The Headteacher of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Abdulai Zakaria, is currently receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi after he was allegedly attacked by a group of students following claims that he buried a fetus.

The incident reportedly occurred after rumours spread among students that the headteacher had been seen burying what was believed to be a fetus in a nearby bush.

Some students further alleged that the discovery was linked to a suspected abortion involving a student of the school, triggering anger and tension on campus.

According to sources who spoke to JoyNews, the situation escalated in the early hours of Wednesday when a group of students allegedly mobilised and confronted Mr. Zakaria over the claims.

The confrontation reportedly turned violent, resulting in the headteacher being assaulted and sustaining injuries that required immediate medical attention. Some school property was also damaged during the disturbance.

Mr. Zakaria was later transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition has not yet been officially disclosed.

Following the unrest, the police moved in with a heavy presence to restore order at the school. Officers have reportedly exhumed a body believed to be that of a baby from the location identified by the students as part of ongoing investigations.

Academic activities at Obuasi Senior High Technical School have been disrupted, with teaching and learning temporarily halted as authorities investigate the matter. Students remain under increased security as officials work to establish the facts.

The police have not yet released an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding the alleged discovery or the accusations levelled against the headteacher. The claims remain subject to investigation.

Source@myjoyonline

The African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, has secured 750 acres of irrigated land at Konadu in the Kwahu Afram Plains from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to establish a large-scale vegetable production facility.

The land allocation forms part of a partnership between the Ministry and AAC aimed at converting investments in agricultural infrastructure and human capital into increased food production, employment opportunities, and commercial agribusiness development.

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, announced the agreement while welcoming 118 Ghanaian graduates who had been sponsored by AAC to pursue postgraduate studies at the People’s Friendship University and RUDN University in Russia over the past two years.

The Konadu Irrigation Project, located in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District, is a major agricultural infrastructure facility equipped with centre-pivot irrigation systems under the Afram Plains Export-LED Agricultural Enhancement and Irrigation Project (APEEIP).

The returning graduates completed postgraduate programmes in disciplines including crop production, soil and plant health, sustainable agriculture, climate change, environmental protection, and natural resource management.

According to Mr Opoku, the government has made the irrigated land available while AAC has committed to providing the logistics needed to establish the vegetable production facility.

“The Ministry has established an agreement with the AAC, and under that agreement, 750 acres of irrigated land at Konadu have been allocated to AAC to provide logistics to establish a vegetable production facility,” he stated.

He further explained that AAC would also be responsible for paying the irrigation water fees to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

The Minister described the collaboration as the type of public-private partnership Ghana needs to unlock its agricultural potential and accelerate the implementation of the Feed Ghana Agenda.

“This partnership between the private sector and agricultural development is exactly the kind of collaboration Ghana needs to achieve sustainable growth,” Mr Opoku said.

The allocation of the irrigated land represents a major milestone for AAC, whose scholarship programme was designed not only to provide academic qualifications but also to develop professionals capable of applying their expertise to address Ghana’s agricultural and environmental challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the Board and Management of the Jospong Group and AAC, Dr. Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong described the return of the graduates as a significant achievement under the scholarship programme.

She disclosed that 88 of the graduates specialised in agriculture-related fields, while 30 studied ecology, providing the country with highly skilled professionals in both agricultural production and environmental management.

“Our intention was not simply to award scholarships or support young people to obtain additional certificates. Our goal was to develop a new generation of professionals who will return home with the knowledge, discipline, exposure and confidence required to contribute to Ghana’s agriculture and environmental transformation,” she said.

Dr Agyepong stressed that the next priority is to ensure the graduates transform their academic knowledge into practical economic activities that benefit the country.

“The test before us now is to ensure that their knowledge does not remain in certificates, research or academic presentations, but is translated into productive farms, strong agricultural enterprises, improved environmental practices, innovative technologies, employment opportunities and measurable national impact,” she added.

She explained that access to the 750 acres of irrigated land presents an ideal opportunity to achieve that objective.

According to her, the graduates require access to productive land, irrigation facilities, financing, markets, research support, mentorship, and institutional partnerships to successfully transition from education into productive agriculture.

Dr Agyepong called for a structured collaboration between AAC and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to strategically deploy the expertise of the returning graduates in support of Ghana’s agricultural development priorities.

She noted that such collaboration could focus on agricultural production, research and extension services, mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, environmental restoration, value addition, and the establishment of new agribusiness enterprises.

