The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has caused the issuance of a warrant of arrest for Dela Coffie, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist. He has been charged with corruption and corruption-related offences and forgery of official document. Below is a copy of the arrest: Credit: 3news.com

Chief Operations Officer at the Dalex Finance Mr Joe Jackson has said public money should not be used to finance the National Cathedral project. He says the project can go on but the financing should come from private individuals, not from the public purse. Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday June 4, he said ” the Cathedral should go ahead but it should not come from public funds. it should not be public money.” “The project can go on,” he stressed. The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance authorized the release of ¢25million for the construction of the National Cathedral in Accra. A letter dated 31st March and written to the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) by the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori Atta said “Authority is hereby granted to release the sum of 25million Ghana Cedis as additional seed money to the National Cathedral Secretariat for the construction of the National Cathedral for part payment of the outstanding claim from RIBADE.” This matter has raised concerns among some Ghanaians especially the Minority in Parliament. For instance, North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa questioned the government for releasing the amount of ¢25million for the project in the midst of economic challenges. In Mr Ablakwa’s view, the funds could have been used to pay trainees under the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) programme, school feeding caterers and also service personnel. Mr Ablakwa said “Considering the current debilitating economic crisis, why is the Akufo-Addo govt releasing a colossal GHS25million for the National Cathedral project? Shockingly, this is the same govt claiming lack of funds to pay NABCo trainees, School feeding caterers, service personnel, the 3-year no-textbooks-syndrome, etc. “This gross lack of priority cannot be pleasing to the compassionate God we all serve. It is als important to stress that this manifestly insensitive conduct is without parliamentary approval — we shall be demanding answers in Parliament.” Story by: Laud Nartey

Head of States of the various countries under ECOWAS have arrived in Accra to hold an extraordinary summit on the political situation in Burkina Faso, Mail and Guinea. While some of the leaders arrived in Ghana of Friday evening, the others made their way into the country on Saturday morning. The Leaders are expected to come up with appropriate solutions which will not only stop the political war in Burkina Faso, Mail and Guinea but serve as a guide which will be followed by other ECOWAS countries. With the exception of Burkina Faso, Mail and Guinea, all 13 have arrived safely and are set to have their meeting at the Jubilee House. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Appiatse Support Fund has received donations from the Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Sunon Asogli Power Limited as their contributions towards the rebuilding of the model Appiatse community revenged by the January 20 disaster. The cheque donation of 200,000 Ghana Cedi was presented by the Executive Co- Chair of AWA , Togbe Afede XIV, who is also the Awomefia of Asogli State at a brief event on Friday, 3rd June, 2022. Presenting the cheque to the Chairman of the Appiatse Support Fund, Togbe Afedze said following the disaster at Appiatse and the recent news item on the purported lack of funds for the Disaster and Relief Committee, he felt obliged to support the Appiatse Support Fund. " Eventhough the news item was misrepresented, it got me to act quickly", he asserted. He described the recent incident at Appiatse as worrying and unfortunate especially when the residents were living peacefully yet suffered huge devastation. Togbe Afedze who was full of praise for the Support Fund Committee and the Ministry for their work so far said " your needs are huge and we pledge to come again to support  you". The business mogul maintained that "I am touched to present this donation and want to be a part of the solution to their problem". Adding that I have been blessed by this country,  and giving back to the society is an obligation". "It's a great honor to lighten the burden of others and the best gratitude to show to God is to help others", he concluded. "This disaster could have happen any where in Ghana and could have affected anybody because fuel tankers ply our roads everyday and we pass by them always" he stressed. Rev. Dr.Joyce Rosalind Aryee, the Chairman of the 5-member Appiatse Support Fund Committee reechoed the commitment of  Government to build an environmentally friendly community for the victims of Appiatse and announced that so far the temporary structures are ready and some victims have been moved from the tents into the houses. She maintained that the reconstruction of the community is also on course and the two committees are working steadily " with what we have been tasked to do". Rev. Dr. Aryee also used the opportunity to dismissed "distorted" media report that the Support Fund has run out of funds and was quick to add that" its amazing that out of bad things, good things happen, it is a distorted story but we are happy that it moved you to donate to the Fund". The Chairman of the Support Fund also expressed her outmost appreciation to Togbe Afede and his Team saying, despite their competing needs especially being the Chief of the Asogli State, he has the Appiatse community at heart. The donation by  Sunon Asogli Power and AWA to the Appiatse Support Fund follows a similar donation by the two companies to the COVID-19 fund in 2020. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Overlord of the Mamprusi Traditional Area of the North East Region, Na Bɔhagu Mahami Sheriga, says he is ready and all committed to ensure that government's flagship afforestation program, Green Ghana Project which is slated for June 10, 2022, is fully implemented in the North East Region. The Nayiri made this known during his address to the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker who led a team from the Ministry to call on him and rally support for the Green Ghana Day. He complained about the delay of the rains which he blamed on the depletion of the forest cover saying that " so this initiative is a personal need for us here in the North East Region as our very rains depends on it" The Overlord stressed that his plea was for the Ministry to ensure the seedlings promised will be made available on the scheduled date for planting. He extended warm regards to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President of the Republic, H.E Mahamudu Bawumia and the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor. Hon. Duker on his part, appreciated the Na Yi Ri for his warm reception and extended the regards from the Sector Minister while disclosing his mission for the visit. "My mission is to inform you that on June 10, we will be planting trees to save our vegetative cover from depletion and It will not be appropriate for the Nayiri to see or hear people planting in and around his kingdom without his knowledge so we deemed it important to come and personally notify you" He also informed the King that the government has target to plant 20 million adding that such an ambitious target cannot be achieved without his blessings and support. "You are a King we do respect and adore that's why the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has sent me here to notify you before we begin this important exercise and seek for your blessings" He hoped that the Nayiri will lead his people to plant just as he did to support the initiative last year and through this same support the Deputy Minister  announced "out of the 7million trees planted, not less than 80% are doing very well" He gave the King his word to ensure that the Forestry Commission in the region provides all the 800,000 seedlings purported to be planted in the region. The North East Regional Minister, Hon. Yidana Zakariah who accompanied the Deputy Minister on his visit to the Palace submited to the Ministry the idea of collaborating with a White woman in the region who has over a period of time made what he described as a replica of Aburi Gardens in the North. He requested that the white lady be made one of the ambassadors for the Green Ghana Day in the North East Region to champion the course of planting the 800,000 seedling target for the Region. He also entreated that the Ministry engage this white woman to help in procuring some of the seedlings as he said this woman is ready to made the seedlings available to the Ministry for 1cedi per seedling. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The King of the Gonja Kingdom of the Savannah Region, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresah I, has called for a collaborative and actional effort on the part of Ghanaian citizens to work together with goverment and the Ministry to achieve it's target of planting 20 million trees across the country. He said "Green Ghana shouldn't be all about talks but actions, so let's support the government with our hands in the soil on June 10th and make this project a success" The Overlord made this clarion call when the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker paid a courtesy call on him on Friday, 3rd June, 2022, as part of his one day tour of four regions in the North to among others seek the support of the Chiefs in the Regions. The Overload disclosed that his subjects have been on a media campaign over a few months, drumming home the need to plant trees on June 10, and that the visit of the Deputy Minister has come to deepen his statement to his subjects. The King also extended his outmost gratitude to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his good intentions for Ghana and for the Savannah Region, adding that series of developmental projects has been introduced into his region but like Oliver twist he would like to ask for more and by more the King said the Region is in need of health facilities with doctors and nurses who will be ready to