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Former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, has been charged for causing financial loss of GHS500,861,744.02 to the state by authorising payments of allowances to over 60,000 non-existent national service personnel between August 2021 and February 2025.

He has also been charged with stealing GHS8,080,000 from the NSA while allegedly laundering another GHS8,256,000 from the Authority.

Former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, Gifty Oware-Mensah, has also been charged for causing financial loss of GHS31,502,091.40 to the state.

She is also facing other charges, including using public office for profit and money laundering.

Osei Assibey

In the case of Osei Assibey, the charge sheet alleges that he dishonestly appropriated GHS3,612,000 in August 2023, GHS516,000 in September 2023, another GHS516,000 in October of same year, GHS1,032,000 in December 2023 and another GHS2,064,000 in May 2024.

He has also been accused of causing financial loss of GHS8,256,000 to the state by authorising transfers from the NSA’s Control Account to e-zwich card number 1177042059, which is registered in his name.

Again, Osei Assibey is accused of laundering the GHS8,256,000 by diverting it into his e-zwich account knowing the money formed part of unlawful activity.

He is also facing charges of causing financial loss of GHS55 million belonging to the NSA by authorising the withdrawal of the said amount from Project Account number 1018631542212 for the Kumawu Farm Project ‘without expending it on the project.’

Gifty Oware-Mensah

Gifty Oware-Mensah, on the other hand, is facing charges of causing financial loss of GHS6,956,157.47 by causing the state to pay the said amount as interest to the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) on a GHS31,502,091.40 loan inappropriately authorised for Blocks of Life Consult, which she benefitted from.

She has also been accused of laundering GHS31,502,091.40 by transferring it from the NSA higher-purchase escrow account with ADB to Blocks of Life Consult ‘for the purpose of disguising the illicit origin of the money, knowing it to be proceeds of crime.’

Facts

The prosecution’s brief fact indicate that the NSA established the ‘marketplace’ platform to alleviate the financial burden of national service personnel who are posted to a variety of sectors under the Authority.

This online platform, it says, allows the personnel to apply for loans and purchase products on hire-purchase. Consequently, the NSA registered a limited number of entities as merchant, vendors on the platform to offer these services to the personnel.

It says the vendors who rendered the services are paid by monthly deductions from the personnel’s allowance at source, until the items purchased or loan amount received by them are completely paid for.

The fact states that Gifty Oware-Mensah was responsible for the oversight of the Finance, Audit, and Procurement Departments and was solely responsible for the approval of merchants onto the NSA marketplace, in addition to overseeing the general administration of the NSA.

Between February 2022 and March 2024, Gifty Oware-Mensah allegedly approached officials of ADB and informed them that the NSA had signed an agreement with her company, Blocks of Life Consult (BLC), to sell products on hire-purchase to national service personnel.

‘She claimed that she required a loan of GHS78,139,910.00 to support her business,’ the facts said.

The accused, in October 2022, wrote to the bank and submitted a list of approximately 9,934 ghost names that she generated from the NSA Central Management System, claiming she had supplied goods on hire-purchase to the personnel and wanted to use their allowances as collateral for the facility.

ADB, however, told her that they could not approve the loan of GHS78,139,910.00 as it would mean they would be deducting the full allowances of the supposed personnel.

She later agreed with the bank on the principal sum of GHS31,502,091.40 and an interest of GHS6,956,157.47 to be paid through source deductions of the 9,934 personnel allowance over 11 months.

An escrow account was established with ADB to retain the loan on behalf of the NSA, and the loan amount of GHS31,502,091.40 was disbursed into the account.

It was subsequently transferred into Blocks of Life Consult on Gifty Oware-Mensah’s instruction out of which she allegedly transferred GHS22,925,518.69 to Amaecom Global Company, of which she was a director, and the remaining amount to three other companies.

A heartbreaking tragedy struck the Kete Krachi area when a boat carrying passengers across the Volta Lake capsized, claiming the lives of at least fifteen people including 11 children aged between two and 14 years.

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) confirmed the incident which happened on Saturday in a statement on Sunday, October 12, describing it as ‘heartbreaking’ and extending its ‘deepest and most heartfelt condolences’ to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community.

