Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Trade between Ghana and China reached $11.8 billion in 2024, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, disclosed this in Accra.

He made the revelation during celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic relations recently.

He noted that the trade volume reflected the steady growth of bilateral ties, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.

Chinese investments in Ghana, he said, span infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, aviation, green energy, and petroleum refining, creating thousands of jobs.

‘China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade reached a new high of 11.8 billion US dollars,’ he said.

‘These are vivid examples of the unity and friendship between China and Ghana, which will continue to deliver practical benefits to our peoples,’ he said.

The Ambassador further emphasised China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development priorities, citing the recent signing of a bilateral economic and technical cooperation agreement, as well as Beijing’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for African countries, including Ghana.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang commended China’s contribution to Ghana’s development, particularly in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, educational facilities, and cultural exchanges.

She stressed the importance of aligning such projects with Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy, which prioritizes job creation, modernization, connectivity, and export expansion.

‘We know there has been steady growth in our relationship in terms of trade, and it has reached great heights. But Ghana is determined to ensure that our trade and relations translate into sustainable local development, with emphasis on creating opportunities for our brilliant and determined youth,’ she said.

‘Our outlook is clear: we want to deepen our relationship with China in ways that generate jobs, foster innovation, and ensure prosperity for all – especially the youth and women,’ she added.

Ghanaian music sensation, King Paluta, has dropped another masterpiece titled ‘La Vida Loca’, which is gradually making waves not only in Ghana but across the world.

The song, since its release, has been making waves, especially on TikTok and Instagram, where fans are jamming to the musical masterpiece of the award-winning musician.

Barcelona Femeni attacking midfielder, Vicky Lopez, featured King Paluta’s newly released ‘La Vida Loca’ single in her recent Instagram post.

This was in celebration of her first-ever women’s Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Celebrating her win, the talented footballer used King Paluta’s ‘La Vida Loca’ as the soundtrack for her post on Instagram, which demonstrates the song’s global reach.

The new ‘La Vida Loca’ single, produced by award-winning music producer Apya and King Paluta, explores themes of love, trust, and hope for success.

The new song is available across streaming platforms, including Boomplay, Audiomack and Spotify, while the music video is on YouTube.

King Paluta has over the past year embarked on a music tour in Europe, where he thrilled fans in Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Modena and Vicenza.

He is currently in the United States of America, also embarking on another tour, and recently performed at the Ghana Entertainment Awards in New Jersey.

It has been a thrilling year for the award-winning musician who continues to drop back-to-back hits, including ‘Foko’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Between Me and God’, among others.

A new poll conducted by Global Info Analytics has pegged former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and current Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu as favourites to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2028 general election.

According to the poll released yesterday, 57 percent of Ghanaians prefer former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election while Haruna Iddrisu narrowly leads with 27 percent of voter preference for the NDC.

Bawumia’s Popularity

The poll, via the organisation’s official social media platforms, confirms Dr. Bawumia as the most popular candidate among the general electorate, leading his closest contender, former Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who garnered 29 percent support.

According to the data, Dr. Bawumia enjoys a commanding lead across various regions, underscoring his broad national appeal. However, the survey also notes a recent dip in his support among NPP delegates, raising questions about internal party dynamics ahead of the flagbearer selection.

Other notable contenders trail far behind. Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum secured 6 percent, Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong polled 5 percent while former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong received 3 percent support.

In key swing regions like Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr. Bawumia remains dominant, with 57 percent of respondents backing him, Kennedy Agyapong follows with 32 percent, with both Dr. Adutwum and Dr. Bryan Acheampong garnering 4 percent each, while Kwabena Agyepong obtained 3 percent.

The poll further explored a hypothetical runoff between Bawumia and Agyapong. In this head-to-head scenario, Bawumia extended his lead, winning 62 percent of the projected vote compared to Agyapong’s 38 percent.

Despite some slippage in support among party delegates, Agyapong has yet to capitalise. The survey suggests that the Vice President’s losses have not translated into significant gains for his closest rival. Instead, a notable portion of delegates appear to be moving into the undecided category.

According to some analysts, the poll reflect both Bawumia’s enduring popularity among the general public and growing uncertainty within the party’s internal structures. Global Info Analytics highlighted this divergence as a key issue as the NPP prepares for its 2028 flagbearer race.

Among NPP delegates, Dr. Bawumia still holds a clear lead with 47 percent, while Agyapong trails at 17 percent with Dr. Acheampong and Dr. Adutwum each securing 3 percent and 1 percent respectively, while Kwabena Agyepong also polled 1 percent.

It however emerged from the poll that a significant 27 percent of delegates remain undecided, while 4 percent declined to state their preference, adding that in a possible runoff among delegates, Bawumia’s support ticks up slightly to 49 percent, compared to Agyapong’s 19 percent, as 27 percent remain undecided, and 5 percent chose not to reveal their vote.

NDC’s Close Contest

In the race to succeed President John Dramani Mahama as leader of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Iddrisu is followed closely by Asiedu Nketia at 26 percent, Dr. Ato Forson with 22 percent, while Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, registers 11 percent.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, polls at 8 percent, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings 4 percent, and other contenders share the remaining 3 percent.

The results reflect a surge for Mr. Asiedu Nketia compared to earlier April findings, while Mr. Haruna Iddrisu has managed to maintain his early advantage.

Among declared NDC voters, Mr. Iddrisu widens his lead slightly with 31 percent support, compared to Mr. Asiedu’s 24 percent and Dr. Ato Forson’s 22 percent. Messrs Julius Debrah, Ablakwa, and Dr. Zanetor all remain in single digits.

The poll also reveals how voting blocs break differently depending on party affiliation and past choices.

A majority of New Patriotic Party voters surveyed favour Asiedu Nketia (32 percent), with Haruna (22 percent) and Forson (20 percent) trailing.

Among those who voted for President John Mahama in the 2024 elections, Haruna Iddrisu draws 30 percent support, Dr. Ato Forson 24 percent, and Asiedu Nketia 22 percent. Ablakwa and Dr. Zanetor attract 8 percent and 3 percent respectively.

Among respondents who did not disclose their 2024 vote, Haruna maintains 30 percent backing, Forson 24 percent, and Asiedu 15 percent, while Debrah and Ablakwa poll 10 and 12 percent respectively.

Dr. Zanetor attracts 5 percent in this group. For those who did not vote in 2024, Asiedu leads with 23 percent, Haruna secures 19 percent, and Forson and Debrah both stand at 18 percent. Ablakwa draws 15 percent, while Dr. Zanetor garners 5 percent.

When narrowed to core NDC voters who backed Mahama in 2024, Haruna’s dominance is clearer – 31 percent to Forson’s 24 percent and Asiedu’s 22 percent.

However, among NDC voters who did not disclose their 2024 preference, Forson and Ablakwa perform better, drawing 18 and 13 percent respectively, compared to Haruna’s 24 percent and Asiedu’s 16 percent.

Among NDC voters who abstained in 2024, Haruna commands 28 percent, Asiedu 26 percent, while Debrah rises to 19 percent.

Beyond personalities, the poll also measured overall party attractiveness. It found that the NDC continues to gain ground nationally, with 44 percent of voters openly identifying with the party, which represents an increase from 42 percent in April 2025.

By contrast, the NPP’s support has slipped, now standing at 30 percent, down from 32 percent in April.

The survey covered 10,493 respondents across 84 constituencies through a combination of online, telephone, and in-person interviews conducted between May and June 2025. The overall margin of error is estimated at ±1.23 percent with a 99 percent confidence level.

Taken together, the findings suggest that while Haruna Iddrisu retains a narrow overall lead, Asiedu Nketia’s recent surge and Ato Forson’s steady showing among Mahama loyalists make the NDC’s succession race far from settled.

RESIDENTS OF Afasiebon near Kwadaso Agric Nzema, a suburb of Kumasi, woke up to the weird news of a suspected ‘witch’ crash-landing on top of an avocado tree in the area.

According to some community members, they heard a loud bang in the area in the early hours of yesterday when residents of the community were asleep in their rooms.

Later on, they disclosed that they also heard dogs barking under a tree, sparking suspicion. When the residents got closer, they said they spotted a woman perching on the tree.

According to them, the woman was looking very weak, an indication that perhaps she may have fallen from the sky and accidentally landed on top of the tall avocado tree.

A sea of curious people in Afasiebon and nearby communities rushed to the scene to catch a glimpse of the woman, who was said to be looking confused.

Later on, a joint operation between the police and some community members helped to bring down the woman from the top of the tree, using a tall ladder.

According to reports, some of the agitated youth in the community attempted to manhandle her, but she was shielded by the policemen.

The woman, whose face was covered with a cloth to hide her identity, was whisked in a waiting police car to the station.

Platinum Impex Limited, operating under the brand Sigma Appliances, has announced a strategic partnership with the Ghana TVET Service to launch ‘Sigma for TVET’, a long-term programme designed to bridge the country’s skills gap in modern electrical and domestic-appliance technologies.

The initiative will equip technicians with practical, industry-relevant skills and create direct pathways from training into internships and employment.

Built around three interlocking pillars – upgrading TVET infrastructure, strengthening instructor capacity, and facilitating employment pathways – the programme aims to deliver a sustained, systemic contribution to Ghana’s technical and vocational education sector.

Selected TVET institutions will be fitted with purpose-built Sigma Tech-Ready Labs, containing a full range of modern appliances, diagnostic equipment, and workshop resources to give learners hands-on experience with the systems they will encounter in the workplace.

Complementing the physical infrastructure, a rigorous Train-the-Trainer programme will upskill instructors in the latest technologies and competency-based approaches, ensuring the new facilities are used to their full potential.

A dedicated Sigma apprenticeship and job placement pathway will also offer high-performing graduates practical industry placements and clear recruitment opportunities within Sigma’s nationwide service and retail network.

The initiative is expected to raise the quality and employability of technical graduates, enhance after-sales and maintenance standards across the country, and contribute to Ghana’s broader economic development by fostering an adaptable, industry-ready workforce.

‘This initiative is not merely a corporate social responsibility project; it is a strategic investment in Ghana’s technical future,’ said Ahmad Taan, General Manager at Platinum Impex Limited.

‘Sigma has long been present in Ghanaian homes. Through this partnership with the Ghana TVET Service, we are committed to developing the skilled workforce that will install, maintain, and service the appliances of tomorrow, and to ensuring our support has a sustainable, system-wide impact,’ he added.

Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Eng. Dr. Eric Adzroe, welcomed the collaboration.

‘This partnership exemplifies how private-sector engagement can deliver tangible benefits for students and strengthen the national economy. It aligns with our mandate to provide demand-driven skills and to make TVET an attractive, viable career pathway for Ghanaian young people,’ he said.

Marie D. Sam, Marketing Manager at Platinum Impex Limited, added, ‘From January 2026, for every Sigma Appliance purchased, consumers will be contributing to the Sigma for TVET initiative.’

‘This programme is built on a model of sustainable shared commitment and collaboration, bringing together the private sector, government institutions, and consumers to ensure a lasting impact. By choosing a Sigma appliance, consumers are not only selecting a quality and affordable product but are also participating directly in building Ghana’s technical future,’ he stated.

As Botswana marks its 59th Independence Anniversary today, September 30, 2025, the nation is already awash in jubilation. The streets may be quiet, with Botswanans retreating to their villages to celebrate with kith and kin, but the air hums with pride and possibility.

This euphoria stems not only from the upcoming national milestone but also from a historic triumph that has reverberated across the continent. Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team (Lee Bhekempilo, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi) secured Africa’s first-ever gold medal in this event at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

This victory is no small feat. For decades, the United States, with its population of 350 million, has dominated the men’s 4x400m relay, clinching the last ten editions of the championship. Yet, from ‘small Botswana’ – a nation of just 2.4 million people – emerged a team of gallant runners who defied the odds. They outran not only the Americans but also formidable competitors like neighboring South Africa, with its 63 million citizens.

