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New KATH CEO pledges to enhance capacity of facility

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo - CEO-KATH

Dr (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has said his priority is to further enhance the capacity of the hospital to fully meet the expectations of clients.

According to him, he has no personal agenda to pursue on assumption of office as the administrative head of the hospital.

KATH management team members in a pose with new CEO(2nd right)

“I have not come to inherit anybody’s friends or enemies, but have assumed this position with a clear mind and a clean heart and prepared to work with all stakeholders to make the sole tertiary facility in the Ashanti Region achieve its core mandate for the benefit of the country”, he stressed.

Until his appointment, Dr Baidoo, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and a Fellow of the West Africa College of Surgeons and Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, was the head of the Trauma and Orthopaedics Directorate of the hospital and the chairman of the Ashanti Regional division of the Ghana Medical Association.

Dr. Baidoo takes over from Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, who served as the CEO of KATH from December 1, 2022 to April, 2025.

He emphasised the importance of team work at the maiden meeting with his management team on Wednesday, on assumption of office, following his nomination by the President and subsequent appointment by the Board of the hospital.

Dr. Baidoo further emphasised his readiness and preparedness to run an open-door administration for the purposes of strengthening the operational capacity of the hospital in the discharge of its mandate of providing tertiary healthcare services, training and research.

“As the sole tertiary hospital of its kind in this part of the country, we owe it a duty to work collectively to advance the hospital’s mission as a centre of excellence in specialist medical, training and research”, he concluded.

Dr Baidoo was warmly welcomed by members of his management team, with the directors taking turns to pledge their full support to ensure the success of his tenure.

The meeting was heralded by a special presentation to brief the Acting CEO about the current state of the hospital and the outstanding challenges that needed to be addressed to further enhance its capacity to provide quality specialist services to the public.

The Acting CEO also had an introductory meeting with staff of the General Administration Unit, who constitute the immediate support group to the Central management of the hospital, with the aim of fostering a strong working relationship between the new CEO and the administrative personnel.

He expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him by the staff since his assumption of office and underscored the importance of teamwork in the delivery of quality healthcare services.

He stressed that his doors would always be open and that the staff members are free to submit suggestions and proposals aimed at improving the operations of the hospital.

Mr. Atta Tweneboah Jnr., the head of the unit, welcomed the new CEO on behalf of the staff and pledged their full support to him.

“We look forward to a fruitful collaboration as we are committed to supporting your vision for KATH,” he stated.

Staff members present at the meeting took turns to introduce themselves and expressed optimism about the future of the hospital under the new leadership of Dr Baidoo who was described as affable and open to dialogue.

Parliament calls for probe and completion of Saglemi houses 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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One of the MPs speaking to the media

Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Chair of Parliament’s Select Committee on Works and Housing, has made a passionate appeal for an immediate investigation and swift action to complete the long-abandoned Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, following a visit by the committee to assess the worsening state of the facility.

The once-promising housing project, meant to provide safe and affordable homes for over 1,000 Ghanaian families, now lies in ruins – overtaken by nature and looters.

Attempt to set one of the buildings ablaze

During the oversight visit, Mr. Asamoah described the scene as “heart-breaking” and a betrayal of public trust, as the structures continue to deteriorate and vital installations such as windows, electrical fittings and light poles are stolen under the watch of security personnel.

“This is not my first time coming here. Each time I visit, the situation worsens. The last time, before January 7, many of the light poles were intact. Now they’re gone. If you’re a citizen of this country, you will never be happy with what we have seen here.”

He expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the previous administration handled the project, stressing the need for accountability over the nearly $200 million invested by the state.

The MPs inspecting the Seglsmi buildings

Despite the police being assigned to protect the site, the extensive theft and vandalism raise serious questions about oversight and responsibility.

“We need to probe this. Someone must be held accountable for allowing a project of this scale to rot away for almost nine years. We will present a report to Parliament and I’ll personally plead with the Speaker to visit the site. Ghanaians deserve answers,” the MP said.

The Saglemi project has been mired in political and legal controversies, stalling its completion.

However, recent developments indicate efforts to revive the initiative.

According to Kwesi Kodua, Acting Director at the Ministry of Housing, a competitive bidding process was conducted to engage a private partner to help finish the project.

Out of nine consortiums that showed interest, five submitted bids.

After an evaluation process led by Deloitte, the Quarm-LMI Consortium was selected for negotiations.

The stolen electrical cables

The government has since signed a “heads of terms” agreement, outlining a joint venture arrangement where government equity will be based on the existing value of the Saglemi assets, as assessed by the Ghana Institute of Surveyors.

Other shortlisted firms included; Afro Arab Properties Ltd, Dredge Masters-Titanium, Broll Ghana Ltd, and Masiltin Group.

“This should be a national priority. Enough of the politics,” said Nana Ayew Afriyie, the ranking member on the committee, adding, “We are calling for a clear path forward, whether through private participation or a competent state agency like TDC.

“What matters most is completing the project so Ghanaians can finally benefit from the homes they have paid for.”

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to Parliament soon, with hopes that the renewed push will break the cycle of neglect and finally deliver the housing relief many families have waited nearly a decade for.

26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards: Full list of winners

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Rap Performance of the Year, Kweku Smoke

Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste – Stonebwoy

Group of the Year – Team Eternity Ghana

Best Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year- Kweku Smoke

Best Reggae/ Dancehall Song of the Year – ‘Psalm 23’ by Stonebwoy

Best Album/EP of the Year – ‘True to Self’ by King Promise

Record of the Year – ‘Can I Live’ by Ayisi

Audio Engineer of the Year – Peewezel

Best New Artiste of the Year – Beeztrap KOTM

Music for Development: ‘Chooboi’ by Epixode

Most Popular Song of the Year- ‘Aseda’ by King Paluta

Artiste of the Year – King Promise

Unsung Artiste of the Year – Yaw Darling

Hiplife Song of the Year – ‘Bad Feelings’ by Tulenkey

Male Vocal Performance of the Year – Joe Mettle (Woba Wonba)

Female Vocal Performance – Esther Godwyll

Highlife Song of the Year – ‘Aseda’ by King Paluta

Hiphop Song of the Year – ‘Holy Ghost’ by Kweku Smoke

Collaboration of the Year – ‘Lomo Lomo’ by KiDi ft Black Sherif

Afropop Song of the Year – ‘Paris’ by King Promise

Lifetime Achievement Award – Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo band.

Traditional Gospel Song of the Year – ‘Watch Me’ by Empress Gifty

Afrobeats Song of the Year – ‘Asylum’ by OliveTheBoy

Best Video of the Year – ‘Jejereje by Stonebwoy

Gospel Artiste of the Year – Joe Mettle

Producer of the Year – Khendi Beatz (for Aseda)

Afropop/Afrobeats Artiste of the Year – King Promise

Best Urban /Contemporary Gospel – Team Eternity Ghana

African Song of the Year – Tshwala Bam by TitoM and Yuppe

Highlife Artiste of the Year – Fameye

Songwriter of the Year – Kofi Kinaata (Saman)

Rap Performance of the Year – ‘Holy Ghost’ by Kweku Smoke

International Collaboration of the Year – ‘The Doing of the Lord by Diana Hamilton ft Mercy Chinwo

 

King Promise wins Artiste of the Year at 26th TGMA

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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King Promise

Musician King Promise is the Artiste of the Year Award at the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

The Paris hitmaker won the award at the exciting event held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre on May 10, 2025.

He beat competition from Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Black Sheriff, King Paluta, Team Eternity and Kwaku Smoke.

Other winners on the night were Ayisi, Empress Gifty, Stonebwoy, Kofi Kinaata, Esther Godwyll, Kweku Smoke, KiDi, Team Eternity Ghana and Tulenkey.

