Dr. John Apea, Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, has revealed plans to lead a formal petition to the Presidency requesting a presidential pardon for William Ato Essien, the convicted founder of the defunct Capital Bank. According to Dr. Apea, the initiative is driven by what he describes as a “miscarriage of justice”  and the worsening health condition of Mr. Essien, who is currently serving a prison sentence for his role in the collapse of the financial institution. “This petition is not about excusing financial mismanagement,” Dr. Apea clarified. “Rather, it is an appeal for a more compassionate and balanced approach to justice—one that considers not only the legal implications but also the human impact and our collective moral responsibility.” He stressed that the move is in line with the core values of the Commonwealth Charter, which emphasizes fairness, justice, and respect for human rights. As a member of the Commonwealth, Dr. Apea said, Ghana has a duty to uphold these principles. Mr. Essien’s legal team had earlier negotiated a repayment deal with the state—a development that sparked intense public debate about the fairness of his final sentence. Recent reports of his declining health have deepened public concern and prompted renewed calls for clemency on humanitarian grounds. Dr. Apea disclosed that preparations for the petition are well underway, and consultations are ongoing with key stakeholders, including legal experts, religious figures, and human rights advocates, to garner broad national support. “A truly just society must be able to acknowledge its flaws and show compassion where it is due,” he said. “If we are serious about justice, we must be willing to reassess outcomes that may fall short of our highest ideals—especially when human life and dignity are involved.” He further noted that Ghana, as part of the Commonwealth family, must respect international human rights obligations, especially in cases involving ill health and prisoner welfare. The announcement has rekindled national discussions around the themes of justice, accountability, and the place of mercy in Ghana’s legal and moral framework. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, has filed a fresh legal action at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking redress over her recent suspension from office. Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 8, revealing that the Chief Justice filed her application on July 4. The legal action, according to Srem-Sai, is grounded in alleged human rights violations linked to her suspension without a conclusive determination of petitions filed against her. “Essentially, Her Ladyship argues that by her suspension, she has effectively been removed from her official capacity without a final determination, impairing her right to function and serve in a position she was constitutionally appointed to,” Justice Srem-Sai stated. Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, following the submission of three separate petitions demanding her removal from office. She has already challenged the decision before Ghana’s Supreme Court and the High Court, insisting that her suspension is unconstitutional and violates the principles of natural justice. In a related development, on July 1, the Attorney General filed a motion at the Human Rights Division of the High Court to strike out Justice Torkornoo’s application for judicial review. The State, represented by State Attorney Reginald Nii Odoi, argued that the application is flawed, citing a “grave misstatement of capacity” and the failure to include “mandatory and essential parties.” President Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to constitutional governance, stating that the presidency has complied with all legal procedures and awaits the outcome of the committee probing the petitions. The suspension has sparked widespread public discourse, with legal experts, civil society organisations, and political figures—particularly from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority in Parliament—expressing concern over potential threats to judicial independence. Government officials, however, maintain that due process has been followed and that the matter is being handled in line with Ghana’s democratic and constitutional frameworks. All eyes are now on the committee investigating the petitions, as its final report will determine whether Chief Justice Torkornoo will be reinstated or permanently removed from office. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Sanofi Ghana and other key stakeholders, has officially launched the Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) Programme — a significant step toward addressing the growing burden of diabetes among children in Ghana. The launch event, held at the Ministry of Health in Accra, marked the official rollout of educational and preventive tools designed to raise awareness of diabetes among schoolchildren, teachers, and parents. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Dr. Ignatius Awinibuno, Director of Allied Health and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Lead at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the urgent need to shift attention to the rising prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian children and adolescents. “Traditionally, diabetes was seen as a condition mostly affecting adults. However, we are now witnessing a concerning rise in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes among children and teenagers,” Dr. Awinibuno stated. "This demands a bold, coordinated response, and that is exactly why we are here today.” The KiDS Programme, co-developed by Sanofi, the International Diabetes Federation, and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, has been carefully adapted to Ghana’s local context. This was made possible through collaborative efforts involving the Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana (DEMSOG). Dr. Awinibuno noted that the educational materials underwent rigorous domestication to reflect local dietary realities and cultural practices. "We couldn’t simply import materials that speak of foods like oats and berries that aren’t common in our homes. Instead, experts considered local foods like cocoa, local greens, and staples whose nutritional content was analyzed and appropriately reflected.” He added that this thorough adaptation ensures that both children and their caregivers can relate to and effectively apply the information provided in their daily lives. As part of the broader Affordable Access to Diabetes Care programme, launched in April 2023 through an MoU between the Ministry and Sanofi, the government has made strides in expanding diabetes care access and education across underserved communities. Key achievements under the programme include: Mentoring over 160 general practitioners using a context-sensitive model, Donating diagnostic tools to under-resourced health facilities, Enrolling more than 240 healthcare professionals on international diabetes care platforms, Disseminating updated national diabetes management guidelines. "These foundational steps were taken deliberately to build a sustainable, decentralized diabetes care network, especially in lower-income areas where specialist services are scarce or non-existent," Dr. Awinibuno explained. The KiDS Programme will begin in 13 selected public schools across the country, with the long-term goal of nationwide expansion. The programme is anchored on three key pillars: 1. Support for children living with type 1 diabetes — equipping them to manage their condition confidently and without fear. 2. Reducing stigma and discrimination — through education and awareness in schools. 3. Preventing type 2 diabetes — by encouraging healthy diets, physical activity, and positive lifestyle choices among school-aged children. “This initiative goes beyond health. It is a strategic investment in our future,” Dr. Awinibuno declared. “We call on the Ghana Education Service, teachers, parents, and students to embrace this programme and make it part of daily school life.” He concluded by expressing deep gratitude to Sanofi for its technical and resource support, stressing that the success of the initiative was largely due to their continued partnership. Dr. Awinibuno officially declared the Kids and Diabetes in Schools Programme launched and handed over the educational materials to representatives from the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service for immediate implementation in schools. “Let today be remembered as the day we ushered in a new era of school-based health and empowerment. Together, we can raise a generation of children who are aware, informed, and resilient,” he said. Alhaji Hafez Adam-Taher, Director of the Technical Coordination and Health Planning Directorate, Ministry of Health, described the programme as a key milestone under the broader Affordable Access to Diabetes Care (AADC) initiative. “This is not just a health initiative. It is an intervention in our future,” Alhaji Hafez said, stressing the need to tackle diabetes from a preventative and educational standpoint, especially among children. According to him, the journey began on April 14, 2023, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Sanofi. The partnership is designed to address the growing burden of diabetes in Ghana through a four-pillar strategy: 1. Capacity building for healthcare professionals, 2. Strengthening the health system, 3. Promoting disease awareness and prevention, and 4. Improving access to quality insulin for patients who cannot afford it. He revealed that over 160 general practitioners have been mentored by expert endocrinologists, while more than 240 health professionals have been enrolled on the IBF diabetes educator training platform. These efforts are focused particularly on lower-income districts where access to diabetes specialists is limited. Shifting focus to the younger population, Alhaji Hafez said the launch of the KiDS programme marks a strategic expansion from treatment toward early education and prevention. “Today, we are turning our attention to our children and their future,” he noted. “We are receiving educational materials tailored to raise diabetes awareness among junior high school students, their teachers, and parents.” The materials, developed under the Sanofi AADC programme, have undergone thorough review by experts from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana. Alhaji Hafez affirmed that they are both scientifically accurate and culturally relevant. To ensure effective use of the materials, a workshop will be held for teachers from selected schools in the Greater Accra Region immediately after the launch event. This will support seamless integration of the content into the Ghana Education Service curriculum. Alhaji Hafez concluded by encouraging collective action: “Let today serve as a catalyst for equipping schools, teachers and students with the knowledge and tools to prevent diabetes, support those living with it, and reduce stigma through inclusive and informed learning.” Mrs. Theresa Oppong Mensah, National Coordinator of the School Health Education Programme (SHEP), said the initiative was more than symbolic — it represented a significant step forward in safeguarding the wellbeing of students and supporting those living with or at risk of diabetes. “Today’s event is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a real step forward in addressing a gap that exists in many of our schools — the lack of awareness, education, and support structures for children living with or at risk of diabetes,” she said. The KiDS Programme, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, Sanofi, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), and the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana (DEMSOG), is set to begin in 13 selected public schools across the country. According to Mrs. Oppong Mensah, more than 7,000 students, teachers, and parents will benefit from age-appropriate and life-saving educational materials developed to raise awareness about diabetes. The resources cover key areas such as prevention, healthy nutrition, physical activity, and support for students living with the condition. “The materials being launched and donated today will empower children to make healthier choices, equip teachers to support students living with diabetes, and enable parents to become active agents of change in their homes,” she explained. As part of the programme, teachers from the participating schools will undergo training from experts in diabetes and nutrition. These trained educators will return to their schools with the capacity to: Educate students on diabetes and healthy living, Identify and support students living with diabetes, and Share their knowledge with fellow teachers and parents. Describing the programme as a “holistic, school-centered approach to health promotion,” Mrs. Oppong Mensah emphasized the importance of collaboration in extending the impact of the initiative beyond the pilot schools. “We at GES strongly believe that when children understand their health, they make better choices. When teachers are empowered, they create safer, more inclusive classrooms. And when parents are informed, they become key partners in their children’s wellbeing,” she stated. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, Sanofi, and all development partners for their dedication to improving school health, and called for continued collaboration to scale the programme across the country. “Together, let’s empower children to take charge of their health,” she concluded.

As Ghana continues to grapple with a nationwide nurses' strike, a concerned citizen, Mark Botwe, has called on the government to swiftly address the legitimate grievances of the striking health professionals — even if it requires borrowing under stringent international conditions. In a strongly worded message addressed to the Presidency, Mr. Botwe emphasized that the welfare of nurses must take precedence in the national interest, urging the government to take “every means possible” to resolve the crisis immediately. However, he also advocated for sweeping reforms in the health and employment sector to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency. “The government cannot continue to carry burdens that are outdated and financially unsustainable,” he said, outlining six key policy measures he believes could transform the system: 1. Decentralize Nursing Education: He suggested that nursing training should be entirely absorbed by the universities, removing it from the direct responsibility of the government. 2. Abolish Trainee Allowance: According to Mr. Botwe, the nursing trainee allowance has outlived its relevance and should be scrapped to redirect funds into essential healthcare delivery. 3. Depoliticize Recruitment: He urged political parties to stop using public sector recruitment, especially in the health sector, as campaign promises. “Recruitment must be merit-based and tied strictly to existing job vacancies,” he stressed. 4. Introduce Hourly Wage System: To improve productivity and accountability, Mr. Botwe proposed an hourly-based salary system that rewards diligence and discourages complacency. 5. Incentivize Rural Posting: He recommended a salary increment of 30% to 50% for health professionals who accept postings in deprived or rural areas, to bridge the human resource gap across the country. 6. Facilitate Professional Migration: In a more pragmatic twist, Mr. Botwe encouraged the government to ease bureaucratic barriers for professionals seeking employment abroad. “Remittances from abroad will in turn boost the local economy,” he added. He concluded his message with a passionate plea: “I pray this message reaches you, Mr. President. The time to act is now.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer of GOLDBOD, Dammy Gyamfi Esq., has lauded the unwavering support of President John Dramani Mahama for the newly established GOLDBOD Taskforce, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources. Speaking at the inauguration of the GOLDBOD Taskforce held in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Gyamfi revealed that although the institution is just four months old, the President has already pledged a large parcel of land near the Kotoka International Airport for the construction of the organisation’s permanent head office. “That should tell you the importance he attaches to this work,” he stated. “So let's make him proud. Let’s make Ghana proud.” He charged all members of the Taskforce and staff of the organisation to rise to the occasion and justify the confidence reposed in them by the President. “Let’s justify the enormous powers we’ve been given for the sake of posterity,” he urged. The GOLDBOD Taskforce has been tasked with curbing illegal gold trading and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s gold value chain through transparent and accountable operations. Mr. Gyamfi concluded with a rallying call to duty, invoking divine blessings for the journey ahead: “May God bless you all.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has decried the alarming scale of gold smuggling in Ghana, describing it as a national crisis that continues to deprive the country of critical development resources. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ghana Gold Board Task Force in Accra, the Minister said the illicit gold trade is not only draining state revenue but also threatening the very livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians who depend on the mining sector. “The scale of gold smuggling robs the nation of vital development funds and undermines the prosperity of mining communities. This is not just a law enforcement issue—it is an economic emergency,” Hon. Buah stated. He stressed that gold remains a key pillar of Ghana’s economy and the lifeblood of many households, hence the urgent need for decisive action. The Minister emphasized that combating gold smuggling must be a national priority if Ghana is to reclaim full value from its mineral wealth. As part of sweeping reforms, Hon. Buah announced the impending launch of a Cooperative Mining Scheme—an initiative aimed at formalizing the small-scale mining sector by organizing miners into registered cooperatives under strict regulatory oversight. He explained that through this program, miners will receive training in environmentally sound practices, access to financial and logistical support, and a legal pathway to participate in the gold value chain sustainably. The Minister applauded the formation of the Gold Board Task Force, describing it as a critical step in the fight against illegal mining and smuggling. He urged the task force members to act with integrity and serve as both protectors of Ghana’s mineral wealth and guardians of the nation’s future. The event also saw the participation of President John Dramani Mahama, who underscored the strategic importance of the initiative under his RESET agenda, and other high-ranking officials including Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson, National Security Coordinator DCOP Osman Abdul Razak, and Gold Board CEO Mr. Sammy Gyamfi. The inauguration of the task force signals a renewed commitment by the government to ensure transparency, security, and economic justice in Ghana’s gold sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability with the inauguration of the GoldBod Taskforce, a dedicated team established to combat illegal gold trading and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Speaking at the official launch in Accra on Tuesday, President Mahama emphasized that the task force will function with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. “Every member of the task force will operate under strict oversight,” he stated. "All officers will be required to wear body cameras during operations, and their vehicles will be GPS tracked and monitored in real-time.” He further announced that no operation will be conducted without proper authorization. "A written warrant from the CEO is required before any field operation is undertaken,” he noted, explaining that the directive is intended to prevent arbitrary actions and instill discipline within the enforcement structure. The GoldBod Taskforce has been assigned the crucial mandate of addressing illegal small-scale mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—which continues to pose severe threats to Ghana’s rivers, forests, and mineral revenue. President Mahama expressed confidence that the taskforce will play a pivotal role in recovering lost revenue from gold smuggling and securing long-term benefits for the state and its people. The taskforce is expected to begin full-scale operations in the coming weeks. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Accra, Ghana – July 8, 2025 The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, has categorically rejected the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to hold a re-run in the Ablekuma North Constituency, stating that the party will not participate in what he describes as an unlawful process. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s headquarters on Tuesday, Lawyer Kodua maintained that the NPP’s candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, won the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat with a margin of 414 votes, based on certified polling station results collected and collated by the party. “Let me put this on record — the New Patriotic Party will not have any re-run,” he declared.“We have won the election in Ablekuma North. We have overwhelming and undeniable evidence to prove it, and we will not be intimidated or coerced into a process that defies a lawful court directive.” His comments come in response to the EC’s announcement that it will conduct a re-run in 19 polling stations within the constituency on Thursday, July 11, 2025. However, the NPP insists the EC is acting in contempt of a January 4, 2025 High Court order, which directed the commission to collate and declare the outstanding results — not to conduct a re-run. Lawyer Kodua accused the EC of flip-flopping on its own position, highlighting that both in private correspondence and a parliamentary appearance, the Commission previously acknowledged that only three polling stations remained to be declared, not nineteen. “This inconsistency is not only disturbing — it is shameful. The court gave a clear order: collate and declare. Not re-run. The Electoral Commission must obey the law.” The NPP also presented scanned copies of 281 pink sheets  from polling stations across Ablekuma North, including the 19 currently marked for a re-run, showing the NPP candidate in the lead in each. Lawyer Kodua hinted that the party would return to court to seek enforcement of the original order and hold the EC accountable. “This is a matter of principle and democracy. We will not allow any institution, not even the EC, to override the rule of law.” The EC has yet to respond to the NPP’s latest claims. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Forestry Commission of Ghana has strongly denied circulating a viral message on social media and messaging platforms announcing a fresh recruitment drive purportedly aimed at combating illegal mining (galamsey) and protecting the country’s forests. The widely shared notice, riddled with spelling errors and inconsistencies, claims the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is recruiting individuals into the Forest Services Division, Wildlife Division, Timber Industry Development, and for artisan roles. It also directs applicants to send their CVs and application letters via a suspicious email address. In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Forestry Commission clarified that no such recruitment exercise is currently underway and urged the public to disregard the message. “The Forestry Commission wishes to inform the general public that the message circulating on social media regarding a recruitment exercise is false. Any legitimate recruitment will be officially announced through our verified channels, including our website and official social media pages,” the statement read. Officials also warned the public against falling prey to scammers who often exploit such fake announcements to extort money or steal personal information. The Commission encouraged Ghanaians to verify job-related news through its official website: www.fcghana.org and contact offices across the country, and to report any suspicious communications to the authorities. This incident adds to a growing number of fake job announcements targeting vulnerable job seekers across Ghana. Public Advisory: Always verify job postings from trusted government sources. Do not submit personal details or pay money in response to unverified recruitment messages. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Jafaro Mahammed popularly known in showbiz as Addiself the starboy of the defunct Militant music group headlined the Canada Day All-White Affair at the 4040 Steeles Avenue. The sold out event organised Afro Entertainment and La Shish brought together a vibrant mix of Caribean diaspora and dancehall enthusiasts in Toronto and its environs. The "No Apology" crooner is gradually becoming one of Ghana's sensation in the dancehall music genre with authentic releases like "Gyal dem daddy", "1 Self " and " money answer" for which the misic video was shot in Toronto after the electrifying performance on stage Monday, June 30, 2025. He travelled to Canada with his abled manager who doubles as a popular screen printer Nana Yaw Ofosuhene Kye (Yard Base). The organisers of the All- White Affair took the Self Nation boss and his crew on a scheduled media tour to promote the event before the much anticipated night of glitz, culture and fun. Music for the night was provided by some of Canada's favorite disc jockeys including DJ Bravado and DJ Cookie DOH. Before Addiself graced the stage with his memorable performance, budding acts like Cobbi Kay, Cyborg and Bugatti Bonsu treated audience to various tunes setting the mood for the Self Nation boss to shut down the event arena. After hours of making patrons dance to his tunes, more accolades kept coming in support of a top notch performance. Addiself after the event urged his loyal fans to keep supporting his brand for global recognition. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, has been reported dead. Details surrounding the circumstances of his passing are currently unclear. However, GHOne TV has confirmed the unfortunate development. Stay with us for more updates. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission has ordered Heath Goldfields to suspend all operations at the Bogoso-Prestea mines, citing multiple regulatory breaches. The directive, issued on June 24, 2025, is in accordance with Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), following what authorities described as a "robust and thorough review" of the company's operational practices, regulatory compliance, and administrative procedures. In a statement released by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, confirmed that the company has been given 45 days from the date of the order to address the violations and carry out essential maintenance as outlined by the Minerals Commission. Regulatory Failures and Operational Concerns The Ministry disclosed that Heath Goldfields' failure to meet key operational and legal obligations triggered the suspension. Notably, inspections revealed worsening conditions at the site, including a deteriorating Tailings Storage Facility and a non-functional Process Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, illegal mining activities were reported within parts of the company's concession, and the company transported gold-bearing concentrates without prior approval from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission — a direct violation of their lease agreement. "The company's unsatisfactory operations were confirmed after a comprehensive assessment of its technical, safety, and regulatory compliance," the Ministry's statement emphasised. Background to the Dispute Heath Goldfields acquired the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases in November 2024 after receiving clearance from the Minerals Commission, based on a satisfactory technical and financial review. As part of the acquisition, the company committed to a Strategic Mine Development Plan with a phased timeline stretching from 2025 to 2039, focusing on site preparation, operational development, and eventual mine closure. However, by mid-May 2025, authorities reported no significant progress at the site. Inspections revealed that the land and infrastructure had further deteriorated compared to previous assessments, raising concerns over the company's financial and operational capacity. Workers' Grievances and Ministerial Intervention The situation escalated after concerned workers petitioned the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions. The Minister visited the mine on May 23, 2025, to conduct an on-site assessment, which confirmed the operational and financial challenges facing Heath Goldfields. Next Steps and Potential License Termination In addition to the 45-day window to address immediate safety and operational issues, Heath Goldfields has been granted a 120-day remediation period under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of its Mining Lease Agreement to fully rectify all breaches. Failure to comply within the stipulated period could lead to the outright termination of the company's mining license. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of mining regulations to protect national resources and ensure responsible mining practices in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena