A new nationwide study has revealed disturbing levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in food and cosmetic products sampled across all 16 regions of Ghana. The research, jointly conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and UNICEF, examined 1,691 samples of turmeric, cereal mixes, bentonite clay (commonly known as ayilo), kohl (kajikaji), and skin-lightening creams and lotions widely used by women and children. UNICEF health specialist Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah disclosed that lead concentrations as high as 11,000 ppm (parts per million) were detected in some kohl samples—levels more than 100 times above the permissible limit of 20 ppm. He...
OSP Begins Trial of Ken Ofori-Atta and Seven Others Today
The high-profile prosecution involving 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences is expected to commence today at Criminal Court 5 in Accra, marking one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in recent years. The case, initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), lists eight accused persons and one corporate entity. According to information displayed on an official case summary poster, those named in the prosecution include individuals identified as Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, Isaac Crentsil, Ernest Darko Akore, Kwadwo Damoah, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Evans Adusei, Ammiishaddai Owusu-Amoah, as well as the company Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML)....
Ghana Signs Seventh Bilateral Debt Restructuring Agreement with Czech Republic
Ghana has signed its seventh bilateral debt restructuring agreement, this time with the Czech Republic, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the country’s economy and strengthen international financial cooperation. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson on behalf of the Government of Ghana, and Mr. René Jakl, Director of the Claims and Recoveries Department at the Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation (EGAP), representing the Czech Republic. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Forson expressed Ghana’s gratitude to the Czech authorities, noting that the partnership reflects a spirit of mutual trust and continued cooperation. “On behalf of...
Gender Minister Receives Delegation on Dansoman Market Fire
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has received a delegation led by the Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma West, Hon. George Kpakpo Allotey, together with representatives of traders affected by the recent Dansoman market fire. The visit was to formally present a copy of the incident report to the Minister and to discuss coordinated response measures, recovery actions, and next steps needed to restore economic activities at the market. Presenting the report, the traders appealed for urgent support, including logistical and material assistance, financial relief, and the reconstruction of the market to...
EC Sets December 30 for Kpandai Parliamentary Election Rerun
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the rerun of the Kpandai Constituency Parliamentary Election will take place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The decision follows a ruling by the Tamale High Court on Monday, November 24, 2025, which directed that the election be conducted within 30 days. The move was further reinforced after the Clerk to Parliament formally declared the Kpandai seat vacant on December 9, 2025. In a press release issued today, the Commission confirmed that the rerun will feature only the three candidates who contested the original 2024 Parliamentary Election in the constituency. This measure ensures the...
Mahama Urges Special Prosecutor’s Office to Fast-Track Investigations
President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to quicken its investigations and prove its relevance in Ghana’s anti-corruption drive. Addressing the National Peace Council at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, December 10, the President said calls for the abolition of the OSP were premature, despite ongoing controversies surrounding the institution. He highlighted the OSP’s distinctive role among anti-corruption agencies, noting that it is the only body with independent prosecutorial powers, enabling it to pursue cases without recourse to the Attorney General. “I think it’s premature to call for the closure of that...
Ghana Expels Three Israelis in Reciprocal Response to Deportation of Citizens
The Government of Ghana has deported three Israeli nationals in retaliation for what it described as the “ill-treatment and unjustified deportation” of Ghanaian citizens by Israeli authorities, a move aimed at upholding the dignity of its nationals abroad. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10, 2025, officials confirmed that the decision followed the removal of three Ghanaians from Israel under what the ministry termed “unacceptable” circumstances. Accra responded by expelling three Israelis who had recently entered the country. Announcing the measure on his Facebook page, the Foreign Affairs Minister wrote: “The government of Ghana...
Mahama: Scrapping OSP premature, let’s give it time
President John Mahama has cautioned against moves to scrap the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), stressing that the institution remains vital to Ghana’s fight against corruption. During a courtesy visit by the National Peace Council at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, December 10, the President underscored the OSP’s unique role as the only anti-graft body with full prosecutorial independence. “I think it’s premature to call for the closure of that office,” President Mahama stated. “The distinctive feature of that office is that it is the only anti-corruption agency empowered to prosecute cases directly without relying on the Attorney-General.” He...
GES Condemns Assault on Teacher at Kade Senior High Technical School
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has strongly condemned an assault on a teacher of Kade Senior High Technical School , describing the act as unacceptable and assuring the public that appropriate sanctions will be applied. In an immediate release signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, GES said its attention was drawn to a video circulating on social media showing the attack on a teacher, identified as Mr. Michael Quayson, by some students of the school. According to the statement, the incident occurred on Saturday, October 5, 2025, during an invigilation session for the Christian Religious Studies (CRS)...
Supreme Court Dismisses NAM 1’s Bid to Halt Trial
The Supreme Court has thrown out an application filed by Nana Appiah Mensah, widely known as NAM 1, which sought to overturn earlier decisions of the High Court and Court of Appeal in his ongoing criminal case. The ruling clears the way for the trial to proceed without further delay. NAM 1, former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, is facing several charges, including operating without a gold trading licence, fraudulent breach of trust, defrauding by false pretence, and money laundering. In 2024, the High Court ordered him to open his defence, a directive he has repeatedly...