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Editorial: Moving Ghana’s Capital To Bondase Is Good, But…

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Ghana is to have a new administrative capital as part of measures to per­manently decongest the capital city of Accra, The Ghanaian Times quoted President Mahama as saying in its Monday, May 19, 2025 publication.

Consequently, the story continued, the government would be­gin the development of a new administrative city on the Accra Plains. Selected government offices, the Presi­dent said, would be relocated to the pro­posed new administrative hub, which would be connected to Accra by an expressway and a railway line.

“I believe that this new city will be lo­cated somewhere on the Accra plains from Bondase, straddling between Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions. The city will stretch to the banks of the Volta River and there will be a railway link and express lane, that will link the new city to Ac­cra.

“Accra is overstretched. The capital is facing mount­ing pressure from rapid urbanisation, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure. It is time we think long-term and plan for a new city that can ease this burden,” the paper again quoted the president as saying.

This is not the first time Ghanaians are hearing this pronouncement. Indeed in May 2024, then candidate John Mahama in a meeting with European Union Ambassador and the EU Chamber of Commerce mooted the idea of Ghana having a new administrative capital. The Chronicle is, therefore, not surprised that he has repeated the idea during his meeting with chiefs in the Greater Accra Region.

The pronouncement, no doubt, is welcome news because Accra is indeed choked and moving the capital to a new location is the only option available. During his recent meeting with government appointees, President Mahama reiterated his resolve to leave a living legacy, since this is his last term of office. Moving the administrative capital from Accra is surely one of the legacies he wants to leave behind and we pray that God helps him to achieve his aim.

The Chronicle, however, disagrees with the Bondase site he is proposing for the new administrative capital of Ghana. But for the military land acquisition in the area, Bondase would have been part of Accra long ago. In our view, therefore, the country will be moving from frying pan to fire if we decide to move the capital from Accra to nearby Bondase enclave.

Already, Tsopoli, which is beyond Bondase, is gradually becoming part of Accra. We will, therefore, be exacerbating the already precarious situation if the administrative capital is moved to the outskirts of Accra. Though we concede that moving the capital close to the banks of the Volta River will ensure effective river transport and also attract visitors into the country, its close proximity to Accra will surely turn Greater Accra Region to a city state.

We understand what might have probably motivated President Mahama to consider Bondase instead of the middle belt of the country. Ghanaians have long held the view that the capital of Ghana should be moved from Accra to Kintampo enclave, in the now Bono East Region. Unfortunately, the instability in that part of the country will no longer support that idea.

Next should have been Ashanti Region and Kumasi to be precise, but we all agree that Kumasi, just like Accra, is already choked. Moving the capital there will, therefore, be a terrible thing to do. This is why our president has probably settled on Bondase, but we believe there are more places in Ghana that can peacefully host the new administrative capital.

Places like Goaso, Bekyem or Sunyani are relatively peaceful and can host our proposed administrative capital, because all these towns are far away from Kumasi, which is already densely populated. Bondase, we dare say, will not help ease the congestion we are all talking about in Accra, though a new capital along the banks of the Volta River will be nice.

Fire Service Saves Rooms from Fire outbreak at Jumapo

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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The seven-room compound house at Jumapo-Ahenbrono, a suburb of Koforidua that was saved from total ashes by the Ghana National Fire Service

The timely intervention by personnel of Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Koforidua prevented what would have been a total nightmare for occupants of a seven-room compound house at Jumapo-Ahenbrono, a suburb of Koforidua.

The fire, which started at about 3:17 a.m. on Friday May 16, 2025 was fast spreading to all parts of the compound and had already affected four (4) out of the seven rooms.

It took the fire fighters a total of 34 minutes to completely bring the fire under control. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Ghana Integrity Initiative takes corruption fight to local communities

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Participants in a group picture shortly after the workshop

The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), a local chapter of Transparency International Ghana, has held a capacity training workshop for citizen groups in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The training, aimed to equip participants on the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (PFMA) to combat corruption-related incidents in their communities, through the collaboration of Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) with funding support from the European Union.

Mr Jacob Tetteh Ahuno, Programs and Research Officer of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) emphasised the importance of collective actions in the fight against corruption in the country.

Mr Tetteh Ahuno indicated that the Transparency International Ghana focuses to mobilize civil society organizations to join the fight against corruption at all levels in Ghana.

Briefing the press after a two-day training at Akuapem North Municipal Assembly Hall, Mr. Tetteh Ahuno articulated GII aims to create a corruption-free society where Ghanaians act accountably and transparently.

Mr. Tetteh Ahuno said citizen groups are expected to undertake sensitization programs in schools, churches, mosques, and market squares to support the anti-corruption fight in Ghana, hence charged participants to raise public awareness and hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices.

Themed “Citizens Anti-Corruption Training,” the workshop is part of the “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana”, a project which is funded by the European Union (EU).

The workshop brought about representatives from the Local Council of Churches, staff from Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, Persons with disabilities (PWDs), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), media practitioners, Traditional Authorities and many other citizens organisations.

They were taken through various topics, including the causes and consequences of corruption, the role of citizens in promoting transparency and accountability, and strategies for reporting corruption incidents.

The training also provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and best practices in fighting corruption.

Participants commended GII for organizing the training, stating that it had increased their awareness and capacity to contribute to anti-corruption efforts in their communities.

Moral standards are falling in Ghana –As I Grow

By
ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Cross-section of some students taken by the NGO at a recent programme

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of As I Grow, a Ghanaian humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisation, Mr. Isaac Debrah Bekoe, has raised serious concerns about the alarming decline in moral standards among the youth in Ghana.

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of As I Grow

Addressing the media during a community outreach campaign aimed at safeguarding the future of young Ghanaians, Mr. Isaac Debrah Bekoe posed a provocative but important question: “Who do we blame for the moral decay consuming the younger generation?”

Mr. Isaac Debrah Bekoe expressed grave worry over what he described as a “tremendous fall in moral values” in Ghana, especially among the youth, adding that research conducted by his outfit revealed that a high number of young people are currently engaging in social vices.

The Founder of As I Grow mentioned drug and substance abuse, prostitution and transactional sex, robbery and theft, internet fraud, gambling and gaming addiction and school dropout and teenage pregnancies.

He attributed this troubling trend to a glaring neglect by key stakeholders including parents, community leaders, educators and government institutions who have failed to provide the moral guidance, mentorship and opportunities necessary for the holistic development of the youth.

“Our young people are talented, passionate and ambitious. However, they are being suffocated by lack of access to quality education, structured mentorship and platforms to realise their dreams,” the CEO of As I Grow lamented.

According to the findings presented by As I Grow, several interconnected factors have led to the ongoing erosion of societal values of increasing absenteeism of parents, poor parenting practices and family breakdowns have left many young people without moral compasses.

It was further discovered that opinion leaders, chiefs and even religious institutions are no longer as proactive in guiding youth behavior and shaping ethical societal norms, as well as high youth unemployment, poverty and lack of access to education have driven many into risky behaviours just to survive.

The rest are a significant gap in structured mentoring systems, leaving many young people to rely on peer pressure or social media influences whilst cultural practices and traditional moral teachings that once upheld discipline and communal responsibility are fading fast.

In response to this crisis, As I Grow NGO has intensified its mentorship and advocacy programs in both schools and communities to provide life skills training and emotional intelligence development.

The rest of the mentorship and advocacy programs are to foster civic responsibility and patriotic behavior, encourage entrepreneurship and career exploration, promote values such as integrity, respect, discipline and empathy.

Through its flagship campaigns, workshops, and grassroots engagements, the NGO is already making a measurable difference in the lives of several young Ghanaians across different districts.

He urged all stakeholders, policy makers, parents, churches, mosques, traditional authorities, and civil society to unite and rebuild a value-driven Ghana, starting from the grassroots.

He further encouraged the youth to embrace values of self-efficacy, positive thinking, confidence, determination, and competence as guiding principles for their personal development.

Gold Fields Medical Outreach Brings Life-Changing Healthcare to Wangarakrom and Badukrom

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admin
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Wangarakrom and Badukrom residents gather for the medical outreacg programme

Hundreds of residents in the Tarkwa Nsuaem communities of Wangarakrom and Badukrom have benefitted from a free, life-changing medical outreach.
The outreach programme was organized by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) in partnership with the Ghana Health Service over the weekend.

The programme, which is a quarterly ritual saw Medical Doctors and dozens of other health professionals attending to people with dental problems, eye examinations, ear, nose and throat (ENT), check-ups, HIV counselling and testing, TB screening and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and renewal.
Lead Specialist for Gold Fields, Dr. Magdalene Bakari, emphasised the critical role of preventive healthcare, especially regarding hypertension – a condition often referred to as a “silent killer.”

“Hypertension usually has no early symptoms, but when left undetected, it can lead to stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease,” she said, adding, “We are here to educate the community, offer screening, and encourage people to cut down on salt, avoid processed seasonings, and return to healthy, natural diets.”

Dr. Bakari urged residents to adopt more active lifestyles and to prioritise regular check-ups at least every six months to prevent complications from hypertension.
Municipal Director of Health, Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah, praised the strong community participation and commended Gold Fields for consistently supporting healthcare delivery in hard-to-reach areas.

“This initiative reflects our goal of making comprehensive healthcare accessible to all. Primary prevention is key and this outreach helps us detect and manage conditions before they become serious,” she said.
For many residents, the outreach was their first experience receiving specialist care. Some expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity.
“This is the first time in my life – and for my family – that we have seen a dentist. We didn’t even know how important dental care was until today,” said one community member.
Alex Guere, another resident, shared his relief after receiving free prescription glasses.

“I have been struggling to read for a long time, but I couldn’t afford an eye exam or glasses. Today, I got both for free. I’m so grateful to Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for this help.”
Executive Secretary of the GFGF, Mr Abdel Razak Yakubu, explained that the outreach was part of a quarterly programme aimed at improving healthcare access in the foundation’s host communities.

“We bring together doctors, nurses, optometrists, and other health professionals every three months to provide free medical care. This quarter, we chose Wangarakrom and Badukrom, and we’re especially focused on preventive health. We began with an hour of education on hypertension and healthy living before the screenings.”
He added that before midday, over 200 people had already been screened, with a target to serve more than 800 by the end of the day.

“Our aim is to make health services more accessible and promote healthier lifestyles by returning to the basics – organic diets, natural spices and physical activity,” Mr. Yakubu stressed.
The initiative has been widely lauded by health officials and residents alike, as an effective way to extend quality healthcare to underserved areas, tackle non-communicable diseases like hypertension and promote a culture of preventive medicine.

Dr. Boadi Nyamekye launches book on ‘The Landmines of Destiny’

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Dr Boadi Nyamekye

A new book titled ‘The Landmines of Destiny,’ authored by Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, seeks to contribute meaningfully to shaping minds and influencing society.

The book explores themes such as discipline, purpose, and personal responsibility, with the aim of instilling strong moral foundations in readers—particularly the youth.

At the official launch of the book in Accra, Lady Yaa Boadi Nyamekye emphasized the importance of gratitude and introspection.

She encouraged Ghanaians to embrace gratitude in their daily lives, adding that purposeful literature, when rooted in values, has the power to inspire both personal transformation and social change.

“On your journey to fulfilling your destiny to completing the assignments God has called you to there are many factors at play. Some things will help you along the way, while others will discourage you from moving forward. These are some of the issues the book addresses.

Some, you may not have considered. For instance, there’s a section on gratitude. If you don’t appreciate how far you’ve come, you won’t be able to fully embrace what lies ahead. When you look back at the challenges you’ve overcome, you can be confident that if you’ve come this far, then greater things await.”

Some attendees expressed hope that The Landmines of Destiny would serve as a tool for reshaping character especially among young readers and spark national conversations on values and ethics.

“As Christians, we know that God has good plans for each of us plans not of evil, but of hope and a future. However, the enemy also has counter plans. Landmines of Destiny, written by our father Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, helps us identify those hidden dangers. It teaches us where not to step, what to avoid, and how to walk in alignment with God’s path.”

As Ghana continues to reform its educational priorities, many experts agree that the strategic use of literature, support for indigenous languages, and the promotion of a national reading culture are essential to building a more enlightened and resilient society.

Acting in US Law and Order series was my biggest deal – KSM

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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KSM

Renowned Ghanaian comedian and filmmaker, Kwaku Sintim Misa (KSM), has revealed that his biggest breakthrough as an actor was landing a role in the acclaimed US television series, Law & Order.

Though it stands out as a career-defining moment, KSM says his appearance in Law and Order was the result of a journey that began in childhood.

Speaking on the Career Trail program on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, KSM shared that acting was something he had been drawn to from a very young age.

“It’s very interesting because as long as I remember, I wanted to act. I don’t know what I saw in acting. I remember back in the day my eldest brother went to study in the UK and I remember writing to him, asking him to find a school in the UK for me to come and act,” he recounted.

He mentioned that storytelling came naturally to him from a young age, even when the stories were made up.

“Anytime I went out and I came back, I had a story. I always had imagination, so anytime I came back, I had a story. Sometimes, I will say, ‘this is what I’m going to tell them when I get home’. The funny thing is my family used to tag me as a ‘liar’. Interestingly, that was the beginning of a writer,” he shared.

