Former UN Senior Government Advisor, Prof Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has joined the many who have commended President Mahama for his bold speech on Thursday, 25 September at the 80th United Nations General Assembly currently underway.
He challenged the UN to make reforms and review its policies to suit the evolving world, calling its representation outdated. It was unfair for veto power to be a reserve of just five countries, he stressed in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, USA.
In reaction to this, the Professor, during an interview with Joy News on 29 September, shortly after the General Debate concluded, lauded President Mahama’s speech and posture at the Assembly as that of legendary African post-independence leaders like former president Kwame Nkrumah and Nyerere.
He described President John Mahama’s speech at the United Nations as the boldest from an African leader in a very long time.
Prof Agyeman-Duah said it was the first time in many years that he had heard an African leader address critical issues at the UN without fear.
“When I heard the President’s speech, it reminded me of the early post-independence era when our leaders, Nyerere and Nkrumah, went to the UN and made our case for the world to listen to us,” he said.
He explained that African leaders have, for too long, been timid. He suggested that this timidity was either due to fear or dependence on foreign powers. “Our hands are in their mouth, so don’t bite them hard,” he said.
Prof Agyeman-Duah continued that the silence that has been forced on African leaders by these global powers due to Africa’s overdependence and reliance on them has finally been cut through by President Mahama. He said he was impressed when Mahama declared that if something looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like one, then it is indeed a duck.
“That really impressed me,” he said.
He pointed to Mahama’s stance on immigration, where he spoke against the way Western countries treat Africans.
Former Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam also applauded President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as an “impressive and commendable” speech delivery at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Thursday, September 25.
Taking to his official Facebook page, the Member of Parliament for Karaga lauded the president’s bold articulation of perspectives, highlighting pressing global issues and calls for long-standing traditions which needed to be reviewed.
“President Mahama’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly was truly commendable, particularly his insights on pressing global issues such as immigration, financing for development, the Middle East conflict, and climate change. His eloquent delivery and thought-provoking perspectives showcased his leadership capabilities on the international stage”, he said.
According to him, the impressive will go a long way however, the realities of his talk should reflect in his policies in Ghana, galamsey and free speech should be dealt with among other national development concerns which should be duly addressed by the president and his government.
“It’s important how such well articulated vision and approach to international development translate to national development in Ghana particularly as the reset economy is not resetting, whilst Galamsey is out of control and free speech is being murdered.
Despite his criticism, the MP ended on a hopeful note, urging that Mahama’s leadership values at the international level be applied to Ghana’s progress.
“Let’s hope his leadership principles and global perspectives inform his decision-making for the benefit of Ghana’s development. Best wishes to you, Mr. President.”
Also, President Mahama made calls for a permanent representation of Africa on the United Nations General Assembly, granting the continent the right to veto power.
He explained that the long-standing tradition in which veto power is reserved for just five nations is outdated.
The current arrangement, rooted in the post-World War II order, the President stressed, concentrates power in the hands of a few countries.
He said, “Veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute. There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interests in a conflict.”
Currently, five countries hold permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which automatically grants them veto power. This allows any one of them to block substantive resolutions, even if all other members agree. Named the P5, they include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.
These countries were granted permanent status and veto rights in 1945, at the end of World War II, as part of the founding structure of the UN. Eight decades later, nothing has changed despite the shifting global order, President Mahama highlighted.
He referred to Africa’s growing and youthful population, citing demographic projections that by 2050, Africa will be home to over a quarter of the world’s population and a third of its youth, hence, “the future is African.”
He emphasised that it is time for the UN to grant Africa permanent representation on its council. He believes that just as Ghana is making adjustments, the UN must “reset” itself in light of the dramatic changes since 1945; however, the UN’s structures have not kept pace.
“A continent as large as Africa, with its numerous UN member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Madame President, I believe that in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organisation’s founding, the number of UN member nations has nearly quadrupled, and quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then when the UN was formed,” he stressed.
He reiterated that if equality were truly upheld, Africa, with its 54 member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The most powerful post-World War II nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN Charter declares that ‘The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members,’” he said.
