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ZIJIN supports GIS  with motorbikes, computer

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Harry He, VP Zijin presents items to Ghana Immigration Service

One of Ghana’s largest Chinese owned gold mining company, Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, has donated motorbikes, a computer and printer to the Ghana Immigration Service, New Abirem Sector Command.

The items, valued at over GHC80,000 were donated as part of the company’s continued efforts to support community growth and development.

Receiving the items, Stephen Kester Donkor, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration, of the Ghana Immigration Service, New Abirem Sector Command, commended Zijin Golden Ridge Limited on its responsiveness and commitment.

“In fact, we were not expecting it, but by the grace of God, it has come and we are very grateful and we pray that the company grows from strength to strength. It will impact our administrative work and our efficiency.

“We will make good use of it. They are in very good condition and we will use the resources that have been given to us to the benefit of the service.”

Harry He of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited on his part thanked the Ghana Immigration Service for their support, following the transition in April.

“We are extremely grateful for your continued support and we assure you of our cooperation as we continue to expand our operations in Ghana.

“Zijin Golden Ridge Limited is here to stay and we are dedicated to working with you and all of Ghana to build a better society for all”.

Presidency Terminates Appointment of Fegho Umunubo

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admin
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Fegho Umunubo

The Presidency has announced the immediate disengagement of Fegho John Umunubo, who previously served as Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy (Office of the Vice President).

In a statement issued on Monday, September 8, 2025, by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information & Public Relations, State House, stakeholders in the digital and creative sectors, both at home and abroad, were officially notified of Umunubo’s removal.

The Presidency clarified that Umunubo no longer represents the administration in any capacity and warned that anyone dealing with him in the name of the government does so at their own risk.

“Kindly note that he no longer represents this administration in any capacity. Henceforth, anyone who interfaces with him in the name of President Tinubu’s administration does so at his or her own risk,” the statement read.

The government urged all stakeholders and constituents of the digital and creative economy to be guided accordingly.

Credit: telegraphng.com

FCT Resident Doctors Commence Seven-Day Warning Strike

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The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has commenced its seven-day warning strike.

ARD-FCT President, Dr George Ebong, made the announcement in Abuja, saying the decision followed resolutions reached at the end of its emergency general meeting held on Friday, September 5.

He said the decision is hinged on the attitude of the FCT Administration, despite rounds of extensive dialogue in addressing persistent and unresolved issues affecting the association.

Some of the issues raised by the association include lack of manpower, the psychological impact of long working hours on doctors which has resulted in the death of a doctor recently in Port Harcourt, unpaid salaries and unexplained deductions.

He stated there has not been any employment since 2011.

The resident doctors described the FCT health system as a long-standing systemic failure requiring comprehensive and immediate reform.

Ebong stressed that doctors in the FCT were under immense pressure, frequently covering multiple departments.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently address rising challenges in the health sector, warning that continued neglect could cause systemic collapse.

Other demands include the poor working conditions, particularly the emergency and consulting rooms and cited a case where a nurse was killed by snake bite in the Abaji General Hospital.

He said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been notified severally of the issues affecting doctors but has allegedly turned a blind eye.

He called on the FCT administration to declare a state of emergency on the 14 district and general hospitals in the FCT, adding that the seven-day warning strike will be uninterrupted.

Credit: channelstv.com

Peter Obi urges war on insecurity, decries soaring casualties

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Peter Obi

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to declare a “national war” on insecurity, warning that the level of violence and loss of lives in Nigeria now mirrors that of nations in active conflict.

Obi’s call follows reports that over 100 people were killed in a wave of violent attacks across Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, and Edo states over the weekend.

“Bloody Weekend: over 100 Killed in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Edo. This grim headline captures the frightening reality reflected in our weekend papers,” Obi wrote on X on Sunday.

“The killing of eight NSCDC officers, the abduction of a Chinese national in Edo, the kidnapping of passengers on the Benin–Iyere–Oluku road, and the slaughter of five soldiers and 58 civilians in Borno are not isolated tragedies. They are stark evidence that Nigeria is in the grip of a full-blown security emergency.

“When over 100 Nigerians are killed in a single weekend, our casualty figures rival those of countries officially at war. This is no longer business as usual. It is time to declare a national war on insecurity — to mobilise every resource, every agency, every state, and to suspend all distractions while we begin the process of reclaiming our nation from lawlessness.”

The former Anambra State governor condoled the families of “our fallen heroes”, adding that “Their courage reminds us that we still have men and women who are willing to risk everything for our safety.”

He urged that their killers must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice, as their sacrifices must never be forgotten.

Credit: channelstv.com

Nigeria’s debt alarming, we must reject reckless borrowing –Abbas

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has warned that Nigeria’s rising debt profile has exceeded the country’s legal threshold and now poses a major threat to fiscal sustainability.

Abbas spoke on Monday at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees, WAAPAC, in Abuja.

The Speaker said Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N149.39 trillion (about US$97 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, up from N121.7 trillion the previous year.

He noted that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed to 52 percent, surpassing the statutory ceiling of 40 percent.

“As at the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N149.39 trillion, equivalent to about US$97 billion. This represents a sharp rise from N121.7 trillion the previous year, underscoring how quickly the burden has grown. Even more concerning is the debt-to-GDP ratio, which now stands at roughly 52 percent, well above the statutory ceiling of 40 percent set by our own laws,” he said.

Abbas described the breach as a signal of strain on fiscal stability and called for stronger oversight, transparent borrowing practices, and reforms to ensure loans deliver tangible economic and social benefits.

He cautioned that many African countries are already spending more on debt servicing than on healthcare and other essential services, adding that Nigeria must avoid a similar situation.

To address fiscal risks, the Speaker announced plans to establish a West African Parliamentary Debt Oversight Framework under WAAPAC.

The initiative will harmonise debt reporting across the sub-region, set transparency standards, and equip parliaments with data to scrutinise borrowing.

He also disclosed plans for a regional capacity-building programme to strengthen debt sustainability analysis and fiscal risk assessment.

Abbas stressed that borrowing should be targeted at infrastructure, health, education, and industries that create jobs and reduce poverty, warning that reckless debt driven by consumption or corruption must be rejected.

Credit: dailypost.ng

PIAC inspection uncovers discrepancies, shoddy works in Northern, Eastern regions

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PIAC

The Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) has raised concerns with work progress and quality of infrastructure delivery in the Eastern and Northern regions of the country.

These projects carried out in the Yendi and Mion districts of the Northern region and Asuogyaman and Upper ManyaKrobo districts of the Eastern region have been hindered by poor supervision and delays in contract payments.

PIAC made its findings about the oil funded projects known in a press statement after it carried out inspection between June 22, 2025 and June 27, 2025.

This inspection activity formed part of the Committee’s statutory mandate to independently monitor and evaluate the management and use of petroleum revenues, as provided for under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA), 2011 (Act 815) as amended.

In the Upper ManyaKrobo District, the Committee inspected the construction of a rural market project, which received GH¢169,516.27 from the ABFA in 2024.

“While the marketsheds and warehouse had been completed, the mechanised borehole had not been constructed. There were visible leakages and signs of algae present on the sheds,” the statement highlighted.

Despite these conditions, PIAC indicated that market activity was ongoing under the sheds, raising health and safety concerns.

The PIAC team also visited the Mensah-Dawa Apimsu-Asesewa Feeder Road Project which had an allocation of GH¢1 million in 2024.

It was discovered that only concrete drains completed as road surfacing had not commenced, and the Contractor was not on site.

“The Team drove along the rough terrain to appreciate the challenges faced by commuters,” the statement highlighted.

The Team also inspected the KwanyakoAsuogyaman CHPS Compound, funded between 2020 and 2023 with a total amount of GH¢2,617,000 in the Asuogyaman District,

“The project was completed and was in use. Staff accommodation was also ready for occupation. The Committee commends the government for the quality and completion of the project”.

The Team observed that work had been intermittently stalled due to delayed payments and recent rainfall on the Akosombo-Adumasa-Gyakiti Road, supported with GH¢2,337,000 from the ABFA in 2024.

It indicated that grading work was underway during the inspection with the Contractor on site.

In the Yendi Municipality in the Northern Region, the Gamandze-Paansiya Link Road Project funded from 2019-2023 with GH¢993,000 from the ABFA was flagged for significant discrepancies.

According to PIAC, though official data indicated that earthworks, gravel surfacing and culverts had been completed, only earthworks were done at the time of the inspection.

“Community members reported flooding during rainy seasons, causing disruption and safety risks, as a result of the non-completion of the project,” it added.

Upon inspection of the Yendi-Saboba Road which had received an ABFA amount of GH¢4,460,000 from 2022 to 2023, it was revealed that the road showed signs of deterioration, with deep potholes and cracks.

Interactions with residents in Wambu showed that the Contractor had not been on site since 2019.

In the Mion District, the Committee inspected two small dam projects, thus the Nanvili and Sakoya dams which had received an amount of GH¢6,267,000 from the ABFA in 2019, had structural defects, including a low embankment and poor excavation.

“The dam in Sakoya, a vital source of water for domestic use and irrigation during the dry season, was affected by erosion and poor water retention.”

PIAC also visited the Manyini and Sambu dams, which received an ABFA amount of GH¢558,000 from 2019 to 2020.

According to PIAC, some residents interviewed indicated that the Sambudam was constructed over 50 years ago by the Community.

The Contractor of the Sambudam had done minor embankment levelling and a rock barrier at the site of the dam.

As a result, water overflows into the community when it rains.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

“We will continue to report on the use and impact of these funds through its statutory reports and public engagements,” PIAC said in the statement.

GNA

GUTA calls for urgent gov’t intervention as Ghanaians lose market to foreign traders

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admin
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Joseph Obeng, GUTA president

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has called on the government to immediately intervene to protect local traders against foreign dominance and eminent collapse of Ghanaian indigenous businesses.

According to Mr. Joseph Obeng, President, GUTA, currently about 60 per cent of the Ghanaian local trade has been lost to foreigners, predominantly Chinese and Nigerians, who are rapidly taking over the retail market.

Speaking with the Ghana News Agency over the weekend, he said investment laws were not being effectively enforced, allowing foreigners to get into the space of indigenous trade while local businesses struggled.

“Our market is gone. Today you realise that those who do the stationary and printing are mostly Chinese. When you go to the likes of Chinatown and China Mall, you see many people are trooping in and out to buy their wares,” he noted.

He explained that the dominance of foreign companies in the retail, coupled with the absence of retention policy which allowed them to repatriate their profit deprived Ghana of much-needed foreign earnings, contributing to foreign exchange pressures.

Having toured some markets with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), we have come to ascertain the veracity of the problem last week, where Nigerians have taken over mobile phones and accessories market.”

The President of GUTA advocated for a revision to Ghana’s investment laws, saying “It shouldn’t only be about enhancing the laws, but most critically, effective enforcement to protect local businesses and ensure that foreign investments benefited the country.”

Mr. Obeng asked that the government created the avenue for banks to provide affordable credit for local traders, enabling them to expand their operations and compete more effectively.

“A competition law is necessary to guide market activities and prevent unfair competition,” he said, adding that such a law would help to level the playing field and ensure that local businesses were not unfairly disadvantaged.

GNA

Duncan-Williams advises youth against lavish wedding

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Duncan-Williams

Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has urged young men preparing for marriage to resist the pressure of organising extravagant weddings that could leave them financially burdened.

Preaching to his congregation, the respected clergyman stressed the need for couples to focus on building their future rather than exhausting their savings or borrowing money for a single day’s celebration.

“Most of the foolish things we do are to use our money for unnecessary things. For weddings, we go and buy all these white dresses and suits. We spend all the money on weddings,” he lamented.

According to Archbishop Duncan-Williams, many men who borrow money to fund lavish weddings later face serious frustrations, as creditors constantly call demanding repayment.

“So people have come, you’ve dressed nicely, but you are in debt, and they are calling for their money. Your phone is ringing and somebody says, the money you collected, when can I have it? And you can’t tell the lady that you borrowed money just to do shows.”

Sharing his own personal experience, the Archbishop revealed that he married at the age of 21 or 22 without a proper understanding of marriage, but mainly due to societal pressure.

“You could tell that this guy was confused. I was like a sheep carried to the slaughter. I had no idea of what I was doing. I had no idea what marriage was – I was just told I should marry, so I married.”

“He counselled the youth not to give in to family or societal pressure, adding that parents who wish to spend large sums on weddings should rather provide the money to support the marriage itself.

“If I were you, I would take that money they want to spend on the wedding and use it for other important things in the marriage. Just come to the office, sign the documents, we bless you, you kiss one another, and go home,” he advised.

Keche Andrew’s wife shares how she grew her gold business from GH¢7,000 to $400m

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Keche Andrew and Wife Joana Cudjoe

Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, has inspired many with her remarkable story of turning a modest investment into a multi-million-dollar gold empire.

Speaking at a conference in Accra, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislator shared her entrepreneurial journey while urging young people to embrace resilience, integrity, and hard work as the keys to success.

Joana, who is also the wife of Ghanaian musician Keche Andre, revealed that she started her gold business with just GH¢7,000. A timely encounter with international partners helped her navigate the intricacies of the gold export sector, leading to her rise as Ghana’s largest female gold exporter since 2019. Her company has since grown to generate a staggering $400 million in revenue.

Encouraging the youth, she emphasised: “In entrepreneurship, integrity and truthfulness are everything. These values not only earn you trust but also attract the favour of God.”

Beyond her business success, Joana Gyan Cudjoe is committed to tackling unemployment and improving education in Amenfi Central. She has introduced two major initiatives that focus on youth empowerment and educational infrastructure.

One of these projects was her decision to fully fund transport for 85 young people from her constituency to Sekondi-Takoradi for a Work Abroad Screening Exercise. The initiative is intended to provide successful candidates with international job opportunities, enabling them to acquire new skills while financially supporting their families.

Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande win big at MTV VMAs

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter were among the big winners at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) which largely celebrated female artists at New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday evening.

Gaga collected four awards on the night including artist of the year, fending off competition from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar who were all absent from this year’s slightly muted event.

She dedicated the award to her fiancé Michael Polansky as well her her fans aka the “Little Monsters”.

Grande and Carpenter picked up three awards each. The former won the night’s big award for best video for Brighter Days Ahead while the latter’s haul included the new gong for best pop artist.

The ceremony was hosted by a largely off-screen LL Cool J who handed out only seven awards during the telecast.

Here are some of the stand-out moments and talking points from the three-hour Long Island show, which honoured the best in the music video medium over the past 12 months.

VMAs go Gaga… then Gaga goes gigging

Gaga went into the show as the most nominated artist of the evening with 12 nods and she took home four “moon person” trophies taking her career total to 22.

This puts her in third place on the all-time ranking list, ahead of Madonna and behind only Swift and Beyoncé, who have 30 each.

When collecting the award for artist of the year award, she said: “I cannot begin to tell you what this means to me.

“Being an artist is an attempt to connect the souls of people all over the world.”

Mariah: Maximum respect (for minimum effort?)

Mariah Carey, meanwhile, won a lifetime achievement award on a night that largely celebrated female artists.

The diva scored a first victory in the R&B section for Type Dangerous before being give the special Video Vanguard award.

“This is amazing MTV, I don’t know why it took you so long!” she joked in a video message ahead of performing later in the show.

The Fantasy singer then sang a medley of her hits, with one fan noting online: “I love Mariah Carey’s voice but she’s got less energy than me on a Sunday night.”

Ricky rolls back the years

There were live performances on the night from the likes of McRae, Doja Cat and J Balvin, as well as best new artist Alex Warren and multinational girl group Katseye, who won performance of the year for Push.

But Latin icon winner Ricky Martin showed he can still live La Vida Loca with the best of them, performing a medley of his hits.

Accepting his award from Jessica Simpson, Martin said: “We just want to break boundaries, and we just want to keep music alive.”

He credited his fans with his 40-year career: “This is very simple: this is for you all,” he said. “I am addicted to your applause, that’s why I keep coming back.”

Credit: bbc.com

 

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