Connect with us

News

Mahama Advocates Strategic Infrastructure Investment to Unlock AfCFTA’s Full Potential

Published

on

President John Dramani Mahama is advocating massive investment in strategic infrastructure across the African continent, particularly transport networks and digital connectivity, to fully unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

He made these remarks during a courtesy call by Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Highlighting current challenges, President Mahama said inadequate road and rail networks across sub-regions have significantly hampered the effectiveness of existing regional trade agreements.

He stressed that the vision of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD) calls for proactive measures to seamlessly integrate and open up economies.

Advertisement

Citing the high volume of trade along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the longest route along the West African coastal belt, President Mahama articulated his vision for enhanced regional integration.

“If we invest in crucial corridors like the Abidjan-Lagos route and extend it all the way to Dakar, we will create a seamless channel for the exchange of goods, significantly boosting intra-African trade,” he stated.

The President also highlighted the increasing trade volumes between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, noting the immense potential for transit trade facilitated by improved connectivity.

President Mahama told Mr. Mene, “We are proud to be the hosts of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and our government remains fully committed to facilitating your crucial work and ensuring its success.”

Advertisement

On his part, Mr. Wamkele Mene began by congratulating President Mahama on his recent re-election victory and commended Ghanaians for the peaceful transition of power.

Providing an update on the AfCFTA’s progress since its establishment on May 30, 2019, Mr. Mene reported that forty-nine (49) out of fifty-five (55) African Union member states have now ratified the agreement, demonstrating strong continental commitment.

He added that twenty-four (24) countries are actively trading under the AfCFTA framework, with Ghana notably serving as one of the pilot countries since trading commenced two years ago.

Mr. Mene also noted that countries, including Benin, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, are yet to ratify the agreement.

Advertisement

News

Police arrest suspected romance scammer over fraud, sharing of intimate images

Published

on

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man suspected of running a romance scam that targeted women with false marriage promises, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

The suspect, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, was arraigned alongside Sally Akosua Amoasah before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

According to preliminary investigations, Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram. He allegedly told women that “God had revealed” they were his future wives.

To gain their trust, police say he went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings.

Advertisement

Investigators allege the suspect then obtained intimate images of some victims and used them to blackmail them for money.

He is also accused of introducing victims to a fake car tyre business. Under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, he allegedly collected thousands of dollars from them before becoming unreachable.

Police further allege that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims.

Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police. Investigations indicate the offences date back to 2021.

Advertisement

The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026. Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail.

The Ghana Police Service says it continues to receive complaints from other possible victims.

The Service is urging anyone who may have had similar encounters with the suspect to report to the nearest Police station to assist with ongoing investigations.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Tourism industry mourns Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah

Published

on

Ghana’s tourism industry is in mourning following the sudden death of Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a pioneering figure credited with helping to reconnect the African diaspora to the continent.

Prince Anthony passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra.

He was instrumental in the development and promotion of “The Year of Return,” the flagship tourism campaign that invited members of the African diaspora to return to Ghana in 2019.

The initiative is widely regarded as a turning point that boosted Ghana’s tourism numbers and strengthened cultural ties with Black communities across the world.

Advertisement

Beyond his work with the GTA, Prince Anthony was the Chief Exexutive Officer (CEO) of Bridgezone, an agency dedicated to showcasing Africa to Western audiences and fostering cultural and business connections between the continent and the diaspora.

Colleagues describe him as passionate, strategic, and committed to telling authentic African stories that drive tourism, investment, and pride.

Widely known as Prince Anthony, he served as a Board Member of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2025 to date.

A former British Army officer and a royal of the Akwamu clan, he brought discipline, vision, and a deep sense of heritage to every role he held
Prince Anthony was also a proud father to two teenagers, whom he deeply cherished.

Advertisement

In a statement, the *Ghana Tourism Authority extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, friends, and all sympathizers.

“The tourism industry has lost a pioneering figure and a vital link to the diasporan community,” the statement read.

The statement further added that “We pray for strength for the family during this difficult time.”

Tributes have since poured in from tourism stakeholders, creatives, and diasporan groups who say Prince Anthony’s legacy will continue to shape how the world sees and experiences Ghana.

Advertisement

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending