Gifty Oware-Mensah Nowhere to be found , Ex Deputy Director of NSA Kwaku Ohene Gyan Arrested.

Former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Kwaku Ohene Gyan, has been arrested by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) amid a significant payroll fraud investigation linked to a ghost names scandal. This operation took place on February 22, 2025, when Gyan was apprehended following allegations that he was involved in inserting fictitious names into the NSA payroll, resulting in substantial financial losses for the government.

The scandal has drawn considerable attention, leading to an intensified investigation into the NSA’s financial practices. Sources indicate that Gifty Oware-Mensah, another former deputy director at the NSA, is currently evading authorities and is considered a key figure in the ongoing inquiry. The NIB is actively pursuing her for questioning as part of their efforts to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent activities.

Gyan, known colloquially as Osonoba, is presently detained at NIB offices, where his legal team is expected to meet with him to discuss potential legal strategies for his defence. The arrest comes in the wake of broader government initiatives aimed at combating corruption, particularly following recent scandals involving other high-profile officials.

As investigations unfold, security agencies are ramping up their efforts to track down Oware-Mensah and any other individuals implicated in this payroll fraud. The revelations surrounding the ghost names scandal have raised serious concerns about oversight within the NSA during Gyan’s tenure and have prompted calls for accountability among public officials involved in these irregularities.

Source @gbcghanaonline.

President Trump's New Plans for USAID Workers.

President Donald Trump is reported to be planing to reduce the number of workers at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) from over 10,000 to 290, causing chaos as thousands of employees are recalled and placed on administrative leave The move aligns with Trump's America First policy and aims to consolidate USAID within the US State Department Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asked for "trust" and "patience" from affected staff amid concerns over the future of foreign aid 

Washington D.C., USA – President Donald Trump is planning to drastically reduce the number of workers at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), cutting staff from over 10,000 to just 290, according to sources reported by The New York Times. 

The move has caused chaos and confusion as thousands of workers globally have been recalled to the US and placed on administrative leave. 

 More than 6,000 USAID employees who work overseas, often in hardship posts facing security risks or threats of terrorism, are now uncertain about their future.

porary housing and schools for their children in the US, fearing imminent unemployment.

One official told The Washington Post, “You’re being treated as if you’re somehow an enemy of the state.”

Reorganisation under the State Department

Trump, who has consistently criticised spending on foreign aid as contrary to his America First policy, aims to consolidate USAID within the US State Department.

This restructuring effort is being coordinated alongside the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has taken over the agency, requested “trust” and “patience” from USAID staffers on February 6.

Uncertain future for foreign aid

USAID workers are deeply concerned that the loss of US aid will lead to dire consequences for the people they support worldwide.opment efforts under the Trump administration.

USAID-funded hospital in Nigeria closes

Legit.ng reported that in Konduga, a rural community in Borno, a once-thriving healthcare facility run by Family Health International (FHI360) served as a lifeline for many Nigerians.

Here, over 200 patients daily found refuge, receiving medical assistance and nutritional supplements for malnourished children.

But now, its doors have been shut, according to Humangle Media, casting a long shadow over the community it served.

Source: Legit.ng 

Social media influencers pose key questions to Mahama at Townhall Meeting

 

Ghanaian social media influencers took centre stage at a town hall hosted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

The August 12 event, which drew a crowd of residents, youth, and party sympathisers, provided a platform for discussions on pressing national issues ahead of the 2024 election.

The town hall also saw notable participation from various social media influencers who posed pertinent questions to Mr. Mahama.

Their inquiries covered a wide range of topics, reflecting the diverse concerns of the Ghanaian public.

Among the key issues raised were the state of the economy, internet infrastructure, and youth employment.

Influencers such as KalyJay, SDK, veteran boxers Bukom Banku and Ayittey Powers questioned Mr. Mahama on his plans to address the high cost of living and improve economic conditions for ordinary Ghanaians and sports.

There was another interesting moment where the NDC flagbearer retold a joke by comedian DKB to the resounding cheers of the gathering.They also sought clarity on his vision for advancing technology and internet accessibility, which are crucial for the country’s development and digital economy.

In response, John Mahama outlined his commitment to addressing these challenges through targeted policies and reforms.

He emphasised the need for a more robust economic strategy to alleviate the financial strain on citizens and pledged to enhance internet infrastructure to support digital growth and innovation in all spheres including the creative arts industry.

Free SHS Bill unnecessary, says Education Committee’s Ranking Member Nortsu-Kotoe

 

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has criticised the government's proposal to lay a bill on Free SHS before Parliament, calling it unnecessary.

Nortsu-Kotoe questioned the need for a law to regulate or entrench the Free SHS programme, highlighting the lack of an official policy document on free SHS despite requests made to both the previous and current education ministers over the past seven to eight years.

In contrast, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the enactment of a Free SHS Act would transform the policy from a mere aspiration into a justifiable right, allowing citizens to seek legal recourse if the policy is not implemented.

However, during an interview with JoyNews on June 11, Nortsu-Kotoe referenced the constitution’s provision, Act 25 (1b), which mandates that secondary education, including technical and vocational training, should be progressively made free—a process that began in 2015.

He suggested that the current government’s implementation of the Free SHS policy aligns with public expectations, implying that additional legal protections are superfluous.

“There is no need for any law to regulate or entrench the Free SHS programme. As a committee on education, we have asked the previous minister and the current one that we want to see a Free Senior High School policy or document and for seven to eight years now we have not been able to provide the committee with the policy document. If you don’t even have a policy on what basis are you going to pass the law?" he questioned.

Nortsu-Kotoe further elaborated, "In any case, the constitution has a provision, Act 25 (1b), that secondary education in all forms including technical and vocational should be progressively made free and that is what we started in 2015. 

"So, for this government to have come to office and implemented it as they wanted, I don’t think any Ghanaian has a problem with that. For me, enacting a law to protect it or whatever is neither here nor there."

The debate continues as the government pushes forward with its legislative agenda.

 

‘I accept responsibility’- House help who murdered his madam tells court

 A house help who allegedly murdered his employer at Sokoban-Apaaso in the Ashanti Region has accepted responsibility for the crime.

Allister John, 22, and his accomplice, James Anokye, made his maiden court appearance for the murder of 35-year-old Stella Osei aka Princess Afua Ahenkan.

Despite the plea of the accused persons not being taken, the key suspect broke bounds and raised his hand to signal he had something to say.

‘I accept responsibility and plead with the court to be lenient with me,’ he said in Twi before the Asokore Mampong District Court.

He pleaded with the court to free the second accused person, James Anokye, whom he said did not take part in the crime.

According to Allister, he lied to Anokye to help him cart some family belongings to Accra.

Despite being reminded by the court that his plea was not being taken, the accused insisted and pleaded for leniency in open court.

Alister and an accomplice, Anokye have been slapped with conspiracy to commit murder and murder contrary to sections 23(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29) of 1960

It comes as police hunt for three other accomplices, following the arrest of the two from their hideout in Accra.

Allister, according to prosecution, invited drivers, Anokye and Biggie to the Apaaso home of his employer.

The three drove the deceased’s KIA Sportage vehicle with registration GS 307-21 and sold it to a third accomplice, John Obu.

Police prosecution prayed the court to remand the accused persons into police custody to allow for further investigations.

It also prayed the court to order the release of the KIA Sportage car to the husband of the deceased, and also impound a Toyota Vitz vehicle the first accused bought from the sale of the KIA vehicle.

Prosecutor, ASP Stephen Ofori, says though the prosecution takes cognisance of the remarks by the accused person, the prosecution will go all out to investigate and bring all those involved to stand full trial.

The court, presided by Samuel Buabin Quansah, adjourned the hearing to October 3, 2023.

Team Bawumia launches website, Mobile App, and USSD to connect with supporters

 In a bid to enhance their campaign efforts, Team Bawumia has launched a Website, Mobile App, and USSD digital platform to connect with supporters and stakeholders.

The team is utilising technology to ensure wider reach and engagement ahead of the upcoming elections.

The highlight of their digital campaign is the introduction of a unique dialing code,*202#, a website (www.bawumia.com), and USSD which allow supporters to contribute their quota to the Bawumia Campaign and also interact and follow his campaign keenly.

The initiative aims to tap into the growing mobile phone penetration in Ghana, where almost everyone has access to a mobile phone. With this innovative approach, Team Bawumia seeks to harness the power of technology to galvanize support and resources for their campaign.

Through these platforms, individuals can stay updated with the latest news, videos, and events related to the Bawumia Campaign.

Speaking about the digital campaign, a member of Team Bawumia stated, “We recognise the importance of technology in today’s world. By leveraging these digital platforms, we can connect with our supporters and engage with them more interactively. It allows us to reach a wider audience and promote the vision and agenda of Vice President Bawumia.”

The digital campaign is in line with the wider shift towards digitalization in Ghana’s political landscape. With the rise in internet and mobile phone usage, political parties are increasingly using digital tools to engage with voters and convey their messages effectively.

With the launch of the dialing code and other digital platforms, Team Bawumia aims to harness the potential of technology to mobilize support and spread its campaign message. As the election draws near, it remains to be seen how successful this digital campaign will be in influencing voters and shaping the outcome.

BawumiaNPP flagbearership race

Niger crisis could plunge West Africa serious security situation

 The security situation in wider West Africa could worsen if the crisis in Niger is not resolved, the top UN envoy for the region said on Tuesday.

“The unfolding crisis, if not addressed, will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region,” Leonardo Santos Simão, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York via video teleconference from Accra, Ghana.

It will also negatively impact the development and lives of the population in a country where 4.3 million people need humanitarian assistance, added the envoy, who also heads the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel.

Simão underscored support for efforts by the Economic Community of West African States to restore democratic order in Niger, and warned that if measures are not taken, or the situation is not reversed, “it is very likely the spread of terrorism in the region can increase.”

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed deep concern over reports of the arrest of several members of Niger’s government.

Guterres urgently called for the strict adherence to Niger’s international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order, his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters.

Haq also said that the United Nations and humanitarian partners are committed to staying and continuing to provide vital aid to the most vulnerable segments of the population in Niger.

“To ensure the continuation of this crucial assistance, it is imperative that all parties foster a conducive operating environment,” he said.

I’ll vote for an aspirant who can inflict a third successive defeat on Mahama – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Akufo-Addo says he will support any New Patriotic Party flagbearer aspirant who can unite and win next year’s presidential election for the party.

According to him, he has been given the opportunity to vote for just one aspirant as all polling station executives across the country are entitled to.

He made this known in a tweet on Wednesday, August 2, when he met NPP communicators who called on him at the Jubilee House.

President Akufo-Addo asserted that he will cast his vote for an aspirant who he believes can “inflict a third successive defeat on the perennial NDC Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama.”

Also read: No president can foist a candidate on NPP – Akufo-Addo

He also noted that the history of the governing NPP shows that no president can impose a candidate on the party, saying that party has never subscribed to a cult of personality.

“The history of the NPP tells us that no President can foist a candidate on the party against its wishes. The NPP is not that kind of party. We have never subscribed to a cult of personality,” he said on Wednesday, August 2, when he met NPP communicators who called on him at Jubilee House.

“Indeed, our highly-respected former President, the first NPP President, John Agyekum Kufuor, in the aftermath of my election as NPP Presidential Candidate, by the 2007 National Congress, told the Congress that ‘the party has its spirit’, a spirit that cannot be ignored.”

John MahamaPresident Akufo-Addo

 

Beige Boss to follow Ato Essien for ‘Plea Bargain’?

Mr. Michael Nyinaku, CEO of Defunct Beige Bank was warned by a court to expedite settlement to reach an agreement with the state if he was minded to rather than wait to the last-minute.

Mike Nyinaku is answering to charges of theft, money laundering among others, after he was accused of stealing over GH¢340million by a court in Accra, similar to the case William Ato Essien.

William Ato Essien, the Founder of the defunct Capital Bank, who was convicted by the Accra High Court for stealing GH¢192.5 million of funds from the bank settled with the state to pay back what is known as restitution.

After almost three years of trial, Essien faced the judgment where he was found guilty on his own plea and avoided custodial sentence after he reached an agreement with the state to pay GH¢90 million to the state.

The agreement was pursuant to Section 35 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), which allows accused persons standing trial for causing financial loss to the state to pay the money and possibly avoid a custodial sentence.

By virtue of pleading guilty, the court also barred Essien from being appointed as a director or holding any key management position in any bank or financial institution in line with the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).Mike Nyinaku has a similar case like William Essien and trial judge Justice Mrs Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe has issued a stern warning to Mr. Nyinaku to “timeously” settle the matter with the state if he plans on activating Section 35 of the Courts Act like Ato Essien did.But Mr. Nyinaku’s lawyers say they have not decided yet.

The facts of the case at the High Court indicated that when Beige Bank’s licence was revoked in August 2018, a review of the bank bank’s financial and other records revealed some suspicious and unusual transactions which were subsequently reported.The investigations revealed that between 2015 and 2018, Mr. Nyinaku allegedly used various means to transfer huge sums of money to companies related to him, and for his personal benefit.

The funds transferred were depositors’ funds lodged with Beige Bank, the investigators claimed.

