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In a demonstration of Ghanaian excellence on the global stage, renowned communications professional and public relations strategist Kobi Hemaa Osisiadan-Bekoe joined communicators, strategists, change-makers, and thought leaders from around the world at the 2025 Davos Communications Summit and Awards held in Davos, Switzerland. The prestigious summit, hosted by the World Communications Forum Association (WCFA), gathered nearly 100 senior communication professionals, CEOs, policy advisors, and academics from over 20 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Kobi Hemaa, who serves as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) and as Vice President, External Relations and Corporate Strategy for SUCCA Africa, participated actively in the summit’s sessions, discussions, and networking events. Her presence underscored Ghana’s growing influence in the global communications dialogue, particularly as the country continues to make significant strides in digital transformation, reputation management, and strategic communication. Reflecting on her experience, Kobi Hemaa described the summit as "spirit-lifting and transformative,"  praising the diversity of perspectives and the collaborative spirit that defined the conversations. She also emphasized the importance of African voices and innovation in shaping the future of communication worldwide. “Honored to have joined an extraordinary all-women panel at the Davos Communications Summit & Awards 2025, where we unpacked one of the most relevant themes in global PR today: "Regionality in PR – Tailoring Communication Strategies to Cultural Contexts. "From Ghana to Switzerland, South Africa to Ukraine, and Armenia, this session wasn’t just a panel, it was a masterclass in the power of local insight  in a global world. We explored how language, storytelling, and cultural intelligence shape the way messages are received, remembered, and acted upon.” She stated. The 2025 Davos Communications Summit featured a diverse range of speakers addressing critical topics such as AI integration, trust in public institutions, values-driven leadership, and the evolving role of PR in politics and business. Keynote speeches were delivered by Paul Holmes, founder of PRovoke Media; Lord Evans of Sealand, former General Secretary of the UK Labour Party; and Mary Beth West, a senior strategist and communications ethicist. Other esteemed participants included leaders of international PR agencies, rising talents, and communication scholars. In addition to the conference, the summit hosted the first in-person Davos Communications Awards Gala, recognizing excellence across 24 categories in strategic communications. The awards honored exemplary campaigns from 18 countries, showcasing creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven communication. Kobi Hemaa, who was recently named among the Top 10 Women in PR Ghana, returns home with a renewed commitment to translating her global insights into empowering Ghanaian youth, organizations, and policymakers to communicate more effectively in the digital age. With her continued leadership and vision, Kobi Hemaa Osisiadan-Bekoe is poised to help shape global conversations in communications. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on striking medical professionals at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to resume duties and work together to resolve challenges affecting healthcare delivery at the facility. Addressing the media in Accra on Thursday, April 24, Mr. Akandoh stressed his commitment to collaboration and expressed deep respect for health workers, urging them to reconsider their decision to suspend emergency and outpatient services in protest of his recent unannounced visit. “My humble appeal to the medical doctors and health practitioners at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let us call off the strike and let us all regroup and strategise the way forward,” the minister said. The minister’s comments come in the wake of a viral video showing a heated confrontation between him and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Emergency Department at TTH, during a visit prompted by the reported death of a patient due to the lack of a functional ventilator. In response to the altercation and what it described as “unwarranted attacks,” the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) declared an indefinite suspension of services, demanding an apology and the immediate provision of critical medical equipment. While acknowledging the emotional toll of the incident, Mr. Akandoh recounted a personal health emergency to illustrate his empathy for patients and healthcare workers alike. He reiterated that his actions were not intended to offend, stating, “I have absolutely no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.” However, tensions have been further inflamed by the minister’s decision to dismiss TTH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku— a move the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has condemned as a breach of due process and an abuse of power. The GMA has also called for an official apology from the minister. Despite the controversy, Mr. Akandoh remains hopeful for reconciliation and emphasized the need for internal resource mobilization, saying, “There are some of the things we can do with our internally generated funds, so please, let us confront the issues as they are.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional arrangement for the Damang Mine, aimed at securing jobs, ensuring responsible mining, and maintaining investor confidence in the country’s extractive sector. According to Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, the transitional plan involves the issuance of a new 12-month mining lease to Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Goldfields, to operate the Damang Mine. This arrangement, pending parliamentary ratification in May 2025, is part of broader efforts to ensure continuity of operations while preparing for a structured transfer of the mine into Ghanaian hands. “As part of this transition, open-pit mining activities will resume to safeguard hundreds of jobs and allow for feasibility studies to determine the viability of the mine’s remaining reserves,” Hon. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed in a press statement. He further noted that a joint management team, comprising representatives from the Government of Ghana and Goldfields, will oversee ongoing processing of existing stockpiles. This team will also collaborate to guarantee transparency, efficiency, and stability during the transition period. The government, he said, is committed to working with Goldfields in good faith to ensure a successful handover that ultimately leads to full Ghanaian ownership of the Damang Mine. Hon. Kwakye Ofosu also indicated that both parties have agreed to advance ongoing discussions on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa Mine, which expires in 2027. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Ghana as a premier destination for mining investment through strategic partnerships and robust regulatory frameworks. “This agreement is yet another demonstration of President John Mahama’s commitment to protecting Ghanaian jobs, promoting responsible resource management, and ensuring that the benefits of our natural resources remain with the Ghanaian people,” he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has refuted widespread media reports alleging that four police officers were detained for arresting a judge over a traffic offence. According to Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the CID, the reports are not only false but entirely without merit. In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, Superintendent Darkwah clarified that the CID had, on April 7, 2025, received a formal petition from a Circuit Court judge. The judge alleged that on December 13, 2024, four officers from the Adenta Divisional Police Command, led by Inspector Godwin Dey, harassed her, assaulted her court clerk, and wrongfully towed her vehicle from the frontage of the Adenta Court Complex to the Adenta Police Station. The judge further claimed that her initial complaint lodged with the Adenta Divisional Command had gone unanswered. "The CID commenced investigations into the petition and invited three officers—Inspector Francis Adjei (No. 53349), General Sergeant Dasebre Oti Boateng (No. 53852), and General Corporal Jonah Ajubulisa—to the CID Headquarters to give their account of events," Superintendent Darkwah noted. He emphasized that the officers were not detained at any point during the process. “After giving their statements, they were allowed to leave immediately,” he stated. Superintendent Darkwah urged the public to disregard the media reports suggesting otherwise, stressing that they are false and unfounded. He further assured that the Police Administration remains committed to upholding due process and ensuring accountability. "While we will always stand by officers who act within the bounds of the law, we will not hesitate to investigate any alleged misconduct and take appropriate action," he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abass Apak has paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse at his palace in Accra. The visit was to formally introduce themselves to the King and convey a special invitation from the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, to the Ga Mantse to chair the national launch of the government's Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, slated for Thursday, April 24. Dr. Apak, delivering a message on behalf of the Education Minister, acknowledged the Ga Mantse’s continued support for national development and emphasized the importance of the initiative, which forms part of President Mahama's commitment to improving the well-being and school attendance of girls in public schools. “As you are aware, His Excellency President Mahama made a promise to the people of Ghana that within the first 120 days of his administration, girls of school-going age in public schools would receive free sanitary pads. The people of Ghana gave him the mandate, and tomorrow marks the fulfilment of that promise,” Dr. Apak stated. Dr. Apak humbly appealed to the Ga Mantse to accept the invitation and lend his distinguished presence to the event, describing it as a “very simple but important national assignment.” Speaking on behalf of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nii Ahene Nunoo III, Paramount Chief of the Abola Traditional Area expressed appreciation for the visit from the Ministry of Education to the King. He acknowledged the government's efforts to support education, especially initiatives aimed at empowering young girls. Nii Ahene Nunoo III assured the Deputy Minister that the Ga State would be present to chair the all-important event. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana will sell all gold seized through illegal mining activities and tracked via the Ghana Gold Board’s blockchain system, with proceeds earmarked for the restoration of degraded lands and polluted water bodies. This was disclosed by Senior Presidential Advisor, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, during an interview on an Accra-based television station aired on Sunday, April 20. Ms. Bawah Mogtari explained that the Ghana Gold Board is intensifying efforts to ensure that gold obtained through illegal means is prevented from entering the formal market. "If gold is acquired or mined illegally, they will have a way of preventing those from coming into the legal markets,” she stated. She emphasized that revenue generated from the sale of such confiscated gold will be channeled into environmental restoration efforts, including the cleaning of polluted rivers and the rehabilitation of forests destroyed by illegal mining. “We have a challenge on our hands: pollution of our water bodies, degradation of our forests,” she said. “I am delighted that so many young people are working on ideas, interventions that will help us regenerate our forests and clean our water bodies.” Drawing inspiration from the international effort to curb the trade in conflict diamonds, Ms. Bawah Mogtari said the Gold Board would adopt global standards to trace the origins of gold, thereby preventing illegally sourced gold from entering international markets. “The world decided to punish those who were investing in blood diamonds by refusing to buy them. Diamonds from those communities were denied access to global markets. It was a good way to sanitise that industry,” she added. She estimated Ghana’s annual gold exports at about $5 billion, with a significant portion believed to be derived from illegal mining activities that contribute little to national development. “That is the sort of thing we want to stop. It is that kind of exportation we do not want to see anymore,” she stressed. Ms. Bawah Mogtari further indicated that the Gold Board has made notable progress in its operations and continues to receive support from key stakeholders in the mining sector. “So far, they’ve taken some giant strides. I’m looking forward to how it works out. And since the biggest beneficiaries—those in the industry—welcome it, I think all of us should give it a chance,” she concluded. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has cut the sod for the construction of a two-storey office complex for the Savannah Regional Lands Commission. The project, scheduled for completion within 12 months, aims to provide a permanent, modern office space to enhance the operational efficiency of the Commission, which currently operates from a temporary facility deemed inadequate by the Deputy Minister. Addressing stakeholders at the sod-cutting ceremony, Hon. Sulemana underscored the importance of the Lands Commission in promoting peace and development through effective land administration. He noted that many land disputes in communities could be avoided with proper demarcation and registration of lands. “If the Lands Commission performs its duties effectively, many land-related conflicts among friends and neighbors will be resolved. The Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring land security, which is essential for both local development and attracting foreign investors,” he stated. He further highlighted the economic implications of poor land documentation, stressing that entrepreneurs often struggle to secure loans due to the inability to present proper land titles as collateral. The Deputy Minister also disclosed that the Lands Commission has submitted a proposal to the Ministry indicating that $165 million is required to fully digitize the country’s land administration system. He assured the public that the Ministry will collaborate with the private sector to mobilize the necessary funding. Hon. Sulemana warned the contractor, CK Engineering Ltd., against delivering substandard work. He pledged to make unannounced visits to monitor progress and stated that the Ministry would terminate the contract if the project falls short of expectations. However, he assured that exceptional work would earn the contractor future recommendations. Surv. Adu Nsafuah, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Operations at the Lands Commission, revealed that this project is part of a broader initiative outlined in the Commission’s five-year strategic plan to establish permanent offices in all 16 administrative regions. Currently, only four regions have purpose-built Lands Commission offices, while the rest operate from rented premises, posing financial and logistical challenges. “This office marks the first such facility for any of the six newly created regions,” Mr. Nsafuah noted. “We believe that providing a conducive working environment is essential, as staff spend most of their productive hours at work.” He assured the Deputy Minister and stakeholders that the project would be completed on time and to the highest standards. The ceremony was graced by the Savannah Regional Minister, the West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, traditional authorities, key stakeholders, and staff of the Lands Commission. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is yet to announce timelines for similar projects in the remaining regions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has renewed curfew hours for Nkwanta Township and its surrounding communities in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, following advice from the Oti Regional Security Council. According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the renewed curfew takes effect from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and will be enforced from 8:00pm to 5:00am daily. The government has appealed to residents to remain calm and resort to peaceful means in resolving conflicts. "Government wishes to appeal to all to exercise restraint and to use the established mechanisms for the resolution of all their conflicts and disputes,” the statement read. In line with the security measures, a ban on the possession of arms, ammunition, and any offensive weapons in the affected area remains in force. The statement warned that anyone found in breach of this directive will be arrested and prosecuted. In a similar development, curfew hours in Bomaa Township and its environs in the Ahafo Region have also been renewed. The curfew there will run from 11:00pm to 4:00am, also starting from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, under an Executive Instrument. The Interior Ministry continues to collaborate with regional security councils to maintain peace and order in these communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minority in Parliament has issued a scathing condemnation of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, describing the move as a “brazen judicial coup” and a dangerous affront to Ghana’s constitutional democracy. In a press statement released on Monday, April 21, the Minority accused the President of weaponizing Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution to execute what they termed a politically charged suspension. They claim the action disregards ongoing legal challenges currently before the Supreme Court, thereby undermining the judiciary’s independence. “This is nothing short of a judicial coup. President Mahama’s action reeks of intolerable political vendetta, judicial intimidation, and a calculated attempt to pack the courts with NDC-sympathetic justices,” the statement said, recalling the President’s controversial 2023 remarks in Akosombo on “balancing” the judiciary. The Minority likened the suspension to authoritarian tendencies witnessed during the Nkrumah regime, warning that such executive overreach sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance. They have called for the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice, pending the determination of the constitutionality of the suspension by the Supreme Court. “The people of Ghana will not tolerate the subversion of judicial independence for partisan gain,” the statement stressed, adding that civil society groups, the legal community, and pro-democracy advocates must rise in defense of the judiciary. The Minority concluded with a firm warning to the Mahama administration against further attempts to erode judicial autonomy, pledging