save lives. He said it is his prayer that the Green Ghana Initiative will in one way or the order provide jobs for the youth of the Savannah Region and the country as a whole. With a gift of a Green smock and a Ram, the King conferred the title of "The Chief of Trees" on the Deputy Minister Hon. George Duker, for his efforts and contribution towards restoring the forest cover of the country. On his part, Hon. George Mireku Duker in his initial comments extended the warm regards of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor to the Yagbonwura who happens to the Biological Father of the Minister and applauded him for his support during last year's edition of the tree planting exercise. He said " King, last year with your advice and through the efforts of your industrious son, we were able to plant up to 7 million trees and this year we hope to do 20 million with your support and that of your subjects" He stressed that as courtesy demands they had to visit and inform the overlord to join the President and his son, Hon. Jinapor to Green Ghana for the purpose of restoring the forest cover of the country and contributing to the reduction of global warming. "As June 10 approaches, we could not wait than to come, and inform the overlord that as the President will be planting in Accra, we respectfully as that you lead your people to also plant here come June 10, 2022. You did it for us last year, and we are very hopeful that you will do us the honour this year as well" He assured the Yagbonwura that all seedlings needed for the region to meet it's target will be made available even before the scheduled date" I am aware that the  Savannah Region has been tasked with 1million this year but the good news is Forestry Commission has been able mobilize and lifted a good number and by Monday all the 1 million seedlings will be available for the Region to start planting" Accepting the honour done him, Hon. Duker express his appreciation and stressed "this honour done me will not be underestimated but I will work even harder to befit the name" He acknowledged that all the work could not have been done without the support of the Sector Minister, Hon. Jinapor who he said is the actual brain behind all the success "and I will communicate this honour done me to him. I am so Grateful" He also presented some souvenirs, being Green Ghana branded Lacoste shirts and Caps to the King and his Sub Chiefs and assured that more will be provided on the slated date for planting. Also on the trip with the Deputy Minister is the Advisor to the Minister on Mines, Mr. Benjamin Aryee, The Technical Director for Mines, Mr. Peter Awuah and Madam Swiebatu Adams, Director Human Resource. Story by: News Desk Report

The Overlord of the Wala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV has pledged his absolute support for government's flagship afforestation program, Green Ghana Project and expressed his enthusiasm to go ahead of the slated date  of June 10, 2022 to mobilize his people and start planting on June 9th, 2022. He said "As a King who is concerned about my people and the preservation of the environment, I intend to do my  commemorative planting on June 9th as I told the CEO of the Forestry Commission on his last visit, to encourage my people to see the need and relevance of the tree planting exercise because the saying goes," When the last tree dies, the last man dies"" The Overlord of Wala stated this on Friday, 3rd June 2022, when the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources resposible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker and his entourage paid a courtesy call on him at Yendi to begin his one day tour of four Regions in the North. Wa Naa stressed that restoring the forest cover through tree planting has been a part and parcel of his kingdom since the beginning, and that even made him the theme the Wala Traditional annual festival in the year 2019 as "Environmental Preservation the Duty of all Citizens" He further stated that as his way of contributing to restoring the forest cover of the nation, he has charged or his Sub chief to dedicate at least an arce of land to plant trees and nurture them to grow. Waa Naa however noted that " the little challenge we have is logistics to see to the nurturing and proper growth of these trees which we employ you to support us so we ensure that the trees grow to keep us alive" Wa Naa said he is aware the Ministry is not only in charge of Forestry but also Mines and he applauded the Sector Minister for great strides attained in this fight against illegal Mining but also asked that it be reinforced as there are some youth still engaging in the menace in the region while asking for an alternative source of livelihood for them. He concluded that he will together with his subjects work to help the ministry achieve its target of planting the 20million trees on June 10, adding that government and the Ministry will also always have his unflinching support and that of his chiefs, in the government’s quest to curb illegal mining. Hon. George Mireku Duker on his part, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Wa Naa and his Chiefs for his massive participation and contribution to the success of last year's Green Ghana Project saying " Last year, with your leadership and support we exceeded our 5million target and this year our target is 20 million and we know that you will be with us in this as well" Hon. Duker employed the opportunity to officially announce his presence in the region and by way of respect to the well revered King, seek permission to proceed with his tour in the region, adding that it would have been a show of disrespect to the Yaa Naa and his people for him and his delegation to visit the region without paying homage to the overlord of the Wala Traditional Area. The Deputy Minister stated that the Ministry and the government as a whole recognizes the pivotal role, the chieftaincy institution plays in the development of the country and for that, their nod on any initiative is worth volumes. Hon. Duker in his submission disclosed that as part of government's efforts to curb illegal mining and encourage responsible Small Scale Mining, the President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will on Monday, 6th June 2022, Launch some Mercury-free, Machines Mostly known as Gold Katcha, to help Miners all over the country mine and mine the right way. He by way of respect invited the Wa Naa to send out a delegation to represent his region at the all important event to make his people feel a close part of the launch and the fight against galamsey. He assured the King that he will ensure his Region fully benefits from the Mercury free machines that government is procuring. Hon. Duker as part of his visit to the region also paid a courtesy call on the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Dr Hafiz Bin Salih who gave his assurance to mobilize his people and massively plant on the June 10, 2022. "Just as we did last year, this year nothing will change, we will only have to double up our efforts to meet the 20 million target and this I can assure you to count on us" Story by: News Desk Report

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has frozen the assets of the late Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John. This latest move is part of investigations into the acquisition of state lands that were contained in the will of the late CEO. Citi News sources have said processes are underway to also freeze his assets overseas. The Office of the Special Prosecutor last week commenced investigations into alleged corruption by Sir John, with regard to his alleged improper acquisition of state lands within the Achimota forest and the Sakumono Ramsar site. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources also said it would investigate the parts of the will pertaining to the land acquisition. Some civil society groups had petitioned the Special Prosecutor and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the acquisition of the state lands. The will caused public uproar after he bequeathed state lands to some relatives. It went viral online and sparked anger among many Ghanaians. The emergence of the will came after the controversial declassification of parts of the Achimota Forest and return to its allodial owners. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in a statement on May 24, 2022, said there was not land owned at the Achimota Forest or the Sakumono Ramsar Site by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) triumph as its bagged six (6) Awards at the just ended maiden edition of the Top National Brands Innovation Awards 2022. The Magazine Launch and awards presentation organised by RAD Communications Limited was themed "Brands and the AFCFTA; Opportunities in Africa" which is to honor top 100 brands for their outstanding contributions towards the industry and national development, took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel Accra. In his remarks, Special Guest of Honour & Keynote Speaker, Mr. Kweku Andoh Awotwi, Board Chairman, UBA Bank Ghana, commended the organisers and the award winners and encouraged them to continue to excel and project Ghana in a positive light. He also seized the opportunity to Launch the Africa Brand Focus Magazine. The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong wins *Serial Enterprenuer of the Year*, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Jospong Group of Companies, Sophia Kudjordji grasp the distinguished Awards- *Brand Communications Personality of the Year* while Zoomlion Ghana Limited won the very competitive Award- *Brand of the Year.* Other Awards received were; Jospong Group of Companies and Zoomlion being recognized amongst Ghana's top 100 brand across industries and Mr. Winston Tackie, Business News editor, Metro TV also being recognized amongst the top 10 Business Journalist in Ghana. The Awards were received on behalf of Executive Chairman, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Zoomlion and Jospong Group of Companies by Mrs. Dora Yeboah-Boateng, Coordinating Chief Executive for Commercial and Allied Group and was accompanied by Zoomlion Fleet and supply chain Coordinator, Major Samuel Dok (Rtd), Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Daniel Ohene Obeng, Compliance Manager, Mr. Prosper Ahey, Mrs. Felicia Amoateng Kittoe, Senior Communications Officer, Mrs. Akosua Amoako, Audit Officer Mr. Idris Adam, Communications Officer and Mr. Daniel Oware Receiving the award, Mrs. Dora Yeboah-Boateng dedicated the award to the Zoomlion staff and entire Jospong Group of Companies employees for their passion, dedication and hard work which has brought such honours to the group. She thanked the Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph siaw Agyepong, management and the entire amazing employees of Jospong Group. "We are grateful for your support and enthusiastic work to project the brand to the world, despite the daunting challenges you sometimes go through but you never give up. God bless you all". She also expressed her appreciation to the organizers for organizing such a prestigious awards. " Thank you and congratulations to all awardees" she added. Other Individual and company awardees at the event included Dr. Ebenezer Tagoe, Deputy CEO (Finance) VRA, CEO of JPCNN Associates limited, Jonathan Prince Cann, and Mr. C.K Bruce. CEO of Innovare. Volta River Authority, Innovare, B5 Plus Group Limited, Ghana Post, Delta Papermill, Ghana Shippers Authority, E-Crime, Bui Power, Kane-Em, M&G Pharmaceutical and DuraPlast. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Leadership of Akoo Show Choir, a non-denominational chorale group based in Winneba, says it will shake Winneba on June 18 as it marks its 10th Anniversary in music. According to the Music Group, through its energetic stage performance, it will serve audiences with nothing but soothing music and a great performance. In a statement sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "A decade of hard work, a decade of good music, a decade of energetic stage performance, Akoo show chior is at it again. Come join us celebrate our tenth anniversary in a grand style" The Leadership also hinted that there will be a float on June 17. The walk will start from the Winneba roundabout through the township of Winneba to the central campus. Organisers say the main concert will start at 5pm on June 18. "Come, let's celebrate a decade of God's grace and mercy at the SCA theater central campus Winneba" The event is powered by Think Media Expert, Ghana's leading production hub. It will also be live on Facebook via Think Media Expert and Thinknewsonline.com Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Mr. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, has sent a strong warning to Foreign Vessel Agents to stop discharging sewage into the ocean. According to him, such acts are illegal and inappropriate. Addressing Journalists in Accra, Mr. Kofi Alonsi said "In order to effectively achieve the main objective of the authority, we recently embarked on a concentrated maple inspections campaign to tackle marine environmental issues in various ports" He furthered that, during the inspection campaign, number of vessel violating the maple provisions were heavily fined and detained in court pending judgement. "The actions taken by the authority drastically reduced pollution in the marine environment hence, the need to encourage vessel operators to desist from such acts" "We will not relent in executing our mandates against marine pollution" "Ghana is heavily confronted with Maritime security threats which emanates from the lack of control over the waters of the Gulf of Guinea and insecurity along the Ghanaian Coast" Mr. Alonsi added Ghana Maritime Authority in its mandate to ensure security within maritime jurisdiction, the authority has procured a patrol ship to improve surveillance on the exclusive economic zones. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asante Kotoko, Nana Yaw Amponsah has confirmed that Kotoko players will earn five thousand dollars each for winning the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League. The Porcupine Warriors won the league yesterday when they drew 1-1 with Ashantigold in Obuasi. Nana Yaw Amponsah speaking to Akoma 87.9 FM disclosed the package for the players. There are so many packages for them”. Even a single board member has promised them five thousand dollars each ($5000). He is a man of Honour and a man of his word, Mr Kwasi Fori which I know he’ll fulfill. But we have a special bonus structures for the players and we are going to sit with the board to plan a special package for them. Asante Kotoko have won the 2021/22 league title after drawing 1-1 with Ashantigold SC in a Ghana Premier League Week 29 game. Kotoko needed at least a point from the game to be crowned champions of the 2021/22 League season. The game rather started on a bad note for them as a mistake by the Kotoko defence saw Yaw Annor open the scoring in the 10th minute. This was his 20th goal of the season and he’s now joint top scorer with Frank Mbella of Kotoko. The Porcupine Warriors had to fight back hard and were rewarded for their effort in the 66th minute. A freekick from Imoro Ibrahim saw defender Maxwell Agyemang head in to make it 1-1 and that was the final score. The draw means Kotoko have 60 points with three games to end the season and have won the league because second placed team Bechem United have 50 points. Credit: 442ghana.com