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A RECENT Corruption Watch investigation has revealed that several prominent institutions in Ghana, including the Ghana Police Service, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Parliamentary Service, Judicial Service of Ghana, Attorney General’s Department, and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), have accumulated hefty fines totaling approximately GHS5.6 million.

The fines were imposed due to these institutions’ failure to provide information requested by citizens under the Right to Information (RTI) law.

The investigation, which was conducted over a six-month period from February to July 2025, further revealed that the Ghana Police Service has paid a fine of GHS450, 357, while the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice still owes GHS30,000.

Other institutions that have violated the law include the Parliamentary Service, which paid GHS53,785; the Judicial Service of Ghana, with an outstanding fine of GHS100,000; the Attorney General’s Department, owing GHS50,000; and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, which has settled a fine of GHS200,000.

The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) paid the largest fine, totaling GHS1.365 million. Other significant payments were made by the Ministry of Education (GHS260,000), the Lands Commission (GHS150,000), and the Ghana Audit Service (GHS60,000). The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) still owes a fine of GHS100,000.

The investigation further discovered that state institutions have been using taxpayers’ funds to pay for fines imposed on them by the RTI Commission (RTIC). These details are contained in Corruption Watch Ghana’s latest investigative report titled ‘Saga over RTI: Millions paid as penalty’, released on September 29, 2025.

Investigation has uncovered that some of Ghana’s key governance institutions are failing to comply with the Right to Information (RTI) law, denying citizens access to requested information. This non-compliance has resulted in fines imposed by the RTI Commission, totaling approximately GHS5.6 million across over 70 determinations involving at least 60 institutions.

The investigation further revealed that in terms of frequency, the Ministry of Education ranks highest with four penalties received, while the Ghana Police Service has received three penalties. Ten other institutions have suffered two penalties each. They include the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Judicial Service, the Lands Commission, the PPA, the Ministry of Energy, and the Urban Roads Department.

The Committee for Professional Boxing in Ghana has rejected the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to replace the current Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Executive Board in running professional boxing in Ghana.

The committee has also criticised the decision to suspend all boxing activities following the demise of professional boxer Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation dissolved the board of the GBA, replacing it with an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which is expected to be inaugurated in the coming days.

But the Committee for Professional Boxing has criticised the decision, noting thar the NSA has overstepped its boundaries with its decision to replace the current board with an interim management committee.

The Committee in a statement noted that ‘the NSA has no such mandate since the GBA is governed by a constitution and it is only the congress of the GBA that has the power to elect board members to supervise professional boxing in the country.’

It further argues that the decision of the NSA ‘is a complete overthrow of the GBA constitution and for that matter cannot be countenanced.’

On the suspension of all boxing activities, the Committee noted that all decisions to be taken concerning professional boxing in Ghana should be within the remits of the GBA constitution and not in the manner in which the NSA seeks to micromanage the GBA.

‘We therefore, find the purported suspension of boxing activities and the replacement of the GBA board highly irrational and unlawful,’ the statement added.

THE NATIONAL Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana after the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey last week.

The decision, officials say, is aimed at prioritising the safety, health, and welfare of athletes in the sport.

Akushey’s passing came just months after the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, which had already triggered a ministerial review into safety standards in Ghanaian boxing.

According to the NSA, preparations had already been completed to roll out reforms recommended by the Ministerial Committee on Boxing.

I’m very pleased to be back in Ghana after nearly 20 years and honoured to return as the British High Commissioner. My previous posting here from 2006 to 2009 left me with fond memories. My children spent their early years in Accra; we celebrated Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary in 2007, cheered the Black Stars at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and enjoyed more Waakye than we probably should have!

Back then, I saw energy and possibility everywhere, from young tech entrepreneurs in internet cafés to communities building schools and clinics, and excitement around the discovery of oil. On returning, the first thing that struck me was Accra’s transformed skyline, a clear sign of business confidence. I’m eager to explore the many other changes across the country.

What hasn’t changed is the generosity, optimism, and democratic spirit of Ghanaians. These qualities are the bedrock of progress and the reason I believe Ghana’s future is so promising. The UK wants to be a partner in that future. Our shared history includes difficult chapters, but from that past we’ve built a relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision.

In London, I saw how the British Ghanaian diaspora acts as a vibrant bridge between our nations, driving trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. These connections are the foundation of a modern partnership, one that’s evolving to meet the challenges of a changing world.

UK’s partners with the Ministry of Education in childhood development

We’re moving from traditional aid to partnerships that foster shared prosperity. UK collaboration with Ghanaian institutions – like supporting tax reforms with the Ghana Revenue Authority, boosting industrial growth through growth partnerships, and fostering parliamentary partnerships and mutual learning – works because it’s Ghana-led, with UK expertise offered in a practical, respectful way. This modernised approach to development, from aid to investment, was showcased during the UK Minister for International Development’s visit to Ghana earlier this month.

UK’s partners with the Ministry of Education in childhood development

We’re supporting local private sector investment, linking Ghanaian and UK markets, creating jobs and bringing Ghanaian products to UK supermarket shelves. Strategic partnerships have attracted over £125 million in investment and created 5,000+ jobs across multiple sectors. UK-backed infrastructure projects-Kejetia Market, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and airports in Tamale and Kumasi-are enhancing connectivity and public services. UK partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector have helped produce sera vaccines, essential COVID-19 medicines and other advanced products here in Ghana.

Trade remains central to our partnership. Bilateral trade reached £1.6 billion in early 2025, with room to grow especially in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and clean energy. The UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement provides duty-free, quota-free access for Ghanaian exports to the UK, supporting Ghana’s industrial transformation and export development goals. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana is a gateway to West Africa and beyond for UK businesses.

We continue to work together on shared challenges like countering terrorism, organised crime, disinformation, cyber threats, and keeping the peace. Ghana’s leadership in promoting regional stability is invaluable. I look forward to collaborating bilaterally and at the UN on global issues like international human rights, media freedom, and reforming international finance.

Dr. Christian Rogg with President John Mahama

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting President John Mahama. We discussed current global challenges, how our bilateral partnership has evolved but remains strong and deep, and will draw even closer on our shared growth and security priorities. Our partnership holds promise.

Ghana’s young population, growing economy, and democratic institutions offer a strong foundation for progress. The UK brings expertise, investment, and market access to help unlock Ghana’s potential while learning from Ghanaian resilience and innovation.

Returning to Ghana is more than a professional assignment; it’s a personal journey and a homecoming. I’m committed to listening, learning, and working closely with partners across government, civil society, and the private sector, in the spirit of mutual respect and genuine dialogue.

The Adinkra symbol, Ese ne Tekrema, representing the tongue and teeth, reminds us that true partnership involves not just agreement, but respectful conversation. Guided by this principle, I begin my posting to Ghana with renewed commitment to collaboration.

I’m honoured to serve once again and deeply grateful for the warmth and hospitality of the Ghanaian people. Let’s continue to grow together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared progress.

It has emerged that most of the health workers, particularly nurses who are posted to the Elubo Government Hospital in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, refuse to accept the postings.

Zachariah Musah, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, who disclosed this, expressed worry about the situation.

He said the challenge, coupled with inadequate accommodation for health personnel, is hindering the hospital’s ability to provide essential care to the people of Elubo and its environs.

The 65-bed facility with state-of-the-art equipment which was opened in 2023, is currently grappling with severe shortage of staff.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that even though the health facility has the capacity to absorb 120 health workers, only 45 are currently available.

Interacting with the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, the Medical Superintendent stated, ‘We have two key obstacles – the reluctance of some nurses to accept postings to the facility and lack of accommodation for staff.’

He said, ‘We recently opened the theatre, and most of the functional units have machines that are state-of-the-art, but they remain closed because we do not have trained personnel to use them.’

For his part, the Regional Minister, Mr. Nelson, could not fathom why nurses posted to the facility decline the postings.

‘It beats my mind why when some nurses and health workers are transferred or posted to a facility, they can simply refuse and still remain on the payroll,’ he stated.

He pointed out that while some health facilities are overstaffed, others are facing shortages.

He pledged his commitment to finding solutions to the hospital’s two key challenges, but called on those responsible for managing the situation to take action.

‘As the government seeks long-term solutions to the staffing crisis, it is essential to transform this multi-million-cedi investment into a fully operational healthcare hub,’ he added.

He appealed to the health workers to focus more on patients’ care, and proposed for the establishment of an office dedicated to safeguarding patient interests.

The nominations for the 9th Ghana Beauty Awards are officially out, and the excitement is building as the industry prepares for the big night on October 24, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

Voting is already open and will close on October 20, giving the public the power to help decide who takes home the honours.

This year’s ‘Thrive Edition’ highlights the creativity and excellence of Ghana’s beauty industry. In the Makeup Artist of the Year category, Faruza Yakubu of FYGlam, Kevin Tetteh of Beauty Maven, Leonard Ahia of Datherapizt, and Saida Mumuni Montia of Image Bloom By Saida will battle it out for the top spot.

The Best Special Effects Make-Up Artist award sees Nathanial Amewugah, Felix Carl, and Ralph Quam vying for recognition. At the same time, the Discovery of the Year category features fresh talent including Covered Cosmetics, Daniella Hammond Makeup, Emmanuella Adu Owusua Styleish, and Esme Hair Care. Mikesh Hair Products and Radelshair are both in contention for Hair Brand of the Year.

The Ghana Beauty Awards, organised annually by Makeup Ghana, was established to celebrate excellence and innovation in the beauty industry while giving recognition to professionals and brands that continue to inspire and raise standards across the sector.

This year’s theme, ‘Thrive,’ reflects the resilience and growth of the industry, shining a light on those who have continued to flourish and make an impact despite challenges.

For one to cast a vote, dial 71381# or visit the link in the bio of @ghanabeautyawards_official page.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has given the Acting Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, 90 days within which to refund GHS113,00 to the state.

This follows the inability of the hospital to recover the said amount from its officers whose negligence led to the state paying the money in question as judgment debts.

The payments were made in the name of the state in one instance following the death of a patient who had suffered from an overdose of medication.

The other payment was as a result of a mix-up in identification of a corpse, which resulted in the exhumation and reburial, costing the tax payer to bear the cost.

The committee had earlier directed the hospital to ensure that the officers whose actions led to the various payments refunded the amount or in default the Acting Chief Executive would be made to pay it himself.

Appearing before the committee yesterday, Dr. Adam indicated that the officers had not refunded the money when he was queried about the issue.

‘We recommended that the Acting Chief Executive Officer should recover the total amount of GHS113,000 from the officers whose negligence occasioned the payment of judgment debt and the same paid into the Auditor General’s Recoveries Account at Bank of Ghana, failing which the Acting Chief Executive Officer should pay. Have you done that?’ Samuel Atta-Mills, a Ranking Member questioned.

‘We haven’t done that,’ Dr. Adam responded and tried to explain, but he was cut short by Mr. Atta-Mills who concluded that ‘Our Chief Executive Officer, we give you 90 days to pay this GHS113,000.’

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Committee (PAC), Abena Osei-Asare, has instructed the Ministry of Health to provide documentation for the payment of GHS802,725 made for the proposed construction of a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Kwanyako, in Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

This was after she described as ‘unacceptable,’ absence of documents supporting the expenditure when it was reviewed by the Auditor-General.

‘This is a capital expenditure item. Before you make any payment, the relevant documents must be attached for the payment to go through,’ she pointed out.

‘It is a must that when you make payments, you get your receipt to show proof. When auditors come – especially for a capital expenditure item – all the necessary documents should be present,’ she added.

Explaining the omission, Daniel Nsiah from the Ministry’s Financial Reporting and Monitoring Department noted that the issue was due to the government’s electronic payment system; Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS).

He told the committee that the platform does not automatically generate traditional receipts, and added that ‘When the auditors come and you show them the swift advice, they don’t accept it as a receipt.’

He, however, assured the committee that steps are being taken to secure the required documentation validating the payment.

GHANA’S MOST Beautiful (GMB), the country’s premier tourism and cultural pageant reality show, is set to host its semi-final show, ‘Justify Your Inclusion,’ this Sunday.

The seven participants will each present their case for inclusion in the finale, showcasing their talents, charisma, and dedication to promoting Ghanaian culture.

The event promises to be an exciting display of Ghana’s rich heritage and the contestants’ passion for tourism and cultural development.

Currently, the seven contestants ready for the finale include Nana (Bono Region), Afedziwaa (Central Region), Asakia (Upper East Region), Yeli (Bono Region), Sika (Ashanti Region), Etornam (Volta Region) and Adjorkor (Greater Accra).

Last Sunday event, themed, ‘One Africa’ saw two of the contestants bow out from the competition, Busi from the Savannah Region and Diyuah representing the Oti Region. Etornam, Sika and Diyuah won the Star Performer, Most Eloquent and Best Costume respectively.

Among the seven, one of the most sought-after contestants in the competition whose jaw-dropping performances have sailed her through is Afedziwaa. Labelled as the ‘Viewer’s Favourite.’

Afedziwaa, representing the Central Region, has been making waves in Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2025. She has on several occasions been saved from eviction. In one of her standout moments, Afedziwaa showcased the cultural significance of the Apatampa dance, a traditional Fante dance, and received accolades from judges and the audience alike.

Her educational performances have been a highlight of the competition, and she’s been praised for her eloquence, outfit, and embodiment of the performances.

Afedziwaa’s journey in GMB 2025 has been notable, and she’s been consistently waving her flag high for the Central Region. With her strong performances and cultural knowledge, she’s a contestant to watch out for in the competition.

Parliament will reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to begin the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.

In an official notice issued yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced that the meeting will commence at 2:00 p.m. at Parliament House in Accra.

The upcoming meeting marks the end of a three-month recess, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) were expected to engage with their constituents and undertake committee assignments.

The House is set to return to a packed agenda that will include the consideration of new bills, outstanding government business, and reports from various committees.

Parliament is anticipated to serve once again as a key arena for government accountability and legislative oversight, with debates likely to be heated as both Majority and Minority MPs seek to advance their positions on matters of national importance.