According to the Authority, the boat was reportedly grossly overloaded when it overturned mid-journey. Four survivors were rescued.

John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, on behalf of President John Mahama and the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, which occurred between Okumah and Debume in the Krachi West Municipality.

Citing reports from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the minister disclosed that 20 passengers were on board at the time of the accident. Sixteen people, including women and children, have been confirmed dead, while one person remains missing. Three of the deceased have been sent to the Krachi Government Hospital mortuary, twelve to the Worawora Government Hospital, and search operations are still underway.

‘The entire Oti Region mourns deeply with the affected families,’ the minister stated, acknowledging the presence and support of the Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Ntoso, and the Municipal Chief Executive, Prosper K. Addo, during this period of grief. ‘We stand united in prayer and support, trusting that the Almighty will comfort the bereaved and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.’

Meanwhile, the Ghana Maritime Authority has announced immediate measures to prevent future tragedies on the Volta Lake.

These includes a full investigation involving maritime inspectors and the Navy Task Force to determine the exact cause of the disaster and identify individuals or entities responsible.

The GMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, has established a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee. The Committee will review existing safety protocols and propose urgent reforms to strengthen safety compliance on the Volta Lake and other inland waterways.

The Authority has intensified monitoring and enforcement exercises along the Volta Lake to curb overloading and other unsafe practices. Boat operators who flout maritime safety regulations will face strict sanctions and possible prosecution.

The Authority further urged the public to be vigilant and to refuse boarding boats that are visibly overloaded or lack life jackets, stressing that such caution ‘could save a life, especially a child’s.’

The tragic incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring safety challenges on Ghana’s inland waterways and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of maritime safety laws.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Ghana has officially announced the appointment of Salia Okasha as its new Managing Director, marking a significant milestone for the company’s operations in the country and across the West and Central Africa (WCA) region.

Okasha, a seasoned executive with over 18 years of experience within BAT, assumes the role with a wealth of expertise gained across various markets in the region. His appointment signals BAT Ghana’s renewed commitment to local leadership, innovation, and socio-economic development.

According to BAT, his appointment is particularly noteworthy as Okasha becomes the first Ghanaian to hold the role of Managing Director at BAT Ghana in over two decades reflecting BAT’s strategic emphasis on empowering local talent and integrating regional perspectives into its global transformation journey.

Okasha’s leadership comes at a time when BAT is undergoing a major transformation transitioning from a traditional tobacco business to a multi-category company focused on reduced-risk alternatives for adult consumers, in line with its global objective

Despite the closure of BAT Ghana’s factory in 2006, the company has continued to invest in the country through its trade ecosystem, partnerships with retailers and distributors, and consistent delivery of innovative, high-quality products.

‘BAT Ghana remains a resilient business with deep roots in the national economy. Our transformation journey places sustainability at the core of everything we do focusing on tobacco harm reduction, climate action, nature preservation, circularity, and community investment,’ Okasha noted.

He emphasized that BAT Ghana will remain an active contributor to Ghana’s economy, not only through tax compliance and job creation, but also by supporting local enterprise and fostering leadership development.

A key area of focus under Okasha’s leadership will be engaging stakeholders on critical national issues such as illicit trade, which continues to undermine legitimate businesses and national revenue.

‘We want BAT Ghana to be known for innovation, talent leadership, and integrity. Our focus is not only on commercial success, but on driving long-term socio-economic impact. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in national development,’ he said.

With a presence in Ghana for over 70 years, BAT Ghana is now positioning itself as a modern, sustainable business, fully aligned with the country’s evolving needs and global sustainability priorities.

In his remarks, the incoming Managing Director said ‘I am, first and foremost, a proud Ghanaian. It is a privilege to return home in this role to help drive BAT’s transformation agenda, My journey with BAT began as a management trainee, and over the years, I have served in both commercial and corporate affairs roles, including leading multi-country operations. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in our region.’

Beyond business transformation, Okasha stated that BAT’s commitment to national development, noting the company’s consistent contribution through excise duties, corporate taxes, and job creation across its supply chain.

