Protest in Ibadan as police stray bullet kills student going for WAEC exam

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May 21, 2025

The Ghana Road Transport Operators have reduced public transport fares by 15 per cent due to the reductions in the price of petroleum products over the period.

The new fares take effect from Saturday, May 24, 2025, and cover shared taxis, Intra-city (Trotro), Inter-city (long distance) and haulage.

The reduction was in line with the administrative arrangement on public transport fares, a statement jointly signed by Mr Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary, Ghana Private Road Transport Union of the TUC and Mr Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, the General Secretary, Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said on Tuesday.

It urged all commercial transport operators to comply with the new fares and post same at their loading terminals.

“We further request all operators, commuters, and the public to cooperate for the successful implementation of the new fares,” the statement said.

GNA

Citizen involvement key to fighting corruption –GII

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May 21, 2025

Mr. Michael Boadi, Fundraising Manager at GII

The persistent rise in corruption in Ghana, despite the existence of anti-corruption laws and institutions, highlights the urgent need to empower citizens to take an active role in combating the menace, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has said.

According to GII, citizen engagement is critical to enhancing the national fight against corruption, which continues to hinder the country’s development and the efficient use of public resources.

Mr. Michael Boadi, Fundraising Manager at GII, emphasised that educating and empowering citizens to understand the damage corruption inflicts on national development is essential to effectively tackling the issue.

He was speaking at a two-day anti-corruption training workshop for citizen groups at Juaso, in the Asante-Akim South Municipality.

The training is part of a broader initiative under the project, “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana”, funded by the European Union (EU).

The project is being implemented in selected districts by GII in partnership with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

Participants included representatives from civil society organizations, youth and women groups, social auditing clubs, and persons with disabilities.

Mr. Boadi referenced findings from an Afrobarometer study, indicating that greater citizen participation could reduce corruption.

He stressed the importance of mobilising citizens, building their capacity, and facilitating their engagement with duty bearers to demand transparency and accountability.

“Among all the strategies we have tried in fighting corruption, engaging citizens meaningfully is the one approach we have not fully explored,” he said.

He further stated that “Our goal is that after this training, participants will be empowered to hold public officials accountable and promote good governance in their communities.”

Mr. Patrick Asare, a representative from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), which partnered with GII to organise the workshop, highlighted activities undertaken by the Social Auditing Club since the project’s inception last year.

He commended participants for their dedication and encouraged them to lead by example in fostering a culture of transparency and integrity in their communities.

From Yussif Ibrahim, Juaso

GNA

GPHA Reaffirms Commitment To Enhancing Ease Of Doing Business At The Ports

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May 21, 2025

The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, has reiterated the Authority’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

Addressing a section of port stakeholders during an engagement session, Brigadier General Tanye Kulono emphasised GPHA’s resolve to make port operations more efficient, less cumbersome and cost-effective for the trading community.

The meeting provided a platform to update stakeholders on ongoing improvements, exchange ideas on trade facilitation, and gather feedback aimed at enhancing service delivery across the ports.

As part of infrastructure upgrades, the Director-General announced plans to dredge the Port of Tema by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This, he explained, would significantly improve vessel turnaround time.

He also disclosed that GPHA has taken delivery of 15 out of 30 trucks acquired to assist in evacuating containers from MPS Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. This intervention, he noted, has already reduced container backlog from nearly 5,000 to 993 as of last week.

He expressed optimism that all backlogs would be cleared by the end of the month, and assured that going forward, importers can expect container transfers from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 to be completed within three days.

Brigadier General TanyeKulono urged the trading community to cooperate by clearing their goods promptly to sustain the gains being made.

On infrastructure challenges, he acknowledged the poor state of roads leading to the port and assured stakeholders that reconstruction works would commence soon.

He appealed for patience and understanding during the period of construction and any inconvenience it may cause.

The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng, commended the Director-General for engaging stakeholders and pledged GUTA’s unwavering support towards GPHA’s ongoing efforts.

“Business thrives on trade facilitation, and the Port Authority plays a pivotal role in that. It’s about reducing time, cost and bottlenecks in port operations. The trading community stands ready to support you fully in this mission,” Dr. Obeng stated.

Lali x Lola appeals to Communication Minister over Boomplay issues

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May 21, 2025

Ghanaian music duo Lali X Lola has made an appeal to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George to help address non-payment of streaming revenue with Boomplay, a digital music streaming platform.

According to Lali X Lola, their distributors have not received any reliable accounting or revenue from Boomplay since April 2023, despite repeated attempts to engage the platform.

The duo expressed their concerns about transparency, accountability, and fair compensation for Ghanaian artistes.

“When such platforms fail to meet basic obligations to rights holders timely, especially by withholding payments, it borders on exploitation of Ghanaian creative talent,” they wrote in a statement.

Lali x Lola emphasized the importance of platforms like Boomplay in providing opportunities for artistes to reach fans and grow digitally.

“Making and promoting music is neither easy nor inexpensive. It takes time, effort, and significant financial investment—often from the artistes themselves. It is therefore unjust and disheartening when musicians are denied revenue for their work,” they noted.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Actress Juliet Ibrahim earns her first Bachelor’s degree

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May 21, 2025

Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim has earned her first undergraduate degree after many years of fame.

In a post of Facebook, May 16, 2025, the actress said after gaining fame at age 19 just after she had completed high school, she was busy with her career and didn’t think she had to continue to higher education.

