News
Mahama, Macron strengthen Ghana–France relations at Paris Peace Forum
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and France during bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum, focused on deepening ties in security, trade, education, and infrastructure development.
President Mahama began by expressing appreciation for France’s continuous partnership with Ghana and highlighted key areas for future collaboration.
He requested French support to help Ghana combat increasing piracy threats in its territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
He appealed for assistance to fast-track a French concessionary loan for Ghana’s health sector, which is awaiting parliamentary approval.
President Mahama further asked President Macron to use his influence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help Ghana access funding from the French Development Bank, citing Ghana’s improved debt-to-GDP ratio as a positive indicator of economic progress.
In his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion of African Financial Institutions, President Mahama advocated for the renegotiation of Africa’s infrastructure loan agreements to secure lower interest rates.
He stressed the importance of fairer financial terms to promote sustainable development across the continent.
The President also underlined Ghana’s key role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, noting that improved road and transport networks are essential to facilitate trade within Africa.
Highlighting Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, President Mahama spoke about the country’s “One Million Coders” programme, which has already registered 200,000 young learners.
He appealed for French assistance in training more French language teachers to improve language education in Ghanaian schools.
President Mahama raised the issue of reparations for slavery, an initiative Ghana is currently leading at the international level.
He urged France to support the cause as part of a broader effort toward historical justice and reconciliation.
On regional peace and stability, President Mahama discussed the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, including terrorist incursions in Mali and other Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries.
He emphasized Ghana’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
In response, President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences over the recent passing of Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
He praised President Mahama’s leadership in championing regional cooperation and economic reform.
President Macron assured Ghana of France’s continued partnership in areas such as security, health, education, and digital innovation.
He mentioned upcoming opportunities for collaboration, including the VivaTech Summit in Nairobi in May 2026, the AU–EU Summit in Angola, and the G7 Summit in June 2026, where France intends to advocate for greater support for Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
