Cercle Brugge midfielder Lawrence Agyekum has been handed a late call-up to the Black Stars team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
The 21-year-old sensation replaces AJ Auxerre’s Elisha Owusu, who has been ruled out due to injury.
Agyekum’s call-up is a reward for his excellent performances in Belgium, where he has shown his versatility and maturity in midfield.
He has played 38 games in all competitions this season for Cercle.
His creativity, breaking up of opposition attacks and provision of forward momentum make him an excellent addition to coach Otto Addo’s squad.
Owusu’s unavailability is definitely a blow, given his experience and marshaling of the Ghanaian midfield in recent matches.
The inclusion of Agyekum injects fresh energy into the team, and it provides the Black Stars with renewed impetus as they prepare for crucial matches.
The maiden call-up of the young midfielder is a dream come true and it provides him with a big stage to announce himself on the international stage.
As Ghana seeks to seize vital points in their World Cup qualifying quest, all eyes will be on Agyekum to see if he will rise to the occasion and make a lasting impression.
Teachers shape the future of our country by guiding young minds, instilling core values, and preparing students for successful lives. Nevertheless, teachers encounter numerous challenges that go beyond their classroom duties. Alongside their teaching roles, teachers frequently find themselves acting as counsellors, security personnel, health care Providers, and emergency responders. These added responsibilities place tremendous strain on them, resulting in stress, burnout, and serious health issues.
Importantly, unlike other professions that have dedicated support systems, teachers in Ghana shoulder the burden of multiple responsibilities. In many rural and under-resourced schools, teachers are relied upon for administrative tasks, financial management, and student welfare duties. For example, they often serve as emotional support figures for students dealing with personal hardships. Moreover, teachers are responsible for handling school finances. Occasionally, they cover students’ expenses out of their own pockets. In emergencies, they become the first point of care for sick or injured students in the absence of school nurses.
Consequently, these additional roles lead to significant stress and fatigue for teachers. Over time, this stress culminates into severe health issues such as hypertension, depression, and chronic fatigue. Yet, there is no dedicated healthcare support system in place to address the healthcare needs of teachers. Needs.
The Healthcare Challenges Faced by Teachers in Ghana
Access to quality healthcare is a significant concern for teachers as well. They earn modest salaries that barely meet their basic needs. This makes it difficult for them to afford some level of medical treatment when necessary. Although the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) offers some coverage, it often falls short of guaranteeing quality care, as many critical medications and services are not included.
For instance, teachers with chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension struggle to pay for necessary medications due to financial limitations. Unlike professionals in other fields who have comprehensive health insurance, teachersdo not. As a result, some teachers delay seeking medical care until their conditions worsen.
Sadly, there have been numerous instances of teachers losing their lives to preventable illnesses due to their inability to afford treatment. Others work while unwell, exacerbating their health issues. For example, in 2023, a devoted teacher in the Eastern Region passed away after months of struggling with an illness without access to proper medical care.
The situation is even more alarming for retired teachers, many of whom lack financial resources for their medical needs. After years of service to the nation, it is unacceptable for teachers to suffer due to inadequate healthcare support.
A Hospital for Teachers: A Feasible Solution
To resolve this pressing issue, establishing a specialized hospital for teachers and their families in Ghana is vital. Such a facility would provide tailored medical care that meets the distinct needs of educators. Funding for the hospital could come from a combination of government support, teacher unions, private sector contributions, and resources from educational institutions.
A dedicated hospital for teachers would offer multiple benefits, including:
Accessible and Quality Healthcare: The hospital would ensure teachers receive timely and quality medical care without financial worries, preventing delays in seeking treatment due to cost.
Mental Health Services: Recognizing the emotional toll of teaching, the hospital could provide counselling mental health resources to assist teachers in managing stress and anxiety.
Care for Retired Teachers: The facility would also cater to retired educators, ensuring they have access to much-needed healthcare in their later years.
Support for Teachers’ Families: Including the families of teachers in the healthcare plan would provide essential support, allowing teachers to focus on their work without worrying about their dependents’ medical needs.
Promotion of Preventive Care: The hospital could offer regular health screenings, wellness initiatives, and lifestyle education to help teachers maintain their health and prevent chronic illnesses.
Moving Forward
The vision of a dedicated hospital for teachers in Ghana is not merely aspirational; it is imperative. The government, the Ghana Education Service (GES), teacher unions like GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-GH, along with other education stakeholders, must prioritize the health and well-being of teachers. Moreover, investing in a healthcare facility for teachers is not an expense but an investment in the future of education. Healthy teachers would contribute to better educational outcomes, ultimately benefiting society.
It is also crucial for teacher unions and professional organizations to passionately advocate for this initiative. Policymakers should consider allocating a portion of the national education budget for establishing and maintaining healthcare facilities for teachers. Additionally, exploring public-private partnerships can ensure the sustainable operation of such a project, with corporates supportive of education potentially providing financial or medical resources.
Conclusion
In essence, teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing the future if of our nature builders. The immense burden they carry, both inside and outside the classroom, negatively affects their health and longevity. It is high time to change this narrative by ensuring they receive the healthcare support they truly deserve. A specialized hospital for teachers would be a fitting tribute to their sacrifices, guaranteeing access to quality medical care throughout their careers and into retirement.
A nation that values its teachers is investing in its future. The time to take action is now.
A Sokoto-born businessman who was shot by the State Security Service (SSS) agents in 2016 has finally received justice six years after the agency refused to comply with a court judgement delivered in his favour.
In the wee hours of 2 April 2016, some SSS operatives invaded the residence of the businessman in Jos, Plateau State, and shot him in the thigh after mistaking him for a suspect. That incident marked the genesis of his suffering until last Friday when the SSS compensated him with N10 million, as ruled by the court six years earlier. In addition, the Director-General of the SSS, Adeola Ajayi, added another N10 million to help the victim recoup his loss.
The businessman who spoke with our reporter on Sunday wished not to be named for fear of “some hoodlums” tracing him home to rob him.
It was around 4:30 a.m. when the armed SSS agents arrived, the businessman recalled.
The secret police operatives were trailing a suspected gunrunner who bears the same name as the businessman. But instead of going to the suspect’s residence, they broke into the businessman’s rented apartment.
“They banged on the doors of my neighbours asking who bears my name,” the businessman said. “My neighbours directed them to my door, and when they broke into my house, they asked me what my name was.”
The businessman’s last name matches the suspect’s. When he told them his complete name, the operatives disagreed. They thought he was telling lies, and they shot him in the thigh.
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector during a special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company in Igbesa, Ado Odo, Ota Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omolola Odutola, who made this known in a statement, said that investigation has been launched into the tragic death of Inspector Ajele Oloyede, attached to 78 PMF, Zamfara State.
“The incident occurred on March 14, 2025, at about 13:20 hours and according to preliminary reports, Tolorunloju Stephen, an officer attached to Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, who was also on special duty at the company, stated that he had just returned from Ikeja when he entered the security office and found Inspector Oloyede resting his head on a table. After exchanging pleasantries and briefly inquiring about his well-being, Oloyede responded positively,” she said.
“Shortly after, Stephen proceeded to the restroom, but moments later, he heard a gunshot, rushing back, he found Inspector Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.
“With the assistance of a private security personnel, the injured officer was immediately rushed to Ota General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
“The firearm used in the incident has been recovered, and the body has been deposited at the hospital for an autopsy”
The police PRO said that the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, who received the shocking news has ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident, perhaps any foul play as well as any possible mental health factors.
The political crisis in Rivers took another dimension on Monday after lawmakers in the oil-rich state accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.
Twenty-six members of the Rivers Assembly raised the allegations in two letters sent to the speaker Martin Amaewhule and thereafter transmitted to Fubara and his deputy.
They said the action was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws” which mandates that such allegations be signed by at least one-third of the House members and specify the particulars of the misconduct.
The letters, signed by the 26 lawmakers, were presented during Monday’s plenary session in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), 1999. The Speaker is required to ensure that the notices are served on the office holders and all members of the House within seven days of receipt.
The allegations, which outlined five specific instances of gross misconduct, were detailed in separate notices addressed to both the governor and the deputy governor.
The lawmakers accused Fubara among other things of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of the government, and the appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.
Other accusations against the Rivers governor include the seizure of salaries, allowances, and funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly Emeka Amadi.
The Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditions, and Chieftaincy Affairs has addressed concerns over the delayed payment of February 2025 salaries for local government staff, attributing the setback to the state’s failure to receive its statutory allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC.
In a statement released yesterday, the bureau’s permanent secretary, Godfrey Dame Andrew, reassured workers that the delay was unintentional and that the government remained committed to their welfare.
