Category: Local News

Six constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Pusiga Constituency have been suspended by the party.

In a letter dated February 20, 2025, and signed by Upper East Regional NPP Chairman Anthony Namoo, Esq., the affected executives have been directed to step aside and appear before the regional disciplinary committee over alleged anti-party behavior.

The suspended executives are:

• Awinimi Emmanuel – Constituency Communication Officer
• Belingumse Sawuda – 2nd Vice Chairman
• Haruna Salam – Assistant Secretary
• Kazussah Jacob – Treasurer
• Salifu Ibn Adam – Elections and Research Officer
• Iddrisu Kadiri – Deputy Nasara Coordinator

Confirming the development to Citi News, suspended Communication Officer Awinimi Emmanuel stated that they are yet to be informed of any offenses committed.

Over 300 ‘Caravanites’ have embarked on a thrilling adventure today, Sunday, March 2, 2025, as the eagerly anticipated Citi FM/Channel One TV Heritage Caravan 2025 commenced its journey to explore 14 regions in just 8 days.

As early as 5 a.m., the enthusiastic participants gathered at the Channel One TV premises in Tesano. The staff meticulously ensured the patrons’ comfort, guiding them through the registration process and organising their belongings onto buses The excitement was palpable, reflected in the faces of both the Caravanites and the eager bus drivers, ready to embark on the journey.

The atmosphere within the buses promises an unforgettable experience, with lively songs filling the air as the staff prepares to entertain the patrons.

Today marks the day when those without tickets may regret missing the opportunity to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime journey across 14 regions in Ghana. The Heritage Caravan, a flagship initiative of Channel One TV and Citi FM, is an annual event held in March as part of the Heritage Month celebrations. The anticipation for the Caravan’s journey is particularly high among supporters of locally manufactured products. The Heritage Caravan 2025 is powered by Channel One TV with support from 97.3 Citi FM and proudly sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), Hollard Insurance, OmniBSIC, Appolonia City, Standard Water, Peeva Beverages, GB Foods, and GOIL PLC, with the Ghana Tourism Authority as partners.

The Special Prosecutor, Mr Kissi Agyebeng, has called for constitutional reforms and a national mindset shift to fortify Ghana’s fight against corruption and state capture.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Constitution Day Public Lecture in Accra, Mr Agyebeng proposed integrating the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into the Constitution to safeguard its independence and operational efficiency.
“We must transform the Constitution by integrating anti-corruption concepts and institutions into its structure,” he stated.
The lecture, themed “A Few Good Men: Suppressing and Repressing Corruption and State Capture in Aid of Development,” was organised by the UPSA Law School in collaboration with the One Ghana Movement
Mr Agyebeng criticised the current legal framework, citing Section 79 of Act 959 as ambiguous and unnecessarily complex, which hinders effective prosecution.
To address this, he advocated for the passage of a Corrupt Practices Act, which would provide a clear and structured legal framework to define corruption and eliminate loopholes that allow individuals to escape accountability.
The Special Prosecutor highlighted deliberate efforts to undermine the OSP, including calls from influential figures to dissolve the office.
“We frequently hear calls—often from the highest levels—that the OSP should be scrapped because it serves no useful purpose,” he revealed.
He also noted attempts to discredit the Office and its officials, particularly from individuals under investigation and their associates.
Despite these obstacles, Mr Agyebeng maintained that the OSP remains Ghana’s best opportunity to combat corruption, even if it is seen as an “inconvenience” by some powerful individuals.
To reinforce Ghana’s fight against corruption, Mr Agyebeng outlined several key reforms:

• Unexplained Wealth Investigations & Lifestyle Audits: Extending scrutiny beyond public officials to include private individuals with suspicious wealth.
• Regulating Political Party Financing: Ensuring greater transparency in campaign funding and eliminating vote-buying.
• Specialised Anti-Corruption Courts: Training judges to handle corruption cases with specific legal expertise.
• Anti-Corruption Education: Integrating anti-corruption studies into school curricula to instil ethical values in future generations.
  Mr Agyebeng stressed that corruption cannot be tackled through legal reforms alone but requires a national shift in attitudes.
  “Societal interest must always take precedence over personal gain,” he asserted.
  The lecture was reviewed by Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana and newly appointed Chair of the Constitution Review Committee. Also in attendance was Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who reviewed Mr Agyebeng’s proposals.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has retrieved a nearly decomposed body of a young woman from a septic tank at Sunyani Magazine in the Bono Region

The body was retrieved on Friday, February 28, 2025, after a distress call was received at 5:30 pm.

The Sunyani Municipal Fire Station, led by Station Officer Yahaya and later joined by Regional Operations Officer DO II Noekor, rushed to the scene.

According to reports, the victim was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend and dumped into the septic tank three weeks ago.

The boyfriend has since been arrested with the body also in police custody to aid investigations.

Alhaji Asoma Banda, a pioneering figure in Ghana’s shipping and aviation industries, has passed away. He died in the early hours of Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The news of his passing was shared on social media by Nigerian businessman and close associate, Dele Momodu, who paid tribute to him on Instagram.

“Such a privilege knowing this adorable couple, ALHAJI & EDWINA ASOMA-BANDA, in the last three decades… Today, the elephant has fallen… May ALLAH bless BAABA for keeping ALHAJI comfortable to the end. May ALLAH comfort the entire family, his wives, and children,” Momodu wrote.

