Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Residents of Ho have strongly rejected proposed utility tariff hikes, voicing frustration over what they describe as persistent poor services from electricity and water providers.

This came to light during the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) Public Hearing on the 2025-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review, held at the GNAT Hall in Ho.

The hearing formed part of PURC’s nationwide engagements to gather public views before finalising new tariffs for electricity and water supply across the country.

At the session, citizens lamented that service providers such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) have consistently failed to deliver reliable services, yet continue to push for steep tariff increments. Some participants complained that entire households and communities either do not receive regular water and electricity supply or suffer frequent power cuts and poor water flow.

‘It is unfair to burden consumers with higher tariffs when service delivery remains unreliable,’ Frank Lawoe, a fashion designer noted, reflecting the general sentiment of the gathering.

According to proposals presented at the forum, ECG is demanding a 225% increase, GWL is seeking a 280% adjustment, while the Volta River Authority (VRA) is pushing for a 59% increment. The announcements were met with visible disapproval from the public, who insisted that utility providers should first improve efficiency, ensure stable supply, and resolve longstanding customer concerns before requesting higher payments from already burdened consumers.

Chairperson of the PURC Stakeholder Committee, Nana Yaa Jantuah, clarified that the figures presented are only proposals and not yet approved tariffs. She explained that the Commission will consider technical factors such as crude oil prices, exchange rates, and inflation, alongside public feedback, before making a final decision.

She further assured that PURC will no longer approve tariffs without attaching strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), stressing that ECG and the Ghana Water Limited will be held accountable for service delivery.

A major issue raised during the Ho Public Hearing was the destruction of electricity poles by bushfires, which ECG says costs the company over GHS560,000 annually and disrupts power supply.

Madam Jantuah urged communities to stop bush burning practices, noting that the environmental and utility costs far outweigh any short-term economic benefits.

She added that PURC would intensify public education on energy conservation and environmental protection, while ensuring both utility providers and consumers who flout regulations face sanctions.

The hearings, which have already been held in Kumasi and Koforidua, will continue in other regions as part of efforts to strike a balance between economic realities, consumer protection, and the financial sustainability of utility providers.

As a continuous support by the Foundation, it aims at nurturing young talents and promoting sportsmanship among the youth in Ghana. This significant initiative reflects the KGL Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sports, education, and community engagement.

Launched in 2021 and now in its fifth edition, the KGL U-17 inter-regional championship has firmly established itself as Ghana’s premier platform for identifying and nurturing emerging football talents.

The nine-day tournament showcased some of Ghana’s best young football talents, with the finale held on September 27, 2025 at the McDan Teshie Sports Complex, marking the culmination of an inspiring tournament, reinforcing the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing future sports stars.

Greater Accra’s prodigy Jeremiah Abalo emerged the Overall Best Player, and although the midfielder’s team missed out on the trophy, his exceptional performances throughout the championship was duly recognised, earning him the top award. Throughout the tournament, Jeremiah Abalo starred with his displays, exciting supporters with his skill and vision at both the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence and the McDan Teshie Sports Complex.

His outstanding performances inspired Greater Accra Region to a commendable fourth-place finish, as the side finished behind bronze medalists Central Region, dethroned champions Western Region, and the Ashanti Region team that eventually finished as champions.

The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship came to an end last Saturday, with Ashanti Region crowned champions for the second time following a 2-1 victory over defending champions Western Region in a thrilling finale.

Among the individual award winners, Western Region’s Frank Abu claimed the Best Goalkeeper Award after a series of commanding displays that not only helped his team reach the final to secure the silver medal, but also caught the eye of many who followed the tournament.

Ashanti Region’s attackers Agyei Duah and Alidu Issah shared the Top Scorer honours, after each scored seven goals to lead their team to clinch the trophy. Their teammate, Kelvin Baffoe, was also named Most Promising Player, underlining Ashanti’s dominance in both team and individual awards.

The 2025 edition saw an expansion, featuring 12 teams that included all ten Regional Football Associations, along with the two GFA Elite Academies. This ensured a full nationwide representation and intense competition that provided a platform for top talents.

The tournament, which is backed by a five-year, $1 million partnership with the KGL Foundation, continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Ghana Football Association’s grassroots development strategy.

Highlighting his commitment to youth development, the CEO of the KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey underscored the Foundation’s commitment to the U-17 football tournament. ‘At KGL Foundation, we are deeply committed to empowering our youth through sports. This tournament was not only about competition but also about fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership among young athletes,’ Mr. Dadey reiterated.

The CEO of KGL Foundation, aptly puts it: ‘Our approach is simple, yet deeply intentional: we go into communities, we listen, we learn, and we co-create. We engage not as distant donors, but as equal partners-collaborating with those who live the realities we seek to improve. Together, we design solutions that are rooted in local context, cultural relevance, and shared ownership.’

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has stated emphatically that all electrical cables, manufactured or imported into Ghana must meet acceptable safety and quality standards.

The GSA is therefore taking steps to ensure that consumers of electrical cables in the country will find it easier to verify product quality before making a purchase.

The consumers will be equipped with mobile-friendly verification tools to allow them check the authenticity of the products in real time.

The Director General of GSA, Prof. George Agyei, disclosed this in an interview with journalists after the launch of the Digital Programme for Quality Assessment or Conformity Pilot Project in Takoradi.

He said a mobile application has been designed to help consumers assess the quality of cables produced by local manufacturers.

‘We are trying to introduce a Quick Response (QR) codes on electrical products. So that a consumer can use a phone to scan and get some basic information about the products.

‘We are trying to pilot the initiative with six electrical manufacturing companies in Ghana and later incorporate foreign ones,’ he added.

Prof. Agyei explained that the initiative aims to protect consumers from substandard electrical cables circulating on the market.

He revealed that the Authority is getting feedback which would assist his outfit to correct some challenges with the technology before the initiative is fully implemented in 2026.

‘We are still at the design stage and engaging the suppliers to see how best we can all help to resolve the challenges,’ he stated.

In a related development, the GSA has begun a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove sub-standard mattresses from the market.

Prof. Agyei said the move is to protect consumers from health risks and ensure fair competition among mattress producers.

He stated that under the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1078), it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or sell any product that does not meet the required Ghana Standard.

He has therefore appealed to consumers to always look for the GSA certification mark on mattresses before buying them.

He also urged the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure that their mattresses are certified before they are put on the market.

The recent dispute between MultiChoice Ghana and the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation over DStv subscription fees was an opportunity to address legitimate public concerns about pricing fairness in our digital services sector. Instead, it has been reduced to a stage for populist posturing and political spinning that risks damaging public trust in the government.

The argument began reasonably enough but soon degenerated to a worrying pitch, with the minister displaying his trademark pomposity.

That Ghanaian subscribers pay nearly three times more for DStv’s premium bouquet than viewers in Nigeria is not in dispute. With the cedi under strain and consumers struggling, the call for a 30% reduction, led by Sam Nartey George, was timely and necessary.

MultiChoice resisted, warning of job losses and diminished service options. This set the stage for tough negotiations requiring skill, sobriety and clarity.

Unfortunately, the Minister of Communication chose grandstanding over good governance. He declared that no meeting with MultiChoice would end without a price reduction, only to later announce what he described as a ‘generational success story.’

Yet the supposed breakthrough turned out to be nothing more than an ongoing promotional offer – one already available in other markets since January. MultiChoice itself publicly contradicted the minister, exposing the hollowness of his claim.

Such misrepresentation does not only embarrass the government; it undermines the very cause of consumer protection. Ghanaians deserve honesty, not a repackaging of corporate promotions as hard-won victories. Worse still, the minister’s decision to personally chair negotiations sidelined regulators such as the National Communications Authority, whose independence is essential for a healthy digital sector.

The issue here is bigger than DStv fees. It is about the credibility of government communication, the integrity of regulatory processes, and the seriousness with which leaders handle matters that affect millions of households. Instead of substance, the public was served political theatre – complete with accusations, personal attacks, and an abdication of responsibility.

The minister now owes Ghanaians more than explanations. He must account for the fines levied against MultiChoice and apologise for misleading the public. Ultimately, the President must consider whether a ministry so central to Ghana’s digital transformation can continue to be led in this manner.

This episode is a reminder that populism is no substitute for policy. Consumers deserve solutions, not slogans.

There is no doubt that the minister needs lessons in courtesy. His radio interview during which he pompously recommended to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to rethink lessons in comprehension was vitriolic, unbecoming of a person holding a government appointment this important.

If we Ghanaians require more lessons in comprehension, according to him, we on the other hand demand that he is exorcised of his unacceptable badmouth and crude public conduct.

Multi-award-winning gospel singer, Diana Antwi Hamilton, headlined the ‘Comfort Plus Experience with Diana Hamilton’ at Redeemer’s Chapel in Maryland, USA, drawing a global audience to witness her ministration.

Themed ‘Move,’ the event, which took place on Saturday, September 27, gathered thousands of believers, gospel enthusiasts, and fans from across the United States, all eager to experience a night of praise, worship, and divine encounter.

From the moment Diana stepped on stage, she ignited the auditorium with back-to-back performances of her timeless hits, including ‘Adom’, ‘The Doing of the Lord’, ‘Nyame Ne Yen Adi No Yie’, ‘Nyame Ye’, ‘Yehowa Behwe’, ‘Osoro Bekasa’, and ‘Me Nyankopon Papabi’. Her spirited delivery charged the atmosphere, lifting hearts and drawing worshippers into an intense presence of God.

The evening reached a beautiful climax when Diana was unexpectedly joined on stage by legendary gospel duo The Tagoe Sisters and renowned gospel minister Ceccy Twum, where together they delivered a moving performance that left the audience in awe.

Supporting as always was her husband, Dr. Joseph Hamilton, who ensured the programme ran seamlessly. The night also featured performances from other gifted gospel ministers including MzNaana, Millicent Yankey, Herty Gorge, and Kenneth Appiah.

The Comfort Plus Experience comes on the heels of Diana’s widely celebrated Awake Experience 2025, which earlier this year took place in Accra, Kumasi, and Sunyani, drawing thousands across Ghana.

With Maryland’s unforgettable night of worship now added to her ministry’s milestones, Diana Hamilton continues to affirm her global impact as a vessel of gospel music, carrying messages of hope, faith, and God’s unfailing love wherever she ministers.

President John Dramani Mahama has vowed a tough stance against perpetrators of online romance scams, warning that all offenders, whether Ghanaian or foreign nationals, will be extradited and prosecuted without hesitation.

Speaking at the launch of Cyber Security Awareness Month in Accra on Wednesday, the President said Ghana is stepping up collaboration with international partners to tackle online fraud, stressing that decisive action will be taken once evidence is secured.

‘We’ve been collaborating with our international partners. When evidence is gathered and it is proven that people are involved in romance scams, using our extradition treaties we ship the culprits back,’ he stated.

President Mahama explained that Ghana would rely on existing extradition treaties to ensure that suspects are sent to jurisdictions where they can face trial.

‘So we will continue to collaborate with all our global partners. Anybody involved in romance scams, whether you are a foreigner or a Ghanaian citizen, we will hand you over to be tried and punished accordingly,’ he added.

He stressed that these measures were not only necessary to protect victims but also crucial for safeguarding the country’s international reputation as a responsible digital hub.

This year’s Cyber Security Awareness Month is being held under a theme that underscores the need for collective action to protect the nation’s digital ecosystem.

In line with that, President Mahama announced four flagship initiatives designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and enhance cybersecurity.

He mentioned the One Million Coders Programme, which he said will equip one million young Ghanaians with digital skills in coding, software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

The Digital Jobs Initiative, a public-private partnership, aims to create sustainable employment opportunities through technology.

In addition, he disclosed that the government would roll out a $50 million FinTech Group Fund to support indigenous startups and build a vibrant digital finance ecosystem.

The President said the 24-Hour Economy Initiative is also being introduced to promote digital resilience and ensure systems remain secure for continuous operations.

President Mahama further highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, noting Ghana’s alignment with global frameworks such as the Malabo Convention and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

He announced that the country would soon ratify and sign the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, which will provide stronger tools for investigating cyberattacks, prosecuting offenders, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Calling on all Ghanaians to treat cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, the President urged citizens to stay vigilant and actively contribute to building a secure digital society.

He outlined his vision for a ‘digital Ghana’ that is safe, inclusive, and accountable, built on principles of progress with protection, innovation with integrity, and inclusion with justice.

‘Digitalisation without security is unsustainable, innovation without responsibility is dangerous, and opportunity without inclusion is unjust,’ President Mahama said, stressing the need to balance technological advancement with safeguards that protect people and institutions alike.

Ghanaian social media influencer, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, believes collaboration between three of Ghana’s superstars; Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale could put Ghana on the global map.

Okatakyie Afrifa, known on social media as ‘For the Records’, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the potential impact of a joint effort from these prominent Ghanaian artistes on the international music scene.

On X, ‘For the Records’ wrote, ‘I can’t wait to see @sarkodie @shattawalegh and @stonebwoy collaborate in unity to put Ghana on the global map. They should lead and unite our entertainment industry. #focus.’

A collaboration between Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, and Stonebwoy is generating buzz online, as many are of the view that this collaboration, when fruitful, would be a historic moment in Ghanaian music, bringing together three of the country’s most influential artistes.

Sarkodie has already expressed his desire to work with Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy on a full album, stating it’s about creating a movement and pushing Ghana’s sound to a global audience.

Fans are eager to see these artistes unite, as each has carved out a significant space in their respective genres – hip hop, dancehall, and reggae. Their combined talent and fan base could create something truly remarkable. Additionally, a Ghanaian millionaire, HRH Oscar Yao Doe, has even offered to sponsor this collaboration, which would be a first in Ghanaian music history.

This potential collaboration also highlights the artistes’ individual successes and versatility. For instance, Sarkodie has previously worked with Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale has hinted at featuring them on his album ‘Gift of God’.

A tragic galamsey accident in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region has left at least seven people dead and several others injured after an illegal mining pit caved in at Kasotie on Wednesday evening.

The incident, which occurred around 6:00 p.m., involved about fifteen miners who had descended into the pit in search of gold. Eyewitnesses said the ground suddenly gave way, burying many of them alive.

Rescue efforts by surviving miners, supported by personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and security services, managed to pull out some of the trapped individuals.

Eight miners were rushed to the Mpasaaso Government Hospital with varying degrees of injury, while bodies of the deceased were later retrieved from the rubble.

Initial reports suggested five deaths on Wednesday night, but by yesterday morning, the death toll had risen to seven after two more bodies were recovered. Fears remain that the number of fatalities could climb further, as some community members believe other miners may still be trapped.

‘The search went on through the night. We managed to rescue some alive, but sadly, we also found more bodies. We suspect others are still underground,’ an eyewitness told reporters.

The disaster has plunged the Kasotie farming community into mourning, with anxious families waiting for confirmation of missing loved ones. The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially released.

Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has been briefed on the tragedy and is expected to deliberate on measures to address the growing menace of illegal mining in the area. Investigations are ongoing into the exact cause of the collapse.

FIFA has informed the Ghana Football Association of a venue change for the Black Stars’ penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic.

The match, which remains scheduled for Wednesday, 8 October 2025, will now be played at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes in Morocco. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT.

The date, time, and officiating arrangements remain unchanged. Mauritian referee Patrice Milazare will take charge of the game, supported by assistants Louis Ralph Fabien Cauvelet of Mauritius and Shaji Padayachy of Seychelles.

Seychelles’ Noris Aaron Godfrey Arissol will serve as the fourth official, while Senegal’s Fatou Gaye acts as referee assessor.

Morocco’s Jamal Kaouachi has been appointed as match commissioner, with Odochi Joan Efughu of Nigeria handling security duties.

The Black Stars will be looking to strengthen their qualification hopes with a decisive performance in Meknes.

The Chief and people of Nkaseim in the Asutifi South District, have commended President John Mahama, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and Newmont Gold Limited for their joint efforts in granting the community its long-awaited cooperative mining request, which is expected to create over 5,000 jobs.

According to residents and traditional leaders, the project, when officially launched, will not only provide sustainable employment for the teeming youth and boost the local economy, but will also help mitigate illegal mining activities and foster peaceful coexistence between the community and Newmont.

At a community engagement in honour of visiting officials from the newly established Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) and the Minerals Commission, traditional leaders expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

Led by the Nkasiemhene, Nana Danso Agyei Ababio II, the chiefs praised the administration’s timely intervention and ongoing negotiations with Newmont to cede part of its concession for the community-led initiative.

‘I thank His Excellency [President Mahama] that when we petitioned, they did not turn a blind eye. We look up to the government to ensure our youth can mine in peace and earn a decent living without fear,’ Nana Ababio II stated.

20-Years of Struggle

On his part, the Sompahene of Nkaseim, Nana Yaw Sarpong, expressed profound joy, recalling the community’s nearly 20-year struggle to obtain legal authorisation to mine on their ancestral lands.

‘This did not start today. It began back in 2007. We tried everything to get the licence so we could survive, but we never succeeded. People are working in the area, but when they hear officials are coming, they run into the bush. Why? Because technically, we are trespassing on someone else’s land,’ he lamented.

He added, ‘We’ve gone through multiple administrations without success. But when President Mahama came to power, within three months, he and Minister Kofi Armah-Buah came together to support us. Today, a delegation from Accra has come to verify our claims and engage us on the way forward. We are hopeful that when they report back, a lasting solution will be found.’

The government delegation was led by George Dadzie Jnr, Deputy National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP in charge of Operations.

The team engaged the Nkaseim Traditional Council and the broader community to discuss progress as final talks with Newmont continue.

The community has long appealed for the designation of a concession at Nkaseim-Mempehia, currently within Newmont’s operational area, for a formal community mining scheme.

For decades, residents have been working the land without legal authorisation.

Efforts by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to finalise the arrangement fell through, leaving the project in limbo.

However, the current administration has revived the conversation through rCOMSDEP, leading to positive developments.

The delegation toured the proposed mining site to gather firsthand insights and assess progress on the ground.

The traditional leaders expressed deep gratitude to President Mahama, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the entire government for their proactive steps to make the community mining initiative a reality.

Other dignitaries present at the engagement included Nana Boafo Armah, District Officer of the Minerals Commission at Kenyasi, Yaw Okyere, Council of State representative for the Ahafo Region, the Association of Nkaseim Youth, and several opinion leaders from the traditional area.