News
Paramount Chief urges Ghanaians: Go back to your roots, know your identity
The Paramount Chief and President of Lower Town Axim and Nsein Traditional Area, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, has asked Ghana ians to go back to their roots to remind them of their identity.
He said going back to our roots would enable all Ghanaians to know where they came from and their present location so that they do not forget their ancestors.
The Paramount Chief said history would also inform them about the way our people dressed, the traditional foods and other cultural setups for the current generation to teach their children.
Awulae Agyefi Kwame II was addressing the chiefs, people and invited guests at the climax of the celebration of Heritage Month on the theme, “Protecting the Legacy of the Forefathers of Lower Town Axim and Nsein—A Change to Keep” at Atwea Banso near Nsein in the Nze ma East Municipality of the Western Region.
He said Heritage Month reminded them of re-enacting a history that dates back to the year 1480, when their great ancestors of the Atwea/Aduana Family led by Nana K obina Enwi settled at a place very close to the sea referred to as Atzim, now known as Axim.
He said the chosen theme presented a cherished opportunity to honour their past heroes so that their footprints would remain in the sands of time, as a nation that did not honour her heroes was not worth dying for.
The Paramount Chief said as they have started the celebration of Heritage Month, it will be incorporated into the calendar of the traditional council and celebrated annually to commemorate the triumphant settlement of the Atwea/Aduana Family at present-day Axim long before the Europeans came to Africa.
He tasked all Queen Mothers within his juris diction to start education and practical demonstrations of traditional foods in their localities to show the young girls and even boys how important our local foods were.
He recommended the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for coming out with such an innovation, adding, “I am not surprised because GBC is the premier broadcasting station in the country, so all the archives must be with them.”
The Municipal Chief Executive of Nzema East, Madam Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah, said the celebration of Heritage Month was a brilliant idea since it reminded us of our ancestors and what they stood for.
She said the celebration also reminded us of traditional foods Ghanaians were fast forgetting and ignoring because of Western foods, which were cheaper to prepare but had fewer nutritional values.
Nana Mgbele Asumadu V, Tufuhene of Lower Town Axim and Nsein Traditional Area, who chaired the function, said the programme made her a fulfilled woman of God to understand her roots and that the vision would last for generations.
She said the children should learn their traditions to sustain the rich cultural heritage of the land because countries outside Africa come to Ghana to study our cultural setup, which is very prestigious.
From Peter Gbambila,
Atwea Banso near Nsein
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has temporarily suspended three pharmacies from providing services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) over suspected irregularities in claims and service transactions.
The affected pharmacies are Deldem Pharma Limited, Paramedica Pharmacy and Desh Chemist.
According to a public notice issued by the NHIA on May 14, the suspension took immediate effect.
The Authority explained that a routine claims verification exercise uncovered what it described as “material irregularities” linked to claims and service transactions involving the three facilities.
It stated that the findings raised reasonable suspicion of fraud and abuse under the NHIS Provider Service Agreement.
As part of the suspension, the pharmacies are not allowed to provide healthcare services or dispense medicines under the NHIS until further notice.
The NHIA advised NHIS members who need pharmaceutical services to seek care from other accredited providers across the country.
In the statement signed by the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Victor Asare Bampoe, the Authority warned all credentialed healthcare providers against engaging in fraudulent practices that could threaten the sustainability of the scheme.
It stressed that healthcare providers who defraud or attempt to defraud the NHIS commit an offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both upon conviction.
The NHIA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper use of public funds in delivering quality healthcare services to Ghanaians.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Black Starlets were left frustrated after surrendering a commanding two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Algeria in their opening Group D match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
The Black Starlets made a dream start to the encounter, taking the lead just two minutes after kickoff through Yao Gavi Robinho.
The youngster reacted quickest in the area to put Ghana ahead and set the tone for what looked to be a dominant evening for Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side.
Eight minutes later, Eric Adu Gyamfi produced a moment of pure brilliance that instantly lit up the tournament.
Spotting the Algerian goalkeeper off his line, the midfielder unleashed an audacious long-range volley from the center area that sailed beautifully into the net to double Ghana’s advantage in spectacular fashion.
With confidence flowing through the team, the Black Starlets continued to create numerous opportunities and should have extended their lead before halftime. However, wastefulness in front of goal kept Algeria alive in the contest despite Ghana’s dominance in the opening half.
The second half, however, told a completely different story as Algeria returned with renewed energy and intensity. The North Africans pushed forward relentlessly and gradually turned the game around with two goals before the 70th minute to draw level against a stunned Ghanaian side.
Algeria were later handed a golden opportunity to complete the comeback after being awarded a penalty, but the effort was blasted wide.
The result leaves South Africa at the top of Group D following their victory over Senegal in the other group fixture.
The Starlets will now shift attention to their crucial second group game against Senegal on May 17 as they aim to bounce back and revive their campaign.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
[13:37, 15/05/2026] Edem: Ghana concludes IMF bailout programme, shifts to policy coordination instrument
The Government of Ghana has announced the successful completion of its Extended Credit Facility bailout programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking what it describes as the end of the country’s financial bailout relationship with the Fund.
In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Office on Friday, government explained that the country would now transition to a non financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) arrangement with the IMF.
According to the statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications, the conclusion of the programme reflects the restoration of macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability ahead of schedule.
The statement noted that after the IMF programme was derailed at the end of 2024, the Mahama administration introduced strict fiscal measures, expenditure controls and structural reforms in 2025 to bring the programme back on track.
Government indicated that the measures have led to a significant reduction in inflation, a stronger cedi, lower public debt levels and improved economic growth.
It stated that Ghana’s sovereign credit ratings had improved from restricted default status to a “B” rating with a positive outlook, representing what it described as five levels of upgrades.
According to the statement, Ghana’s gross international reserves rose to about 14.5 billion dollars by February 2026, providing nearly six months of import cover.
Government explained that the reserves would help the country withstand external economic shocks and strengthen economic stability.
The statement further clarified that the new Policy Coordination Instrument with the IMF would not involve financial support or bailout funds.
Instead, it said the PCI would provide technical assistance, support economic reforms, boost investor confidence and help Ghana attract financing from private investors and development partners.
Government believes the arrangement will support efforts to achieve investment grade status, which it says could reduce borrowing costs, attract long term investors and create cheaper financing opportunities for infrastructure and private sector growth.
The Presidency also expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for their sacrifices and patience during the programme period.
It further thanked bilateral creditors, the Official Creditor Committee and both domestic and external investors for their support throughout the process.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to prudent economic management, fiscal discipline and creating a favourable environment for investment and job creation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
