Upper West: Notorious Robbers Sentenced to 46 Years of Hard Labor

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June 7, 2025

The Upper West Regional Police Command has successfully secured the conviction of two notorious robbers, Abdulai Ibrahim, alias Baba, 34 (Driver Mate), and Abdulai Kipo, 36 (Butcher), for their involvement in a string of robberies across the Wa Municipality.

The duo was found guilty of conspiracy to commit crimes, specifically robbery, and have been sentenced to 28 years and 18 years in hard labor, respectively.

The two accused individuals were implicated in a series of robberies that terrorized the residents of Napogbakole, Danko, SSNIT, and Konta areas within the Wa Municipality.

Their arrest and subsequent conviction were the result of intelligence-led investigations and meticulous evidence gathering by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, which led to the successful prosecution of the case.

The sentencing took place at the Wa Circuit Court, where His Honour Jonathan Avoogo presided over the case. The court’s verdict highlights the commitment of the Upper West Regional Police Command to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of residents within the region.

In a statement, the Upper West Regional Police Command reaffirmed its determination to continue combatting crime and safeguarding the region, saying, “We remain committed to making the Upper West Region a safer place for all its residents. This conviction is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers who are working tirelessly to protect the community.”

The police also thanked the public for their continued cooperation in providing critical information that leads to the apprehension of criminals. The successful prosecution of Ibrahim and Kipo serves as a warning to those involved in criminal activities in the region that the police are determined to bring all offenders to justice.

The Upper West Regional Police Command further pledged to enhance its efforts in tackling crime, fostering peaceful coexistence, and ensuring that residents feel secure in their homes and communities.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

W/R: Gory Tanokrom accident claims life of Radio Morning Show host

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Ebenezer Madugu

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June 7, 2025

A gory accident on Friday, June 6, at Tankokrom in Takoradi has claimed the life of Isaac Bonaray, popularly known as Ike Bonaray, the morning show host of Enchi-based Max FM. The tragic incident occurred as residents were preparing to mark the Eid Al-Adha holiday.

Bonaray was run over by a faulty timber truck that was reversing and crashed into a mini-bus (trotro) in which he was a passenger.

Those who identified the deceased said he had married just a week earlier and had recently moved into his completed home at Apowa, a suburb of Takoradi, with his new wife and their two-month-old baby.

According to eyewitnesses, the timber truck, loaded with lumber from Tanokrom and heading toward the Fijai-Cape Coast direction, lost control and slammed into a trotro carrying passengers from Takoradi to Kojokrom.

Giving his account of the incident, the trotro driver, Nkansah Kyerematen, said:
“Just within reach of the Tanokrom Pipeano Traffic light, the timber truck was seen reversing in the direction of the Trotro. In a move to avoid the truck, my Trotro hit the car behind me but the truck finally also hit the Trotro.

“The passengers in my vehicle started running away after the door was forcefully removed by my mate. I was immediately told by eyewitnesses that one of the passengers (Isaac Bonaray) in my vehicle, in an attempt to escape through the door, had been ran over and killed by the timber truck,” he explained.

First responders, including personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Police, arrived shortly after being alerted. They towed the truck and retrieved Bonaray’s body, which was sent to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital morgue.

Isaac Bonaray was not only a popular radio personality but also the Chairman of the Aowin Municipal Football Association and a member of the Executive Council of the Western Regional Football Association.

Citinewsroom.com

Special Prosecutor Opposes Publication of Assets

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Ebenezer Madugu

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June 6, 2025

At the National Anti-Corruption Conference held in Accra, Ghana’s Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, stirred debate by rejecting popular calls for the publication of asset declarations by public officials.

Addressing a gathering of legal experts, civil society actors, and anti-graft advocates, the Special Prosecutor argued that such publication would do more harm than good.

“I do not and I will not add my voice to the calls for the publication of assets for public scrutiny,” he said pointedly. “In our experience, it will be unhelpful and would merely subject public officers to inordinate public curiosity and the real likelihood of reprisals against those assets.”

Instead, the Special Prosecutor advocated for a strengthened and more effective asset declaration regime. He proposed that the focus shift from public disclosure to the establishment of a robust verification and tracing system. According to him, merely filing declarations into a “repository” without checks is insufficient to ensure accountability.

He added, “A publication of who has declared or has not declared his assets, in the context of a workable asset verification and tracing model, would be sufficient to assure the integrity of the assets declaration system.”

In what he described as essential legal reforms, Kissi Agyebeng called for the introduction of a reverse onus clause in corruption-related proceedings. This would mean a presumption of corruption when individuals—public or private—are found to possess wealth or assets that far exceed their known legitimate sources of income.

“In all proceedings—civil and criminal—there should be a presumption of corruption where a person cannot satisfactorily account for resources or property disproportionate to his legitimate income,” he emphasized.

He also called for such cases, particularly involving confiscation and restraint of properties, to carry the weight of a High Court judgment, appealable only to the Court of Appeal. This, he argued, would speed up proceedings and deter the accumulation of unexplained wealth.

On the issue of inducements, the Special Prosecutor proposed that any gift offered to a public officer by someone seeking to do business with the government or a public agency should be presumed to be corrupt.

“We must deem such gifts as inducements or rewards,” he said, urging for laws that clearly establish this principle to prevent subtle forms of influence-peddling.

He concluded his address on a more philosophical note, stating that corruption is ultimately rooted in a collapse of values. He called for integrity to be embedded in Ghana’s educational system—from the basic level through to tertiary institutions—so that ethical conduct becomes a natural expectation rather than a legal obligation.

“Corruption begins where values collapse. That is why integrity must be designed into our educational system,” he noted.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Gender Equity: Nurses, Midwives charged to Accelerate Action

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Ebenezer Madugu

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June 6, 2025

The Greater Accra Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has held a seminar to mark this year’s International Women’s Day under the theme, “Accelerate Action: Collectively We Can Accelerate Actions for Gender Equality.”

The event, held at the GRNMA-GAR Secretariat at Zoti, Korle-Bu, brought together nurses, midwives, gender advocates and stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance gender equity in Ghana’s healthcare space.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy National Coordinator of the Women and Gender Committee of GRNMA, Margaret Ofori, emphasized the importance of continuing to celebrate and support women in the profession. She dismissed claims that women are enemies to their own progress, stating that such views stem from emotional stereotypes.

“We must learn to manage our emotions and focus on results. Women have always supported each other—growing up, women would borrow scarves and cloths from one another for church or funerals. That’s solidarity,” she said. She also noted that her committee supports both male and female members of GRNMA, citing a prostate cancer seminar held to mark International Men’s Day last year.

The Executive Director of the Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED), Mrs. Esther Tawiah, encouraged nurses and midwives to approach care from a gender-responsive and inclusive angle. She called for greater sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds and needs of patients, including persons with disabilities.

“Our healthcare system must promote dignity, fairness, and inclusion. Equipment, infrastructure, and services must meet the needs of all, including the physically challenged,” she said.

In a brief address, the Acting Greater Accra Regional Chairperson of GRNMA, Jefferson Asare Danquah, urged men in the health sector to actively support women, especially in nursing and midwifery, where women are the majority.

The event ended with a renewed call for collective action to break gender barriers and strengthen inclusive healthcare delivery in Ghana.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

‘Dumsor Levy’ is E-Levy ‘Pro Max’ – Alhasan Tampuli

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Ebenezer Madugu

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June 5, 2025

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has come under fire from Gushegu member of parliament and former deputy minister of transport, Alhassan Tampuli, who has compared the recently implemented “Dumsor Levy” to a repackaged version of the contentious Electronic Levy (E-Levy).

Speaking on Thursday, June 5, on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show, Tampuli criticised the government’s tax policy and charged that it had violated campaign pledges.

He claimed that the current government had promised Ghanaians that it would do away with “nuisance taxes” such as the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy.

Tampuli contended, however, that the new fuel-based Dumsor Levy places a greater financial burden on the general public and far outweighs the combined effect of those taxes.

