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Cocoa farmers in Kukuom in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region have declared their Member of Parliament, Eric Opoku, “wanted,” accusing him of failing to deliver on campaign promises made ahead of the 2024 elections.
The aggrieved farmers claim the MP assured them of a cocoa price of GH₵6,000 per bag if they voted for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). However, they say the price has instead been reduced to GH₵2,500, sparking frustration across the community.
The farmers are particularly angered by what they describe as the MP’s absence from the constituency since the price adjustment. They are demanding that he returns to address their concerns and offer an apology for what they call misleading assurances.
The protest in Kukuom is not an isolated case. Similar reactions have been reported in other cocoa-growing areas, where farmers say they feel deceived by unmet expectations.
While the NDC campaigned on a pledge to increase cocoa prices, government officials have attributed the current reduction to global market conditions and fiscal constraints.
Despite these explanations, many farmers view the situation as a breach of trust and are calling for accountability from political leaders.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has questioned President John Dramani Mahama over the decision to reduce cocoa prices, suggesting the move may be politically motivated.
Speaking at Akokoamon in the Tano North Constituency of the Ahafo Region, Annoh-Dompreh argued that the timing of the price reduction—outside an election year—raises concerns about the government’s intentions.
“Would you have reduced cocoa prices if we were in an election year?” he asked, alleging that the government could increase prices closer to elections to win voter support.
He further criticised the administration for what he described as misplaced priorities, claiming that resources are being directed toward party structures instead of supporting cocoa farmers. He cited remarks attributed to Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), indicating that constituency and regional party offices receive regular financial allocations.
Also speaking on the issue, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Gideon Boako, questioned the government’s decision to withdraw benefits previously enjoyed by cocoa farmers, adding that key promises made to the sector remain unfulfilled.
Some cocoa farmers in the Tano North Constituency also expressed concern over the price reduction, describing it as a setback that could negatively impact their livelihoods.
The comments come amid growing debate over cocoa pricing policies and their implications for farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with France following high-level engagements with French leaders during an official visit to Lyon.
In an X post shared after co-chairing the One Health Summit, President Mahama highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, emphasizing cooperation across multiple sectors including health, diplomacy, and development.
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“Ghana and France continue to deepen our relations on all fronts,” Mahama stated. “I am grateful for the honour to co-chair the One Health Summit in Lyon where I laid out the objectives of the Accra Reset initiative within the framework of the One Health agenda.”
The One Health approach, which promotes integrated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health systems, formed a key part of discussions at the summit.
President Mahama used the platform to outline Ghana’s “Accra Reset” initiative, aimed at repositioning the country’s development strategy in line with global health and sustainability goals.
During the visit, Mahama held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the President of the French Senate, in meetings that underscored the shared democratic values and strategic alignment between Ghana and France.
“Today’s meetings with President Emmanuel Macron and the President of the French Senate further demonstrate the shared values of our two countries,” Mahama noted.
A major highlight of the visit was Ghana’s selection as the first beneficiary of France’s health compact initiative, an arrangement expected to boost Ghana’s healthcare delivery system through technical support, funding, and policy collaboration.
“Ghana is delighted to be selected as the first beneficiary of France’s health compact,” Mahama said, describing the move as a significant milestone in advancing the country’s healthcare agenda.
The engagements in Lyon also featured ceremonial events and closed-door discussions, reflecting a renewed diplomatic momentum between Accra and Paris.
Analysts say the strengthening ties could translate into increased investment, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in critical sectors such as public health, climate resilience, and infrastructure.
The visit marks a notable step in Ghana’s foreign policy direction under Mahama’s leadership, as the government seeks to leverage international partnerships to drive national development and global engagement.
With both nations expressing optimism about the future of their partnership, the outcomes of the Lyon meetings are expected to shape a new phase of Ghana-France relations anchored on mutual benefit and shared priorities.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has dismissed reports claiming that the Ghana Card has been activated for financial transactions, describing such information as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued on April 8, 2026, the Authority urged the public to disregard the claims, stressing that the card is not currently approved for use as a financial transaction tool.
The NIA explained that although discussions are ongoing between policymakers and financial sector regulators on the possible integration of the Ghana Card into the country’s financial system, no final decision has been reached.
It further advised citizens to rely only on official communication channels for credible updates regarding any changes to the card’s functionality.
The Authority acknowledged efforts to incorporate the national identification system into Ghana’s broader digital and financial architecture as part of measures to enhance financial inclusion and streamline identity verification processes. However, it maintained that any such rollout would be formally announced once concluded.
“The NIA remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, security, and proper use of the National Identification System,” the statement said.
For now, the Ghana Card continues to serve as a primary tool for identification and verification, and not as a direct medium for financial transactions.
The people of Podoe have successfully celebrated the 2026 Podoe Dunenyo Festival, an annual event that brings the community together.
The festival featured several activities, including clean-up exercises, quiz competitions, health screening, sports, and cultural performances, making it both enjoyable and meaningful for the community.
This year’s festival was not only for celebration but also to raise funds to support education in the area.
Money raised during the event will be used to build an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lab for pupils of Podoe EP Primary and JHS, as well as students from nearby towns. This project is expected to improve learning and give students better access to technology.
The Chief of Podoe-Dorfor and Head of the Amaflu clan, Togbe Kokloko Ananze Titriku XIII, praised the community for organizing a successful festival. He encouraged pupils to take their studies seriously, adding that leaders are working hard to improve education in the area.
The Assemblyman for the area, John Agbadiga, also commended the people for their strong support and participation. He assured everyone that all funds raised will be used for the intended purpose.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd., in Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening waste management systems through a strategic partnership between Ghana and Zimbabwe.
The agreement was signed at Peduase Lodge in Accra in the presence of senior government officials and private sector representatives from both countries.
The partnership focuses on collaboration in waste management operations, including the sharing of technology, technical expertise, and best practices to improve sanitation and environmental sustainability. It is expected to enhance waste collection, processing, recycling, and disposal systems in Zimbabwe.
Under the MoU, Zoomlion will provide its experience in integrated waste management, drawing on its operations in Ghana, where it has established over 36 waste recycling and processing facilities. Geo Pomona will contribute local knowledge and operational capacity within Zimbabwe’s waste management sector.
Officials indicated that the collaboration will support efforts to address challenges associated with rapid urbanisation, increasing waste volumes and environmental concerns in Zimbabwe.
The partnership is also expected to promote sustainable waste management practices, including recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. The agreement is seen as part of broader efforts to encourage intra-African collaboration and the exchange of homegrown solutions to development challenges.
If successfully implemented, the partnership will contribute to cleaner urban environments, improved landfill management, increased recycling activities and job creation in Zimbabwe.
The MoU sets the framework for cooperation, with both parties expected to begin implementation activities following the signing event.
Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, has been released from a U.S. immigration detention centre after issues with his immigration status.
Checks at the detention facility confirmed that his name is no longer on the list of detainees, though officials did not give more details. He had been in custody since January 2026.
His lawyers said the detention was not because of any crime, but due to questions about his right to stay in the United States.
However, he is still facing serious legal problems. He and five others have more than 70 criminal charges related to corruption investigations. One case involves a contract that allegedly caused the state to lose over GH¢1.4 billion.
In February 2026, the Government of Ghana asked the U.S. to send him back (extradition), and U.S. authorities confirmed they received the request.
He is expected to appear again in a U.S. immigration court in Virginia on April 27. Earlier, his visa was cancelled after he failed to leave the country as ordered in November 2025.
Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024. He has been under investigation for decisions made while in office. Although an international arrest alert was once issued for him, it has now been removed.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Hon. Dr. Francis-Xavier Sosu Esq., has officially cut sod for the long-awaited Teiman–Borgatown road project, marking the start of a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving mobility and development in the constituency.
The ceremony was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive for La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assemby, Ibrahim Failaa, and the Chief of Teiman, Nii Manle Dzahaa I, underscoring the significance of the project to the local community.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sosu expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, for supporting the initiative. He noted that the nearly four-kilometre stretch from Teiman through Borgatown and adjoining areas has been in a deplorable condition for over a decade, drawing persistent complaints from residents.
Dr. Sosu revealed that contractors are already mobilised on site, with construction expected to proceed immediately following the sod-cutting ceremony. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed within a reasonable timeframe to significantly improve transportation and living conditions in the area.
The project forms part of a broader road infrastructure drive across Madina. According to the MP, several other roads within key communities including Madina Estate, areas around the Social Welfare enclave, and parts of Pantang, Oyarifa, and surrounding electoral areas have either been awarded or are set to commence soon.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, in collaboration with local authorities and development partners, to upgrading road networks across the municipality despite financial constraints.
Dr. Sosu also called on residents to remain patient and supportive, noting that visible progress is already being made under the current administration’s development agenda.
President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent and coordinated global action to address rising cross-border health threats affecting humans, animals, and plants.
Speaking at the ongoing One Health Summit in Lyon, the Ghanaian leader warned that the world is facing an unprecedented surge in health risks that cut across species and national boundaries.
“Around the world, we are facing an overwhelming surge of health threats across borders—every species is in the crosshairs: animals, humans, and plants,” he stated.
President Mahama stressed the need for a shift from rhetoric to concrete action, urging global leaders and stakeholders to move beyond commitments.
“Let us shift from commitment to action; the period of declarations must come to an end—the moment for coordinated effort is here,” he added.
His remarks highlight growing international concern over interconnected health challenges, including zoonotic diseases, environmental degradation, and food system vulnerabilities, which require a unified, multi-sectoral response under the One Health approach.
Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has announced plans to build a pediatric emergency unit at Manhyia Hospital as a way of giving back to the country.
According to the award-winning artist, the decision is deeply personal, as the facility played a significant role in his early life. He revealed that he received postnatal care at the hospital, making it a meaningful place for his contribution.
“I think that for all that Ghana has given me, it will be fair to build a pediatric emergency unit at the Manhyia Hospital because that was where I got my postnatal service,” he stated.
The initiative reflects his commitment to supporting healthcare delivery, particularly for children, while also contributing to improving medical infrastructure in the country.
