The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tameklo, has advised fellow appointees under President John Mahama’s administration to conduct themselves in ways that reflect the high standards expected of them by the Ghanaian public. Mr. Tameklo's comment follows the controversy surrounding a viral video in which the Acting CEO of the Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, is seen handing dollar notes to Prophetess Agradaa during a gathering. The incident, which has sparked intense public debate, has been widely referred to as the “Sammy-Gyamfi-Agradaa saga.” Speaking to the issue, Mr. Tameklo noted that the uproar is largely due to the elevated expectations Ghanaians have for appointees of President Mahama, given the government’s emphasis on integrity and youth inclusion. “Thankfully, my brother Sammy, immediately this matter was brought to his attention, publicly came out to apologise to the good people of this country and to His Excellency the President,” he said. “I think the lesson for all of us, including myself, is that the standard we will be judged by is a very high one. It requires us to be sensitive to our environment and the things that happen around us.” Mr. Tameklo revealed that the interaction between Sammy Gyamfi and Prophetess Agradaa took place at the one-week observation of the late father of Prophet Nigel Gaisie. According to him, the conversation focused on promoting peace between Agradaa and another prophet, Isaac Owusu Bempah. He further addressed concerns that the act breached the Code of Conduct recently introduced for Mahama’s appointees, stating that the code focuses on the acceptance—not the giving—of gifts by government officials. “I have taken the code of conduct as a Bible. From my reading, the code is silent on the issue of a public officer giving a gift. What happened in the video does not amount to a violation,” Mr. Tameklo clarified. He emphasized the importance of living above reproach, especially for young appointees who have been given the opportunity to serve in Mahama’s administration. “We live in a political environment that has placed a higher standard, particularly on appointees of President Mahama. The ordinary Ghanaian has a higher expectation of all of us,” he stated. Sammy Gyamfi has since issued a public apology on social media, describing the act as a private gesture that unfortunately found its way into the public domain. He acknowledged the backlash and expressed regret for the indiscretion. “To all comrades who are sincerely hurt by this, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion,” Mr. Gyamfi wrote. Mr. Tameklo's comments serve as a cautionary reminder to public officials about the scrutiny that accompanies public service and the need to uphold the principles of transparency and integrity at all times. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a heartwarming gesture to mark Mother’s Day, the Lands Commission Ladies Association (LACOLAS) turned compassion into action by visiting a local orphanage, bringing with them love, laughter, and life-changing support. The team was warmly received by the home’s caretaker, Emmanuel Amarh, and administrator Moses Lamkeh Lamptey—himself a former resident of the orphanage. Mr. Lamptey shared his remarkable journey from being a child in the facility to now giving back as its administrator, a story that deeply moved the visitors. The orphanage, established over three decades ago by Mr. and Mrs. Pakar, is home to 27 children and also serves as a refuge for 140 widows, all cared for by a team of seven committed staff members. Leading the LACOLAS delegation, Vice President Madam Gertrude Sackey expressed the group’s mission to uplift the less fortunate and spread kindness, especially on meaningful days like Mother’s Day. “Today is not just about celebration—it’s about connection,” she said. The visit was marked by the presentation of essential supplies, including groceries, toiletries, clothes, and a monetary donation, all of which were handed over to Mr. Lamptey amid cheers and appreciation. Adding a personal touch, the Director of the Land Registration Division, Madam Yaa Boadi, engaged the children in a heart-to-heart conversation. The kids, beaming with joy, spoke of their close-knit family life, regular devotions, and shared worship at their Presbyterian church. The day ended on a high note—with hugs, shared smiles, and a powerful reminder that the true spirit of Mother’s Day lies in nurturing hearts, not just homes. For LACOLAS, it was another step in their ongoing journey to touch lives far beyond their office walls. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commence the annual one-month ban on drumming and noise-making. The ban which began on May 12 is scheduled to end on June 12 as part of preparations for the Ga people's traditional Homowo Festival. In a statement signed by Gilbert Nii Ankrah, Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, the Assembly announced that the ban applies to all residents, institutions, and communities within its jurisdiction, including Gamashie, Ablekuma West, parts of Kasoa, and areas surrounding the AMA Head Office. Describing the period as sacred, the AMA emphasized that the ban is intended to foster solemnity, reflection, and spiritual readiness ahead of the Homowo Festival—one of the most revered cultural events of the Ga community. The directive prohibits the use of musical instruments during church services and bans the use of loudspeakers and sound systems in churches, mosques, pubs, and during street evangelism. Additionally, the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) has suspended all funeral-related activities during the ban period. “The ban represents a sacred period of solemnity, reflection, and spiritual preparation for the upcoming Homowo Festival,” the AMA stated. The Assembly further appealed to all residents to observe the restrictions with tolerance and mutual respect to maintain peace and national cohesion throughout the period. “We urge all residents to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory or disrespectful comments that may disrupt the peace,” the statement added. The annual ban is a deeply rooted tradition observed by the Ga people as they prepare to celebrate Homowo—a festival that symbolizes the triumph over hunger and the promotion of unity among the Ga community. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has summoned the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, to the Presidency following the circulation of a viral video showing him handing over a bundle of cash—reportedly in US dollars—to evangelist and former fetish priestess, Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. Sources at the Jubilee House have confirmed that Sammy Gyamfi has been directed to provide a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the controversial transaction, which has triggered widespread public outrage and ethical concerns. The video, widely shared across social media platforms, captures what appears to be a private meeting between Gyamfi and Agradaa. Though the motive behind the cash handover remains unclear, the optics of a high-ranking public official transferring funds to a contentious religious figure have sparked intense criticism and speculation. Critics argue that the incident threatens to undermine President John Dramani Mahama’s recently launched Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which is anchored on principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency. The code is a key component of the administration’s anti-corruption drive aimed at restoring public confidence in government. In a statement issued on Sunday, May 11, Gyamfi apologized for the incident, describing it as a personal act of kindness that was never intended for public consumption. Nonetheless, officials at the Presidency are said to be treating the matter with urgency due to its political sensitivity and potential reputational damage to the government. Nana Agradaa, a figure long steeped in public controversy, transitioned from her past as a traditional priestess to become a self-proclaimed Christian evangelist. Despite this transformation, her activities and legal entanglements continue to attract significant public attention and scrutiny. The outcome of the meeting between Sammy Gyamfi and the Chief of Staff is yet to be disclosed. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, has broken his silence following widespread public criticism over a reported $10,000 donation he made to controversial evangelist, Rev. Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa. In a statement issued Sunday morning, Mr. Gyamfi clarified that the gesture was a private act of kindness extended to a fellow human being in need, insisting it was never intended for public attention. "To clarify, this was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and life-long custom of lending a helping hand to people in need," he wrote. "I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space. That is unfortunate and regrettable." The $10,000 donation, which has sparked heated backlash across social media and within political circles, was described by some as insensitive, especially at a time when many Ghanaians are grappling with economic hardship. Mr. Gyamfi, who also serves as National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), acknowledged the uproar the gesture has caused, particularly among his party's supporters. "I understand the uproar that this gesture has generated, particularly from comrades who are sincerely hurt by same. To all such comrades, I am sincerely sorry for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views," he said. He expressed gratitude to those who have reached out in support and offered counsel during the period of public scrutiny. Despite the controversy, Mr. Gyamfi reiterated his unwavering commitment to public service. "Let me state however, that my view of public office as a privilege to serve society, solve problems and help others, has not changed," he affirmed. He concluded his message by extending warm wishes to mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day and encouraged the public to stay focused and hopeful. The statement comes amidst calls for greater transparency and sensitivity from public officials regarding their financial engagements, especially those involving controversial figures. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have confirmed that the two Ghanaian women who were recently rescued after being kidnapped and trafficked to Nigeria have arrived safely in Ghana. The Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Lydia Donkor made these remarks while addressing Journalists on Friday at the CID Headquarters in Accra. The victims, identified as Evelyn Serwaa Konadu and Anatasia Baidoo, were received at Kotoka International Airport on the morning of Thursday, May 9, 2025, by a CID-led team. DCOP Donkor stated that both women are in stable condition and are currently receiving the necessary medical care. After treatment, they will undergo standard police procedures to give formal statements that will aid in ongoing investigations. Their rescue was the result of a coordinated transnational operation involving the Ghana Police Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and Ghana’s National Signals Bureau. The collaboration, praised by DCOP Donkor, was key in locating and extracting the victims safely from their captors in Nigeria. “We are relieved to have Evelyn and Anatasia back in Ghana, safe and stable,” DCOP Donkor said. “Their return is a testament to the power of inter-agency cooperation and our relentless commitment to fighting crime in all its forms.” In addition to providing updates on the victims, the CID chief used the opportunity to caution the public about the alarming rise in romance scams and other cyber-related crimes. She urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unknown individuals online and to avoid disclosing personal or financial information. “We are seeing a growing trend in online scams, particularly involving romance and financial fraud,” she warned. "We encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious online activity to the police immediately.” On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the entire police administration, DCOP Donkor extended heartfelt appreciation to all officers involved in the successful rescue operation. She also expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force and the National Signals Bureau for their unwavering support and collaboration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has assured Ghanaians that the police and other security agencies will remain neutral, firm, and professional in the face of rising tensions in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have claimed victory. Speaking at a high-level security meeting with Heads of various institutions at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, the IGP emphasized that the role of the security services is not to determine electoral outcomes, but to protect the democratic process. “I stand before you today not only as the Inspector-General of Police, but as a citizen deeply committed to the peace and progress of our beloved nation,” Mr. Yohuno declared. "The eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, are upon us to see how we manage this situation.” He described the coalition process in Ablekuma North as a “critical juncture” that demands vigilance, professionalism, and respect for the law. “Our task is singular and profound—to ensure that the coalition process is conducted in peace, fairness, and full compliance with the law,” he stressed. The IGP made it clear that the Electoral Commission is the only body mandated to declare election results, and security agencies must focus solely on maintaining order. “We have to secure the environment within which the truth is determined—not to decide the outcome ourselves,” he said. He also outlined the strategy of the National Election Security Task Force, assuring the public of a firm but measured presence. "Our presence will be visible, but not provocative. We will act swiftly, but not recklessly. We will remain neutral, both in appearance and in action,” Mr. Yohuno noted. He concluded with a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the process. “We will guard against any attempt by anyone to distort this process through stress or violence,” he said, reinforcing the commitment of the security services to uphold peace and democracy in the country. On his part, Deputy Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, disclosed that although results from 11 out of the 12 initially outstanding constituencies have been successfully declared, Ablekuma North remains pending due to challenges surrounding the collation process. Mr. Tettey noted that the Commission has been in constant dialogue with the Ghana Police Service to secure a safe environment for the collation process to be finalized. “As the Inspector-General of Police rightly mentioned, we’ve had a series of engagements with the police service to provide the Commission with adequate security to enable us to conclude the collation process for Ablekuma North,” he stated. He further revealed that the EC, in its most recent correspondence with the IGP and the National Election Security Task Force, requested a meeting—scheduled for today—to map out a clear roadmap to bring the process to a close. “We are grateful to the National Election Security Task Force for facilitating this important meeting, and we are hopeful that our discussions here will yield practical solutions to the challenges we’ve faced so far,” Mr. Tettey added. The Deputy Chairperson expressed optimism that with the support of the security agencies and continued cooperation among all stakeholders, the Commission would soon bring closure to the outstanding collation process in Ablekuma North. Taking his turn, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Basintale Amadu issued a strong reminder to the nation’s security services to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and vigilance stressing that “the whole world is watching us.” Mr. Amadu acknowledged the collective strength of Ghana’s security institutions, describing them as “a collection of outstanding institutions and their commandos,” and urged personnel not to take the electoral security assignment lightly. “Our job is clear. No bomb is so weak that it cannot cause serious destruction when it explodes. That is why we must treat this mission with the utmost seriousness,” he cautioned. He further charged officers across the services to adopt a neutral posture and act swiftly against any threats that may arise during the