“What is required at this stage is a deliberate bridge between education and resources and institutional support. They must be able to move beyond seeking employment and begin creating businesses, improving productivity and generating opportunities for others,” she stated.

She revealed that AAC is already developing a practical reintegration framework that will expose the graduates to commercial agriculture, agricultural research, mechanisation, environmental management, value chain development, and entrepreneurship.

The organisation, she added, is prepared to work closely with relevant directorates within the Ministry to identify areas where the graduates can contribute to ongoing government programmes and national agricultural priorities.

Dr Agyepong said the graduates possess the expertise needed to contribute to strategic crop production, sustainable land and water management, climate resilience initiatives, waste recovery, and the development of modern agricultural enterprises.

She emphasised that AAC does not want the returning graduates to spend years searching for conventional employment but instead hopes they become entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, project partners, and problem-solvers.

“We want them to build enterprises, support farmers, strengthen value chains and introduce practical solutions to the challenges confronting Ghana’s agriculture and environmental sectors,” she said.

She further stressed that achieving this vision will require close cooperation among government, the private sector, universities, research institutions, and local communities.

“When these actors work together, education becomes enterprise, research becomes production, and young people become drivers of transformation.”

Dr Agyepong reaffirmed that AAC and the Jospong Group remain committed to providing opportunities for the graduates to apply their knowledge through real-world agricultural and environmental projects.

For his part, Mr Opoku challenged both AAC and the returning graduates to produce measurable results from the investments made in education, land, and irrigation infrastructure.

“We are making available the land with irrigation infrastructure. AAC has pledged to make available all the logistics that are required. And so you must show us the difference. You have the responsibility to demonstrate the difference,” he said.

The Minister explained that the partnership will cover cultivation, production, processing, storage, value addition, marketing, and the commercialisation of strategic agricultural commodities.

He noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen Ghana’s food security, create employment, reduce imports, and boost agricultural exports.

Mr Opoku also encouraged the graduates to become agents of transformation within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“Ghana has invested in you through the opportunities created by your sponsors. And today, your country looks to you to become catalysts for transformation,” he said.

He urged them to embrace innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in solving the challenges confronting farmers and agribusinesses.

“The future of agriculture belongs to those who are innovative, technologically driven and committed to excellence.”

Government Commends Jospong Group’s Investment

Mr Opoku praised the Jospong Group and the African Agribusiness Consortium for their significant investment in human capital development and agribusiness infrastructure.

“I wish to commend the African Agribusiness Consortium and the Jospong Group of Companies for demonstrating visionary leadership through this remarkable investment in Ghana’s human capital. It is a bold and commendable initiative,” he stated.

He further encouraged other private-sector organisations, agribusiness companies, development partners, and industry stakeholders to emulate the initiative by investing in Ghana’s youth.

“Investing in young people is one of the greatest investments any nation can make,” the Minister added.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expected to visit the Konadu irrigation site in the coming months to monitor progress and assess the anticipated increase in vegetable production under the project.

The Tema Oil Refinery resurgence has gained fresh momentum following the appointment of Edmund Kombat as Managing Director, with a new press statement describing the ongoing transformation as the “Kombat Effect.”

According to the statement issued by Emmanuel Duah, Executive Director of Radiant Media and Intelligence Hub, the country’s only state-owned refinery is gradually recovering after more than a decade of financial and operational difficulties that led many to question its future.

The statement said TOR had long been regarded as a “white elephant” due to a combination of mounting debt, technical failures, declining staff morale and repeated government interventions. It noted that the refinery accumulated debts exceeding US$400 million, while its key Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) became non-operational, severely limiting refining activities.

It added that years of inadequate maintenance, an inability to secure crude oil because of financial constraints and growing dependence on imported refined petroleum products significantly weakened TOR’s commercial position. The refinery also suffered reputational setbacks following past controversies, including the Asante Berko “Holy Rain” case, which affected investor confidence.

By 2023, the statement said, TOR was facing severe operational constraints, prompting calls for privatisation, restructuring or even closure.

New leadership driving Tema Oil Refinery resurgence

The statement credits President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to appoint Edmund Kombat as Managing Director in 2025 as a turning point for the refinery.

According to the release, Kombat introduced a recovery strategy centred on three priorities: Restart, Restructure and Restore Confidence.

As part of the operational recovery plan, management has begun efforts to restore the refinery’s core processing capacity by undertaking major rehabilitation works on the Crude Distillation Unit.

