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Griezmann to join MLS side Orlando from Atletico

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Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid

Former France forward Antoine Griezmann will join Major League Soccer side Orlando City from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Griezmann, 35, is in his second permanent spell with Atletico and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

He is closing in on 300 career club goals having also played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona.

He said:, external “I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career.

“From my first conversations with the club, I could feel a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that really spoke to me.

“I look forward to making Orlando my new home.”

Griezmann retired from international football in 2024 with 44 goals in 137 caps and was part of the side that won the World Cup in 2018.

He will move to Florida in July and has signed a deal that could see him play until 2029.

Credit: bbc.com

Arsenal’s Eze could be out for a month with injury

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Eberechi Eze injured

Eberechi Eze is set to miss a crucial spell of Arsenal‘s season amid concerns he will miss about a month through injury.

Eze, 27, suffered a calf injury in last week’s win over Bayer Leverkusen, which caused him to miss Sunday’s Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City and withdraw from the latest England squad.

Sources have indicated initial fears are the attacking midfielder could miss between four to six weeks.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said Eze will have a definitive scan this week to determine the full extent of the injury.

Nevertheless, the loss of Eze will come as a blow to Arsenal as they pursue three trophies, with crucial Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup fixtures on the horizon.

However, the impending return of captain Martin Odegaard will help ease the impact of Eze’s loss.

Odegaard has a knee injury and has been unavailable for a month, but there is hope he will be fit to play after the international break.

The midfielder will miss Norway’s games against Holland and Switzerland to focus on ensuring he is available as early as possible.

While losing Eze comes as a blow, the fact the injury comes as the international break starts will help minimise the impact created by his absence.

Arsenal‘s next game is the FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton on Saturday, 4 April – a competition in which Arteta has looked to rotate members of his squad.

Credit: bbc.com

Football fans file complaint over World Cup ticket prices

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Football Supporters Europe has filed a formal complaint against Fifa over “excessive ticket prices” at this summer’s World Cup.

FSE, along with Euroconsumers, said football’s world governing body has “abused its monopoly position” in setting prices for the tournament, which begins on 11 June.

In December Fifa introduced a small number of “more affordable” $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches following widespread criticism of its pricing structure.

FSE has called on Fifa to abandon dynamic pricing – variability based on demand – and freeze prices for the April release of tickets.

It also demanded greater transparency for fans when purchasing tickets, with at least 48-hour notice of availability in each category and where those seats will be.

BBC Sport has contacted Fifa for comment.

The complaint by FSE and Euroconsumers to the European Commission says Fifa has taken advantage of its position “to impose excessive ticket prices and opaque and unfair purchasing conditions and processes on European fans”.

It said in a statement: “Fifa holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market.”

FSE and Euroconsumers alleged “six specific abuses” of Fifa’s position.

They include accusing Fifa of bait advertising – illegal under EU consumer law – with its later release of cheaper tickets “so scarce” that it advertised a price “not genuinely available”.

Credit: bbc.com

 

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWS MAHAMA HONORARY DOCTORATE OVER LGBTQ+ STANCE — GHANA EMBASSY PROTESTS “LAST-MINUTE” MOVE

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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President John Dramani Mahama

The planned conferment of an honorary doctorate on former President John Dramani Mahama by Lincoln University has been abruptly thrown into controversy, following a last-minute decision by the American institution to withdraw the honour over concerns linked to Ghana’s LGBTQ+ debate.

The development, first brought to light by policy analyst Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has provoked a strong diplomatic reaction from Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, which has described the move as “surprising and regrettable.”

In a strongly worded statement issued on March 24, 2026, the Embassy expressed “profound disappointment” over what it termed a sudden reversal by the University, barely days before the scheduled visit and award ceremony.

According to the Embassy, all arrangements for the visit — including the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree, honoris causa — had been concluded after what it described as extensive engagements between both parties. “Only last week, officials of the Embassy, together with representatives of Lincoln University, conducted a full walkthrough and finalized all logistical and programmatic arrangements,” the statement noted.

However, in a dramatic turn, the University reportedly communicated fresh concerns raised by a group over Mr. Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament.

The Embassy stressed that such concerns did not arise during the University’s earlier vetting processes prior to extending the invitation. It further underscored the awkward timing of the decision, pointing out that Mr. Mahama had already arrived in the United States, specifically in New York, in anticipation of honouring the invitation.