“The government is resolute in its commitment to local government staff and assures them that salaries will be paid as soon as the allocation is received,” the statement read.
Despite this assurance, affected workers across Taraba’s 16 local government councils have voiced their frustration, criticising what they describe as the state government’s lacklustre response.
In interviews with our reporter, workers who expressed sadness over the delay pointed to neighbouring Adamawa State, where Governor Ahmadu Fintiri was reported to have used part of the state’s internally generated revenue to cover February salaries.
The workers, who claimed that their families have been going cap in hand seeking survival, urged the state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, to follow suit instead of waiting for federal allocations.
“Why must we always rely on FAAC before receiving our salaries?” one worker asked. “We know the state generates significant revenue, yet resources are being wasted on projects that don’t directly benefit the people. This delay is making life unbearable for us and our families.”
With Ramadan underway, most of the workers contacted said the salary delay was affecting their ability to observe the fast properly, urging the government to address the issue before the fasting period ends.
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) and a member of the GOLDBOD Technical Committee, Godwin Nickleson Amarh, has assured members of the association that his outfit would fight for the fair pricing of gold when the Goldbod is finally set up.
Godwin Nickleson Amarh, General Secretary, Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners and a member of the GOLDBOD Technical Committee, address
“GNASSM is fully represented on the Technical Committee of the GOLDBOD and will ensure that the pricing of gold is fair, competitive and at a commercial rate that aligns with the stringent London Bullion Market Association certification”, he stated.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Precious Minerals Mining Company (PMMC) at Tarkwa, in the Western Region, last week Friday, to sensitise the participants on the purpose, objects and functions of the soon to be established GOLDBOD, Godwin Nickleson Amarh also said small scale miners are particularly concerned about degraded lands.
He assured that they would collaborate with the GOLDBOD to ensure that all degraded lands had been restored.
At the forum, players in the gold trading sector massively endorsed the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) and its stated objectives and indicated this will be a positive game changer to the economy and fiscal space.
Participants at the forum
The GOLDBOD aims to streamline the gold trading sector and the stakeholders made up of gold buyers, jewelers, bullion traders, small scale miners, licensed gold exporters, banks and commercial mining firms in the Western Region among others, believe it will yield maximum benefits for the country, particularly in foreign exchange, stabilising the Cedi and accumulating more reserves.
The gold dealers who attended the forum expressed optimism about the GOLDBOD’s potential and urged the government to fast-track its establishment.
However, they cautioned the government to ensure fair representation of players in the gold trading sector on the governing board.
They also called for the inclusion of traditional leaders and members from academia on the board.
Jonathan Ababio who represented the Jewelers Association, praised the provision in the draft legislation to retain a percentage of gold purchases and supply machinery to add value to their produce.
“We cannot continue to do things the way they are and expect different results. The retention of a percentage of gold purchases in the country and the provision of machinery by the government to enable us to add value to our produce will enable us to break into the international market and this is good news for us”, he noted.
Alhaji Dauda, a licensed gold buyer was, particularly, enthused about the allocation of US$279 million to the GOLDBOD as a revolving fund for gold purchases. He urged the government to ensure fair disbursement and timely releases of the funds. He also urged the government to ensure that gold is bought at a commercial rate.
“The government must let the money flow so that our work will go on. There shouldn’t be any liquidity challenges that will affect our operations. Let us all support the GOLDBOD to transform the gold trading sector”, he noted.
Kwaku Effah Esuahene from the Chamber of Bullion Traders Association noted that the GOLDBOD will help to determine the amount of forex that has hit the country’s accounts and urged stakeholders to support the government in preventing gold smugglers from taking over the sector.
The Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) of Ghana, Samuel Gyamfi, reassured the stakeholders that the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) would benefit all players in the gold trading sector, not just a select few.
“Per the law, proceeds from the sale of gold that the GOLDBOD will sell will be used to support the miners and mining communities. We will supply them with mining equipment and machinery to boost their operations.
“As part of the GOLDBOD’s corporate social responsibility, we are going to build schools, roads, award scholarships and supply water in the mining communities. So, it is the entire country that is going to benefit from the GOLDBOD initiative”, he noted.
He explained that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, has set up the GOLDBOD Technical Committee to draft enabling legislation for the sector.
While the GOLDBOD initiative promises to bring benefits to the gold trading sector, it has also faced criticism and skepticism from certain quarters.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament claim that the initiative is “an avenue to create, loot and share”, as it has been designed to enable President John Dramani Mahama’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama, to monopolise the gold trading sector.
Samuel Gyamfi dismissed these claims and labelled the proponents against the GOLDBOD as being mischievous.
“All that the naysayers are doing is mischief. Ibrahim Mahama is a miner and he is not interested in buying and selling gold. When the GOLDBOD is established, it is going to benefit the entire country”, Sammy Gyamfi noted.
He assured the participants that the Technical Committee would not draft any legislation that would harm their businesses.
Removal of gold smugglers
Sammy Gyamfi took the participants through the draft GOLDBOD Bill and highlighted several benefits of it, including the removal of foreign gold smugglers, particularly Indians and Chinese, from Ghana’s gold trading sector. He noted that the GOLDBOD will empower authorities to flush out these individuals whose fraudulent activities have impacted the sector.
According to data from the Bank of Ghana, Ghana officially exported $11.64 billion worth of gold in 2024, a 53.2% year-on-year increase.
US$4.6 billion of this amount came from small-scale miners. However, the value of gold smuggled out of the country was nearly double this figure, data revealed.
Sole buyer
Samuel Gyamfi also revealed that the GOLDBOD will be the sole buyer of gold through licensed aggregators and local traders, emphasising that the initiative would ensure that the country would shift away from the system where Ghanaians and foreign companies with export licenses could purchase gold without going through the approved rules. He also assured of fair and competitive pricing
No ban on small scale mining
Further interacting with the stakeholders, Samuel Gyamfi reassured that the government would not ban small scale mining, stressing that those doing legitimate business would be protected by the GOLDBOD.
The impounded excavators parked in front of the Bosome Freho district assembly.
A well-coordinated operation carried out by security personnel in the Ashanti Region has led to the arrest of three foreigners who were engaged in illegal mining in the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti Region.
Portion of the forest that has been destroyed by illegal miners at Bosome Freho,Ashanti region.
The operation also led to the confiscation of six excavators, which were being used by these environmental wreckers.
Made of Police, Immigration Service, Environmental Protection Authority, Forestry Commission and National Security, the operations were carried out at Bonka Forest,Asiwa Forest and Achiase River.
The three foreign nationals arrested come from India, Burkina Faso and China respectively.
Prior to this operation, the team had combed some districts in the region, notably Amansie Central,but they could not arrest anyone, following a suspected leak of information to the illegal miners by the elements within the task force.
Acting Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator ,Captain John Jabari (rtd) speaking to the media
Addressing the media at Asiwa, the district capital of Bosome-Freho, the Acting Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain John Jabari(Retired), reaffirmed the government’s resolve to nip galamsey operations in the bud.
Captain Jabari acknowledged the devastating effects of illegal mining on local communities, road networks and water bodies in the Ashanti region.
In view of this, the Ag Ashanti regional Security Coordinator emphasised the importance of collaboration between security agencies to root out the menace from Ashanti region and Ghana at large.
According to Jabari, the operations form part of a broader strategy to enforce mining regulations and restore environmental integrity.
“We have observed that many mining shops are operating unchecked, supplying machinery to illegal miners. If we can regulate these businesses, we might see a reduction in illegal mining,” he remarked.
He called for stricter enforcement of licensing regulations and better oversight of mining operations.
Former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North in the Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku, has been appointed as the Vice President of SME Global in Charge of Africa.
Randy Hoback, MP,Vice-President, SME Global Member of Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Canada,
In his appointment letter dated March 10, 2025 and signed by Lilia Heitz, Secretary General of the SME Global of the International Democracy Union, it reads in part
‘On behalf of the Executive Office of SME Global, I am pleased to formally confirm your appointment as Vice-President of SME Global of the IDU.
“We are confident that your contributions will be instrumental in driving our mission forward and fostering impactful initiatives.
“We appreciate your willingness to take on this responsibility and look forward to working together to strengthen the SME landscape globally. Once again congratulations and welcome to SME Global.”
SME Global is the Trade and Economic arm of the IDU and an influential center-right network dedicated to the advancement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups worldwide.
The organisation brings together policymakers from the International Democracy Union (IDU) member parties, along with business leaders from across the globe.
It provides a platform for networking, collaboration and policy advocacy, championing low taxation, economic responsibility and individual liberty within a socially-oriented market economy.
Jörgen Warborn, MEP, President, SME Global Coordinator of the International Trade Committee for European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Sweden
With a strong commitment to empowering SMEs and entrepreneurs, SME Global facilitates practical solutions to modern business challenges while ensuring that SME concerns remain central to global policy discussions.
The organisation plays a key role in shaping SME-friendly policies, addressing bureaucratic barriers, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.
As Vice President for SME Global in charge of Africa, Mr Awuku will be instrumental in driving initiatives that support SMEs across the continent, advocating for regulatory reforms and amplifying the role of small businesses in political and economic transformation.
His appointment signals a strengthened commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring that SMEs continue to thrive in an ever-evolving global business landscape.
Sammi Awuku will work closely with Board Members of SME Global including; Jörgen Warborn, MEP, President, SME Global Coordinator of the International Trade Committee for European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Sweden; Randy Hoback, MP, Vice-President, SME Global Member of Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Canada; Todd McClay, MP Vice-President, SME Global, Minister for Trade and Agriculture, New Zealand; Kevin Hollinrake, MP Vice-President, SME Global Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, United Kingdom and Germana Figueroa Casas, MP, Vice-President, SME Global Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Argentina
The President of GJA Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, addressing journalists
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on three journalists in the Western Region and is demanding full justice for the victims.
The attack, which occurred on February 21, 2025 was perpetrated by illegal small-scale miners (galamsey operators) while the journalists were covering the destruction of the Breman Adomanya Forest.
The victims – Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi FM/Channel One TV, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News/Rok FM – suffered severe bodily harm and their equipment was damaged during the assault.
Addressing a news conference in Accra last week, the President of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour labeled the attack as “barbaric” and called for swift legal action.
“The Police and the court must ensure that the suspects in this dastardly act face the full force of the law and that the victims are adequately compensated,” he stated.
The President of GJA further urged the authorities to transfer the case from Asankragwa to Sekondi, the regional capital, to allow the victims to safely participate in court proceedings.
“Given the poise of the galamsey operators to cause more harm, it is not advisable for the victims to be going to Asankragwa for court sittings,” he explained.
The GJA also demanded that the police facilitate the transfer of compensation funds – lodged by the suspects for the damaged equipment – to the victims without requiring them to travel to Asankragwa, citing security concerns.
The association commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for its commitment to addressing illegal mining and supporting journalists in their work.
However, Mr. Dwumfour cautioned against complacency, stating, “We entreat the Ministry not to relent on its efforts to end galamsey, as the GJA will be monitoring its actions and inactions towards this fight.”
He further reiterated its firm stance against illegal mining. The association emphasized the ongoing destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves, water bodies, and farmlands due to galamsey activities. “Our decentralized administrative arms of government and traditional authorities seem helpless in the face of this recklessness,” Dwumfour lamented.
The GJA welcomed President John Mahama’s assurances to tackle galamsey and urged him to honour his commitment.
“Mr. President, the time to act is NOW!” Mr. Dwumfour declared, calling for stricter enforcement of mining laws and maximum sentences for offenders.
He also encouraged the media to keep the spotlight on illegal mining. “We will not stop highlighting the issues until galamsey stops. #STOPGALAMSEYNOW,” he affirmed.
He also raised concerns over media freedom, citing the recent court-ordered shutdown of Esewani Community Radio in the Eastern Region.
The Kade District Court issued an interim injunction following complaints from local chiefs about excessive noise pollution.
While respecting the court’s authority, Mr. Dwumfour argued that the ruling was flawed.
“The Plaintiffs did not demonstrate that the noise level exceeded permissible limits. How can the Environmental Protection Agency assess the station’s noise level when it has been shut down?” he questioned.
He has urged the station’s management to challenge the injunction and called on the Chief Justice to take an interest in the case. “This decision offends the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom. We intend to petition the Chief Justice accordingly,” Dwumfour announced.
He also commended National Security Coordinator Abdul-Razak Osman for showing commitment to journalist safety. “Our engagement with him has been reassuring in our efforts to end attacks on journalists and fight against galamsey,” he noted.
In addition to journalist safety and media freedom, the GJA raised concerns about poor street lighting in Ghana’s major cities, calling on the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highway Authority to take urgent action. “The absence of streetlights fuels criminal activities and poses a serious threat to life,” Mr. Dwumfour warned.
