The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has provided a detailed update on casualties from Wednesday’s tragic stampede during its recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
According to the GAF, a total of 28 applicants were rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for emergency treatment.
Out of this number, six were confirmed dead, five are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and twelve others remain in critical condition.
This came up when President John Mahama visited the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to obtain further information regarding the tragic stampede.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the acting Defence Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, and other government officials accompanied Mr Mahama.
The incident occurred around 6:20 a.m., when a sudden surge of applicants reportedly breached security barriers and forced their way into the stadium before the scheduled screening began.
Though the identities of the deceased have not yet been released, preliminary information suggests that most of the deceased persons are women.
The Ghana Armed Forces has extended its condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while assuring the public that necessary measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.Source: Myjoyonline
More than 150 persons, mainly young men, have been arrested in a joint police and military operation in the Ahafo Region early Wednesday morning.
The coordinated security exercise took place in Kenyasi in the Asutifi North District and Hwediem in the Asutifi South District.
According to security sources, the suspects have been transferred to the Police Headquarters in Accra for further interrogation and scrutiny.
While the details surrounding the operation remain sketchy, it comes on the heels of heightened security alerts following the recent NAIMOS–Bronikrom clash, which saw violent confrontations between anti-illegal mining officers and unidentified youth.
A section of the suspects
Residents in both districts reported the presence of heavily armed police and military personnel conducting dawn operations, checking homes and screening individuals.
Officials have yet to release an official statement, but local authorities say the operation is part of broader efforts to maintain peace and ensure stability in the Ahafo Region.Source: Emmanuel Adu Gyamfi
As an Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Management Expert, I am deeply saddened by the tragic outcome of the recent Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment screening exercise, an event that should have been routine, yet resulted in the loss of six young lives, 28 injuries, 12 critical cases, and 5 admissions to intensive care.
In the 21st century, it is unacceptable that a standard screening process, designed to identify capable recruits, could become a site of such tragedy. This incident highlights a serious breach of basic occupational health and safety principles and a failure in crowd management planning by the organizers.
With prior knowledge of the expected number of applicants nationwide, the GAF and Ministry of Defence had every opportunity to implement preventive safety measures. A well-structured screening plan would have significantly minimized the risks of overcrowding, exhaustion, and medical emergencies.
To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the following measures are strongly recommended:
Scheduled Screening System: Applicants should be assigned specific dates and times to appear, based on pre-registration numbers, to reduce overcrowding.
Orderly Queuing and Access Control: Screening lines should operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with adequate supervision and crowd control measures.
Early Deployment of Screening Officers: Officers should be present ahead of time to maintain order, manage queues, and identify potential risks early.
Multiple Screening Teams: Increasing the number of screening stations or teams can reduce waiting time and physical strain on applicants.
Emergency Medical Support: Ambulance and first aid services should be on-site throughout the exercise to respond promptly to health emergencies.
Adequate Shelter and Rest Areas: Shaded seating arrangements and hydration points should be mandatory to prevent heat stress and fatigue.
I therefore urge all stakeholders particularly the GAF, Ministry of Defence, and related agencies to temporarily suspend the ongoing screening process. A restructured, safety-compliant scheduling system should be implemented, allowing applicants to receive individual notifications via text message or a unique digital code issued by the HR/IT department for specific time and day slots.
No recruitment drive should cost human lives. Every process must uphold the fundamental principles of safety, health, and human dignity.
We, at MUYAD Social Services, are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded at the Elwak Stadium on November 12, 2025, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to many others during the army recruitment screening exercise.
As an organization committed to promoting human rights, social justice, and community development, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
The circumstances surrounding this tragedy demand a thorough investigation, and we urge the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in determining the cause of this disaster and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
We are calling on the government to provide state burial for the deceased, as a mark of respect for their memory and a gesture of solidarity with their grieving families.
Furthermore, we advocate for fair and adequate compensation to the families of the casualties, to support them in this difficult time.
The loss of life, especially under such circumstances, is a tragedy that affects not only the immediate families but also the entire country.
As a nation, we must come together to support those affected and work towards preventing such incidents in the future.
We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and the affected families, and we will continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
Adnan Adams Mohammed
Executive Director, MUYAD Social Services
Accra, Ghana, November 9, 2025 – MobileMoney LTD has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing financial inclusion and empowering women entrepreneurs through its participation in the Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSMEs’ Productivity project, an initiative led by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) with funding from the SDG Fund.
Under this initiative, MobileMoney LTD is among five Service Providers selected to develop and scale tailored digital financial services and financial literacy programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong focus on women and youth-led businesses in underserved communities, particularly in the Northern, Ashanti, and Western Regions.
The partnership aims to address key barriers MSMEs face in accessing and effectively using digital financial services, including challenges related to payments, loans, savings, and insurance.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Chief Executive Officer for MobileMoney LTD, Shaibu Haruna, highlighted that financial inclusion and women’s empowerment remain central to the company’s strategy.
“At MobileMoney LTD, we believe that empowering women and young entrepreneurs through digital finance creates lasting economic value. This partnership with UNCDF aligns with our mission to drive digital inclusion for every Ghanaian and our broader goal of supporting sustainable development through innovation,” he said.
