Author: Rebecca Eson

Lawyers for former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, have strongly denied allegations that he diverted state funds into a personal bank account, describing the claims as misleading and inconsistent with evidence presented in court. Addressing the media after proceedings at the Accra High Court, defence counsel Samuel Atta Akyea argued that the account at the centre of the controversy is not privately owned, but rather an official National Security Special Operations account. The defence’s position follows allegations by the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, who claims that substantial sums—reportedly up to $7 million—were transferred into a personal account. However,…

Management consultant and procurement specialist Kobina Atta-Bedu has criticised government procurement practices, particularly the use of sole-sourced contracts under the “Big Push” infrastructure initiative. Speaking during a panel discussion on public procurement, Atta-Bedu questioned the growing reliance on non-competitive contract awards, describing it as inconsistent with assurances previously given about transparency and fairness in public spending. At the centre of his concerns is what he describes as a disconnect between policy commitments and actual implementation. He argued that regardless of the scale, the use of sole sourcing undermines accountability and should not be justified. He also criticised the role of…

The Government of Ghana has welcomed Burkina Faso’s decision to lift the suspension on Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes, describing the move as a major step toward restoring supply and stabilising the market. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, authorities noted that the decision follows improvements in tomato supply to local processing factories in Burkina Faso, as well as renewed commitments by stakeholders to prioritise domestic industrial needs. The development is expected to resume the flow of fresh tomatoes into Ghana, helping to ease recent shortages and reduce pressure on local markets.…

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has directed the temporary closure of the Kaneshie Footbridges following an inspection that uncovered serious structural defects. The decision, issued on Wednesday, is aimed at safeguarding lives as urgent repair works commence. During the inspection, traders and commuters occupying the bridges and surrounding areas were instructed to vacate immediately to allow for renovation activities. The Mayor emphasised that public safety remains a top priority, especially in light of recent incidents involving compromised structures across the city. He warned that individuals who disregard the directive or attempt to use the bridges unlawfully will face…

Former Ghana international Han Adu Sarpei has called on fans to avoid comparisons between the current Black Stars squad and the celebrated 2010 team that reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. Following Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 tournament, expectations among supporters have risen sharply, with many hoping the team can surpass the historic milestone achieved in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, Adu Sarpei, who was part of that 2010 squad, believes such comparisons are misplaced, stressing that the two teams are fundamentally different in composition and context. He noted that the 2010 team benefited from a strong…

Nigeria’s parliament has approved a revised 2026 national budget of 68.30 trillion naira (approximately $49.4 billion), following a request by Bola Tinubu to adjust the original proposal submitted late last year. The initial budget, presented in December, stood at 58.47 trillion naira and was designed to consolidate ongoing economic reforms and accelerate growth. However, lawmakers endorsed a higher figure to accommodate additional fiscal priorities. According to parliamentary leaders, the increase is intended to cover outstanding capital projects carried over from previous budget cycles, ensuring that unresolved financial obligations do not weigh on the 2026 fiscal programme. The approval comes as…

Electricity consumers across Ghana are raising growing concerns over billing practices by the Electricity Company of Ghana, with many questioning the accuracy of charges that appear inconsistent with actual usage. One recent case highlights the depth of frustration among customers. Over a three-month period, a consumer significantly reduced electricity consumption in his household. With his family away and the home largely unoccupied, daily usage was kept to a minimum. Despite these efforts, he received identical bills each month. In a further attempt to eliminate reliance on grid power, the consumer installed a solar hybrid system. However, even after transitioning to…

The third edition of the Democracy Cup has been officially launched at Parliament House in Accra, marking the start of activities for this year’s event. In a significant development, the main ceremony will, for the first time, be held in Kumasi on August 30, with organisers introducing a broader range of activities to increase the competition’s impact and national appeal. The launch brought together parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic community, sponsors, supporters’ groups, and former footballers, reflecting the event’s growing importance. Speakers at the ceremony highlighted the role of the Democracy Cup in promoting inclusion, national unity, and youth engagement.…

Airline ticket prices for both domestic and international travel are set to increase as carriers begin implementing the government’s Airport Infrastructure Development Levy. The new charges are expected to drive up fares across all routes. Domestic passengers will pay an additional GH¢100 for flights within Ghana, while regional travellers will face an extra $30 for one-way tickets and $70 for return journeys. For international travel, passengers will incur a $50 surcharge on one-way tickets and $100 on return fares. Government officials say the levy is aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps within the aviation sector. Revenue generated will support key…

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a strong warning to the government, calling for the removal of taxes on petroleum products within two days or risk a nationwide increase in transport fares. The union says the recent surge in fuel prices is placing significant pressure on transport operators, making current fare levels unsustainable. Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah indicated that failure by the government to intervene could compel operators to adjust fares to reflect rising operational costs. “We have given the government a short window to address the situation. If nothing is done, we will have…