Describing the situation as troubling, the Embassy emphasised that the issues cited by the University relate to an ongoing legislative process in Ghana, rather than the unilateral position of any individual. “President Mahama has consistently demonstrated leadership grounded in democratic principles, respect for human rights, and inclusive dialogue,” the statement asserted, expressing regret that no prior engagement had been initiated to clarify the concerns.

The Embassy also invoked the longstanding historical ties between Ghana and Lincoln University — an institution notably linked to Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah — urging both sides to resolve the matter with “thoughtfulness and balance.”

While Lincoln University is yet to publicly detail its final position, the incident is already sparking debate over the intersection of international diplomacy, academic recognition, and Ghana’s polarising LGBTQ+ legislative discourse.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, expressing hope that the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the University would not be undermined by the unfolding controversy.

 

 

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E&P To Invest $1.2bn In Tarkwa & Damang … After $650m Investment In 2018; Deploys 30 Heavy-Duty Trucks

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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The heavy Duty Machines on wheels to Tarkwa-Damang

Indigenous mining firm, Engineers & Planners Company Limited (E&P) has stepped up its expansion drive with plans to invest an additional $1.2 billion in its operations at the Tarkwa and Damang mines, alongside the deployment of 30 high-capacity dump trucks to its Tarkwa base.

The newly delivered Caterpillar 785D dump trucks, supplied in semi-knockdown form, represent the final batch of a larger fleet acquisition aimed at boosting productivity and operational efficiency at the two Western Region mines.

The company said the move forms part of a broader strategy to scale up production capacity while strengthening its position as a leading contract mining firm in West Africa.

Built for high-performance surface mining, the Caterpillar 785D trucks are designed to handle large volumes of material with speed and reliability. Their addition to E&P’s fleet is expected to improve haulage efficiency, reduce turnaround times and increase overall output at both sites.

Industry analysts say the scale of the acquisition highlights E&P’s growing technical and operational capacity, noting that the procurement and deployment of such equipment reflects strong logistical planning and execution capability.

The heavy Duty machines

E&P’s investment in heavy-duty mining equipment dates back to 2002, when it began building its fleet to support contract mining and civil works. Over the years, the company has developed expertise in open-pit and hard rock mining, positioning itself to handle complex, large-scale projects.

Its track record has earned it recognition among major international mining firms operating in Ghana and the sub-region. The latest deployment is part of a phased expansion plan designed to meet rising production demands. By continuously upgrading its fleet and logistics systems, the company aims to maintain high productivity and meet the performance standards of its global partners.

Financially, E&P’s commitment to the Tarkwa-Damang enclave remains substantial. Having invested about $650 million since 2018, the planned additional $1.2 billion will bring total projected investment to approximately $1.85 billion.

The scale of investment underscores the capital-intensive nature of modern mining and reflects the company’s confidence in Ghana’s mineral potential and regulatory environment.

The trucks loading the heavy duty machines to Tarkwa

It also mirrors a broader trend in the mining sector, where both local and international firms are investing heavily in equipment, infrastructure and technology to boost efficiency and remain competitive amid strong global demand for gold.

For E&P, the arrival of the final batch of trucks marks a significant operational milestone and reinforces its evolution into a fully integrated mining services provider.

The Tarkwa enclave, one of Ghana’s key gold production hubs, is expected to benefit from increased fleet capacity, which will support higher output and improved operational efficiency.

Founded by Ibrahim Mahama, E&P has grown into one of the largest indigenous mining and construction companies in West Africa, with operations extending into Liberia. The company employs more than 4,500 people and has executed major projects across mining, infrastructure and industrial development.

Industry experts say E&P’s continued expansion, backed by strong capital investment and technical expertise, positions it as a major force in shaping the future of Ghana’s mining industry.

As competition intensifies globally, the company’s latest move signals a growing reality—indigenous firms, with the right resources and vision, can lead large-scale mining operations across the continent.

 

 

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Ghana Deepens Green Economy Drive With Tree For Life Initiative

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Minister Buah planting a tree

Government has renewed its commitment to building a green economy with the launch of the second phase of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who is also acting as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced that Ghana’s forests must play a central role in driving economic transformation.

Traditional leaders also planting a tree

Speaking at the Achimota Forest Reserve during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Forests, he stressed that forests should no longer be viewed solely as environmental assets, but as key contributors to national development.

According to him, the theme “Forests and Economies” aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama and calls for a shift in how the country relates to its natural resources.

“A standing, thriving tree is not just an ecological asset, but a financial one,” he said, pointing to opportunities in carbon credit markets, sustainable timber production, ecotourism and pharmaceuticals.

He disclosed that more than 30 million seedlings were planted in 2025, creating over 41,000 jobs, with a target to match or exceed that figure in 2026. “We must do more than plant; we must nurture. A seedling is a promise, but a mature tree is a legacy,” he added.

In a welcome address, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, highlighted the ecological significance of the Achimota Forest Reserve, describing it as an essential green space that improves air quality, regulates temperature and enhances public well-being.

She outlined measures being implemented across the region to tackle environmental degradation, including intensified tree planting efforts within all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.

“We will collaborate with the Parks and Gardens Department and the Ministry of Transport to plant trees along road medians and ensure their proper maintenance,” she said.

Minister Armah-Kofi Buah addressing the gathering

The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, also underscored the dual ecological and economic importance of forests.

He revealed that under the 2025 Tree for Life Initiative, about 23,600 hectares of degraded land were restored, with over 30.8 million seedlings planted nationwide.Despite these gains, he warned that illegal mining, logging and agricultural expansion continue to threaten forest reserves.

Dr. Brown further raised concerns about the risks faced by forestry personnel, describing forest protection as a dangerous task and citing recent attacks on officers.

“The least we can do is ensure that those who protect our forests, sometimes at great personal risk, are properly equipped,” he said.

He noted that new interventions, including tactical training, provision of protective gear and the establishment of forest protection camps, are being introduced to enhance safety and enforcement.

He also called for greater public involvement, stressing that an informed and engaged citizenry is critical in the fight against illegal mining and logging.

Messages of solidarity from the Country Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Priya Gujadhur, and a representative of the Ga Mantse reaffirmed support for Ghana’s environmental agenda, pledging continued collaboration to safeguard natural resources and promote sustainable development.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including security agency heads, Members of Parliament, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, sector institutions, students and members of the media.

Dispatch Rider Pleads Guilty To Robbing  Namibian High Commissioner’s Secretary 

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Dansoman Circuit Court

The Circuit Court at Dansoman, presided over by Her Honour Nancy Teiko Searyoh, has fixed April 1, 2026, to sentence a 24-year-old dispatch rider who pleaded guilty to robbery and causing unlawful damage.

The accused, Daniel Asiuebi, pleaded guilty simpliciter to two counts of robbery and causing unlawful damage when he appeared before the court on Thursday.

Presenting the facts, Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye told the court that the complainant, Anneli Niinpungu Ananyanga, is the Secretary to the Namibian High Commissioner in Ghana, while the accused is a commercial dispatch rider residing at Soko near Shukura in Accra.

According to the prosecution, on February 23, 2026, at about 8:35 a.m., the complainant was walking along a street at the Airport Residential Area with her handbag containing valuables including an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Huawei P50 Pro mobile phone, a Green Lion earpod, a blue purse and several identification and banking cards, all valued at GH¢36,176.00.

Other items in the bag included a Namibian diplomatic passport, Namibian driver’s licence, Ghanaian diplomatic card, Namibia national identity card, Namibian medical card, office and house keys, business cards, ATM cards, cash of GH¢500 and 160 Namibian dollars, and other personal effects.

The court heard that the accused, who was riding a black Royal 125A motorbike with registration number M-25-GW 2512, forcefully snatched the handbag from the complainant in front of the World Health Organization office at the Airport Residential Area and sped off.

A report was made to the Police, and the stolen iPhone was tracked to Agbogbloshie, where it was found in the possession of one Miracle Asare, who was arrested.

Further investigations led to the arrest of phone dealers at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Dansoman, who had purchased the stolen phones. The dealers later mentioned the accused as the person who sold the phones to them, leading to his arrest.

During investigations, the accused admitted the offence in his caution statement and told Police that after robbing the complainant, he sold the phones, used the proceeds for his personal needs, and burnt the remaining items.

He further confessed to committing similar robberies at Kaneshie, Achimota and the Airport Residential Area on previous occasions. Following his guilty plea, the court convicted him on his own plea and deferred sentencing to April 1, 2026.

 

 

 

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Farmer services centre for Afram Plains

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Pres Mahama unveiling the foundation for the Farmer Services Centre

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for the construction of a long-awaited bridge over the Afram River, alongside major agricultural interventions, in what he describes as a decisive step toward transforming the Afram Plains.

