US President Donald Trump has authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, provoking outrage from the South American nation’s leader.

The US has conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean in recent weeks, killing 27 people.

US Air Force B-52 bombers also circled over the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday for several hours.

Trump has said the US “is looking at land” and eyeing more strikes on drug cartels in the area. The flurry of action came as a top US military leader in the region announced his sudden retirement.

Nicolás Maduro, whose legitimacy as Venezuela’s president is internationally contested, has appealed for peace with the US.

He addressed the “people of the United States” in the television address, saying “no war, yes peace”.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he believed the military had sea drug operations under control but was now looking at land.

The increased US military presence in the region has raised fears in Caracas of a possible attack. There are reportedly about 10,000 US forces built up in the Caribbean, either on ships or in Puerto Rico, a US territory.

UN-appointed human rights experts have described the US strikes as “extrajudicial executions”.

BBC Verify confirmed that three B-52 bomber planes – the likes of which have been used during conflicts in Iraq and Syria – took off from Barksdale Air Force base in the Gulf State of Louisiana.

A Global Strike Command spokesperson also confirmed to CBS, the BBC’s US media partner, that the three aircraft had flown missions near Venezuela.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, announced on social media that he would retire by the end of the year. His purview includes the Caribbean Sea, where the US has conducted strikes against alleged drug boats at Trump’s behest.

“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defence of our nation, and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe.”

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Holsey’s career and wrote on social media that the admiral “demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation”.

According to the New York Times, Trump’s authorisation of the CIA would allow the agency to carry out operations in Venezuela unilaterally or as part of any wider US military activity.

It remains unknown whether the CIA is planning operations in Venezuela, or whether those plans are being kept as contingencies, but the spy agency has a long history of activities in South America.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump was questioned about the New York Times report.

“Why did you authorise the CIA to go into Venezuela?” a journalist asked.

“I authorised for two reasons really,” Trump said in a highly unusual acknowledgement from a US commander-in-chief about an intelligence organisation whose activities are typically shrouded in secrecy.

“Number one, they [Venezuela] have emptied their prisons into the United States of America.”

He added: “And the other thing are drugs. We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea, so you get to see that, but we’re going to stop them by land also.”

Venezuela plays a relatively minor role in the region’s drug trade. The president would not be drawn on whether the CIA’s goal was to topple Maduro, for whom the US has offered a $50m (£37m) bounty.

“Wouldn’t it be a ridiculous question for me to answer?” he said.

In the most recent US strike on Tuesday, six people were killed when a boat was targeted near Venezuela’s coast.

On Truth Social, Trump said that “intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting along a known DTO [drug-trafficking organisation] drug-trafficking route”.

As has been the case in previous strikes, US officials have not specified what drug-trafficking organisation was allegedly operating the vessel, or the identities of those aboard.

Maduro took to the airwaves on Wednesday night to warn against escalation.

“No to regime change, which reminds us so much of the endless, failed wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on,” said the Socialist leader.

“No to CIA-orchestrated coups d’état.”

He added: “Listen to me, no war, yes peace, the people United States.”

Earlier in the day Maduro ordered military exercises in the Caracas suburb of Petare and in neighbouring Miranda state on Wednesday.

In a message on Telegram, he said he was mobilising the military, police and civilian militia to defend the oil-rich country.

Foreign Minister Yván Gil said on Telegram that Venezuela “rejects the warmongering and extravagant statements of the president of the United States”.

“We view with extreme alarm the use of the CIA, as well as the military deployments announced in the Caribbean, which amount to a policy of aggression, threat, and harassment against Venezuela,” he added.

Trump has deployed eight warships, a nuclear-power submarine and fighter jets to the Caribbean in what the White House says is an effort to crack down on drug smuggling.

In a leaked memo recently sent to US lawmakers, the Trump administration said it had determined it was involved in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug-trafficking organisations.

US officials have alleged that Maduro himself is part of an organisation called the Cartel of the Suns, which they say includes high-ranking Venezuelan military and security officials involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied the claims.

Mick Mulroy, a former CIA paramilitary officer and Assistant Undersecretary of Defence, told the BBC: “In order to conduct covert action, there needs to be a presidential finding for the CIA specially authorising it, with specific actions identified.”

Mulroy added that such a finding would mark a “substantial increase” in efforts against drug trafficking organisations.

“Perhaps a real-life ‘Sicario’,” he said, referring to a 2015 film that depicts US operatives launching clandestine operations against drug cartels in Mexico.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

error: Content is protected !!

Most people imagine that robust technology and strong systems are the main barriers standing between their money and cybercriminals. In reality, the greatest risk to your security often lies in your own daily habits. Cybercriminals are not just targeting complex systems. Increasingly, they are focusing on individuals, exploiting predictable routines and small lapses in judgment.

Banks such as Absa Bank Ghana invest extensively in security systems. However, no amount of technology can protect against habits that leave personal information exposed. If you believe you are too smart to fall victim, you may already be more vulnerable to the latest tactics employed by fraudsters.

In this series, we are examining some of the most common digital habits that make people vulnerable when banking online, and how you can avoid them. Previously, we highlighted the dangers of weak passwords, acting on urgent requests without verification, and accessing your accounts over public Wi-Fi. In this instalment, we turn to three more habits that deserve your immediate attention.

Digital Habit #4: Ignoring Security Updates on Your Devices

Security updates can feel like an inconvenience. Many people are tempted to dismiss update reminders with a quick tap of “Remind Me Later,” without thinking of the potential consequences. However, neglecting to update your phone, computer, or banking apps can create real vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit.

Software updates do more than introduce new features or fix minor bugs. Their most important function is to address security gaps that attackers are actively searching for. Once a weakness in an operating system or application is discovered, criminals develop malicious software specifically designed to exploit it. If you continue to use outdated software, you are effectively leaving your digital door unlocked.

These risks are not only theoretical: many major cyber incidents worldwide have succeeded because users delayed critical updates. Banks such as Absa Bank Ghana work continuously to strengthen the security of their platforms, releasing regular updates to protect customers from new threats. However, these measures only work if customers update their apps promptly. In fact, many security updates are released in response to threats that have already been identified, which means that delaying installation may leave you exposed to risks that criminals are already exploiting.

The simplest way to stay protected is to enable automatic updates on your devices and banking apps. This ensures you always have the latest security enhancements without having to remember to check manually. For those who prefer to update manually, it is essential to develop a habit of checking for updates regularly, especially for apps related to finance, communication, and identity.

Device security settings also play a role in your overall protection. Take the time to review your phone or computer’s privacy and security settings, switch off unnecessary tracking, and enable features such as biometric authentication where possible. These steps help reduce the amount of personal information available for criminals to use against you.

Security updates are not just another notification to ignore. They are a vital layer of protection in a constantly evolving digital world. The next time your device prompts you to update, do not put it off. A few minutes spent installing updates today may prevent a far greater loss tomorrow.

Digital Habit #5: Relying on Browser-Saved Passwords

Trusting your web browser to remember your passwords often seems like an easy way to save time. Many people choose this option for the sake of convenience, believing their passwords are safely stored behind a single login or fingerprint. However, relying on browser-saved passwords introduces a significant risk to your digital security.

If your device is ever lost, stolen, or compromised by malware, stored passwords can quickly become accessible to cybercriminals. While modern browsers use encryption to protect saved passwords, determined attackers and malicious software can still extract these credentials from your device. This risk is particularly crucial when it comes to banking details, as a single breach may allow an intruder to access your accounts, transfer money, or lock you out entirely before you become aware.

A safer alternative is to use a dedicated password manager. Unlike browser storage, which is directly linked to your device, a password manager stores your login details in a secure, encrypted vault. Even if someone gains access to your device, your passwords remain protected by a single master key that only you control.

Another important habit is to avoid letting browsers auto-fill passwords on shared or public computers. Always log out of banking websites and apps after transactions and never save passwords on any device that does not belong to you.

Digital security often requires prioritising safety over convenience. It may take a few extra moments to enter your password or use a password manager, but that extra effort can make the difference between keeping your information safe and handing it over to a criminal. Protecting your credentials should always be a priority, especially as banking becomes increasingly digital.

Digital Habit #6: Ignoring Bank Alerts and Security Notifications

It can be tempting to treat bank alerts and security notifications as background noise. They arrive frequently and therefore are often overlooked or dismissed as unimportant. However, ignoring alerts from your bank can result in missed warnings about suspicious activity and expose your accounts to greater risk.

Bank alerts serve as an early warning system. Notifications about transactions, logins from new devices, or changes to your account details are designed to keep you informed and help you react quickly if something is amiss. Criminals often attempt unauthorised transactions outside of your usual banking patterns, knowing that a delayed response can give them the time they need to complete their fraud.

By paying close attention to your alerts, you give yourself a critical advantage. If you receive a notification about an activity you do not recognise, contact your bank immediately using a verified number. Prompt action can make the difference between preventing a crime and suffering financial loss.

It is also important to ensure that your contact details are up to date with your bank so that you never miss a notification. If you change your phone number or email address, update your records promptly. Make it a habit to review your account activity regularly, even if you do not receive an alert, and always enable security notifications on your banking app.

Viewing bank alerts as essential safeguards rather than inconveniences will help you maintain control over your finances and protect your accounts from fraud. In the digital age, vigilance is a habit that pays off.

PS: This concludes part two of our series on digital habits for secure banking. In the final instalment, we will address more habits to avoid and provide further guidance on how to keep your finances safe in an ever-changing digital world.

******

Benjamin Abiemo, Head, Cyber Security Management, Absa Bank Ghana Ltd

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has announced a movement to “save” his country, after a meeting with other opposition leaders in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

The meeting, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, resolved to rally Congolese to oppose the “dictatorship” of President Félix Tshisekedi, according to a document seen by the BBC.

Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya dismissed it as a “non-event”, and a meeting of “fugitives and convicts”. Kenya’s foreign ministry has not responded to the BBC’s request for comment.

Kabila was recently sentenced to death back home for war crimes and treason. He rejected the charges as “arbitrary” but did not appear in court to defend himself.

Since May, his whereabouts have not been known until earlier this week when images of him in Nairobi surfaced on social media.

The meeting in Nairobi included former DR Congo Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, who was sentenced to a decade in prison for corruption in May.

Participants warned that DR Congo was facing a deepening crisis due to the government’s rejection of inclusive dialogue and poor economic governance.

They criticised Tshisekedi’s failure to enact policies to address urgent public needs, despite his full control of state power.

“From every corner and crevice of Congo, let us unite and take daily actions to save the DR Congo. Every gesture matters and will count toward victory and dignity,” they said in the 14-point declaration bearing the signatures of the leaders of 12 opposition and civil society groups.

They also denounced the “arbitrary detention of political leaders… [and] all the unfair judgments handed down by courts and tribunals against opposition leaders” and critics of the government.

They vowed to launch a diplomatic offensive to alert the international community to DR Congo’s crisis.

The Congolese government has previously expressed concerns over Kenya hosting opposition figures linked to the M23 rebels, who have seized large parts of eastern DR Congo, sparking a diplomatic row.

In 2023, opposition figure Corneille Nangaa announced the formation of the opposition Alliance Fleuve Congo from Nairobi. The group includes opposition figures and the M23.

Kabila ruled DR Congo from 2001 until 2019, after succeeding his father Laurent, who was shot dead in 2001.

Kabila backed Tshisekedi in the disputed elections of 2019, but they later fell out and Kabila went into self-imposed exile in 2023.

Tshisekedi accused Kabila of being the brains behind the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo and senators stripped him of his legal immunity, paving the way for his prosecution in a military court that led to the death sentence two weeks ago.

In April this year, the former president said he wanted to help find a solution to the deadly fighting in the east and arrived in the M23-held city of Goma the following month. He had not been seen in public since then until this week.

The meeting in Nairobi came as the Congolese government signed an agreement with the M23 in Doha to set up a way of monitoring their ceasefire.

Both sides have accused the other of breaking the deal.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

If you’ve been worried about being stopped by the DVLA’s Compliance Team and slapped with a fine, here’s some news that might ease your mind — at least for now.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has officially suspended all fines and penalties imposed by its Compliance Team nationwide. The suspension takes effect from Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and will remain in force until further notice.

This follows several weeks of strict DVLA road enforcement operations aimed at ensuring that all drivers and vehicles comply with Ghana’s transport and road safety regulations.

However, after receiving extensive public feedback and conducting internal reviews, the Authority says it’s taking a breather to make room for broader stakeholder consultations.

What Exactly Has Been Suspended?

The DVLA clarified that the suspension only applies to fines and charges issued by its Compliance Team — not to the country’s legal road requirements.

The Authority explained in a statement on October 14:

This suspension relates specifically to the fees and charges that were being enforced by the Compliance Team. It does not suspend the legal requirements for drivers and vehicles to operate on Ghana’s roads.

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In short, the DVLA fines suspension doesn’t mean you can drive without proper documentation. You still need to have a valid driver’s licence, roadworthy certificate, and insurance before hitting the road.

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Why Has The DVLA Suspended Its Road Fines?

The decision to suspend the exercise comes after public complaints and calls for wider consultation between the Authority, transport unions, and drivers.

Many road users raised concerns about how the fines were being implemented and whether enough education had been done before enforcement began.

The DVLA says it listened.

“The objective is not to punish but to ensure understanding and compliance. We want all drivers and vehicle owners to be aware of what is required of them before sanctions are applied,” the statement noted.

In essence, the DVLA road fines suspension is meant to allow time for education, engagement, and clarity before enforcement resumes.

What Happens During The Suspension Period?

While the fines have been put on hold, the Authority emphasised that road safety remains a top national priority.

During this period, the DVLA will engage in stakeholder consultations with transport unions, drivers, and other players in the transport industry to design a fairer and more transparent enforcement system.

The Authority also reminded drivers that this is not a licence to break the law.

“Although committed to ensuring safety on our roads, we equally appreciate the fact that the general public must be adequately educated to fully appreciate the responsibilities unapproved conducts on our roads come with,” the statement said.

So, while the Compliance Team may not be on the roads for now, the rules still apply. Keep your documents valid, renew expired papers, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.

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What This Means For Ghanaian Road Users

For everyday drivers and vehicle owners, this suspension means you won’t be fined by the DVLA’s Compliance Team for now. But it doesn’t mean road offences are allowed — police and other agencies can still enforce existing traffic laws.

The DVLA’s pause is essentially an opportunity for the Authority to educate drivers better and make enforcement more transparent and fair.

Once consultations are complete, the Compliance Team will return to the roads — likely with clearer guidelines and more public understanding of what’s required.

Bottom Line

The DVLA road fines suspension is temporary and aims to promote better communication and compliance, not to excuse lawbreaking.

If you’re a driver in Ghana, continue to:

• Keep your roadworthy and insurance documents up to date.

• Renew your driver’s licence before it expires.

• Ensure your vehicle meets all safety standards.

Until further notice, drive safe, stay compliant, and keep your papers in order — because the Compliance Team will be back, better informed and probably stricter than before.

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The Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has withdrawn all charges against one of the co-accused persons in the ongoing criminal case involving the former Director General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, after she agreed to testify for the prosecution.

According to a notice filed at the High Court in Accra on October 15, 2025, Mildred Donkor, the 3rd accused person, has been discharged from prosecution under Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

The document, signed by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, stated that Ms Donkor is being withdrawn from prosecution in respect of all charges brought against her.

She is expected to appear as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial against Mr Adu-Boahene (1st Accused), Angela Adjei Boateng (2nd Accused), and Advantage Solutions Limited (4th Accused).

In her witness statement, Ms Donkor detailed her long working relationship with Mr Adu-Boahene and Madam Adjei Boateng, whom she described as acquaintances she met through the Cedar Mountain Assemblies of God Church in East Legon, Accra.

According to her, she became a director of Advantage Solutions Limited at the request of Mr Adu-Boahene (A1), who needed a second director to meet registration requirements. Ms Donkor said that although she was listed as a director, she had no decision-making power and only acted on instructions from Mr Adu-Boahene and Madam Adjei Boateng (A2).

“I took no major decisions – whether financial, operational or strategic – on my own. I followed the instructions of A1 and A2,” she said in her statement.

Ms Donkor told prosecutors that she managed several transactions on behalf of the accused, including the withdrawal and delivery of large cash sums from bank accounts belonging to Advantage Solutions Limited and another firm, BNC Communications Bureau Limited.

She revealed that Mr Adu-Boahene and Madam Adjei Boateng provided her with pre-signed cheque books, allowing her to fill in amounts as instructed and withdraw sums ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢1 million at a time. She added that an indemnity letter had been lodged with the bank to authorise her to make withdrawals as a third party.