Juliet noted that as the first daughter in her family she wanted held on her university education after her secondary school for her other siblings to continue with their education and become successful persons in future.

However, the actress said four years ago, a friend who encouraged her to follow her dream and reminded her it is never too late to get her degree.

She later applied to Berkley College to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications as an online adult African student.

“I’m proud to share that I’ve officially earned my first-ever degree—a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications from Berkeley College,” she wrote.

Juliet said her journey was one with hard work, sacrifice, and resilience as an adult student, mother, and full-time creative.

“This journey was far from easy but I stayed committed. I can’t wait to Walk across that graduation stage, definitely a moment I’ll never forget,” she added.

She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to her success and encouraged every woman chasing her goals to remain resilient despite the odds.

Ghana Tourism Authority calls for event proposals for December in GH 2025

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May 21, 2025

Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has opened a call for event proposals for the 2025 edition of December in GH, a month-long celebration of culture, heritage, entertainment, and reconnection.

Aligned with the spirit of the Black Star Experience, Ghana’s premier tourism initiative, December in GH continues to position Ghana as the ultimate destination for culture, heritage, entertainment and reconnection.

Taking place during the festive holiday season, December in GH spans a full month of curated events across music, fashion, art, culture and nightlife, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.

Each year, the season welcomes a vibrant mix of the Ghanaian diaspora returning home, as well as the historical diaspora reconnecting with their African roots.

Speaking on the announcement, Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said, “December in GH is more than a festive celebration, it is a movement that showcases Ghana’s vibrant spirit to the world. As we embrace the Black Star Experience, we are setting the stage for our biggest December season yet, and we look forward to innovative events that will elevate Ghana’s place as a leading destination for culture, entertainment, and heritage tourism.”

GTA has extended invitation to event organisers, promoters and cultural curators to submit proposals for events scheduled between December 1, 2025 to January 3, 2026 that will contribute to a vibrant and diverse calendar of activities across the country.

The deadline for submissions is June 16, 2025. A selection committee will review proposals to ensure high-quality events that reflect Ghana’s creativity, hospitality, and global appeal. Selected events will be featured on the official December in GH 2025 calendar.

Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, expressed excitement about working with event organizers who bring fresh ideas to December in GH.

The campaign aims to boost tourism, strengthen cultural industries, and reinforce Ghana’s reputation as the gateway to Africa.

Screenwriters Guild of Ghana, Producers Guild & National Film Authority forge alliance

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May 21, 2025

James Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA (2nd left)

The Screenwriters Guild of Ghana (SWGG), Producers Guild of Ghana (PGG), and the National Film Authority (NFA) have met to align their efforts toward establishing global standards for Ghanaian filmmaking and building a sustainable, competitive film industry.

The NFA reiterated its commitment to setting statutory frameworks that ensure Ghanaian storytelling in films meets international standards. Central to this is the drive to strengthen copyright laws and foster robust, collaborative relationships with the country’s creative guilds.

The SWGG expressed its eagerness to partner with the NFA on key initiatives, including the popular Pitch Ahoy programme, which is designed to support emerging filmmakers and innovative projects.

Demonstrating its support for the industry, the NFA highlighted ongoing efforts to secure grants for filmmakers and revealed that discussions are underway with key stakeholders to facilitate smoother access for foreign productions to Ghanaian crew, equipment, and logistics.

Stakeholders are also preparing for the upcoming National Film Dialogue on 30th July, where pressing topics such as insurance for equipment and logistics will be addressed. Community representatives affiliated with the film industry will also participate, offering input and exploring solutions to current challenges.

During the meeting, the SWGG and PGG emphasised the importance of recognising all sectors that interact with film production and assisting them in integrating effectively into the evolving industry landscape. The guilds also called for enhanced incentives for foreign productions and guaranteed inclusion and fair treatment of Ghanaian crew members.

“This is not just about film—it’s about creating a legacy of professionalism and pride,” said James Gardiner, Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA. “When we raise the bar for storytelling, we raise the profile of Ghana itself.”

Australia’s opposition coalition splits after election loss

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May 21, 2025

National Party leader, David Littleproud

Australia’s National Party has split from its conservative coalition partner of more than 60 years, the Liberal Party, citing policy differences over renewable energy and following a resounding loss in the national elections this month.

“It’s time to have a break,” the National leader, David Littleproud, told reporters on Tuesday. The split shows the pressure on Australia’s conservative parties after Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party won a historic second term in the May 3 election, powered by a voter backlash against United States President Donald Trump’s policies.

Under the longstanding partnership in state and federal politics, the Liberal and National coalition had shared power in governments, with the Nationals broadly representing the interests of rural communities and the Liberals contesting city seats.

“We will not be re-entering a coalition agreement with the Liberal Party after this election,” Littleproud said, citing policy differences.

Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley, who was installed in the role last week, had pledged to revisit all policies in the wake of the election loss. She said on Tuesday she was disappointed with the Nationals’ decision, which came after they had sought specific commitments.

The Liberals were reduced to 28 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, their worst result, as Labor increased its tally to 94 from 77, registering its largest-ever majority in an election. The National Party retained its 15 seats.

The Liberal Party lost key city seats to independents supporting gender equality and action on climate change.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Biden’s cancer diagnosis raises fresh questions about his health in White House

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May 21, 2025