“This government promised to remove what they described as nuisance taxes, which included E-Levy, Betting Tax, which was never collected, and the Emissions Levy, which, all put together, do not come anywhere near what they are asking Ghanaians to pay,” Tampuli said.

“They simply took out E-Levy and brought E-Levy Pro Max.” He added.

By using the term in his remarks, Tampuli implies that the D-Levy is a much harsher levy than the E-Levy because it imposes GH¢1 on each litre of fuel purchased.

Given Ghana’s ongoing economic difficulties, critics contend that the levy is regressive and will disproportionately affect ordinary Ghanaians and transport operators.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Najat Adamu

Dumsor Tax: NDC has failed Ghanaians – Suaman MP

By

Ebenezer Madugu

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June 5, 2025

Member of Parliament for Suaman Constituency, Hon. Fredrick Addy, has issued his response on the government’s decision to impose a one cedi tax on all petroleum products aimed at addressing a power crisis which is commonly known as ‘dumsor’.

According to him, when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office, they worked to fulfill their promises to Ghanaians by removing several taxes introduced by the previous administration, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), delivering on a key campaign promise.

He said this on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, when he was expressing his opinion on the ‘Dumsor-levy’ in Parliament.

“The NDC promised Ghanaians to eliminate all the taxes the NPP imposed on them and truly, when they came into power, they have really tried their best to scrap almost all of these taxes which E-Levy is one of them,” he said.

However, he stated that, ironically, the NDC, who previously slammed the NPP’s taxes, have introduced a new tax, which they claim to be the ‘dumsor-levy, which is even more costly comparing to the old taxes the NPPs took during their tenure in office.
“The surprising thing is that, the NDC, who spoke ill against the various levies the NPP established, have also come out with a D-Levy which is much more expensive when compared to that of the NPP’s old levies,” he explained.
Mr. Addy criticized the incumbent Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for not being able to stick to his promises of assuring Ghanaians that, taxes will be “a thing of the past” like he said during this ministerial vetting.

ALSO READ: Afenyo-Markin Slams Government Over New Fuel Levy Amid Tax Repeal Claims

“The Finance Minister, during his vetting, guaranteed that, Ghana’s economic independence can be achieved without imposing certain levies, pledging to make them a thing of the past, but now, he has failed us” he censured.
He expressed concerns that, the new tax will significantly burden farmers, especially those in his constituency, who rely on fuel for their operations.

“Imagine if the fuel is 50cedis, you pay additional 5cedis as a contribution to fight power crisis; meanwhile, when the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) was effective under the past administration of NPP, making a mobile money transaction of 100cedis attracted just a levy of one cedi; but now, buying fuel for 100cedis attracts a D-Levy of 10cedis. The E-Levy Ghanaians once complained of and this current Levy initiated by the NDC, which one is better?” he queried.
“This new levy has severely impacted my constituency, especially the poor farmers, draining their limited financial resources,” he added.

He urged the NDC to rethink their stance on levies and be more realistic, particularly considering such financial burden the less-privileged will have to go through.

World Vision Strengthens Infection Prevention and Control in Health Facilities within Agortime Ziope District

By

Ebenezer Madugu

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June 5, 2025

World Vision Ghana, through its Agortime Ziope Area Programme, has successfully organised a training session on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for frontline health staff across the district.

The training, held in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, brought together over 50 nurses, midwives, community health officers, laboratory technicians, Physician Assistance and disease control officers from various Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and health centres across the Agortime Ziope District.

The aim of the training was to equip health workers with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to prevent and control the spread of infections within health facilities and communities. This forms part of World Vision’s continued commitment to building resilient health systems that prioritise the safety of patients, healthcare providers, and communities especially in light of lessons learned during public health emergencies like cholera, monkeypox, ebola, COVID-19 pandemic etc

Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Eric Opoku Agyarko, the Agortime Cluster Programmes Manager, underscored the importance of IPC in delivering quality healthcare services. “Infection prevention is not just a health issue; it’s a life-saving responsibility. By investing in the capacity of our health workers, we are investing in the well-being of entire communities,” he said.

