Tamale South Member of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed plans to submit recommendations to President John Mahama regarding the controversial LGBTQ Bill, which has sparked widespread debate across Ghana. While Iddrisu refrained from divulging specifics about the content of his proposed suggestions, he emphasized that his ideas would align with national interests and aim to foster broad consensus around the bill. Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving at the national mosque on Friday, January 10, Iddrisu stated, “I have some ideas on the LGBTQ issue, but I am yet to share them with the president on how he can re-own the bill, get national consensus around it, and ensure it aligns with the laws of Ghana and the constitution.” He stressed that while the issue is often framed in religious terms, it is, in fact, a broader social problem that requires collective attention and resolution. The LGBTQ Bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, seeks to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI advocacy, including promoting, funding, or supporting LGBTQI-related activities. If enacted, the law would impose penalties on individuals or groups involved in such actions. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protect Ghanaian cultural values and family structures from what they perceive as foreign ideologies. However, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, who view it as a violation of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, association, and equality. The bill’s legislative journey has been contentious, with challenges raised in the Supreme Court. Broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and academic Dr. Amanda Odoi filed petitions, arguing that the bill did not meet the constitutional requirements during its legislative process, and therefore, should be considered unconstitutional. In a ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions, stating that the bill had not yet become law and therefore could not be challenged on constitutional grounds. Justice Lovelace Johnson clarified that legislative processes, including those related to bills, are not subject to judicial review until the bill is formally enacted and receives presidential assent. As the debate continues, Iddrisu’s proposed recommendations may play a crucial role in shaping the bill's future and the national discourse surrounding LGBTQI rights in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s U17 national football team, the Black Starlets, has appointed Stephen Frimpong Manso as its new head coach, effective January 1, 2025. His appointment follows the resignation of Laryea Kingston after a disappointing campaign in the WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations, where the team fell short of qualifying for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. Frimpong Manso brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed several top Ghanaian clubs such as Asante Kotoko, Karela United, and Bibiani Gold Stars. His most recent coaching tenure was with Bibiani Gold Stars. He has also coached teams abroad, including Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast, B.A. United, Kessben FC (now Medeama SC), and Nkoranza Warriors. A former player with the Black Stars, Frimpong Manso had a successful career as a defender, earning 14 caps for the senior national team between 1986 and 1995. He also had stints with Asante Kotoko and Al Shabab in Kuwait. Manso is recognized for his strong focus on youth development, a quality that has seen him previously serve as an assistant coach for the Black Starlets from 2009 to 2010 and for Ghana’s U23 team, the Black Meteors, from 2006 to 2008. His extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, positions him well to lead the Black Starlets into their future challenges. Ghana’s U17 side has had mixed results recently, notably reaching the semi-finals of the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship in 2024 but failing to secure a spot in the Africa U17 Cup of Nations after a 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso. Looking ahead, Frimpong Manso will aim to revitalize the team and focus on securing qualification for the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations and other upcoming tournaments. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a shocking incident in Diaso, a town in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, a man in his early 30s has been accused of beheading his girlfriend following suspicions of infidelity. The gruesome act reportedly occurred after the victim was found having an affair with another man. Witnesses revealed that the couple was last seen together at noon on January 9, 2025. Concerned friends, upon not hearing from the woman, visited her boyfriend's home to check on her. They were met with a horrifying scene: the woman's body lay lifeless on the floor, drenched in blood from multiple knife wounds to her neck. The violent attack has stirred unrest within the Diaso community, prompting police to manage the growing crowd at the scene. The deceased, originally from the Northern Region, had been in a relationship with the suspect for a year. This tragic event marks the second murder of a woman by her partner over alleged cheating this year in the region; a previous incident occurred in Awutu Bawjiase. The police have begun investigating the case and have visited the scene. Meanwhile, the victim's body has been sent to the Dunkwa On-Offin District Government Hospital for autopsy and preservation. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with this distressing situation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

According to the 2025 Ghana Market Outlook report by Databank Research, the government is set to borrow approximately GH₵200 billion from the Treasury bill market in 2025, a decrease from the estimated GH₵220 billion in 2024. This reduction signifies an average weekly borrowing of GH₵3.9 billion, compared to GH₵4.2 billion the previous year. The research attributes this decline in short-term borrowing to improved access to alternative funding sources, alongside a strategic shift towards long-term securities, which aligns with Ghana’s broader economic recovery efforts. Enhanced access to international financial markets is expected to provide the government with greater flexibility in sustainable financing options. The transition to long-term instruments is anticipated to fully materialize following the first quarter of 2025. Databank's report notes that while there will be a notable moderation in the Treasury's demand for money market funding, the government may still have elevated demand for short-term funding to navigate maturing debts stemming from substantial borrowing in the second half of 2024. With positive signs emerging from various macroeconomic indicators and greater access to international funding, the government is likely to pivot towards longer-term financing solutions, although this change will primarily begin post-Q1 2025. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Man butchers wife at Bawjiase In a tragic incident at Awutu Bawjiase, Eric Adakanu, 32, has been arrested after brutally killing his wife, Ayisha Mununi, also 32, in a fit of rage over infidelity accusations. The couple, who had been married for over a decade and shared three children, were visiting Eric's senior brother to celebrate Christmas when the argument erupted. Witnesses report that the confrontation escalated after Eric accused Ayisha of cheating, which she vehemently denied. Amidst the heated exchange, Eric retrieved a cutlass from his brother’s room and attacked Ayisha, resulting in her instant death. Eric has since been taken into custody by the Bawjiase District Police Command, while Ayisha's body has been sent to the Police Hospital mortuary as the community grapples with the shocking turn of events. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader in Parliament The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s approach to ministerial appointments, describing it as a “tot-tot” method that undermines efficient governance. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks came after the Speaker of Parliament announced President Mahama's nomination of three ministerial nominees for vetting by the Appointments Committee. On Thursday, January 9, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was nominated as Finance Minister-designate, John Abdulai Jinapor as Energy Minister-designate, and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Attorney General and Minister of Justice-designate. Addressing Parliament, Afenyo-Markin expressed dissatisfaction with what he deemed a piecemeal approach to appointments, arguing that a government committed to delivering a “24-hour economy” should have a comprehensive list of ministers ready to avoid delays in key governance processes. “When the names were read out by Mr. Speaker, he read only three names – the Finance Minister Designate, the Energy Minister Designate, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Designate. This ‘tot-tot-tot’ appointment approach is unacceptable,” Afenyo-Markin stated. He further questioned the readiness of the government, referencing its previous promises of swift action and efficient governance. The Minority Leader’s comments underscore concerns that such staggered nominations could create uncertainty and hinder critical governance activities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa The Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the team has collected substantial evidence regarding looted state assets by appointees of the previous administration. Speaking to journalists in the Eastern Region, Ablakwa expressed confidence in the team’s progress, stating that the evidence will soon be presented to President John Dramani Mahama for further action. He emphasized that the report, once submitted, would detail the extent of the misappropriation and highlight the team’s efforts to compile and coordinate the evidence for recovery. “We will not disclose the nature of our achievements until we have presented our report to His Excellency the President. When we present our report, the Ghanaian people will see the tremendous work that has gone on and the extent of the loot,” Ablakwa said. The team, appointed by President Mahama, has been tasked with investigating state capture and asset misappropriation and is working to ensure accountability for those responsible. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Finance Minister Designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson Ghana’s new government could seek extra funding from the International Monetary Fund during its current, three-year programme with the lender in order to cushion the economy, finance minister designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said on Thursday. President John Dramani Mahama, who was sworn into office this week after beating the ruling party candidate in December’s election, picked the former minority leader in parliament to serve in the key post of finance minister. “We are committed to work with the IMF, but we also want to ensure that we can raise financing; additional finance, working with IMF and other domestic, international partners,” Forson, told reporters, ahead of a meeting with an IMF team that is currently visiting Accra. “The reliance on Treasury bills and others has not been very helpful,” said Forson, who also served as a deputy finance minister before. The IMF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dr. Forson, a 46-year old chartered accountant who holds a Masters degree in taxation from Oxford and a doctorate in finance from a local university, said the new administration would also cut public spending to help lower inflation further. “There is a lot of wastage in the system and we will cut them,” he said, adding that the move will also help the government to restart domestic bond issuance by mid-year. The West African gold and cocoa producer defaulted on most of its external debt in 2022, leading to a painful restructuring which is at its tail end. Mahama’s government would conclude the process by striking a deal with its non-Eurobond commercial creditors, Forson said. REVISITING IMF DEAL The new president, who previously occupied the office in 2012-17, had pledged to renegotiate the terms of Ghana’s bailout deal with the IMF during the campaign. But market participants have taken the view he had limited room for manoeuvre and was unlikely to abandon the current IMF programme in spite of that campaign rhetoric. His promise mirrored those of other reformist candidates elected into office in emerging markets last year, including Sri Lanka’s Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who rode on a promise of reconsidering the terms of an IMF programme and debt restructuring. Mahama has pledged to swiftly assemble a government able to rapidly address growing discontent by boosting the economy and creating jobs. He also picked John Abdulai Jinapor to serve as energy minister and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine to the post of attorney general and justice minister, the presidency said on Thursday. The new government has inherited an economy emerging from its worst crisis in a generation.Ministerial nominees have to be approved by Parliament, where Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) party holds a two-thirds majority. Dr. Forson pledged to overhaul the management of the crucial cocoa sector, which has been facing challenges in recent years. “We need to look at the issues of funding, diseased crops and production very well. The whole sector needs an overhaul,” he said. Dr. Forson was charged in connection with the loss of public funds through an ambulance supply deal when he was deputy finance minister, before being acquitted by the courts.   Source: Reuters

President John Mahama President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to hold two significant national conferences aimed at addressing critical challenges in Ghana’s governance and education sectors. Speaking at the 92nd Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana in Winneba on Thursday, January 9, Mr. Mahama outlined initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s justice system and overhaul its education sector. The first initiative involves the establishment of a committee to organize a National Constitutional Review Validation Conference. The conference will focus on revitalizing discussions around the stalled constitutional review process, seeking to build consensus on proposed amendments, and promoting judicial independence. "The new NDC administration is resolutely committed to strengthening our justice system. Justice and peace are the bedrock of our national aspirations," Mahama stated. He emphasized that the conference would ensure inclusivity, ensuring the proposed amendments reflect the collective will of the people. On education, Mr. Mahama revealed plans to hold a National Education Review Conference. This conference will conduct a comprehensive examination of Ghana’s education system, from kindergarten through tertiary education, including technical and vocational training. The aim is to identify barriers to quality education and propose actionable reforms to improve the system. "This conference will review our educational system, right from kindergarten through basic, secondary, tertiary, and technical education, to identify what the hindrances to quality education are," he explained. He also expressed hope that the conference would generate new ideas to align the education system with the country’s national development needs. In both areas, Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting justice, fairness, and addressing systemic inequalities, while transforming Ghana’s education system to meet future challenges. Through these initiatives, the former president aims to foster a more inclusive and efficient governance framework and provide a quality education system that drives national development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

John Jinapor, Energy Minister Designate John Jinapor, Ghana's incoming Energy Minister, has taken decisive action to tackle the financial difficulties plaguing the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). In an interview with an Accra-based radio station on Thursday, January 9, Mr. Jinapor announced that he had instructed ECG to immediately suspend all payments for supplies as part of efforts to curb substantial revenue losses within the company. Mr. Jinapor explained that the decision comes in response to the company’s struggles in managing its finances, including overseeing over 70 accounts, which has led to significant financial leakages. He stressed that such inefficiencies have contributed to ECG losing more than 40% of its generated power, a situation he described as unsustainable. "If ECG loses over 40% of its power generated, no matter what you do, you cannot find a solution," Jinapor remarked, adding that other countries face much lower power losses, ranging from 2% to 4%. The Minister-Designate also issued a stern warning to ECG staff, particularly those in the finance directorate, stressing that failure to comply with the directive would result in “serious consequences.” He emphasized the need for improved control, efficiency, and streamlined operations within the company to stabilize the country’s power sector. In addition, Jinapor highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in transforming ECG. He revealed that even before his formal swearing-in, he and his technical team, in collaboration with consultants from the World Bank and IMF, would begin working on a framework to engage private sector participation in the company’s operations. This, he believes, is essential to improve ECG’s billing and collection systems, thereby enhancing its overall efficiency. Mr. Jinapor’s remarks underscore his commitment to addressing the financial and operational challenges of the power sector, with the ultimate goal of ensuring more reliable electricity supply for Ghanaians. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Kwame Baah Mensah, was forcibly evicted from his office on Thursday morning by individuals alleged to have ties with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The incident occurred at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The group, described as heavily built men, stormed the premises and locked all offices except that of the NSA Administrator. They demanded that Mr. Baah Mensah vacate his office, hand over his keys, and relinquish the official vehicle. Officers from the Asokwa District Police Command, led by ASP Kofi Aboagye, arrived to restore order. The police facilitated the safe departure of the Regional Director after tensions escalated. The dramatic events were compounded by a surprising turn of events as several NSA staff openly supported the actions of the intruders. Staff members were seen jubilating and hooting as their boss was escorted out of the building. Allegations Against Regional Director The staff leveled serious allegations against Mr. Baah Mensah, accusing him of: Unfair promotions and victimization of workers, Poor working relations, Corrupt practices, and Delayed payment of allowances for casual workers for four months. During the eviction, the staff even prevented Mr. Baah Mensah from taking bottled water from his office, claiming it was purchased with NSA funds. Police Intervention Following deliberations with the police, the intruders eventually vacated the premises. The police supervised as the Regional Director packed his belongings into a vehicle. In a chaotic and unceremonious exit, Mr. Baah Mensah was booed and insulted by staff as he was driven away in a private vehicle. The incident underscores tensions within the NSA in the Ashanti Region and raises questions about internal grievances and the conduct of leadership. Neither Mr. Baah Mensah nor the NSA has commented publicly on the allegations or the eviction. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Official portrait of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama The Office of the President has officially unveiled the portrait of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, a move described as symbolizing his leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana. In a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, the new portrait is said to reflect the values and aspirations of the nation, serving as a beacon of national pride and unity. "The official portrait captures President Mahama's dedication to building a better Ghana, a country united in purpose and progress" "It represents the ideals of hope, resilience, and inclusivity that his administration seeks to champion," Kwakye Ofosu stated. The statement also clarified that no individual or organization has been contracted by the government to mass-produce or distribute framed versions of the portrait. Ministries, Departments, Agencies, private businesses, and the general public have been urged to take note of this directive. The presidency emphasized that the official portrait is freely available for download on the government website, www.presidency.gov.gh, to ensure accessibility and to prevent exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. Official portrait of Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang The release of the portrait marks a significant moment in President Mahama’s administration as he continues to lead the nation towards unity and sustainable development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith