Author: Constance Awunor
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has announced a nationwide suspension of import activities and duty payments in protest against challenges linked to the implementation of the Publican AI system at the country’s ports. In a directive issued on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and signed by its President, Clement Boateng, the association instructed freight forwarders and clearing agents to halt all duty payments and withdraw their services from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17, 2026. According to GUTA, the decision follows unsuccessful engagements with government authorities to resolve persistent disruptions caused by the new system. Despite ongoing discussions,…
Global crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel following renewed geopolitical tensions involving Donald Trump and a reported naval blockade affecting vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The spike comes after negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement, reversing earlier gains seen when the United States and Iran had agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire. At the time, oil prices had eased to just above $90 per barrel. However, market confidence has since weakened. Data monitored by Bloomberg on Monday morning showed West Texas Intermediate trading at $103.70 per barrel, while Brent Crude stood at…
Ghana’s football community is in mourning following the tragic death of Dominic Frimpong, a player for Berekum Chelsea, who died after sustaining gunshot wounds during a robbery attack on the team’s bus. The incident occurred along the Goaso–Bibiani road near Ahyiresu in the Ahafo Region, where armed assailants reportedly blocked the road and opened fire on the vehicle. Players and club officials were forced to abandon the bus and flee into nearby bushes to escape the robbers. The club confirmed that Frimpong suffered severe gunshot injuries to the head. He was rushed to Bibiani Government Hospital for emergency treatment and…
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), in collaboration with key stakeholders and with support from the military, has launched a large-scale exercise in the Central Region to reduce flood risks ahead of the rainy season. The operation involves desilting choked gutters, dredging rivers and demolishing unauthorised structures built on waterways, Ramsar sites and other flood-prone areas. It is currently underway in districts including Upper Denkyira East, Awutu Senya East, Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Ekumfi, Agona West Municipality, and the Cape Coast Metropolis. According to NADMO, the exercise is aimed at preventing flooding, protecting lives and property, and strengthening disaster preparedness as…
Donald Trump has issued a sharp public rebuke of Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a strongly worded post on X. In the post, Trump accused the Pope of expressing “fear” toward his administration while failing to acknowledge what he described as the treatment of Christian groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed churches faced restrictions and enforcement actions at the time, contrasting that with the Pope’s current criticism. Trump also took aim at the pontiff’s views on global security, particularly regarding nuclear weapons and U.S. foreign policy. He said he disagreed…
Twenty-one hours was never going to be enough to erase 47 years of hostility between Iran and the United States. The high-stakes talks in Islamabad held during a fragile pause in weeks of intense conflict were always unlikely to produce a breakthrough. Labeling the lengthy negotiations a failure oversimplifies the situation. The issues on the table were vast and deeply entrenched: long-standing mistrust over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, alongside new tensions sparked by the war especially Iran’s grip on the crucial Strait of Hormuz, whose disruption is sending shockwaves through the global economy. Reaching any agreement would have required more than…
Ismail Omar Guelleh has secured victory in Djibouti’s latest presidential election, celebrating the outcome at his residence and describing it as a triumph for the entire nation. Preliminary results released by the interior ministry indicate a strong showing for the incumbent, continuing his long-standing hold on power. Officials also reported that more than 80% of registered voters took part in Friday’s election, signalling significant voter participation. Guelleh’s main challenger, Youssouf Moussa Dawaleh Samatar, represented a smaller political party with no seats in parliament. As of now, he has not publicly responded to the announced results. Despite the declaration, the outcome…
The departure of Otto Addo has left Ghana’s Black Stars searching for a new leader at a crucial time, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching and a key opener against Panama looming. Whoever takes over the role reportedly a European coach will have limited time to work with the squad but must quickly resolve several lingering issues from the previous regime. A major concern is the team’s declining confidence. The Black Stars have struggled for form, managing just one win in their last five matches while suffering four consecutive defeats. Rebuilding belief within the squad will be essential, especially…
The government has distributed over 8,500 laptops to support the nationwide rollout of its flagship One Million Coders Programme (OMCP), an initiative designed to equip young people within demand digital skills. The presentation ceremony in Accra marked the start of Phase One, which will see laptops deployed to 130 learning centres across all 16 regions, along with selected universities. The devices will support training in coding, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. Speaking at the event, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said lessons from the pilot phase had informed a stronger and more results-driven national…
The Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), a youth-driven group focused on local development, has applauded Parliament’s ratification of the Atlantic Lithium exploration agreement and is calling on the government to quickly complete the remaining processes needed to kick-start mining operations. The group described the agreement as beneficial to Ghana’s long-term interests and praised the introduction of a sliding-scale royalty system for mineral resources. Ernest De-Graft Egyir, President of the Alliance, said the lithium project presents a major opportunity to transform Saltpond and surrounding communities. He emphasized the urgency of moving from approval to active mining within the shortest possible time. In…