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2026 World Shea Expo to take place in September at Tamale

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Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness

Organisers of the World Shea Expo have announced that this year’s programme will be held in Tamale, in the Northern Region, in September 2026. The announcement signals renewed focus on Ghana’s shea industry, with stakeholders positioning the sector as a key driver of economic transformation through value addition and inclusive participation.

The Expo is expected to attract more than 8,000 participants from across the globe, including women’s cooperatives, processors, exporters, policymakers, investors, development partners, and international buyers.

The event, with the theme “From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women and Youth-Led Value Addition in Shea”, reflects a growing national agenda to shift from exporting raw shea nuts to developing refined products for global markets.

The Expo is being organised by Savannah Golden Tree Limited in partnership with the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA) under the Office of the President, with support from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana EXIM Bank, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), and the Ghana Enterprises Agency.

Organisers indicated that the 2026 edition would feature exhibitions, technical presentations, plenary sessions, field trips, business-to-business engagements, training programmes, and live demonstrations to strengthen linkages across the shea value chain and promote industrial transformation.

They noted that although Ghana remained a major exporter of shea, much of the value addition continued to take place outside the country, limiting economic returns for local actors, particularly women who dominate the early stages of production.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said despite Ghana’s strong export position supplying global cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries, much of the value chain remained external, constraining gains in refining, branding, and distribution.

It added that with exports exceeding 70,000 metric tonnes, valued at about 112.6 million dollars, and a global market projected at above two billion dollars, the transformation potential of the sector was substantial.

The statement explained that the Expo would serve as a strategic platform to address these gaps by promoting investment in processing, improving access to technology and finance, and strengthening market linkages.

It said the theme placed women and youth at the centre, with the aim of expanding their access to skills, finance, technology, and markets to enable their transition into higher-value activities, while positioning Ghana as a producer of globally recognised shea brands driven by inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.

The statement noted that Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, said the Expo would mark a significant step in Ghana’s agribusiness transformation agenda.

He noted that the country was moving beyond the export of raw materials towards building a competitive shea industry capable of creating jobs and empowering rural communities.

Dr Otokunor emphasised that empowering women and youth to participate in higher-value segments of the shea value chain were critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

The Expo is also expected to facilitate policy dialogue among government institutions, financial bodies, and development partners, focusing on industrialisation, trade, and climate resilience within the sector.

By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo

GNA

Mass killings in Nigeria underreported –Olawepo-Hashim

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Gbenga Olawepo Hashim

Former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has raised alarm over what he described as a fresh wave of mass killings across Nigeria, warning that many of the incidents are being underreported and increasingly normalised.

In a statement issued on Sunday via his X handle, Olawepo-Hashim cited repeated attacks in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, as well as other parts of the North Central region, as evidence of what he called a widening security collapse in the country.

The statement read: “I am deeply concerned by the fresh wave of mass killings across Nigeria, many of which remain underreported.

“The repeated attacks in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, across parts of the North Central region, and in several other locations, continue to expose what appears to be a widening and persistent security collapse in the country.

“As I have consistently observed, the true scale of killings is being dangerously underreported and increasingly normalized.

“In Kebbi, recent attacks reportedly left over 40 people dead and homes destroyed, with fears the toll may continue to rise. Similar incidents just weeks earlier claimed more lives. These communities appear to be under sustained assault, often without effective security response.

“In Kwara State, coordinated attacks across Kaiama, Edu, and Ifelodun have reportedly left dozens dead, including forest guards, yet many of these tragedies barely make it beyond local reports.

“Across the North Central region, the pattern is deeply troubling: Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Nasarawa states have all recorded repeated attacks, with hundreds feared killed within weeks”. Credit: dailypost.ng

 

Ebonyi community declares ‘no light, no campaigns’

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Ebonyi state

The people of Afikpo/Edda federal constituency, Ebonyi State, have warned aspirants for various positions and politicians from the zone to restore power supply to the area or forget about the 2027 election.

 

A coalition of civil rights groups in the constituency tabled the demand to political office holders from the area, including the member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Iduma Igariwey, the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, members in the State Assembly and other politicians and aspirants.

 

The groups, Afikpo Intelligentsia in the Diaspora, AID), RestoreAfikpoLight Campaigners Abroad and Odinma Afikpo Group, OAG, made the demand while reacting to a statement recently credited to Igariwey in which he maintained that it is not the responsibility of lawmakers to fund power projects.

 

The lawmaker said the online criticisms that have trailed the over two decades of darkness particularly in his ancient Ehugbo community were borne out of ignorance.

Leaders of the groups, Charles Otu, representing Odinma Afikpo Group, Olughu Franklin Nnamdi, Afikpo Intelligentsia in the Diaspora, and Collins Alum Eze, RestoreAfikpoLight Campaigners Abroad, noted that the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electricity Act 2023, and the Electricity Act (Amendment) 2025 gave federal lawmakers some ample and adequate tools to force action from those who can generate electricity.

 

The groups expressed concern that for over 20 years, there has been no electricity in Afikpo LGA, noting that the lawmaker, Igariwey ought to have moved a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the floor of the House of Representatives concerning the issue.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Ghana Gas Rejects Procurement Allegations, Defends Insurance Contract Changes

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Ghana Gas

Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) has moved to dispel allegations of procurement irregularities, insisting that recent changes to its insurance arrangements were lawful and in line with established regulatory procedures.

In a statement issued on April 13, the company said media reports suggesting impropriety in its procurement processes were unfounded, clarifying that the concerns largely stem from the appointment of a new lead insurer following the expiration of previous contracts at the end of last year.

“The Company wishes to categorically assure the general public that no wrongdoing has occurred,” management stated, emphasizing that the revised insurance structure forms part of an enhanced risk management strategy aimed at protecting its assets.

Ghana Gas further underscored that all contracts awarded have received the necessary approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), backed by commitment authorizations from the Ministry of Finance Ghana. This, the company noted, demonstrates strict adherence to Ghana’s procurement laws and governance standards.

The clarification comes at a time when scrutiny of state-owned enterprises has intensified, particularly in relation to contract awards and financial management. Analysts say such developments often draw public attention due to the strategic importance of institutions like Ghana Gas in the country’s energy sector.

Reaffirming its operational mandate, the company said it remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet Ghana’s energy demands, a critical component in sustaining thermal power generation and industrial activity.

Ghana Gas also pledged to continuously review and strengthen its internal systems, noting that robust corporate governance, compliance, and risk management remain central to its operations.

The statement was signed by Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Affairs, on behalf of the Board and Management.

 

 

 

 


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POLICE HUNT SIX GUNMEN AFTER FOOTBALLER KILLED IN HIGHWAY AMBUSH

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Ghana Police

The Ashanti Regional Police Command is on a manhunt for six armed men who ambushed a bus carrying Berekum Chelsea footballers and officials on the Ahyiresu-Kwame Dwumor Sreso road in the Nyinahin District late Sunday night, killing one player and robbing a passenger of thousands of cedis.

Additional personnel and crime scene experts have been deployed to the area as investigators work to track down the suspects, three of whom were seen wielding pump-action guns during the attack, which occurred at approximately 10:30 pm on Sunday, 12 April 2026.

The target was a VIP bus — registration number AM 9334-20 — travelling from Samreboi to Berekum with about 30 players and club officials on board. The driver attempted to escape by swerving off the road, sending the vehicle into nearby bush, but the evasive manoeuvre failed to prevent the attackers from reaching the passengers.

Footballer Dominic Frimpong sustained gunshot wounds in the assault and was rushed to Bibiani Government Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment. A second passenger, George Owusu Afriyie, 52, was robbed of GH₵4,500.00.

Two spent BB cartridges recovered from the scene are being analysed to support the investigation.

Police have assured the public that the perpetrators will be arrested “within the shortest possible time,” urging calm and continued confidence in the service while the manhunt proceeds.

Anyone with information on the suspects is encouraged to contact the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

 

 

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7,000 Candidates Compete for Limited Slots at Police Academy

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BERNICE BESSEY
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IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu

More than 7,000 Chief Inspectors are set to compete for limited admission slots into the Ghana Police Service Academy as part of this year’s Police Competitive Promotional Exams (PCPE).