He further explained that the project is a natural extension of the company’s strategic focus on supporting MSMEs and driving inclusive growth.
“Our journey has moved beyond simply providing a platform for payments. The market research we have completed highlights the critical gaps MSMEs face in accessing tailored solutions for loans, savings, and insurance.
We are now focused on developing and testing prototypes that will close these gaps, ultimately fostering sustainable business growth in the Northern, Ashanti, and Western Regions and ensuring that our contribution to the global SDG agenda has maximum national impact,” he said.
The project began with capacity-building sessions facilitated by UNCDF, which equipped the MobileMoney LTD team with Human-Centric Design tools and insights to guide solution development. Building on this foundation, the company has completed market research to better understand the unique needs of MSMEs and is now advancing to the prototype development phase.
These prototypes will be tested, refined, and scaled to drive: Greater access to financial services for excluded MSMEs, Sustainable business growth for women and youth entrepreneurs, Improved digital and financial literacy and Long-term impact on Ghana’s economic development.
Over the years, MobileMoney LTD has consistently demonstrated its commitment to women’s economic empowerment through several impactful initiatives, including the digitization of Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) groups, supporting market women with smartphones to enhance their business operations, and providing seed funding to women agents to grow their enterprises. These initiatives form part of the company’s broader agenda to enable women’s participation in the digital economy and promote inclusive growth.
-ENDS-
THOMAS OHENEBA KWAME BOAKYE
NPP-UK North London Chapter
The General Secretary
New Patriotic Party
National Headquarters
Accra, Ghana
November 8, 2025
Dear General Secretary,
With my warm regards to your high office, I respectfully write to appeal to the National Executive Committee and the Presidential Elections Committee to kindly consider the creation of polling centres across all Diaspora Branches for the upcoming Presidential Primaries.
It has been noted from recent communication that proxy voting may not be permitted in the forthcoming elections. While this measure may be necessary to enhance transparency, it presents significant logistical and financial challenges for many loyal members in the Diaspora who have consistently supported and served our great party.
THOMAS OHENEBA KWAME BOAKYE
The travel cost, visa processes, and other expenses involved in returning to Ghana solely to cast a vote pose serious constraints for many. Allowing members abroad to vote at designated Diaspora Polling Centres, under proper supervision, would ensure broader participation and further strengthen the democratic spirit of the NPP.
This decision would:
Deepen inclusivity and representation within the party.
Ease the financial burden on Diaspora members.
Encourage greater engagement and ownership among branches abroad.
Strengthen unity and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2028 elections.
I therefore humbly appeal to the National Leadership to review this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to consider a framework that allows members abroad to fully exercise their voting rights without any hardship.
Thank you for your kind attention and for your continued leadership in advancing the ideals of our great party.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed)
THOMAS OHENEBA KWAME BOAKYE
NPP-UK North London
📧 Thomasohenebaboakye@yahoo.com
📞 +44 7904 032668
CC:
The Chairman,
NPP – Presidential Elections Committee Hon Joseph Osei Owusu
The External Affairs Directorate
The Branch Chairman,Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong
The Branch Secretariat,
NPP – UK
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kofi Adu Domfeh, has described his opportunity to sit with His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, during the royal banquet of the 29th GJA Media Excellence Awards in Kumasi, as a rare honour and a humbling opportunity in his journalism and media leadership.
Mr.Kofi Adu Donfeh
The event, held at the Manhyia Palace, brought together distinguished media professionals, traditional leaders and special guests to celebrate excellence and professionalism in Ghanaian journalism.
Mr. Domfeh said sharing the royal table with the Asantehene symbolizes a strong endorsement of the efforts of journalists in the region and reinforces the commitment of the Ashanti GJA to promote responsible journalism, ethical standards, and social impact reporting.
Mr.Kofi Adu Donfeh with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
“To sit at the same table with Otumfuo is not just a personal honour, but an inspiration to push the boundaries of excellence and continue using my leadership role to advance excellence in media practice,” he said.
The 29th GJA Media Excellence Awards, hosted for the first time in Kumasi, recognized courage, resilience and strength in vibrant journalism and innovation.
The Asantehene, in his remarks, commended the media for its watchdog role and urged practitioners to uphold truth, fairness, and integrity in their work.
Mr. Domfeh reiterated his resolve to lead the Ashanti GJA in strengthening media collaboration, capacity-building, and ethical reportage; key pillars he believes will drive the region’s journalism to greater heights.
The royal banquet served as both a celebration of journalistic distinction and a reflection of the deepening bond between traditional authority and the media fraternity in Ghana.
Accra,November 10, 2025 – MTN Ghana reaffirmed its deep commitment to supporting Ghana’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), driving their growth through innovation, digital empowerment, and strategic partnerships at the 2025 SMEGA Awards ceremony in Accra.
The MTN SMEGA Awards is a leading annual initiative that celebrates Ghanaian SMEs demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience in driving socio-economic growth. As a platform, it has empowered hundreds of businesses by providing mentorship, crucial visibility, and access to essential digital and financial resources.
Shri Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana presenting a plaque to the Yesli Ice CEO, Best SME of the Year
As the headline sponsor, MTN joined a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the vital role SMEs play as Ghana’s economic engine and primary job creators.
Speaking at the ceremony, Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, commended Ghanaian entrepreneurs for their creativity and tenacity.
Angela Mensah-Poku speaking at the ceremony
“This evening is both a celebration of achievement and a tribute to the people who run Ghana’s economy. SMEs contribute over 70% of Ghana’s GDP and employ millions across every region. MTN is committed to providing MSMEs with the digital tools and commercial ecosystem needed to compete and grow beyond Ghana’s borders. We believe that when we empower SMEs, we empower Ghana’s future.”
Ms. Mensah-Poku highlighted MTN’s ongoing, dedicated initiatives to accelerate SME growth, including MTN Adwumapa, MoMo for Business, the SME Accelerator Programme, and SME Business Clinics. According to her, these programmes are all designed to equip enterprises with robust digital tools, financial inclusion, and comprehensive business development support.
Shri Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana and the special guest of honour, praised Ghana’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in trade, technology, and capacity development, announcing ambitious plans to double India-Ghana trade from USD 3 billion to USD 6 billion within five years.
Kwesi Ofori Jnr, Head of SMEGA Ghana, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana, sponsors, and partners for their consistent support. “Through this platform, many businesses have grown into regional and global brands. Together, we are building a stronger and more prosperous SME future.” He confirmed that more than 67 SMEs have benefited from digital and technical training through MTN’s partnership and announced new initiatives to expand Ghanaian SMEs’ presence in markets across India, China, and Europe.
The highlight of the night was the recognition of Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, Chief Executive Officer of Yesli Ice, who was named Overall Best SME of the Year. Underscoring Yesli Ice’s excellence and innovation, Ms. Diabah also secured three additional awards: SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Production Innovation, and Food and Beverage categories.
In total, 21 other SMEs from across various industries were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to business innovation and growth at the 2025 SMEGA Awards.
Energy sector players are demanding accountability on the GH₵1 fuel levy and transparency actions to address persistent revenue and supply shortfalls.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on July 16, 2025, directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to begin charging a GH₵1-per-litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy on refined petroleum products.
The levy was designed to raise additional revenue for the energy sector — mainly to fund fuel purchases for thermal power plants and settle outstanding sector debts.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is demanding clarity on how much has been collected and how the funds are being utilized.Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah says government must provide an update in the 2026 Budget presentation, while also prioritizing funding for a second gas processing plant to strengthen Ghana’s energy security.
“So far the economy seems to have been able to adjust to accommodate (the levy). Whatever needs to be done to consolidate it we will want to see it consolidated. Whatever it is, the tax will also need to be accounted for and we expect that the Finance Minister will capture it in the budget equally
“Whatever the Finance Minister has towards getting the train II on stream to complement the current gas processor at Atuabo, we will be happy to hear that equally because it saves this economy a lot,” Duncan Amoah added.
In the downstream sector, fuel prices have trended lower in the first pricing window of November, aided by marginal cedi stability and favorable prices of petroleum products on the international market.
Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, Benjamin Nsiah, says maintaining currency stability will be key to sustaining the current downward trend at the pumps.
He also urges government to deploy policies aimed at closing persistent revenue gaps in the energy sector.
“The data has shown that revenue mobilization has improved under this government by ECG but we think that system losses are still high and through such partnership, we will be able to curtail or manage this higher system loses and ensure that there is a certain financial discipline and operational discipline at ECG. We expect to hear much on the private sector participation,” Benjamin Nsiah remarked
While the downstream petroleum market shows some resilience, Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry continues to face headwinds.
Benjamin Nsiah warns that without a review of existing upstream laws to attract fresh investment, the sector’s declining output could weigh on government revenue targets and long-term energy sustainability.
“We need to review our regulatory and licensing requirements to ensure that there are medium operators within the space so that they can scale up production for us to meet the revenue target that we have projected for our budget from 2025-2030” he stressed.Source:Daniel Sackitey
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has disclosed that the government will require about GH¢500 million to address the ongoing oversupply of farm produce, commonly referred to as a food glut.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, November 10, 2025, Mr. Opoku stressed the importance of a coordinated and data-driven approach in resolving the issue, warning that inaction could discourage farmers from reinvesting in agriculture.
“You do not just get up and move into a farm because there is a glut. You need to move there with your technical team to ascertain the amount of farm produce to be procured.
“From the figures we are receiving, we will need about GH¢500 million to be able to clear it,” he said.
The Minister revealed that his outfit is in discussions with the World Food Programme and other development partners to explore strategies for managing the glut and preventing future occurrences.
Mr.Eric Opoku
“If we are able to deal with it properly, it can encourage our farmers to reinvest in farming because it becomes profitable. But if we don’t act and allow these foods to go to waste, it will be a huge loss of the century, and people will be demotivated to invest in agriculture,” Mr. Opoku added.
The government’s move forms part of broader efforts to stabilise food prices, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure sustainable agricultural production nationwide.By:William Narh