electoral period. “We are the first line of defense, and we must be ready to strike where necessary. There are bad intentions out there, and we must not take anything for granted,” he warned. Referencing earlier contributions at the meeting, Mr. Amadu expressed confidence in the security services’ ability to deliver a peaceful election, noting that with coordinated communication among stakeholders, “we will get through this assignment successfully.” He concluded by reaffirming the global interest in Ghana’s democratic process, stating, “The whole world is looking up to us to deliver on this.” The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, on the other hand called on Ghanaians—particularly residents of the Ablekuma North Constituency—to accept the results of the 2024 elections as declared by the Electoral Commission. According to her, doing so is critical to the sustenance of Ghana’s democracy and the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process. “We all know we are in a democracy, and an election is part of our democratic culture and system. In every election, there is a winner and a loser—there is no middle ground,” she said. She reminded citizens that even in general elections, one party wins while the other loses, and emphasized that the 2024 election should be no different. “This is the way to build a democracy. We cannot continue to insist that we have won all the time. That is why we have institutions that have a proven track record of credibility,” she noted. Ms. Addy urged all political actors and citizens to respect the Electoral Commission’s declaration of results in Ablekuma North and across the country. “For politicians, I’m sure they understand that we live to fight another day. It is not the end of the world to lose. And it is also not the end of the world to win,” she added. She concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful and credible conclusion of the 2024 elections, saying it was the collective responsibility of every Ghanaian. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has officially commissioned the Borteyman Police Station in Accra, describing it as a symbol of the community’s unwavering commitment to security, law, and order. Addressing attendees at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Muntaka commended the Ghana Police Service, residents, and stakeholders for their collective efforts in bringing the project to fruition. He underscored the importance of the new facility as a central hub for police operations and a platform for strengthening ties between law enforcement and the community. “This station represents more than just a building; it embodies our collective resolve to protect lives, safeguard properties, and uphold the rule of law,” he stated. The Minister further called on residents to collaborate actively with the police by sharing relevant information and building mutual trust to enhance safety and peace in the area. He urged officers stationed at Borteyman to serve with integrity, listen to the concerns of locals, and maintain a high standard of professionalism. Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, the Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Barnabas Nasumong, pledged that the station would uphold integrity and responsiveness, adding that community partnership would be central to its operations. The event saw the presence of the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, the Inspector General of Police, Commissioners of Police, officers of the Ghana Police Service, and members of the Borteyman community. The sector Minister also donated some motorbikes to officers of Borteyman Police Station to aid in their works. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has officially commissioned a new police station near the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), as part of efforts to enhance security and improve policing services within the university community and its environments. At a ceremony held at the new police station, Hon. Muntaka commended the collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the UPSA administration that led to the successful completion of the project. He emphasized the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security infrastructure across the country. “This police station is a testament to our dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” the Minister stated, He called on members of the university and surrounding community to cooperate with the police in identifying and addressing security concerns. A speech delivered on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, reiterated the Service’s resolve to maintain professionalism. It sought to uphold integrity, and enforce law and order to preserve peace and public safety. The Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, expressed gratitude to the Government and the Ghana Police Service for their invaluable support. He noted that the new police post will significantly enhance the safety of students, staff, and visitors while promoting a more secure and conducive academic environment. The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Acting Chief Director of the Interior Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Annan, members of the Police Management Board, and officials of UPSA. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has cautioned that although inflationary pressures appear to be moderating, continued vigilance is necessary to sustain the gains made so far. Addressing journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Iddrisu revealed that the country’s year-on-year inflation for April 2025 stood at 21.2%, a drop from 22.4% in March. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly decline in the annual inflation rate, a trend he described as a “positive signal of moderating inflationary pressure.” However, the monthly inflation rate showed a reversal in trend, climbing from 0.2% in March to 0.8% in April. Dr. Iddrisu noted that this "uptake" calls for closer monitoring, especially considering persistent volatility in food and transport prices. "This is why vigilance is still required to tame inflation," he stressed. He disclosed that while non-food inflation remained stable at 0.7% — the same as recorded in March — food inflation remains relatively high despite some signs of moderation. He called for strengthened public education on inflation dynamics to empower households to make better-informed financial decisions. Offering recommendations, Dr. Iddrisu urged households to manage their expenditures cautiously and remain alert to price changes, especially in essential areas like food and transport. Businesses, he said, should leverage the easing cost pressures to rebuild profit margins or pass on some price relief to consumers — particularly in sectors heavily affected by transport and imported goods, such as food services and accommodation. He also emphasized the government's role in sustaining macroeconomic stability, noting that current trends provide an opportunity to consolidate gains and reinforce economic recovery. "The outlook is cautiously optimistic," he concluded, "but we must remain proactive to ensure inflation does not spiral again." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has expressed cautious optimism about the country’s inflation outlook, citing a strong blend of fiscal discipline, monetary interventions, and supply-side measures as key drivers toward achieving the 12% year-end inflation target. Speaking at his maiden “Meet the Press” briefing in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Iddrisu described the projected shift from a fiscal deficit of 3.9% in 2024 to a surplus of 1.5% in 2025 as a “significant fiscal proposition” that, if achieved, will meaningfully support efforts to lower inflation. “If this is achieved, it would strongly contribute to the realization of the 12% target,” he stated. Dr. Iddrisu emphasized the complementary role of monetary policy, pointing to the Bank of Ghana’s recent readiness to tighten policy in response to rising inflationary pressures, as seen in the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision. “The Bank has shown that it will not hesitate to act when needed, and this alignment between fiscal and monetary policy is critical,” he noted. Beyond demand-side controls, Dr. Iddrisu stressed the importance of addressing inflation from the cost side, especially with regard to the exchange rate and input costs. “When the exchange rate depreciates, it affects input costs and ultimately raises prices. Tackling cost-push inflation is just as important,” he explained. He further highlighted the vital role of real sector performance, particularly agriculture, in stabilizing prices. “Supply-side interventions—especially those in the agriculture sector—must be implemented with urgency and consistency. This is where we can see real impact,” he said, adding that lessons could be drawn from similar efforts in other economies, such as France. Dr. Iddrisu’s briefing also covered Ghana’s April 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI), which recorded a year-on-year inflation rate of 21.2%, down from 22.4% in March, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline. He concluded by reaffirming that while the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, coordinated policy implementation across fiscal, monetary, and real sectors will be crucial to achieving Ghana’s inflation goals and sustaining macroeconomic stability. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that concerted efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of two Ghanaian women, Anastasia Badu-Atta and Evelyn Serwaa Konadu, who were recently rescued in Nigeria following a harrowing kidnapping ordeal. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, May 6, the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed that both victims and suspects are currently in the custody of Nigerian authorities. “As of today, both suspects and victims are with the Nigerian authorities, and efforts are being made to transport the victims to Ghana,” DCOP Donkor stated. She revealed that a joint operation involving the Ghana Police Service, the National Signals Bureau (NSB), and the Nigeria Police Force led to the successful rescue of the victims on May 1, 2025. The two women had been featured in a distressing viral video that triggered national concern and widespread public outrage. In total, eight suspects – five Ghanaians and three Nigerians – were arrested at various hideouts across both countries in connection with the case. A ransom of GH₵500,000 had been demanded by the kidnappers, but DCOP Donkor said the victims’ families only managed to pay GH₵18,000 through various mobile money numbers before the arrests were made. She further assured the public that the victims are in stable condition and have undergone routine medical examinations, according to updates received from Nigerian authorities. DCOP Donkor concluded by stating that arrangements were also in place to extradite the suspects to Ghana to assist with ongoing investigations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith