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IDEG Proposes New Commission to Strengthen Ghana’s Democracy

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April 1, 2026

IDEG Proposes New Commission to Strengthen Ghana’s Democracy

The Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) has proposed the creation of an Independent Multiparty Democracy and Constitutional Reform Commission (MDCRC) to improve how political parties operate in Ghana.

Speaking at a policy dialogue, Mr. Kwesi Jonah, Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, explained that the MDCRC would act as a legal safeguard to regulate political parties and ensure they follow the rules. He said the commission would monitor party activities, enforce regulations, and punish parties that engage in misconduct.

According to him, the MDCRC would also help reduce the excessive power of the two major political parties by making them more accountable to citizens, especially at the district level. The commission would organise annual policy conferences to encourage parties to focus on national development rather than just elections.

Mr. Jonah added that the MDCRC would be independent of the Electoral Commission and would supervise political parties even after elections. It would also promote dialogue between parties and support them to build strong research units for better policy ideas.

IDEG also proposed a Multiparty Democracy Fund (MDF) to support political parties financially. This fund would help reduce the influence of wealthy individuals in politics. Party members would instead be encouraged to pay dues, giving citizens more control and helping to reduce corruption.

The dialogue also highlighted the need to allow political party participation at the local level. IDEG believes this would end the “winner-takes-all” system and give smaller parties a chance to contribute to governance. However, this would require changes to Article 55(3) of the Constitution.

Participants noted that although many people are against party politics at the local level, there is also strong agreement that the current system is not working and needs reform.

Former Dean of the Ghana Law School of the University of Ghana, Prof. Kofi Quashigah raised concerns about how constitutional reforms can be properly implemented. In a similar view, Mohammed Mahamud said Ghana’s main problem is not the Constitution itself, but the lack of effective implementation.

The dialogue ended with a call for practical steps to strengthen Ghana’s democratic system.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

April Fools’ Day: A Light-Hearted Tradition of Pranks and Laughter

Najat Adamu

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April 1, 2026

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April Fools’ Day: A Light-Hearted Tradition of Pranks and Laughter

Source: Mavis Fantevi

Every year on April 1, Ghanaians join the rest of the world in marking April Fools’ Day, a day dedicated to harmless pranks, jokes, and good-natured deception.

While not an official public holiday, it has become a widely recognized occasion, especially among young people, media outlets, and workplaces.

In Ghana, April Fools’ Day is often celebrated informally.

Friends, colleagues, and even family members take advantage of the day to play tricks on one another, ranging from simple verbal jokes to elaborate hoaxes.

Common pranks include spreading false but believable news, switching items, or pretending something unusual has happened, only to reveal the joke with the familiar phrase, “April fool!

In the age of social media, platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) have amplified the reach of these pranks, allowing them to spread rapidly across the country.

Despite the fun, many Ghanaians approach April Fools’ Day with caution.

Over the years, there has been growing awareness about the need to avoid jokes that could cause panic, harm reputations, or spread misinformation, particularly in a time when fake news can have serious consequences.

As a result, most pranks tend to stay within safe and humorous boundaries.

The origins of April Fools’ Day are not entirely clear, but it is believed to date back centuries, possibly linked to calendar changes in Europe.

Regardless of its roots, the day has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, embraced in different ways across societies.

The essence of April Fools’ Day lies in its ability to bring people together through laughter.

In a fast-paced and often stressful world, the day offers a brief moment to relax, share jokes, and enjoy a sense of playful mischief, reminding everyone not to take life too seriously, at least for one day.

UniMAC-IFT Holds A Workshop On ‘The Vertical Revolution: Mastering Micro-Dramas For African Digital Economy

Najat Adamu

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April 1, 2026

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UniMAC-IFT Holds A Workshop On ‘The Vertical Revolution: Mastering Micro-Dramas For African Digital Economy

Source: Ebenezer De-Gaulle

The University of Media, Arts and Communication’s Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) had the privilege of hosting two renowned personalities in the film industry in West Africa.

Mr. Ivan Quashigah, a renowned Producer/ Director and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Farmhouse Production, and Mr. Selassie Yao, a prolific scriptwriter, discussed the topic, ‘The Vertical Revolution: Mastering Micro-Dramas for African Digital Economy’ in a workshop organised for faculty and students.