The statement also revealed that TOR is exploring strategic processing arrangements, including tolling partnerships, to improve operations without depending entirely on upfront crude oil purchases.

Financial restructuring and staff morale

The press statement said management is engaging both government and creditors to address TOR’s long-standing liabilities and establish a more sustainable financial structure.

It explained that the objective is to separate legacy debt from future operations and reposition the refinery as a commercially viable enterprise.

Management has also introduced measures aimed at strengthening transparency, improving internal accountability systems and re-engaging experienced technical personnel considered essential to the refinery’s recovery.

According to the statement, these interventions have boosted employee morale, with workers expressing renewed optimism about the refinery’s future.

Strategic partnerships under consideration

The statement disclosed that discussions are ongoing with prospective private sector partners on possible lease arrangements and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

It stressed that these engagements are intended to attract investment, technology and technical expertise while ensuring Ghana retains ownership of the refinery.

According to the statement, the objective is to restore TOR to full operational capacity without relinquishing its status as a strategic national asset.

Why the Tema Oil Refinery resurgence matters

The statement argues that reviving TOR extends beyond petroleum refining and is critical to Ghana’s economic stability and national security.

It stated that a fully operational refinery would strengthen Ghana’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products, protect the country from global supply disruptions and market volatility, preserve hundreds of direct jobs and sustain thousands more across the downstream petroleum industry.

The statement further noted that restoring TOR would generate additional government revenue through taxes and levies, reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and strengthen Ghana’s strategic position amid increasing regional security concerns.

It warned that allowing the refinery to collapse would leave Ghana entirely dependent on imported petroleum products, exposing the country to significant supply and pricing vulnerabilities.

Challenges remain despite progress.

Despite the reported progress, the statement acknowledged that significant challenges remain before TOR can fully recover.

Among the issues identified are the refinery’s legacy debt, the substantial capital required to rehabilitate the Crude Distillation Unit and modernise refinery infrastructure, the need for reliable crude oil supply arrangements and continued policy support from government.

The statement also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong governance, transparency and accountability measures to prevent the recurrence of the mismanagement and corruption that contributed to the refinery’s previous decline.

Call for national support.

The statement concluded that although the refinery’s recovery is still ongoing, the current leadership has created a clear direction and renewed momentum for revival.

It described the “Kombat Effect” as evidence that effective leadership, strategic planning and political commitment can restore distressed national assets.

The release called on government, industry stakeholders and the Ghanaian public to support the Tema Oil Refinery resurgence through sound policy implementation, investment and accountability.

“A nation that cannot refine its own petroleum resources remains vulnerable in managing its energy future,” the statement said, adding that TOR is not merely a refinery but a national strategic asset.

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that GH¢6.5 billion has been paid into Ghana’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme this year, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development across the country.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Dr. Forson stated that the funds have already been committed to the flagship initiative, which is aimed at transforming Ghana’s infrastructure landscape through major investments in roads and other critical public projects.

Accompanying the announcement with a graphic showing a road construction roller, the Finance Minister wrote:

“GH¢6.5bn paid into the Big Push this year. We are building the Ghana we want.”

The announcement underscores the government’s continued investment in the Big Push Infrastructure Programme, one of its flagship initiatives designed to improve road networks, boost economic activity, create jobs, and enhance connectivity across the country.

The update comes as the government continues to prioritize infrastructure spending as part of its broader economic transformation agenda, with expectations that the programme will support national development and improve access to essential services.

GACL dismisses airport car park attendants after the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) took disciplinary action against two workers accused of extorting and begging from travellers at the airport.

Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, disclosed that the two car park attendants were dismissed following repeated complaints from passengers and other airport users over their alleged misconduct.

According to her, the decision forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of Ghana’s airports and ensure that travellers enjoy a safe, professional and customer-friendly environment.

She stressed that GACL maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards extortion, harassment and any behaviour that tarnishes the reputation of the country’s airports.

Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare reaffirmed the company’s commitment to eliminating such practices and ensuring that all staff uphold high standards of professionalism while carrying out their duties.

She also appealed to the general public, particularly travellers using the airport, to report any incidents involving extortion, begging or other forms of misconduct by airport personnel.

The GACL Managing Director said public cooperation is essential in helping management identify offenders and take swift disciplinary action to improve service delivery across the country’s airports.

The dismissal of the two attendants underscores GACL’s determination to clamp down on unethical practices and strengthen confidence in airport operations through accountability and improved customer service.

Picture credit@channelOne Tv