Driven by this passion, KSM pursued Theatre Arts, becoming one of the pioneer students at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Ghana.

“I went to the university, it was all about Threatre Arts. After high school, I went to NAFTI for 1 year before travelling to the US. We were the pioneers of NAFTI,” he stated.

While in the United States, KSM honed his craft and gained invaluable experience in the acting industry. However, he noted that his first-ever film role actually came during a visit back home to Ghana.

“When I returned to Ghana during a summer break, one of my friends from NAFTI was shooting a film and featured me in it. That was my first film experience, and I truly enjoyed it,” he recalled.

Despite getting his start in Ghana, KSM revealed that his major breakthrough as an actor came in the United States when he landed a role in the long-running, critically acclaimed TV drama Law & Order.

“In the US, I got some mileage in film and in acting. I acted in a very popular series called, Law and Order, which I think was my biggest deal because that series was one of the highly rated primetime shows in the US. To appear on it, was a biggest deal,” he said.

KSM further highlighted other significant milestones in his career, including his groundbreaking achievement as the first African to perform an original one-man show in the US, Thoughts of a Confused Black Man. “I was the first African to have done an original one-man play on Broadway,” he proudly stated.

In addition to his success in the US, KSM’s creative vision has also made a lasting impact in Ghana. He is the mastermind behind several unforgettable productions, such as Saga of the Returnee and Afia Siriboe, solidifying his position as a key figure in both the international and local entertainment scenes.

KSM advises young people to pay close attention to their natural talents, emphasizing that anything one excels at with ease is a clear indication of their talent.

“I always tell people, anything you can do that comes without effort most likely is your talent. There are people like that, you teach them computers, they just sit behind it, they know what they are doing. Whatever they do, they do it effortlessly. And I tell people take a note of that. If you can do anything without major effort but at the same time excel, most likely is your talent. So pay attention to that,” he urged

He further emphasised that talent is not confined to the creative arts.

“The other mistake that people make is that they think that talent is referred to the arts, like singing, dancing, acting, and painting. It is not true.  You can be a talented mathematician, architect, chemist because it comes to you effortlessly. Don’t limit talent to the creative arts alone. Talent is broad and everyone has a talent.”

Dada KD was not broke before his demise – Manager

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Dada KD and Manager King Pee

The late Ghanaian Highlife legend, Dada Kwaku Duah, popularly known as Dada KD was doing well financially before his demise, King Pee, the manager has revealed.

“Dada KD was not broke. He was doing very well,” King Pee emphasised. “He was supposed to submit his UK visa application today for a show next Saturday. He didn’t have issues with anyone. People just post things online for attention,” the Manager’s statement is to refute rumours suggesting that the musician died broke or under controversial circumstances.

King Pee revealed that the singer fell suddenly ill on Friday, May 16. He became inactive and unresponsive, prompting his househelp to alert close associates, who then rushed him to the Gbawe SDA Hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead later that night.

“Dada KD wasn’t sick. He suddenly went quiet, and when we rushed him to the hospital, he couldn’t make it,” King Pee recounted.

Responding to widespread social media rumours, King Pee firmly denied reports that the Highlife icon had been struggling financially, battling psychological issues, or had been shot in a recording studio.

He clarified that a video currently circulating and portraying the musician as being in distress was filmed five years ago during an interview with Kofi Adoma and has no relevance to his recent life.

The late musician, known for timeless Highlife classics such as ‘Yebeye Yen Ho Fi,’ ‘Obiaa Se Eye,’ ‘Odo Mu Anigye,’ ‘Ene Me Nye,’ etc. He is survived by five children and a fiancée based in the United States.

Cecilia and Sammy, in the ‘Politics of Attack But Defend’

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Opinion

In politics, there is this theory of ‘Attack but Defend’ which goes like this, “Condemn everything your opponents does, however when it gets to your turn, do the same things and come out to defend yourself.” This happens in Ghana.

In 2008, Hon. Adamu Daramani Sakande of the NPP MP, filed to contest the Bawku Central while he held dual citizenship. He went to win the seat.  The NDC made a whole lot of noise about this and condemned him. He ended up in court and was found guilty of perjury and forgery and jailed in 2012.

In 2020 General Elections, Hon Gyekye Quayson of the NDC, also filed to contest the Assin North seat while he held dual citizenship. He won the seat, but was taken to court on charges of perjury and forgery. The NDC fought hard to make sure that he was not convicted. To members of the NDC, Gyekye Quayson committed no offence.

Looking at both cases the NDC would say, Gyekye’s letter, denouncing his citizenship of Canada came before the elections. But in truth the act of perjury occurred while he was filing his papers to be considered to contest the elections. At that time, he was still a dual citizen.

Then in 2023, Hon. Cecilia Dapaah reported that some members of her household staff had stolen her money which run into millions of hard currencies. All hell broke loose in Ghana as the then opposition NDC, made it clear that the minister was corrupt and must be taken to court and jailed. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) dragged her in the mud and Sammy Gyamfi of the NDC said if Cecilia Dapaah could not reveal the source of the money, it meant she was into money laundering.

Then only recently, this same Sammy Gyamfi, who is the acting CEO of GoldBod, the sole gold dealer in the country, was caught on camera dishing out hundreds of hard currencies to the famous Agraada. Less than five months of his appointment, Sammy Gyamfi is driving around with his vehicles full of dollars. And with all this, Sammy has still not been invited by the OSP. Hmmm……!

What perception will the public have? And instead of coming out to say something reasonable, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is accusing the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of exploiting the incident for political gain. What about the NDC, in the Cecila Dapaah’s case? This is certainly the political theory of Attack but Defend, in practice.

For if this had been an NPP government appointee, driving around with a car full of hard currencies, what would the NDC tell Ghanaians?

I am more concern about the perception that the public will have about Sammy Gyamfi in particular and all appointees in general. If a government official could be called corrupt for keeping dollars in her house, then the one driving around with dollars in his car must have bank-safes full of dollars at home.

It was not surprising that Ernest Owusu Bempah came out to defend the GoldBod, acting CEO. These days, he is strongly making known his desire to go back home, to the NDC.

His defense of Sammy Gyamfi, saying that he is a very wealthy young man who dishes money around is very hollow. Why did he not come to defend Cecilia Dapaah, whose husband is known to be a very wealthy architect?

Ernest Owusu Bempah is also claiming that he knows an NPP member who gave someone $50,000.00, and so? What is its relevance in this matter if he could not name that person? And by the way, it seems he was the only person who saw that transaction going on.

It is a very big shame for the NPP deputy communication director to come on air to defend Sammy Gyamfi, when the national office of the party came out supporting a petition against Sammy Gyamfi.

I am not in any way condemning Sammy as corrupt, for my principles will not guide me on that path until there is evidence. But in my humble opinion, Sammy misconducted himself. Is he saying he did not have cedis on him? And if he did not, then was he using dollars, to purchase things on the way? If that is the case, then what impact will this be on our economy? As a government appointee, one’s code of conduct must be above board.

A deputy minister in Kufuor’s administration, Hon Charles Bintin, allowed someone to deposit GH¢100,000.00, in his personal account, probably for safekeeping and he got the sack.

Hon Victoria Hammah of the NDC, then deputy minister of communication, once said if she could make $1 million, she would quit politics. She was sacked for this statement, meanwhile nothing suggested she was desiring to be corrupt.

The perception of the public messed things up for Charles and Victoria. So, to me, none of the above, Cecilia, Sammy, Charles and Victoria committed any crime. Their conducts, however, raises questions in the public domain and the court of public opinion, matters here.

But what is most important to our democracy is for all political parties to be very principled and never defend for themselves, what they will condemn others for. So, if Sammy Gyamfi is innocent then Cecilia Dapaah is also innocent.

Hon. Daniel Dugan

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

Lagos begins enforcement of ban on single-use plastics 

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Single Use Plastics

The Lagos State Government has said it will begin the full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics on July 1.

The Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on X on Monday.

He explained that the state government had been intentional and strategic with 18 months of dialogue, engagement and transition.

Wahab noted that within the space of almost 18 months, the government had a series of stakeholders’ engagements with marketers and producers of these products.

The state government in January 2024, banned the use of Styrofoam across the state, a decision that elicited reactions from residents, especially traders in deal in the sale of the product.

But the commissioner said the government had given an ample time to align with global best practices, noting that what is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos.

“We re-emphasised this stand during a courtesy visit by management of TETRA PAK West Africa Limited, led by the Managing Director, Haithem Debbiche.

“This is about environmental responsibility. And we have given an ample time to align with global best practices. What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.

“We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work. Just like with the successful enforcement of the styrofoam ban, we will insist on accountability and responsibility. A cleaner, healthier Lagos is within reach if we all play our part.”

In September 2024, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, destroyed ₦5 miilion worth of Styrofoam packs seized in one month across various locations in the state.

Credit: channelstv.com

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