Between 2017 and 2018, Mr. Nyinaku caused the transfer of 10,071 fixed deposit accounts held with Beige Bank – in which various customers placed a total of GH¢448.6million to Beige Capital Asset Management Limited (BCAM) – without the knowledge and consent of these customers.

Investigations also revealed that Mr. Nyinaku, between the years 2017 and 2018, caused the transfer of 35 fixed deposit investments of 23 Beige Bank customers totalling GH¢141million to the Beige Group.Investigations further revealed that some time in March 2018, Mr. Nyinaku caused a fictitious second account to be opened in the name of First Africa Savings and Loans (FASL), an existing account-holder with Beige Bank, without the knowledge of FASL’s Board and management

PURC increases electricity and water tariffs effective February 1

 The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission has increased electricity and water tariffs by 29.96% and 8.3% respectively.

The new rates take effect from February 1, 2023.

This follows the conclusion of its regulatory process for the quarterly adjustment of utility tariffs covering the first quarter of 2023. The Commission said the process is in conformity with the Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism and Guidelines as communicated in the Commission’s August, 2022 major tariff review decision.

This was contained in a press release issued in Accra on Monday.

According to the statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, the PURC approved the new tariffs very mindful of the current economic circumstances.

It noted however, that the potential for a return to the days of erratic power supply was also given due consideration as it would be “catastrophic for Ghana”.

“The Commission therefore decided to increase the average end-user tariff for electricity by 29.96% across the board for all consumer groups. The average end-user tarrif for water has also been increased by 8.3%. The Commission however approved varying rates of adjustments including some reductions for selected industrial and commercial consumers as part of the ongoing restructuring of the existing water rate structure,” the press release explained.

The PURC further stated that, “The Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism seeks to track and incorporate changes in key factors used in determining natural gas, electricity, and water tariffs. The objective is to maintain the real value of cost of supply of these utility services and ensure that utility companies do not under- or over-recover.

Under-recovery has negative implications for the ability of the companies to supply service to consumers, and has the potential of causing outages of electricity (DUMSOR) and water supply. Over-recovery unnecessarily overburdens consumers of electricity and water. The Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism is meant to ensure that none of these happens.”

“The PURC is grateful to all stakeholders for their support as it continues to implement quarterly tariff reviews in accordance with its Rate Setting Guidelines for Quarterly Review of Natural Gas, Electricity and Water tariffs. In doing so, the Commission will continue to equitably balance the interests of the utility service and consumers and hold service providers to strict adherence to regulatory standards and benchmarks,” the PURC assured.

Alan Kyerematen unveils the Great Transformational Plan (GTP)

 Aspiring flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has outlined a five-year strategic plan which he describes as Great Transformational Plan (GTP) to develop Ghana.

Addressing the nation Tuesday night, the former Trade and Industry Minister called on Ghanaians to make bold sacrifices in preparation for a promising future.

The Plan, which is expected to span from 2025 to 2030, he said, assures the attainment of an independent future.

The seven pillars of his plan, he itemised in his address to Ghanaians, are; the primacy of the Private Sector in our national development agenda, attitude to work and enforcement of discipline, corruption and petty theft or thievery, the arrogance of power, passion for excellence, focus more on getting things done than talking, and the too divisive nature of politics in Ghana.

“The primacy of the Private Sector in our national development agenda. The Government’s focus must be to facilitate the process of making our private sector competitive, by creating an enabling environment for businesses.

SSNIT increases maximum insurable earning to ¢42,000

 The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has increased the maximum insurable earning for 2023 to ¢42,000, from ¢35,000.

This increase takes effect from January 1, 2023.

In a statement, the Trust emphasised that the increase was made after careful consultation with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority in accordance with Section 63 (3) of the National Pensions Act 2008 (Act 766).

Accordingly, the minimum insurable earning has also been increased from ¢365.33 to ¢401.76, following the raise in the National Daily Minimum Wage.

It further urged employers and members of the insurance scheme to comply with the new changes and ensure the right contributions as the maximum and minimum contributions payable to SSNIT will be ¢5,670 and ¢54.24 respectively.Read the public notice below:

“If Dede & Jordan Ayew start together today Ghana will lose” – Nana Kwaku Bonsam drops chilling spiritual details

Reacting to Ghana’s first AFCON 2022 match loss, famed Ghanaian celebrity fetish priest, Nana Kwaku Bonsam has dropped a chilling revelation that has given rise to a ht conversation piece on the internet.

According to the feared fetish priest, if coach Milovan Rajevac starts Dede Ayew and Jordan Ayew together today, Black stars will lose its match against Gabon and other subsequent matches

Speaking in an interview with ADOM News, Nana Kwaku Bonsam stated that Ghana Black Stars can only win any of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations matches if the Ayew brothers do not start the match together.

Nana Kwaku Bonsam continued that spiritually it is not right for the two brothers to start a match, hence one should start from the bench

He went on to claim that it is only when one starts from the bench that can win the Black Stars the rest of their matches which will probably see them qualify from the group stages of the ongoing AFCON 2021 hosted by Cameroon.

Nana Kwaku Bonsam ended his submissions by entreating coach Milovan Rajevac to heed his simple advice.

Pray and keep faith in us; we’ll turn things around – Akufo-Addo

 President Akufo-Addo has asked Ghanaians to keep with his government to turn the current economic crisis around. 

He said his government are determined to change the situation. 

According to him, the citizenry will soon witness results from some of the decisions and actions taken to ameliorate the problems. 

The President said his engagements with relevant institutions and agencies are part of moves to address the current economic hardship.

“I know times are hard. But whatever we need to do to bring the nation out of the state it is in is being done. We are confident that we will soon come out of it.”

“Just keep faith with us and pray with us. All will be well,” he told congregants at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery on the occasion of the Centenary Thanksgiving Service and Dedication of Centenary Complex in Kyebi on Sunday. 

Recently, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, apologised to Ghanaians for the hardship being suffered in recent times.

According to him, the brunt borne by the populace due to the ongoing economic turmoil is unfortunate.

He said this when he appeared before the Ad-hoc Committee that heard the motion of censure against him.

“Let me use this opportunity to say to the Ghanaian people what I believe, with courage, every Finance Minister around the world may wish to say to their people now. I am truly sorry,” he told the Committee.

I’m not sure Aisha Huang was deported from Ghana – Akufo-Addo

 

With growing concerns about the activities of Aisha Huang, a notorious galamsey kingpin in Ghana, President Akufo-Addo says he is not sure about her earlier deportation from the country.

According to him, her re-emergence raises concerns about whether she left Ghana in the first place.

Speaking on a Ho-based radio station, as part of his tour of the Volta Region, he expressed reservation about the nefarious activities of Aisha Huang and affirmed his support for her prosecution.

“I’m not still sure whether she was in fact deported. Or whether she fled the country the first time and has now come back. There still seems to be some uncertainty about it.

“But whichever way it is, she’s become the sort of nickname for all that galamsey represents”, he said.

“We have concerted to work at it. We need to have the cooperation of the courts. Until recently when I came, the punishment for people caught was relatively light. [But] we’ve changed the law to stiffen the punishment for people caught,” he added.

Commenting on the fight against galamsey, he also stated that compared to the past, the fight has become more popular in his regime.

In his view, efforts to clamp down on illegal mining have seen a massive improvement under his watch as President.

The President, therefore, urged Ghanaians to sustain the momentum in dealing with the menace.“We have concerted to work at it. We need to have the cooperation of the courts. Until recently when I came, the punishment for people caught was relatively light. [But] we’ve changed the law to stiffen the punishment for people caught,” he added.

“The efforts have brought a lot of fruits first of all. Galamsey is now a subject of national discussion. Everywhere you go, there’s this matter of galamsey. We’ve at least achieved this purpose of heightening consciousness about it as an evil.

“When I came, nobody was talking about galamsey. Since we came and focused on it, it is now the subject of discussions in homes, in offices, in meetings and all across Ghana. So that’s one positive development”, stressed

Meanwhile, the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has expressed his resolve to prosecute notorious ‘galamsey’ poster girl, Aisha Huang for her past and recent crimes.

Aisha, whose nefarious activities came to light again was recently arrested and arraigned before court.

Lady connives with her friend to sell her 3-week-old baby for $1422

 A 25-year-old lady, identified as Mary Olatayo, has been arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command for conniving with her friend to sell her 3-week-old baby for N600,000.

The suspect was nabbed by the police on August 18 2022, along with her accomplice whose name was given as Chioma Esther Ogbonna.

She was arrested following a complaint lodged by the father of her child at the Mowe Divisional Police Headquarters, after the child suddenly disappeared.

The man who disclosed that he was dating Olatayo when she got pregnant for him, said he rented an apartment for her to be staying permanently because of their child,

However, three weeks after she gave birth to their son, she left the apartment with the baby only for him to find her at a hotel, where she allegedly went for ‘hookup’ with another man.

He said he employed every means to find the baby but it was futile so he resolved to report the case to the police.