The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has intercepted a large consignment of cannabis in the Volta Region, dealing a significant blow to drug trafficking operations.

The seizure took place at dawn on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Zadolakope, a riverside community in the North Tongu District. Acting on intelligence, NIB operatives launched a raid and recovered 3,680 slabs of cannabis packed in 49 bags. Each bag contained 80 slabs.

The consignment had been traced to the banks of a river in the Juapong-Adidome area. Intelligence suggested the drugs were meant to travel along the lower Volta River, with planned transit in Ada before reaching Accra.

Officials close to the operation said the move was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks in the region. The bust highlights the NIB’s increased vigilance and focus on disrupting criminal supply chains.

The seized cannabis has since been transferred to the Narcotics Control Commission office in Ho for further action. Investigations are expected to continue as authorities work to identify those behind the trafficking attempt.

This latest interception adds to a growing list of successful operations by the NIB as the agency intensifies its crackdown on both drug and cocoa smuggling across Ghana.

The Ministry of the Interior has declared Friday, June 6, 2025, a statutory public holiday to mark Eid-Ul-Adha. The announcement, signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak on Thursday, May 29, follows Ghana’s tradition of recognising major religious festivals as national holidays.

Eid-Ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two most essential celebrations in Islam. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The festival also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

In Ghana, the occasion is observed with prayers at mosques and open grounds, animal sacrifices, and the distribution of meat to family members, neighbours, and the less privileged. The day often includes acts of charity, family visits, and community gatherings.

By declaring the day a holiday, the Ministry aims to give Muslims across the country the opportunity to observe their religious duties without interruption from work or official obligations.

Large gatherings are expected in cities like Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Wa, where religious leaders and government officials often join worshippers. Security and health agencies are also expected to coordinate with community leaders to ensure peaceful and safe celebrations.

Abstract

It is both curious and sobering to hear segments of the Ghanaian populace lament that they have not felt the effects of the cedi’s remarkable appreciation against the US dollar and other major currencies. This sentiment, though understandable in a high-cost economy where the prices of goods and services remain stubbornly high, often fails to capture the macroeconomic strides that underpin the local currency’s recent resurgence. Indeed, many consumers measure economic progress solely by the cost of food, fuel, and transport areas where price rigidity and market inertia can delay the trickle-down benefits of currency gains.

However, the appreciation of the cedi is not an abstract academic achievement; it is a tangible marker of renewed investor confidence, improved foreign exchange liquidity, and sounder macroeconomic stewardship. The fact that the cedi has clawed its way back from depths of uncertainty, regaining over 40% of its value since January 2025, is not just a statistical win, it is a national recovery story in motion. The stabilization of the exchange rate holds long-term implications: easing pressure on import bills, reducing the cost of external debt servicing, and creating a more predictable environment for trade and investment.

Yet, the psychological scars of past economic turbulence linger. Many Ghanaians, having endured months of rapid inflation and a plummeting currency, remain cautiously skeptical. They await visible reductions in market prices before acknowledging any sense of relief. In that context, the disconnection between macroeconomic progress and microeconomic perception is not denial, it is lived experience. But with sustained policy discipline and a firm grip on inflation, the benefits of a stronger cedi will inevitably ripple through the economy. It is just a matter of time before the echo of this appreciation is heard in every household, market stall, and fuel pump.

A 42% Appreciation – The Numbers Don’t Lie

In January 2025, the exchange rate stood at GHS14.70 to USD1. By May 27, it had improved significantly to GHS10.35. This movement in the exchange rate suggests a strong 42% appreciation of the cedi. Such a change is not trivial; it indicates a positive shift in Ghana’s macroeconomic outlook and market confidence.
When a local currency appreciates, it essentially means it has gained value relative to foreign currencies. This can have wide-ranging impacts from reducing the cost of imports to easing inflationary pressures. Yet, to truly appreciate the magnitude of this development, one must look at the math.

Direct Quotation Approach

Using the direct quote, where the exchange rate expresses how many units of local currency are needed to buy one unit of foreign currency, we apply the formula:
(Appreciation Rate) = (Old Rate – New Rate) / New Rate
Substituting values: (14.70 – 10.35) / 10.35 ≈ 42%
Though the percentage is positive, this result can appear counterintuitive because the appreciation is reflected as a decrease in the rate. Nonetheless, a falling direct rate indicates that the cedi now requires fewer units to buy a dollar—a hallmark of currency strength.

