Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, April 11, the President said the Asantehene had assured him of his commitment to reconvene stakeholders and continue the peace dialogue upon his return from a brief visit abroad.
“We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process, which saw all stakeholders participate in discussions in Kumasi on a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will commence next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad,” he announced.
He urged all parties to renew their commitment to peace, adding, “I entreat all sides to embrace peace as we dialogue to resolve these age-old disputes.”
He recounted the recent violence in Bawku, where an incident in a marketplace just two days ago led to the loss of life and destruction of property.
“The flashpoint continues to be the Bawku area. Only two days ago, an incident in a marketplace triggered an unfortunate loss of lives and criminal vandalism of properties. I wish to emphasise that nobody gains from this situation of conflict and insecurity,” he said.
The President commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their work in the volatile area. “Congratulations to our Armed Forces for the sacrifices, even at the peril of your lives, to protect lives and property in the Bawku conflict area. We need the cooperation of all to restore peace in Bawku and its environs,” he added.
He also reaffirmed plans to expand the Armed Forces’ operational and combat capacity. He stated that his administration would prioritise better training, modern equipment, and rapid deployment readiness for the military.
“In resetting our nation to build the Ghana we want, my government will aggressively pursue the ideas of operational and combat readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces. We will resource the Ghana Armed Forces with better equipment, including more simulators, more advanced training, and the ability to mobilise swiftly in times of need,” he said.
Wearing the uniform of the Ghana Navy in a show of solidarity, the President pledged to maintain a merit-based promotion system and to expand opportunities for non-commissioned officers. He also promised to address poor military accommodation.
“Under my watch as Commander-in-Chief, merit-based promotions based on competence and not connections will be the norm and not the exception. We will construct new housing units in the barracks and refurbish dilapidated and abandoned military accommodation across the country,” he pledged.
He highlighted Ghana’s strong contribution to UN peacekeeping, particularly the deployment of women: “Ghana has deployed 23.3% female staff officers and military observers, in excess of the UN benchmark of 14.21%.”
In a response to recent allegations that some international flights were being used for drug trafficking and money laundering, President Mahama cautioned against making baseless claims for political advantage.
“We will take all allegations of crime seriously and trigger our security service investigative machinery to go after criminals no matter who they are. But let me state emphatically also that we do not have the resources and time to engage in any game of smoke and mirrors,” he said.
About the author
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Tyler Perry’s Straw: A Piercing Cry Against Racism and Injustice in Black America
Tyler Perry's Netflix drama Straw centers on Janiyah Wiltkinson (played by Taraji P. Henson), a Black single mother whose day spirals out of control amid poverty, systemic neglect, and racial bias—all culminating in a gripping bank standoff. The film’s shocking twist and emotional storytelling have resonated widely. 1. Authentic Depiction of Systemic Racism & Mental Health Straw explores how racial and economic injustice intersect to break a Black mother’s spirit. Critics note it “captures the adage of bad things happening to good people” under systemic oppression. Janiyah’s psychological collapse is depicted with stark realism, highlighting mental health struggles amplified in Black women facing societal neglect. 2. Taraji P. Henson’s Heart-Wrenching Performance Henson carries the film with emotional depth, embodying exhaustion, rage, and grief from Janiyah’s relentless challenges. Her performance anchors the narrative—even those who critique the storytelling style praise her […]
Parliament to Vet Seven Supreme Court Nominees Beginning Monday, June 16
Starting Monday, June 16, 2025, Ghana’s Appointments Committee of Parliament will begin a three‑day vetting exercise for seven Supreme Court nominees, all currently serving as Justices on the Court of Appeal. 1. Who’s Being Vetted? All seven nominees are Appeal Court judges elevated by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Their names are: Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh Justice Senyo Dzamefe Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah‑Boafo Justice Philip Bright Mensah Justice Janapare Bartels‑Kodwo Justice Hafisata Amaleboba 2. Purpose & Structure of the Hearings Over three days (June 16–18), the committee will scrutinize each nominee’s: Judicial competence and experience Knowledge of constitutional and human rights law Integrity and impartiality Judicial philosophy and past rulings Public engagement is expected, with citizens and legal stakeholders urged to submit observations and poses questions to the nominees. 3. […]
Minnesota Lawmaker Killed, Another Injured in Targeted Political Shootings
A politically motivated attack in Minnesota has left Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette critically injured, in a shocking breach of domestic political security. 1. The Incidents Around 2 a.m. local time on June 14, a gunman impersonating a police officer opened fire at separate residences in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, targeting Democratic lawmakers. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife survived and underwent surgery in critical condition. At the second site, Rep. Melissa Hortman, former Minnesota House Speaker, and her husband were found dead. 2. The Suspect & Motive The suspect has been identified as 57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter, who impersonated a police officer using a fake squad car and uniform. His vehicle contained a manifesto and hit list featuring about 70 names—including lawmakers, abortion activists, and public […]
Seven Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Canoe Capsizes on Black Volta
