The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw the threat to shut down 34 foreign embassies in Abuja over ground rent debts.
The group’s reaction followed recent revelations by the FCTA that at least 34 embassies in Abuja owe rents for as far back as 2014.
Among the embassies listed are those of Ghana, Thailand, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Russia, Philippines, Netherlands, Turkey, Guinea, Ireland, Uganda, Iraq, Zambia, Tanzania, Germany, DR Congo, Venezuela, Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, Chad, India, Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the European Union, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, China, and South Africa.
SERAP, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, warned that allowing Wike to carry out the threat would violate international law and diplomatic conventions.
The group said, “President Tinubu should urgently caution and direct the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately withdraw the threat to close down 34 embassies in Abuja.
“Article 22, paragraph 1, of the Vienna Convention states that ‘the premises of the mission shall be inviolable’.
“Article 22, paragraph 3, sets out that ‘the premises of the mission, their furnishings and other property thereon and the means of transport of the mission shall be immune from search, requisition, attachment or execution’”.
In a directive issued on May 26, Wike had ordered enforcement action on 4,794 properties with unpaid rents ranging from 10 to 43 years.
While commenting on the issue, the FCTA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, had stated that depending on their location, the defaulting embassies and other defaulters would pay penalty fees of N2 million or N3 million.
Mr Peter Obi has accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of being responsible for the lingering crisis in the Labour Party.
Obi was the erstwhile presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 general election.
The former Anambra state governor made the accusation on Monday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.
Obi specifically stated that the leadership crisis in the Labor Party was instigated and sustained by the government of today.
He said: “This is what you get, always, right? This is what you get always in Nigeria, because we now live in a country of propaganda and lies – and they manufacture it.
“The problem we have in Labor Party is problem instigated and sustained by the government of today.
“I don’t need to tell you when you have a party chairman who calls a state governor a dwarf and dwarf thinking. Forget about me, so it’s not weak.
“Okay, I’m weak, but it’s not weak. Is every other person there weak? So we’re not sincere with ourselves.
“You speak the truth and they call you names. And we now live in a country of propaganda and lies. They are trying to put problems everywhere, they want to even put problems in families.” Credit: dailypost.ng
The Centre for Economic Growth and Monetary Reforms, CEGMR, has hailed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi, for his disciplined monetary policy stance, which has resulted in declining the country’s inflation and increasing external reserves.
The Executive Director, Mary Odoma, made this known in a statement released to DAILY POST on Monday.
Odoma noted that the recent slowdown in inflation, recovery in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, and renewed investor confidence were signs that the economy was stabilising after a prolonged period of volatility.
“We commend the CBN governor for maintaining a steady course, especially through difficult transitions. His consistent messaging and commitment to orthodox monetary policy are now yielding measurable progress,” she said.
According to the latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate fell to 23.71 percent in April 2025, down from 24.23 percent in March.
While the decline may appear modest, the Centre said the reversal of the inflationary trend—particularly in food and core inflation—was a major milestone, given the cost-of-living pressures households have faced over the past year.
“Monetary policy is not magic, but discipline pays off. This turnaround reflects the CBN’s resolve to prioritise stability over short-term political convenience. Cardoso is showing Nigerians and the world that professionalism and patience still matter,” Dr. Odoma said.
The CEGMR further pointed to the CBN’s efforts in rebuilding external reserves, which recently surged past $38.9 billion, marking a significant improvement in Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals.
“This signals restored credibility and helps anchor the naira against external shocks. A few months ago, the narrative was bleak. But today, we are seeing greater confidence in the naira and fewer distortions in the foreign exchange market,” she said.
The 24 Hour Office is circulating the 24H+ Programme document to engage more directly and meaningfully citizens, investors, development partners, and friends of Ghana who are committed to inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
The 24 Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+) is Ghana’s flagship economic transformation agenda aimed to build a self-reliant, industrial, and export-driven economy with integrated value chains, efficient markets, a competitive workforce, and strong regional and global trade, leading to inclusive growth, decent jobs, reduced import dependence and greater national resilience.
A statement issued in Accra by the 24 Hour Office said as outlined by President John Dramani Mahama, the 24H+ was both a destination and a programme.
It said as a destination, it envisioned a Ghana where productivity was so robust, allowing economic activity to run around the clock.
The statement said as a programme, it offered a clear and actionable framework to restructure our economy from the ground up through agro-processing, digital innovation, infrastructure, logistics, skills development, and export competitiveness.
“The 24H+ programme is fundamentally a citizens’ and partners’ mobilisation programme built on the conviction that the transformation we seek is best achieved through the full national mobilisation of our People, with clear roles for both the public and private sectors,” it added.
It invited stakeholders to read the document, reflect on the vision and share their thoughts with the Office,” indicating that the 24H+ initiative belongs to all Ghanaians.
Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare Minister for Trade, Industry and Agribusiness
Ghana has affirmed its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with the United States, as Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, met senior U.S. officials in Washington, D.C. to address critical trade policy issues impacting both countries.
The high-level meeting came in the wake of renewed protectionist measures under the United States’ revived “America First” Trade Policy.
The policy, reintroduced by the Trump administration in early 2025, imposes a blanket 10 per cent tariff on imports from several countries, including Ghana, and threatens to undercut long-standing preferential arrangements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
A release copied to the Ghana News Agency said the discussions focused on AGOA, Ghana’s Local Content Policy, U.S. import regulations, outstanding debts to American firms, and the revival of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).
Madam Ofosu-Adjare emphasised the importance of AGOA in attracting U.S. investment, particularly, in Ghana’s growing garment and textile industry.
She reiterated Ghana’s strong support for the renewal of the agreement, which is set to expire in September 2025.
“AGOA has been a win-win framework that not only creates jobs and fosters economic growth in Ghana but also benefits U.S. industries sourcing competitive African goods,” she said.
AGOA, enacted in 2000, provides duty-free access to over 1,800 products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
Ghanaian exports under the agreement have included cocoa derivatives, textiles, gold jewellery, cashew nuts and shea butter.
However, with the new tariff regime casting uncertainty over future market access, Ghana is urging urgent consultations to preserve the gains made under AGOA and to explore updated frameworks that reflect current trade dynamics.
The Minister also addressed concerns over Ghana’s local content policies, particularly their implications for U.S. mining firms operating in the country.
Both parties agreed on the need for constructive engagement to balance Ghana’s development goals with the expectations of foreign investors.
Concerns were also raised about the importation of excavators and over-aged vehicles from the U.S. into Ghana.
Both delegations highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
On outstanding debts owed to American businesses operating in Ghana, Madam Ofosu-Adjare assured the U.S. officials that the Ministry of Finance was actively working to resolve the payments in a timely manner.
The discussions also underscored reactivating the TIFA platform, a structured bilateral mechanism to strengthen trade and investment relations.
As a follow-up, Madam Ofosu-Adjare is scheduled to meet with officials at the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in the coming weeks to continue consultations.
The United States delegation welcomed Ghana’s initiative to engage directly, signalling its willingness to collaborate on shared priorities.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare was accompanied by Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto, Acting Head of Mission; Dr Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority and Mr Abdul Razak, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.
Representing the United States were Mr Thomas Bruns, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa at the Department of Commerce and Mr Giancarlo Cavallo, Acting Director and Designated Federal Officer for the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA).
Ghana and the United States have long maintained robust trade relations, with total goods trade reaching US$2.1 billion in 2024.
U.S. exports to Ghana stood at US$967 million, while Ghanaian exports to the U.S. reached US$1.2 billion.
However, the balance has shifted, with a growing U.S. goods trade deficit of more than US$200 million.
The recent “America First” policy – originally championed by former President Trump during his first term and revived after his re-election – has triggered global concern.
A sweeping executive order issued in January 2025 authorised reciprocal tariffs and the review of all major trade agreements.
By April, tariffs as high as 50 per cent had been applied to select imports from some countries.
These developments have pushed Ghana to strengthen its commitment to diversify its export markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while still seeking strong bilateral ties with major economies like the United States.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare’s diplomatic overtures are part of Ghana’s strategy to preserve access to U.S. markets, protect local industries, and promote a stable investment climate for mutual benefit.