According to her, she routinely delivered the withdrawn cash either directly to Mr Adu-Boahene, Madam Adjei Boateng, or to Madam Margaret Aba Donkor, identified as Mr Adu-Boahene’s mother.

In one transaction she cited, Madam Adjei Donkor said Mr Adu-Boahene directed the transfer of GH¢2.5 million from the account of BNC Communications Bureau Limited to I-ZAR Limited, a company owned by Rashida Saani, on April 29, 2020.

She added that she had never been formally employed by Advantage Solutions Limited, had no contractual terms, and acted purely on ad hoc instructions from the two main accused persons.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Kumasi High Court Five has adjourned to October 28, 2025, a case filed by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, who claims to be the legal wife of the late highlife musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.  

The adjournment follows a process filed by the first defendant, Abusua Panin Kofi Owusu, challenging the capacity of Madam Akosua Serwaa as the lawful wife of the deceased.   

The Presiding Judge, Her Ladyship Dorinda Arthur, postponed proceedings to allow the court to first determine the issue of the plaintiff’s legal standing before considering the substantive matter.   

Additionally, the second and third defendants, Ms Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni) and the Transitions Funeral Home (Enterprise Funeral Services), filed a conditional appearance motion, which permitted 14 days to gather the necessary documents and proofs.  

As a result, the application for an injunction against the first, second, and third defendants was withheld until the process filed to challenge the plaintiff’s capacity has been addressed.  

However, Her Ladyship Arthur advised the parties to explore the possibility of settling the case out of court, recommending Alternative Dispute Resolution.   

Henry B A Baidoo, a member of the plaintiff’s legal team said they were ready to settle the case out of court.  

He blamed Abusua Panyin Fosu for allowing the plaintiff to drag the case to the court when the issue could have been settled amicably.  

Madam Akosua Serwaa, on October 2, 2025, filed a lawsuit against Abusua Panyin Kofi Owusu, Priscilla Ofori, and the Transitions Funeral Home for downplaying her capacity as the legal wife of Daddy Lumba.  

The lawsuit gave an eight-day ultimatum for the defendants to cause an appearance after being served the writ.  

The celebrated musician, born Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, died on July 26, 2025.  

His family has since announced that his final funeral rites will take place on December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, but those plans could change following the legal battle over the widowhood rights.  

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Charlie Puth and wife Brooke Sansone are expecting their first child, a surprise the singer unveiled in the music video for his new single.

The reveal is tucked into the clip for the song “Changes”, a track from Puth’s forthcoming album Whatever’s Clever.

The video mixes performance footage with intimate, candid moments.

Midway through the clip, Puth and Sansone share a quiet scene that ends with the pair reacting to the pregnancy news.

The personal reveal instantly shifted the conversation about the song, turning it into both a creative statement and a family announcement.

Puth has been steadily rolling out material tied to the new album.

‘Whatever’s Clever’ has already drawn attention for its production and pop craftsmanship, and the surprise pregnancy reveal added a human, offstage dimension to the rollout.

Fans quickly took to social media to congratulate the couple and celebrate the news.

The announcement comes as Charlie Puth continues to build on a career that mixes radio-friendly hits with meticulous studio work.

Songs such as “One Call Away”, “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” established him as a pop songwriter with an ear for melody and detail.

With this release cycle he is combining his artistic launch with a major personal milestone.

Industry reaction has been upbeat. Music writers noted that folding a life event into a music video is an increasingly common move for artists seeking to control their narrative while keeping promotion tightly tied to the work.

For Puth, the reveal keeps attention on the single and raises anticipation for Whatever’s Clever.

Brooke Sansone has shared a low profile in public life compared with Puth’s high-profile career, which made the video reveal feel both intimate and celebratory.

The couple has not yet announced further personal details, such as an expected due date.

The combination of personal news and new music gives Puth’s latest era an emotional heartbeat that stretches beyond the charts.

For now, fans can watch the video and hear the new single while sending well wishes to the couple.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening ties with Türkiye in the areas of housing and infrastructure development, describing the partnership as a key driver in tackling the country’s growing housing needs.

Speaking to JoyNews on the sidelines of the ongoing Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul, the Minister said Ghana sees Türkiye as “a reliable partner in our drive to deliver affordable, climate-resilient housing and improve urban infrastructure.”

