News
Joshua Asumeng Badu eyes Akyemmansa DCE position
A seasoned politician and National Democratic Congress(NDC)’s Joshua Asumeng Badu, has set his sights on becoming the next District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Akyemmansa District in the Eastern Region.
Following his role in ensuring his party won the 2024 elections as well as a rich history of political service, Mr Badu would bring to the table, a blend of leadership, dedication and grassroots experience that he believes,uniquely qualified him for the role.
He narrated to the Spectator,a political journey which began in 2010 when he was elected as the Assembly Member for the Mempedwee-Anafuo Electoral Area at Akim Ofoase.
Since then, he said, he had steadily climbed the ranks of local political leadership, serving in various impactful roles including Constituency Chairman of Ofoase Ayirebi from 2014 to 2022 and Campaign Coordinator for the 2020 general elections.
He said, his contributions to party development were both extensive and deeply personal.
From offering his own guest house for Executive Committee meetings to fully financing constituency programmes and renting and furnishing a party office, his selfless support has been a lifeline for the party’s operations at the grassroots level.
In election years, he provided campaign materials, snacks for agents and financial support that kept the machinery running.
He has also twice contested parliamentary primaries and was recently part of the Regional Monitoring Team during the 2024 limited registration exercise, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to party growth and electoral success.
His aspiration to become DCE he said, would not be just another political ambition but a call to elevate development in Akyemmansa through visionary leadership, organisational skill, and a deep understanding of local governance.
He is convinced that, his track record made him a capable choice,ready to transform Akyemmansa with results-driven leadership.
As a former Chairman and two time parliamentary aspirant, he could bring unity into the party and also aiming to recapture the parliamentary seat for the great party (NDC).
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