The announcement was made during a sod-cutting ceremony for a Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene in the Afram Plains South District.

According to the president, residents have for years faced serious transportation challenges due to the unreliable pontoon ferry system. In a recent incident, a faulty ferry broke down mid-journey, leaving passengers stranded and exposing the urgent need for a permanent crossing.

To resolve the situation, the government will construct a 3.6-kilometer bridge across the Afram River, complemented by approximately 100 kilometers of feeder roads to improve accessibility and regional connectivity.

The project, part of the GH¢10 billion “Big Push” Programme, is expected to ease the movement of people and goods, stimulate economic growth, and unlock vast agricultural potential in the enclave.

In addition to the bridge, President Mahama cut the sod for the construction of a modern Farmer Services Centre, designed to serve as a one-stop hub for farmers.“The Farmer Services Centre will serve as a one-stop service point for registered farmers,” he stated.

The facility will provide access to modern farming equipment, inputs, fertilizers, and technical support, aimed at promoting efficient, technology-driven agriculture.

Describing the Afram Plains as one of Ghana’s major food baskets, the president commended farmers for their consistent contribution to national food production, stressing that the new center will help stabilize prices, increase incomes, and significantly reduce post-harvest losses.

As part of broader support measures, the government has allocated GH¢3 million to the National Buffer Stock Company to purchase produce and guarantee ready markets for farmers.

President Mahama also highlighted ongoing irrigation efforts in the area, noting that agriculture can no longer depend solely on rainfall.“For too long, agriculture has depended solely on rainfall. That is no longer sustainable,” he said.

He disclosed that the government had already initiated irrigation projects covering about 900 hectares in the Afram Plains. Once completed, the irrigated lands will be allocated to interested farmers to support year-round farming and ensure a steady food supply.

The President further reiterated plans to provide free fertilizers and expand irrigation systems nationwide, expressing confidence in Ghanaian farmers and reaffirming their critical role in ensuring food security and national development.

Regional Minister

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, on her part described the construction of Ghana’s first-ever Farmer Services Centre as a bold and transformative step towards boosting agricultural productivity and securing livelihoods in the Afram Plains enclave.

According to her, the facility would provide critical support services, including access to modern farming equipment, technical assistance, weather information, and market intelligence. These interventions, she said, are expected to increase yields, create employment, particularly for the youth, and stimulate local economic growth.

The minister also addressed the long-standing challenge of post-harvest losses in the area, where large quantities of farm produce often go to waste due to lack of storage, processing, and market access.

“It is my fervent hope that this facility will help reduce the persistent issue of farm produce rotting at the farm gates and contribute significantly to ensuring food security in the country,” she stated.

She further urged farmers within the ecological zone to take full advantage of the initiative by expanding their operations, assuring them of improved market access for their produce.

Hon. Awatey also encouraged the effective utilization of the area’s natural resources, including its fertile lands, livestock potential, and the rich aquatic resources of the Afram River, while calling on agricultural extension officers to intensify their support to farmers.

 

 

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Tomato Crisis: FABAG Proposes 90-Day Production Plan

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Harvested tomatoes

The Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, Rev. John Awuni, has delivered a blistering indictment of Ghana’s agricultural leadership, declaring that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has “no justification to exist” if it cannot mobilise the country to produce tomatoes within 60 to 90 days.

The strong-worded statement follows an acute tomato supply crisis triggered by a ban on exports from Burkina Faso, a development that has exposed Ghana’s continued dependence on external sources for a basic food commodity.

According to FABAG, the situation reflects “dangerous weakness, poor planning and policy failure” within the country’s agricultural sector, despite the availability of vast arable land, irrigation infrastructure, research institutions and extension services.

“It is completely unacceptable that a country with such resources cannot produce enough tomatoes to feed its own population,” Rev. Awuni stressed, insisting that the current crisis is not a matter of theory, but a failure of leadership and execution.

FABAG argued that tomatoes are a short-cycle crop that can be cultivated and harvested within two to three months under proper irrigation and improved seed systems.

Rev Awuni maintained that Ghana has no excuse for persistent shortages, pointing to major irrigation schemes such as Vea, Tono, Botanga, Kpong and Dawhenya, as well as access to fertilisers, pesticides, mechanisation centres and agricultural expertise.

