President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah as the Acting Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The appointment, which took effect on January 27, 2025, was made in accordance with Article 195(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 11(1) of the Economic and Organised Crime Act, 2010 (Act 804). A letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, outlined that Mr. Dapilah’s appointment will be subject to the constitutionally required advice of EOCO's governing board, given in consultation with the Public Services Commission. “The President of the Republic, in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 11(1) of the Economic and Organised Crime Act, 2010 (Act 804), has appointed you as the Acting Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office pending receipt of the constitutionally required advice of the governing Board of the Authority, given in consultation with the Public Services Commission,” the letter stated. Mr. Dapilah has been given 14 days from the receipt of the letter to indicate his acceptance or otherwise of the appointment. Dr. Mahama further conveyed the President's congratulations, stating, “I take this opportunity to congratulate you formally on your appointment.” The appointment of Mr. Dapilah is expected to strengthen EOCO's efforts in combating economic and organized crimes in Ghana. EOCO plays a critical role in the country’s fight against corruption, money laundering, and other organized criminal activities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Appointments Committee of Parliament will today, January 28, 2025, vet five ministerial nominees selected by President John Dramani Mahama for key government positions. The vetting process, scheduled to begin at 9:00 am in Parliament House, will feature Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister-designate for Defence, as the first to appear before the committee. Renowned for his extensive public service and communication experience, Dr. Omane Boamah is expected to present his vision for strengthening Ghana’s national security and defence systems. At 11:00 am, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, MP, will be vetted as Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives. He is anticipated to outline plans to implement innovative projects aimed at fostering national development. The afternoon session will begin at 1:00 pm with Adjei Kenneth Gilbert, the minister-designate for Works, Housing, and Water Resources. His focus during the vetting is expected to be on addressing challenges in affordable housing, sustainable water management, and infrastructure development. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, MP, will face the committee at 3:00 pm as the minister-designate for the Greater Accra Region. If approved, she will be tasked with overseeing developmental projects and governance in the capital. The final vetting for the day will occur at 5:00 pm with Charity Gardiner, the minister-designate for the Ahafo Region. Her agenda is expected to prioritize regional development and enhancing livelihoods in the area. This vetting exercise is a critical step in evaluating the competence, experience, and readiness of the nominees to assume their respective roles. The outcomes will significantly influence President Mahama’s administration as it aims to deliver on its development agenda. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned Nigerian music icon Innocent ‘2Face’ Idibia has confirmed his divorce from wife, Annie Macaulay, bringing an end to their 13-year marriage. The announcement, which the artist shared via Instagram, revealed that the couple has been separated for some time and is now pursuing divorce proceedings. In his candid post, 2Face expressed his intention to address the matter publicly, promising transparency to his fans while acknowledging the sensitive nature of the situation. “This thing I have to say is short but also long… Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while now and have currently filed for divorce. I will grant a press release soon to share my story—not because it’s anyone’s right to know my personal life, but because I love my people, and I need them to know my innocence or offence. Stay blessed, my people. I love you all,” he wrote. The revelation sent shockwaves through social media, with fans expressing a mix of shock, disappointment, and curiosity about the sudden turn of events in the star’s personal life. However, the situation took an unexpected twist when a subsequent post on 2Face’s account claimed that his page had been hacked and the divorce announcement was false. This sparked confusion and debates among fans and observers. In a dramatic follow-up, 2Face went live on social media to clarify matters, refuting the hacking claims and reaffirming his earlier statement. "I personally made the divorce announcement and meant every word,” he declared during the live session, putting an end to speculation about the authenticity of his initial post. Adding to the controversy, days before the announcement, 2Face was reportedly spotted with a mystery woman at a nightclub, further fueling rumors and sparking debates about the circumstances surrounding his marriage. Annie Macaulay, who has been a part of 2Face’s life for 24 years and shares two children with him, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. Fans and well-wishers continue to await further updates from both parties as the situation unfolds. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Project Management Institute (PMI) Ghana to enhance the teaching and learning of project management as a professional programme. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry demands, making KNUST graduates globally competitive. The partnership comes in response to a recent survey revealing that $100 million is lost for every $1 billion spent on physical projects due to unprofessional practices and execution incompetence. Speaking at the signing ceremony, PMI Ghana President, Frank Owusu-Asamoah, emphasized the significance of integrating project management education into tertiary institutions. “Project Management as a professional programme at the tertiary level ensures efficiency in projects globally and assures both government and private project owners of value for their investments,” he said. While project management is still a relatively new discipline in Ghana, it is rapidly gaining traction among students. To promote its adoption, PMI Ghana is collaborating with key universities, including KNUST and GIMPA, to provide resources and expertise to improve the study of the course. PMI Ghana, a local chapter of the globally recognized Project Management Institute, boasts 1,500 members in Africa. The organization, which is part of PMI’s 700,000-strong global membership, is dedicated to promoting ethical and professional project management practices worldwide. This partnership is expected to address the inefficiencies in project execution and equip students with practical skills to excel in the global marketplace. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Leader of the #FixTheCountry movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has issued a three-month ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama to revoke over 2,000 mining licenses granted to cronies of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. According to Barker-Vormawor, these licenses were handed out during Akufo-Addo's tenure and have perpetuated illegal mining activities under the guise of legality. In a strongly worded statement via his X account, Barker-Vormawor argued that it is unacceptable for individuals to carry out activities under questionable licenses that mirror the illegal mining practices widely condemned during the previous administration. He called on President Mahama to demonstrate boldness and prioritize the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as 'galamsey.' “The President has three months to act decisively by revoking these licenses. Ghanaians will no longer tolerate people legally doing the same things they once did illegally under the cover of shoddy licenses,” he stated. He hinted at a mass demonstration set for March 6, 2025, if the ultimatum is not heeded. The protest, themed "#RevokeTheLicenses - #StopGalamsey," aims to hold the government accountable for addressing the galamsey menace, which continues to devastate Ghana's water bodies and environment. Oliver Barker-Vormawor emphasized that the fight against galamsey requires uncompromising political will and urged the government to act swiftly. This call comes amidst heightened public scrutiny of the government's approach to tackling illegal mining, with many Ghanaians expressing frustration over its environmental and social impacts. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Ghana, the foremost professional body for project, programme, and portfolio management in the country, has inaugurated its newly elected Board of Directors and President at a distinguished ceremony held at the Hephzibah Christian Centre near Aburi. The event was presided over by His Honour Jonathan Odartey, a Circuit Court Judge, who administered the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy, emphasizing the Board’s dedication to ethical leadership, professionalism, and integrity. In his inaugural address, the new President, Frank Owusu-Asamoah, reaffirmed PMI Ghana’s commitment to its vision of being globally recognized as a hub for project management excellence. He emphasized the institute’s readiness to collaborate with the government, corporate organizations, and stakeholders to address the challenges associated with national project delivery. “With a membership exceeding 1,600 professionals holding globally recognized certifications such as PMP, PgMP, and PMI-ACP, PMI Ghana is well-positioned to drive transformative change in the country’s project landscape,” Mr. Owusu-Asamoah stated. He highlighted the institute’s mission to enhance project management competencies nationwide, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, ethically, and with measurable value. Strategic Focus Areas The newly elected Board has outlined a strategic roadmap to align PMI Ghana’s activities with its vision and global best practices. Key priorities include: Strengthening National Impact PMI Ghana will actively engage with the government and private sector to offer project advisory services in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology. A National Project Management Excellence Programme will be introduced to enhance project success rates and deliver long-term value. Elevating Public Advocacy and Awareness Nationwide campaigns, thought leadership events, and media collaborations will be launched to demonstrate the role of professional project management in achieving sustainable development. Expanding Capacity Building and Inclusivity To democratize access to certifications, PMI Ghana will develop initiatives targeting professionals in underserved regions. Programs to empower young professionals, women, and marginalized groups will also be prioritized, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Aligning Global Standards with Local Needs PMI Ghana will integrate global methodologies like Agile, SCRUM, and Earned Value Management into the Ghanaian context to deliver tailored, innovative solutions to local challenges. Upholding Ethical Leadership and Governance Guided by PMI’s Code of Ethics, the Board pledged transparency and accountability in all its activities, cementing PMI Ghana’s position as a trusted partner in project management excellence. New Board Members The newly sworn-in Board comprises accomplished professionals from various sectors, including: Frank Owusu-Asamoah  (President) Dr. Edwin Nii Obodai Provencal Ms. Bridget Jumoke Yaa Lafenwa Elorm Tsali Bansah Cynthia Omaboe Mrs. Josephine Akoto-Bamfo Augustine Harrington-Nunoo Abubakar Sulemana Commitment to Excellence Mr. Owusu-Asamoah stressed PMI Ghana’s resolve to empower its members with innovative tools and resources while forging strategic partnerships aligned with Ghana’s developmental agenda. “Our mission is to empower professionals, organizations, and governments to succeed in dynamic and complex environments. Together, we can elevate Ghana’s project performance to global standards while addressing the unique challenges of our local context,” he stated. With the new Board at the helm, PMI Ghana is set to scale new heights, delivering unmatched value to individuals, organizations, and the government in driving national development through project management excellence. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Victory Bible Church International (VBCI), one of Ghana's leading charismatic ministries, has launched a year-long programme of activities to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The launch event took place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Dominion Sanctuary, the church's headquarters in Accra. Founded on June 2, 1985, by the Right Reverend Nii Nabi Nii Apiakai Tackie-Yarboi in Kokomlemle, Accra, VBCI has grown exponentially over four decades. Today, the church has over 175 branches in Ghana and a global footprint spanning six countries across four continents: Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The church's mission, anchored in Isaiah 58:12, emphasizes "Raising the Foundations of Many Generations." With 250 local branches, 39 global provinces, and 30 consecrated bishops worldwide, VBCI continues to impact lives spiritually and materially, empowering believers to live out their faith in practical ways. The anniversary launch brought together hundreds of congregants who joined in praising God for the church's growth and impact over the years. Senior bishops Emmanuel Ackun and Cornelius Adjah-Cofie recounted the milestones and challenges of the 40-year journey, crediting the divine guidance that has sustained the ministry. During the unveiling of the anniversary logo and commemorative t-shirt, Presiding Bishop Tackie-Yarboi reflected on the church's journey. He acknowledged the challenges faced but emphasized God's unwavering presence in leading the ministry to success. In a post-launch interview, Bishop Tackie-Yarboi highlighted the church's commitment to addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of its members. "The church is both an organism and an organization. While we focus on spiritual growth, we also prioritize the material and physical well-being of our members," he stated. He emphasized the importance of balancing spiritual teachings with practical support, noting that this approach has been key to the church's vibrancy and unity. 40th Anniversary Activities The year-long celebrations will feature a series of events, including: Conferences: Featuring renowned international speakers. Community Outreach: Projects such as building classroom blocks, boreholes, and clinic renovations in selected communities. Street Evangelism and Crusades: Taking the gospel to the streets. Musical Concerts: Showcasing gospel artists from VBCI and other ministries. Health Programs: A health walk and free health screenings. Youth-Centric Events: Empowering young people with leadership guidance and addressing their challenges. The celebrations will culminate in October 2025 with the "Wonderful Jesus Conference," an international gathering of believers. About VBCI Victory Bible Church International is a dynamic Christian ministry headquartered in Accra, Ghana. Under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Nii Nabi Nii Apiakai Tackie-Yarboi, the church has become a beacon of hope, spreading the message of love, redemption, and transformation. VBCI envisions a transformed world, beginning with Ghana, through dedicated Christian families and empowered believers. By equipping its members to live out their faith, VBCI aims to impact individuals, families, and communities, fostering spiritual growth, evangelism, and community service. As the church marks this significant milestone, it looks forward to continuing its mission of raising generations for Christ and impacting lives worldwide. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a Technical Committee tasked with developing a legal framework to establish the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The board, a flagship initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to drive economic revitalization by optimizing the management and benefits of Ghana's gold resources. Addressing the media during the inauguration, Dr. Forson emphasized the critical role the GoldBod will play in stabilizing Ghana's currency and ensuring the nation fully benefits from its status as Africa’s leading gold producer. Despite earning substantial foreign exchange from gold, the Finance Minister noted that Ghana’s reliance on traditional revenue sources such as royalties and taxes has limited the overall impact of the gold sector on the economy. “The time has come for Ghana to expand beyond royalties and taxes by harnessing the entire value chain of gold,” Dr. Forson stated. "This involves optimizing every stage—from extraction to refining, value addition, and marketing, both locally and internationally.” The Finance Minister highlighted the fragmented and unregulated nature of Ghana’s gold purchasing sector as a major obstacle. Currently, entities such as the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), the Bank of Ghana, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), and individual license holders participate in gold buying and export activities. However, this lack of coordination has facilitated widespread smuggling and deprived the state of much-needed foreign exchange earnings. The GoldBod is designed to address these challenges by serving as the sole buyer of gold from the small-scale mining sector through licensed aggregators and local traders. It will also have exclusive rights as the sole assayer, seller, and exporter of gold purchased from these miners. Once operational, the GoldBod will implement measures to formalize gold trading in the small-scale mining industry, enhance traceability, and ensure compliance with international standards. This is expected to boost the global acceptability of Ghanaian gold and ensure the full repatriation of foreign exchange earnings from gold exports. The enabling legislation, which the Technical Committee has been tasked to draft, will define the board's mandates, amend relevant regulations, and establish a robust monitoring framework to curb black-market activities. Dr. Forson assured stakeholders that the GoldBod will complement the regulatory role of the Minerals Commission rather than replace it. “The establishment of the Ghana Gold Board marks a significant step towards leveraging our gold resources for economic stability and growth,” Dr. Forson added. "With strong monitoring and compliance measures, we can transform our gold industry into a strategic asset that supports national development.” The GoldBod initiative aligns with broader government efforts to improve revenue generation, strengthen the cedi, and position Ghana as a leader in value-added gold production on the global stage. The Technical Committee’s recommendations and draft bill are expected to be finalized and presented to Parliament in the coming months. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reiterated that Catholicism and Freemasonry are fundamentally incompatible, emphasizing that no individual can simultaneously be a true Catholic and a Freemason. In a statement signed by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Church reaffirmed its adherence to the 1983 “Declaration on Masonic Associations” by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which categorically states that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church.” The Church warned that Catholics who join Masonic associations commit grave sin and are barred from receiving Holy Communion. Archbishop Kwofie underscored that Freemasonry contradicts core teachings of the Catholic faith by equating Jesus Christ with other figures such as Buddha and Krishna and by excluding Christian prayers from its rituals. Quoting Proverbs 22:6, the Archbishop urged Catholics, especially the youth, to seek guidance from the Church and resist any efforts to portray Freemasonry as acceptable. He further cited Matthew 6:24, stressing that “no one can serve two masters” and warned that Freemasonry undermines Christian values and the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Archbishop concluded by urging Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith, reaffirming the Church’s unwavering stance against Freemasonry. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), is h a focus on tackling infrastructure bottlenecks hindering efficient trade and logistics. Themed “Delivering Africa’s Single Market through Infrastructure: Invest. Connect. Integrate,”  this year’s event aims to explore actionable solutions to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The dialogues will be held from January 30 to February 1, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana. According to Rui Pedro Afonso Livramento, Chief of Staff at the AfCFTA Secretariat, infrastructure deficiencies remain a significant barrier despite progress made under the AfCFTA. “Intra-African trade costs currently range between 30 to 40%, largely due to inefficient infrastructure,” he said. To address this, the AfCFTA Secretariat is advocating for trade aggregators to integrate Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) into continental value chains, with countries such as Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa leading the charge. The dialogues will bring together over 3,000 participants from 46 countries, including African heads of state, institutional leaders, industry players, and entrepreneurs, to drive policy reforms and foster economic transformation. Sidig Faroug El Toum, CEO of the APN Secretariat, praised Ghana's leadership in pan-Africanism and emphasized the event’s potential to yield transformative agreements. "We hope this platform will lead to significant commitments that bring valuable resources to Ghana and other African nations,” he said. Highlighting the event’s structure, Stephanie Diatta, Chief of Partnerships and International Relations at the APN Secretariat, said the dialogues will feature high-level discussions, fireside chats, and expert presentations focused on infrastructure development. “This comprehensive approach will address cross-sectoral challenges and bridge the gap between policy and implementation,” she added. The event will be divided into two pillars, emphasizing collaboration between public and private sectors to overcome information asymmetries and promote effective partnerships. By focusing on infrastructure, investment, and digital innovation, the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 aims to advance the implementation of AfCFTA and accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. This year’s event promises to not only spotlight solutions to Africa’s infrastructure challenges but also position the continent for stronger intra-African trade and global competitiveness. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Provost of the College of Education Studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). This appointment marks a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s education sector through innovative leadership and expertise. Prof. Davis succeeds Dr. Eric Nkansah , who has been relieved of his duties as Director-General of GES. Prof. Davis is an accomplished academic with an impressive track record in education and administration. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education  from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education  from Hiroshima University, Japan. His academic journey began at UCC, where he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Mathematics . Throughout his career, Prof. Davis has received several prestigious awards, including: The Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS)  in 2007. The British Academy Visiting Scholar Award  in 2011. The Inter-Departmental Research Support Grant  from UCC’s Directorate of Research and Innovation Consultancy (DRIC). Leadership Roles and Professional Affiliations Prof. Davis has held key leadership positions, including serving as the Vice-President of the Ghana Education Research Association (GERA-Ghana)  in 2018. He is also a member of numerous professional bodies, such as: Ghana Mathematics Society Mathematics Association of Ghana (MAG) World Education Research Association (WERA) University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) Southern African Association of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) In his most recent role, Prof. Davis has served as Provost of UCC’s College of Education Studies since August 1, 2022 , where he led efforts to advance educational research and innovation. Prof. Davis’s appointment underscores the government’s commitment to addressing challenges in the education sector by leveraging his vast experience and fresh perspectives. His leadership is expected to drive innovation, improve education standards, and ensure that Ghana’s education system meets the demands of a dynamic, globalized world. Stakeholders and the general public are optimistic about the transformative impact Prof. Davis will bring to the Ghana Education Service. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources designate, has proposed the establishment of "water guards" as part of innovative measures to address the devastating effects of illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey, in Ghana. Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat the menace, which continues to destroy water bodies, farmlands, and the environment while threatening livelihoods and exacerbating water scarcity. “We must explore new ideas to address this challenge. Just as we have forest guards, why not water guards? These individuals would be trained not merely for security purposes but to understand their critical role in protecting the soul of our nation – our water bodies,” he stated. Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana, impacting major crops like cocoa, contaminating drinking water sources, and posing significant health risks. Civil society organizations have repeatedly called on the government to take decisive action, with some urging President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to deal with the issue. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah assured the Committee that under his leadership, a comprehensive strategy would be implemented to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources. "This is not just about enforcing security measures; it’s about saving our environment and ensuring the survival of future generations. Creative and innovative solutions will be key to resolving this menace,” he added. The suggestion of water guards reflects the minister-designate’s commitment to implementing new and practical solutions to combat illegal mining. If approved, his leadership is expected to prioritize environmental preservation and sustainable resource management in addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges. The proposal has already sparked conversations among stakeholders, with many awaiting its implementation as part of a larger plan to combat illegal mining and its destructive effects on the nation’s resources. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith