New-Look Burma Camp Project Costs GHS190m

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is set to begin a massive GHS190 million redevelopment of Burma Camp, aimed at replacing aging barracks with modern, multi-level family housing and multi-purpose office complexes.

The project is expected to be completed within nine months. The initiative covers three key projects: the El-Wak Redevelopment Project, the Post Office Redevelopment Project, and the Burma Camp Redevelopment Project. Together, they are designed to address the military’s housing deficit and significantly improve living conditions for personnel.

Currently, the El-Wak site has 18 blocks of accommodation housing 180 families. The buildings, constructed as far back as Kwame Nkrumah’s era, are now in a dilapidated state. Under the new plan, two types of accommodation will be introduced: Two-Bedroom Half-Compound Units: each unit has two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, sanitary facilities, and an entrance foyer. One block will contain eight (8) apartments; One-Bedroom Studio Apartments: each studio has a single room with a kitchenette, living area, and washroom. One block will contain 32 apartments. At completion, the project will deliver 192 housing units, replacing the existing 180. The contractor is Belamos Construction Company Limited.

The Post Office Redevelopment Project will be executed by HMS Construction Limited. It involves a two-storey multi-purpose facility located opposite Ecobank at Burma Camp. Ground Floor: will house two banks, each with its own banking hall, customer service area, vaults, bank manager’s office, and other ancillary facilities.

The first floor will accommodate relocated post office staff. It will also include a forex bureau, travel and tour facilities, and office space for rent. Officials say the new building will replace the current outdated structure and improve the outlook around the Command Gate area.

The Burma Camp site currently has 18 blocks housing 36 families. The redevelopment will introduce: Deluxe Studio Apartments – with a living area, bedroom, kitchen, storeroom, and sanitary area. Two-Bedroom, Three-Storey Accommodation – each unit with two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, sanitary areas, and entrance foyer.

One block will house 12 apartments. When completed, the project will provide 248 family units, replacing the existing 36.

This represents a 600% increase in housing capacity. Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony last Thursday, Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, described the programme as a major investment in the welfare of military personnel. ‘Soldiers who dedicate their lives to protecting the country deserve decent accommodation,’ he said. He added that the redevelopment of Burma Camp and other barracks would preserve an important part of the country’s military history while modernising facilities to meet present and future operational needs.

Drivers Urged To Pave Way For Ambulances Amid 4.6% Demand Rise

THE CHIEF Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Dr. George Kojo Owusu, has called on motorists, especially public transport drivers, to make way for ambulance vehicles to ensure timely response to emergencies.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual and 2026 Mid-Year Review Meeting of the National Ambulance Service, Dr. Owusu said navigating through traffic in congested cities like Kumasi and Accra remains a major challenge for emergency teams.

‘For many years, ambulances were largely perceived as vehicles for transporting patients from one location to another. Today, however, emergency medical care has evolved significantly,’ he said. ‘Even when our lights are on with sirens blaring, it is still very difficult for drivers to give way. But any time you hear the sound of an ambulance siren and see the flashing lights, please request right of way. That patient could be your father, your mother, or your relative. It may be you tomorrow,’ Dr. Owusu stressed.

The NAS CEO disclosed that demand for ambulance services has witnessed a 4.6% growth, putting more pressure on the Service to improve response time. ‘This means we have to be up to the task. People are now aware that they need ambulances, so we must ensure more of our fleet is available, our staffs are up to date with their medical skills, and we improve on response time,’ he stated.

He added that President John Mahama has directed that ‘no person in Ghana will die because an ambulance failed to come,’ and the Service is working to meet that directive.

Dr. Owusu also announced a new initiative by the Ministry of Health, to roll out a National Integrated Bed Management System. The system will provide real-time visibility of available beds at receiving and referring facilities, allowing ambulance crews to know where to send patients before they set off.

‘This will prevent what we call ‘no bed’ situations. Before we even leave, we will know precisely where we are going. I believe when we roll this out, our system will be second to South Africa in Africa. It is a very good initiative that we must all support,’ he said.

