In recent weeks, Ghana's new GoldBod initiative has been the subject of intense speculation and misinformation. Critics have claimed that the GoldBod will create conflicts of interest and even criminalize the possession of gold by ordinary Ghanaians. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals a very different story - one of an ambitious effort to empower the country's mining sector and bolster the national economy. The GoldBod: Monopoly, Not Regulator One of the key misconceptions surrounding the GoldBod is that it will function as both a regulator and a commercial player, leading to inherent conflicts of interest. This, however, is not the case. "The GoldBod is solely a monopoly in the trading and export of gold," explains Dr. Ama Serwaa, a respected economist. "Its regulatory powers are limited to ensuring compliance by its own licensed agents who trade on behalf of the GoldBod. It will not be regulating competitors or the broader gold industry." This distinction is crucial. The GoldBod's regulatory role is focused on maintaining oversight and control over its own licensed agents, ensuring they adhere to the organization's rules and regulations. It is not a wider industry regulator, so there is no conflict of interest in terms of the GoldBod competing with the entities it oversees. "The GoldBod is not here to police the entire gold industry in Ghana," adds Nana Adjoa Mensah, a legal expert. "Its role is to manage its own operations and the licensed agents it works with, not to regulate the broader market." Possession of Gold Remains Legal Another major misconception is that the GoldBod Bill will criminalize the possession of gold by individual Ghanaians, including chiefs and traditional leaders. This claim, however, is simply false. "The GoldBod Bill does not in any way prohibit or criminalize the possession of gold for personal, ancestral, or value storage purposes," clarifies Nana Adjoa Mensah. "The only offense created is the hoarding of gold, which is defined as the accumulation of gold beyond reasonable business needs, with the intent of manipulating market conditions." Crucially, the bill explicitly states that the hoarding offense "does not apply to a person in possession of gold for personal or value storage purposes." This means that Ghanaians can continue to own and possess gold for cultural, traditional, or investment reasons without fear of penalty. Promoting Gold as a Store of Value In fact, one of the key functions of the GoldBod is to promote the use of gold as a store of value among Ghanaians. This is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on the US dollar and strengthen the Ghana cedi. "The GoldBod will be actively encouraging Ghanaians to purchase gold products like coins, tablets, and bars for the purpose of value storage," notes Dr. Serwaa. "They want to make gold a more accessible and attractive alternative to holding US dollars, which has put immense pressure on the local currency." By positioning gold as a reliable store of value, the GoldBod aims to empower Ghanaians to safeguard their wealth and reduce dollarization of the economy. This is a far cry from the narrative of the GoldBod as a threat to individual gold ownership. Ensuring Fair Pricing for Miners The GoldBod has also implemented several mechanisms to ensure fair pricing for gold purchased from miners in Ghana. These include a transparent pricing methodology, regular price reviews, competitive bidding processes, effective monitoring and enforcement, and capacity-building programs for small-scale and artisanal miners. "The GoldBod's pricing framework is designed to take into account global gold prices, production costs, and a fair profit margin for miners," explains Dr. Serwaa. "This will be publicly available, allowing miners to understand how the prices are determined." The GoldBod will also conduct regular reviews of the pricing formula, involving consultations with mining associations and other stakeholders. This ensures the system remains aligned with market conditions and provides a fair deal to miners. Moreover, the GoldBod will organize competitive bidding processes for the purchase of gold from licensed small-scale and artisanal miners, helping to secure the best possible prices. The GoldBod's regulatory powers will also enable it to monitor the activities of its licensed agents, ensuring they adhere to the agreed pricing mechanisms and do not engage in unfair practices. "The GoldBod is investing in training and support programs to help miners improve their operations and negotiation skills," adds Nana Adjoa Mensah. "This will empower them to better understand their rights and advocate for fair prices, reducing the risk of exploitation." A Transformative Initiative As this analysis demonstrates, many of the concerns raised about the GoldBod appear to be unfounded. The initiative is focused on establishing a national monopoly on gold trading and export, while actively promoting gold ownership among Ghanaians and ensuring fair pricing for miners. "The GoldBod represents a transformative moment for Ghana's gold industry," concludes Dr. Serwaa. "By strengthening the position of the country in the global gold market and empowering local miners, it has the potential to significantly boost the national economy and improve the livelihoods of those who rely on this vital resource." With a clear understanding of the GoldBod's purpose and powers, the true benefits of this ambitious initiative can be fully appreciated. Rather than a threat, the GoldBod may well be the key to unlocking Ghana's golden potential. Story by: Innocent Samuel Appiah