A routine morning exercise turned into a tragedy for Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when ten cadet students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe in a small canoe. The boat capsized mid-river, and although three students swam to safety, seven are feared drowned. 1. What Happened During their regular jogging routine, the students spotted a canoe in use and spontaneously decided to cross. Midway, the small, overloaded canoe capsized, plunging all ten into the strong Volta current. Three survived, but seven were swept away. 2. Emergency Response Local authorities—including Ghana Police and NADMO—have mobilised divers and volunteers for a full-scale search operation. The Black Volta’s strong currents and lack of safety gear have complicated rescue efforts. 3. Recovery So Far Bodies Retrieved: At least four bodies (two boys, two girls) were recovered. Still Missing: […]
Mahama Warns Ghana Could Feel Oil Price Shock from Israel–Iran Conflict
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran are already lifting global crude oil prices, posing a real threat to Ghana's economic recovery and domestic fuel affordability. 1. Global Oil Prices on the Upswing The recent missile attacks have triggered a noticeable uptick in Brent and WTI crude prices—by over 7–10%, the most significant jump since the 2022 Ukraine crisis. Market fears center on potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East energy infrastructure. 2. Ghana Is Not Immune Despite being a crude oil producer, Ghana remains a net importer of refined petroleum. Mahama warned that surging global oil rates could reverse recent economic gains and impact domestic fuel prices. 3. Ministerial Directives Issued Recognizing the urgency, Mahama has ordered the Ministers of Finance and Energy to: Model the conflict’s […]
Related
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Parliament to Vet Seven Supreme Court Nominees Beginning Monday, June 16
Starting Monday, June 16, 2025, Ghana’s Appointments Committee of Parliament will begin a three‑day vetting exercise for seven Supreme Court nominees, all currently serving as Justices on the Court of Appeal. 1. Who’s Being Vetted? All seven nominees are Appeal Court judges elevated by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Their names are: Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh Justice Senyo Dzamefe Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah‑Boafo Justice Philip Bright Mensah Justice Janapare Bartels‑Kodwo Justice Hafisata Amaleboba 2. Purpose & Structure of the Hearings Over three days (June 16–18), the committee will scrutinize each nominee’s: Judicial competence and experience Knowledge of constitutional and human rights law Integrity and impartiality Judicial philosophy and past rulings Public engagement is expected, with citizens and legal stakeholders urged to submit observations and poses questions to the nominees. 3. […]
Seven Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Canoe Capsizes on Black Volta
A routine morning exercise turned into a tragedy for Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when ten cadet students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe in a small canoe. The boat capsized mid-river, and although three students swam to safety, seven are feared drowned. 1. What Happened During their regular jogging routine, the students spotted a canoe in use and spontaneously decided to cross. Midway, the small, overloaded canoe capsized, plunging all ten into the strong Volta current. Three survived, but seven were swept away. 2. Emergency Response Local authorities—including Ghana Police and NADMO—have mobilised divers and volunteers for a full-scale search operation. The Black Volta’s strong currents and lack of safety gear have complicated rescue efforts. 3. Recovery So Far Bodies Retrieved: At least four bodies (two boys, two girls) were recovered. Still Missing: […]
Mahama Warns Ghana Could Feel Oil Price Shock from Israel–Iran Conflict
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran are already lifting global crude oil prices, posing a real threat to Ghana's economic recovery and domestic fuel affordability. 1. Global Oil Prices on the Upswing The recent missile attacks have triggered a noticeable uptick in Brent and WTI crude prices—by over 7–10%, the most significant jump since the 2022 Ukraine crisis. Market fears center on potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East energy infrastructure. 2. Ghana Is Not Immune Despite being a crude oil producer, Ghana remains a net importer of refined petroleum. Mahama warned that surging global oil rates could reverse recent economic gains and impact domestic fuel prices. 3. Ministerial Directives Issued Recognizing the urgency, Mahama has ordered the Ministers of Finance and Energy to: Model the conflict’s […]
Trump Eyes Travel Ban Expansion: 36 More Countries, Ghana Included
The Trump administration is considering expanding its existing travel ban to include 36 more countries, including Ghana, according to a State Department memo highlighted by The Washington Post and other outlets. This marks a significant escalation following the reinstatement of the initial ban on 12 countries in early June. 1. Why These Countries? The memo—signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—suggests inclusion is based on concerns like: Unreliable identity documents or weak government authority High visa overstay rates in the U.S. Reports of antisemitic or anti-American activity by nationals from these countries . 2. Countries under Review Among the 36 flagged are 25 African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and Senegal, as well as countries across the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific. 3. What Happens Next? Governments of these countries have been given 60 days to submit plans addressing […]
A Father’s Hurdles Caring for Son with Sickle Cell Disease – John Dzido’s Story
Ghanaian father John Dzido recounts the challenges he’s faced since his son Caleb—diagnosed with severe HbSS sickle cell disease at 18 months—suffered a stroke at age three. Now 17, Caleb is bedridden and battling ongoing complications, requiring constant care. 1. Intensive Medical Care for Years Over the past 14 years, Caleb has endured multiple strokes, seizures, surgeries, chronic blood transfusions, management of iron overload, recurrent infections, and the most recent scoliosis diagnosis. John remains Caleb's full-time caregiver, overseeing his medication, feeding, bathing, and transfer with great care due to a hip implant. 2. Personal & Emotional Toll John explains that Caleb’s condition severely impairs speech, mobility, and cognition—leaving him dependent on others for all daily tasks. He has sacrificed jobs—last working at the Sickle Cell Foundation—due to unpredictable hospital visits and caregiving demands. 3. Financial Struggles & Treatment Expenses Medication, blood […]