Indirect Quotation Approach

In contrast, the indirect quotation expresses how many units of foreign currency one can obtain with a single unit of the local currency. This is especially useful in cross-border trade or investment analysis. For example:
January: 1 / 14.70 = 0.0680 USD May: 1 / 10.35 = 0.0966 USD
Rate of change = (0.0966 – 0.0680) / 0.0680 ≈ 42%
This reconfirms the appreciation of the cedi where one cedi fetches more dollars than before. It highlights growing confidence in the domestic currency, potentially driven by increased foreign inflows, macro stability, and better monetary management.

The Dollar Has Depreciated Too By 29.6%

Currency appreciation is inherently a two-sided coin, what one gains, the other yields. In this instance, the US dollar has depreciated against the Ghanaian cedi by approximately 29.6%, reflecting the cedi’s corresponding strength over the same period.
Using the same formula in reverse:
(Start – End) / End
Indirect: (0.0680 – 0.0966) / 0.0966 ≈ -29.6% Direct: (10.35 – 14.70) / 14.70 ≈ -29.6%
This shows the weakening of the dollar relative to the cedi over the period. Such depreciation could be a reflection of changing capital flows, shifts in trade balance, or confidence in Ghana’s policy direction.

The Governor Has Spoken: No More Illusions

In a decisive and reassuring statement on May 28, 2025, Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, addressed the market’s speculative tendencies with refreshing clarity and bold authority. His message was not only a response to the lingering doubts within sections of the populace but also a pointed call to recalibrate expectations in light of changing economic fundamentals. Speaking with the weight of institutional credibility, Dr. Asiama declared:

“To those still holding dollars in anticipation of a return to old patterns of depreciation, I will say this plainly: The market has changed. The narrative has changed. And the policy environment has changed.”

Such pronouncements are not mere rhetoric as they are laden with profound monetary insight and a deeper understanding of Ghana’s evolving macroeconomic terrain. The Governor’s remarks affirm that the sustained appreciation of the cedi is not a fleeting coincidence but the result of deliberate policy interventions, tightened fiscal controls, strategic inflows, and a recalibrated monetary framework.

By publicly reinforcing the strength of the cedi, the Bank of Ghana sends a strong signal to currency traders, investors, importers, and exporters alike: speculation against the local currency will no longer yield predictable gains. In effect, the central bank is reclaiming the narrative and setting the tone for disciplined, data-driven expectations. This also provides assurance to the international community and domestic markets that there is policy coherence and institutional resolve underpinning the exchange rate stability.

Moreover, the Governor’s remarks serve a behavioral function. They aim to break the cyclical psychology of dollar hoarding and currency panic, an entrenched response that has historically weakened the cedi in times of uncertainty. His statement is a subtle but powerful shift from passive reassurance to proactive narrative management. It redefines the playing field and invites all market actors to move in concert with a new Ghanaian financial reality, one that embraces resilience, transparency, and a forward-looking posture.

Conclusion: Let the Facts Speak Louder Than Fear

While skepticism is a natural response in uncertain economic times, the appreciation of the cedi is no illusion, it is an empirical reality supported by hard numbers, meaningful policy reforms, and clear institutional affirmations. In a country where citizens have grown weary from bouts of inflation and currency volatility, such doubts are rooted not in ignorance, but in experience. Yet, even within that context, it is crucial to recognize when the tide is turning. The data does not lie: the cedi has gained significant ground, and its upward trajectory is not merely a statistical anomaly. It is a direct consequence of
coordinated fiscal prudence, increased foreign inflows, and a resolute monetary stance by the Bank of Ghana.

Rather than holding on to outdated narratives of endless depreciation and economic doom, it is time for a collective mindset shift, one that allows us to embrace the new economic reality with both eyes open. The cedi’s resurgence has been hard-won, not gifted. It is the fruit of painful reforms, renewed investor engagement, and the quiet but relentless work of economic stewards who have steadied the ship during turbulent times. This is not a time for nostalgia or cynicism. It is a time for strategic optimism.

Let us therefore acknowledge this recovery, not with blind celebration, but with thoughtful appreciation. Let us leverage this window of opportunity to stabilize prices, attract investments, and create buffers for future shocks. Let us encourage businesses to recalibrate their cost assumptions and pass on the benefits of a stronger currency to the consumer. And above all, let us look ahead with renewed confidence not in the hope of a perfect economy, but in the assurance that progress is being made.

The market has spoken, and so has the Bank of Ghana. The cedi is not trembling and it is standing tall. Let the numbers, and not fear, guide our faith. In this new financial chapter, may we trade doubt for data, and hesitation for hope.

written By Augustine Paa Kwesi Baidoo

The Member of Parliament for Bongo, Charles Bawaduah, says the ongoing removal proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo are lawful and free from flaws.

Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Bawaduah dismissed claims made by former Attorney General and lead counsel for the Chief Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, who had described the process as unconstitutional and lacking due process.

According to the Bongo MP, there is nothing illegal about the proceedings. He said the process was following the law step by step and expressed surprise that Mr Dame would think otherwise.

Bawaduah argued that the case should be treated strictly as a legal matter. He stressed that it is not about politics or public sympathy but about the constitution and how it is applied. In his view, the outcome will be based on facts and legal procedures, not political alignment.

He also criticised the Chief Justice’s legal team over their failed attempt to stop the committee’s work. He said they were unable to meet the legal requirements needed for an injunction. That failure, he noted, was why the court threw it out.

His comments came shortly after the Supreme Court, on Wednesday, May 28, unanimously dismissed Justice Torkornoo’s application for an injunction. This decision allows the five-member presidential committee to continue investigating the removal petitions.

Bawaduah maintains that the process is fair and constitutional. He believes those who say otherwise are ignoring the facts.

Pakro Teacher Portia Dzifa Dzilah Earns Global Teaching Honour

Portia Dzifa Dzilah, an English teacher at Pakro Anglican Basic School in the Akuapim South District of Ghana, has earned global recognition by winning the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award. Her historic achievement marks the first time a Ghanaian has received this prestigious international honour.

Portia Dzifa Dzilah emerged as the global winner after securing 33% of the global public vote, surpassing eight other regional finalists from around the world. Organised by the International Education division of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the awards celebrate educators who go above and beyond in shaping the lives of their students. Her win stands as a testament not only to personal excellence but also to the profound impact of passionate teaching in under-resourced communities.

Operating in Pakro, a remote farming community in Ghana’s Eastern Region, which grapples with socio-economic issues such as teenage pregnancy and high absenteeism, Portia Dzifa Dzilah has committed herself to transforming the lives of her students. Her work has included initiating food and sanitary product drives, as well as establishing a Gender Club to promote girls’ education and reduce dropout rates.

What began as regional recognition quickly evolved into a moment of national celebration. Portia Dzifa Dzilah received a surprise video call from Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, informing her that she had not only won the Sub-Saharan Africa regional award but had also been named the overall global winner. The announcement was followed by a community celebration at her school, attended by representatives from Cambridge, local education authorities, and members of the wider Pakro community.

In response to the award, Portia Dzifa Dzilah expressed her appreciation for her students, describing them as her most significant source of inspiration. Their strength, curiosity, and determination reinforce her purpose as an educator and deepen her belief in the potential of every child. She described education as a tool capable of breaking cycles and opening doors and viewed the recognition as a renewed call to her mission. She dedicated the award to every girl who has stayed in school despite challenges and to parents who continue to believe in education as the key to a brighter future.

Rod Smith commended Portia Dzifa Dzilah for her exceptional commitment and for demonstrating that true educators extend their influence far beyond the classroom. He described her belief in education’s transformative power as both inspiring and profoundly moving, crediting her with offering not just academic instruction but also hope, encouragement, and a vision for the future.

As part of her award package, Dzilah will enrol in a professional development course of her choice through Cambridge’s Enrichment Programme. Her photograph and story will also appear on the thank-you page of Cambridge textbooks scheduled for release in November 2025 and featured across the organisation’s global promotional materials for the following year.

This milestone underscores the vital role of dedicated educators working in challenging environments. It reinforces the value of celebrating those who shape not only the academic journeys of their students but also the future of entire communities and nations.

Now in its seventh year, the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards provide students, parents, and fellow educators with a platform to recognise and celebrate teachers who consistently demonstrate outstanding dedication to their learners’ growth and success.

The Ministry of Education has introduced updated guidelines for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (2025 BECE) school selection process, aimed at ensuring a more transparent and inclusive placement system for candidates seeking admission into senior high schools (SHSs) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

The revised framework, which takes effect alongside a nationwide sensitisation campaign from Tuesday, May 27, to Friday, June 6, 2025, provides detailed instructions for students, parents, and educators on how to navigate the selection process of the 2025 BECE potential schools.

Under the new structure, each candidate is required to choose a total of seven schools—five main choices and two alternatives. The five preferred schools must be listed in order of priority, while the two additional options must be selected from Appendix Three. These alternatives serve as a contingency if candidates are not placed in any of their initial five selections.

In terms of residential preference, 2025 BECE candidates must choose three boarding options and two-day school options. They may select one Category B school for boarding and one for day attendance, with the same condition applying to Category C schools. However, 2025 BECE candidates are limited to one school from Category A and a maximum of two from Category B. There are no restrictions for Category C; all five preferred choices may come from this group.

Candidates aspiring to pursue careers in high-demand fields such as engineering or medicine are encouraged to select STEM-related programmes across all five main choices. These can be drawn from Categories A, B, or C, regardless of whether the preference is for boarding or day schooling.

At a formal launch event at the Ministry of Education, Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak underlined the critical role of parental involvement. He noted that the outcome of the selection process would shape the future academic path of each student and urged parents to be proactive and directly involved. He also made it clear that no teacher or head teacher is authorised to complete the selection form on behalf of a candidate without prior consent from a parent or guardian. Each form, he added, must be signed by a parent or guardian and submitted through the student’s school.

Dr. Apaak also encouraged families to consider Category C schools, which, despite being under-subscribed, have consistently delivered strong academic results and made significant contributions to national development.

As part of broader reforms, the Ministry is also working to integrate private senior high schools into the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme to address ongoing capacity issues and ultimately phase out the double-track system.

The Free SHS Secretariat Coordinator, Benita Sena Okity-Duah, also weighed in on the process, highlighting the crucial role of teachers. She cautioned against leaving school selection until after the 2025 BECE, a common practice that often forces teachers to make selections in the absence of students—leading to complications and confusion during placement.

She urged teachers to actively support the sensitisation campaign while ensuring that the final decision on school choices rests with the parents or guardians. Okity-Duah also reminded all stakeholders that each selection form must be signed by a parent or guardian and retained for record-keeping.

In her closing remarks, she advised parents to consider their children’s academic capabilities and potential when making school choices. The objective, she said, is to guide students onto the right path by aligning their aspirations with suitable academic environments. She also emphasised that once placement is made, no changes to the selected schools will be allowed.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned last Friday’s actions by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) at the residences of two prominent personalities of the opposition party.

The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, in a release on the subject, called on all Ghanaians and cherishers of democracy to condemn the storming and arrest of a party member, Alfred Ababio Kumi, aka Adenta Kumi, from his residence.

“NPP condemns in the strongest terms the growing pattern of politically motivated intimidation and harassment of its members,” the release stated.

The party accused the NDC government of misusing state security agencies to directly assault members of the NPP.

Recalling the incident at the residence of Adenta Kumi on Friday morning, the General Secretary said:

“At about 7 am on Friday, April 23, Alfred Ababio Kumi, aka Adenta Kumi, a member of the NPP, Adenta, was arrested by operatives of the NIB wielding AK 47. Six of them wore masks. This is clearly related to the petition for the dissolution of the Justice Torkornoo Committee. Rather than address the petition, the response is the harassment of the whistleblower.”

In a related development, the General Secretary said NIB operatives also descended upon the residence of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi-Bosiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, to arrest him and take him to Accra.

He noted that the operation was in connection with an earlier invitation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to Wontumi to assist in an ongoing investigation.

He explained that due to a medical situation, Chairman Wontumi could not report on the initially scheduled date of May 21 but had informed authorities that he would be available on May 26, 2025.

“It was surprising, therefore, when NIB operatives stormed his residence on Friday morning,” the General Secretary noted, adding that “this is a threat to democracy and designed to weaken opposition voices as well as erode democratic fabric.”

“Such actions do not only violate the fundamental rights of Ghanaian citizens but also endanger principles of transparency, justice and equal protection under rule of law,” the General Secretary said.

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The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) recently hosted a delegation from Indiana University’s Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as part of the university’s 2025 Study Abroad program to Ghana.

The visiting group, led by Dr. Nana Abena Amoah-Ramey, engaged in a vibrant cultural exchange with MUSIGA, represented by its President, Bessa Simons. The meeting highlighted MUSIGA’s vital role in advancing Ghanaian music and supporting musicians nationwide.

As part of the visit, the delegation was given a detailed overview of MUSIGA’s ongoing initiatives and upcoming activities, including preparations for its Golden Jubilee Celebration, which marks 50 years of promoting and preserving Ghana’s rich musical heritage.

A standout moment of the visit was an interactive Highlife music workshop led by legendary Ghanaian musician Smart Nkansah of Sweet Talks fame. The hands-on session provided students with a rare opportunity to explore the origins, rhythms, and cultural relevance of Highlife, Ghana’s iconic music genre.

Speaking at the event, MUSIGA President Bessa Simons expressed enthusiasm about the exchange:

“We are honoured to host Indiana University’s delegation and share our musical heritage. This partnership highlights the value of cultural exchange in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through the universal language of music.”

Dr Nana Abena Amoah-Ramey also praised the experience:

“This visit has been instrumental in broadening our students’ understanding of African music and culture. MUSIGA’s leadership and the Highlife workshop with Smart Nkansah provided invaluable insights that greatly enhance our academic programme.”

MUSIGA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international collaborations that spotlight Ghana’s musical influence while empowering the next generation of cultural ambassadors and creatives.

Photo Caption: Indiana University delegation in a group photo with MUSIGA executives.