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Accra Lions relegated following defeat to Dreams

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Dreams players celebrate the win

Accra Lions were relegated from the Ghana Premier League on Sunday after a 2-0 loss to Dreams FC in their final home fixture of the season at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The hosts started brightly and dominated the early exchanges. In the 10th minute, Fuzy Taylor delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but it narrowly missed a finishing touch.

A minute later, Lucky Nwafor’s header from another Taylor delivery struck the crossbar.

The Lions continued to press, and in the 41st minute, Edmond Amakye’s long-range effort forced a crucial save from the Dreams FC goalkeeper.

Despite the pressure from the home side, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Razak Salifu. Yao Sokpoli nearly equalised four minutes later.

Accra Lions made three substitutions in the 73rd minute to try and turn the game around, but Dreams FC doubled their lead in the 84th minute through Aziz Musibau to seal the result.

The defeat confirmed Accra Lions’ relegation, bringing an end to their tenure in the top flight after five years.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Goldstars take big step towards league title with win over Chelsea

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Berekum Chelsea vs Gold Stars

Bibiani Goldstars FC took a significant step toward clinching the 2024-25 Ghana Premier League title with a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Berekum Chelsea at Golden City Park on Sunday afternoon.

In a game filled with early fireworks, it was the home side that struck first.

Stephen Amankona gave Chelsea a dream start in the 9th minute, finishing smartly to put the Bibires ahead.

However, Goldstars responded with ruthless efficiency, flipping the game on its head in a blistering 11-minute spell.

Foster Agyei levelled the score just five minutes later, slotting home in the 14th minute. Then came a quickfire brace from Abdul Farouk Amoaful, who netted in the 23rd and 25th minutes to give the visitors a commanding 3-1 lead before the half-hour mark.

Chelsea pushed for a response in the second half, and it was Amankona again who provided hope, reducing the deficit with his second goal in the 53rd minute.

Despite increased pressure from the home side, Goldstars held firm to secure all three points.

The win sees Goldstars maintain their title charge and move to the brink of history.

A victory in their final match at home against Accra Lions FC will crown them champions of the Ghana Premier League for the first time.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Kotoko keep title hopes alive with victory over Medeama

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Kotoko vs Medeama

Asante Kotoko kept their Ghana Premier League title hopes alive with a pulsating 3-2 victory over Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, narrowing the gap at the top to just two points with one round of fixtures remaining.

Albert Amoah stepped up in the absence of Kwame Opoku, who is on international duty with Ghana in the Unity Cup in London, by netting a superb hat-trick to guide the Porcupine Warriors to a vital win in front of their home fans.

Medeama made an early statement when Kingsley Braye put them ahead in the 5th minute, silencing the Kumasi crowd. But Kotoko responded strongly, with Amoah levelling the score in the 23rd minute via the penalty spot before doubling his tally with a close-range finish in the 41st to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.

The visitors fought back in the second half and Manuel Mantey’s strike in the 67th minute restored parity. However, Amoah was not done yet, and he sealed the win with a composed finish in the 78th minute to complete his hat-trick and secure all three points for Kotoko.

Kotoko now sit two points behind league leaders Nations FC and will face already-safe Vision FC on the final day. Medeama, who have dropped out of the top four, will finish their season at home against Berekum Chelsea in Tarkwa.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Unity Cup: Ghana thump Trinidad and Tobago to finish third

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Ghana beat Trinidad and Tobago

Ghana’s Black Stars ended the 2025 Unity Cup in style after hammering Trinidad and Tobago 4-0 to clinch third spot.

Otto Addo’s side started on a good note with slick passing and created chances with Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Fuseini coming close to opening the scoring.

And it took just six minutes to break the deadlock through captain Jordan who unleashed a curler from outside the box to put Ghana one up.

Defender Razak Simpson, who had a nightmare against Nigeria, leaped to plant a header into the net for his first goal in national colours and double Ghana’s lead after 11 minute.

Mohammed Fuseini also netted his debut goal with a fine finish in the 42nd minute to put the Black Stars in the driving seat.

Lawrence Agyekum then unleashed a tidy finish inside the box close to the hour mark for Ghana’s fourth.

Christopher Bonsu had attempts at goal but could not find the back of the net for a debut goal.

There was also a debut for Barcelona youngster Abdul Aziz Issah, while Felix Afena-Gyan, made a return for the first time since 2022.

Ghana will now shift focus to the September World Cup qualifiers as the Black Stars take on Chad and Mali for a slot at next year’s Mundial.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Closure & Reopening Of Ghana’s US Embassy Is A Shame! … Says Jinapor

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo

The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has slammed the closure and abrupt reopening of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., describing it as a “needless embarrassment” that has cast a shadow over Ghana’s diplomatic reputation.

The Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, in a statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025 condemned the move announced on Facebook by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as diplomatically inappropriate, procedurally flawed and internationally humiliating.

“The closure and reopening of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC is an embarrassment to our country. It was a rushed, kneejerk and populist action that has brought the name of our country into disrepute”, Jinapor stated

The closure, announced in the early hours of Monday, May 26, 2025 reportedly followed allegations of malfeasance involving certain individuals within the embassy.

But according to the Minority, the method of communication via Facebook undermined standard diplomatic practice and international norms.

“Declaring a foreign mission ‘closed’ on Facebook without any broader engagement through official diplomatic channels not only offends international norms, but also risks undermining Ghana’s credibility on the global stage,” Jinapor emphasised.

The Embassy was reopened just three days later, raising questions about the depth of thought and strategic planning behind the initial decision. The Minority believes this quick reversal confirms the move was ill-considered and diplomatically improper.

“This is evidence that the decision was not well-thought through. Sensitive national matters should be managed with prudence and respect for institutional processes,” the statement said.

Mr Jinapor acknowledged the need to investigate any wrongdoing within the Embassy, but cautioned against sweeping actions that tarnish the image of Ghana’s Foreign Service and undermine the morale of its officers.

“We fully support any action that will lead to a full investigation and ensure accountability. But in so doing, it is important that we do not resort to actions that bring the name of our country into disrepute. The entire Foreign Service is now demoralised, he noted.”

The Minority expressed concern over the suspension of all local staff, the dissolution of the Embassy’s IT department and the immediate recall of Foreign Service officers. These measures, according to the Caucus, collectively paint dedicated officers with the same brush as the few who may be implicated in wrongdoing.

“The sweeping nature of the measures and how they were communicated have regrettably cast a shadow over the collective integrity of our Foreign Service,” the statement read.

The group also raised alarm over reports that the Minister plans to cross-post all Foreign Service officers who have served more than two years at their current missions.

They argue that such a measure, undertaken outside normal rotation cycles, will have significant fiscal implications.

“These measures could cost the country millions of dollars in repatriation costs, travel expenses, relocation allowances and possible compensation for premature termination of assignments,” Jinapor warned.

He described the entire episode as avoidable and called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently restore the integrity of the diplomatic service and morale of its officers.

“Ghana has become a butt of jokes in diplomatic circles,” he said, adding “we urge the Ministry to reflect on this misstep and take immediate corrective steps.”

Mr. Jinapor reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to defending the national interest and maintaining Ghana’s dignity on the global stage.

“We remain committed to upholding the integrity of our nation and defending her interests, both at home and abroad. We will continue to hold government accountable in the prosecution of its foreign policies,” he concluded.

NIB intercepts 3,680 slabs of cannabis in V/R

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JOHN BEDIAKO
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The cannabis

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in a swift follow-up to their recent successful operations in the Volta Region has intercepted a massive consignment of cannabis in the same region.

Credible information intercepted by The Chronicle indicates that in the early hours of Thursday May 29, 2025 the operatives swooped on Zadolakope, a riverside community in the North Tongu District, seizing 3,680 slabs of well packaged cannabis.

The cannabis

Intelligence source at the NIB Headquarters in Accra, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the story to the paper.

The source stated that their men, following a tip-off, kept vigilance in the Juapong-Adidome enclave, where the contraband items were expected to travel through.

The suspected cannabis, in 49 (forty-nine) bags, each containing 80 (eighty) slabs, were traced to the banks of a river, which their intelligence indicates would be transported on the lower Volta, first to transit at Ada, before finally landing in the national capital, Accra.

The daring operation, according to the elated official, underscores the NIB’s commitment to combating illicit activities and protecting the nation’s security. He added that, the seizure is a significant blow to narcotics traffickers in the region.

The latest arrest reinforces the NIB’s reputation as a formidable force against illicit activities, be it cocoa smuggling or drug trafficking, emphasising the need for those aiding these nefarious deeds to desist, for they remain on the NIB’s radar.

Meanwhile, reliable information gathered by The Chronicle reveals that the consignment has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Commission in Ho pending further action.

MMDCEs are responsible for projects, not us –MPs cry out

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MAXWELL OFORI
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First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor

Members of Parliament (MPs) are urging their constituents to rather direct their demands for projects to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

According to the legislators, they often bear the brunt of the lack of development in the various districts, while the MMDCEs, who control 95% of the common fund, are left off the hooks.

Their worry stems from the mindset of the public that MPs control the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), when that is not the law, as contained in the DACF formula.

On the contrary, only 5% are allocated to each MP, which they do not have absolute control over, as the District Chief Executive signs the disbursement form before it could be utilised.

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, gave this education during proceedings on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

He was adding his voice to a statement made on the need to elect MMDCEs. “As we speak, in the eyes of the general public, when they talk of the common fund, it is we the MPs.

“The public is of the view that we are responsible. But in reality and by the formula that we’ve been approving, it is the MMDCEs that control that particular fund,” he said.

Speaking from the Speaker’s chair, he continued that “It is only 5% that is distributed among the members of Parliament.

“And even that, it doesn’t go to them directly. It is paid into a designated account at the assembly and unless and until that District Chief Executive signs the disbursement form, no money can come from that particular account.

“Expressing frustrations the MPs faced, the Akatsi South MP said some constituents expect their MPs “to account for money that you [MP] don’t control. You are not a signatory to that 5%.

“They even ask you to account for the common fund. Most people do not know that it is only 5% that is distributed among members of parliament.

“And all that you can do as a member of parliament is to write to them to refer to the formula for the usage and see whether they can drill a borehole in this community or renovate a classroom structure in this community. That is the limit of your responsibility,” he added.

EDUCATE

The First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, urged the media to help MPs to educate the general public that the entire common fund goes to the assembly. Out of the amount, the MP can apply to use only 5% allocated to that MP.

He stressed the need for intensive public education, citing that it was necessary to carry the constituents along.

He was also concerned about the media contacting MPs over developmental needs in the constituencies “without talking to the District Chief Executive. They will leave somebody who controls 80% and be talking to you, who controls only 5%. And even that 5%, you cannot sign the cheque.”

MANIFESTO

He, however, identified the issue to be the campaigns they do to win the seat. He said that every parliamentary candidate convinces the voters with the manifesto of their political party as it pertains to their respective constituencies.

However, the people to ensure the realisation of those promises are the MMDCEs, not the MPs.

FUNCTION

The duties of an MP are categorised into legislative, representative, deliberative and oversight.

Article 93 of the 1992 Constitution vests the legislative power in Parliament and it exercises such authority by making laws through the bills it passes, as stipulated by Article 106(1).

In Parliament, all MPs represent their constituents; together, the entire population. They deliberate on issues of national interest and also serve as a check on the other arms of government.

Over the years some parliamentary candidates, if not all, appear to be canvassing for votes with development promises, a situation that seems to be the reason constituents look to them for projects in the constituencies.

Shed no tears for Chairman Wontumi -Kumasi Pastor

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Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi)

A prominent preacher of the gospel says Mr Benard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should keep quiet and suffer the consequences of his actions and utterances alone, instead of appealing to Ghanaians and the NPP to sympathise with him.

He said Chairman Wontumi, as he is commonly referred to, must even be thankful to his God and the government, because the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has so far dealt leniently with him, compared to the things he did and said against John Dramani Mahama, then in opposition. The Pastor added that it is always important to be decent in one’s speech because the day of reckoning will come.

At a press conference in Kumasi, Apostle Kofi Nkansah-Sarkodie, affectionately called Saint Sark, stated that people should stop complaining about issues concerning Chairman Wontumi, because he has gone too far with his unsavoury utterances against President John Mahama and Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang in opposition.

Saint Sark, who is the Head Pastor of the Open Arms/Jesus Ministry, emphasised that President Mahama and Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang must sue Wontumi and all those who denigrated and said all kinds of derogatory things about them, especially those concerning the Vice President.

Touching on the forex situation in the country, which is attracting international attention, the Minister of God emphasised that the NPP should appreciate the measures put in place by the NDC government to make the Cedi appreciate significantly against the Dollar and desist from the novice and primitive days’ politics of criticising every good thing about policies being implemented by the John Mahama led-NDC administration.

The socio-political critic explained how the foreign exchange performance has always been the yardstick for measuring government performance and that he would always stand for whatever is good for Ghana, irrespective of which political party it is coming from.

He stressed that the NPP should learn to praise when praise is due and admitted that the cedis’ performance against the major foreign currencies are the result of policies by the NDC government.

On the restructuring of the NPP, Saint Sark said it is good to overhaul the party, but stated that some people who are only seeking their selfish interests in the party and do not have the interest of the country at heart, must be made to stay out of the party.

The Head Pastor also cautioned lawmaker Vincent Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo Constituency to tread cautiously, especially on issues concerning Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, explaining that the MP has a bright political future and lots of years ahead of him to do politics, and must not do things to destroy his own political career.

From Thomas Agbenyegah Adzey, Kumasi 

The Fare Confusion In Ghana: A Miscommunication With Real Consequences

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In recent weeks, Ghana’s public transport sector has faced a wave of confusion—one rooted not in policy failure, but in miscommunication. When the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 15% fare reduction, the public assumed it applied across the board, but if PROTOA, and other drivers’ unions were left out in the decision process to reduce the fares, they may not comply.

And it’s fair enough, their needs weren’t taken into consideration to arrive at a convenient fare to benefit all. What many commuters still don’t realize is that the reduction only applies to GPRTU members then, if PROTOA and the other unions were left out, because no driver union is sovereign over the other union, or exercises authority on the other and so GPRTU doesn’t have the authority to reduce transport fares for all drivers.

What’s more, some drivers themselves are unaware that the issue stems from this very misconception. This disconnect between what was announced and what was understood has resulted in avoidable tension between passengers and drivers.

Rather than blaming either side, it’s crucial to diagnose the core problem: a fragmented and poorly coordinated transport communication system. With multiple unions (like PROTOA and other unaffiliated drivers) operating independently, fare announcements—whether increases or reductions—often don’t reflect a sector-wide consensus. The result is distrust, inconsistency, and daily misunderstandings on our roads.

But the fare issue is just the tip of the iceberg. Commuters in parts of Kumasi, such as Ajamasu, Dominase, Pakyi, and Ofoase Kokoben, as well as areas in the Suame Municipality like Kronum, Buoho, and Afrancho, face much deeper transport challenges.

These include limited availability of vehicles, especially at night, artificial scarcity created by some drivers, and inflated fares in the absence of competition or regulation. Many are left stranded or forced to pay exploitative rates just to get home. It’s a situation that repeats daily—with little recourse for passengers.

What’s clear is that we need both short-term clarity and long-term structural solutions.

In the immediate term, the Ministry of Transport and GPRTU should collaborate to issue a public clarification—using radio, community announcements, social media, and in-terminal signage—to explain that the 15% reduction is union-specific. This communication must be multilingual and widespread to reach both drivers and passengers in urban and peri-urban areas.

But beyond communication lies the urgent need for systemic transport reform. Ghana must invest in expanding state-owned transport systems like STC and Metro Mass to run regular inter-town and intra-city services, especially on underserved routes.

Adding night buses and smaller feeder buses would help decongest terminals and ensure more consistent service in communities like Ajamasu and Buoho. Government and GPRTU could also co-develop new terminals in strategic towns to reduce the current monopolies and standardize fare enforcement to regulate the behavior of some private drivers who inflate fares or create artificial scarcity, government investment in reliable, state-owned alternatives is crucial.

Expanding services by STC and Metro Mass—especially in underserved towns—would introduce competition, stabilize fares, and restore fairness. These buses can serve as a check on private operators by ensuring commuters are no longer at the mercy of informal fare hikes or poor service.

Finally, a central transport coordination body—perhaps a “Transport Fare Council”—could help harmonize communication among unions and ensure that any fare adjustment is clear, binding, and fair to all parties involved.

At its heart, this issue is about access, transparency, and governance. If Ghana is serious about inclusive development, we must ensure that public transport works not just in Accra, but in every town and community across the country. Clear communication and policy-backed infrastructure investment are the next steps forward.

Let’s fix the communication gap, address local commuter struggles, and make Ghana’s transport system work—for everyone.

I think we as media people have to engage the other unions to understand why they’re not complying to the fare reductions, if it stems from what have been discussed because this is my own observation and analysis.

Source: myjoyonline.com

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

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