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Court Remands Military Officers Over Alleged Assault and Death of Two Civilians

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Screenshot

The Suame District Court has remanded seven military officers, including senior officials and a driver, in connection with the alleged brutal assault of three young men—an attack that led to the death of two victims.

According to police prosecutors, the tragic incident occurred on March 28, 2025, when the three civilians—Kwame Adu, popularly known as Ogee, Kwabena Sarfo, and Christian Obiri Yeboah (also known as Kofi Yesu)—were picked up by uniformed military officers over the alleged theft of an iPhone belonging to another civilian.

The victims were reportedly taken to the 4th Infantry Battalion (4BN) barracks in Kumasi, where they were allegedly subjected to severe beatings. Two of the men, Kwame Adu and Kwabena Sarfo, were later found dead in a bush at Danyame, a suburb of Kumasi.

Police received a tip-off and retrieved the lifeless bodies, depositing them at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue. Their families, after lodging complaints about their disappearance, identified the bodies at the facility.

The third victim, Christian Obiri Yeboah, survived and is currently receiving medical treatment. In his account to the police, he confirmed that they were all assaulted at the barracks.

The accused military officers, who have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder, appeared before the Suame District Court on Tuesday. Prosecutors requested that they be remanded in custody to allow further investigations.

While lawyers for the accused requested their remand into Military Police custody rather than prison, the court granted the request and ordered that the suspects remain in Military Police custody until the next hearing on April 22, 2025.

Family members of the deceased, present at the court, expressed deep grief and called for justice. 

One relative, Mr. Kwame Boateng, said in an interview with our Ashanti Regional correspondent, Sofoba Kwame Afrifah that the family deserves full accountability for what he described as a “barbaric and heartbreaking” loss.

Ghana:Atinkaonline.com|Sofoba Kwame Afrifa 

Patasi School Bus Accident: Two Killed, One Critically Injured 

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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A tragic accident at Patasi in the Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of two people and left another in critical condition, following a crash involving a school bus from Palmer International School.

The victims have been identified as Maame Serwaa, aged 72, and a man only identified as Alfred, believed to be between 45 and 50 years old. The third victim, known as Wofa, is currently receiving emergency treatment at the Suntreso Government Hospital.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the incident occurred while Maame Serwaa and Alfred were seated at a pub in front of a residential building, discussing plumbing works in the house. 

They were reportedly estimating costs when the school bus veered off the road and crashed into the building.

The driver of the school bus allegedly cited brake failure as the cause of the crash. The impact was so severe that individuals were trapped under the wreckage, prompting a swift rescue operation by personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service.

The accident not only resulted in loss of life but also caused significant damage to properties, sending shockwaves through the Patasi community. 

The driver is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue pending autopsy.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Sofoba Kwame Afrifa 

Amakyebare Students Still Home Five weeks After Storm – Edu. Dir. Cries for Help 

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Screenshot

The Municipal Education Director for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Mr. Frank Duah Agyemang, has issued an urgent appeal to government and well-meaning individuals to support the Amakyebare community, where a destructive rainstorm left hundreds of students out of school.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Agyemang lamented that it has been five weeks since the disaster struck, yet students are still at home due to the complete destruction of all educational facilities in the town.

Over 150 homes were affected by the storm, including school buildings, leaving the entire student population without classrooms.

 Mr. Agyemang described the situation as dire and warned that continued delays in restoring the schools could have long-term effects on the children’s education.

He is therefore calling on the central government, philanthropists, NGOs, and corporate bodies to intervene urgently to help reconstruct the damaged school infrastructure and restore hope to the affected students and families.

The Education Director’s appeal comes as pressure mounts on authorities to act swiftly to prevent a total collapse of education in the disaster-hit community.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Sofoba Kwame Afrifa 

Zoomlion Denies Landguard Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Ethical Practices

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, has strongly denied allegations linking the company to the use of landguards in a reported altercation involving some Turkish investors.

The denial follows a publication in the Daily Guide newspaper on Monday, April 7, which alleged that property belonging to the investors had been destroyed by individuals purported to be “Zoomlion Landguards.”

In a statement issued by its Communications Directorate, Zoomlion described the claims as “misleading and unjustifiable,” stating categorically that the company does not employ, contract, or engage the services of landguards.

“Zoomlion Ghana Limited operates strictly within the laws of the Republic of Ghana and has no involvement in any unlawful or outlawed activities,” – the release stressed.

The company, known for its collaborations with several reputable foreign partners, described the allegations as a mischaracterization of its values and mode of operation. 

Management urged any aggrieved parties to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels, emphasizing the company’s support for the rule of law.

“Zoomlion remains a responsible corporate entity committed to professionalism, integrity, and lawful operations,” the statement added.

The company also called on the public and stakeholders to disregard the claims, assuring them of its continued dedication to ethical business conduct and sustainable development.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu 

NIA Warns Against Illegal Charges as Free Ghana Card Issuance Begins in Greater Accra

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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The National Identification Authority (NIA) has called on the public to immediately report any of its officials who demand payment for Ghana Card services, as it begins free issuance and registration across the Greater Accra Region.

The exercise, which starts on Monday, April 7, 2025, will cover the distribution of backlog cards and new registrations at all NIA District Offices in the region.

In a statement, the Authority assured the public that all services relating to the collection of printed backlog cards and first-time registration are completely free of charge.

“All Ghanaians who applied for card issuance, replacements, or made changes to their personal details since June 2023 but have not yet received their cards can now collect them from the District Offices where they registered,” the NIA announced.

Additionally, persons aged 15 and above who have never registered for the Ghana Card are encouraged to do so at any NIA District Office within the Greater Accra Region.

The Authority also reiterated its commitment to eliminating all forms of extortion and misconduct among its staff and urged the public to be vigilant and report any wrongdoing.

The Ghana Card has become a key requirement for accessing a range of services including banking, SIM registration, and social interventions.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

TGMA Sidelined Me Because I Spoke the Truth – Odefour DiAsa Paapa Reveals

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Veteran broadcaster and entertainment pioneer, Albert Johnson, popularly known as Odefour DiAsa Paapa, has disclosed that he was sidelined by the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) after speaking the hard truth about flaws in the scheme’s categorization and decisions.

Speaking on Atinka TV’s Entertainment Lounge, the man credited with pioneering Twi-language broadcasting in Ghana revealed that he served on the TGMA board in 1998, but was never invited again after raising concerns about the integrity of award categorizations.

“I was part of the board in 1998. I commented on something and since then, they’ve never called me again — because I spoke the truth,” he stated.

Odefour explained that he challenged the classification of songs during the awards, particularly the confusion between traditional highlife and contemporary highlife. He cited the case of the late Dasebre Gyamenah, noting that his music was misclassified, just as Shatta Wale’s recent win in a highlife category stirred public confusion.

“Dasebre Gyamenah wasn’t singing highlife; it was contemporary highlife. Just like Shatta Wale being awarded for highlife — it’s misleading. It makes real highlife musicians feel sidelined and pushes them to switch genres, which isn’t healthy for the industry,” – he said.

The veteran broadcaster warned that such missteps discourage genuine talent and stifle creativity, ultimately damaging the music and movie industries alike.

“When board members sit to push their own agendas, it frustrates artists. Some give up because of that. If they don’t get the right counseling, they quit — and it’s happening in the film industry too,” – he added.

Odefour’s remarks echo growing concerns about fairness and credibility in award schemes and the broader entertainment ecosystem. 

His call is a reminder for industry stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accuracy, and respect for tradition in order to nurture and retain authentic talent.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Ebenezer Madugu 

Don’t Retaliate Yet Over U.S. Tariff – Financial Analyst Urges Government

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Tariff

Financial Analyst Gyening George Anyang has urged the Ghanaian government to hold back on any immediate retaliation following the imposition of a 10% tariff by the United States on selected exports from Ghana, warning that any hasty response could trigger unintended economic consequences.

Speaking on Morning Target on Bullet TV with Kwaku Duah, Mr. Anyang stressed the need for Ghana to adopt a measured and strategic approach, beginning with diplomatic engagement.

“We shouldn’t retaliate now,” he advised. “Yes, retaliation may eventually become necessary, but it must be well thought out. Ghana cannot afford to rush into a trade confrontation with a global economic giant like the U.S.”

He expressed deep concern about the far-reaching impact the tariff could have on Ghana’s economy, emphasizing that even a 10% increase was highly significant.

“That figure may look small, but 10% is substantial. It will raise the prices of our exports, making them less competitive in global markets, especially compared to countries not affected by the same tariff,” he explained.

According to him, the ripple effects of the tariff will likely be felt across several sectors, including employment.

“When our goods become more expensive, demand will fall. That means production could slow down, and jobs will be lost. The export sector, which is already struggling in many ways, could suffer even more,” he warned.

Mr. Anyang called for urgent but careful mitigation measures, noting that Ghana must weigh its responses wisely in order to protect the long-term interests of the nation.

“We must first explore diplomatic channels to get the tariff scrapped or reduced to a more manageable level. This is not the time to act impulsively. A trade war would do more harm than good,” he concluded.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Ghana’s Work Abroad Programme Takes A Significant Leap Forward

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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YEA

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Job Creation have officially launched the Technical and Steering Committees for the Work Abroad Programme.

This initiative aims to provide Ghanaian youth with structured, dignified, and well-remunerated job opportunities abroad, aligning with President John Mahama’s vision of decent labour migration.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of YEA, Malik Basintale, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to advancing President John Mahama’s vision.

“We are determined to ensure that Ghanaian youth travel through well-regulated channels, gain valuable experience abroad, and return to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

YEA

The Work Abroad Programme will focus on skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, with placements in partner countries available for temporary, seasonal, contract, and permanent positions.

