News
Black Starlets throw away two-goal lead in U-17 AFCON opener against Algeria
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
The National Media Commission has appointed Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai as the new Managing Director of New Times Corporation, publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers.
In an engagement with staff of the Corporation today, June 5, 2026, Dr.Nai, expressed his appreciation to everyone for holding the forth and contributing to the growth of the company.
He said, his leadership philosophy is based on professionalism, integrity and team work.
The new Managing Director said, he will be on a journey which would require everyone to take ‘ownership’.
” You need to work as though the company belongs to you. You are not doing it for me, take ownership, let’s work as a team,” he stressed.
With this, he said “we will be able to grow and sustain NTC. Let’s respect deadline and time.”
Dr.Nai pleaded with the staff to play their roles effectively to add value to NTC.
The Board led by Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo expressed his excitement and wished the new MD and staff well in the years ahead.
The Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee, Dr.Charity Binka urged the staff to give the new MD their utmost support to help him succeed.
The appointment dated June 5, 2026, was done by the National Media Commission (NMC) In consultation with His Excellency the President of Ghana.
The appointment is in accordance with Article 168 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and section 2(1)(e) of the National Media Commission Act, 1994 (Act 449).
Dr. Isaac Okpoti Nai is a management executive, academic, and corporate leader with over 25 years of professional experience spanning financial management, corporate governance, strategic planning, internal audit, risk management, and organisational development across Ghana and the United Kingdom,.
Before this appointment, Dr. Nai served as General Manager, Finance and Administration at the State Housing Company Limited.
Dr.Nai has held senior leadership positions with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (Transparency International Ghana), Central Region Development Commission, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Merton and Ananemantey & Co. His experience covers both public and private sector institutions, including donor-funded organizations, local government authorities, financial institutions, and higher education establishments.
As an academic, he has lectured in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, and Management, contributing to the development of future business leaders and professionals.
Dr. Nai holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Financial Management) from Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Greenwich, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA).
Throughout his career, Dr. Nai has been recognised for strengthening financial controls, improving organisational performance, leading transformational initiatives, and providing strategic leadership that delivers sustainable growth and value creation.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
MomsConnectGH marks Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day with donation to Accra Psychiatric Hospital
As part of activities to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day, MomsConnectGH last Saturday organised a donation drive to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital under its outreach initiative, The Hannah Project.
The initiative formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in society while creating awareness around mental health challenges, particularly those affecting women and mothers.
The donation included essential supplies and welfare items for patients at the hospital.
Speaking during the donation, Co-Partner of MomsConnectGH, Elizabeth Owusu-Boadi, said the initiative was inspired by the need to show compassion and support to people facing mental health challenges, especially women and mothers.
She noted that many women continue to struggle silently with mental health conditions such as postpartum depression.
“Postpartum depression is one of the mental health issues many women go through, yet it is not spoken about enough. Many mothers suffer in silence because of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited support systems,” she said.
Mrs Owusu-Boadi explained that the decision to visit the Accra Psychiatric Hospital was intentional and aimed at reminding patients that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten.
“We wanted to come here not just with donations, but with kindness, hope, and support for the patients and staff here,” she added.
She also called on the government, civil society organisations, and private institutions to increase support for psychiatric healthcare facilities across the country.
“Mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare. We all have a role to play in supporting mental health institutions and creating more awareness around these issues,” she stated.
Head of Public Relations at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Peggy Asiedu Ekremet, thanked MomsConnectGH for the gesture and encouraged the public to pay more attention to mental health.
“Mental health issues can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. We encourage people to speak up and seek professional support when they need it,” she said.
MomsConnectGH said The Hannah Project forms part of its broader mission to build a supportive community for mothers while impacting lives positively through outreach and wellness initiatives.
The group also expressed appreciation to all individuals, partners, and organisations who contributed to the success of the donation exercise.