In his acceptance speech, King Promise thanked his fans, team and family.

“I want to say thank you to one man who trained my life. KillBeatz is a legacy in live entertainment,” he said.

“Thank you to my amazing team, and my brothers who stay with me every time to make sure I’m good.”

He continued, “A big thank you to the best fans in the world. If any young person is watching me right now who has a dream, use me as an example of resilience.”

King Promise encouraged up-and-coming artists to persevere through setbacks.

“My first year when I broke out on the scene, I had seven nominations and left with zero,” he said. “While some people laughed, I just worked harder because I believe in God’s timing. Today, I’m the chosen one.”

The awards show brought together the crème de la crème of Ghanaian music, fashion and entertainment. Glittering lights, elaborate stage designs and electric performances created an unforgettable atmosphere as fans roared in support of their favorite stars.

Throughout the evening, King Promise’s name buzzed among the crowd and across social media. His standout achievements over the past year — from chart-topping hits like “Terminator II” to sold-out international tours — laid the groundwork for this career-defining win.

Moments before the final announcement, tension filled the hall as cameras panned across the nominees, visibly bracing for the result. When King Promise’s name echoed through the auditorium, an eruption of cheers confirmed it was a crowd-pleasing outcome.

Gospel singer Yaw Sarpong was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to the gospel music industry. In all 32 awards were presented.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Kofi Kinaata, Agya Koo Nimo, others honoured at Millennium Excellence Awards

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Anis Haffar of the Millennium Excellence Foundation presents the awards to Kofi Kinaata at the ceremony

Renowned Ghanaian musician, Kofi Kinaata, was on Friday honoured with ‘Youth in Entertainment Award’ at the Millennium Excellence Awards with President John Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour.

Kofi Kinaata, widely acclaimed for his thought-provoking lyrics and socially conscious music, emerged as a standout figure among entertainers whose works continue to inspire and influence society positively. His music often addresses pressing societal issues, earning him a reputation as a voice for the people.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had previously cited Kinaata’s hit song ‘Susuka’ as a song “full of wisdom” in September 2024.

Mr. Erastus Asare Donkor of Joynews (awarded for his outstanding contribution to the fight against illegal mining in Ghana and veteran Ghanaian highlife musician Agya Koo Nimo, were among the many personalities honored on the night.

Other distinguished recipients of the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize at the event included Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, CEO of the Despite Group of Companies; Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, CEO of Special Ice Water and Dr. Nick Danso, CEO of Ghana Link Network Services.

The awardees are celebrated for their impact in areas including Science and Innovation, Youth Empowerment, Business and Economics, Social Impact, Arts and Culture and Leadership

The Otumfuo Millennium Excellence Awards, an initiative of the Manhyia Palace, under the auspices of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to national development across various sectors. The awards particularly spotlight those whose work supports the underprivileged, including the poor, widows, and orphans.

The Millennium Excellence Awards hosted at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, brought together leaders from government, civil society, the arts, and the media to celebrate individuals and institutions making a lasting impact on national development.

The event, organized every five years, recognizes individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to national development.

Large-scale search for missing Briton in New Zealand

By
admin
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Eli Sweeting failed to return from a solo hike

A “large-scale air and ground search” is continuing for a British hiker who has been missing for a week in New Zealand.

More than 40 staff and volunteers are hunting for Eli Sweeting, who is originally from Bristol. The 25-year-old was reported missing on May 4 after failing to return from a solo hike up Mitre Peak, a steep mountain in Milford Sound area of Fiordland National Park on the country’s South Island.

New Zealand Police has said they “remain positive” despite the challenging terrain, which means at times they can only progress 250 metres (0.1miles) an hour.

Helicopters, dogs and locals have been assisting with the hunt, and some of his family have also flown out to help.

The search party has been focusing on a route heading down the mountain after spotting a light there, but the dense area makes it hard for infrared cameras to detect any signs of movement.

The operation was briefly halted on Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings, but resumed again on Friday and Saturday.

Credit: bbc.com

Three men held in Japan over suitcases stuffed with crabs

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admin
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Hermit crabs

Three men have been arrested in Japan for attempting to smuggle hermit crabs out of the country.

The suspects, aged 24, 26 and 27, and widely identified in Japanese media as being Chinese nationals, were detained on Amami, a southerly island where the spiral-shelled crustaceans are a protected species.

Authorities were alerted to the men’s live cargo when hotel staff, who had been asked to look after their luggage, noticed the suitcases making a “rustling noise”, police told local media.

Officers subsequently discovered “thousands” of hermit crabs, weighing around 95kg. The third man was found to have a further 65kg in another set of three suitcases.

“Our investigation is ongoing to identify whether they had [the crabs] to sell them, or to keep them as pets, or to eat them,” a police spokesman told the news agency AFP following the arrests on Wednesday. “We are reviewing all possibilities.”

Police said the hermit crabs were “a national treasure”, being a part of Amami Island’s plant and animal diversity.

Hermit crabs – so named because they scavenge shells to live in – can regularly be seen on the beaches of the popular tourist destination.

The crabs can be worth up to ¥20,000 (£103), according to the Japan Times.

Credit: bbc.com

Pope Leo appeals for no more war in first Sunday address

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admin
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Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV appealed for “no more war” in a message to world powers during his first Sunday address at the Vatican.

Reflecting on current conflicts, the newly selected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.

He said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine.

The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, following a two-day conclave in Vatican City and the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

On Saturday, he visited a shrine outside Rome and then prayed before Francis’ tomb inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Pope Leo will be formally inaugurated at a mass in St Peter’s Square next week on 18 May.

Speaking from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, he said: “I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always-current call: ‘no more war’.”

Credit: bbc.com

Trump praises ‘friendly, constructive’ US-China trade talks

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admin
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Donald Trump

Donald Trump says there has been a “total reset” in US-China trade relations following the first day of talks between American and Chinese officials in Switzerland.

In a social media post, the US president described the talks as being “very good” and said change had been “negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner”.

An escalating trade war between Washington and Beijing has seen the US president hit Chinese imports to the US with tariffs of 145%. China retaliated with levies of 125% on some US goods.

Following months of back-and-forth, the two countries are meeting in Geneva this weekend for the first time since Trump hit China with tariffs at the start of the year.

Little information beyond the US president’s Truth Social post has so far emerged from the talks. They are due to continue on Sunday and are taking place between China’s vice-premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

“We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!” Trump added.

On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington would not lower tariffs unilaterally, and China would need to make its own concessions.

Both sides issued various other warnings ahead of the meeting, with Beijing saying the US must ease tariffs while Bessent stressed that the focus was on “de-escalation” and this was not a “big trade deal”.

Chinese state media reported that Beijing had decided to engage with the US after fully considering global expectations, the country’s interests and appeals from American businesses.

Credit: bbc.com

Iran says ‘difficult’ new round of nuclear talks with the US has ended

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admin
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US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

A fourth round of talks between the US and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear program have concluded in Oman, with Iran’s foreign minister calling them “difficult” after both sides dug in on red lines.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed on X that the talks had concluded, saying they were “difficult but useful to better understand each other’s positions and to find reasonable & realistic ways to address the differences.”

The talks on Sunday, held indirectly and mediated by the Omani Foreign Minister, were aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear program and lifting sanctions.

That they are happening at all is something of a breakthrough – the talks are the highest-level in years – but signs of firm progress are slim.

Both countries have expressed a willingness to resolve their disputes through diplomacy. A central issue remains Iran’s demand to continue enriching uranium for its nuclear program, which is insists is peaceful, something the US calls a “red line.”

US President Donald Trump, who is headed to the Middle East next week, has threatened that the US would resort to military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, with Israel’s help, should Tehran fail to reach a deal with its interlocutors.

Credit: cnn.com

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