The programme’s design and implementation will be overseen by the Technical and Steering Committees, with the YEA serving as the secretariat and lead coordinating body.

Ghana’s youth unemployment rate has been a pressing concern, and this programme aims to address it through cross-border employment partnerships.

By providing opportunities for young Ghanaians to work abroad, the programme seeks to reduce unemployment and promote economic growth.

This program focuses on value-added human capital exports and skilled labour that reflects the growing competence of Ghanaian youth.

It has the potential to redefine the future for many young Ghanaians, offering a chance for new beginnings and personal growth.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Asare Bediako-Addo

Government Must Take Over TGMA – Nana Kwaku Duah Demands Reforms

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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TGMA

Entertainment pundit, Nana Kwaku Duah, has called for immediate government involvement in the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), citing the need to protect the credibility of the nation and safeguard the development of the country’s music industry.

Speaking on Entertainment Lounge on Atinka TV, hosted by Odefour DiAsa Paapa, Nana Kwaku Duah argued that the scheme, which bears the name “Ghana,” cannot be left solely in the hands of private entities who operate it purely for commercial gain.

“This scheme carries the name Ghana. It represents the country internationally, yet it is being run like a private business — with no regard for the country’s reputation or the music industry’s long-term growth,” – he said.

He criticized the current handlers of the TGMA for prioritizing profit over professionalism, accusing them of lacking consistency and standards in how they manage nominations and awards.

“They apply the rules anyhow. Today it’s this, tomorrow it’s that. There’s no fixed standard. Some deserving artists like Philipa Baafi and Bisa K’dei were once unfairly treated,” – he lamented.

TGMA

While commending the awards scheme for its longevity and role in boosting artists’ profiles, Nana Kwaku Duah condemned the persistent controversies surrounding it, adding that no artist is too big for the scheme — not even the veterans.

“Let’s be clear: no artist can say they don’t benefit from the VGMA. All the big labels look out for it. You may retire and not care anymore, but at your peak, it’s a vital part of your growth,” he noted.

ALSO READ: Miki Berko Calls for Collective Action to Revive Ghana’s Movie Industry

He also took issue with the practice of requiring artists to apply before being considered for nominations, describing it as illogical and exclusionary.

“It doesn’t make sense that you have to apply before being recognized. If the board really knows and follows the industry, they should celebrate deserving acts without waiting for applications,” – he said.

Nana Kwaku Duah concluded with a passionate appeal for a government-backed structure — involving industry experts — to oversee the awards and ensure that the core values of Ghanaian music are preserved and promoted.

“The musical element must be prioritized. We need experts, empowered by the state, to make sure the awards reflect growth, fairness, and national pride — not just profit.”

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Flying Top Officials Abroad for Medical Care Must End – Dr. Paul Herzuah

By
Ebenezer Madugu
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Dr. Paul Herzuah

Media and political communication analyst, Dr. Paul Herzuah, has strongly condemned the growing trend of flying Ghana’s top political leaders abroad for medical treatment, describing it as a dent on the image of the country and a vote of no confidence in the nation’s health system.

Speaking on Morning Target on Bullet TV with Selikem Acolatse-Apaloo, the University of Media, Arts and Communication lecturer stated emphatically that “this should be the last time we fly our Vice President or any high-ranking official outside for healthcare.”

According to Dr. Paul Herzuah, the practice not only reflects poorly on Ghana’s global image but also insults the intelligence and expertise of local medical professionals who continue to work under-resourced and overwhelming conditions.

“We have the personnel. What we lack are the resources. Flying our big men abroad doesn’t speak well of us at all — it undermines the capabilities of our doctors and health professionals,” – he said.

Dr. Herzuah noted that while high-profile cases are rushed abroad, many ordinary Ghanaians are left to face the deficiencies of the local system. “Why should our leaders run away from the very system they preside over? It sends a wrong message that our healthcare is not good enough — and that is not acceptable.”

Dr. Paul Herzuah

He called on government to take immediate steps to adequately equip and resource at least one first-class national referral hospital that can cater for the country’s top leaders. He suggested existing facilities like Korle Bu, UGMC, and the Bank Hospital could be upgraded for this purpose.

“The priority now must be resourcing, not just building. We have hospitals that are structurally complete but without basic equipment or supplies. That must change,” – he stressed.

ALSO READ: Alleged Corrupt Network at Ridge Hospital Attempts to Oust Medical Director

Citing past incidents, including the death of former Vice President Aliu Mahama and others at local facilities due to delays or lack of equipment, Dr. Herzuah warned that critical health emergencies require urgent in-country responses, not foreign trips.

“It should not take a tragedy to wake us up. We need a robust, well-equipped system that can handle emergencies right here in Ghana,” – he added.

He concluded by urging leaders to lead by example and commit to rebuilding public trust in the local healthcare system. “This culture of medical escape must end. Let this be the last time,” – he insisted.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

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