Drawing on the words of Nelson Mandela, who in 1995 urged the UN to “reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures,” President Mahama noted that little progress had been made three decades later.
“Today, we African leaders are still making the same request: for a permanent seat on the Security Council, with the power of veto. So, I ask again: if not now, then when?” he declared.
Another reform President Mahama urged the UN to pursue was gender equality, particularly empowering women and girls. He emphasised that women are indispensable in the world’s pursuit of development.
He said the future must be one of inclusion and fairness. “Allow me to echo the Indian-American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote: ‘Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.’ I want to add that for the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” he stated.
Former Man City midfielder has displayed incredible form since he joined Everton about a month ago. He has won about two Man of the Match awards already, admitting a tactical freedom he has earned with the Toffees, which is bringing out the best in him.
Speaking during an interview with SkySports’ Tim Sherwood, the England forward, though admitting his off-field lifestyle affected his form and effectiveness on the pitch, stressed that that was not entirely the case.
One of the major things that affected him was an emotional disconnect at Etihad, hence his move to his current club. According to him, he is most effective in an environment where he feels loved and welcomed.
“I’m at my best when I feel loved. You know, I’m quite vulnerable off the pitch, and I wanted to go somewhere to just feel the love again and just wake up with a smile on my face and want to play again,” he added.
Jack’s last days at Etihad are generally described as difficult. For one who is normally listed as a starter in Pep’s squad, particularly in key matches, Grealish began losing his spot, leading to his starting in just seven matches out of 38 Premier League matches in the 2024/25 season, with two youngsters, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, taking his spot with more energy and finishing.
Pep, during a media conference, addressed concerns raised about Grealish’s limited time, and he said,
“You have to fight with Savinho—the impact he has had this season is amazing. Jeremy Doku is incredible, a top player as well. Phil Foden can play on the left as well; that’s the point. It’s never against a player from my point of view. It’s OK, accept the challenge, prove you are the best.”
He also added:
“I want much more… This is the level I would like to see from Jack. But it has not been like that”. While he never publicly addressed Jack’s dip in form to his off-field lifestyle, it is reported that Guardiola warned Grealish privately about his off-field activities, suggesting they could affect his form and future at the club, which subsequently did.
While at Man City, some pundits blame his slump in form on Pep, for trying to mould Grealish into a possession-heavy, disciplined winger, which clashed with his natural free-flowing style. Analysts noted he became a “shadow of his best self” as he was asked to prioritise ball retention over flair.
However, under the leadership of Moyes, Everton’s coach, Jack says the tactical freedom he’s found has reignited his spark.
“I don’t mean this in an arrogant way, but I do like it when managers say, ‘you’re the footballer, go and do what you want to do.’
“Obviously, you have your jobs. You have your roles to do without the ball and set pieces, but he says to me, ‘when you get the ball, just go and do what you want to do.’”
Grealish is next in action when Everton face West Ham in the Premier League at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
Jack Grealish officially joined Everton on August 13, 2025, on a season-long loan from Manchester City at a reported fee of £15 million for the season. Since joining Everton, he has provided 4 assists in 5 league games, after which he won Man of the Match vs Brighton & Wolves, earning praises for his creativity and tempo control. He currently has an average rating of 7.48, the highest among Everton midfielders.
Jack Grealish joined Man City in 2021 in a £100m deal from Aston Villa, which was described as the most expensive in the history of football at the time. Jack Grealish spent a total of 19 years at Aston Villa, including his youth and senior career. He joined the club’s academy in 2002 at the age of six and remained there until 2021.
Grealish signed a six-year deal with Man City; however, before the expiry of the contract, he dipped in form, which led to his being sidelined and omitted from Pep Guardiola’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup after being told he would struggle for opportunities next season.
Before being axed for the Club World Cup, he was omitted from the matchday squad for the final game of the Premier League season against Fulham.
Grealish has been with the club for four seasons, from 2021 to 2025. During his stint at City, he scored 17 goals in 157 appearances across all competitions.
He played a significant role in Manchester City’s success, including their treble-winning campaign in the 2022–23 season, and contributed to three consecutive Premier League titles.
Meanwhile, Everton was the first club to make a formal approach for Grealish, although there has been other interest from the Premier League and Europe since the transfer window opened.
According to reports, clubs from both the Premier League and Europe, including West Ham, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, AC Milan, and Aston Villa.
Jack Grealish was reported to be training alone about a month ago despite his return to Manchester City.
In early June, he was omitted from the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup after being informed by the club that he could leave.
According to reports, his exit was by mutual agreement, signalling that a summer exit was being prepared.
Since then, Grealish has been training individually while awaiting a transfer, with interest from clubs like West Ham, Napoli, and Everton.
Despite interest from multiple clubs, he remains at the Etihad while a deal is explored.
According to sources, the club seeks a permanent sale, but it’s reported that a more realistic option remains a loan spell, given Grealish’s wages and valuation.
Jack Grealish has finally broken his silence after he departed from Man City in August after a hard season at the treble winners’ side.
Normally listed as a starter in Pep’s squad, particularly in key matches, Grealish began losing his spot.
Leading to his starting in just seven matches out of 38 Premier League matches in the 2024/25 season, with two youngsters, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, taking his spot with more energy and finishing.
Pep, during a media conference, addressed concerns raised about Grealish’s limited time, and he said,
“You have to fight with Savinho—the impact he has had this season is amazing. Jeremy Doku is incredible, a top player as well. Phil Foden can play on the left as well; that’s the point. It’s never against a player from my point of view. It’s OK, accept the challenge, prove you are the best.”
He also added:
“I want much more… This is the level I would like to see from Jack. But it has not been like that”.While he never publicly addressed Jack’s dip in form to his off-field lifestyle, it is reported that Guardiola warned Grealish privately about his off-field activities, suggesting they could affect his form and future at the club, which subsequently did.
In an interview with SkySports, Tim Sherwood, the British player, admitted that his off-field activities were part of the decline in performance, but stressed that it was not entirely the case.
Living a more balanced life could have produced a different story, he said, but his timing was not always the best. And his off-field lifestyle, partying, and trips are to enjoy life to the fullest.
“People go, ‘he likes to go out, he likes to party,’ and I do. I want to be able to live my life and enjoy myself, but obviously, there’s a time and a place to do that. Sometimes, I’ll be honest with you, I probably haven’t picked the right times. At City, I didn’t help myself at times, I’ll openly say that, but then I don’t think it was all down to that, ” Grealish said.
However, his main reason for leaving Etihad was that he wanted to feel loved again. He felt disconnected while at Man City, which in turn affected his effectiveness, as he is at his best when he feels loved.
“I’m at my best when I feel loved. You know, I’m quite vulnerable off the pitch, and I wanted to go somewhere to just feel the love again and just wake up with a smile on my face and want to play again,” he added.
While at Man City, some pundits blame his slump in form on Pep, for trying to mould Grealish into a possession-heavy, disciplined winger, which clashed with his natural free-flowing style. Analysts noted he became a “shadow of his best self” as he was asked to prioritise ball retention over flair.
However, under the leadership of Moyes, Everton’s coach, Jack says the tactical freedom he’s found has reignited his spark.
“I don’t mean this in an arrogant way, but I do like it when managers say, ‘you’re the footballer, go and do what you want to do.’
“Obviously, you have your jobs. You have your roles to do without the ball and set pieces, but he says to me, ‘when you get the ball, just go and do what you want to do.’”
Grealish is next in action when Everton face West Ham in the Premier League at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
Jack Grealish officially joined Everton on August 13, 2025, on a season-long loan from Manchester City at a reported fee of £15 million for the season. Since joining Everton, he has provided 4 assists in 5 league games, after which he won Man of the Match vs Brighton & Wolves, earning praises for his creativity and tempo control. He currently has an average rating of 7.48, the highest among Everton midfielders.
Jack Grealish joined Man City in 2021 in a £100m deal from Aston Villa, which was described as the most expensive in the history of football at the time. Jack Grealish spent a total of 19 years at Aston Villa, including his youth and senior career. He joined the club’s academy in 2002 at the age of six and remained there until 2021.
Grealish signed a six-year deal with Man City; however, before the expiry of the contract, he dipped in form, which led to his being sidelined and omitted from Pep Guardiola’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup after being told he would struggle for opportunities next season.
Before being axed for the Club World Cup, he was omitted from the matchday squad for the final game of the Premier League season against Fulham.
Grealish has been with the club for four seasons, from 2021 to 2025. During his stint at City, he scored 17 goals in 157 appearances across all competitions.
He played a significant role in Manchester City’s success, including their treble-winning campaign in the 2022–23 season, and contributed to three consecutive Premier League titles.
Meanwhile, Everton was the first club to make a formal approach for Grealish, although there has been other interest from the Premier League and Europe since the transfer window opened.
According to reports, clubs from both the Premier League and Europe, including West Ham, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, AC Milan, and Aston Villa.
Jack Grealish was reported to be training alone about a month ago despite his return to Manchester City.
In early June, he was omitted from the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup after being informed by the club that he could leave.
According to reports, his exit was by mutual agreement, signalling that a summer exit was being prepared.
Since then, Grealish has been training individually while awaiting a transfer, with interest from clubs like West Ham, Napoli, and Everton.
Despite interest from multiple clubs, he remains at the Etihad while a deal is explored.
According to sources, the club seeks a permanent sale, but it’s reported that a more realistic option remains a loan spell, given Grealish’s wages and valuation.
Sarkodie thrilled fans with a unique, exciting entry at his just-ended Rapperholic concert in Kumasi over the weekend.
Despite the delays in the commencement time of the concert, his legendary entrance to the stage melted any possible disappointment or anger.
It began with a poetic prelude where the poet praised Sarkodie as one whose glory cannot be boxed or hidden, a reference to his kingship, his heritage as the son of the Ashanti Kingdom, highlighting his well-known title “Landlord”, positioning not just a rapper, but a voice of heritage.
The speaker invoked the spirit of Kumasi and the Ashanti Kingdom, framing Sarkodie’s homecoming as a symbolic return to the source of his strength. One of the lines of the poet was her praise for Sarkodie as one who “ does not just rhyme, but remembers. He does not just perform, he preserves,” she delivered her rich culture and praise-loaded poem for Sarkodie, with the Ashanti Flag projected on the huge LED screens behind her.
As the poem ended, Sarkodie’s nickname “Obidi” blazed across the stage in flaming letters, followed by a glowing crown that hovered above, symbolising his reign in Ghanaian rap.
Following the grand display before the ‘landlord’s’ appearance on stage, it began to rain; however, the downpour didn’t dampen the fans’ energy, and they stayed put until Sarkodie appeared.
He finally showed, opening the stage with his “Original” song in which he addresses critics, cementing his reputation as a pioneer and not a product of hype. His journey through the rap journey with a line in the song which says, “I didn’t come to fit in, I came to stand out.”
He was surprised on stage by dancehall artist Shatta Wale, whose appearance was welcomed with loud and explosive cheers by fans. The duo performed their decade-old song “Megye Wo Girl”.
Sarkodie playfully shoved Shatta Wale as he joined him on stage, and their chemistry was electrifying, making it a highlight of the night.
Then followed Sarkodie’s performance with legendary rapper Obrafour. The landlord had to pause the high-energy flow to introduce Obrafour, calling him “the reason I rap”. As a sign of respect, he knelt before Obrafour on stage, a deeply emotional moment that drew cheers and chants of “legend, legend!” from the crowd. They performed a remix of “Oye Ohene”.
Kweku Flick joined Sarkodie on stage while they performed their song “Yɛbɛyɛ Fine”, which translates to “We’ll be fine” in Twi. They both moved in sync with dancers dressed in streetwear fused with traditional prints.
The current Kumasi star, King Paluta, thrilled fans with their “Africa We Dey” song. Sarkodie opened with a verse on unity and struggle, then passed the mic to Paluta, who unleashed rapid-fire Twi bars.
Other artists that showed up at the concert were Medikal, who did a solo performance marked with a playful moment chasing Shatta Wale on stage.
