The Exclusive

Accra, Ghana February 28, 2025—Project Management Institute (PMI) is proud to announce the launch of The Shift Code™ podcast, which explores the vital role of project success in facilitating organisational and digital transformation. Hosted by PMI President and CEO Pierre Le Manh, the first season features candid conversations with C-suite-level executives from aerospace, technology, agriculture, and other industries. Listeners will gain valuable insights into leadership lessons and how to achieve successful project outcomes consistently.  The series begins with Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, the first commercial company to soft-land a spacecraft on the moon in February 2024. This week, the company successfully completed the launch of its IM-2 mission lunar lander - named Athena - and part of Intuitive Machines plan to deliver NASA technology to the Moon. Accomplishing future solar system exploration relies on the creation of consistent lunar delivery services and the de...

Traders at CMB near the Railways and Kantamanto in Accra are outraged over an alleged attempt by the Paramount Chief of the Akyem Wenchi Traditional Area, Dasebre Nyako Asumadu Appiah, to claim ownership of the land they have occupied for decades. At a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer of Peace Watch Ghana, Madam Diana Nyonkopa Daniels, condemned the move, insisting that the traders settled in the area long before businessman Kwame Osei Despite constructed his stores. She argued that occupants of a land should have the first right of refusal if it is being sold or leased. According to Madam Daniels, surveyors recently appeared at the market, claiming they had been sent by the chief to take measurements of the land. The spokesperson for the group allegedly informed the traders that Ghana Railways had transferred the land to the chief in exchange for financial assistance to pay workers’ salaries. However, she dismissed this explanation as fraudulent, pointing out inconsistenc...

Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) stationed at the Gagbiri Inland Checkpoint in the Tempane District have intercepted two drums of cocoa beans being smuggled into Togo. Acting on intelligence, the officers stopped a tricycle transporting the cocoa through Wurianaga, an unapproved route. Upon sighting the officers, the owner of the goods fled, leaving the smuggled cocoa behind. The intercepted goods have been secured, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect. In response to this incident, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq.), has instructed all Border Commanders to intensify patrols along known smuggling routes. He also urged them to engage local communities on the economic consequences of smuggling. The GIS remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s borders and preventing illegal activities that threaten the nation’s economy.

The National President of the Traditional Herbalist Association of Ghana (THAG), Mr. B.K. Asare, has appealed to the government for support to strengthen the traditional medicine industry. He made this call during the inauguration of THAG and its 28th Anniversary celebration held at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Conference Hall in Madina, Accra. Mr. Asare emphasized that traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare and provides employment for many Ghanaians, from herbal collectors to processors and sellers. However, he noted that financial constraints make it difficult for practitioners to register their products with regulatory bodies like the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). He, therefore, urged the government to provide financial assistance, training, and regulatory support to help the industry thrive. “As an association, we ensure that only registered members sell herbal medicine. We also organize training sessions to help practitioners properly prepare their medicines. ...

The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for reaffirming his commitment to providing modest allowances to Assembly Members across the country. His commendation follows President Mahama’s assurance in his first State of the Nation Address that his administration remains dedicated to decentralisation and improving the welfare of local government representatives.  Hon. Asiedu Adjei emphasised that Assembly Members serve as the vital link between the people and the government, facilitating policy implementation, community engagement, and oversight of local projects adding that for years, the absence of structured and timely allowances had undermined their effectiveness and placed significant financial burdens on them. He  acknowledged the challenges faced by Assembly Members, stating that despite their crucial role in governance, they had often been neglected and inadequately...

Tensions are escalating in James Town, Accra, as the Ngleshie Alata Chiefs and elders accuse the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and its President, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, of fraudulently inducting Oblempong Wetse Kojo II into the House. At a press briefing, Nii Okpey V, Acting Mantse and Dzasetse of the Ngleshie Alata Paramountcy, condemned the induction as illegitimate, citing an ongoing legal dispute over the rightful occupant of the Ngleshie Alata Stool. He stated that the House of Chiefs has yet to rule on the chieftaincy matter, making the induction of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye premature and unlawful. Nii Okpey V further alleged that Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye is linked to the assassination of Nii Ayitey Konko V, the late Chief Priest of Ngleshie Alata, who was shot dead on September 27 near the Ngleshie Traditional Stool Palace. He called for a thorough investigation into the murder and demanded justice. Disputed Title and Court Violations Accor...

The Greater Accra Regional Minister,  Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo , has reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the  Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, security agencies, and other stakeholders  to resolve longstanding chieftaincy disputes in the region. She emphasized that fostering peace and stability is crucial for regional development. Speaking during her inaugural meeting with the  Regional House of Chiefs , Minister Ocloo acknowledged the negative impact of unresolved chieftaincy conflicts on social cohesion and resource allocation. She assured traditional leaders of her dedication to facilitating peaceful resolutions but clarified that her role is not to determine who becomes a chief. “It is not my duty to decide who becomes a chief; that is for the family to determine. My focus is on ensuring peace and stability,”  she stated. Beyond addressing chieftaincy issues, the minister also highlighted her plans to  restore the Dodowa Forest ...

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for urgent collective action to restore responsible small-scale mining in Ghana. Speaking at the Parliamentarians' Conference on Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining, she stressed the need to curb illegal mining, which has led to severe environmental degradation. Representing President John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President congratulated Members of Parliament on their electoral victories and urged them to use their influence to combat the destruction caused by illegal mining. She highlighted the alarming pollution of Ghana’s water bodies and the loss of 44 forest reserves, warning that it would take millions of cedis to restore the damage. “All three water basin systems in the country are under real threat,” she said. “Illegal mining has devastated communities, poisoned water sources, and even caused birth defects.” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that restoring sustainable mining practices requires a multi-stak...

The Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of illegal and irresponsible mining on Ghana’s cocoa industry. Speaking at the Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining, he disclosed that over 30,000 hectares of cocoa farms have already been destroyed, with an additional 50,000 hectares at risk due to mining, timber felling, and sand-winning activities. Dr. Abbey revealed that illegal miners and some registered mining companies, along with timber and rubber plantation firms, are buying cocoa farms from chiefs and landowners, despite the Economic Protection Act, which prohibits the destruction of cocoa trees. However, weak enforcement and lenient penalties have failed to deter this destruction. Adding to the urgency of the situation, he announced that from September 2025, the European Union (EU) and Japan will begin testing Ghana’s cocoa for heavy metals like nickel, a mov...

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) who engage in or facilitate illegal mining, vowing that any legislator found complicit will face the full consequences of the law. Speaking at the Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, Bagbin emphasized the devastating impact of irresponsible mining on the country’s environment, food security, and water bodies. He noted that while foreign investors are legally allowed to mine, Ghanaian small-scale miners are often criminalized, a situation he described as a leadership failure. “There is a petition before me concerning a Member of Parliament, and I have initiated an investigation. The member has already appeared before me. We will not tolerate any MP, regardless of their position, who is complicit in destructive mining activities,” Bagbin declared. He further criticized past governments for failing to properly r...

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for a united front in tackling illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), warning that Ghana is facing an environmental crisis due to the destruction of forests, lands, and water bodies. Speaking at the Parliamentarians' Conference on Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, Hon. Buah emphasized that the country’s water resources are at risk, with contamination levels far exceeding safe thresholds. "If we don’t act now, we are drinking poison," he warned. He noted that while legal small-scale mining plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy, illegal activities, often driven by powerful financiers, pose a serious threat. He stressed the need to hold these “big players” accountable rather than only targeting small-scale operators. The Minister highlighted key government initiatives, including enhanced law enforcement, collaboration with security agencies, and a proposal to dece...

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has expressed optimism ahead of the 2025 Budget Statement, anticipating key reforms to ease the cost of doing business in the country. The union welcomes the government's assurance to streamline the tax system, reduce excessive levies, and implement policies that promote a more favorable business environment. In a press release signed by its President, Dr. Joseph Obeng, GUTA outlined several expectations for the upcoming budget. These include the elimination of nuisance taxes, restructuring of Value Added Tax (VAT) to be simpler and more affordable, and adjustments in the frequency of the Bank of Ghana’s dollar exchange rate for duty payments at the ports. GUTA recommends that instead of weekly or biweekly changes, the rate should be pegged quarterly or bi-annually to stabilize import costs. Call for Tax Reforms and Economic Stability GUTA also urged the government to introduce an unconditional tax amnesty program to widen the tax ...

STORY BY CHRISTIAN AHODIE- KPETOE VOLTA Residents of Kpetoe in the Volta Region remain at risk as they continue to consume water contaminated by agrochemicals, following a recent truck accident that spilled chemicals into the River Tordze. Kpetoe, Volta Region — Despite official warnings about water contamination, residents of Kpetoe and surrounding areas continue to rely on the polluted Tordze River for their daily water needs, amid growing concerns for their health and safety. A truck from neighboring Togo recently plunged into the Tordze River, spilling chemicals that have severely polluted the water. The river, which flows from Togo into Kpetoe, is a primary water source for the local community. The Volta Regional Coordinating Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have already issued statements confirming the pollution. However, the affected residents remain in a dire situation, with no alternative source of clean water in sight. The Struggle for Clean Water ...

Residents and property owners at  Adjankote popularly known as GBC near Boi- Newtown, Abokobi in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency of the Greater Accra region are living in fear and panic as a combined team of  police-cum land guards are raiding  and visiting terror on residents.   Accoding to the residents, the alleged are on the orders of one  one Enock Addokwei Pappoe who claims to have secured an Adentan High Court judgment over a parcel of land situate at Akporman also near Boi-Abokobi. They say say  Mr Addokwei have secured the services of   heavily armed police officers from the Adentan police station backed by land guards to demand that the residents and land owners quit their properties. for what they describe as ‘Possession Taken’ by the said Enoch Pappoe. The over 60 property owners claim they bought their land from the Boi Stool which has a Supreme Court Judgment dated 14 November, 2023 against the Numo Nmashie family, and thus not a...

The Controller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Kwame Asuah Takyiwaa (Esq), has called on the Minister for Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, to establish an investigative body to probe the procurement of 20 new 30-seater buses for the Service. Speaking during the Minister’s maiden visit to the GIS Headquarters in Accra, he expressed concerns over allegations of misconduct surrounding the purchase. According to Takyiwaa, some officers have raised suspicions of mismanagement and personal gain in the acquisition process, with certain media outlets also questioning the integrity of the deal. He emphasized the importance of clearing the air, stating that an independent investigation would protect the reputation of the Controller-General’s office and the Service as a whole. Beyond the call for an inquiry, the Controller-General lauded the significant progress GIS has made over the years, including improvements in infrastructure, accommodation for officers, and manpow...

The Minister for Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has assured the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) of his commitment to improving their operations, morale, and working conditions. Speaking during his maiden visit to the GIS Headquarters in Accra, he commended the agency for its transformation and pledged to address key concerns, including promotions, transfers, and accommodation. Acknowledging the crucial role of immigration officers as the first point of contact for travelers, Hon. Muntaka emphasized the need for professionalism and enhanced service delivery. He announced plans to implement technology-driven reforms, including a shift to electronic payments within a year to curb corruption and revenue leakages. The minister also highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of strengthening national security through enhanced collaboration between the GIS and other security agencies. He assured officers that his leadership would focus on meaningful investigations rather ...