ALSO READ: Mahama bans Wooden School Furniture, Styrofaom

The training which was facilitated by staffs from national and regional Ghana Health Service (Mrs. Joyce Amponsah and Mrs. Rejoice Anku respectively) guided participants through topics including standard precautions, hand hygiene, appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), waste management, and environmental cleanliness. The training also featured demonstrations and interactive sessions to reinforce practical application.

For Miss Mabel Offeibea, a Midwife at Akewtteh CHPs compound, the training was both timely and eye-opening. “Sometimes we take routine precautions for granted, but this session reminded us how critical every step is from washing hands properly to disposing of medical waste safely,” she shared.

The District Health Director of GHS, Mr. Emmanuel Ayaanga Ayaamga expressed his gratitude to World Vision Ghana for their continuous support to the health sector. To him, the knowledge gained will be cascaded to other health workers and volunteers in the district to ensure a wider impact.

World Vision Ghanaremains committed to supporting local health systems to reduce preventable illnesses and deaths, especially among children and vulnerable groups. Through interventions like this, the Agortime Ziope Area Programme continues to demonstrate how strategic partnerships and capacity building can drive sustainable change.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vivian Adu-Yeboah

Zoomlion Employees Express Gratitude to Management for Pilgrimage Opportunity

By

Ebenezer Madugu

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June 5, 2025

A group of employees from Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), has expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the management and Executive Chairman for providing them the opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca as part of their selfless service.

The beneficiaries of the Executive Chairman’s gesture include Imam Abdul Karim Suleiman, Chief Iman and Operations Assistant-Greater Accra, Zaharia Ibrahim, Deputy Chief Imam, and District Manager for Upper West, Bobtoya Barikisu, stores officer from Upper West and Mohammed Gyan, Operations Assistant at Bono East.

These employees who have dedicated many years to Zoomlion Ghana Limited, thanked Allah for this opportunity and offered prayers for the long life of the Executive Chairman as well as the continued success of the Jospong Group of Companies.

Imam Abdul Karim Suleiman, Operations Assistant at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Greater Accra, stated, “We are delighted and pray that God continues to provide more opportunities. We also pray for the Executive Chairman’s long life.”

Mohammed Gyan, Operations Assistant at Bono East, who has been with Zoomlion since 2009, shared his gratitude, saying, “I have never regretted my hard work for the company”.

Adding “I am very happy and thankful for the chance to visit Mecca as part of my retirement package. I pray that the Good Lord continues to bless the commendable efforts of the Executive Chairman and all the companies within the Jospong Group.”

Zaharia Ibrahim, Deputy Chief Imam and District Manager for Upper West Region, also expressed his thanks to the management and the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group for this thoughtful gesture.

He acknowledged the company’s commitment to the well-being and spiritual development of its employees.

The employees’ expressions of gratitude and prayers underline the significant impact of this gesture on their lives, and they continue to pray for the sustained success and guidance of the Jospong Group of Companies.

Mahama bans Wooden School Furniture, Styrofaom

By

Ebenezer Madugu

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June 5, 2025

In a bold and transformative address to mark World Environment Day 2025, President John Dramani Mahama announced a ban on the use of wood for school furniture and the imminent prohibition of Styrofoam packaging materials in Ghana — declaring that “we can’t be planting trees and cutting them down at the same time.”

Speaking at the Kwabenya Community Day Senior High School, where he launched the One Child, One Tree project, President Mahama stressed that the time has come for Ghana to adopt a “fundamental shift” in how development is approached — putting sustainability, resilience, and equity at the core of national policy.

“Soon, a directive will be passed: school furniture will no longer be made of wood,” he declared. “Why don’t we use recycled plastic or metal instead? That is the future.”

He further announced plans to ban the production and importation of Styrofoam, one of the most persistent plastic pollutants. “Styrofoam is one of the biggest polluters in our environment,” he said. “Our food packaging will now be made from paper or aluminum foil.”

The President’s keynote initiative, the One Child, One Tree program, aims to engage every school-age Ghanaian in planting and nurturing a tree, contributing to an ambitious goal of tens of millions of trees by 2030.

Seedlings will be selected to suit each region’s ecological conditions, and students will receive guidance from teachers, environmental officers, and traditional leaders. The trees, he said, will not only stabilize soils and cool cities but serve as “a lesson in responsibility, sustainability, and civic pride.”

The initiative builds upon the broader Tree for Life Afforestation Program, launched earlier this year, which targets the restoration of 7 million hectares of degraded land. The 2025 national tree planting exercise — also launched today — will run until June 30 and seeks to plant millions of trees across the country.

This year’s World Environment Day theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” — aligns with Mahama’s call for a national transformation in waste management. Ghana aims to reduce plastic in landfills by 60% by 2030 through mandatory waste segregation, recycling programs, and green entrepreneurship.

Communities from Tamale to Takoradi are already implementing color-coded bins and recycling initiatives. Mahama commended market women, faith-based groups, and youth volunteers for leading clean-up efforts, especially ahead of the rainy season.

The President also lauded joint efforts by the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Lands, and national security agencies in battling illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). Out of 88 forest reserves invaded, 44 have been declared “red zones” and are being reclaimed.

“Our rivers take their source from these forests,” he warned. “Destroying the forests means drying up our rivers. This fight is critical if we are to hand over a good environment to future generations.”

President Mahama’s speech closed with a heartfelt appeal to all Ghanaians:

“Let us refuse single-use plastics. Let us sort our waste at home. Let us teach our children by example that a clean, green Ghana is not only possible — it is a necessity.”

He also announced upcoming regional tree planting festivals, national clean-up drives, and an annual Green Innovation Expo to showcase Ghanaian solutions to environmental challenges.

With global partners promising to assist in planting up to 30 million trees, Mahama emphasized the urgency and promise of this moment. “Let us leave behind a living legacy for generations yet unborn.”

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

Afenyo-Markin Slams Government Over New Fuel Levy Amid Tax Repeal Claims

By

Kwaku Quansah

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June 5, 2025

The implementation of a new fuel levy by the Mahama administration has drawn sharp criticism from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

He emphasized that Ghanaians are not expecting new taxes, particularly after the government pledged in its 2025 Budget Statement that no new taxes or levies would be introduced.

“You presented your budget saying you are not going to introduce new taxes and levies. Then you turn around and say you are repealing the e-levy, only to bring it back again. You repeal the e-levy and reinstate it,” Afenyo-Markin stated during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, June 3.

Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam also raised concerns about the government’s move, questioning why a new petroleum tax was being enacted despite the recent announcement of tax removals. Consumers are now expected to pay GH¢1 per litre of fuel to help offset debt and address energy sector shortfalls.

On June 3, Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 under a certificate of urgency. The bill introduces a GH¢1 levy on petroleum products, projected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion annually to support the struggling energy sector.

According to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as of March 2025, the energy sector’s debt stands at US$3.1 billion. He stated that at least US$3.7 billion will be needed to clear this debt, along with an additional US$1.2 billion to purchase fuel to operate thermal plants throughout the year.

To ease concerns over potential price hikes, Dr. Forson assured Parliament that the new levy would not immediately affect fuel prices, as the cost would be absorbed by gains from the Ghana Cedi’s strong performance.

However, critics remain unconvinced. Addressing Parliament, Karaga MP Dr. Amin Adam said:

“Not long ago, they were here celebrating the abolition of taxes. But I am sorry to say that all the taxes they abolished, put together, did not amount to GH¢5 billion.

Now, this government is seeking to raise GH¢5.7 billion through an increase in petroleum product levies.

Mr. Speaker, I said during the budget debate that this government, in abolishing taxes, was giving something into our hands with the left hand—only to take it back with the right hand. And not just take from our hands, but also from our pockets. This is exactly what they are doing with these new fuel taxes.”

By Najat Adamu

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