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The Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives hit the streets of Accra yesterday in protest of government’s failure to pay the salaries of nearly 7,000 health workers, who have not been paid for the last ten months, despite being at post.

The aggrieved health workers began the demonstration from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park and marched through some major streets in Accra to drum home their demands.

They gathered at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, where they presented petitions to government officials, hoping to receive a favourable outcome in the coming days.

Some of the health workers carried placards with various inscriptions, including ‘We are Ghanaians! Why are you exploiting us’, ‘We survive on gari three times a day’, ‘Empty Promises, Empty Stomachs, MoF, MoH, Enough is Enough’, ‘We Can’t Survive on Promises’, among others.

Convenor of the group, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, who was visibly frustrated, described the government’s handling of the situation as unfair and unsustainable.

He said the group was not comfortable with staging a demonstration ‘but it has become necessary.’

‘We are citizens, trained as professional nurses and midwives from nursing training colleges and universities,’ he said.

Takyiah said the group is made up of those who graduated in 2020, completed their rotations, and waited at home for three years before being employed in 2024 after the Ministry of Health announced it had secured financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to employ about 13,000 of them.

‘But in April 2025, only some of our colleagues started receiving salaries. As we speak, just over 6,500 have been paid, while nearly 7,000 of us have worked for close to 10 months without pay,’ he indicated.

He pointed out how the decision to withhold their salaries has had untold challenges on the members, urging government to act swiftly to intervene as a delay in the issue could affect healthcare delivery in the country.

‘One of my colleagues just underwent surgery, and we are still struggling to pay her hospital bills. Another is an asthmatic patient who spends about GHS300 every month on inhalers, buying them three times a month. Our people are suffering and some are dying, yet we have worked honestly,’ he said.

Takyiah cited the words of President John Dramani Mahama at the recent UN General Assembly in New York, USA, and painted a rather gloomy picture of government treating them like modern-day slaves.

‘The President said slave trade is the biggest crime against humanity. Today, I stand here to say this is modern-day slave trade. To deny citizens and health workers their salaries is the greatest crime any leader can commit. We are pleading with the government to act urgently-if not, we are dying, and our healthcare system is collapsing,’ he said.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that it has completed drafting the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, which is currently progressing through the processes leading to consideration by Parliament.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the BoG said the draft had undergone extensive review by industry groups, relevant state institutions, and international development partners.

‘The Bank of Ghana wishes to update the public and industry stakeholders on progress towards establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual asset activities in Ghana. Working in close collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the Bank has completed the drafting of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill,’ it stated.

As part of the preparatory process, the Bank said it conducted a mandatory registration exercise for all virtual asset service providers in July 2025.

The exercise, according to the central bank, provided updated baseline information on virtual asset activities in Ghana and offered valuable insights to guide the design of a regulatory framework that is both market-relevant and fit for purpose.

The BoG said it has adopted a structured roadmap to guide the phased implementation of the framework and the operationalisation of the forthcoming VASP Act.

It indicated that immediate priorities include continued consultations with the Executive arm of government, Parliament, and other stakeholders on the draft bill.

The Bank also disclosed plans to launch a dedicated online portal to serve as a central source of information and compliance support for VASPs, as well as to facilitate nationwide awareness and engagement activities with both industry players and the public.

The BoG assured that it is ‘committed to fostering a safe, transparent, and innovative virtual asset ecosystem that protects users, encourages responsible innovation, and safeguards the integrity of the financial system.’

The campaign team of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has called on the Presidential Election Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to put in appropriate measures that will enhance the credibility of the party’s voter register.

According to the team, the move will safeguard the rights of all eligible members, in line with the spirit of inclusivity resolved at the party’s July 2025 Delegates’ Conference.

The team said that, at the Annual National Delegates Conference held in Accra, it was resolved that all former Regional, Constituency and National Officers as well as External Branch Executives, former External Branch Executives, and all former party card-bearing members, including Members of Parliament, Parliamentary Candidates, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) be included in the voter register for the presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.

It added that to facilitate the process, the party provided an online registration link and manual forms for all eligible past officers.

The campaign team added that although the registration deadline was initially set for September 19, 2025, it was extended to September 30, 2025, to accommodate members facing challenges.

However, a statement issued by the team and signed by Charles Bissue, Director of Operations, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong Campaign, said despite the extension, several eligible past officers have reported difficulties in completing their registration.

The statement mentioned that the problem is primarily due to challenges in obtaining endorsements from constituency chairmen and secretaries.

‘These issues risk disenfranchising qualified members who are entitled to participate in the process,’ it disclosed.

‘To address the problem, we respectfully propose that coordinators of all presidential aspirants within the constituencies meet with constituency party officers to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate registration,’ it added.

The statement indicated that the step will help verify the number of registered members in each constituency before the final voter list is compiled at the national level.

‘We trust that the national leadership will treat this matter with the urgency it requires,’ the statement pointed out.

The government has announced a 12 percent increase in the producer price of cocoa, raising the rate from GHS3,225 to GHS3,625 per 64-kilogram bag.

The adjustment, which takes effect today, October 3, 2025, also translates to GHS58,000 per tonne.

The new price represents a GHS400 increase per bag compared to the previous figure announced in August this year.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who made the announcement at an emergency press briefing in Accra yesterday, said the review was necessary to improve the welfare of farmers and reflects adjustments in government’s revenue forecast.

‘This means that for every bag sold, the cocoa farmer will now earn an additional GHS400,’ Dr. Forson explained, adding, ‘Government remains committed to monitoring international market trends and taking timely decisions to safeguard the interest of farmers.’

He confirmed that all existing margins, fees, and rates for stakeholders, including COCOBOD, remain unchanged.

The Minister said COCOBOD will, however, continue interventions aimed at sustaining production and improving farmer livelihoods.

These include the free distribution of inputs such as liquid and granular fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, spraying machines, and flower inducers.

The minister also reaffirmed COCOBOD’s pledge to roll out the Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers in the 2026/27 academic year, part of efforts to extend the benefits of cocoa revenue to farm households.

Award-winning singer, KiDi, famed for love anthems like Gyal Dem Sugar, has admitted that his real-life personality is far from the romantic image his music portrays.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, the highlife and Afrobeats star revealed that while his songs brim with passion and romance, he himself does not fit that description.

‘I am not romantic in real life. I don’t think I am,’ he confessed. ‘I am loving, I have love in my heart, but I’m not that guy who will stand by your window and sing in the rain.’

Despite downplaying his romantic side, KiDi stressed that he is emotionally mature and thrives in meaningful communication.

‘I’m emotionally mature. we can talk, dialogue if there’s a problem, advise each other,’ he explained. ‘I give really good advice, especially in a loving way that touches the heart without it becoming conflict.’

KiDi’s revelation offers fans a peek into the man behind the music – passionate on stage, but grounded and practical in real life.

Boatemaa of the Eastern Region and Nafari of the Volta Region have been declared Star Performers for Week 11 of Mister and Miss Imperial Ghana 2025, held under the theme ‘Tour With a Crown.’

The week, titled ‘Imperial Discovery Week’, tasked delegates to highlight tourism destinations in their regions and educate the public on their significance.

Boatemaa topped the ladies’ category with her presentation on the Aburi Botanical Gardens, which also earned her the Best Costume Award. Awula of the Greater Accra Region was named Most Eloquent for her narration on the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

In the men’s category, Nafari emerged winner with his presentation on Logba Tota in the Volta Region, securing the highest score overall. Adolf of the Ashanti Region received double recognition as Most Eloquent and Best Costume.

Judging was conducted by three resident jurors-Ganyobi Niiquaye, Leopold Kwao, and King Henrik Wolo Jnr.-together with guest juror Nyame Asare. Scores were calculated from a total of 400, converted to 50%, and added to voting results worth 50% to determine the final outcome.

The competition continues as delegates showcase their talents, intellect, and creativity on the road to the grand finale of Mister and Miss Imperial Ghana 2025.

Experienced tactician Nurudeen Ahmed has been named head coach of Ghana’s U-19 Boys National Team.

Currently in charge of Ghana Premier League side Karela United FC, he will now lead the technical team as preparations begin for the next cycle of youth competitions.

Nurudeen is widely respected in Ghanaian football, having guided FC Samartex 1996 to their historic first-ever Ghana Premier League title in the 2023/24 season.

His coaching career has also seen him manage King Faisal FC and Aduana Stars, earning a reputation for developing young talent and building competitive teams.

He will be assisted by Abubakar Adams, head coach of PAC Academy, while former Ghana Premier League goal-king and ex-Asante Kotoko striker Eric Bekoe joins the staff as Athletic Coach.