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has urged all candidates to put in their maximum effort, stressing that only merit will determine successful candidates.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Yohuno dismissed rumours suggesting possible favouritism in the selection process.

He assured candidates that the examination would be conducted fairly and transparently, with no external influence.

“On behalf of the Police Management Board (POMAB) and the Police Council, I wish all the candidates well in this year’s examination,” he said.

“All candidates are to note that the administration does not have any hand in the selection process. It is only your performance that will speak for you. So put in all your best.”

The IGP further cautioned candidates against paying attention to unverified claims, emphasising that no individual would be given undue advantage.

“Nobody from anywhere is going to favour anybody ahead of anyone. So don’t listen to all the rumours. Just concentrate on your studies and if you are able to meet the pass mark, you will be given the opportunity,” he added.

Mr Yohuno acknowledged the intense competition, noting that although all candidates are qualified, only a limited number can be admitted.

This year, a total of 7,133 Chief Inspectors nationwide have been cleared to sit for the examination, which is aimed at grooming a new cadre of senior police officers.

The exams are scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at three designated centres in Accra.

Ahead of the examination, candidates underwent briefing and orientation sessions organised by the University of Cape Coast on April 10, 2026, at the National Police Training School grounds. They have also been provided with guidelines outlining the rules and regulations governing the process.

According to the Police Administration, only the top 700 candidates, based strictly on merit, will be selected to form Cadet Course 54 and Cadet Course 55 at the Police Academy.

 

 

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Police Arrest Woman Over Viral Video in Uniform

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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The suspect, identified as Esther Obasi, who has been arrested by the police.
The suspect, identified as Esther Obasi, who has been arrested by the police.

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a woman in connection with a widely circulated social media video in which she appeared dressed in official police attire.

The suspect, identified as Esther Obasi, was seen in the footage wearing police camouflage as well as a standard black police uniform, raising concerns about the unauthorised use of official gear.

According to a statement issued via the Service’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the arrest was carried out by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team following preliminary investigations into the incident.

Police inquiries established a link between the suspect and a serving officer, who was subsequently invited to assist with investigations. The officer later produced the suspect and explained that he had handed over the uniform to her for washing.

Ms Obasi is currently in police custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations.

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Police Arrest Self- Acclaimed Terrorist

By
JOHN BEDIAKO
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The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) headquarters on Tuesday arrested 22-year old Evans Puplampu after he posted videos on social media claiming he was a bandit.

IGP Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno

Information available to The Chronicle from a deep-throat source at the Police Headquarters reveals that the PID on Sunday April 5, 2026 intercepted a viral TikTok video of an unidentified youngman in a short video, covering his face with clothes and posing as a bandit with the inscription: ‘We are starting from Ghana churches’.

According to the source, the post went viral, creating fear and panic among the Christian faith in the country.

Through sustained intelligence and surveillance, the officers identified, located and apprehended the suspect, a resident of Ashaiman.

He was said to have admitted being the person in the viral video with the TikTok name – ‘Eyes Man’.

That, he saw a similar pose trending on social media and was just copying it for fun but not for any bad intention.

Further information gathered by The Chronicle indicates that Evans graduated from Zion College at Anloga in the Volta Region last year, where he also served as Captain for the Sri House.

According to a staff of the school, Evans was obedient and disciplined to the core and he completely ruled out the presence of any group in the place that could impact negatively on students.

A member of the family, who preferred anonymity, told this reporter that Evans, after graduating from school sought employment at a washing bay in Community 22, to save some money to enable him to further his education.

He happens to be the third of six siblings of a single mother living at Ashaiman Lebanon.

In a related development, the police have arrested a 40-year old man, Inusah Seidu, suspected to have played major role in the Adjin Kotoku Onion Market shooting.

His arrest followed the deployment to the area of the Special Operations Unit under the office of the Assistant to Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Wednesday April 8, 2026.

 

 

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Police Smash Drug Trafficking Ring In U/W

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IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu

The Upper West Regional Police Command has stepped up a sustained crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of large quantities of suspected narcotics across the region.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare

Within the past four weeks, the Command has carried out a series of targeted operations in multiple districts, including Eremon in the Lawra District, Nadowli Barrier and Loho in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Charke and Siriyiri in the Wa Municipality, Hamile in the Lambussie District and Funsi in the Wa East District.

In all, Police retrieved 218 compressed slabs, 54 parcels and eight assorted consignments of substances believed to be Indian hemp.

At the Wa-Loho barrier, personnel intercepted a Royal VVIP bus travelling from Wa to Jirapa and retrieved 51 compressed slabs of the suspected narcotic.

Three suspects – Stephen Lomotey, Solomon King and Urilius Tobopalee – were arrested in connection with the haul.

In a separate operation on April 3, 2026 a Police patrol team intercepted a Toyota Corolla saloon car at Eremon in the Lawra District, leading to the discovery of 140 compressed slabs of the substance.

Two suspects, Dennis Domoyel and Clovis Saame, were arrested. Preliminary investigations suggest that most of the consignments were being transported northwards, particularly towards the Hamile enclave, for onward distribution.

The suspects are at various stages of investigation and prosecution, while the vehicles involved have been impounded.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, has cautioned transport owners and unions against allowing their vehicles to be used for the conveyance of illicit drugs, warning that such vehicles risk confiscation by the state, in addition to possible prosecution of their owners.

He further assured the public of the Command’s resolve to clamp down on drug-related crimes, and appealed to residents to volunteer credible information to support ongoing operations.

From Musah Umar Farouq, Wa

 

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Mahama Convenes Emergency Cabinet Over Fuel Prices

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President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Finance and Energy Ministers to immediately reduce fuel prices through the removal of selected taxes and margins,
effective at the next pricing window- approximately one week away — following an emergency cabinet meeting held at the Jubilee House.

The directive, announced by the government spokesperson after the high level cabinet session, chaired by President Mahama, represents the administration’s most concrete response yet to a fuel price surge that has seen pump prices climb roughly 30 percent since January.

The government was explicit that the tax and margin reductions are not permanent.
The measures will last an initial period of four weeks from the next pricing window, after which cabinet will review the situation and determine whether further action is warranted.

The spokesperson linked the timeline directly to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, noting that restrictions along the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of global crude oil parcels pass have significantly reduced supply volumes, driven
up crude prices and pushed insurance premiums sharply higher.

These pressures, the Spokesperson said, account for the increases recorded across the last two fuel pricing windows despite what officials described as an otherwise stable domestic economic environment. “We are aware of the ceasefire,” the spokesperson said, “but we all know that we need to monitor the situation quite a bit before one can place any measure of confidence and certainty in the outcome.”

The four week window is intended to give the government time to assess whether the ceasefire holds and whether crude oil prices respond accordingly.

Specific taxes to be announced after stakeholder engagement Cabinet identified specific taxes and margins for removal but declined to announce them immediately. The Finance
and Energy Ministers have been tasked with engaging relevant industry stakeholders
over the coming days before a public announcement is made, to ensure the sector is not caught off guard by the changes.

The spokesperson confirmed that the government knows the exact margins and taxes to be removed and the precise cost to the fiscus, describing the figure only as “significant.”
A definitive announcement will accompany the next pricing window. Beyond fuel pricing, the Transport Minister has been instructed to expedite the deployment of 100 newly arrived Metro mass buses into high traffic corridors across the country. The buses, whose arrival was announced over the preceding weekend, are part of a broader fleet acquisition of 300 units.

A further 100 are expected in August and the final batch of 100 in November. Cabinet directed that the Metromass buses, both the new arrivals and existing fleet, maintain fares below those charged by private sector competitors. The measure is designed to give commuters a lower cost alternative during what the government anticipates could be a period of peak transport demand pressure.

Ministers reminded of fuel allowance ban President Mahama used the cabinet session to reinforce an existing directive banning fuel allowances and fuel allocations for ministers and senior government officials and appointees. The reminder signals that the administration is conscious of the optics of public sector fuel consumption at a moment when it is asking ordinary Ghanaians to absorb higher pump prices.

The government said it is also mindful of the risks of repeating past missteps in the energy sector, with the spokesperson stressing that the measures being taken are designed to reduce prices without compromising the financial stability of the energy sector. A formal announcement of the specific taxes and the quantum of fiscal relief is expected before the next pricing window opens.

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