The workshop saw students, lecturers, industry professionals and other film enthusiasts, joining both physically and online to participate.

Professor Samuel Menassah Yirenkyi, the Rector of Institute of Film and Television delivered a welcome address read by Ms. Marian Mantey, the Head of Media and PRO-IFT.

The address highlighted the importance of the theme and the gradual, yet steady change in the digital ecosystem, with the power of storytelling no longer being measured by duration, but by the depth of impact it makes.

Marian Mantey Reading the Welcome Address on Behalf the Rector-IFT

He emphasised that IFT does not train spectators of change but drivers of change. Indeed, IFT trains industry-ready professionals who are able to adapt to the changing seasons and lead the Ghanaian narrative storytelling.

And, this he stated, can be affirmed by the career journey of the two esteemed speakers Ivan Quashigah and Selassie Yao who are both Alumni of IFT, breaking barriers and making significant impact in the filmmaking industry.

The Rector’s address ended with a resonating encouragement to students and everyone present that micro-drama is “our tool, the digital space is our stage and the world is our audience.”

With the world moving in a new direction and people leaning more towards vertical dramas, this timely workshop offered insightful guidance on how Ghanaians can rise to the challenge and build a solid presence in this space.

It was on this basis that Ivan Quashigah presented on the topic ‘Vertical & AI filmmaking,’ and Selassie Yao presented on ‘Scriptwriting’.

Ivan Quashigah presenting on ‘Vertical Drama & AI filmmaking.’

They both provided essential guidance and practical ways to invest in vertical drama & Artificial Intelligence (AI) filmmaking and in the art of writing excellent scripts ready for the market.

Selassie Yao presenting on ‘Scriptwriting.’

A participant described the workshop as an ‘out of the cave’ moment, as minds were opened to the profitable investment opportunities in the vertical filmmaking space and to a new platform for creatively telling Ghanaian stories.

Participants were also introduced to the ‘Story Story App’, an entertainment platform focused on African films and television shows owned by Farmhouse Production.

Mr. Ernest Owusu, a team member of Farmhouse Productions, led participants through the app’s navigation and explained how ownership, rights, and finance work on the producer’s and the app owners’ sides.

The Speakers and some of IFT’s Lecturers Present at the Workshop

Mr. Ivan Quashigah and Mr. Selassie Yao encouraged everyone to deeply consider moving into vertical dramas and AI filmmaking as they are becoming the new norm with continuous global revenue growth, and to write engaging, culturally rich stories.

The Speakers and Participants in a Group Picture

Participants left the workshop with renewed hope and a mandate to excel in vertical dramas, AI revolution, and scriptwriting.

UniMAC-IFT is very grateful to Ivan Quashigah and Farmhouse Production for their collaboration and heartfelt dedication to bringing industry trends closer to students and pushing them beyond their comfort zone for global impact.

UniMAC-IFT is a professional media Institute dedicated to training industry-ready professionals who have excellent narrative leadership skills with a Ghanaian pride through the certificate, diploma, degree and masters’ courses.

With experienced lecturers, students are groomed – theoretically and practically- in various film artistic, film techniques, journalism, animation and multimedia courses.

PAC Acting Chair Calls for Prosecution of Former Defence Procurement Director

Najat Adamu

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March 31, 2026

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PAC Acting Chair Calls for Prosecution of Former Defence Procurement Director

The Acting Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Samuel Atta-Mills, has called for the prosecution of former Defence Ministry Procurement Director, Frank Oliver, over alleged falsification of documents linked to the procurement of six vehicles for election monitoring in 2024.

The call follows a demand by the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, for Mr. Oliver’s immediate interdiction.

The issue stems from findings by the Auditor-General, who disallowed store receipt vouchers worth GH¢4.8 million in a special audit, citing non-delivery of the vehicles.

Addressing the Committee, Mr. Oliver defended his actions, explaining that the supplier had sought to retrieve the vehicles due to delayed payments by the Ministry.

“The supplier came heavily on us when they had information that we were not going to pay for the vehicles, so we demanded to take them away,” he stated.

He said management was advised to extend the contract as a way of retaining the vehicles until funds became available.

“I advised that if the vehicles are kept and we are not able to pay, it may lead to judgement debt, but it is an option we could explore by extending the contract, so the supplier keeps them until payment is made,” he added.

However, Mr. Atta-Mills rejected the explanation, insisting that the handling of the procurement process was unacceptable.

“Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, I think you should interdict this man for how he carried out his function at the Ministry of Defence,” he stated.

He further indicated plans to escalate the matter for legal action.

“I will have a special report to the Attorney-General for your prosecution,” he added.

The development highlights growing scrutiny over public procurement practices and accountability within government institutions.

Sole-sourcing contracts: MFWA flags 81 out of 107 deals as abuse

Najat Adamu

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March 31, 2026

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Sole-sourcing contracts: MFWA flags 81 out of 107 deals as abuse

Source: Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Concerns are mounting over the increasing reliance on sole-sourcing in public procurement, as transparency advocates raise the alarm over potential systemic abuse.

Speaking on Bullet TV’s research and investigation program, Behind the Evidence, on Monday March 30, Kwaku Krobea Asante, Programme Manager for Independent Journalism at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), revealed startling data regarding government expenditure.

Kwaku Krobea AsanteProgramme Manager, Independent Journalism, MFWA — Kwaku Krobea Asante
Programme Manager, Independent Journalism, MFWA

According to him, an MFWA analysis found that 81 out of 107 government contracts awarded through sole-sourcing carry serious red flags, suggesting they may not have met the legal requirements for non-competitive bidding.

A Worrying Trend

Mr. Asante described the current trend as deeply “worrying,” noting that while sole-sourcing is legally permissible under specific emergency or specialized conditions, its frequent use has become a shortcut that bypasses competitive tendering.

He cautioned that this shift undermines two pillars of public procurement: accountability and value for money.

“When you have such a high percentage of contracts failing to meet the transparency test, it suggests an intentional circumvention of the rules,” Asante stated during the broadcast.

Calls for Reform

The MFWA’s findings come at a time when public interest groups are calling for stricter oversight by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). Critics argue that without competitive bidding, the state risks overpaying for goods and services, ultimately depleting the national purse.

The revelation on Behind the Evidence adds to the growing pressure on state institutions to justify the high volume of restricted tenders and sole-sourced deals in recent years.

As of now, the government has yet to issue a formal response to the specific figures cited by the MFWA.

Mahama to host Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa for three-day state visit

Najat Adamu

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March 31, 2026

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Mahama to host Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa for three-day state visit

Source: Ebenezer De-Gaulle

President John Dramani Mahama is set to host Zimbabwean leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for a three-day state visit to Ghana beginning April 1, 2026, as both nations seek to deepen bilateral ties across key sectors.

According to a statement from the Presidency Communications Office on Tuesday March 31, President Emerson Mnangagwa will arrive at the Kotoka International Airport at 3:00 PM, where he will be received with full military honours, including a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute.

A state banquet will be hosted later in the evening by President Mahama in honour of his guest, highlighting the longstanding diplomatic relations between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

The highlight of the visit will be bilateral talks at the Peduase Lodge, preceded by a private meeting between the two leaders.

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, health, agriculture, sanitation, anti-corruption efforts and tackling unemployment.

The visit will also see the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at advancing mutual interests between the two countries.

As part of his itinerary, President Mnangagwa will tour the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant to receive briefings on Ghana’s progress in healthcare delivery and waste management technologies.

He will also pay homage at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he is expected to lay a wreath at the mausoleum of Ghana’s founding president.

President Mnangagwa will depart Ghana on April 3 following a farewell ceremony at the Jubilee Lounge.

Mahama Orders Review of Fourth Estate Report on ‘Big Push’ Contracts

Najat Adamu

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March 31, 2026

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Mahama Orders Review of Fourth Estate Report on ‘Big Push’ Contracts

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed his office to acquire the complete report from the investigative source. The Fourth Estate after its exposé on contracts associated with procurement procedures under the government’s major infrastructure initiative, Big Push.

In response to the media outlet’s serialised reports, which it portrayed as an investigation into what it called a “Ministry of Sole-Sourcing,” the President decided during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House on Monday, March 30.

While noting that only portions of the investigation had been publicly circulated, the President emphasised the need for a thorough and objective assessment.

“Although we have seen snippets of the investigation from the media, I have instructed my office to obtain the full detailed report from the Fourth Estate and to conduct a study of the various allegations presented in the report,” he stated.

President Mahama reiterated the importance of transparency and competitive procurement practices in public projects.

“We would all agree that open, transparent tenders are always preferable for achieving competitive pricing and value for money,” he added.

The move signals the government’s intention to thoroughly examine the allegations, amid growing public interest in accountability and procurement processes related to major national infrastructure projects.

GFA Parts Ways with Black Stars Coach Otto Addo Ahead of World Cup

Najat Adamu

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March 31, 2026

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GFA Parts Ways with Black Stars Coach Otto Addo Ahead of World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially relieved Otto Addo of his duties as head coach of the Black Stars, just three months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision, announced in a statement on March 31, 2026, follows Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Germany at the MHP Arena Stuttgart—a result that marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss and intensified concerns over its recent performance.

In a statement shared on its official platforms, the GFA confirmed the immediate termination of the coach’s appointment.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has parted ways with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo, effective immediately,” the statement read.

The Association expressed appreciation for his service to the national team.

“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours,” it added.

The GFA also indicated that a new technical direction for the Black Stars will be announced in due course.

“The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some supported the move as necessary, others questioned the timing, especially with the World Cup approaching.

One supporter defended the coach, arguing that recent matches were intended for tactical experimentation rather than results.

“Otto Addo is not going anywhere! Ghanaians should grow up—these are friendly matches. The goal is not to win but to try different strategies,” the fan stated.

Others, however, praised the GFA’s action, describing it as bold, while some expressed concern over the timing of the announcement.

The development marks a significant shift for the Black Stars as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup.

Closing the Skills Gap Amid Rising Unemployment in Ghana: The Chance For Children Way

Ebenezer Madugu

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March 30, 2026

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Closing the Skills Gap Amid Rising Unemployment in Ghana: The Chance For Children Way

Unemployment in Ghana continues to rise, leaving many young people searching for jobs that seem out of reach.

Yet, experts say the problem is not just a lack of jobs – but a gap between what employers need and what job seekers offer.

Speaking to Atinka TV’s Ebenezer Madugu at the launch of a Maintenance Course by Chance for Children, industry leaders stressed the need for practical skills and the right attitude.

The Head of HR at HPW Fresh and Dry, Helena Gyebiwaa Lamptey, explained that classroom knowledge alone is not enough. “Attitude and skills are very important,” she said. According to her, many companies are ready to hire, but struggle to find workers who are disciplined, reliable, and skilled. She praised the program for helping young people become job-ready.

Lord Holali Bobbie, Head of Education at Chance for Children, revealed that youth unemployment stands at about 22 percent. Many of those affected are street-connected youth, with a large number lacking access to decent jobs. To address this, the organization offers free training in carpentry, plumbing, and other technical fields.

He added that the program also teaches important work habits such as punctuality and responsibility.

“Young people want jobs, but we must ask if they are ready for work,” – he said.

Nana Osei Bafi, Director of Programs and Operations, noted that about 4,500 youth were trained in 2025, with a target of over 5,000 in 2026.

The initiative shows that bridging the gap between skills and opportunity could be key to reducing unemployment in Ghana.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Dr. Bawumia Expresses Sympathy After Accra Newtown Building Collapse

Ebenezer Madugu

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March 30, 2026

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Dr. Bawumia Expresses Sympathy After Accra Newtown Building Collapse

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP 2028 Flagbearer, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic building collapse that occurred this afternoon in Accra Newtown. The building, reportedly a place of Christian worship, left several people trapped and others injured.

In a post on his social media accounts, Dr. Bawumia wrote, “I have received with sadness news of the tragic building collapse in Accra Newtown this afternoon. May the lives lost painfully rest in peace, and my deepest sympathy goes to the families. I pray that all trapped are brought out safely, and the injured recover swiftly. I also commend the rescue teams for their efforts to save lives.”

Rescue teams and emergency personnel rushed to the scene immediately and continue to work tirelessly to evacuate those trapped under the debris.

Authorities have appealed to the public to stay clear of the area to allow rescue operations to proceed unhindered.

The cause of the collapse has not yet been officially confirmed, with investigations expected to begin soon.

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