to resist any executive interference with fierce determination. “We urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to rally behind the Constitution and protect the sanctity of our democratic institutions,” they said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minerals Commission has categorically denied claims by Akonta Mining Limited that it holds legal rights to operate within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, stating that the company lacks the required mineral rights and statutory permits to undertake any mining activity in the protected area. This official clarification follows recent revelations of Akonta’s mining operations within the forest reserve, which came to light after a press conference by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on April 21, 2025. At the event, the Minister declared that the company was engaged in illegal mining, triggering widespread public concern and calls for accountability. In a detailed statement issued on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Commission explained that while Akonta Mining was issued a reconnaissance licence in June 2011 covering 135.87 square kilometres in Samreboi—outside the forest reserve—the licence expired in June 2012. A subsequent prospecting licence over the same area was granted in December 2012 but also expired in December 2014. The Commission further revealed that in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which restricts the maximum size of a mining lease to 63 square kilometres, Akonta Mining submitted three separate mining lease applications. These were approved on July 23, 2021, but notably, all the leases pertain to areas outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. "None of these leases has been ratified by Parliament, and more importantly, the company has not obtained the necessary environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the operating permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines, or a forest entry permit," the statement emphasized. The Commission disclosed that Akonta had previously applied for a prospecting licence within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve but later withdrew the application. However, on August 25, 2022, the company submitted a new application for a mining lease within the reserve. That application remains unsigned by the Minister and unapproved. Despite lacking all required approvals, a joint security operation uncovered evidence of ongoing mining activities by Akonta within the forest. GPS coordinates from the site confirmed operations in areas under pending application but without legal authorization. “For the avoidance of doubt, Akonta has no mineral rights or permits that allow them to conduct any mining activity within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve,” the Commission stressed. The incident has sparked renewed public discourse around the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in Ghana’s mining sector and the persistent exploitation of ecologically sensitive zones by some operators without due legal processes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a decisive move to strengthen the ongoing war against illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey , the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has sanctioned a major reshuffle affecting 37 Police Commanders in key mining-prone areas. The strategic reshuffle, which marks the first phase of a broader operation, is aimed at injecting renewed energy and accountability into the Police Service’s efforts to combat the menace of illegal mining. The changes affect Divisional and District Commanders across the Eastern South, Western, and Western North Police Regions — areas noted for high galamsey activity. Police sources say this is just the beginning, as more phases of the reshuffle are expected in the coming weeks to ensure a sustained and focused offensive. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has recorded a significant breakthrough in its anti-galamsey operations. A special four-day intelligence-led operation, which began on April 17, 2025, in the Samreboi enclave of the Western Region, has resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities. The operation covered the Tano River area as well as the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests. The suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals, among them four women. Items retrieved during the operation include: Seventeen (17) excavators One (1) bulldozer Four (4) motorbikes Two (2) Toyota Hilux vehicles One (1) Toyota RAV4 Four (4) pump action guns One (1) single-barrel gun Fifty-four (54) live BB cartridges Eight (8) pumping machines All suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face prosecution. The IGP has reaffirmed his commitment to waging a relentless war on illegal mining, emphasizing that the reshuffle is part of broader institutional reforms to ensure the Police Service plays a more effective role in protecting the country’s natural resources. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that President John Dramani Mahama has, in strict accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, suspended the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. The move comes pending the outcome of an investigative committee established to probe multiple petitions filed against her. Announcing the decision on Monday, the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that the President acted after determining, in consultation with the Council of State, that a prima facie case had been established against the Chief Justice. "In full adherence to constitutional provisions, His Excellency the President has set up a five-member committee to investigate the matters contained in the petitions against the Chief Justice. The committee will work independently and transparently," Hon. Kwakye Ofosu said. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and includes: Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana Per Article 146(10) of the Constitution, and based on the advice of the Council of State, President Mahama has signed a warrant suspending the Chief Justice with immediate effect until the conclusion of the committee's work. Hon. Kwakye Ofosu assured Ghanaians that the process will be handled with utmost respect for due process, transparency, and the rule of law. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith