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Colombian Veep explores investment opportunities at GPHA

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The Colombian Veep being briefed at Team Port

The Vice President of Colombia, H.E. Francia Elena Márquez Mina, on Friday, December 12, 2025 led a high-level business delegation to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) as part of efforts to explore investment opportunities and deepen bilateral trade relations between Colombia and Ghana.

The delegation was received on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority by the Director of Port of Tema, Mr. Tebon Zumah, along with management officials of GPHA.

The visit is aimed at identifying areas of mutual business interest while strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

Vice President Márquez Mina underscored the critical role ports play in national economic development, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between ports in Colombia and Ghana, to drive growth and shared prosperity.

She noted that Colombia is pursuing a vision to reconnect with the world through strategic trade partnerships, adding that Ghana holds a special place in that vision, due to historical and cultural links.

According to her, Colombia seeks to strengthen trade relations with Ghana through enhanced port cooperation to improve livelihoods in both countries.

The Vice President revealed Colombia’s interest in exporting Colombian goods to Ghana and establishing a direct maritime route between Colombia and Ghana, noting that such a route is geographically feasible through one of Colombia’s two major ports.

She also proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ports of Colombia and Ghana to formalize cooperation.

Additionally, H.E. Márquez Mina announced that Colombia will host an African Trade Forum in March, 2026 and formally invited the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to participate.

She emphasised the importance of transforming historical maritime routes once associated with the transatlantic slave trade into modern routes of trade, partnership, and mutual development.

In his remarks, the Director of the Port of Tema, Mr. Tebon Zumah, reaffirmed that international trade is impossible without efficient port infrastructure and welcomed the proposal for closer collaboration.

He expressed support for the idea of exchange programmes between Ghanaian ports and sister ports in Colombia to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Mr. Tebon Zumah also welcomed the Vice President’s call to redefine historical trade routes as channels of prosperity and highlighted Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

He noted that Colombia could leverage Ghana’s ports to access these markets. He further mentioned opportunities for tourism development through the introduction of passenger vessel services.

As part of the visit, the Vice President and her delegation toured key facilities at the Port of Tema, including Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3 and the Fruit Terminal, where they observed ongoing port operations.

 

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‘I was bullied into supporting Tinubu’ –Actress Bimbo Akintola

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has opened up about the reason behind her unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The movie star, who supported Tinubu during the last election, explained that she increased her support for the then-APC candidate because an opposition supporter bullied her over her choice of Tinubu.

She claimed that her increased support for Tinubu was to spite her bully.

Speaking in a recent episode of With Chude, Akintola urged Nigerians to respect other people’s political choices and opinions.

“I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election because somebody annoyed me with their bullying.

“Nigerians are annoying. Don’t bully other people. We have our right to differences of opinion. You don’t like this man [Tinubu], cool, you have the right not to like him. You prefer this person, good for you. But don’t bully others.

“They bullied Aunty Joke [Silva] to the point that someone wrote something so inhumane. So, I made a video and said, ‘I’m also supporting Tinubu, kill me, let me see if you can change my 565mind.’

“We need to stop bullying. We need to agree that we can never agree with everybody. That’s what makes us great and beautiful. If we were all the same, it would be a boring life.

“Till tomorrow, you might not agree that he was the best person for the job, but at that point, that was who I wanted, that was who I voted for. You can’t take my voice away from me; it’s mine,” she expressed.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Akosua Serwaa’s absence at Lumba’s funeral a cultural blunder –MC Portfolio

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Ghanaian MC and creative personality, David Adjei Frimpong, popularly known as MC Portfolio, has criticised the absence of one of the surviving spouses, namely Akosua Serwaa Fosu, at the funeral of the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba, describing it as a “cultural blunder.”

Speaking on Starr Showbiz on Starr FM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 MC Portfolio emphasised the importance of the surviving spouse’s presence in Akan funeral traditions, stating that, “And also, to see that one of the survivors is completely also absent from the whole funeral, that is…

“This is weird…  I mean, culturally, I don’t know how culturally. Because obviously, we have always said that the Kuna [Widowhood right] goes beyond the sharing of properties or claiming of spousal, whatever”.

