Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo (in all white) unveiling the pulpit whilst other church officials look-on
Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to faith, family and Community with the unveiling of an ultramodern pulpit he personally built in honour of his late mother, Mary Gyawubea Badu.
The ceremony, held at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Akyem Adukrom, in the Eastern Region, was both emotional and symbolic, reflecting gratitude, remembrance and service.
The newly constructed pulpit stands more than a physical structure, it represents a son’s enduring love and respect for his mother’s values and spiritual influence.
Mary Gyawubea Badu was remembered as a woman of strong Christian faith whose life embodied humility, generosity and devotion to God and by dedicating the pulpit in her honour, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo has ensured that her legacy will continue to inspire worshippers for generations.
The pulpit, described as ultramodern in design, combines aesthetic beauty with functional excellence, crafted with quality materials and contemporary finishing, it enhances the sanctuary’s interior and provides a dignified platform from which the Word of God will be preached.
Its design symbolizes strength and stability and virtues that many say defined the life of the late Mary Gyawubea Badu.
The unveiling ceremony drew family members, church leaders, friends, and well-wishers, drawing an atmosphere of gratitude and reverence as prayers were offered and tributes shared whilst church officials expressed appreciation for the gesture, noting that such acts of remembrance strengthen the bond between families and the church community.
Speakers at the event highlighted how the contribution reflects the Presbyterian tradition of service and stewardship, emphasizing that honoring one’s parents through meaningful works aligns with Christian teachings and Ghanaian cultural values.
Beyond the pulpit itself, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo, together with family and friends, donated GH₵64,000 towards the church’s ongoing development projects.
It will also support infrastructural improvements and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the church’s mission.
Church leadership described the donation as timely and impactful, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining religious institutions, which will go a long way to enhancing facilities and expanding the church’s outreach efforts within Akyem Adukrom and beyond.
The event serves as a reminder that philanthropy rooted in gratitude carries deep meaning through investing in the church that nurtured his spiritual foundation and honoring his mother’s memory through service, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo has set an example of purposeful giving.
In Ghanaian society, memorial projects often symbolize continuity between generations.
This initiative not only preserves the memory of Mary Gyawubea Badu, but also strengthens the spiritual and social fabric of the community.
As congregants gather in the sanctuary and sermons are delivered from the newly unveiled pulpit, her legacy will continue to resonate a lasting testament to faith, devotion and the power of honoring one’s roots.
Exercise is good for your heart, bones and muscles, weight, and sleep. Staying fit can even help you live a longer, healthier life.
You’ll get more benefits from exercise if you make it a regular habit rather than a once-in-a-while burst of heavy activity. Even small amounts can do your body some good: Just 10 minutes of aerobic activity each day can lower your risk of heart disease.
If you haven’t exercised in a while, don’t try to do too much at once. You risk muscle pain or damage, or even a stress fracture. That could prevent you from working out again. Instead, start slowly. Steadily build up how long or hard you work out over time.
How do you motivate yourself to turn exercise into another part of your normal routine? Here are a few tricks to make exercise a healthy habit:
Find Something Fun
Choose exercises you like that are comfortable for you. You’re more likely to carve time out of your day for a workout, activity, or class if you enjoy it. If music pumps you up, try a Zumba or water exercise class. If you like fresh air and trees, plan bicycle rides through the park. If you’re competitive, join a local golf or tennis league.
Tips: Pick exercises that you look forward to, not something you have to force yourself to do just because it’s good for you. Enjoyable activities are more likely to become habits:
Think about how and where you like to exercise: indoors or outdoors, alone or with a group, at a gym or at home.
You don’t have to do the latest fitness fad that you read about on social media if it isn’t right for you. If it suits you to just walk on a treadmill while you listen to a podcast, that’s great!
Do a variety of activities so you don’t get into a rut and quit altogether.
Make It Convenient
Exercise will become a habit when it fits into your normal schedule. If you tend to wake up early, plan to work out in the mornings before you shower. If you usually watch TV in the early evening, keep hand weights nearby so you can do some reps while you catch up on your favorite show.
Tips: Combine your workout with things that are already part of your daily life:
Take brisk walks with your dog.
Dance to pop music while you vacuum the house.
Climb a few flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator.
Have a little extra time? Walk to the market or mall instead of driving.
Put It on Your Calendar
Schedule workouts just as you do other appointments. If you plan to do a morning walk or water exercise class three times a week, put that time into your schedule and let people know you’re booked.
Tips: Set up regular exercise appointments in your calendar:
Find a workout buddy so you’re more likely to show up and exercise.
Create a recurring appointment in your mobile phone or computer so it’s always blocked off as time when you’re busy.
Set up reminders or alerts that pop up on your phone screen ahead of your workouts.
Set Realistic Goals
You can’t form habits overnight. It’s a journey. Set realistic goals for exercises and you’re more likely to keep it up and make it a habit.
Tips: Create rewards to help you stick to a long-term workout routine:
Plan to do five 10-minute walks each week.
Write down your plan and include a reward for when you meet your goal.
Once you hit that goal, reward yourself. Book a massage. Download a new audiobook. Plan a picnic in the park.
Stay Flexible
Sometimes, your schedule changes. You get a new job. You have an injury. You move to a new home that’s far from your old gym. This can throw off your workout routine. Don’t give up. You can get back on track. Create new exercise habits if your old ones don’t work for you anymore.
Tips: Adjust your workout habits to fit your new normal:
Find a gym, park, or walking path near your new home.
Sign up for an exercise class that fits into your new work schedule.
If you’re getting over an injury or illness, start to exercise again at your new pace or fitness level. Slowly build up your stamina and strength.
Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain in an all-French showdown
An all-French showdown takes centre stage in the knockout playoffs of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, as Monaco host current holders Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Louis II for the first leg.
This marks the first continental meeting between the sides, though the Red and Whites will draw confidence from their narrow 1–0 Ligue 1 victory at this venue in November 2025.
For the second successive season, Monaco find themselves in the Champions League knockout phase, which appears a respectable achievement for a side that endured an uneven league-phase campaign.
After opening their European journey without a win in three matches (D2, L1), Sebastien Pocognoli’s men steadied the ship by claiming two victories from the next three fixtures (D1), though those proved to be their only successes across the eight-game phase.
Matchday seven brought a humbling 6–1 defeat to Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, but a goalless draw with Juventus in the final round was just enough to secure a 21st-place finish, edging them one point clear of the elimination line.
Now targeting a place in the last 16 for the sixth time in 11 Champions League campaigns, Monaco must also confront a worrying knockout hoodoo, having lost each of their last five two-legged continental ties, including last season’s 4–3 aggregate defeat to Benfica at this very stage.
Monaco have made a habit of unsettling PSG at the Stade Louis II, and their recent European home resilience suggests another stern test awaits the visitors.
Nevertheless, the hosts appear stretched by injuries at a crucial juncture, and Les Parisiens’s greater depth and knockout experience could prove decisive in a narrow first-leg advantage.
Benfica welcome Real Madrid to the iconic Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening for what promises to be a captivating Champions League playoff first-leg encounter.
The Portuguese side will take confidence from their stunning 4-2 victory over Los Blancos in the previous meeting, a result that adds intrigue to a tie between two sides with contrasting recent form.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid
A huge game for Benfica, who scraped into the playoff round on the final matchday of the league phase and now face one of the competition’s most formidable opponents.
The Eagles finished 24th in the standings, securing qualification on goal difference after a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho‘s side have shown resilience in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions, alongside one draw.
Their most recent outing saw them claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Santa Clara, further boosting confidence ahead of this crucial tie.
Their home form has been particularly encouraging, with Benfica consistently posing a threat to visiting sides at the Estadio da Luz.
The previous meeting highlighted how open this fixture can become, but this time, Real Madrid are likely to approach the contest with greater control and intent, especially knowing what is at stake. Nights like these demand authority, and Madrid’s experience at this level often shows when the pressure is highest.
Given their pedigree in decisive fixtures and ability to manage big moments, Los Blancos are well-positioned to take control and punish any defensive lapses.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Dortmund and Atalanta clash in 1st leg knockout playoff
Kicking off their fight for a place in the Champions League’s last 16, Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC will meet for the first leg of their knockout playoff on Tuesday evening.
Julian Brandt, Dortmund
Having kicked off their campaign with a spectacular 4-4 draw against Juventus, tame defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan eventually saw the German giants scrape through in 17th place.
The only real challengers to perennial champions Bayern Munich, Dortmund have recently moved within six points of the Bavarian heavyweights and remain in contention for the title.