In a David-and-Goliath moment, these athletes proved that neither the size of one’s country nor the location of one’s address can stand in the way of greatness. Their triumph is a beacon of hope, a testament to African resilience, and a clarion call for unity across our diverse continent.

The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, which I am honored to lead, arrived in Botswana on Saturday, September 28, 2025, as the 11th stop on our 163-day, 40,000-kilometer road journey across 39 African nations.

orsed by several African governments, our mission is to promote intra-African tourism, advocate for a visa-free policy for all African nationals, and foster a united Africa where borders do not divide but connect us.

From Togo to Namibia, we have witnessed the power of shared dreams and collective action, engaging government officials, diplomats, the media, and communities in a vision aligned with Agenda 2063.

In Botswana, we found a nation in celebration, not only of its sporting heroes but also of its enduring spirit. President Duma Boko, in a gesture of national pride, declared a paid day off to honor the relay team’s historic victory, setting the stage for the Independence Day festivities.

Despite the long holiday, with many Botswanans away in their villages, the Government of Botswana has exemplified Pan-African solidarity by arranging for the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Moeti Mohwasa – a very senior cabinet Minister – to receive our delegation. We are deeply grateful for this warm welcome and looked forward to a productive meeting to discuss how Botswana’s leadership in sustainable tourism and regional integration can amplify our campaign’s goals.

Botswana’s story-its rich cultural heritage, its stewardship of natural wonders like the Okavango Delta, and now its athletic prowess-mirrors the aspirations of our campaign. Just as the relay team showed that small nations can achieve monumental victories, we believe that a united Africa, free of visa barriers, can unlock boundless opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Botswana, with its forward-thinking governance and commitment to African unity, is poised to lead this charge.

As we celebrate Botswana’s independence and its recent triumphs, let us also celebrate the broader African spirit- one that dares to dream, competes without fear, and embraces unity as strength. The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign calls on all Africans to rally behind this vision. Let us make our continent a place where every citizen can travel freely, where every nation’s story is shared, and where every victory, like Botswana’s, belongs to us all.

PRESIDENT OF VICTORY Club Warriors, Kuuku Bartels, has been retained as Chairman of the U19 Boys Management Committee, a decision that underscores the Ghana Football Association’s commitment to continuity and experienced leadership in youth football.

Bartels is widely recognised for his proactive approach to football administration in Ghana. Over the years, he has played a key role in advancing youth development initiatives and creating pathways for promising young players across the country.

He will be deputised by Enoch Agyare Addo, Administrative Manager of Dreams FC, who has earned a strong reputation in Ghanaian football for his sharp managerial skills and unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent.

The committee also includes Kwadwo Ohene, Haruna Suale, and Zulyadaini Bawa. Suale, currently Team Manager of Steadfast FC, and Bawa, President of Techiman Liberty FC, bring extensive experience and expertise to the group, strengthening its capacity to deliver on its mandate.

The U19 Boys Management Committee is tasked with scouting, grooming, and managing emerging footballers while overseeing competitions and development programs at the U19 level.

Its work forms part of the GFA’s broader strategy to sustain Ghana’s reputation as a breeding ground for football excellence.

ASANTE KOTOKO kept their flawless start to the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in Abeokuta on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors travelled with a narrow 4-3 advantage from the first leg in Accra and produced a disciplined performance to finish the tie on top.

After a tense first half with few clear chances, striker Hubert Gyau broke the deadlock, netting the decisive goal that sealed a 5-3 aggregate win for the Ghana Premier League side.

The victory books Kotoko a second-round showdown with Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, setting up what promises to be one of the competition’s most exciting fixtures.

The clash will pit Karim Zito’s side against one of Africa’s most seasoned continental campaigners.

For head coach Zito, the result added to a remarkable personal record. The former Dreams FC manager is now unbeaten in eight away matches in the Confederation Cup, underlining both his tactical acumen and Kotoko’s growing resilience on the road.