He explained that Ghana’s participation in the Forum is focused on strengthening existing bilateral relations and attracting new investment into the housing and construction sectors.

“We are here to strengthen existing relations with our Turkish counterparts and explore new investment opportunities in housing and infrastructure,” he said.

With Ghana’s housing deficit currently estimated at two million units, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and lack of affordable housing, the Minister said the government is implementing a multi-sector strategy to close the gap.

“We are tackling it through multi-sector collaboration, encouraging local material use, supporting developers with access to serviced land, and ensuring housing is accessible to low- and middle-income earners. Our ministry is also promoting new building technologies that make housing faster and more affordable to deliver,” he said.

On sustainability, Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Adjei, noted that Ghana is aligning its housing agenda with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Climate Change Policy.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our policies. We are promoting energy-efficient buildings, water conservation, and the use of locally sourced, climate-resilient materials,” he said, adding that the government aims to ensure that all new housing developments contribute to environmental resilience.

Asked about investment opportunities for Turkish businesses, the Minister described Ghana as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for housing and infrastructure investors.

“Ghana has a growing urban population and a strong demand for affordable and middle-income housing. The government has created an enabling environment, through public-private partnerships, tax incentives, and simplified land processes, for investors who want to enter the market.

“We welcome Turkish expertise, particularly in prefabricated construction, green building technologies, and housing finance models,” he said.

Mr Adjei praised Türkiye’s global reputation in construction and engineering, emphasising that Ghana–Türkiye cooperation has already yielded positive results.

“Our partnership with Turkey has been mutually beneficial. Turkish firms are known for their technical expertise and quality delivery.

“We believe the Türkiye –Africa Forum will open even more doors for collaboration in infrastructure, housing, and skills transfer,” he stated.

He assured potential investors of Ghana’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that strict oversight mechanisms are in place to guarantee value for money.

“We are guided by strong procurement laws and monitoring frameworks. Transparency and accountability are central to our work. We also emphasise local participation to ensure projects deliver both economic and social value,” he explained.

Responding to whether specific projects are available for collaboration, the minister said several public-private partnership projects are open to foreign participation.

“Yes. We have ongoing and upcoming projects in affordable housing, urban renewal, and infrastructure upgrading.

“These include public-private partnership housing projects and industrial housing for key economic zones. We welcome Turkish participation in these initiatives,” he revealed.

Kenneth Gilbert Adjei extended a strong invitation to Turkish investors, assuring them of Ghana’s stable political climate and investor-friendly policies.

“Ghana is open for business. We offer political stability, a growing economy, and an investment-friendly environment. We invite Turkish investors to be part of our housing transformation story, where investment meets real social impact,” he said.

The 5th Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum has brought together over 4,000 participants, ministers, and business leaders.

It continues in Istanbul with a focus on deepening trade and investment between Türkiye and African nations under the theme “Leveraging Türkiye–Africa Relations for Mutual Gains.”

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims by former Health Minister Dr Bernard Okoe Boye that there is no allocation of GH¢130 million for the completion of the La General Hospital project, insisting that funds have indeed been earmarked for the facility.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Thursday, October 16, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Goodman, confirmed the allocation and suggested that Dr. Okoe Boye’s scepticism stems from the fact that he was not the one who initiated the project.

“Let me say that the La project has GH¢130 million allocated. He said he doesn’t see that anywhere. He doesn’t believe that we have allocated GH¢130 million for that project because he did not do it for his people. He’s surprised that the current minister is pushing for that,” Mr. Goodman said.

Mr. Goodman stressed that the current Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, remains committed to completing the La General Hospital despite the criticisms from his predecessor.

“His effort will not be derailed by the former minister,” he added.

Read also: Okoe Boye demands update on Agenda 111 projects, says no progress made under current gov’t

His comment comes after Dr. Okoe Boye expressed concern over delays in completing hospital projects initiated under the previous government, warning that a lack of transparency and accountability could waste public funds and deny communities essential healthcare.

He highlighted the La General Hospital as a crucial facility that could ease congestion in major Accra hospitals but lamented that construction had stalled for years.

While commending the Health Minister for visiting the site, he questioned the government’s claim of allocating GH¢130 million for the project’s completion.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.