about 0412hours and immediately dispatched firefighters from the Legon and Abelempke Fire stations to douse the fire.

The team responded swiftly, with the first team arriving at 0424hrs to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings, including a warehouse, ADOI Nartey said.

The fire was brought under control at 0502hours with the charred body of the baby handed over to the police for further investigation.

Overhauling works is underway, while the GNFS is investigating the cause of fire.

Ghanaian movie ‘Deadly Obsession’ to be premiered in USA

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The grand premiere of the blockbuster Ghanaian movie ‘Deadly Obsession’ is set to premiere in Houston, United States of America (USA), on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

This film features Ghanaian actor Aaron Adatsi and actress Nana Adwoa Lovia, who played the two leading roles in the movie.

The film’s storyline revolves around themes of love, betrayal, and suspense, which are common elements in romantic thrillers.

Written and produced by Nakies Films, Production is a thriller that will keep the audience spellbound, and trailers have already sparked a buzz on social media.

The collaboration between Aaron and Lovia delivered a compelling cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences.

The USA premiere of ‘Deadly Obsession,’ which is being organised by Black Heritage Alliance, would also showcase the Ghanaian storytelling prowess on a global platform.

The reception of the film will depend on various factors, including its marketing effectiveness, audience engagement during promotions, and critical reviews post-premiere.

I will be a council member who will prioritise development of Volta – Mr Tanko Atorkple 

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Mr Gabriel Adovoe Kwami Gah-Atorkple, a businessperson who has filed to contest for the position of the Council of Elders in President Mahama’s new administration from the Volta Region, has promised to prioritise the progress and development of the region if given the nod. 

He would contest with 12 other candidates, which include Dr Wuaku David Kofi, Togbui Adamah lll, Togbui Akamu V and others from the Region.  

Mr Atorkple, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, during a campaign tour at Keta, emphasised that development of Volta Region through job creation, among others would be his topmost priority to alleviate the plight of the citizens in the area. 

“My key responsibility will be to play advisory role as a member of the council and provide the needed ideas to identify and address community needs to foster development and growth,” he said. 

He said that the Volta region possessed 60 per cent of natural resources which include lithium, limestone, timber, oil among other and needed a visionary leader who can provided the necessary ideas to the utilisation of such resources for the benefit of the country and the region. 

He said that the Volta region needed a Council of Elders who would collaborate with the cooperate organisations, individual businesses, philanthropists among others that could manage and use the natural resources to the benefit of the people.  

“If am given the nod as a member of President Mahama’s Council of Elders, l will make sure we preserve the rich culture and traditional values, customs and practices, to ensure that our cultural heritage of Volta and Ghana is passed down to the next future generations.” 

Mr Atorkple promised to provide strategic guidance on issues affecting the communities such as the tidal wave distractions along the coast, unemployment, infrastructure development, as well as other areas which include education, healthcare, and economic development.  

He also pledged to provide all the necessary ideas that would help resolve the numerous chieftaincy conflicts and disputes within communities in the region and promote peaceful coexistence and reconciliation through dialogue and negotiations.  

He debunked the speculation that the Council of Elders position was for only elderly persons and chiefs and described new Mahama’s administration as youth participating one which welcome and gave priority and position to the young ones for development projects to be initiated.  

Mr Atorkple said that it was imperative for every good government to look for the youth to be added to the elderly ones to take policies in decision making that would benefit every citizen regardless of their age or religious affiliation. 

He urged delegates to rally behind him and vote massively for him to represent Volta in the Council of Elders for development and progress of the area. 

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