The technical team also includes Eric Gawu (Equipment Officer), a former striker for Hearts of Oak, King Faisal, and Dreams FC’s Stephen Ekow Davies (Goalkeepers’ Coach) from PAC Academy Fatawu Mohammed (Welfare Officer).

In the medical department, Dr. Yusif Andani will serve as Team Doctor, with Prince Deku taking up the role of Physiotherapist to ensure players’ fitness and recovery.

A SLIGHT misunderstanding between two men over a bunch of plantain nearly turned fatal as one of them struck the head of the other man with a big stone.

The victim, who has been identified by the police as Robert Mazini, suffered a deep cut on his head, which required immediate medical attention.

The incident happened at Atwima Koforidua in the Ashanti Region, and the police have intensified their search for the suspect, one Yaw and his wife, to assist in investigations.

Abuakwa District Police Sitrep, confirming the case, said ‘On 23/09/2025 at about 1810 hours, Robert Mazini of Atwima Koforidua, accompanied by his wife, Felicia Mazini of the same address, reported the case.

‘They said same day at about 1750 hours, at his residence at Atwima Koforidua, one Yaw and his wife attacked him (Robert) and struck his head with a stone during a quarrel over a bunch of plantain.’

According to the police, the victim was still bleeding when he visited the station to lodge a complaint, so they (police) quickly issued a medical report form to him to visit the hospital for treatment.

‘The complainant, who had sustained severe cut on the head with blood oozing from the injury, was issued with a police medical report form to attend hospital for treatment and report for further action,’ the police statement disclosed.

According to the police statement, the case is under investigation and police are making strenuous efforts to trace the culprits to face the law.

Ghana’s dancehall king, Shatta Wale, is one step closer to making history after the recording academy gave the green light for his 2025 banger ‘Street Crown’ to be considered for a Grammy Award.

The fiery single, part of his Voice of the Crown EP, has officially been entered into the Best African Music Performance category – a move that could catapult the outspoken star into his first-ever Grammy nomination at the 2026 ceremony.

Breaking the news on October 1 via social media, Shatta Wale couldn’t hide his excitement saying, ‘This moment is not just about me, it’s about Ghana, Africa, and every fan of African dancehall. From the streets to the world stage, our sound and culture now stand on the biggest platforms,’ he declared, thanking the Recording Academy for recognising the track.

The self-styled leader of the Shatta Movement added that win or lose, the milestone is already a triumph for the youth. ‘The opportunity itself is a victory for every hustler who believes in hard work, consistency and faith,’ he said

Already, ‘Street Crown’ has been hailed for its originality, powerful message and slick production, sparking massive buzz from Accra to the Caribbean and beyond.

If the track advances past the initial screening, Shatta Wale could finally achieve what many fans have been demanding for years – a seat at music’s most prestigious table.

For a man who has courted controversy as much as acclaim, this moment could be the ultimate redemption arc: from the gritty streets of Ghana to the Grammy stage.

Comsys Ghana Limited, in partnership with Eutelsat, has launched the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service in the country under the theme ‘Experience the Future of Connectivity.’

Speaking at the launch, Patrice Segura, Head of Sales for Eutelsat in West and Central Africa and Morocco, explained that the OneWeb service delivers broadband connectivity through satellite technology comparable to fibre-optic speeds.

He noted that the service would play a vital role in bridging the digital divide by extending high-speed internet access to remote and underserved communities across the country.

‘The OneWeb service is dedicated to supporting government, enterprises, and telecommunications operators,’ Mr. Segura said, while highlighting its potential to strengthen digital infrastructure nationwide.

Femi Lamptey, Head of Operations at Comsys Ghana Limited, described the partnership as a milestone in the nation’s technology ecosystem.

He emphasised that OneWeb would enable fibre-quality internet at a fraction of the cost of traditional deployment, particularly in areas where rolling out physical infrastructure would be impractical or too expensive.

‘This represents an opportunity to bring fibre-optic speed to communities that would otherwise never have access to it. It also creates real opportunities for businesses operating in isolated areas to benefit from real-time information flows, data analytics, and enterprise applications,’ Mr. Lamptey explained.

He added that Comsys views the collaboration with Eutelsat as a strategic step and intends to nurture the partnership to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation.

During a live demonstration of the service, participants expressed satisfaction with its speed and reliability.

One user, who preferred to remain anonymous, remarked, ‘When we did the demonstration, I realised it was faster than the normal service we use. It is pretty okay, and I liked it.’

Another participant simply noted, ‘It is pretty fast – so far, so good.’