“If the Ministry were proactive and results-oriented, Ghana could immediately launch a national emergency tomato programme and begin harvesting within three months,” the statement noted.

Food Security or National Risk?

The Association warned that reliance on another country for a staple food item goes beyond agriculture and poses a national security risk. “Today it is tomatoes; tomorrow it may be something else. Economic security is national security,” Rev. Awuni cautioned.

FABAG further argued that the failure to achieve self-sufficiency, despite the presence of agricultural universities, research institutions and government subsidy programmes, points squarely to policy and leadership deficiencies rather than structural limitations.

To address the crisis, the Association has called for immediate and decisive government intervention, including the declaration of a national tomato emergency programme and the rapid distribution of improved seeds nationwide within two weeks.

Other measures proposed include subsidised fertilisers and agrochemicals, activation of irrigation systems for dry-season farming, mobilisation of unemployed youth into commercial tomato production, and the introduction of guaranteed pricing for farmers.

FABAG also advocated support for greenhouse farming, revival of tomato processing factories, and investment in cold storage and transportation to minimise post-harvest losses. The Association is further pushing for Ghana to achieve full tomato self-sufficiency within one year.

Call for Structural Reforms

In a particularly striking recommendation, FABAG urged government to consider restructuring the Ministry of Food and Agriculture into a production-focused agricultural authority with clear targets and accountability mechanisms if it fails to act within the proposed timeframe.

“The time for excuses is over. The time for production is now,” the statement concluded, urging authorities to match policy ambitions, including the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, with tangible food production outcomes.

The remarks are expected to intensify public debate over Ghana’s agricultural strategy and its vulnerability to external shocks in critical food supply chains.

 

 

 

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Know The Abolished Taxes in Ghana

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Dr Cassiel Ato Forson - Minister for Finance

Ghana’s Parliament has abolished several tax laws since 2024, a decision taken to enhance the tax system, lessen tax burdens on taxpayers, and promote economic growth. This move is part of the government’s RESET Agenda, aimed at reducing the tax burden on citizens and residents.

Some of the notable taxes abolished include the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, VAT Flat Rate, Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Emissions Levy, VAT on Insurance, Betting Tax, and Withholding Tax on Lottery Winnings. The abolition of these taxes is expected to simplify the tax administration system, improve compliance, promote economic growth, and enhance competitiveness.

The COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, for instance, was abolished to reduce the financial burden on individuals and businesses, as COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency. This move is expected to return about GH¢3.7 billion to individuals and businesses in 2026 alone. The abolition of the E-Levy is expected to revive digital financial services, benefiting small businesses and individuals who rely on mobile payments.

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong – Commissioner General of GRA

The Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), has introduced reforms, including a Unified VAT Rate of 15% on all taxable supplies, and an increased VAT registration threshold from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000, aimed at benefiting micro and small enterprises. The GETFund Levy and NHIL are now deductible as input VAT, reducing the cost of doing business, particularly for small businesses.

Taxation is crucial for Ghana’s economy, providing essential services and infrastructure. However, tax compliance remains a challenge, with only about 29% of eligible taxpayers paying VAT, and 19% paying Income Tax. To address this, promoting citizens’ and residents’ participation in national development through taxation is essential.

Taxes are the primary source of revenue for the government, accounting for over 60% of total revenue. These funds provide healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security for citizens, businesses, and residents. By paying taxes, citizens contribute to national development.

Key benefits of increased tax participation include improved revenue mobilization, enhanced economic stability and growth, better public services, and reduced tax burden on compliant taxpayers. However, challenges persist, including limited awareness of tax obligations, limited access to tax services, perceived corruption, and mismanagement of funds.

In conclusion, promoting tax participation requires a multifaceted approach. The Ghana Revenue Authority and stakeholders must address compliance challenges, simplify tax processes, and increase transparency to encourage Ghanaians to contribute to national development. Citizens must recognize the importance of taxation and take ownership of their role in shaping Ghana’s future.

As a taxpayer, double-check invoices when making purchases to avoid being charged taxes no longer recognized by law. Government has abolished key taxes; business owners should avoid charging these taxes to avoid illegitimacy. Citizens and residents are encouraged to pay their taxes and contribute to national development.

Join the train and let’s build the Ghana we want together. #Know your taxes, pay your taxes, and let’s build Ghana together.

By Elsie Appau-Klu ESQ (Lawyer and Policy Analyst) 

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