COCOBOD intercepts heavy-duty trucks suspected of smuggling cocoa
Sunyani, 3:45PM
The Bono Regional Office of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has intercepted three heavy-duty trucks loaded with bags of cocoa and lumber, which it suspected were being smuggled to a neighbouring country.
Mr Michael Paddy Kwasi Asumanu, the Bono Region Administrator of COCOBOD, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, said the trucks were intercepted upon a tip-off. The drivers, however, absconded.
The bags of cocoa were concealed under loads of lumber in an attempt to outwit security.
The trucks have since been placed in the custody of the Bono Region Office of the Forestry Commission (FC) in Sunyani.
Our government is committed to providing opportunities for all citizens — Vice President Professor Opoku-Agyemang
Accra, 2:50PM
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for robust investment in protection mechanisms for Ghana’s vulnerable populations, emphasising its importance in fostering meaningful societal participation and resilience.
“Focusing on people is essential to ensure social inclusion, gender equity, and human rights.”
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the opening of the 2025 Annual New Year School in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the need for a people-centred approach to sustainable development.
“Our government is committed to providing opportunities for the citizens to enjoy sustainable growth at all levels, economic and beyond,” she said.
President Mahama in Bawku
Bawku, 1:45PM
“We will make appointments to various security ministries this week, and they will be charged to make Bawku number one priority.”
“I will work very hard to bring peace back to Bawku.”
– President John Dramani Mahama in Bawku
President Mahama arrives in Bawku for peacemaking visit
Bawku, 1:22PM
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Bawku in the Upper East Region as part of peace making visit to the area.
The President is here the are to engage Bawku Naba Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, Overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Area, as part of efforts aimed at finding lasting solution to the protracted chieftaincy conflict which has troubled the area for decades.
President Mahama meets Security Chiefs ahead of Bawku visit
Accra, 12:37PM
President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday met with security services chiefs at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The meeting comes ahead of the President’s planned visit to Bawku in the Upper East Region and Nalerigu on the North East Region.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Presidential Spokesman, copied to the Ghana News Agency said the President was determined to resolve the decades-old conflict in Bawku.
President Mahama on peace-building visits to Bawku and Nalerigu
Accra, 11:03AM
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to visit Bawku today to engage Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, Overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Area over the recent security situation in the area, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Presidential Spokesperson, has said.
The meeting is to enable the President engage with the Chief and other relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the protracted chieftaincy conflict that has troubled the area for decades.
A similar meeting will be held at Nayiri, with Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, Overlord of the Mamprugu.
At least 40 people have lost their lives since the conflict re-emerged in October, 2024 and some 240 lives have been lost since November, 2021.
Sammy Awuku resigns as Director General of National Lottery Authority
Accra, 10:50AM
Mr. Samuel Awuku has officially tendered his resignation as the Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to President John Dramani Mahama.
In a letter dated January 13, 2025, sighted by Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Awuku stated that his decision was motivated by the need to focus on his duties as the new Member of Parliament for the Akwapim North Constituency.
Graves looted in Mpatasie cemetery: residents suspect ritual activity
Mpatasie, Berekum, 9:45AM
Residents of Mpatasie, a farming community in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region, woke up on Monday, January 13, 2024, to a shocking discovery. Five graves at the community cemetery had been desecrated, with parts of the human remains reportedly missing.
Nana Asomah-Kyereh Effah II, the Krontrihene (Sub-chief) of Mpatasie, confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA). He noted that residents suspect the graves were looted by individuals seeking human remains for ritual purposes.
Authorities have yet to confirm the motives behind the act, and investigations are ongoing.
Appointment of MIIF Chief Executive Officer revoked
Accra, 8:25AM
President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointment of Mr Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income and Investment Fund, effective immediately.
Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President in a letter addressed to Mr Koranteng, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency, directed him to hand over his duties to the President’s representative of the Ministry of Finance.
Man allegedly bites off girlfriend’s upper lip; remanded in police custody
Bibiani, 7:20AM
The Bibiani District Court has remanded into police custody Loris Afful aka Kofi Atta, 48, a mason for allegedly biting off the upper lips of his ex-girlfriend at Atronsu in the Western North Region of Ghana.
Loris is said to have gone to his girlfriend’s room to stage a comeback, but the girlfriend who did not take it kindly ordered Afful out of her room.
This resulted in a fight and Afful bit his girlfriend’s upper lips.
Charged with causing harm, Afful pleaded not guilty before the court presided over by Mr Lord Delvin Essandoh.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference congratulates President Mahama on decisive victory
Accra, 5:55AM
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on his decisive victory in the 2024 general election.
The victory shows Ghanaians believed in him, the Bishops noted.
Most Rev Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Vice President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who led a delegation urged the President to focus on dealing post-election violence.
Ghana signs MOU with Saudi Arabia Government for Hajj 2025
Accra, 5:30AM
The Government of Ghana has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its Saudi counterpart for Hajj 2025.
The Ghanaian delegation, which is a working visit to Saudi Arabia is being led by Mr Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South.
