Articles by Salifu Bagulube Moro,Samuel Obour

Technology

Chairman Wontumi in fresh trouble as High Court issues bench warrant for his arrest

The Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi BoasiakoChairman Wontumi and his legal team failed to appear in court without giving any reasonThe warrant was issued during a session for disclosure and case management on October 28 The Accra High Court has reportedly issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. According to several media reports, the court issued the bench warrant after the controversial politician absented himself without permission. When the case was called at 9:40am on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Stella Ohene Appiah, the Chief State Attorney, and her team of prosecutors from the Attorney General's office were present. However, Chairman Wontumi and his legal team were absent without any explanation. Consequently, the presiding Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay said the recall of the case on October 28 was for disclosure to be filed and subsequent case management. “Notwithstanding the inability on the part of the republic to execute the exercise today, the accused person and his legal representative are absent in court with no excuse of any sort to the court,” he reportedly noted. “Having not given any notice to the court as to their absence, a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of the accused," she ordered. Read the post below: Charges against Chaiman Wontumi Chairman Wontumi, his company, Akonta Mining, and one other individual identified as Kwame Antwi, a director of Akonta Mining, who is currently at large, are standing trial for over some alleged illegal mining ioffences. The AG on October 6, 2025, the Attorney General filed six criminal charges against the NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman, his company, Akonta Mining, and some individuals. The charges relate to alleged illegal mining in 2024 at Samreboi in the Western Region. According to the charge sheet, the Attorney General accused Wontumi and his company of allowing two men, identified as Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to mine on Akonta’s concession at Samreboi without ministerial approval and without holding a mining licence. Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi were subsequently arrested by the police after a special anti-galamsey operation in April 2025, which led to the arrest of 29 people and the seizure of mining equipment and weaponry. Source: YEN.com.gh

Technology

Alan Kyerematen launches United Party from Movement for Change, former NPP MP becomes first chairman

John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has launched a new political party ahead of the 2028 electionsThe United Party is a rebrand of the Movement for Change formed after his NPP exitFormer Madina MP Boniface Abubakar was named chairman during the official launch on October 16 John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has launched a new political party barely nine months after contesting in the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate. The new party, which was rebranded from the Movement for Change, is known as the United Party (UP). The Movement for Change was initially formed to support Alan Kyerematen's independent presidential bid after cutting ties with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). With the formation of this new political party, Alan Kyerematen seeks to position himself as a viable option for Ghana's presidency in 2028. During the launch of UP on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Boniface Abubakar, a former Member of Parliament for Madina on the ticket of the NPP, was announced as the inaugural chairman. Boniface Abubakar is a seasoned politician who previously served as Minister of State at the Office of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. According to a report by ModernGhana, UP received its provisional certificate on Friday, October 3, 2025. Speaking to the media shortly after the launch, Boniface Abubakar expressed pride in the formation of the UP party. He further explained that the party, which is modelled after Abrefa Busia’s political tradition, represents a revival of Ghana’s democratic roots. "Every political party in the country can trace its roots to the Aborigines Right Protection Movement through the UGCC, whcih gave birth to the CPP. The UP, which we are reviving was produced from the same political heritage," he said. The UP chairman said they will focus on building a youth-driven political movement to address the myriad of challenges bedevilling the country. Watch the video below: Alan Kyeremanten's political background Mr Kyerematen was a prominent member of the NPP and served under President Akufo-Addo as the Minister for Trade and Industry between 2017 and 2023. He held the same portfolio during the NPP's first stint in office during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor between 2001 and 2007. However, in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential elections, Alan Kyerematen fell out with the leadership of the NPP after losing the flagbearer race to then Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He accused the NPP of manipulating the electoral process to favour Dr Bawumia in the presidential primary held in November 2023. Consequently, Mr Kyerematen left the party to form the Movement for Change. Prior to taking this action, he had previously left the NPP in 2007 after losing the flagbearer race to then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo. In the 2024 elections, Alan Kyerematen ran for office as an independent candidate despite forming the Movement for Change.NPP grants amnesty to suspended members. Alan Kyerematen declares 2028 bid Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that John Alan Kyerematen confirmed he will contest the 2028 presidential elections under the Movement for Change He believes his experience, vision, and global network uniquely position him to lead Ghana to prosperity. Kyerematen left the NPP after accusing the party of favouring Dr Bawumia in the 2024 flagbearership race. Source: YEN.com.gh

Technology

President Mahama’s China visit yields trade and infrastructure deals

President Mahama's official visit to China has led to key agreements aimed at boosting Ghana's economy and infrastructureChina pledged a total of 400 million RMB in grants and committed to supporting Mahama's green city and 24-hour economy initiativesThe two countries are set to sign a 0% tariff trade agreement by October 2025, with additional investments in women's empowerment and industrial development President John Mahama's recent visit to China has resulted in substantial benefits for Ghana. The president was in the East Asian country on the invitation of President Xi Jinping and UN Women to participate in a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women. During the visit, President Mahama held several diplomatic engagements with the Chinese President and industry captains. These engagements, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have resulted in several key agreements reached between Ghana and China. Ablakwa outlines benefits of Mahama's China visit In a Facebook post, the minister stated that the agreements have the potential to boost Ghana's economic and infrastructural development. Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that both leaders agreed to collaborate on sustainable environmental practices, green transitions, and combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in Ghana. Additionally, he said China has agreed to support President Mahama's new green city initiative. Touching on some of the financial grants made during the visit to China, the minister said President Xi has committed to providing a 200 million RMB grant for developmental projects in Ghana. He said this will bring the total grant from China to 400 million RMB this year, having previously received a 200 million RMB grant to fund the construction of a modern market in Aflao in the Volta Region of Ghana. "President Mahama secured a 200 million RMB grant from President Xi to be used for a developmental project in Ghana, as may be determined by the Mahama Administration. President Xi’s latest grant is in addition to an earlier gift of 200 million RMB, which has been committed to the construction of a new modern market in Aflao. A total grant of 400 million RMB has been received from China this year," he said. Trade agreement between Ghana and China According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ghana and China are set to sign a 0% tariff agreement by October 28, 2025, expected to enhance trade between the two countries. China is Ghana's largest bilateral trading partner, with trade volumes exceeding $11.8 billion in 2024. He also disclosed that President Mahama successfully advocated for African women entrepreneurs to receive special consideration under President Xi's $100 million package and capacity-building drive for 50,000 women. "As AU Champion for both Gender and African Financial Institutions, President Mahama made a compelling case for African women entrepreneurs to receive special consideration under President Xi’s US$100 million package and Capacity Building Drive for 50,000 women," he stated. Read the Facebook post below: In addition to this, Okudzeto Ablakwa further disclosed that a $150 million glass float factory will be constructed in the Western Region, marking a significant investment in Ghana's industrial sector. He added that China has committed to supporting President Mahama's Big Push and 24-hour economy programmes by developing Ghana's railway systems and constructing a second gas processing plant. Mahama secures US$1billion investment in Singapore In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that President Mahama made history as the first Ghanaian Head of State to visit Singapore in a historic economic mission. The visit secured US$1 billion investment deals, including a five-star hotel, processing plants and job creation opportunities. Ghana and Singapore agreed on key collaborations in transport, education, security, and trade during the high-level trip. Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh. Source: YEN.com.gh