Category: Local News

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has recalled Grand Chateaux Sangria Forte products, specifically the Tetra Pak (250ml) and Canned (330ml Pétillante) variants, after discovering them on the Ghanaian market and social media promotions.

According to the FDA, the recall is necessary because the importer of these products violated Sections 97, 98, and 103 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), as they are not registered with the authority. As a result, the sale and distribution of these products are illegal.

Additionally, the FDA noted that the packaging and size of these products are deceptive and misleading, posing risks such as accidental alcohol ingestion by children, which could endanger their health and safety.

The authority has, therefore, advised consumers not to purchase or consume these unregistered products.

Retailers and wholesalers have also been directed to immediately halt the distribution and sale of these items.

“All stocks of the recalled products should be returned to the nearest outlets of Cave and Garden Ghana Limited or the FDA’s offices across the country,” the FDA announced in a statement.

Emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding public health and safety, the FDA stated that the importer has been sanctioned, and regulatory measures are being enforced to ensure compliance.

The public has been urged to report any information regarding the sale of these products through the FDA’s official communication channels, including www.fdaghana.gov.gh, phone lines (0551112224/5), or email ([email protected]).

Ghana’s fuel sector is heavily reliant on the international market, as the country imports over 98% of its fuel due to non-functional refineries, according to Nana Amoasi VIII, Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES).

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, he highlighted how global market conditions dictate domestic fuel prices.

“Happenings in the world market are holding well for our domestic market in terms of price,” he noted. “If the world market price falls, then, of course, there’s a likelihood that domestic fuel prices will also fall.”

However, he stressed that Ghana’s overwhelming dependence on imports makes it highly susceptible to fluctuations in the international market.

“There are probably three or four key variables we look at when we want to predict or forecast the price of fuels in our domestic market,” he explained. “One of the biggest factors is the international price of these fuels because we are largely exposed to external events.”

He attributed Ghana’s reliance on fuel imports to the failure of its refineries.

“Our refineries are not working, except for some like Akwaaba and Platon, which do less than probably 1,000 metric tons per day,” he revealed.

“Tema Oil Refinery is not working, Sentuo Refinery is not working. So we import almost more than 98% of our fuel.”

This heavy dependence on imports exposes Ghana to global shocks, he stressed.

“Whatever happens on the world market hits us here also,” he stated, adding that currency exchange challenges further compound the situation.

“We import in dollars because the fuel we buy is in dollars, the crude oil we buy is equally in dollars, but we sell in cedis,” he explained.

He warned that the depreciation of the local currency worsens the crisis.

“If the importing currency, the dollar, is behaving stronger than our own local currency, at which we sell our fuel and exchange for the next consignment, then, of course, we are also losing at that end.”

His remarks highlight Ghana’s vulnerability in the fuel sector and the urgent need to revamp local refining capacity to reduce dependence on imports and cushion the economy from global market shocks.

The leadership of the Volta River Authority (VRA) Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the VRA Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of TUC has strongly opposed the alleged appointment of R.A. Abdul Jalil as Director of Public Affairs for VRA.

In a statement, the staff groups described the appointment as irregular and a violation of the authority’s recruitment policies and established procedures.

They argued that managerial and directorate positions at VRA are not political appointments and must follow a merit-based selection process.

The staff also cited breaches of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service and the PSWU Collective Agreement, stressing that the appointment disregards the experience and institutional knowledge of long-serving VRA employees.

They have called on the Acting Chief Executive of VRA to resist any external pressure to enforce the appointment and urged the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to withdraw it immediately to avoid disrupting industrial harmony.

VRA workers vowed to use all legitimate means to resist what they describe as a political imposition, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the authority’s professionalism and integrity.

Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, has stressed the need to strengthen the domestic bond market and reduce reliance on external borrowing as Ghana pushes to attain upper middle-income status.

Speaking at the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 2025 Budget Digest Forum, Terkper noted that transitioning from lower middle-income status would mean losing concessional loans and significant foreign grants.

However, he believes this shift could ultimately improve the country’s financial ratings.

“If we become an upper middle-income country with a per capita income of about $4,000, we are likely to lose substantial, if not all, concessional financing and grants. The best approach will be a hybrid model, and we must prepare for this transition by making necessary economic corrections,” he stated.

Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy, Goosie Tanoh, highlighted the importance of securing long-term capital to finance key value chains under the policy.

He stressed that sectors such as agriculture, industry, textiles, machinery, and technology would require significant investment.

“Our approach focuses on strengthening value chains, including agriculture, industry, machinery, technology, textiles, and mindset development through Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programs. All these require capital, and our goal is to source concessionary financing,” Tanoh explained.

Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, reiterated the government’s commitment to making agriculture attractive to young people. He highlighted initiatives such as distributing poultry to 55,000 households and launching the “Irrigation for Wealth Creation” program, which will provide irrigated lands for farming.

“This year, we will construct 50 farmer service centres. Farmers will have easy access to technical assistance at these centres,” Dumelo added.

Senior Country Partner at PwC, Vish Ashiagbor, urged the government to create a conducive environment for private sector investment in agriculture. While acknowledging the GHC 1.5 billion allocation to the Agriculture for Economic Transformation initiative, he stressed the need for additional private sector funding to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

The suspect, identified as Daniel Owusu Koranteng, also known as Akwasi Amakye, is a close friend of the deceased and has been accused of selling him out by releasing his photographs to a popular politician in Ghana before his murder.

According to sources, Amakye had a close relationship with Ahmed Suale, having worked together at Tiger Eye Private Investigations before Amakye’s dismissal.

The two were known to have collaborated on several investigative projects, and Amakye’s betrayal is seen as a shocking turn of events.

“The suspect used to visit the deceased, a close friend at his Madina-based residence,” a source close to the police Criminal Investigation Department revealed.

Ahmed Suale’s murder occurred on January 16, 2019, near his family house at Madina, after he collaborated with the BBC on an investigative story exposing widespread corruption in African football, particularly in Ghana.
FBI collaboration

The investigation led to the extraction of important information by the FBI in the USA, including phone calls between the suspect and the deceased, days before his death.

The arrest of Ahmed Suale’s suspected killer has brought some relief to the family and colleagues of the slain journalist.

However, the investigation is still ongoing and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.

The Ghana Police Service has come under scrutiny for its handling of the case, with many questioning the delay in making an arrest.
GJA ultimatum

In January this year, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) issued a two-month ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service to bring significant progress to the investigation and the prosecution of those responsible for the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

The GJA warned that failure to do so by the end of March 2025 would compel the association to escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice and other international bodies.

At a news conference in Accra, the GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress in the case which has dragged on for six years without any arrests.

“Another case that has baffled the nation and, indeed, the international community over the years is the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

It is very unfortunate and disappointing that six years after the murder of Ahmed Suale, no arrest has been made.

What is even more disheartening is the lackadaisical police investigations into the murder,” Mr Dwumfour lamented.
Disturbing revelations

He further highlighted a disturbing revelation made in February 2024 by the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, that his office had not received any prosecution-ready docket from the police regarding the case, then five years after the incident.

Adding to the concern, Mr Dwumfour referenced recent comments by the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare-Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, who claimed to have provided the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with information about the suspected killers.

A-Plus also threatened to publicly reveal the suspect’s name if the police failed to act.

“These developments have raised serious questions about the willingness of the Police to resolve this matter,” the GJA president stated.

The association has vowed to continue pushing for justice for Ahmed Suale and his family, and to hold the Ghana Police Service accountable for its handling of the case.

The arrest of Ahmed Suale’s suspected killer is a significant development in a case that has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the safety of journalists in Ghana.

As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see if justice will finally be served.

Renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has issued a strong warning to politicians and the media following his decisive legal victory in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey.

A jury found former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation and awarded Anas $18 million in damages.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Anas emphasized the significance of the ruling, declaring it a powerful message to Ghanaian politicians that the media cannot be taken for granted.

A Landmark Legal Victory

“I stand before you today with a profound sense of vindication and determination,” Anas wrote. “Yesterday, in the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey, an eight-member jury delivered a unanimous verdict finding Kennedy Agyapong—former member of the Ghanaian Parliament—liable for defamation and awarding damages of 18 million U.S. dollars. These damages arise from statements he made following the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, Betraying the Game, on October 28, 2018.”

Describing the ruling as more than just a personal win, Anas stated, “This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it is a resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society. It reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians.”

A Stark Contrast Between U.S. and Ghanaian Justice Systems

Anas underscored the challenges of proving defamation in the U.S., where the legal threshold is high and requires clear and convincing evidence of malice. “That the jury ruled unanimously in my favor underscores that Mr. Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”

However, he lamented that the situation in Ghana was starkly different. “In 2018, when I pursued a similar lawsuit there, justice eluded me. Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal. This ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who described it as a ‘violent abuse of judicial authority.’ Such outcomes are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform.”

A Call to Action for Press Freedom and Accountability

Anas used the moment to remind politicians that undermining the media comes at a cost. “Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted. The press is indispensable in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance.”

He extended his gratitude to his legal team—Andrew Deheer, Esq., Arthur Wemegah, Esq., Evans Selasi Adika, Esq., and Odei Krow, Esq.—as well as his supporters and all those who stood by him in his pursuit of justice.

Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has condemned the alleged military brutalities inflicted on civilians in Bawku on the night of Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Describing the actions of the military as unacceptable, Ayariga expressed deep concern over reports that women, children, and elderly residents were subjected to violence following the killing of a military officer by an unknown gunman.

The MP in a statement vowed to demand full accountability from the military regarding their conduct.

While acknowledging the tragic loss of the military officer, Ayariga insisted that retaliatory attacks on innocent civilians were unjustifiable.

“I regret the accidental killing of a military personnel and I condemn that dastardly act,” he stated. “However, ransacking homes, beating innocent civilians, and holding the entire town to ransom cannot be justified. The rule of law must prevail, and those responsible for maintaining order should never engage in such acts of violence.”

The Bawku Central MP called on the military leadership and local authorities to collaborate in investigating the killing of the soldier rather than resorting to what he described as indiscriminate aggression.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the fallen soldier and urged restraint on all sides.

Expressing disappointment that his earlier appeals for the military to act with caution were ignored, he lamented, “I regret that the military command did not heed my appeal not to react violently, and they went ahead to do what they did. We need to work together to restore peace.”

Looking ahead, Mr Ayariga expressed hope that all parties involved in the Bawku conflict would trust in the peace mediation efforts led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II.

“I have confidence that all sides will repose trust in His Majesty the Asantehene to bring finality to the situation in Bawku and end the violence we are experiencing,” he stated.

The MP reiterated his commitment to advocating for peace and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of both the initial attack and the military’s response.

The Ministry of Finance says the rising tide of fraud is negatively impacting the banking sector.

Reported cases of banking sector fraud reached GH₵88 million in 2023—marking a concerning 7% increase from GH₵82 million in 2022.

Speaking at Ghana’s third mutual assessment under the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Andrew Kudjo Ameckson, Acting Director of the Financial Sector Division at the Ministry of Finance, said there is an urgent need for intervention.

“In 2023, there were 15,865 reported fraud cases in the banking sector, up from 15,164 in 2022. The amount involved has grown from GH₵82 million to GH₵88 million, underscoring a worrying trend,” Ameckson told Citi Business News.

“A 7% rise is not insignificant. This is someone’s deposit, someone’s capital wiped out by fraudsters. Even a single loss of a million cedis could mean financial ruin for an individual or business.”

The Finance Ministry has pledged to strengthen its collaboration with key enforcement agencies, including the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), to curb the menace.

While the Ministry itself focuses on policy formulation and implementation, Ameckson assured that it would provide the necessary support to these institutions to intensify their crackdown on fraudulent activities.

The surge in banking fraud poses a significant threat to investor confidence and financial stability in Ghana.

As financial crimes become increasingly sophisticated, stakeholders are being urged to enhance regulatory oversight, bolster cybersecurity measures and strengthen risk management frameworks to protect depositors and maintain trust in the banking sector.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Godfred Seidu Jasaw, has defended the government’s GH¢1.5 billion budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector in the 2025 budget, arguing that it presents strategic investment opportunities despite concerns over its adequacy.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, March 19, the Wa East lawmaker acknowledged that the allocation appears lower than in previous years but emphasized that the government’s priority should be building infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and growth in the sector.

Jasaw urged the public to actively contribute to improving the agricultural sector, stressing that efficient management and targeted investments could yield significant benefits.

However, the Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Limited, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, expressed concerns that the GH¢1.5 billion allocation is insufficient given the sector’s pressing needs.

He highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in productivity, mechanization, irrigation, and food security, warning that the current budget may not be enough to drive substantial progress.

In response, Jasaw countered that the focus should be on maximizing the impact of the allocated funds through strategic investments and partnerships with the private sector.

He maintained that efficient use of resources, rather than just the size of the budget, would be key to advancing Ghana’s agricultural industry.

“There is a limited resource envelope that the Minister of Finance can allocate to all the competing sectors and now what is the status of allocations in history to the sector? The [Government of Ghana] GoG component is the GH¢1.5 billion and if you look at that, it appears to be smaller as compared to what we witnessed in the 2024 budget but if you go to the analysis of it, you will appreciate why this one is likely to have better value because the investments in the last allocation had GH¢700 million for Planting for Food and Jobs and the rest of it went into compensation.

“Frankly, I see the allocation quite low but as I said, what we need to do is how the Minister and the managers of the sector are going to turn round the goodwill, court investors, define our priorities in infrastructure for agriculture to be able to turn around the opportunities that the sector presents now.”

Samuel Issah Abdulai, a 28-year-old driver who was nabbed on his wedding day for fraud has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Abdulai is alleged to have collected GH₵352,000 from three complainants under the pretext of securing visas for them but failed.

The accused promised to secure electronic visas of Mongolia, Georgia, Albania, and Malaysia.

Charged with three counts of defrauding by false pretenses and forgery of documents, Abdulai has pleaded not guilty.

The Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah has admitted the accused to bail in the sum of GH₵150,000 with three sureties, one to be justified.

The accused person was ordered to report to the Police once every two weeks by the Court.

The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Daniel Danku said the complainants were Ohenewa Sarah and Matilda Ayaaba, both traders, and Aisha Ahamed, a businesswoman all residing in Accra.

Chief Inspector Danku said Abdulai resides at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.

The prosecution said between the months of September and December 2024, the accused person and his accomplice  Antwi posted advertising fliers on the internet soliciting for persons who are interested in travelling to countries such as Belarus, Andora, Albania and Malaysia for work.

The Prosecution said at that time, the accused person claimed to be in Belarus.

The Court heard that the accused was later contacted by the three complainants on different occasions, and he convinced them that he could help them acquire various visas to the above-mentioned countries.

Prosecution said Abdulai then demanded and collected cash in the sum of GH₵47,000 from Sarah Ohemewa, the first complainant, GH₵55,000 from Matilda Ayaaba, the second complainant, and GH₵250,000 from the third complainant Aisha Ahmed, who also collected money from eleven persons.

The prosecution said Abdulai, after collecting the money via his Momo number, bearing his name, went into hiding.

The Court said somewhere in December 2024, Abdulai “surfaced and sent some documents he claims were electronic visas to the complainants via WhatsApp.

The Prosecution said the complainant suspected foul play and started looking for the accused person.

The Court heard that the complainants and other persons believed to be victims of the accused person arrested Abdulai at his wedding ceremony at Nkawei in the Ashanti Region and handed him over to the Police at Teshie.

“Further checks on the electronic visas at the Immigration DFEC Unit revealed that all the visas were fake.” Prosecution said.