The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reinforced strict regulations for the upcoming Hajj season, announcing severe penalties for anyone attempting to enter Makkah without a valid permit. These measures aim to maintain order and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. Individuals caught performing Hajj without authorization will face a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (76,221.00 Ghanaian cedis). Additionally, those involved in transporting unauthorized pilgrims or issuing fake permits will be subject to a 100,000 Saudi riyal fine (381,110 Ghanaian cedis), deportation, and a 10-year ban from re-entry. Vehicles used in such violations will be confiscated, and repeat offenders could face legal...
CHAG calls for unity and equity in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system
The Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr. Peter Yeboah, has called for greater inclusiveness, equity, and synergy in Ghana’s healthcare system. Dr. Yeboah emphasized the importance of equitable resource distribution across the health sector. “Health defies boundaries. We must move from silos to synergies, from identity-based services to collective, holistic service delivery,” he urged. During a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman on Thursday, April 24, the CHAG CEO urged collaboration and shared national responsibility, stressing the need for an integrated approach to healthcare planning and...
Okaikwei Central MP supports Easter celebrations with donation to Christian Council
Member of Parliament (MP) for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah has donated 1000 packs of bottled water and an undisclosed amount of money to the Christian Council of Ghana ahead this year’s Easter celebrations. The donation was made to support the Council’s events lined up to celebrate Easter in the coming days. In his address during the presentation, the MP noted that the gesture was inspired by his resolve to supporting good causes in his own small way. “I reflected during this Holy Week on how I could contribute, in my own small way, to support the Christian community during...
Okaikwei Central MP Commits to Youth Development to Curb Unemployment
The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central Constituency, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has reiterated his commitment to carrying out human development initiatives to empower the youth. The move, according to him, is aimed at, among other things, curbing unemployment in his constituency and the country as a whole. Speaking at a breakfast meeting with members of the clergy at the Abeka Presbyterian Church on Saturday, the MP outlined a number of ongoing initiatives in the constituency that are yielding results. “We have been focusing on ICT training. Just last week, we hosted about 300 students in ICT training, an initiative I...
Minority urges swift action to restore security in Bawku
The Minority in Parliament has expressed concern and condemnation over the threatening security situation in Bawku, which is endangering lives and property in the area. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, speaking on behalf of the Caucus, urged the government to act swiftly to contain the situation and restore peace and security. “Over the past few months, the intensity and frequency of attacks—including sporadic shootings, arson, and home invasions—have escalated, with reports suggesting a high death toll. Many more people are said to be missing than those...
New cocoa producer price not yet out – COCOBOD
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has refuted claims circulating about a new producer price for cocoa, labelling such reports as false and misleading. In an official statement issued Thursday, the Board clarified that no price adjustment has been authorized, as the required administrative framework remains incomplete. COCOBOD highlighted two critical gaps including the absence of functional Board of Directors to approve such a decision. it also pointed out that the Producer Price Review Committee, which assesses and proposes price changes, is yet to be constituted. “Without these key bodies operational, any announcement of a new producer price is impossible and...
Patrick Boamah partners Triage Centre/Sangy Global to empower 300 JHS students
The Triage Centre and Sangy Global, in partnership with their Lifetime Mentor and MP for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, have launched the Young Leaders Patriotic Mentorship Programme for Junior High School students. The programme, which began in March, saw about 300 students from Weija Gbawe undergoing mentorship training. The April session, which began last weekend, focuses on Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, with participants from some selected JHS schools in Okaikwei Central. The initiative is expected to expand throughout the constituency and beyond. The programme brings all the students together on campus every Saturday to equip these young leaders...
Government to Publish List of Locally-Made Items for Mandatory Procurement by State Agencies
The Government of Ghana is set to introduce a policy requiring all state agencies to procure certain essential goods exclusively from local producers. This initiative, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), aims to strengthen Ghana’s industrial sector, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. Dr. Forson emphasized that no country can develop without a strong industrial base, and while trade is important, Ghana must adopt deliberate policies to promote local production. He questioned why the country continues to import basic commodities such as sugar...
Legacy and Wealth Circle holds maiden session for Muslim women professionals to connect
The Legacy and Wealth Circle has held its maiden engagement at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, bringing together Muslim women professionals to network. This prestigious event held on Friday March 29, 2025 brought together influential Muslim women professionals, honoring their outstanding achievements and contributions to their respective fields. In attendance were several dignitaries, including Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Advisor to the President of Ghana; Hajia Shamima Muslim, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson; Fatimatu Abubakar, former deputy minister for information and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo Deputy Chief of Staff. Other notable guests included influential women from various industries, all gathered to inspire and...
E-Levy Abolished: Parliament Gives Approval
Parliament has approved the removal of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) as part of the 2025 budget statement. This move follows the passage of the Electronic Transaction Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, on Wednesday, March 26. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson had previously announced the government’s plan to abolish the E-Levy, along with the 10% tax on lottery winnings, also known as the betting tax. The minister presented the government’s first budget statement to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11. Additionally, the government will cancel other levies, including the Emissions tax. Dr. Forson also announced plans to review the Value Added...