Highway robbers in the early hours of Monday, June 9, 2025 staged an operation on the Dambai-Asukawkaw segment of the Oti Region network, when they opened gunfire on passengers using that enclave.
Madam Richlove Agyemang, a trader from Hohoe in the Volta Region, was shot with a rubber bullet by armed robbers, while traveling to the Dambai market.
The attack happened around 01:00hours at Anyabor No 2, a farming community near Dambai in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Agyemang said the armed robbers attacked their vehicle, a Sprinter bus with eight passengers on board and she was hit by a rubber bullet through the side door, while sitting at the front of the vehicle.
She was rushed to the KOPAH Clinic for medical treatment due to an ongoing strike by public health workers.
Mr. Philip Kwadwo Bidaba, Assembly member of Kwame Akura East, has confirmed receiving information about the rubber bullet incident involving traders in his Electoral Area and has yet to take necessary steps regarding the incident.
This incident is not isolated, as the Dambai-Asukawkaw road has witnessed similar attacks in the past.
In January 2025, a 51-year-old driver, Abukari Seidu, was shot by highway robbers on the same road, narrowly escaping death.
Seidu sustained bullet wounds in his arm and ribs and was taken to Accra to seek medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Krachi East Divisional Police Command has confirmed receipt of a report regarding the rubber bullet incident that occurred on the Dambai-Asukawkaw Highway.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr. Al-hassan Abdul-Razak, Divisional Crime Officer, stated that investigations are currently underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
Although no arrests have been made yet, ASP Abdul-Razak assured the public that the Police are working diligently to bring the culprits to justice.
Mr Agyare (left) receiving a citatyion as the longest serving General Manager of group
A grand durbar has been held in Kumasi to mark the 20th-year milestone of the formation of the Ashanti Catholic School Teachers’ Co-Operative Mutual Support Society Ltd (ACTCoMSS)
The group initially called Ashanti Catholic Teachers Welfare Scheme, with a few teachers, now has a total population of 3,659 members.
It was formed to support the welfare of its members through a cooperative operation.
The President of ACTCoMSS, Mr Peter Sula, speaking at the 20th anniversary and 7th biennial general meeting held in Kumasi on Friday paid a glowing tribute to the forebears for their vision and wisdom leading to the birth of the then ACT SUPPORT SCHEME, saying “This achievement is a testament to our dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence”.
He explained that the theme for the anniversary, “ACTCoMSS, TWENTY YEARS OF QUALITY FINANCIAL SERVICES TO MEMBERS. THE WAY FORWARD”, embodied not only the spirit, but also the transformative power that drives the Society forward.
Mr Sula said the gathering at the event was a testament to their collective commitment to creating lasting positive change through the Cooperative Mutual Support Model, adding that the celebration was to learn, to challenge themselves and above all to recommit to their mission of providing quality financial services to their cherish members.
The President of ACTCoMSS stated that from a modest start with virtually nothing their total asset has now reached GH ¢28,664,722.78.
He pledged to work very hard towards increasing its membership.
Mr George Sarfo Kantanka, the Municipal Director of Education for Asante Akim Central, who was the Guest Speaker, eulogized the leadership of ACTCoMSS for making a lasting impact on the lives of its members. “As you move forward, remain committed to your mission, values, and members. Together, you can build a brighter future,” he said.
Mr Sarfo Kantanka urged the management and staff of the institution to embrace technology to enhance service delivery and accessibility, so that at the comfort of their homes, their members should be able to access services, including applications for loans without coming to the office.
The Guest Speaker charged the group to explore new financial products and services that can cater for the evolving needs of members. He cited as an example, introduction of high-yielding investment products specifically designed for teachers, as well as loan limits not exceeding GHC 40,000 to over GHC100,000 to make a meaningful impact on members.
The General Manager of the ACTCoMSS, Mr Gabreil Agyare Gyamfi, on behalf of the staff, pledged to work very hard to ensure that the funds of the members were safe for the purpose they contributed.
He also called on all stakeholders to continue working hard towards the development of the group since teamwork was what was expected of them all to achieve their set goals.
The event was used to present awards to long-serving officers, the most dedicated staff members, past board chairperson among others.
The Minister of State for Public Sector Reform, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba addressing the gathering
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital development as it hosted the 2025 Ghana Internet Governance Forum (Ghana IGF) at the Accra International Conference Center.
Themed “Building an Inclusive Future Together,” the event brought together policymakers, tech experts, civil society leaders, international development partners, academics and young innovators to discuss the country’s digital future.
In a keynote speech delivered on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, highlighted the urgent need for inclusive and transparent governance in Ghana’s digital transformation.
Participants of the forum seated
Addressing a packed audience of local and international participants, the Minister emphasised that digital progress must benefit all sectors of society not just a privileged few.
“It is a great honour to welcome you all to the 2025 Ghana Internet Governance Forum,” the Minister began. “This forum exists to ensure that decisions about our digital future are not made behind closed doors but through open, inclusive, and informed dialogue among all stakeholders.”
The Minister of State for Public Sector Reform, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, has stated that Ghana must be bold in its digital ambitions while remaining rooted in its values and realities.
She emphasised the need for innovation anchored in practical action and inclusive governance.
“Let us be bold in our thinking but grounded in our genesis. Let us be open to new ideas, but frank in our promise,” she urged.
“Let us ensure that the outcomes of this program do not sit on the shelf, but translate into real action – in our laws, in our systems, and in the lives of our citizens.”
The forum, which brought together government officials, digital experts, civil society actors, and development partners, marked a key step in shaping Ghana’s forward-looking digital agenda.
The event launch, Children’s Internet Governance Forum, is an initiative designed to give children a voice in the shaping of digital policies that affect them.
“As we navigate the complexities of Internet governance, it is essential to include the voices of children and youth who are not only users but future leaders in the digital space,” the Minister noted.
The minister expressed optimism that the dialogue would yield actionable recommendations to inform national policy, while highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors.
As Ghana commemorates 30 years of full international internet connectivity, the dialogue also featured reflections from Professor Nii Narku Quaynor, renowned as the “Father of the Internet in Africa.”
The initiative aims to provide children with a safe space to learn about online safety, digital rights, and responsible technology use.
The event’s agenda was packed with discussions and workshops held simultaneously in three venues: the main Ghana IGF, the Ghana Children’s IGF, and the Ghana Youth IGF.
The forums focused on a range of pressing issues including misinformation, cybersecurity, online safety, data protection and the ethical use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The day started with a panel discussion on disinformation and human rights, moderated by Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim.
The panel featured media experts, cybersecurity analysts and representatives from Ghana’s Domain Name Registry and the Ghana Journalists Association.
As the forum progressed, more panels and breakout sessions explored key themes such as digital inclusion, national cybersecurity strategies, and the promotion of digital literacy.
The Ghana Youth IGF, in particular, provided a platform for young innovators and thought leaders to discuss how Ghana’s youth can play a central role in shaping the country’s digital future.
Sessions included discussions on AI policy, digital rights, and youth-led innovation, while study groups tackled topics like online safety and access for underserved communities.
Speakers at the forum included prominent figures such as; Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, recognised as the Father of the Internet in Africa; Rev. Ing. Edmund Fianko, Director General of the National Communications Authority; Dr. Mactar Seck from UNECA and Dr. Angela Tabiri, STEM advocate and one of the world’s most influential young mathematicians.
Closing the event, Dr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, Vice Co-Chair of the Ghana IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group, praised the active participation of all groups, especially the youth and children.
He noted that their recommendations and contributions would feed directly into Ghana’s national digital policy agenda.
The forum concluded with the presentation of communiqués from the main forum, the Youth IGF, and the Children’s IGF, followed by closing remarks and a commitment to continue collaboration across sectors.
The Management of Abboso Goldfields Limited (AGL) has disclosed at the celebration of the world Environment Day at Aboso in the Western Region that over the past five years, the mine successfully diverted approximately 871 tonnes of recyclable plastics from landfill sites.
Demond Asare, Ag. Unit Maneger of Abboso Goldfieds
According to mining giants, through proper segregation and collection, this plastic waste has been transferred to authorised recycling facilities, helping to close the loop on plastic use and prevent environmental harm.
“Importantly, these efforts generate multiple benefits. In addition to supporting our sustainability goals, the revenue from the sale of recyclable plastics is channelled to the Gold Fields Foundation to fund vital community development projects,” Desmond Asare, Acting Unit Manager Environment of AGL said.
According to him, the recycling initiative has helped in creating local employment opportunities, which is a testament to how environmental action could also drive social and economic value.
This achievement he added, contributed meaningfully to the company’s broader commitments, including: Greenhouse gas emission reduction, landfill diversion targets and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly:SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Mr. Asare, was speaking at the World Environment Day, organised by AGL in partnership with the Environmental Protection Authourity (EPA) at Huni Valley in the Western Region.
The occasion, which was on the theme “Beat plastic pollution” brought together students, community members from AGL operational area, staff among other individuals.
Mr. Asare continued that to further strengthen waste management framework, AGL had implemented source separation systems across its operations. The development enables employees to segregate waste streams at the point of generation, enhancing recycling efficiency, reducing the risk of environmental contamination, and promoting environmental best practices throughout the organization.
Beyond the fence line, he added that AGL actively engages local communities through public environmental education initiatives.
“We promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics such as reusable materials and bio-based packaging and foster awareness around the importance of pollution-free ecosystems. These community partnerships are vital in driving long-term cultural change and promoting environmental stewardship,” he said.
That apart, he mentioned that the mine also recognised that addressing plastic pollution required a multi-sectorial approach.
“ It is not an issue any one organization can solve alone. Collaborative governance, policy support, and stakeholder engagement are essential. AGL remains committed to advocating for progressive regulatory reforms and participating in partnerships and initiatives that advance environmental sustainability and protect public health,” he said.
Frank Dankyi Agyei, Reliving Operations Manager for the company also added that Gold Fields had launched awareness campaigns in surrounding communities to educate residents about the dangers of plastic pollution and to promote local innovations such as reusable shopping bags.
“Today’s programme is a testament to our commitment to engaging with our stakeholders on environmental protection. We believe that empowering the community leads to long-term change,” he said.
He noted that beating plastic pollution is not something that could be achieved in a single day, and that it is not the responsibility of just one person or one organization – it requires consistent action, shared responsibility, as well as social and corporate accountability.
The Acting Regional Director of the EPA, Sophia Ama Otabir, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to inspire lasting change.
“This year’s theme reminds us that solving the plastic pollution crisis requires both innovation and responsibility. We must rethink our relationship with plastic and embrace reusable alternatives wherever possible,” she advised.
She commended AGL for their commitment to environmental responsibility and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing complex sustainability challenges.
“We encourage everyone to say no to single-use plastics wherever possible. Small actions like carrying reusable bags, bottles, and containers can add up to a big impact,” she concluded.
Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA, James Gardiner
Ghanaian actor and Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner has shared that there’s lack of support from Ghanaians for the movie industry.
Gardiner noted that high value has been placed on foreign content over local movies, making it difficult for Ghanaian movies to be appreciated by local consumers.
Speaking on TV3’s The Afternoon Show, Thursday, June 5, 2025, he said support in the form of streaming, watching and patronizing Ghanaian movies has not been maximum, contributing to the decline of the industry.
Citing concerns about the quality of movies produced in Ghana, James Gardiner referenced a number of instances where quality movies have been produced yet patronage was low.
“In Ghana because we don’t have the numbers, the problem with support is everywhere, I get it but ratio wise, Ghanaians don’t really like to support, I say this in every interview I do.
“We’ve placed so much in foreign value and when I say foreign, I’m not even talking about America or Canada, it could be just outside of Ghana. We belittle our very own meanwhile when we go to these places that we are placing so much value on; they also hail us.
“I feel like people still haven’t given Ghanaian producers the second chance,” James Gardiner said.
Drawing a sharp contrast between Nigeria’s movie industry, James underscored the numbers, traction and support Nigerians give to their movie industry.