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, has pledged his support to the National Football League (NFL) in scouting and developing Ghanaian athletes for the 2028 Olympics. He assured the NFL delegation from the United States that the Ga State is ready to collaborate with them in identifying and nurturing local talent for international competition. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II made these remarks while addressing the NFL players’ delegation at his palace on Friday during a courtesy call. The delegation, led by Dominic Asamoah Mensah, is in Ghana to scout for flag football talent and offer young athletes a pathway to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “I welcome you to this palace, putting the songs of our traditional customs. Today, I see strongmen ably built for the world ahead. It encourages me to know that you want to have this knowledge transferred to the youth of Ga State and also of Ghana, to be able to learn this football and may even be able to compete with the whole group in 2028,” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stated. He expressed the Ga State's willingness to work closely with the NFL to identify the right talent and ensure they meet the necessary standards to succeed on the global stage. “We are ready to collaborate with you. We are ready to meet with you or to have a team meet with you and help you search and find the talents that possess the needed specific requirements to be part of those things, to learn those things, to be trained into those things. And then, we can go on from there,” he added. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also emphasized the cultural connection between Accra and Kumasi, highlighting the unity between the Ga and Ashanti people. “I hear that some of you even spoke in Twi. Are you Ashanti? So, you are home because whether you are in Kumasi or you are in Accra, you are still home. The Ashantis are our brother. So, together we make Ghana. It’s good to have you. Always know that you have a home here. Our doors are always open to you,” he said. The NFL delegation is set to hold a scouting camp at the Rugby Park at the University of Ghana on Saturday, where athletes from across the country will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the national team for the 2028 Olympics. On his part, Dominic Asamoah Mensah, leader of the National Football League (NFL) players delegation from the United States expressed gratitude to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, for his warm reception and support as the delegation prepares to scout Ghanaian athletes for the 2028 Olympics. He stated that the delegation is in Ghana to seek guidance and support as they work to provide Ghanaian athletes with a pathway to compete in national flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "We want to say first and foremost thank you for inviting us to your palace and greeting us with grace. We are coming from the United States, somewhere here in Accra, on behalf of the NFL, which is the National Football League. We are coming to ask for not only guidance but also a passage to at least help the Ghanaian athletes here play national flag football," he said. He revealed that the NFL has secured an Olympic bid, which offers Ghanaian athletes the opportunity to compete at the 2028 Olympics, depending on their performance and progress in upcoming programs. Mr. Mensah announced that the delegation will hold a scouting camp and program at the Rugby Park at the University of Ghana on Saturday. The event will bring together aspiring athletes from Accra, Kumasi, and other parts of the country to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the national team for the 2028 Olympics. "We have had the opportunity at an NFL bid, an Olympic bid, and with that being said, with our progress and how well we compete, we have an opportunity to compete in the 2028 LA Olympics," he added. He expressed appreciation to the Ga Mantse for his time and support. "We are mostly appreciative and thankful for your time today on behalf of myself and everybody that's with me from America and Accra," he said. The upcoming camp is expected to generate excitement among Ghanaian athletes and sports enthusiasts as the NFL delegation aims to uncover and develop top-tier flag football talent from Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, has praised the leadership of Odorgonno Senior High School (SHS) for taking steps to revive the teaching and learning of the Ga language as part of the school's 85th anniversary celebrations. He made these remarks when the Headmaster of Odorgonno SHS, along with some representatives from the board of governors and teachers, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace on Friday. The Ga Mantse expressed concern about the gradual decline of the Ga language due to the dominance of other languages within Ga land. He emphasized the importance of language in preserving cultural identity. "As Gas, we are losing our language as other languages are being spoken on Ga land. One's way of speaking can easily show where he or she hails from," the King said. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II was pleased with the headmaster's initiative to reintroduce Ga in the school’s curriculum and promised his full support. He announced that Nuumo Akwaa Mensa III, Nae Wulomo, will be assigned to visit the school and educate the students on the Ga language, its importance, and cultural significance. Furthermore, the Ga Mantse assured that the Ga State will play an active role in the school's 85th-anniversary celebrations. "The 85th anniversary of Odorgonno SHS will be heavily represented by the Ga State," he stated. On his part, Headmaster of Odorgonno SHS, Patrick Kofi Mensah outlined a bold vision to integrate Ga culture into the school’s curriculum and environment. Mr. Mensah noted that despite the school's long-standing presence on Ga land and its significant student population of nearly 4,000, the teaching of Ga language and culture has not been prioritized. He stressed the importance of ensuring that students leave the school with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ga culture. "My vision is that by the time a student completes three years at Odorgonno SHS, they should be able to understand and express themselves in Ga or at least appreciate the totality of Ga culture," Mr. Mensah said. He lamented the shortage of Ga teachers in the school, revealing that currently, there is only one Ga teacher. He underscored the need to recruit more teachers to improve the teacher-student ratio and enhance learning outcomes. "It took a lot of effort and time to introduce Ga in the school’s curriculum, but sustaining it has been a challenge. If we have more Ga teachers, the interaction between students and teachers will be enhanced, reinforcing our identity as a true Ga school," Mr. Mensah added. He expressed confidence that with more resources and support, Odorgonno SHS could serve as a model for cultural preservation and education within the Ga community. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has clarified the status of André Ayew in the national team, stating that the experienced forward could be recalled if the need arises. Speaking to journalists after a courtesy visit to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, in Accra on Thursday, Addo explained that while Ayew remains an important figure, other players currently have the edge in the pecking order. "And André Ayew, we will see. Like I said, the team is always open. I am looking, and if we need him, we will surely call him. At the moment, I see others ahead of him, that's why we did not call him," Addo stated. Ayew, the long-serving captain of the Black Stars, was left out of the squad for recent fixtures, fueling speculation about his future with the team. However, Addo's remarks suggest that the door remains open for the veteran forward to make a return based on team requirements and performance. Ayew has been a key figure for the Black Stars over the years, leading the team in multiple major tournaments. His exclusion has sparked mixed reactions among fans, but Addo's comments indicate that the decision is purely tactical. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse has urged Black Stars Coach, Otto Addo, to be bold and stand firm behind every decision as Head Coach of the Senior National Team. The Ga Mantse made these remarks during a courtesy visit by Coach Otto Addo at his official residence in Accra to express gratitude for the King’s blessings and support ahead of the Black Stars’ recent victories against Chad and Madagascar in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. Coach Otto Addo had earlier sought the King’s blessings before embarking on the crucial qualifying matches, which saw the Black Stars secure impressive wins. Following the victories, the Coach returned to formally thank the Ga Mantse for his spiritual guidance and unwavering support. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II congratulated Otto Addo on the team’s success and encouraged him to remain resolute in his leadership. “Keep your word and make sure that you stand firm and take bold decisions as a coach” the King advised. “As you keep your word and continue to take bold decisions as a coach, make sure that your heart is clean and of pure that" "Based on that you will achieve success" "His stool and all associated and all of the ancestors are behind you and the Black Stars" The Ga Mantse expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to overcome challenges and make the nation proud in future tournaments. Nuumo Akwaa Mensa III, Naaye Wulomo, also performed traditional rites and offered prayers for Coach Otto Addo, his family, and the entire Black Stars team. He sought divine strength and success in their upcoming matches. In response, Coach Otto Addo assured the King that he would work tirelessly to ensure the team remains competitive and focused ahead of their next crucial fixture in June. The visit underscores the strong cultural and spiritual connection between the Ga State and the national team, highlighting the importance of traditional blessings and moral support in Ghana’s sporting journey. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Council of State member, Dr. Nii Kotei Dzani, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama plays no direct role in the removal of the Chief Justice, emphasizing that the process is strictly guided by constitutional procedures. Dr. Dzani’s statement comes in response to recent petitions forwarded by the President to the Council of State, seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo. His remarks aim to address growing concerns and political commentary surrounding the issue. Speaking on an Accra-based radio station on Wednesday, Dr. Dzani stressed that the President’s involvement is limited to relaying the petition to the Council of State, with no influence over the final outcome. “This is not the first time that the Council is receiving a petition to look into the removal of the Chief Justice. At every Council of State, we receive about two or three such petitions. But let me make it clear that the President has no technical role in removing the Chief Justice,” Dr. Dzani stated. He explained that the Council of State's decision-making process is independent and depends on the timing of the petition's receipt. “At the receipt of the petition from the President by the Council of State, it depends on when the petition is received. If the Council is in session, the chairman will present it for consideration. If the Council is not in session, the chairman may call for an emergency meeting because there is a limited time within which the petition can be reviewed,” he explained. Dr. Dzani further stated that the Council of State may form a special committee to examine the petition. If the committee establishes a case against the Chief Justice, the Council of State will communicate its findings to the President for further action. Meanwhile, critics, including Manhyia South Member of Parliament (MP), Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, have cautioned against removing the Chief Justice without substantial grounds, warning of the potential long-term implications on Ghana’s judiciary and governance. Dr. Dzani’s comments seek to assure the public that the process remains constitutionally sound and free from presidential interference. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Traditional Council (GTC) has directed that all religious activities be confined within their premises as part of the annual ban on drumming and noise-making within the Ga State. The ban will take effect from May 12 to June 11, 2025. The month-long ban, which forms part of the customary rites leading to the celebration of the Homowo Festival, prohibits the use of loudspeakers outside church premises and mosques, roadside evangelism, clapping of hands, tambourines, megaphones, and other musical instruments both indoors and outdoors during the period. Announcing the ban at a press conference in Accra, the President of the Ga Damgbe Council, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, emphasized that religious organisations must restrict their activities to their designated premises. He stressed that the use of loudspeakers outside churches and mosques is strictly forbidden. “This ban is a sacred tradition observed to maintain peace, solemnity, and spiritual reflection as the Ga people prepare for Homowo, a festival that commemorates resilience, unity, and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest,” Nii Otoo stated. He reminded the public that the ban is legally recognized under the 1992 Constitution, citing Article 11(3), which upholds and protects customary laws and cultural practices. Article 26(1) further guarantees the rights of communities to preserve and practice their cultural heritage. Nii Otoo noted that since the Homowo Festival is not celebrated on the same date across the Ga State, traditional areas such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo will announce separate bans after June 12, 2025. He urged residents within these areas to comply with the specific dates. He warned that individuals or groups who violate the ban would have their items seized and face sanctions from the council. “Obedience is better than sacrifice,” he cautioned, appealing to religious leaders and the general public to respect the regulations. The press conference was attended by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, members of the GTC, Queen mothers, Paramount chiefs, Chief priests, Priestesses, and other dignitaries. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse has donated food items to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu ahead of the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations. The food items include 100 bags of rice, 10 boxes of cooking oil, and several tins of Milo and milk. The donation took place at the residence of the National Chief Imam. Speaking on behalf of a delegation, Emmanuel Clottey highlighted the Ga Mantse’s commitment to strengthening ties between the Ga and Muslim communities. He also reminded the Chief Imam that this year’s Homowo festival is fast approaching and will be celebrated with the usual cultural significance. “The Ga Mantse would like to notify the Chief Imam that just as fasting and prayers are observed before Eid-Ul-Fitr, the ban on drumming and noise-making will also be observed before the Homowo celebrations,” Clottey stated. He announced that the ban on drumming and noise-making will commence from May 12 to June 12, urging the Muslim community to respect the tradition. The delegation further appealed to the National Chief Imam to encourage his followers to observe the ban when it takes effect. A similar appeal was extended to the Christian community to honor the Ga tradition. In response, the National Chief Imam expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse and his delegation for the kind gesture. He assured them that the Muslim community would not only observe the ban on drumming and noise-making but also join the Ga community in August to celebrate the Homowo festival. The National Chief Imam also offered prayers for the Ga Mantse, his sub-chiefs, and the entire Ga community, calling for unity and peace among the Ga people. Leader of the delegation, Nii Adote Otintor II, the Sempe Mantse, thanked the Chief Imam for his warm welcome and pledged to join him on his 106th birthday to seek the blessings of Almighty Allah. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on the media to play a pivotal role in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), stressing the need for objective and sustained coverage to curb the menace. The call was made during an extensive meeting with representatives from major media houses across the country on Monday, March 24, 2025. The engagement, initially scheduled for an earlier date, coincided with reports of a violent attack on Forestry Commission officers — an incident Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah described as a stark reminder of the severity of the galamsey crisis and the urgent need for radical and inclusive solutions. Providing a detailed briefing on the state of illegal mining inherited by the Mahama administration, the Minister revealed that nine forest reserves had already fallen under the control of illegal miners by the time the government assumed office. He also highlighted alarming water pollution levels, with turbidity levels in water treated by the Ghana Water Company Limited ranging between 5,000 and 12,000 NTU — more than 10 times the permissible limit of 500 NTU. The scale of land degradation was equally concerning, with illegal mining consuming an area equivalent to 7,500 football fields. Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah outlined the government’s five-pillar strategy to combat illegal mining: Enforcement of Existing Laws  – Strengthening collaboration with law enforcement agencies to intensify crackdowns on illegal mining operations. Structural Overhaul  – Reshuffling monitoring teams to prevent complacency and ensure adequate coverage of mining sites and forest areas. Stakeholder Engagement  – Involving traditional leaders, local authorities, and District Security Councils in the licensing process to enhance local oversight. Decentralized Licensing  – Shifting the licensing process from a centralized model to a localized one, giving traditional authorities and District Security Councils the first point of approval for mining permits. Media Collaboration  – Encouraging the media to remain vocal and objective, avoiding politicization of the issue while amplifying government efforts. The Minister identified flaws in the current licensing system as a significant enabler of illegal mining, stressing that decentralizing the process would empower local authorities to tighten oversight and accountability. Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah urged the media to take an active stance in the fight against galamsey, emphasizing their role as the fourth estate of the realm. He called on journalists to use their platforms to hold stakeholders accountable and raise public awareness on the environmental and social costs of illegal mining. The media representatives commended the Minister for his transparency and pledged to use their platforms to support the government’s fight against illegal mining. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to the robbery and murder of two mobile money vendors in Kumasi. A manhunt has been launched for a fourth suspect believed to be involved in the crimes. In a statement dated 25th March 2025, the police identified the arrested suspects as Charles Kwame Danso, 23, also known as “Kwame Charles” or “Miami,” Philip Foujour, 29, and Samuel Addae Mensah, 42. They were apprehended on 21st March 2025 at Pankrono and Atimatim respectively. Details of the Incidents According to the police statement, the first incident occurred on Thursday, 13th February 2025, at Kroforom around noon. The victim, Patricia Nimako, was fatally attacked during a robbery that also saw the suspects making away with a substantial sum of money. The second incident happened on the night of Monday, 10th March 2025, when Gideon Owusu Sarpong, also known as “Junior,” was attacked and killed at his residence in Kwadaso during a robbery. The police have assured the public that they are intensifying their investigations and are determined to apprehend the fourth suspect to bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the suspects in custody are assisting with the investigation and are expected to be arraigned in court soon. The police have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the fourth suspect to contact the nearest police station. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned British actor, Idris Akuna Elba, has paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to seek his blessings for a groundbreaking project aimed at boosting Ghana's creative industry . During the visit, Elba highlighted his deep African roots, revealing that he is an ambassador for both his father’s country, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. He shared how his mother ensured he obtained a Ghanaian passport, reinforcing his connection to his heritage. "I'm here as a son of a soldier, but I'm also here as an ambassador for Africa," Elba stated. "When I was growing up and working as a bouncer, I rarely saw people who looked like me on television. It became important for me to represent Africans and the Dutch land as I grew in my career." Mr. Elba revealed that he has partnered with key stakeholders to establish a state-of-the-art film studio and creative hub on 22 acres of land near the Osu Council in Accra. "We’ve designed something that we believe will be not only excellent for Africa but fantastic for Ghana, to stimulate the creative sector in a major way," he disclosed. He emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for the African creative industry, referencing the success of similar projects in South Africa. "If we have studios here, I myself will definitely be working in them and bringing our films to Ghana," Elba added. Elba concluded by seeking the Ga Mantse's blessing for the project, noting the King’s longstanding commitment to promoting the arts and creative sector in Ghana. On his part, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse pledged the full support of the Ga State for British actor Idris Elba’s proposed film studio in Accra. The Ga Mantse emphasized the need for creative platforms to guide and inspire the youth. "We used to have Mr. Mentor, which shaped the direction of our youth and helped define our collective psyche, concepts, and vision. Today, that direction is lacking, and we need these tools to guide the next generation," he stated. He highlighted the importance of preserving Ghanaian culture and language, stressing the need to enforce Ghana Education Service (GES) bylaws to protect local languages spoken in schools within the Ga State. "Our language is everything—it is our identity," the Ga Mantse said. Reaffirming his commitment to the creative arts, he described Elba's film studio project as a game-changer for Ghana’s creative industry. "Partnering with us to build a studio is the way forward. That is why we will support it absolutely, to ensure the creative arts sector reaches its next level," Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A heavy rainstorm accompanied by strong, gusty winds and lightning on Tuesday afternoon caused significant destruction across Accra, leaving a trail of damage in its wake. At the ANC Mall in East Legon, the storm brought down the solar panel roofing over the car park, crushing over 50 vehicles beneath the collapsed structure. Eyewitnesses reported that the powerful winds that accompanied the downpour around 5:30 p.m. were responsible for the collapse. Speaking to authorities at the scene, they confirmed that no casualties had been recorded despite the severity of the incident. The Ghana National Fire Service swiftly responded to the scene and is working to ensure the area is safe and secure. The rainstorm also caused disruption in other parts of the capital. The sudden downpour, which followed a sunny morning, also worsened the evening rush-hour traffic, prompting calls for police intervention to ease the gridlock. The Ghana Meteorological Agency had issued an alert earlier in the day, warning of a possible storm, but the intensity of the winds and the resulting damage caught many off guard. Emergency services remain on the ground at ANC Mall, assessing the damage and assisting affected vehicle owners. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith