The University of Ghana has been hit by a worrying resurgence of COVID-19 cases, prompting authorities to suspend all social gatherings on campus with immediate effect. In a statement released on Thursday, June 26, the University Health Directorate confirmed that a number of suspected and confirmed cases have emerged, reigniting fears of a possible campus-wide outbreak. The development follows an earlier alert issued on Monday, June 23, cautioning members of the university community to be on high alert and adopt preventive measures. Authorities say the situation has compelled a swift reactivation of health protocols, with increased surveillance across all departments and facilities. “All staff, students, and visitors are strongly advised to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection and community spread,” the statement warned. As part of emergency containment measures, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs has instructed all student organisations—including the SRC, GRASAG, JCRs, and departmental associations—to immediately halt all scheduled events, including traditional week celebrations and social gatherings, until further notice. The directive, signed by Professor Rosina I. Kyerematen, Dean of Student Affairs, described the move as necessary to prevent a potential health crisis. “These measures have become necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of the University community,” the notice stated. Campus health officials have raised concerns that if the situation is not brought under control swiftly, it could affect academic activities and strain the university's limited health resources. University authorities are urging full compliance with the new directives and are calling on students, staff, and campus-based groups to act responsibly and support efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The latest development has raised anxiety among students, with many calling for enhanced testing, stricter enforcement of mask-wearing, and improved sanitation across campus facilities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has strongly criticized the ongoing proceedings aimed at her removal, describing them as fundamentally flawed and a threat to judicial independence. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Justice Torkornoo stated that “every step of the process for [her] removal breaks the rule on how justice is delivered.” She insisted that the petition process is riddled with irregularities and politically motivated actions designed to oust her from office unjustly. “I have received veiled threats that if I don’t resign voluntarily, I will be made to suffer harm. But I will not resign. If I do, this flawed, opaque process will be deemed acceptable — it is not,” she declared. The Chief Justice, who has over two decades of experience on the bench, noted that she has chosen to resist pressure from individuals who have advised her to step aside to avoid further personal and professional harm. Instead, she said she feels duty-bound to speak up and challenge what she believes is a dangerous precedent being set in Ghana's judicial history. “I do not seek to cling to a title or position. However, as a lawyer of 38 years and a judge for 21 years, I consider it my duty to speak up about the administration of justice in this country. The situation I face is a model of injustice I never thought possible,” she added. Justice Torkornoo emphasized that resigning while proceedings under Article 146 of the Constitution are ongoing is not legally permissible and would jeopardize the entitlements and reputation of any judge or public officer. “False claims cannot be the basis for resignation. Doing so would only subject one to two cruelties — a judgment based on lies and the loss of everything one has worked for,” she warned. Her remarks come in response to her suspension by President John Dramani Mahama, who acted on the advice of the Council of State and in line with Article 146(10) of the Constitution. A five-member committee, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court, has been established to investigate three separate petitions against her. The committee includes: 1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang (Chairman) 2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu (Member) 3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General (Member) 4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces (Member) 5. Prof. James Sefah Dzisah, University of Ghana (Member) Despite the mounting pressure, Justice Torkornoo maintains that she will defend herself vigorously, calling the proceedings “carefully staged” and suggesting they are part of a broader political effort to control the judiciary. “I have heard commentary that this is all a political charade. If I walk away, the architects of this scheme will claim the allegations were true and that I had no credible defense. I cannot allow that to happen,” she concluded. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 2.45% upward adjustment in electricity tariffs for all consumer categories, effective July 1, 2025. This increment, part of the Commission’s quarterly review, affects residential, non-residential, and special load tariff (SLT) customers. In a statement released on June 25, the PURC explained that the review was driven by key macroeconomic indicators, including a projected inflation rate of 20.67%, an exchange rate of GHS10.3052 to the US dollar, and a rise in the weighted average cost of gas (WACoG) to USD 7.7134 per MMBtu. “The Commission has carefully analysed the existing parameters and, considering the competitiveness of industries and the general living conditions of Ghanaians, has approved a 2.45% increase in electricity tariffs across board and 0% increment in water tariffs,” the statement said. The review also accounted for GHS488 million in outstanding revenues from previous quarters and the cost of maintaining reserve capacity to ensure grid stability. The energy generation mix for the third quarter remains unchanged, with 28.8% from hydro sources and 71.2% from thermal sources. Key Tariff Adjustments : Lifeline customers (0–30kWh): from GHp77.63 to GHp79.53 per kWh Residential (0–300kWh): GHp180.19 per kWh Non-residential (301+kWh): GHp202.17 per kWh High Voltage Mines: from GHp495.93 to GHp508.09 per kWh The PURC emphasized that these adjustments are necessary to sustain utility services and ensure a stable power supply. Consumers have been advised to take note of the new rates and plan accordingly. Meanwhile, water tariffs will remain unchanged for the third quarter of 2025, despite similar economic pressures. The PURC indicated that current water rates are still sustainable, offering some relief to consumers amidst rising living costs. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The University of Ghana has issued a strong public health alert following a resurgence of COVID-19 cases on its Legon campus. The University's Health Services Directorate, in a notice dated June 23, 2025, confirmed both suspected and confirmed cases within the university community and is urging students, staff, and visitors to remain cautious. The alert outlines renewed preventive measures to stem a possible outbreak, including mandatory wearing of face masks in enclosed or crowded areas, regular handwashing or use of hand sanitizers, physical distancing of at least one metre, and proper ventilation in offices and lecture halls. “Due to the recent increase in cases, the Health Services Directorate has reactivated its COVID-19 Response Protocols, including screening and triage at the University Hospital,” the notice stated. The Directorate has further advised the campus community to avoid large gatherings and to stay home if they experience flu-like symptoms. Early medical attention, they stressed, is critical in managing infections and preventing spread. The University authorities are urging full cooperation from students, faculty, and visitors in adhering strictly to all safety protocols. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates,” the statement added. The renewed caution comes amid global concerns over emerging COVID-19 variants and serves as a reminder that the virus remains a public health threat. Individuals experiencing symptoms or in need of further information are advised to contact the University Hospital at Legon. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah (FGIP), has underscored the importance of strengthening local governance structures in Ghana to ensure the creation of sustainable and well-functioning cities and towns. Speaking on an Accra-based television station on Tuesday on the topic “Strengthening Local Governance to Achieve the Desired Cities and Towns We Want in Ghana,”  Dr. Amoah highlighted that effective governance is deeply linked to data quality, inter-agency coordination, and the regular monitoring of development plans. “We have a well-established system that mandates quarterly and annual reports in accordance with L.I. 2232. These reports are directly linked to the national budget, and they help track implementation progress at every level,” she explained. Dr. Amoah noted that to measure progress accurately, the NDPC has developed a set of core national indicators that cover the key dimensions of development: economic, social, environmental, governance, and international relations. All sub-national levels — including Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) — are required to report based on these indicators. “Reviewing these reports and providing feedback to the institutions has significantly helped improve the quality of reporting. We don’t just collect the data — we rank the institutions based on the quality of their submissions, which also motivates better compliance,” she said. However, Dr. Amoah admitted that data discrepancies remain a major challenge across all governance levels. She expressed concern about the inconsistency in data provided by different institutions, even when referring to the same subject matter. “You may receive the same report from different departments, but with different figures. That undermines planning. If we’re dealing with the same issue, we should get the same data,” she emphasized. Dr. Amoah stressed that better communication between institutions is essential to solving the data inconsistency problem. "Institutions must begin to talk to one another. We’ve tried to promote inter-sectoral collaboration, but the challenge is that not all institutions are decentralized according to our 261 district structure.” She cited examples such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company, whose operational boundaries often do not align with the district demarcations, making it difficult to disaggregate their data for accurate district-level analysis. “Sometimes, you find that a dataset covers parts of two different regions simply because it was easier for the institution to present it that way. But when it comes to assessing growth or determining where to allocate resources, this becomes a major obstacle,” Dr. Amoah said. She concluded by calling for stronger communication channels between national and regional offices, and ultimately with the MMDAs at the grassroots level, to ensure data integrity and more effective planning. “Improving data coordination and inter-institutional collaboration is not just a technical issue. It is the foundation for the kind of cities and towns we want to build for the future,” she said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s commitment to restoring its degraded landscapes and tackling climate change reached another milestone on Friday as the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with the diplomatic community and other key stakeholders, launched the 2025 edition of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative  at the Seismic Centre within the Achimota Forest Reserve. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Clement A. Hugh Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, provided a detailed overview of the initiative and the broader national vision for environmental sustainability. “The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative is a bold and structured effort to rejuvenate Ghana’s forest cover while cultivating a national culture of environmental responsibility, particularly among the youth,” Dr. Brown said. He noted that the diplomatic corps has remained a steadfast ally in this national tree-planting agenda. "The tree I’m standing under now is a beautiful mahogany planted by the Guinean Ambassador in 2021. All around us are trees with proper tags that remind us of the consistency and commitment from our international partners,” he added. The 2025 program saw an impressive turnout of diplomatic envoys, heads of corporate institutions, civil society actors, and environmental advocates who joined forces to plant thousands of tree seedlings. Dr. Brown said the presence of these groups was not merely symbolic, but a demonstration of their collective understanding of the initiative’s core goals—restoring degraded lands, engaging communities, and confronting the climate crisis. He outlined the various components under the Tree for Life initiative, explaining that the highly visible Amenity Planting  drive aims to plant 2 million tree seedlings, including fruit trees, across the country. "We are actively distributing seedlings to individuals, churches, schools, and communities along roadsides and in open spaces to create green corridors and communal shade,” he stated. Dr. Brown further highlighted the Modified Taungya System, under which degraded forest reserves are rehabilitated in collaboration with fringe communities. “The farmers are given access to the land to plant food crops, and alongside this, the Forestry Commission introduces tree seedlings" "This agroforestry system not only improves forest cover but also enhances the livelihoods of the farmers who retain 100% of their food harvests and receive 40% of the value of the trees at maturity,” he explained. This year, under the Modified Taungya scheme, the Commission targets the establishment of 10,000 hectares—approximately 25,000 acres—with an expected yield of 12 million tree seedlings. Another pillar of the program is Enrichment Planting, aimed at partially degraded forests where indigenous tree species are planted in strips to close open canopies. This method will be used to cover an additional 4,000 hectares nationwide. Dr. Brown revealed that the Forestry Commission is also working closely with the Ghana Cocoa Board to distribute tree seedlings to cocoa farmers. These trees, planted either around the perimeters or within cocoa farms, are meant to provide shade and enhance biodiversity, with a recommended density of 18 to 21 trees per hectare. In a bid to create jobs while greening the nation, the Commission has also engaged 2,000 youth, deployed across all regions, to establish 2,000 hectares of commercial plantations under the president’s employment initiative. Dr. Brown emphasized that the entire initiative, across its various components, is expected to result in the planting of over 20 million seedlings, with an additional 10 million to be planted by the private sector. “The private sector has been assigned an annual target of 7,500 hectares, while the government handles 12,500 hectares, excluding what is being done under amenity and on-farm planting,” he said. “With this multi-pronged approach, we are confident that by the end of October, at least 30 million tree seedlings would have been planted across Ghana,” Dr. Brown concluded, calling for continued collaboration between government, private sector, NGOs, and the general public. The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama in Kwabenya, has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s climate resilience strategy and a beacon of environmental leadership in the West African sub-region. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sulemana Yusif, has issued a passionate appeal to the international community to rally behind Ghana in its relentless fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey . Addressing the Diplomatic Corp at a commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony held under the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative , the Deputy Minister underscored the government's unwavering commitment to curbing the environmental menace. Speaking on behalf of the sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, he stressed that the scale, complexity, and cross-border nature of illegal mining operations require robust global cooperation. “Your Execellency, I humbly appeal for financial and technical support to assist Ghana in our fight gainst illegal mining" "It has become an existential environmental threats to our forests are depleted, our river bodies are pollutedand but that is a call that we all have to respond to” Hon. Yusif stated. "The sophisticated networks behind this activity make it increasingly difficult for one country to fight alone. We need sustained international collaboration in terms of intelligence sharing, technology, funding, and policy alignment.” The Deputy Minister outlined a comprehensive five-pillar strategy currently guiding the government’s anti-illegal mining agenda: Reforming the mining licensing regime, Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, Reclaiming and restoring degraded lands, Providing alternative livelihoods for affected communities, and Deepening engagement with both local and international stakeholders. Hon. Yusif warned that illegal mining continues to pose a grave threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and long-term sustainable development goals. He emphasized that without decisive and coordinated international support, the country’s efforts could be undermined. Highlighting Ghana’s broader environmental vision, the Deputy Minister pointed to the Tree for Life  initiative, which aims to plant 30 million tree seedlings across the country by 2025. The program, he said, is a crucial part of Ghana’s urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management goals. Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, echoed the Minister's call, commending the diplomatic community for their growing interest and participation in Ghana’s environmental agenda. He described the day’s tree planting event as a symbol of renewed commitment to planetary care. Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Maher Kheir, who spoke on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, reaffirmed their support for Ghana’s green development vision and pledged continued partnership. Launched in March 2025, the Tree for Life  initiative also designates June as Green Month—a time of nationwide mobilization of schools, civil society groups, private sector actors, and international allies. The campaign targets reforestation, water body restoration, ecosystem conservation, and the creation of green jobs in communities affected by illegal mining. As the country pushes ahead with its environmental reforms, government officials are hopeful that the international community will respond with long-term investments, technical assistance, and diplomatic backing to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has emphasized the importance of commemorating Ghana’s revolutionary past, stating that it is crucial for preserving the lessons learned from that defining period in the country’s political history. Speaking at the 19th anniversary commemoration of the United Cadres Front (UCF) held on June 19 at the NDC Headquarters in Accra, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding the legacy of the 1981 revolution. “I’ve listened to the party cadres and my faith in the establishment of a party museum is known,” he said. “Commemorating the revolution is necessary for the lessons learnt from it. It is important that these witness stories are recorded before the eye witnesses pass on to glory.” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah reiterated a previous promise he made on June 4, stating, “We are going to build a party museum to showcase events of June 4th.” He further called for the grooming and empowerment of a new generation of young cadres to carry the torch and defend the values of the party. He also highlighted the need for continuity and ideological training within the NDC. The commemoration saw party stalwarts including former Member of Parliament, Madam Akua Sena Dansoa, and comrades such as Kofi Attoh, Godwin Banini, and Ahiafor recounting their experiences during the revolution. Madam Dansoa grew emotional as she paid tribute to the late founder of the revolution, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. She further expressed gratitude to former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, whom she described as a courageous mentor who empowered many young women. “She made us bold, and some of us became who we are because of her nurturing,” Madam Dansoa said. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the revolutionary era and a call to preserve its history for the education of future generations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A devastating fire has gutted multiple offices at the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NHPRL), located adjacent to the Diabetes Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. According to eyewitness accounts, the blaze broke out around midnight on Tuesday and raged for several hours before being completely extinguished by 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. The inferno ravaged critical sections of the facility, including the stores, archives, accounts, and administration offices. Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, the extent of the damage is extensive. "Everything was burnt to ashes," an eyewitness recounted, adding that documents and laboratory equipment worth millions of Ghana cedis were destroyed. Among the lost materials are irreplaceable archival documents dating back to the pre-independence era. Officials have yet to release a formal statement, but emergency services and hospital administrators are expected to launch a full investigation into the incident. There are no immediate reports of injuries. The National Public Health and Reference Laboratory plays a key role in disease surveillance and public health diagnostics, raising concerns about the potential disruption of critical services in the coming days. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has lauded his son, Sharaf Mahama, for spearheading efforts to revive sports—particularly boxing—in Ghana through his sports development outfit, Legacy Rise Sports. According to President Mahama, the Bukom Boxing Academy, which was established during his tenure to identify and nurture young boxing talents across the country, was designed to serve as a hub where athletes could live, train, and study. However, that vision stalled after he left office. He now sees renewed hope in bringing that dream back to life. He made these remarks during a courtesy call at Jubilee House by two-time World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua and officials of Legacy Rise Sports, led by Sharaf Mahama. President Mahama also expressed regret that his administration did not expand the Bukom Boxing Arena into a larger, world-class venue, stressing the need for improved infrastructure to support the growth of boxing in Ghana. Over the weekend, Sharaf Mahama organized the much-anticipated “Battle of the Beast” boxing event at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which drew global boxing icons such as Anthony Joshua and Amir Khan, alongside other high-profile guests. Praising his son’s commitment to sports development, President Mahama noted that Sharaf started with a focus on football but has now ventured into boxing to help nurture local talent and uplift the sport nationally. Anthony Joshua, who was in town for the event, expressed gratitude for the warm Ghanaian hospitality and applauded Sharaf’s initiative to bridge the gap between African sports and the global community. He described the event as a significant step toward fostering international collaboration and sports excellence on the continent. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has disconnected Ghana Water Limited (GWL) from the national power grid over a staggering debt of GH¢999.6 million. The disconnection, which occurred on Tuesday, forms part of ECG’s ongoing nationwide revenue mobilisation and disconnection exercise aimed at recovering debts owed by state institutions and private entities. According to ECG officials, the move is part of a broader strategy to tackle persistent non-payment and to stabilise the financial health of the power sector. The task force, which carried out the operation, indicated that GWL was given ample notice to settle its arrears but failed to do so. After disconnecting Ghana Water Limited, the ECG team proceeded to the premises of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which was also cut off from the grid over an unpaid bill of GH¢3.15 million. ECG said GBC had defaulted on a structured payment plan agreed upon earlier, prompting the disconnection. In a stern notice, ECG has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to GWL to settle its outstanding debt or risk prolonged disconnection of power to key water pumping stations across the country — a situation that could severely disrupt nationwide water distribution. The latest wave of disconnections underscores ECG’s determination to enforce payment discipline across all sectors, particularly among state-owned institutions that have long-standing debts. More updates to follow. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has made a strong case for strict adherence to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, emphasizing that its provisions, particularly the two-term presidential limit, leave no room for reinterpretation or manipulation. Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe stated: “What the constitution says is what must be done. If the constitution says two terms, I don’t know what interpretation can be put to it.” His remark comes amid ongoing national conversations about potential constitutional amendments and presidential term limits. Justice Dzamefe’s unequivocal stance reaffirms his commitment to the letter and spirit of Ghana’s supreme law. Touching on matters of transparency and accountability, Justice Dzamefe disclosed that he had fulfilled his constitutional obligation by declaring his assets. “If the constitution says all public officers must declare their assets, Supreme Court Justices must comply. I have declared my assets,” he said. The nominee also highlighted the importance of expanding the country’s judicial infrastructure, arguing that more courts are needed to enhance access to justice and expedite case resolution. “There must be more courts so that cases move faster. The more courts we have, the better for us. If cases are disposed of early, I am for it,” he asserted. Linking justice delivery to national development, he added, “The faster the cases go, the better for the investor community, and there is trust. But that doesn’t open the floodgate for more judges — it should depend on the exigencies.” On media freedom, Justice Dzamefe took a principled stance against the suppression of investigative journalism, saying that journalists who do thorough and truthful work should not be silenced. “Generally, I wouldn’t recommend repression. Once it’s true and fair, why would I recommend suppression?” he said. Justice Dzamefe’s responses painted a picture of a judge deeply rooted in constitutionalism, transparency, judicial efficiency, and media freedom — key pillars of a functioning democracy. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith