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Armed Robbers Attack Miners at Kotokuom; One Shot and in Critical Condition 

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Kotokuom

Armed robbers, this dawn attacked a group of miners at Kotokuom, a community near Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, leaving one person in critical condition.

The victim, identified as 26-year-old Michael Laare, was reportedly shot by the robbers after they had taken money and mobile phones from the miners.

He is currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

ALSO READ: 42 Foreign nationals Arrested in Ayamfuri Over Drug Peddling and Prostitution

The robbers, believed to be armed with locally manufactured weapons, fled the scene after the assault.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|SofoBa Kwame Afrifah

42 Foreign nationals Arrested in Ayamfuri Over Drug Peddling and Prostitution

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Ayamfuri

The Central North Regional Police Command has arrested 42 suspects in a major swoop targeting drug peddling and prostitution in Ayamfuri, a mining community in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.

The intelligence-led operation, which took place on April 16, 2025, was led by the Regional Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye. The exercise, which lasted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., focused on criminal hotspots including ghettos and brothels known for illicit activities.

Ayamfuri

Among those arrested were 32 foreign women aged between 22 and 32, and 10 Ghanaian men between the ages of 20 and 31.

Items retrieved from the scene included quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, herbal concoctions believed to be laced with narcotics, condoms, and cigarette packs.

Some of the female suspects, during initial interrogation, claimed to be victims of human trafficking. They alleged that they were lured into Ghana with promises of decent jobs, only to be forced into prostitution. Others said they were compelled to work for years to settle debts imposed by their traffickers.

The 32 foreign nationals are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigation and repatriation where necessary. The 10 Ghanaian male suspects are being screened, and those found culpable will be prosecuted.

DCOP Abraham Acquaye reaffirmed the Regional Command’s resolve to fight crime and rid the Central North Region of criminal elements. 

He said the police will continue to collaborate with relevant state agencies to dismantle human trafficking networks and improve public safety.

Ghana|Atinkaonline|Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack  

US Deportation Process Will Not Be Publicized – Foreign Minister

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Foreign Minister

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the government will not make public the process and locations of deported Ghanaians arriving from the United States.
This, he said, is to protect the dignity and privacy of returnees and ensure their successful reintegration.

Speaking to the press, the Minister confirmed that brief from Ghana’s foreign officials in the United States remain unchanged and that the number of deportees currently stands at 116. However, unlike in previous years, the government has opted for a more discreet approach in handling deportations.

“When we arrive, our team welcomes them and supports them with integration and family reunification efforts in collaboration with other partners. We are doing all of this quietly because it is important to respect the dignity of our compatriots,” Hon. Ablakwa explained.

He emphasized that publicizing the deportation process and exposing returnees to media coverage could damage their reputations and hinder their ability to rebuild their lives, find employment, and reintegrate into society.

“We can always provide updates, but we will not subject these individuals to unnecessary public scrutiny,” – he added.

Hon. Ablakwa also addressed growing concerns over a viral video that appeared to show some Ghanaians fighting in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He revealed that Ghanaian authorities are working closely with the Russian Embassy and other diplomatic partners to identify the individuals involved and understand the circumstances.

“Our colleagues in Moscow have found it extremely difficult to trace or verify the people seen in that video. We invited the Russian Ambassador to Ghana for discussions, and he told us his government is not aware of any such situation,” – the Minister said.

ALSO READ: Ghana to Host Launch of ECOWAS @50 Celebrations

Preliminary investigations suggest that some private recruitment agencies may have misled unsuspecting Ghanaian youth into traveling abroad under the pretense of securing jobs, only to be sent to the battlefronts of Ukraine.

“These young people were not soldiers or vigilantes. They were just looking for decent work,” the Minister noted. “We are treating this matter seriously and are calling on Ghanaians who have any information—especially those with relatives who may be caught up in this situation—to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

So far, no Ghanaian family has come forward with credible details about missing or involved relatives, making it difficult for officials to take further steps. The Minister stressed that efforts to confirm and rescue any affected citizens remain ongoing.

“This is one opportunity to reach out to the Ghanaian people. If you know anyone involved, please let us know. We are committed to bringing them back to safety,” he appealed.

The government says it remains vigilant in protecting its citizens abroad, particularly in conflict zones and challenging migration routes.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Ebenezer Madugu

Ghana to Host Launch of ECOWAS @50 Celebrations

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Ghana has been selected to host the official launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a major milestone for the regional bloc and a proud moment for the nation.

The launch event, scheduled for April 22, 2025, will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre. It marks the beginning of a year-long series of activities across ECOWAS member states to commemorate the founding of the bloc on May 28, 1975.

Addressing the media, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the hosting honour as a testament to Ghana’s historic role in championing Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and African unity.

“This golden jubilee is more than a commemoration of time; it is a testament to the resilience, cooperation, and shared aspirations of West African nations,” – the Minister said.

The event will be hosted by President John Dramani Mahama and is expected to attract high-level dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, other Heads of State, Foreign and Finance Ministers, and representatives of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

A key highlight will be the unveiling of the ECOWAS@50 Anniversary logo and the announcement of the official theme for the celebrations. 

The launch will also coincide with an Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on April 22–23, which will discuss the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS.

Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the need to use the jubilee as a platform for deepening unity and redefining the vision of ECOWAS in the face of growing political and security challenges. He praised President Mahama’s recent diplomatic efforts in engaging the AES bloc and called for renewed commitment to ECOWAS’ values of peace, security, and development.

“ECOWAS must reinforce diplomacy, enhance security and remain resolute in its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” – the Minister stated.

Reflecting on ECOWAS’ achievements, Hon. Ablakwa highlighted transformative protocols like the Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Free Movement of Persons, as well as strategic infrastructure projects like the West African Power Pool and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.

He also acknowledged the role of ECOWAS in regional peacekeeping and its support for youth development through scholarship initiatives and policy harmonisation.

The Minister called on all Ghanaians—government institutions, private sector, and civil society—to support the successful hosting of the event. He revealed that a national planning committee chaired by his office is working diligently to ensure a world-class celebration.

As West Africa marks this important milestone, Ghana stands ready to lead with excellence, reaffirming its role as a pillar of diplomacy and regional cooperation.

“Regional integration is not just about policies—it is about people,” Hon. Ablakwa concluded. “As one people, we shall reaffirm our unshakable commitment to a stronger, more united West Africa.”

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Two Suspects Arrested for Attempted Robbery Near Asankragua

By
Ebenezer Madugu
-

Two men are in police custody following their arrest for allegedly preparing to commit robbery near Asankragua in the Western Region.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Abdul-Salam, 28, and Karim Yakubu, 42, were apprehended by officers from the Western Central Regional Police Command after being spotted hiding in a bush along a road in the area.

According to a police report, the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting a patrol team, triggering a chase.

The pursuit led to an abandoned mining site where the duo jumped into a muddy pit in a desperate attempt to escape arrest.

Police officers, however, managed to retrieve the suspects from the pit and arrested them.

A search conducted at the scene uncovered a shotgun, three AAA cartridges, and a Nokia mobile phone.

The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The police have assured the public of their continued commitment to fighting crime and maintaining safety across the region.

Dr. Isaac Adebesah Appointed and takes office as the New CEO of GRATIS

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Dr. Isaac Adebesah has officially assumed office as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS).

The appointment was formalized in a ceremony held on Monday, April 14, 2025, where the Minister for Trade and Industry, Lawyer Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, swore him into office.
During the ceremony, the Minister charged Dr. Adebesah to uplift the standards and performance of GRATIS, emphasizing the institution’s critical role in driving industrial innovation and appropriate technology for national development.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Adebesah expressed deep gratitude to the Minister and His Excellency the President for entrusting him with the leadership of the institution. He pledged to work diligently to transform GRATIS into a beacon of technological advancement and industrial growth.


“I am committed to ensuring that GRATIS reaches greater heights by focusing on innovation, efficiency, and impactful service delivery,” he stated.


Dr. Adebesah’s appointment has been met with optimism, as stakeholders look forward to a new era of growth and revitalization within the organization.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

UCS Embarks On ‘Adopt a Street’ Clean-up Campaign

By
Ebenezer Madugu
-
UCS

UCS Facility Management, a wing of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), has embarked on its maiden community volunteer clean-up exercise in the East Legon enclave in Accra.

The exercise, which forms part of the ” Adopt a Street” campaign by Zoomlion Ghana Limited, another subsidiary of JGC, aims to promote a clean environment and healthy living.

UCS

Speaking to the media, the Managing Director for UCS Facility Management, Yaa Dansua Ampofo, noted that the exercise was part of a bigger initiative to offer volunteerism to the communities in which they operate.

“As a corporate entity, our responsibility goes beyond the balance sheets and the boardroom but also contributing to a cleaner, greener environment,” she said.

UCS

The clean-up exercise involved weeding, sweeping, and painting of the median of American House-Bawaledhie Street and the intersection of the traffic light.

UCS

She encouraged other organisations to embrace the “Adopt a Street” campaign for the cleanliness of the country, noting that such activities are a medium to serve the communities and humanity.

The exercise, which started at 7 a.m., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, received great applause from the areas that were cleaned.

Residents expressed satisfaction and urged other corporate bodies to emulate this gesture of UCS Facility Management.

A resident, Nicholas, emphasised that environmental cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility and encouraged the public to take advantage of the Zoomlion “Adopt a Street” strategy to accelerate the clean environment that Ghanaians are hoping for.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

IMF, Ghana Reach Staff-Level Agreement on Fourth Review of $3 Billion Support Programme

By
Ebenezer Madugu
-
IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Government of Ghana have reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of Ghana’s 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme. The agreement, once approved by the IMF Executive Board, will unlock the release of US$370 million in funding support to Ghana.

This brings the total disbursement under the program to approximately US$2.36 billion since its approval in May 2023.

The agreement follows a two-week mission by an IMF team led by Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, who met with key government officials and stakeholders between April 2 and April 15, 2025, in Accra.

According to a statement issued at the end of the mission, Ghana experienced stronger-than-expected economic growth in 2024, driven by robust activity in the mining and construction sectors. The country also recorded a significant improvement in its external sector, supported by increased exports — particularly gold — and higher remittance inflows, leading to strong accumulation of international reserves.

However, program performance deteriorated sharply towards the end of 2024. Fiscal data indicated slippages in the run-up to the general elections, including a large build-up of government payables. Inflation also rose above the program’s target, and delays were recorded in implementing key reforms in fiscal management, the financial sector, and energy policy.

To correct these slippages, the new administration has introduced bold measures, including the passage of a strong 2025 budget targeting a primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP. A comprehensive audit of accumulated payables is underway, and public financial management reforms have been launched to tighten spending and improve fiscal discipline.

The IMF noted that the Bank of Ghana has increased its policy rate and is reviewing its liquidity operations to curb inflation, which is expected to decline under tighter monetary and fiscal policies.

Engagements also focused on strengthening social protection programs to support the most vulnerable Ghanaians amid economic adjustments. The IMF team acknowledged Ghana’s commitment to enhancing governance, transparency, and reforming the management of state-owned enterprises, particularly in the cocoa, gold, and energy sectors.

On energy, the resumption of quarterly electricity tariff adjustments and structural reforms is expected to reduce sector shortfalls and prevent the accumulation of new arrears.

Ghana is also progressing with its public debt restructuring program. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the G20 Common Framework has been signed by all members of Ghana’s Official Creditor Committee. The next step is the conclusion of bilateral agreements and ongoing discussions with commercial creditors to secure a comprehensive and sustainable debt treatment.

The IMF team expressed gratitude to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, and other stakeholders for their cooperation and constructive engagement during the mission.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| IMF Communications Department

Feed Ghana: Gov’t Must Retain “Planting for Food and Jobs Name” – Governor

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Governor

The Geater Accra Regional Director of Operations of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kofi Antwi, popularly known as Governor, has called on the current administration to maintain the name “Planting for Food and Jobs” rather than rebranding it as “Feed Ghana.”

Speaking on Atinka TV’s political and development show Ghana Nie, hosted by Ama Gyenfa Ofosu-Darkwa, Governor argued that the essence of the program remains unchanged and that the rebranding is an attempt to downplay the achievements of the previous government.

According to him, from 2017 to 2024, the government invested about 2 billion cedis in the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, which played a pivotal role in revitalizing Ghana’s agriculture sector and creating thousands of jobs.

“They’ve only changed the name. The project is still the same. In fact, they’ve allocated about 1.5 billion for the same initiative in the 2025 budget,” – he stated.

Governor urged the current administration to credit former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for launching and successfully implementing the initiative. He insisted that the change in name does nothing to alter the structure of the program or its objectives.

Touching on the now-resurrected Feed Ghana program, he revealed that the concept was originally developed by himself and the current NPP Communications Director, Richard Ahiagba, before it was shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, he explained, was aimed at promoting Ghanaian cuisine by opening restaurants that offered local meals at affordable prices, as low as 5 cedis per plate.

“Feed Ghana was to create a sustainable market for farmers at the consumption end. The objective was to boost demand for local farm produce through restaurant chains,” – he added.

Mr. Antwi credited the previous government for laying strong foundations that made farming attractive to many Ghanaians, including celebrities like John Dumelo, who ventured into agriculture.

He concluded that instead of erasing the legacy of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, the current government should retain the name and allow the Feed Ghana project to exist as a separate component aimed at addressing local food consumption.

“Let Planting for Food and Jobs remain. Let Feed Ghana focus on food services. That’s how we create a full cycle—from farm to table.”

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V Vows to Support Transformation of Akwamu 

By
Ebenezer Madugu
-
Nana Akonnor Bekai
Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V displaying cheers in his palanquin

Akwamufie came alive with pomp, pageantry, and spiritual symbolism on April 10, 2025, as Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V, Known in his private life as Aaron Kwabena Packeys, A seasoned Chartered Accountant and a Consummate Business Leader, was officially coronated as Osomanyawa — the Chief Administrator and second-in-command of Akwamu State — bringing an end to a 13-year vacancy of one of the kingdom’s most powerful traditional positions.

The ceremony, held at the Bogyawe Palace in the Eastern Region’s Asuogyaman District, was rich in cultural heritage. Nana Bekai, who also serves as Ayokohene, Mankrado of Akwamuman, and Guantoahene of Akwamu, swore the traditional oath of allegiance to His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, promising to uphold the values, unity, and transformation agenda of the Akwamu Traditional Area.

Nana Akonnor Bekai
Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V exchanging pleasantries with Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III

In a rare and historic moment, both the Akwamuhene and Nana Bekai were adorned in the sacred 400-year-old “Mahony” cloth — a lion skin and cowrie-laden regalia historically used by Akwamu royalty as spiritual protection in times of war. Oral tradition holds that the Mahony cloth can only be destroyed by a sacred stone, and it is exclusively reserved for the Akwamuhene and Osomanyawa.

Nana Akonnor Bekai

As part of the rituals, the revered “Afua” sword — symbol of the Omanhene’s authority — was laid down and ceremonially stepped on three times by the Akwamuhene before it was handed to Nana Bekai. This act signified the formal transfer of power and authority, empowering him to lead the divisional chiefs and represent the Akwamuhene when necessary.

Nana Akonnor Bekai
Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V matching with his entourage to the rich rhythm of the Atumpan and Fontomfrom

Traditional drums such as Atumpan and Fontomfrom echoed through the palace as Nana Bekai led the Akwamuhene to the dance floor, raising the Fontomfrom high — a symbolic gesture of loyalty, respect, and service.

Nana Akonnor Bekai
Nana Akonnor Bekai

Observers described the moment as “deeply symbolic,” emphasizing that “this is not just tradition, it is a spiritual expression of loyalty, honesty, obedience, and reverence.”

Nana Akonnor Bekai

Nana Bekai’s return, described as coming “home from a 13-year journey to the ancestors,” has reignited hope and enthusiasm among the Akwamu people. He is expected to work closely with Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, who has reigned since 2011, to usher in a new era under the “Akwamu Arising” vision — focused on unity, heritage preservation, and development.

The Bogyawe Palace, not only the official seat of the Akwamuhene but also a cultural attraction, continues to stand as a proud symbol of Akwamu heritage and resilience.

Nana Akonnor Bekai Ababio V

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Barima Kwaku Saakwa

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