Following Islamic tradition, Alhaji Banda is expected to be buried the same day.

Tributes Pour in for a Business Icon

Prominent businessman Sir Sam Jonah also honoured Alhaji Banda, describing him as a visionary entrepreneur and national asset whose impact shaped Ghana’s shipping and aviation sectors.

“This morning, Ghana has lost a true patriot, a visionary entrepreneur, and a giant of industry,” he stated.

Jonah highlighted Alhaji Banda’s transformational role in Ghana’s economy, particularly through Antrak Airlines, which revolutionized domestic air travel.

“From establishing Antrak Shipping Line to expanding airline operations across West Africa, he believed in the power of African enterprise. He saw potential where others saw decline, and his bid to take over Ghana Airways was a testament to his unwavering belief in Ghanaian ingenuity.”

Reflecting on the challenges Alhaji Banda faced, Jonah acknowledged the complexities of navigating business and politics in Ghana, which he noted had often been a stumbling block for visionary entrepreneurs.

“Ghana has witnessed too often how business and politics can be an uneasy mix, a lesson that should serve as a cautionary tale to future entrepreneurs.”

Beyond his business achievements, Alhaji Banda was remembered as a historian and mentor who generously shared insights on Ghana’s economic past and future.

“He never concealed his humble beginnings. Instead, he wore them as a badge of honour—proof that determination, hard work, and vision can elevate one from modest origins to the heights of success.”

Jonah urged Ghanaians to celebrate Alhaji Banda’s remarkable legacy, emphasizing that his resilience and accomplishments should serve as an inspiration for generations to come. “As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, let us not only mourn his passing but celebrate his legacy. His resilience, vision, and unshakable belief in African enterprise will continue to inspire.”

A Lasting Legacy

Alhaji Asoma Banda’s impact on Ghana’s economy remains profound, with Antrak Airlines standing out as a major milestone in domestic aviation.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his entrepreneurial spirit, industry leadership, and advocacy for African enterprise will continue to shape business and development across the continent.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to airlift 5,000 Ghanaian pilgrims to Mecca for Hajj this year.

Speaking on the matter at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Hajj village on Friday, February 28,, President Mahama emphasised the importance of adhering to the set deadline for payments and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place.

“This year, we intend to airlift exactly 5,000 pilgrims to the holy land, and the task force has announced 13th March as the deadline for payment,” President Mahama stated.

He highlighted that a pre-finance arrangement has been facilitated with a local bank, ensuring that all deposits for accommodation, transport, and other facilities have been paid.

President Mahama also instructed the task force to strictly adhere to the 5,000-pilgrim limit, preventing any last-minute rush and complications.

“I’ve instructed the hard task force that they should cut off at exactly 5,000 and not go beyond 5,000. We don’t want the previous situation where people rush with late payments, and we are unable to airlift them and become complaining,” he added.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has addressed concerns about the government’s borrowing, emphasising that the net borrowing by the Mahama administration stands at GHS7.1 billion.

Dr Forson highlighted that this borrowing primarily serves as a buffer for servicing maturing debts accumulated by the previous NPP/Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

“For the record, total T-Bill bids received by the Mahama government since January 10, 2025, stand at GHS89.7 billion,” Dr Forson stated in a recent X post.

He explained that out of this amount, GHS59.5 billion in T-Bill bids were accepted as rollovers of inherited debt, while GHS30.2 billion in T-Bill bids were rejected.

Dr Forson emphasised that the actual debt accumulation under the Mahama government is virtually zero, thanks to prudent public debt management measures. These measures have led to a significant drop in the 91-day T-Bill rate, from 28.34% to 20.79% in just 50 days, reflecting a strong vote of confidence in the Ghanaian economy by the investor community.

He urged the public to ignore the naysayers and focus on the positive impact of the government’s financial strategies.

The Minority in Parliament has boycotted a three-day orientation programme for Members of the 9th Parliament, currently underway at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, citing concerns over the venue selection and the cost involved.

They believe the choice of location is politically motivated. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, revealed at the opening session of the programme that the Minority side, made up of members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), formally communicated their decision to opt out on the night of Friday, February 28.

Expressing disappointment, Speaker Bagbin described their stance as regrettable and unjustified, stressing the importance of the training.

“Our brothers and sisters of the New Patriotic Party have opted out, giving a reason that is completely unacceptable,” he said.

According to him, the Minority argued that the financial burden of hosting the event was excessive, hence their decision to abstain. However, he defended the choice of the venue, stating that a thorough assessment was conducted before settling on Volta Serene Hotel.

“There is always a search team that evaluates potential venues based on cost, facilities, convenience, and suitability before a final decision is made,” he explained.

Despite the boycott, the orientation, which began as scheduled, will continue until Monday, March 3, 2025.

An accident on the Bolgatanga-Walewale highway has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and left several others severely injured.

The incident took place on Friday, 28th February 2025, in the farming community of Karimenga. The tragedy occurred when a bus traveling from Kumasi to Bolgatanga collided with a container truck parked along the roadside. The impact of the crash led to the instant deaths of the eight passengers and caused severe injuries to many others.

Local residents, with the help of officers from the Ghana National Fire Service, rushed to the scene to rescue the injured. The victims were transported to the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga for medical treatment.

Five passengers were trapped inside the wreckage and had to be extricated by rescuers. In a grim discovery, three unidentified legs were found at the scene.

The accident has left the community in shock and mourning, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.