After playing Inter last month, Dortmund must now host another Lombardy club clad in black and blue: their only previous meetings with Atalanta produced an aggregate victory in the 2017-18 Europa League, starting with a 3-2 home win on home turf.
Atalanta are unbeaten in four games, having booked their place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals by beating Juventus 3-0 and continued their steady rise up the Serie A standings.
One of Italy’s form clubs, Atalanta remain undefeated in domestic fixtures this calendar year, thanks to seven wins and two draws so far – last time out, they beat Lazio 2-0 in Rome.
However, due to their pedigree and home record, Dortmund must start favourites for this tie – but their playoff opponents are in fine form.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Galatasaray, Juventuscommence battle for Champs League last 16
Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray and Italian giants Juventus will commence their battle for a place in the Champions League’s last 16 when they meet in Istanbul on Tuesday evening.
Kenan Yıldız, Juventus
Convening for the first leg of their playoff, Gala are into the knockout rounds for the first time in 12 years, while Juve have lost their last five elimination ties.
With a two-point buffer heading into the final matchday, Galatasaray could afford a tame 2-0 defeat to Manchester City when the league phase reached its chaotic climax last month.
That loss made it four Champions League games without a win – and just three victories in 14 continental fixtures – but they still scraped through in 20th place.
Since then, Gala have posted four straight wins across all competitions, racking up 15 goals in the process; captain Mauro Icardi has scored five, including a hat-trick in Friday’s 5-1 thumping of Eyupspor.
Galatasaray’s 200th European Cup match will take place on home turf, where they have lost just one of their last 11 matches in continental competition – and they have only once failed to score across the last 18.
Tuesday’s game also marks a seventh Champions League meeting with Juventus, following six previous encounters in the group stage: Gala won the most recent clash 1-0, in December 2013.
In fact, Juve have failed to win any of their three away games against Galatasaray, while the Turin club have lost five consecutive knockout ties since beating Atletico Madrid over two legs back in 2019.
While Juventus represent a step up in class, they Bianconeri have begun to leak goals and may succumb to intense pressure in front of a highly partisan crowd.
Match day 22 of the Ghana Premier League delivered drama across multiple venues, as historic rivalries reignited, home comforts were shattered and tactical discipline proved decisive in tightly contested encounters. From Hearts of Oak’s long-awaited triumph at Baba Yara to commanding displays, the weekend’s action significantly reshaped the league narrative.
Hearts Break Baba Yara Curse at Last
Kamara’s costly first-half error ultimately proved decisive as Hearts of Oak edged Asante Kotoko 1–0 in a fiercely contested encounter. The visitors set the tone from the opening whistle, pressing aggressively and unsettling Kotoko’s buildup play. Their early intensity paid off in the 14th minute when Baba Adamu rose to connect clinically from a set piece, giving Hearts a deserved lead.
Buoyed by the opener, Hearts continued to push for a second goal, maintaining territorial dominance and forcing Kotoko onto the back foot. However, the complexion of the game shifted in the 34th minute when Amankwah Emmanuel was shown a second yellow card, reducing Hearts to ten men. The dismissal handed Kotoko a numerical advantage and renewed belief heading into the latter stages of the first half.
Despite the setback, Hearts showed resilience and tactical discipline, heading into the break with their slender lead intact.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Kotoko enjoyed more possession but struggled to translate control into clear-cut chances. Their attacking play lacked cohesion and sharpness in the final third, with decision-making letting them down at crucial moments.
Michael Ephson, Heart of Lions
Benjamin Asare emerged as a central figure in the contest. The Hearts goalkeeper delivered a commanding performance, producing several crucial saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
In the end, Hearts of Oak’s discipline, efficiency, and defensive solidity proved enough to secure a historic victory; their first away win against Kotoko since the 2018 season.
Bechem United 1–0 Young Apostles
At Bechem, the home side demonstrated patience and structure in a closely fought contest.
The first half was cagey, with both teams probing cautiously. Bechem United looked more comfortable in possession, using overlapping runs from full-backs to stretch Young Apostles. However, Apostles remained disciplined, sitting deep and closing passing lanes.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the second half after sustained territorial dominance. A quick interchange in midfield created space on the right flank, and a precise low delivery into the box was converted calmly.
