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NIA investigates extortion allegations in viral TikTok video
The National Identification Authority has responded to a viral TikTok video in which a man known as Sefwi Biggest Trapper accused some officers at the Bono Premium Centre of extorting money from him and other applicants.
In a public notice, the Authority expressed concern about the claims and condemned the individual’s disruptive behaviour at the centre on 11 November 2025, which it indicated created risks for other applicants.
The Authority stressed that the Executive Secretary, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, and Management remain firmly against any form of extortion or misconduct by staff.
According to the Authority, several attempts have been made to reach the man and his companion, Appiah Comfort, to support ongoing inquiries, but all efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The matter has now been referred to the Internal CID for a full and independent investigation.
Management also introduced measures to strengthen security at all operational centres to protect both staff and applicants.
The Authority urged the individual to provide any evidence he claims to have to support the investigation. It assured the public that disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable when the investigation is completed.
The Authority reminded the public that fees at Premium Centres are different from those charged at District Offices. At Premium Centres, first time registration is GHS 310, personal information update is GHS 355, and replacement of a lost or damaged card is GHS 420.
The Authority encouraged applicants to be aware of the approved charges and report any attempt at extortion.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company, GTDC, under the leadership of Prof.Kobby Mensah has launched GTDC Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote educational and domestic tourism by providing structured campus tour experiences showcasing key heritage sites, including the Archaeology Museum and the School of Performing Arts.
It will also offer students their first travel experience across the continent and inculcate in them love to visit Ghana’s heritage sites.
Addressing the gathering at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described tourism as a vehicle for education and heritage preservation, stressing that the sector must inspire citizens to value and protect national culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted tourism’s connection to disciplines such as history, the arts, economics and environmental science.
The minister further noted that the private sector is the engine of tourism economy, adding that the engines require fuel, which is talents.” by investing in these young people today, you are securing the quality, the innovation and competitiveness of our own industry for tomorrow.
She added that the establishment of the office represents a deliberate investment in the intellectual capital of the country.
The GTDC boss, Prof.Kobby Mensah, said,”at GTDC, we believe that if our tourism has to be sustainable, we have to promote domestic tourism and a very big part of it is getting students to appreciate tourism and helping them to organise tours.”
He added that the University of Ghana itself is a huge heritage site which must be explored.
Prof.Kobby Mensah noted that the initiative, which is one of many to be established across the country, is a joint partnership between GTDC and University of Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University is a custodian of heritage which goes beyond the structures and welcomed the establishment of the first Campus Tourism Office.
She was optimistic that the office would be put to good use to achieve the intended purpose.
The launch brought together Stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to nurturing future tourism and hospitality professionals.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana has officially accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, accompanied by the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré.
Receiving the delegation, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening historic ties between the two nations.
She noted that the festival will create opportunities for young creatives, expand exhibition platforms and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
The event will feature cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Ghana’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between John Dramani Mahama and Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering collaboration within the creative ecosystems of both countries.