‘We are deeply embedded in a value chain that supports thousands of livelihoods from retailers and distributors to service providers. One of my top priorities is to create a legacy of local leadership. At BAT Ghana, we are intentional about developing Ghanaian talent through graduate and national service programmes, mentorship platforms, and leadership development initiatives. ‘he added

Nigerian music star, Tiwa Savage, has revealed why she fell out with fellow singer Seyi Shay, shedding light on their infamous salon clash years ago.

Speaking on the Off Air podcast released on October 11, 2025, the ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker revealed that their fallout stemmed from a diss track and false accusations that she had tried to block opportunities for other female artists.

Tiwa dismissed the claims, insisting she has always been a strong advocate for women in the industry.

‘If you do something to me, I’ll let you know. I don’t have to do it online. I’m not going to pretend we’re cool in a salon when you’ve done a diss track,’ she said.

The singer expressed deep hurt over rumours that she had tried to ‘block the bag’ for Seyi Shay and Victoria Kimani, calling the allegations baseless.

‘That was painful. I didn’t know where it came from. If anyone says I blocked your bag, mention the person so I can address it. I would never do that; I’m so pro-women,’ Tiwa clarified.

To back up her claims, Tiwa shared that while she was pregnant with her son Jamil, she actually lost a major endorsement deal with Seyi Shay.

‘When I got pregnant, I was taken off the Pepsi Longer Throat campaign and Shay was booked instead. Go check – she was a brand ambassador, I wasn’t. I never tried to stop anyone’s bag. I wasn’t even mad; I just hit the gym and got my body back,’ she added.

The tension between the two stars first grabbed headlines in 2021 after a viral video showed Tiwa confronting Seyi Shay in a Lagos salon – a clash Tiwa seemed to be saying was sparked by Seyi’s verse in Kiss Daniel’s Fvck You Challenge in 2017, where she allegedly threw subtle jabs at Tiwa.

The principal members of the Agona royal family of Denkyira, Old Juabeng and New Juabeng in the Central Region have dragged Oscar Kesse aka Kwame Mensah to the Regional House of Chiefs over his nomination as the next person to occupy the vacant stool of the area.

According to the petition filed by Abusuapanyin Precious Kwame Mensah, Sampson Delali Mensah and Alice Afia Mensah, Oscar Kesse is not a member of the Agona royal family and is not by custom entitled to be nominated and enstooled as chief of Denkyira.

The petition also alleges that Oscar Kesse was nominated by the Queenmother of the area, Nana Ama Ayensua Sara III, in spite of the fact that he did not appear before a committee set up by her to vet prospective candidates who had presented their ‘Dwantoa’, ‘apologies’ to the Chief of Agona Port who chaired the committee.

It argues that principal kingmakers of the traditional area did not, and were not made to participate in the selection and election process of the purported nomination of Kwame Mensah.

The petition indicates that the paramount stool of Denkyira Traditional Area became vacant in 2015 when the occupant, Odeefuo Boa Amponsem III died.

It indicates that whenever the paramount stool of Denkyira becomes vacant, a candidate is selected and appointed as occupant of the paramount stool of Denkyira from the Agona royal family.

‘That it is only the Agona royal family from which a person or candidate who is a true royal of the Agona clan from proper lineage is nominated, selected, enstooled and installed as paramount chief of Denkyira Traditional Area,’ it added.

It avers that the present Queenmother of the area and Kwame Mensah, who are niece and nephew of the immediate past paramount chief of Denkyira, are not members of the Agona royal family of Denkyira.

It says the two are Fantis and they belong to the Asona family at Cape Coast or Asona clan at Cape Coast, which clan has the crow known in the local parlance as ‘Kwakwadabi’ as the clan’s symbol.

That notwithstanding, it alleges that the Queenmother, without going through the appropriate channels, hurriedly announced Kwame Mensah as the next occupant of the stool.

‘That the entire process of the purported nomination and confinement of 2nd respondent [Kwame Mensah] for enstoolment and installation as paramount chief of Denkyira Traditional Area is illegal, was done without due process and was not done in accordance with the custom, practice and tradition prevalent in the Denkyira Traditional Area relating to the enstoolment of a Denkyirahene,’ the petition avers.

The petitioners are therefore, seeking a declaration that Nana Ama Ayensua Sara III, not being a member of the Agona royal family, is not eligible to acquire the status of Queenmother of Denkyira Traditional Area and for that reason her status as Queenmother is null and void.

They also want a declaration that Kwame Mensah, who is not a member of the Agona royal family of Denkyira, is not eligible to be nominated, proclaimed, confined, enstooled and installed as occupant of the paramount stool of Denkyira Traditional Area or as Paramount Chief of Denkyira Traditional Area.

They further want an order restraining Nana Ama Ayensua Sara III from holding herself out as Paramount Queenmother of Denkyira Traditional Area and from in anyway dealing with properties belonging to the paramount stool of Denkyira Traditional Area.

Again, they want an order restraining respondents from taking any further step or performing any further rituals and customs relating to the purported confinement of Kwame Mensah.

They also want an order restraining respondents from enstooling and installing Kwame Mensah as Paramount Chief of Denkyira Traditional Area.

The KGL Group of companies, Ghana’s leading wholly-owned indigenous conglomerate and proud headline sponsor of the Ghana Black Stars, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the senior national football team and its management and technical staff for their qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Alex Apau Dadey, commended the team for their unwavering determination, unity, and fighting spirit that ensured Ghana’s triumphant qualification on the global stage. He described the achievement as a reflection of Ghana’s enduring passion for football and national excellence.

‘We believe that sports is a transformative force – one that fosters discipline, resilience, unity, and national pride. The Black Stars have once again demonstrated these values through their outstanding performance. As a brand committed to national development, we at KGL Group are proud to stand with them and contribute to Ghana’s journey in global sports,’ said Mr. Dadey.

Mr. Dadey further extended special recognition to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, for his visionary leadership and continuous support for youth and sports development.

‘We are deeply inspired by President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating opportunities for young athletes. His focus on collaboration and investment in sports continues to motivate corporate institutions like KGL Group to play an active role in nurturing Ghana’s sporting potential,’ he added.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports, youth empowerment, and talent development across the country.

‘This is more than football – it’s a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the Ghanaian spirit. We encourage every citizen to rally behind the Black Stars as they prepare to make us proud on the world stage,’ Mr. Dadey concluded.

The erstwhile Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has told a High Court in Accra that he is having some disagreements with his lawyer which is being mediated.

The former Minister of Education appeared in court yesterday without his lawyer, Aaron Duke Sasu, and when queried, he told the court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay that ‘this morning he told me he won’t be present. The misunderstanding between me and my lawyer is being mediated and I hope we will be able to resolve it this week.’

Justice Kocuvie-Tay confirmed receiving a notice of withdrawal from the lawyer, and indicated that ‘he is a human being and he can change his mind,’ adding that ‘but there are so many lawyers who can represent you.’

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi is before the court together with former Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Solomon Asamoah, for their alleged involvement in the dissipation of state funds in the non-existent $2 million Accra Skytrain project.

They have denied the charges against them and the court, previously presided over by Justice Comfort Tasiame admitted them to bail and as part of the conditions, ordered them to report to the case investigator.

The prosecution was expected to call its first of six witnesses yesterday, but the case had to be adjourned to October 20, 2025, due to an application for stay of proceedings filed by Solomon Asamoah which had not been served on the Office of the Attorney General.

The application is seeking the stay of proceedings pending the determination of an appeal challenging the decision of the court which dismissed an earlier application asking it to order the Attorney General to disclose some documents from the Fund.

He has asked the court to order the prosecution to disclose certain documents which he said were deliberately omitted during disclosure but are crucial to his preparation for defence.

Among the documents he was asking for are all board packs that were sent to members of the GIIF board from 2017 to 2021, along with both signed and unsigned minutes of the Board and Investment Committee meetings that took place during that period.

He was also seeking the complete attendance records for every GIIF Board and Investment Committee meeting within those years.

Again, Mr. Asamoah sought for all memoranda related to the Ai Skytrain project, as well as email correspondence between himself and several members of the board, among others.

But the court, in a ruling, held that the prosecution had indicated that the said documents are not in their possession and since there are other means counsel for Solomon Asamoah can use to procure the documents they are requesting for, the request would not be granted.

Trial

The brief facts indicate that the Accra Skytrain project was to be constructed on a Design, Build Finance, and Operate basis.

‘In the memorandum of understanding, GIIF was to be the anchor equity investor and local project development partner to the Africa Investor Holdings (Proprietary) Limited. It was further agreed in the memorandum of understanding that GIIF would conduct due diligence and develop a bankable feasibility study on the project,’ the facts added.

A shareholder agreement was subsequently signed on January 9, 2019 between GIIF and Africa Investor Holdings Limited where the later was to transfer 10% of its alleged 100% shares in a company styled as ‘Ai Skytrain Consortium Holdings,’ a limited liability company registered in Mauritius.

The facts added that neither of the accused persons have been able to account for the $2 million.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has congratulated the Black Stars, on their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

In a warm message to the Ghana Football Association and the nation, Infantino commended the team’s determination, passion, and relentless commitment that secured their fifth appearance at football’s biggest global event.

‘Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history,’ Infantino said. ‘Your fans will bring colour, style, and passion to what promises to be the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 2026. We look forward to seeing more global stars emerge from Ghana, just like those who thrilled the world in South Africa in 2010.’

Infantino’s message serves as a morale boost for the team, whose qualification reflects Ghana’s continued progress in football development and international competitiveness.

The final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for December 5, where Ghana will learn their group-stage opponents. With their trademark flair, skill, and passionate support, the Black Stars are expected to make a memorable impact at next year’s tournament.

The Paramount Chief of the Kwahu Traditional Area, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, has warned illegal miners to immediately cease their activities within the Kwahu area.

The chief issued the warning during visits to some illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, hotspots in Kwahu where he observed firsthand the environmental devastation caused by unregulated gold extraction, especially the destruction of farmlands and contamination of water bodies.

Accompanied by a delegation from his palace and members of the media, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III visited some affected communities including Kwahu Apradan, Esaase, Saasu, Asempanaeye, Atsotsobosu, Praso, Kofi Dede, Aprahwem, Kwame Agyei, and Akwasiho.

During the tour, the chief, who observed widespread destruction of lands by illegal miners, described the situation as deeply alarming and called for immediate action to save the region’s natural resources.

‘Almost every river near a mining site is polluted. They dam the rivers, they dig channels through them, and introduce mercury to extract gold. It’s heartbreaking,’ he stated.

In one instance, one of the miners casually showed the chief a container of mercury, explaining how it was used in processing gold, among other items used in gold extraction.

According to Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, most of the people engaged in illegal mining in the area are non-indigenes from the Northern parts of the country and neighbouring countries like Niger.

‘We saw very few locals involved. Most of the miners are from outside Kwahu. Outsiders are invading our lands and destroying our resources,’ the chief disclosed.

He also dispelled the claims that traditional leaders were complicit in galamsey activities, noting that that he has never been consulted, neither has any of his kingmakers been consulted by illegal miners since he was enstooled as the paramount chief of Kwahu.

‘There is a common belief that chiefs give their consent before mining happens. But I want to state emphatically that no galamsey operator has ever approached me for permission, that is why I had to go out myself and caution anyone engaged in this activity,’ he stated.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, who also visited Akroma Mining Company, a licensed operator in the area, commended the management of the company for responsible mining practices as well as the numerous social intervention programmes rolled out by the company to support the community where they operate.

He, however, raised concern over a disturbing trend where galamsey operators follow in the wake of legal companies and reopen abandoned pits to engage in galamsey, causing further destruction.

The Kwahuhene also appealed to the government and the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts in curbing illegal mining activities not only in Kwahu but other parts of the country, while urging exploration companies to also consult traditional authorities before entering any community.

‘We are custodians of the land. When our water is polluted and our people fall sick, it’s the chiefs who bear the burden. The government must work with us, companies cannot move in here and start working without our knowledge of their activities,’ he noted.

He urged the public to resist the temptation of short-term gain by selling lands to galamsey operators as well as rise up against the galamsey menace that is fast destroying the natural habitat of man, while calling on companies to urgently embark on reclamation exercises to restore the affected lands in Kwahu.

‘Nobody will protect Kwahu more than a Kwahu native. Let’s farm. Let’s preserve our water. Let’s embrace the agriculture. We need honest conversations, decisive leadership, and collective action to end this menace,’ he added.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III also invited all the people involved in galamsey activities in the area for further interrogation at his palace, as he works towards engaging National Security operatives to deal with such individuals.