Once ahead, Bechem displayed maturity. They didn’t chase a second goal recklessly; instead, they focused on shape and defensive organization. Young Apostles pushed forward late on, but their attacking transitions lacked cohesion.
It was a narrow victory, but one built on tactical intelligence and home solidity.
Berekum Chelsea 2–1 Heart of Lions
This fixture offered one of the most entertaining tactical duels of the round.
Berekum Chelsea started aggressively, pressing high and forcing early turnovers. Their opening goal stemmed from exactly that capitalizing on a defensive lapse after regaining possession in advanced areas.
Heart of Lions responded impressively. Rather than retreating, they increased tempo and began exploiting spaces behind Chelsea’s midfield. Their equalizer was well-crafted a patient buildup culminating in a composed finish.
The second half saw both teams stretch the game, creating transitional moments. Chelsea’s winning goal came via a well-rehearsed set-piece routine, exposing poor marking and showcasing preparation on the training ground.
Bibiani Gold Stars 3–0 Holy Stars
Bibiani Gold Stars delivered arguably the most commanding performance of the round.
From kickoff, they dictated tempo with confidence. Their midfield trio controlled possession and switched play effectively, forcing Holy Stars into constant defensive reshuffling.
Bibiani Gold Stars players celebrating a goal
The first goal came from relentless pressure, eventually forcing a mistake inside the penalty area. The second followed after a beautifully timed through ball split the defense.
Holy Stars attempted to respond by pushing their defensive line higher, but this proved costly. Bibiani exploited the space behind with a swift counterattack for the third goal.
Defensively, Gold Stars were equally impressive limiting Holy Stars to minimal clear opportunities.
Dreams FC 0–1 Karela United
One of the round’s biggest surprises unfolded here.
Dreams FC entered with home advantage but struggled to convert possession into meaningful opportunities. Karela United approached the game pragmatically, prioritizing defensive compactness and quick transitions. The decisive goal came from a turnover in midfield. Karela transitioned rapidly, exploiting Dreams’ defensive disorganization and finishing clinically.
Dreams intensified pressure late in the match, committing numbers forward. However, Karela’s defensive structure remained intact, and their goalkeeper made key interventions.
It was a textbook away performance disciplined, efficient, and opportunistic.
Hohoe United 2–1 Nations FC
This contest was defined by intensity and direct attacking play.
Hohoe United began aggressively, pressing high and forcing Nations FC into hurried decisions. Their first goal was a direct result of that pressure capitalizing on a misplaced pass near the box.
Nations FC responded with composure, equalizing through a well-coordinated team move that exposed defensive gaps.
Emmanuel Annor, Nations FC
The second half grew increasingly physical. Hohoe regained the lead from a set-piece, attacking the ball with greater determination inside the penalty area.
From that point forward, they managed the game effectively, limiting Nations FC to speculative attempts. A vital home win built on aggression and set-piece efficiency.
Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Samartex
This was a tightly contested tactical encounter. Samartex controlled possession for large spells but struggled to break down Swedru’s organized defensive block. The breakthrough came when a loose clearance fell kindly to a Swedru attacker, who struck decisively.
Samartex increased tempo in search of an equalizer, but Swedru’s defensive compactness and time management frustrated them. It wasn’t spectacular football but it was strategic and effective.
Medeama 1–1 Aduana
Medeama were held to a 1–1 draw by Aduana in a tightly contested Round 22 encounter that highlighted the tactical discipline and experience of both sides.
Osei Prince, Aduana FC
Playing at home, Medeama began the match with confidence and control, dictating the tempo through patient build-up play and intelligent movement in midfield. Their approach gradually pinned the visitors back, forcing them into long spells of defensive work.
The pressure eventually paid off when Medeama found the opening goal after a sustained period of dominance. A well-worked move through midfield drew Aduana out of shape, allowing a forward runner to break into space and apply a composed finish.
Table
Aduana, however, responded with maturity and tactical awareness. The visitors adjusted their shape, sitting deeper and focusing on closing central passing lanes while inviting Medeama to play wide. This shift disrupted the hosts’ rhythm and gradually allowed Aduana to grow into the game. Their equalizer came through a quick transition, which was clinically converted to restore parity.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) and the National Premix Secretariat have announced a sweeping set of reforms to protect the 53 percent Community Development Fund (CDF) allocated to communities.
Mr Ebow Mensah, administrator of Premix secretariat
The decision was taken after the release of an audit report that exposed severe financial and governance lapses in management of premix funds meant for community development by some Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) between 2017 and 2024.
The audit revealed widespread failures in accounting, non-compliance with approved distribution formulas and unauthorised use of funds, exposing deep-rooted institutional weaknesses in managing community premix resources.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, commenting on the report said the decision to make it public demonstrated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and reform.
She reiterated: “We cannot build a sustainable premix system without confronting the realities of the past. This government has chosen transparency and reform over silence, because the future of fisherfolks’ livelihoods depends on it.”
The Minister stressed that the funds, which were not accounted for, could have been used for much-needed projects such as drainage systems, sanitation facilities, schools and infrastructure to support fishing communities.
These facilities, she mentioned, could directly contributed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty alleviation, education and clean water and sanitation.
According to her, the loss represents a huge setback for development, particularly in underdeveloped coastal areas, where these resources were vital for improving living conditions.
The Administrator of the National Premix Secretariat, Mr Ebow Mensah, told The Chronicle in an interview that the audit provided a clear roadmap for action, saying “Transparency strengthens enforcement” and that by making these findings public, “we have empowered ourselves to act decisively and fairly.”
He confirmed that recovery processes were underway, with serious cases referred for further action whereas governance structures at the landing-beach level were being restructured to tighten financial controls and improve oversight.
He stressed that as response to the audit findings, MoFA was introducing a Community Accountability Framework to ensure the proper management of CDF funds at the local level.
This framework, he noted, would include mandatory reporting, clearer signatory rules, improved financial training for LBC executives and stricter compliance monitoring.
Mr Mensah also announced that starting in February 2026, government would roll out a nationwide CDF protection system linked to the Premix Fuel Automation Programme to enhance transparency, monitoring and accountability.
“These reforms mark a new chapter for the premix system. Our focus is on protecting fisherfolk, recovering public funds and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated,” he said.
The Secretariat emphasised that the combination of transparency, recovery and reform would position the premix programme to be stronger and more sustainable to reinforce its critical role in supporting the livelihoods of fisherfolk to drive community development in coastal areas across the country.
The main purpose of the aforementioned initiative meant to prevent future losses and ensure that the funds designated for community development would be used effectively to bring long-term benefits to fishing communities to reduce poverty and foster economic growth in line with the government’s commitment to the SDGs.
The Ghana Police Service has announced the interception of a large consignment of suspected prohibited drugs by officers of the Ashanti South Regional Command.
According to a statement posted on the Service’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, personnel at the Tweapease Police barrier on the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway seized the drugs on February 13, 2026, during a routine operation.
The consignment, transported on a red OA Kia Grandbird bus en route to Ayamfuri near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region, comprised 257 packs of 50mg tramadol, 58 packs of 250mg tramadol—popularly known as “Red”—and 58 packs of 225mg tapentadol, also referred to as “Royal.”
Police said a search of the vehicle at the barrier led to the discovery of two sealed brown boxes containing the substances. The driver of the bus, identified as Joseph Nkrumah, 37, was arrested at the scene.
Drug exhibits that were en route to Ayanfuri but were seized by the police.
During preliminary interrogation, Nkrumah reportedly identified one Perpetual, a native of Ayamfuri, as the owner of the consignment.
The statement further indicated that on February 14, 2026, while investigations were ongoing, the said Perpetual, accompanied by three others—Diana Mensah, 40; Abena Neyea, 43; and Nana Akua, 35—arrived at the Tweapease barrier with GH¢50,000 in cash, allegedly in an attempt to bribe the officers.
The police said the suspects were immediately arrested, and the cash has been retained as evidence to support further investigations.
All five suspects are expected to be arraigned today, Monday, February 16, 2026, under provisions of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which prohibits the sale and distribution of certain drugs and related substances without lawful authority.
Drug exhibits seized by the police after they were found on board an OA bus en route to the mining town of Ayanfuri.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command reiterated its commitment to clamping down on drug trafficking and related offences within its jurisdiction.
In the statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, Regional Commander, the Command warned that it would continue to make the area “hostile” for individuals engaged in criminal activities.
The bodies of seven Ghanaian traders who were killed in a terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, have been laid to rest as the Government of Ghana steps up efforts to evacuate surviving victims.
Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, disclosed this in an interview on JOY FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, February 16.