According to him, by tradition, the surviving spouses are supposed to be active from the very dawn of the body arrival till 6 o’clock. “That is how our tradition has been. You have to be visibly present at every detail,” he said.

He added that the surviving spouse’s role goes beyond mere attendance, highlighting its spiritual and cultural significance. “Your presence is equally as essential as the arrival of the body… at the time people are showing condolences till the very time the whole funeral has been dropped. So, for her [Akosua Serwaa] to be missing in action at around this very important moment, I don’t know what tradition is based on,” MC Portfolio stated.

Describing the absence as more than a personal choice, he stressed that it contravenes Akan cultural norms. “Your absence is culturally… a cultural blunder. Your absence connotes something that is against Akan tradition. Irrespective of how you may disagree, one thing is, your Kuna [Widowhood] right is a must. You just have to be present. You may decide not to be so active or participate in the way that you wanted to.

“But it’s a must for you to be there for the sake of the cultural essence of your presence. And to see ‘Maame Akosua Sewaa’ completely missing on a date that has been unanimously agreed by the family, it raises eyebrows. And I don’t know the aftermath of this.”

MC Portfolio acknowledged that the family’s decisions ultimately govern funeral proceedings, but warned that overlooking such traditions could have serious consequences.

“In as much as we want to accept that that Lumba is a national treasure, we also have to respect culture. That he is from a family first, before becoming a national icon. And so, the decision of the family stands paramount,” he added, while making it clear that cultural responsibilities still carry weight.

Credit: starrfm.com.gh

Daddy Lumba to feature in planned National Music Museum –MUSIGA

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons

The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, says plans are underway to establish a national music museum that will celebrate Ghana’s musical heritage, with the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, expected to feature prominently among the honourees.

Speaking to Citi News at Daddy Lumba’s funeral on Saturday, December 13, Simons noted that while the museum will recognise several iconic Ghanaian musicians, Daddy Lumba’s immense contribution to highlife music makes him a central figure in the planned initiative.

He described Daddy Lumba as one of Ghana’s greatest musicians, whose influence transcended generations and helped shape the country’s contemporary music landscape.

According to him, MUSIGA is committed to honouring Daddy Lumba in a meaningful and enduring way, both through the proposed music museum and a planned Hall of Fame that will celebrate outstanding musicians who have shaped Ghana’s creative arts industry.

“We as MUSIGA, we know very soon, we will honour him in a big way. There is a lot we are planning to do. We are planning to have a music museum, and we know he will be a very important part of the  Music Museum and definitely when our hall of fame comes, he has to be in there. We will remember Lumba for the High Life music he played,” he stated.

The final funeral rites for the legendary musician was held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, following weeks of legal disputes over his burial.

Thousands of fans gathered at the Heroes Park of the stadium early in the morning to pay their last respects. The atmosphere was both solemn and celebratory, as mourners sang and danced to Daddy Lumba’s timeless songs in honour of his enduring legacy.

Security was heightened at the venue, with a strong police presence and snap checks mounted to maintain order and ensure the safety of mourners.

The burial followed a decisive ruling by the Accra High Court, which cleared the way for the funeral after applicants in an ongoing family dispute failed to raise the GH₵2 million required to sustain an injunction blocking the release of the body. With the payment unmet, Transitions Funeral Home was directed to proceed with the funeral arrangements.

Credit: citinewsroom.com

Editorial: Online Fraudsters Need Harsher Punishment

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Since the beginning of this year, reports of online fraud involving Ghanaian citizens and foreign nationals resident in the country have become disturbingly frequent. Romance scams, fake investment schemes and other forms of internet fraud now dominate court dockets and police briefings, creating the impression of a crime wave that refuses to abate.

While The Chronicle has no legal authority to determine the guilt of suspects who have been arrested and charged, we are deeply concerned about the persistence of these crimes over the years and the seeming inability of existing sanctions to deter offenders.

The pattern is familiar: flamboyant displays of wealth on social media, exaggerated claims of success and influence, and the eventual unmasking of alleged criminal conduct.

The recent case involving a young entrepreneur from Agona Swedru, who publicly projected himself as Ghana’s “youngest millionaire,” is only the latest example that has unsettled the public.

What worries us most is the damage these acts inflict on Ghana’s image. As a nation, we pride ourselves on being a beacon of peace, stability and democratic progress in Africa.

We market ourselves as a safe destination for investment, tourism and international cooperation. Yet, a growing sub-culture of young people seeking to climb the social ladder overnight through fraud is steadily dragging the country’s name into disrepute.

Romance scams, in particular, are cruel and devastating. A romance scammer typically creates a fake online persona on dating apps or social media, builds an emotional bond with the victim, and then exploits that trust for financial gain.

Victims are showered with affection and promises of marriage or visits that never materialise. Instead, endless excuses follow, accompanied by urgent requests for money to cover fictitious medical bills, travel costs, or business emergencies, often sent through untraceable channels such as gift cards or wire transfers. The emotional and financial wreckage left behind is enormous.

Globally, fraud is no small matter. The United Kingdom alone reportedly loses about £219 billion annually to fraud-related crimes. Ghana cannot afford to be perceived as a safe haven for such activities, especially at a time when digital connectivity is supposed to open doors for innovation, not criminal enterprise.

Studies and law enforcement reports suggest that many fraudsters share troubling psychological and behavioural traits. They are often manipulative, highly persuasive and adept at exploiting emotional vulnerabilities.

A lack of empathy enables them to ignore the pain they cause, while narcissism and a sense of entitlement fuel the belief that they deserve wealth by any means necessary.

Many rationalise their crimes as survival tactics or as justified retaliation against a system they perceive as unfair. Compounding this is a high tolerance for risk and, in some cases, an addiction to the thrill of deception itself.

Socio-economic pressures also play a role. Poverty, unemployment and the relentless display of lavish lifestyles on social media create fertile ground for fraud. Furthermore, weak institutional controls and the anonymity of the digital space further embolden offenders.

Behavioural red flags such as living far beyond one’s means, chronic financial pressure and secretive or defensive conduct are often present, yet many perpetrators have no prior criminal records, making detection difficult. Acknowledging these factors, however, must not translate into excusing criminality.

Fraud is not a victimless crime. It destroys lives, erodes trust and undermines national credibility. When punishments are perceived as lenient, they send the wrong signal that the rewards outweigh the risks.

It is for this reason that The Chronicle believes online fraudsters deserve harsher punishment.

The law must evolve to reflect the scale, sophistication and transnational nature of these crimes.

Stronger sentences, asset confiscation, and stricter enforcement of cybercrime laws are essential deterrents. Equally important is sustained public education, digital literacy and economic empowerment to address the root causes that push young people toward crime.

Ghana’s future cannot be built on deception and quick money. If we are serious about protecting our national image and safeguarding both local and foreign victims, then online fraud must be treated with the severity it deserves.

The message must be clear, crime in cyberspace is still crime, and it will no longer pay.

 

 

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A Sacred Vision, A Troubled Path: Revisiting The National Cathedral Conversation

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Opinion

The Cathedral Question
The desire to build a house for God is, in itself, noble and praiseworthy.
Throughout Scripture, building for God has always been an act clothed in reverence and purity of intention.

Yet the current debate invites us to reflect deeply on whether the approach to such a sacred task has matched the purity of its intention.

From the beginning, the altar of God has been a sanctified space—distinguishing between an Abel offering and a Cain offering. God delights not in the magnitude of what is given, but in the spirit and integrity behind it. The question, therefore, is not merely what we build, but how we build it.

The Question of Foundations:
Would God not be pleased with a clean, transparent, and selfless approach to building His house?
A good idea, no matter how divine it appears, must rest on a spiritual foundation of truth, humility, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself began the expansion of the Kingdom using seasoned professionals—men whose competence was matched by their willingness to sacrifice.

These professionals, though highly skilled, left the comforts and benefits of their trades because they believed in the mission. They followed Christ even unto death.

In the same vein, Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s broken walls was not funded by heavy levies or state budgets. He appealed, and the people—moved by conviction—responded.
Volunteers, families, priests, artisans and ordinary citizens worked on gratis.
They saw a divine purpose and aligned their labour with their faith.

So We Ask:
What About the Ghanaian Cathedral? Couldn’t the highly renowned professionals involved—already blessed in their professions—have offered their skills as a sacrificial gift unto God?
Did they have to charge fees for a project intended to symbolize national faith, unity, and devotion?

One might argue:
“Perhaps they are not Christians.” Yet even then—why were they engaged, when tens of thousands of seasoned Christian architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, artisans, and project managers fill our churches every Sunday? Professionals who would joyfully offer their expertise for the glory of God?

Examples abound:
• Architect Lawrence Ndaago Ayagiba, designed the Roman Catholic Church – Corpus Christi, Sakumono and the Good Sherperd Parish Hall building at Tema West, and supervised the constructions at no cost.
He did same for the Methodist Church building at Sakumono, interestingly constructed with internal contributions from members, for more than 10 years –
These were not commercialized.

And again, Nehemiah rebuilt with volunteers, not consultants billing millions.
Would it not have been spiritually—and financially—sound to engage a “Consortium of Christian professionals” to execute the National Cathedral at no cost?
Could volunteer-driven fundraising, paired with expert contributions from the body of Christ, not have prevented the public uproar now accompanying the $400 million expenditure?

A Cost Raising Serious Questions:
It is mind-boggling that almost one-fifth of the IMF’s $2 billion support appears to be consumed by a single religious construction project.

If nearly $100 million is spent on 10% of the project, with $400 million earmarked for completion, then it could finally run into billions—funds that could transform the lives of congregants struggling with unemployment, healthcare costs, and basic livelihood challenges.

What the Church Could Have Done:
Surely-
– The Catholic Bishops Conference,
– The Christian Council, and
– The Pentecostal and Charismatic Council—with their vast networks of educated, Spirit-filled professionals—could mobilize a national pool of architects, engineers, artisans and financiers who would volunteer to see the dream realized without draining public coffers.

That would embody the early church’s spirit of shared sacrifice.
That would reflect Nehemiah’s model.
That would silence accusations and restore dignity to the Church.

A Call for Forensic Truth: It is therefore imperative that government continues its forensic review of state expenditures related to the Cathedral—not out of malice, but in pursuit of truth.
For truth is cleansing. Truth restores. And truth protects the credibility of both Church and State.

A Sobering Conclusion: It is painful—indeed saddening—that a project intended to honor God has become shrouded in controversy.
Not because the idea was wrong, but because the process may not have reflected the selflessness that defines true Christian service.

Perhaps the real question is this:
Has the modern Church unknowingly drifted from the spirit of sacrificial service that once defined its strength? The Cathedral debate is more than a national issue—it is a spiritual mirror.

Ye Son of Man!

This Is The WORD Of GOD!
Let good ears – effectively listen with the fear of GOD!!
AMEN!!!

Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg,
Advocate for Liberation and Development Theology.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

 

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Court orders EFCC to apologise to Dubai-based Businessman, awards damages

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A court gavel

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tender a public apology to Dubai-based businessman, Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, for unlawfully declaring him wanted.

The court also awarded ₦5 million in damages against the Commission.

Delivering judgment, Justice H. Buhari held that the EFCC acted “outside the ambit of the law” when it published Tijjani’s photograph and details on its official website without first securing a valid court order authorising such a declaration.

“The action of the first respondent in declaring the applicant wanted without following due process is unlawful, unconstitutional, and a violation of his fundamental rights,” the judge ruled in the certified true copy of the judgment released on Thursday. “A mere arrest warrant issued by a Magistrate’s Court does not empower the EFCC to publicly brand a citizen as wanted.”