Dr. Owusu said the National Ambulance Service is leading a transformation in emergency care in Ghana. ‘Our vision rests on three critical pillars: strengthening prehospital emergency care, stabilisation, and timely patient transfer. We remain committed to investing in continuous professional training, equipping our ambulances with modern life-saving equipment, strengthening dispatch and referral systems, and working closely with hospitals and partners to ensure every Ghanaian receives quality emergency care regardless of location,’ he added.

He urged the public to treat ambulances as priority vehicles on the road, noting that seconds saved can mean the difference between life and death.

Ajagurajah Regrets Speaking About Criss Waddle

Leader of Universal Spiritual Outreach, Bishop Kwabena Asiamah, popularly known as ‘Ajagurajah’, says he will no longer publicly mention celebrities’ names if he receives spiritual revelations about them.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM, Ajagurajah explained that his decision follows the backlash he faced after sharing what he described as a revelation about Ghanaian rapper Criss Waddle.

According to him, the criticism and ridicule he received after making the comments left him deeply hurt.

‘If I receive another revelation about a public figure, I won’t mention the person’s name publicly again,’ he said.

Ajagurajah described speaking about Criss Waddle as one of the biggest regrets of his life, saying he believed the revelation was genuine but did not expect the public reaction.

The comments relate to a public exchange between the two in June 2026 after Ajagurajah claimed he had foreseen danger approaching the musician and called on him to seek spiritual intervention.

’Maccasio Mourns Ya-Naa’

Northern-based, multiple award winning artiste Sherif Abdul Majeed, known by his stage name Maccasio, has suspended all promotional activities for his upcoming Maccasio x Mr. P Concert 2026 until further notice to mourn the death of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abukari II.

Ya-Naa Abukari II is reported to have died in South Africa, where he had travelled for medical treatment after a short illness.

Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, head of the Dagbon kingmakers, announced the overlord’s death amid traditional drumming at Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, Northern Region.

In a statement signed by the Organizing Committee, the team said: ‘The Organizing Committee of the Maccasio x Mr. P Concert 2026 wishes to inform the general public, our cherished fans, partners, sponsors, media, and all stakeholders that all promotional activities for the upcoming concert have been suspended till further notice. We join the entire nation, the Royal Family, Chiefs, Elders, and people of Dagbon in mourning this great loss,’ he said

Maccasio described the late Ya Naa as a father, a unifying leader, and a custodian of the rich heritage of Dagbon.

‘His legacy will remain forever in our hearts. Out of respect for His Majesty, his family, and the Dagbon Kingdom during this period of grief, we believe it is only fitting to put all promotional activities on hold.’ he noted

Sherif Abdul Majeed is billed to host Peter Obumneme Okoye, also known as Mr P of P-Square fame,on Saturday July 18,2026 at the Aliu Sports Stadium for the concert dubbed ‘Maccasio x Mr. P Concert 2026’.

The Organizing Committee of the Maccasio x Mr. P Concert 2026, has indicated that they will raise funds during the concert to support the Gbewaa palace project established by the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abukari II.

Diamond Platnumz, Wife Announce Separation

Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz and his wife, Zuchu, have announced that they are separating.

Zuchu disclosed the development in a post shared on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, revealing that the couple are currently going through a divorce.

‘My husband and I are now separated and going through a divorce. I announce this with a heavy heart. After six years of being together, I’ve finally decided to choose myself,’ she wrote.

Although she did not reveal the reason for the split, Zuchu said they had made efforts to save the marriage, adding, ‘We tried, but Allah has His own plans.’ She also said she now wants to focus on her health and music career.

The couple, who had been together for several years, officially got married in June 2025.

Following the announcement, Diamond Platnumz’s former partner, Zari Hasan, reportedly reacted by praising Zuchu for her strength during the relationship.

Banks’ Fraud Cases Drop By 34% – BoG Report

Fraud cases reported by banks in the country decreased by 34 percent in 2025 to 472, down from 716 recorded in 2024, despite a sharp rise in fraud cases across the financial sector.

The report, published by the Financial Stability Department of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) on Banks, Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) for 2025, stated that total reported fraud cases across banks, SDIs and PSPs increased from 16,733 in 2024 to 24,778 in 2025.

‘There were 472 fraud cases reported in 2025, compared to the 716 fraud cases reported in 2024. This represents a 34% decrease,’ the report stated.

The report, however, attributed the overall increase in fraud cases in the entire financial sector almost mainly to developments in the Payment Service Providers (PSP) sector, although the total value at risk rose only marginally from GHS99 million to GHS101 million.

It noted that, over the four-year period from 2022 to 2025, fraud cases increased steadily from 15,164 to 24,778, while the total value at risk rose from GHS82 million to GHS101 million.

The report pointed out that, during the same period, banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) recorded notable reductions in both the number of fraud incidents and overall exposure, whereas PSPs experienced a 98 percent increase in fraud cases and a 42 percent rise in the value at risk.

According to the report, fraud activity has progressively shifted towards the PSP sector as a result of the rapid growth in digital financial transactions and relatively lower levels of digital literacy among users, despite the sector’s significant contribution to financial inclusion.

‘ATM/POS fraud recorded a value at risk of GHS2.43 million in 2025. This represents a 41% decline from the GHS4.14 million value recorded in 2024. Burglary completed the top five fraud categories, recording a value at risk of GHS1.74 million. Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) reported 182 fraud cases in 2025, compared with 344 cases in 2024, indicating a decrease of 47%,’ the report.

‘Cash suppression accounted for the highest value at risk in 2025, totalling GHS40.7 million, representing an 18-fold increase compared with the GHS2.3 million recorded in 2024. The significant jump in the value at risk for this fraud category was driven by an outlier case involving GHS36 million,’ parts of the report stated.

The central bank said e-money fraud recorded a value at risk of GHS4.6 million in 2025, representing a 32 per cent increase from GHS3.5 million in 2024. Fraudulent withdrawals also rose significantly, with the value at risk increasing by 118 per cent from GHS1.82 million to GHS3.97 million.

In the Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) sector, reported fraud cases declined by 47 per cent to 182 in 2025, compared with 344 cases in 2024. Cash suppression, credit fraud, forgery and manipulation of documents were identified as the most prevalent fraud types.

Speaking at a media sensitisation programme on the report, the Director of the Financial Stability Department at the BoG, Dr. Kwasi Osei Yeboah, urged the media to continue supporting public education on fraud issues, describing the annual publication as an important tool for informing Ghanaians and strengthening public confidence in the financial system.

He said the report was intended not only to highlight fraud risks but also to educate the public on the need to protect themselves and their finances, adding that an informed public was less likely to fall victim to fraud and more likely to use financial services safely.

Dr. Yeboah said the Bank of Ghana was encouraged by the financial industry’s growing response to fraud risks, with institutions strengthening internal controls, investing in fraud prevention systems and improving monitoring mechanisms.

He further noted that newly introduced financial products often present risks because customers require time to understand how to use them securely. This, he said, could make users more vulnerable to fraud, especially during periods of economic hardship.

We Will Qualify For 2027 AFCON – Ati-Zigi

Black Stars goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, has expressed confidence that Ghana will secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the disappointment of missing out on the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana’s focus will now shift towards the AFCON qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in September this year, as the team looks to return to Africa’s biggest football tournament after missing the previous edition held in Morocco.

Ati-Zigi, who plays for Swiss side, St. Gallen, believes the quality and hunger within the current Black Stars squad will be enough to guide the team to qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

‘If you look at the players we have, I think we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and hungry players,’ Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM in an interview.

The experienced goalkeeper also believes Ghana can make a strong impression at the tournament if they secure their place.

‘I believe we can make a statement with what we have as a group in the AFCON next year,’ he added.

Ghana has been drawn in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers alongside regional rivals Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Somalia.

The Black Stars are determined to make a return to the continental competition after their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, ending a long-standing run of appearances at the tournament.

Ati-Zigi’s comments come amid efforts by the Ghana Football Association and the technical team to rebuild confidence in the national side following the World Cup setback and prepare a competitive squad for the upcoming AFCON campaign.

EOCO Lists 6 Charges Against Miracles Aboagye… Accuses Him Of GHS55m ‘Stolen’ Cash

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has outlined six criminal offences it says are being investigated against former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, over the alleged misappropriation, diversion and theft of approximately GHS55 million in public funds.

The anti-graft agency said Mr. Aboagye, who also served as a senior aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is being investigated alongside the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed persons over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.

According to EOCO, the offences under investigation are conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.

Although the agency listed seven alleged offences in its statement, it said the investigations centre on six broad categories of economic and organised crime arising from the management of public funds at the Secretariat.

Mr. Aboagye was arrested upon his arrival at the Accra International Airport on Saturday night after officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed a stop order placed on him by EOCO.

He was subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency on Sunday morning.

His arrest has generated intense political debate, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) accusing the government of using state security agencies to intimidate political opponents.

The arrest came only hours after Mr. Aboagye publicly declared his intention to contest the position of National Communications Director of the NPP ahead of the party’s upcoming national delegates’ conference.

Forensic Audit

EOCO explained that the investigations originated from a forensic audit into the operations of IMCCoD covering the period from August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025.

According to the agency, the current Executive Secretary of the Secretariat petitioned EOCO to undertake further investigations after reviewing the findings of the audit.

‘The investigations concern suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to approximately GHS55 million,’ the statement noted.

EOCO said the investigations had been ongoing for several months and that Mr. Aboagye was already aware of the probe, having previously engaged with investigators.

The agency further disclosed that new findings obtained last week strengthened its suspicions regarding alleged fraud and theft, prompting investigators to initiate an operational plan to effect his arrest.

Stop Order

EOCO rejected suggestions that Mr. Aboagye’s arrest was arbitrary, explaining that a stop order had been placed on him about a week before his arrival in Ghana.

According to the agency, the order was intended to prevent any unexpected travel that could interfere with investigations.

However, EOCO said investigators were unaware that Mr. Aboagye had already travelled outside the country before the stop order was issued.

It explained that immediately he arrived at the Accra International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service enforced the stop order and transferred him into EOCO custody the following morning.

The agency added that Mr. Aboagye later accompanied investigators to conduct searches linked to the ongoing investigations.

EOCO stressed that the former government official would be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana.

It also disclosed that former IMCCoD Accountant, Gerald Appiah, was expected to satisfy his bail conditions before being released while investigations continue.

The agency further revealed that Mr. Appiah had voluntarily begun refunding portions of funds connected to the alleged offences.

However, EOCO stressed that the refunds neither conclude the investigations nor absolve any suspect of criminal responsibility.

‘The recoveries do not by themselves conclude the investigative process neither do they absolve any suspect of any crime,’ the statement emphasised.

EOCO reaffirmed its commitment to conducting investigations professionally, impartially and strictly within the law while respecting the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation.

Political Backlash

The arrest has attracted sharp criticism from the NPP, whose supporters gathered at EOCO headquarters demanding Mr. Aboagye’s immediate release.

The party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, alleged that Mr. Aboagye had initially been denied access to both his legal team and members of his family following his detention.

The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, described the arrest as a setback for Ghana’s democracy, accusing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of weaponising state institutions against political opponents.

Addressing journalists outside EOCO headquarters yesterday, Mr. Kodua said the investigation was part of a broader political strategy aimed at diverting public attention from what he alleged were attempts by President John Dramani Mahama to pursue a third presidential term.

‘It is a shame for our democracy. It is a shame for the struggle our forefathers made to bring this country this far,’ he stated.

He maintained that the Constitution clearly limits presidents to two terms and insisted that the NPP would not be intimidated by ‘politically motivated’ actions.

Mr. Kodua further expressed confidence that the opposition party would return to power in the 2028 general election.

Due Process Concerns

Meanwhile, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, Special Aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, criticised the manner of Mr. Aboagye’s arrest, insisting that it was unnecessary.

According to her, the former IMCCoD Executive Secretary had honoured EOCO invitations on two previous occasions and therefore could not reasonably be regarded as a flight risk.

She questioned why investigators resorted to a ‘Rambo-style’ arrest despite his cooperation with the investigation.

Dr. Amoakoh stressed that while no one should be shielded from investigations where wrongdoing is suspected, all persons under investigation are entitled to fair treatment and due process.

She also alleged that members of Mr. Aboagye’s family, his lawyers and senior NPP officials initially experienced difficulty locating him after his arrest.

Rev. Wengam Addresses Guyana AG Biennial Council

The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has addressed the 22nd Biennial General Council Meeting of the Guyana Assemblies of God in Georgetown.

Rev. Wengam, who also serves as a Cabinet/Executive member of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, spoke on the theme ‘The Awesome Deeds of Prayer.’

He told the gathering that, ‘intense, consistent, deliberate and prolonged praying births unequaled revival. More prayer provokes the release of fresh revival.’

Citing biblical and historical examples, Rev. Wengam noted that prayer birthed the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, USA, which led to the formation of the Assemblies of God in 1914.

He also referenced Acts 1:14, where 120 disciples prayed for 10 days in the Upper Room before the Holy Spirit was poured out.

‘The Holy Spirit did not fall on the first or second day because it takes much prayer for great revival to take place, like what happened on the day of Pentecost,’ he emphasised, referring to Acts 2.

Following the sermon, Rev. Wengam led the congregation in intense prayer, resulting in what attendees described as a tangible manifestation of the Holy Spirit and a wave of revival.

Testifying after the session, the General Superintendent of the Guyana Assemblies of God, Bishop John Smith, said the church had experienced, ‘the visitation of the Holy Spirit in an unusual manner.’

Amal Fashanu Hosts ‘Matchame’ Soft Launch

Wellness entrepreneur Amal Fashanu, founder of Matchame, hosted a soft launch of her boutique matcha brand in Accra on Saturday, July 11, introducing Ghanaians to what she calls a lifestyle rooted in health, creativity, and calm.

Speaking after the launch event, Amal Fashanu said her entry into wellness was personal. The journey began with her ’30 Juice Book,’ a curated 30-day guide for 30 organs of the body.

‘When I started doing my juice book, I then started to get into the wellness side of my health because I was severely overweight. Part of the journey was to try things that would help me stabilise my weight, become part of my lifestyle, and also be fun and dynamic. That is what matcha is for me,’ she said.

She noted the health benefits that kept her committed: ‘It’s an antioxidant, anti-cancerous, and it helps your nails, your skin, your general well-being. It helps your organs. Green tea and matcha are from the same camellia plant. It’s just that matcha is shaded and processed differently. That’s why strong matcha has a taste similar to green tea.’

Amal Fashanu revealed that Matchame has been open quietly for three months. She described the space as intentional and serene.

‘It’s very boutique, elegant, and high up. It’s not for the masses. It’s for somebody to come, enjoy, relax. It’s Japan meets Africa in a relaxed manner. The music is a curated playlist. Customers who come here are seeking peace, quiet, and moments to chill,’ she added.

Saturday’s event was a teaser of what’s to come. It featured a beginners’ introductory masterclass where guests learned how to whisk matcha at home. Matchame also retails whisks, bowls, and ladles.

‘This masterclass was tailored for beginners. If you don’t know anything about matcha, if you want to get healthier, this is for you,’ she said.

Amal Fashanu announced monthly programmes including; 1-2 times every month, among other collaborative events such as ‘Paddle and Matcha,’ ‘Nails and Matcha,’ ‘Sip and Paint with Matcha,’ and ‘Skincare with Shea Butter.’