He said the remains of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition and had begun decomposing, compelling authorities to proceed with burial arrangements in Burkina Faso.
“The seven bodies had been burnt beyond recognition. As of yesterday, we agreed they had begun decomposing and had to be buried,” the Minister stated.
According to him, the government had hoped Ghana’s diplomatic mission would be present to witness the burial. However, the deteriorating security situation in the area made it unsafe for officials to travel there.
He explained that the Burkina Faso authorities informed Ghanaian officials that the burial would take place at 10 a.m., adding that some of the Ghanaian women who were not seriously injured were allowed to attend and document the process.
Mr. Mubarak further revealed that Burkina Faso’s military is working to establish a secure corridor to enable the safe transport of both injured and uninjured survivors to Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Ouagadougou. From there, arrangements will be made to repatriate them to Ghana.
The victims were among a group of 18 Ghanaian tomato traders and truck drivers caught in the deadly attack in Titao last Saturday. The incident claimed seven lives and left several others injured.
Providing an update on the survivors, the Interior Minister said three men sustained injuries, while one woman remains in critical condition. Others, he noted, suffered minor injuries.
Tension is mounting at Akplabanya in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, following the visitation of terror on construction workers by a group of hooded men suspected to be land guards.
The attackers severely assaulted the workers, robbed them of their money and mobile phones, damaged a vehicle and a polytank at the site.
Information available to The Chronicle from the coastal community of Akplabanya suggests that the incident might be linked to a lingering nearby land litigation.
According to a source at the Kitcher Larbia family of Akplabanya who pleaded anonymity, some years ago, the maritime authorities dumped a number of laid up vessels occupying space at the Tema Port on the beaches of Akplabanya.
Then ferrous metal scrap dealers descended on the distressed vessels, which they cut and sold to the steel companies, both local and abroad.
The investors in that trade saw Akplabanya shoreline as conducive enough to land any wreckage for ferrous metal scraps and as such constructed a huge warehouse for that purpose.
The worried source went on that, with the passage of time, the ravaging sea erosion destroyed the structure.
The Kitcher Larbia family, he said, released a parcel of land adjoining a disputed area (which case is in court with an injunction restraining all sides), to the investor to advance his business, which work was commenced.
Sometime last month, the leadership of the workers reportedly received a phone call from a known individual with interest in the land, but hiding behind others, to the effect that if they do not stop the construction of the warehouse, land guards would come and terrorise them.
Not long after that threat, hooded and suspected land guards armed with offensive weapons stormed the site, assaulted the workers mercilessly and robbed them.
The source continued that already, there was growing chieftaincy litigation at Akplabanya, which had rendered the place volatile because of interests from faceless individuals.
The Kitcher Larbia family source further told The Chronicle that they did not want to take the law into their own hands, as they could have also gone the extra mile to face the aggressors.
When the Police at Sege district and Ada division were contacted, sources at these commands confirmed the incident and that investigation was ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.
A source at the divisional headquarters intimated to the paper that, its searchlight had been thrown on a certain personality suspected to be operating with land guards in the Ada general area. Stay tuned
Cocoa-growing communities across Ghana are grappling with disbelief and anxiety following the government’s decision to reduce the producer price of cocoa beans in the middle of the crop season, an action many farmers say is unprecedented.
In an announcement on February 12, 2026 the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) revealed that the farmgate price for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season will be adjusted downward to GH¢41,392 per metric tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag.
The new rate marks a 28.6 percent drop from the GH¢58,000 per tonne (GH¢3,625 per bag) set, at the beginning of the season in October 2025.
While farmers who sold their beans before February 13 will receive the earlier rate, those delivering afterward must accept the reduced price.
The decision has sent shockwaves through cocoa-producing regions including Ashanti, Ahafo, Western North and Bono regions, where cocoa farming forms the backbone of local economies. Many farmers describe the move as the first time in their memory that earnings have been cut outright during an active season.
“We’ve never seen this before,” said Kwame Asante, a 58-year-old farmer from Adomfe in Asante Akyem South, speaking on the People’s Forum Platform.
“Governments always talk about increasing prices to reward our work and prevent smuggling. Now they’ve reduced it. School fees are due, fertilizers are expensive and suddenly I’m earning over GH¢1,000 less per bag. It feels like our labour has been devalued overnight.”
Explaining the rationale behind the adjustment, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson cited sharp declines in global cocoa prices.
After reaching highs between $7,000 and $12,000 per tonne in 2024, international prices have reportedly fallen to between $3,600 and $4,000 per tonne in recent months.
According to the minister, Ghana’s previously high farmgate price made its cocoa less competitive on the global market, leading to unsold stocks, payment delays, and liquidity constraints at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Government officials maintain that even with the reduction, farmers will still receive 90 percent of the achieved gross Free-On-Board (FOB) export value well above the statutory minimum of 70 percent.
Authorities have also outlined complementary measures aimed at stabilizing the sector, including the introduction of a domestic cocoa bond financing model, plans to increase local processing beyond 50 percent of total output, and proposed legislation to guarantee future minimum producer prices.
However, on the ground, the policy explanations have done little to calm frustrations. Farmers’ groups say the timing and scale of the cut are particularly painful, given rising production costs driven by climate variability, high input prices, and labour shortages.
Some growers in Western North have reportedly warned that sustained price instability could push farmers to abandon cocoa for other crops.
The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association has acknowledged the pressures of global market fluctuations, but has urged government to expedite the clearance of outstanding arrears and engage farmers in broader consultations.
Some farmer coalitions have indicated a willingness to accept lower future prices if outstanding payments are settled promptly.
Meanwhile, the NPP Minority in Parliament has criticized the reduction as a betrayal of earlier assurances to protect farmer incomes, arguing that affected growers stand to lose approximately GH¢16,608 per tonne under the revised pricing.
As the mid-crop harvest continues, uncertainty hangs over Ghana’s cocoa belt. The challenge now facing policymakers is how to reconcile global market realities with the livelihoods of millions who depend on cocoa production.
For many farmers working beneath the shade of cocoa trees, the dominant feeling remains one of shock at a price decrease few anticipated and even fewer were prepared for.
CEO of Justina Nelson speaking during a panel discussion
Ghana’s Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) has signalled a strategic expansion of its mandate beyond royalty collection within the country, aiming to pursue regional co-investment initiatives and position itself more prominently within the sovereign wealth landscape in the sub-region.
A section of participants at the event
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fund, Mrs Justina Nelson, said MIIF was recalibrating its strategy to maximise mineral income and deploy it more competitively across diversified assets.
“Our setup is to maximise the value of income due to the Republic of Ghana. But beyond mobilising royalties, we are focused on monetising these flows prudently and investing them to create long-term value for Ghana,” she said in her presentation at the Ghana Day, during the 2026 African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa on February 11, 2026.
The Ghana Day served as a high-impact investment platform, positioning Ghana as a stable and forward-looking mining destination while showcasing the country’s commitment to responsible resource development, regulatory transparency and long-term value creation.
Against the backdrop of rising global demand for minerals, the event attended by a large number of people from across the continent, provided MIIF and others an opportunity to engage international investors, industry leaders and strategic partners through focused discussions on policy reforms, investment incentives and opportunities across the mining value chain, from exploration to value addition and downstream industrialisation.
Mrs Nelson noted that Ghana recorded significant mineral royalty inflows in 2025, creating an opportunity for MIIF to diversify its portfolio across equities, fixed income and alternative investments in line with its mandate to generate sustainable, long-term returns for the Republic.
“At the core of our priorities is sustainability. It is not just about collecting royalties. It is about how we invest them responsibly, competitively and transparently to benefit current and future generations,” she added.
She further outlined plans for 2026 to pursue co-investment partnerships with other sovereign wealth and mining-focused growth funds across the sub-region.
“There is no shortage of opportunity in the mining space. What is required is collaboration, strong governance and trust. We are positioning MIIF as a world-class sovereign investor ready to partner across the region,” Mrs Nelson stated.
Investment destination
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Benjamin Kofi Quashie, described Ghana as a stable and predictable investment destination, urging investors to take advantage of the country’s reform-driven economic environment.
“Ghana stands as a beacon of stability and opportunity in West Africa. We are committed to creating conducive atmosphere for investors to make informed and confident decisions,” he said.
Commitment
For his part, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the mining sector’s regulatory and institutional framework.
“We seek not just capital but ethical and innovative partners committed to long-term value creation. Ghana is open for business and we are determined to ensure a win-win partnership for investors, communities and the nation,” he noted.