Case Background

Tijjani, a Kano-born gold merchant based in Dubai, filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC and businessman Mr. Ifeanyi Ezeokoli. The matter arose from a disputed multimillion-dollar gold transaction dating back to 2022.

According to court filings, both parties had reconciled an initial overpayment of ₦26 million.

However, a later audit allegedly uncovered an additional discrepancy of over $2 million in Tijjani’s favour.

He subsequently reported the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS), where both sides submitted documents and engaged independent auditors during an ongoing investigation.

While the DSS inquiry was still active, Ezeokoli petitioned the EFCC. Tijjani said the Commission contacted him only once via WhatsApp, after which he sent a representative. “At no time after that single communication was I invited again,” he told the court. “Yet the EFCC proceeded to publish me as a wanted person, damaging my reputation internationally.”

Credit: channelstv.com

 

I Won’t Near Politics Even If Offered $1bn –Oyedepo

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Presiding Bishop of Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, says not even $1 billion was able to make him join politics.

He disclosed this while speaking at the Day 5 impartation service of the church’s annual convocation, Shiloh 2025, monitored by Channels Television.

“In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?

“If you gave me 1 billion dollars, I would not even go near politics. It is off my calling. Those who are not called there will lose their dignity and respect. They will lose everything”, he said.

Oyedepo urged members of the church to focus on their divine calling.

He emphasised that it is in their area of calling that they can “rule their world” and be enlisted in the end-time army of God.

The bishop further highlighted the urgency of the times, noting the world’s desperate need for divine intervention.

“The world is groaning in darkness, but as embedded in Romans 8:19, the world is waiting for the earnest manifestations of the children of God.

“The army of God is about to emerge to proffer solutions to national crises in the order of Joseph and Daniel. It is the day of what eyes have not seen or ears heard,” he further said.

Shiloh 2025 commenced on December 9and will conclude on December 14, 2025, at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, bringing together worshippers for spiritual teachings, impartation, and fellowship.

Credit: channelstv.com

ECOWAS summit commence in Abuja

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ECOWAS Summit

The 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is set to begin at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The summit, which will include a Special Debate on the Future of the Community, is also expected to include deliberations on key regional priorities, including political stability, security cooperation, and economic integration.

Regional leaders have arrived in Nigeria for the session to be chaired by the President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio.

According to a brief statement from Bio’s office, the ECOWAS boss arrived in Abuja on Saturday.

“At this important gathering, the regional leaders are expected to discuss various critical issues impacting West Africa, with particular focus on recent incidents involving Guinea-Bissau and Benin,” the statement read.

Key agenda items include discussions on the future of the ECOWAS Community, presentation of the 2025 Annual Report on the State of the Community, updates on regional security and mediation efforts, progress on the political transition in Guinea, and a review of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

The summit is expected to end with the adoption of a final communiqué, followed by a joint press conference.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja unanimously endorsed President Mahama as the sole ECOWAS candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union when the rotational slot comes to West Africa in 2027.

Credit: channelstv.com

We’re not going back on nationwide protest against insecurity –NLC

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Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has vowed that there is no going back on its planned nationwide protest scheduled for December 17 against the wave of insecurity confronting the country.

National President of the union, Joe Ajaero, made this vow shortly after a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the nineteen Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya.

Ajaero stated that the protest would demand decisive government action against insecurity, stressing that the situation now affects every Nigerian, regardless of status or occupation.

According to him, banditry and violent crimes were alien to Nigeria’s culture and must be collectively condemned to reverse what he described as a dangerous national narrative.

The NLC boss further stated that insecurity is damaging the economy and weakening Nigeria’s ability to attract local and foreign investors.

DAILY POST reports that the NLC had on December 8 announced plans to hold a nationwide protest over the insecurity in the country.

“We condemn in totality the kidnapping and killing of school staffer during the Kebbi school attack and the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack.

“The surge in attacks on schools is alarming. We call on the Federal Government to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas,” he said.

Credit: dailypost.ng

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