In celebration of International Women’s Day, Lamisi Fata Foundation will be hosting Rhythms for a Cause charity concert at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra.
This high-impact event which will raise awareness and funds to support sustainable menstrual health and education for underprivileged girls in Northern Ghana will be held on March 1, 2025.
The concert will feature performances by Lamisi, Mzbel, Gyedu Blay Ambulley, Amandzeba, and Wanlov The Kubolor, uniting music and social change in an unforgettable evening.
All proceeds will go toward providing reusable sanitary pads to vulnerable girls, empowering them with proper menstrual hygiene solutions to help them stay in school.
“We believe that music has the power to drive positive change,” said Lamisi, Founder of the Lamisi Fata Foundation.
She said through ‘Rhythms for a Cause,’ they aim to break the silence around menstrual health, promote education, and ensure that every girl has access to the resources she needs to thrive.
President Mahama has sworn-in another set of 17 ministers following approval by Parliament.
The ministers sworn-in on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Jubilee House were the recently approved ministers.
The sector ministers sworn-in were; Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, Sam George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Abklakwa, Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of State-in-charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Labour Minister, Rashid Pelpuo and Minister of State-in-charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu.
The Regional Ministers were; Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, Savannah Regional Minister, Salifu Bi-Awuribe, Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, Western-North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi and Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere.
Reggae and dancehall artiste Ras Kuuku, has revealed that he is looking forward to winning the Gospel Song of the Year award in this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with DJ Slim, Ras Kuuku stated that apart from the reggae/dancehall and the male vocalist categories, he is also interested in the gospel song slot.
“Yeah, [I would like to be nominated in] the gospel song of the year [category],” Ras Kuuku stated.
Even though he is not a gospel musician, Ras Kuuku believes he is eligible for the award. Ras Kuuku is confident that his music can compete in any genre.
The Telecel Ghana Music Awards limits the gospel song categories to only gospel artistes.
The ‘Best Gospel Song’ is defined by the Telecel Ghana Music Awards as “the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Christian song, commercially released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most public excitement and enjoyed a lot of patronage from the general public. Only songs performed by Gospel artistes are eligible for this category.”
Ras Kuuku has gospel songs such as ‘Me Mpaebo’, ‘Gyedie’ ft. MOGMusic and his recent ‘Tumi’ which features Broda Sammy.https://www.youtube.com/embed/mpunPnKC-iM
Veteran Ghanaian actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in a fire accident.
A report shared by Judith Addison of Beyond Burns International, a dedicated non-profit organisation committed to providing advocacy and support for burns survivors, indicates that Mawuli’s situation is dire and needs immediate attention.
“Beyond Burns International got an SOS that something unfortunate has happened. We came here today and veteran actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in severe fire accident. I came here to see him and his life is hanging in the balance,” Judith said in the video report posted on their social media pages.
According to her, Mawuli was sleeping in his house when it caught fire.
“He has suffered burns up to 44% of his body. He has respiratory injuries and cannot breathe properly.
This is very serious. From his head to his legs. Everywhere caught fire and he has lost all his hair,” she further stated.
Mawuli Semevo is known for his immaculate acting skills both on stage and in movies. He has played roles in movies such as ‘Harvest at 17’, ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Escape of Love’, ‘Like Cotten Twines’ and ‘The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.’
A former shareholder of the State Insurance Company (SIC), and chartered insurer, Larry Kwesi Jiagge has opened up about his frustrations as a former shareholder of SIC, particularly with the company’s financial management and the National Insurance Commission’s (NIC) response to regulatory breaches.
Speaking on Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, February 7, Mr Jiagge claimed that in 2023, the insurance company borrowed money to pay its shareholders dividends just to create a false impression of profitability.
“They went to borrow money to pay that dividend, I can tell you that for a fact, I was a shareholder then.” This remark highlighted the questionable financial decisions made by the company, which reportedly involved taking loans to fulfil dividend obligations.
Mr Jiagge further explained that it was only later that the full extent of these issues became apparent to stakeholders, emphasizing that certain details were not fit for public discussion. However, his primary concern was with the role of the NIC in overseeing the operations of insurance companies in the country.
He criticized the NIC for its failure to enforce the very laws it had set, pointing out that despite raising these concerns repeatedly in writing, the NIC did not act accordingly.
The lawyer was speaking after it emerged that the immediate past Managing Director of SIC Insurance Company Limited, Hollistar Duah-Yentumi, had refused to hand over to the newly appointed acting MD, James Agyenim-Boateng, and had even filed a suit in court against her termination.
“There are things you can’t talk about on air. Some of these problems had the stamp of the National Insurance Commission,” Mr Jiagge said.
He added, “They don’t enforce their own law, and I had pointed this out to them in writing all the time.”
The lawyer also recounted his attempts to raise concerns as a shareholder when SIC began disposing of assets. Jiagge explained that he formally petitioned the NIC regarding these matters, but despite his repeated requests, it took the Commission a whole year to respond. When the response finally came, it merely reflected the position taken by SIC itself, stating that the approval of shareholders had been obtained for the asset disposals.
“They should abide by their own law, the law they created” he advised.
Dividends are the percentage of a company’s earnings that is paid to its shareholders as their share of the profits.
President John Mahama has extended an invitation to the Chinese investor community to collaborate with Ghana in establishing mutually beneficial economic opportunities, stating that the country is once again open for business.
Speaking at the Chinese Lantern Festival Celebration at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Sunday evening, he acknowledged the significant role Chinese businesses have played in Ghana’s economy and urged further collaboration for sustainable development.
“The Chinese community here has contributed significantly to our economy, particularly in areas such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and trade,” President Mahama noted.
“Likewise, Ghanaian businesses continue to explore opportunities in China, strengthening the economic ties between our two nations.”
The Chinese Lantern Festival, a cultural event symbolising unity and hope, provided the perfect backdrop for President Mahama’s message, highlighting the strong diplomatic and economic relations between Ghana and China.
Reiterating his commitment to revitalising Ghana’s economic landscape, the former president assured investors of a conducive business environment that fosters growth and shared prosperity.
“As I said in my inaugural address, Ghana is open for business again, and I invite our comrades in the Chinese investor community to look at the opportunities Ghana has to offer. Let’s create a win-win situation for our two people,” he urged.
The call comes at a time when Ghana is seeking to attract foreign direct investment to boost economic recovery, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.
The Minister for Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed unwavering confidence in the leadership of President John Mahama for his reflective and conviction-driven leadership.
According to him, Mr Mahama’s ability to deeply reflect on his decisions and actions is a key strength that shapes his leadership.
“President Mahama is a man of conviction, he has a lot of introspection and reflection,” Mr George stated, highlighting Mr Mahama’s thoughtful and deliberate approach to governance.
“During the manifesto period before he came out with the 60, I believe that influenced his choice of ministers,” George added, underscoring the deliberate and strategic thought behind Mr Mahama’s appointments.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on February 8, Mr Sam George further noted that the president has carefully selected individuals who possess the drive and ambition to succeed, whether working as part of a team or as solo players in their respective roles.
“He’s picked people who he believes have the drive to be able to succeed either as a team or as a solo player,” Mr George said
Also, Sam George expressed full confidence in President Mahama’s decision-making process, stressing that the president’s appointments reflect his understanding of the capabilities of his ministers.
“I am fully convinced in the decision making of president Mahama that he will get a spot or he will give deputies to ministers who he believes requires same , for those who don’t there will be an architecture to support them to do the work that they do,” George remarked, expressing belief that the appointments will foster effective governance.
He further assured that the president would provide adequate support structures for those ministers who may require additional assistance, emphasizing Mr Mahama’s commitment to ensuring that everyone in his cabinet is empowered to succeed.
“He will give deputies to ministers who he believes require the same,” George said, adding that for those who don’t need deputies, a tailored architecture will be in place to support them in carrying out their duties efficiently.
The Mankrado of Battor, Togbe Borbordzi Xevi VII, has called on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to identify and recommend sanctions for the Member of Parliament (MP) who made a derogatory statement about Zanetor Rawlings, the MP for Klottey-Korle.
The chief strongly condemned the insult and suggested that the Speaker should act swiftly to identify the perpetrator and use the standing orders of the House to punish the individual, serving as a deterrent to others.
“We believe in you; prove your leadership and bring that person to justice, so that this never happens again,” Togbe Borbordzi said over the weekend during a press conference he organised at Ashaiman to speak on the matter.
He further advised that such comments should not be prioritised, as members of both the NDC and the NPP are related. He expressed his concern that MPs should not be instigating misunderstanding among the public while privately maintaining friendly relations with their colleagues.
“NDC and NPP share one father and one mother; they should not provoke the people outside and then go behind the scenes to work together,” he said.
The incident occurred during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, 4th February, when a male voice was heard shouting repeatedly, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” as Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the first child of the late former president Jerry John Rawlings, stood to speak.
The attack took place during a heated discussion surrounding the 60th anniversary of the death of Joseph Boakye Danquah.
Since last week, individuals, groups, and traditional authorities have condemned the act and urged the Speaker of Parliament to identify the person responsible and ensure justice is served.
The Minister of Communications and Ningo-Prampram MP, Samuel George, has also called on Parliament to set an example in this matter. He has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, stressing that holding the culprit accountable is crucial to upholding the integrity of the House.
Chiefs of Anlo have also condemned the act and called on the Speaker to take action or risk the chiefs deciding what steps next to take themselves.
Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders for South Africa, has asserted that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, has no place in President John Dramani Mahama’s government.He emphasised that the fight against galamsey is a top priority for the President.
Speaking in an interview on Class 91.3FM on Friday, 7th February 2025, Mr Quashie stated that law enforcement agencies have begun driving illegal miners out of forest reserves and water bodies.
“We have directed law enforcement agencies to gradually eliminate illegal miners. The process commenced as soon as we won the elections. The menace is extremely devastating, and combating it is of the utmost importance to the President,” he declared.
Discussing the consequences of galamsey, Mr Quashie highlighted the far-reaching impact on both present and future generations.
“When we destroy our environment—our water bodies and forest reserves—we jeopardise the future of generations yet unborn,” he affirmed.
He stressed that no responsible leader would ignore the well-being of future generations in favour of short-term gains.
“A good leader prepares the groundwork for future generations to benefit from, regardless of whether they were part of the building process. This is precisely what President Mahama aims to achieve,” he added.
Mr Quashie noted that political interference has hindered efforts to combat galamsey. However, he asserted that, under the directives of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the fight would no longer be business as usual.
“It does not matter who you are or what role you play in the country or the NDC—if you are involved in galamsey, the party must come at you with full force,” he insisted.
He further suggested that individuals engaged in illegal mining should be expelled from the party, stating, “Anyone associated with galamsey or the galamsey industry must not be tolerated by the NDC going forward.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, Mr Quashie expressed confidence that, with the directives issued by the President to sector ministers, Regional Coordinating Councils, and other key stakeholders, the fight against galamsey would be intensified.
“The full might and authority of the government will be brought to bear on those involved, in ways never seen before—even if they are members of our party,” he emphasised.
He also expressed concern over rumours that some party members were involved in galamsey, warning them to desist from such activities.
“I am astonished when I hear claims that party members have taken over the galamsey business. It will not happen—not under President Mahama, nor under anyone else. We campaigned on ending illegal mining and rationalising the sector, and we will not stand by and allow it to persist,” he concluded.
In a move to reinforce his administration’s commitment to modesty and prudent resource management, President John Dramani Mahama has announced a ban on non-essential travel for government appointees.
The President made the announcement during the swearing-in ceremony of 17 ministers today in Accra, where he stressed the need for fiscal discipline and cautioned against arrogance and extravagance.
“The hallmark of this government will be modesty and respect for the Ghanaian people. There will be no room for arrogance and pomposity in this government. The resources that you will be working with belong to the Ghanaian people who put us in office. Those resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance,” President Mahama stated.
To curb unnecessary spending, the President directed the Chief of Staff to formally communicate the ban to all appointees.
“I have asked the Chief of Staff to write to all government appointees that I have imposed a ban on non-essential travels forthwith to cut down expenditure. Any travel that is deemed essential and necessary must be cleared first with the Chief of Staff, and such travels will have to be undertaken with modesty—no first class,” he declared.
President Mahama further urged appointees to avoid displays of affluence and embrace modesty, aligning with the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility.
“Also, all traces of affluence and lavish lifestyle are to be avoided. The people of Ghana are enduring difficult times, occasioned by hardships, resulting from the economic mismanagement of the last eight years, and ours is to work to lift them out of this hole,” he added.
This measure forms part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure responsible use of public resources in the best interest of the Ghanaian people.
By imposing the ban on non-essential travel and promoting a culture of modesty, the administration aims to demonstrate its commitment to prudent financial management and accountability.
