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The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed reports suggesting that actress Joselyn Dumas has been appointed as the Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President.

The reports, which circulated across various media platforms on March 2, 2025, claimed that the filmmaker had secured a position in President John Mahama’s administration.

Speaking to Joy FM Kwakye Ofosu stated that while he could confirm the appointments of several creative arts personalities to government positions, Joselyn Dumas was not among them.

“Miss Dumas has not been appointed to any such position. I can confirm that of the rest,” he said.

In recent weeks, Kafui Danku was appointed as Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, James Gardiner as Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Rex Omar as Coordinator of Black Star Experience, and Abeiku Santana as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has highlighted the financial struggles of state-owned enterprises under the Akufo-Addo administration, including unexpected losses by alcohol manufacturing companies.

Speaking at a meeting with SOE CEOs, Dr. Forson detailed the persistent losses recorded by key entities.

“The ECG, for example, has recorded consistent losses from the year 2021. In the year 2021, they made a loss of GHS1.46 billion, 2022, GHS8 billion, 2023 GHS5.96 billion,” he stated.

He also noted that the Ghana Grid Company lost GHS93.5 million in 2022 and GHS8.6 million in 2023.

Dr. Forson expressed particular surprise at the losses reported by GIHOC Distilleries, an alcohol manufacturing company.

“GIHOC Distilleries reported a loss of GHS25.1 million in 2022 and GHS25.5 million in 2023. Mr. President, this one surprises me. Even the alcohol-making company is making losses,” he remarked.

Additionally, the Graphic Communication Group recorded consecutive losses of GHS3 million in 2021, GHS4.4 million in 2022, and GHS15.1 million in 2023.

The Ghana Cocoa Board, the largest loss-making entity, reported significant losses of GHS2.4 billion in 2021 and GHS3.8 billion in 2022.

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has sworn into office the newly constituted governing board of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday, March 13, at the central bank’s headquarters in Accra.

Addressing the board, the Vice President commended them for their impressive credentials and extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, emphasizing that their leadership would be crucial in addressing the country’s economic challenges.

“Your diverse backgrounds as public sector and private sector operators have equipped you with the required attitude and perspectives to offer the dynamic and inspirational leadership the Bank of Ghana requires at this critical period,” she stated.

She highlighted the central bank’s vital role in restoring public trust and ensuring macroeconomic stability, noting that the success of the government’s economic agenda depended significantly on the performance of the BoG.

“The President’s social contract with the people of Ghana to reset, rebuild, and restore public trust and macroeconomic stability through responsive financial sector governance and sound economic policies rests on your shoulders as the Board, alongside the Cabinet, the Finance Minister, and other key stakeholders,” she added.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also praised the government’s efforts in ensuring gender diversity on the board, with five women among its members, representing over 40% female participation—aligning with global best practices.

She urged the board to review existing policies to align them with contemporary best practices and the government’s economic agenda, expressing confidence in their ability to provide the leadership needed to achieve the administration’s economic objectives.

The board, chaired by Dr. Johnson Asiama, was constituted by President John Mahama, in consultation with the Council of State. Among its members is Bolgatanga Central MP, Isaac Adongo.

Media personality Kofi Adoma Nwanwani has broken his silence on a recent incident that left him with a severe eye injury, revealing that he decided to share his story now out of fear that it may soon be too late.

Speaking at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, March 2025, to clarify the details of the tragic event that occurred in December 2024 and to provide an update on his recovery, Kofi Adoma addressed the growing speculation and concerns surrounding the incident.

The incident took place while Kofi Adoma was covering the Dormaa Kwafie festival in the Bono Region.

He was accidentally shot in the face with a musket, resulting in severe damage to his eyes and necessitating multiple surgeries. Reflecting on the ordeal, he expressed gratitude for being given a second chance at life, acknowledging how close he came to tragedy, moved by the realisation that the gathering could have easily been for his funeral.

“When I looked at the number of people gathered here, all I could think was that this could have been my funeral. I recently heard about a similar incident in Nungua where the victim did not survive. All I can say is that God loves me,” he added.

He noted that he had to break silence urgently before his future becomes uncertain.

“As I speak to you, my head aches so badly. I have decided to speak before whatever is meant to happen, happens. At least, if I am able to speak before what is meant to occur does, I would have shared my truth already. The narratives I’ve heard about the incident were disheartening,” he said.

Seven cocoa farming communities in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region have vowed to resist the Ghana Bauxite Company over the forced takeover of 2,700 acres of productive cocoa farmlands for a bauxite refinery station.

The affected communities—Atronsu, Awaso, Bobrapa, Kwaaffumkrom, Apenkrom, Kwaadjeikrom, and Asukokokrom—have raised concerns over what they describe as an unlawful seizure of their lands.

The company, through traditional leaders in Sehwi Awaso, has communicated its intention to use the farmlands for the refinery project, leading to heightened tensions. Red bands have already been placed on some farms, signaling the company’s takeover plans.

In response, the cocoa farmers have warned of strong resistance, including possible armed confrontation, to prevent the destruction of their livelihoods.

The farmers have called on the government, Ghana Cocoa Board, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to intervene and halt the takeover.

The chairman of the Atronsu Nkanbom Cocoa Cooperative, Andrews Asare, has also appealed to relevant authorities to protect the farmers and their farmlands from destruction.

Former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah has stated that while he has no objections to the stalled National Cathedral project, he is concerned about its financial implications.

Speaking on Joy News AM on Thursday, Dr. Amoah acknowledged concerns over the project’s funding and overall cost.

“Honestly, I am not against the cathedral because I am a Christian, but I am with those who are raising concerns about how much has gone into our foundation,” he said.

He called for an investigation into the financial aspects of the project. “I think that money should be investigated, and those raising concerns are right, even though I am an NPP member,” he added.

Dr. Amoah also raised concerns about the location of the facility.

“I personally think even the location is a problem. With the International Conference Centre and Parliament nearby, they should have considered a different location,” he remarked. He stressed that the financial aspects of the project remain a major concern, stating, “Talking about the money in the cathedral, it is a huge concern that I share with those who criticise it, and of course, we need to complete investigations on that.”

The National Cathedral project, initiated in 2017, aims to create a world-class place of worship and a symbol of Ghana’s Christian heritage. The facility, located in Accra, is expected to include a large sanctuary and facilities for conferences, exhibitions, and religious events.

However, the project has faced criticism over its high cost, funding sources, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

Critics argue that the funds allocated for the cathedral could be better used to address pressing social and economic issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

The Oti Regional Fire Service Commander, ACFO1 Prince Billy Anaglate, has urged the government and philanthropic organizations to provide a speed boat and other essential logistics to improve safety measures along the Dambai River.

This request comes in response to the growing number of incidents that pose risks to residents and visitors in the region.

ACFO1 Anaglate highlighted that while firefighters are trained for effective emergency response, the lack of adequate resources, particularly watercraft, hampers their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies on the river.

The Dambai River, a crucial waterway for transportation and recreation, has seen an increase in accidents, including boat capsizes and drownings.

Speaking to Adom News, the commander revealed that the absence of a dedicated speed boat for the fire service leads to delayed response times, which jeopardizes lives.

Anaglate believes that with the right resources, they can improve operational capabilities and enhance safety for those who depend on the river.

He emphasized that having a speed boat would enable the fire service to respond quickly to emergencies and carry out regular patrols and safety checks along the river. This proactive approach could help prevent incidents before they occur.

ACFO1 Anaglate remains hopeful that with the support of the government and NGOs, this initiative will become a reality, saving lives and creating a safer environment.

He also expressed the fire service’s commitment to raising awareness about fire safety within local communities.

The acquisition of a speed boat would allow fire officers to engage more effectively with residents, educating them on fire prevention and safety regulations.

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has secured a major employment opportunity for security guards nationwide through a partnership with G4S Security Services.

As part of the agreement, 6,000 young individuals will be recruited as security personnel within a year to support G4S operations.

The deal, which comes with favorable terms and conditions, was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The online application portal for interested applicants will officially open on Monday, March 17, 2025, and will be accessible through all YEA official platforms.

This initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to youth employment in the security sector, with more opportunities anticipated in the near future.

This was announced by the YEA boss, Malik Basintale, as an update for his first quarter of service.