Efya, Gyakie, Kofi Kinaata, Olive The Boy, Donzy, Oseikrom SikaniJay Bahd, Ypee, Beeztrap KOTM, Skyface SDW, Kwesi Amewuga, Lalid, Kofi Jamar, among other acts. Some fans were also invited on stage to freestyle live.
About Rapperholic 2025
The concert was held on Saturday, 27, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. When the stadium was announced as the venue to host the concert, concerns were raised by football enthusiasts and stakeholders about the authority approving the concert to be held at the stadium when Ghana is preparing for an international match. Ghana has a mixed history when it comes to the quality of our pitches, with rare cases of consistent maintenance often from hosting football, concerts, and rallies. Lack of pitch covers, among others.
The Baba Yara pitch is undergoing renovations to meet CAF and FIFA standards, including turf upgrades and drainage improvements.
Hence, to address these concerns, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.
Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he said during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.
“We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.
Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.
“The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.
When did Rapperholic start
The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.
Sarkodie visits Otumfuor
Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:
“They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.”Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.
After advising the rapper and his team to stay humble, he said he’s happy to attend the event if invited.
The Asante Overlord’s comments show his regard for the rapper’s craft. Months ago, he also expressed his admiration for celebrated Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata. He was honoured by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his contribution to youth development through music.
A recent Global InfoAnalytics tracking poll has named former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the people’s preferred candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2028 general election against his closest contender, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The poll suggests that 57% of voters prefer Dr Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate, while 29% picked Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The other contenders, i.e., former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, secured 6%, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, polled 5%, while former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong, registered 3%.
In the critical swing regions of Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr Bawumia also leads decisively with 57%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 32%. Dr Adutwum and Dr Acheampong each secured 4%, while Kwabena Agyapong obtained 3%.
The survey further indicates that in a potential runoff between Dr Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia would extend his lead with 62% against Agyapong’s 38%.
Among NPP delegates, Dr Bawumia remains firmly ahead with 47%, while Kennedy Agyapong trails with 17%. Dr Acheampong and Dr Adutwum received 3% and 1% respectively, with Kwabena Agyapong also at 1%. However, 27% of delegates remain undecided, and 4% declined to disclose their preference.
In a runoff scenario within the delegates’ poll, Dr Bawumia commands 49%, compared to Kennedy Agyapong’s 19%, with 27% undecided and 5% declining to disclose.
The vetting committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, September 23, assessed the former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and four other persons contesting to lead the party into the 2028 elections.
The four others who have expressed interest in contesting, include Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe), Bryan Acheampong (Member of Parliament for Abetifi), former party General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong, and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
On Tuesday, July 29, the NPP opened nominations for its 2028 flagbearer position. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 flagbearer and former Vice President, Kennedy Agyapong, Kwabena Agyepong, and Dr. Osei Adutwum have all picked up nomination forms.
Former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, officially filed his nomination forms on Tuesday, August 26. Party executives received the nomination forms from former Assin Central MP and presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong on Wednesday, August 27.
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum filed his nomination forms for the NPP flagbearer race on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
In the meantime, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has received strong backing from 268 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who paid him a visit in June to pledge their support.Former Energy Minister and running mate of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has decided to throw his weight behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the party’s presidential primaries in 2026.
In an interview on Asempa FM on August 26, the former minister noted that he remains grateful to the former Vice President who decided to make him his running mate despite the many individuals who advised him to do otherwise. According to Dr Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, Dr Bawumia was engaged countless times by some bigwigs in the party to pick someone else to be his running mate.
“I am not ungrateful. Look at this big party and all the people who were praying for the running mate slot; he ignored all of them and made me his running mate.
“I know it was a difficult situation, but a lot of people don’t know. Some bigwigs in the party went to Dr Bawumia to tell him not to make me the running mate, but he ignored them. There are some names that, if I mentioned them, you would be shocked. Some even took him to offices to advise him against me, but still he chose me,” he remarked.
He thus said, “So, I cannot be ungrateful to him… For those who stood in the flagbearership contest, everyone knows Kennedy Agyapong is my friend, but I am still for Bawumia”.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made room for new additions to its already approximately 220,000 delegates who are eligible to vote in its presidential primaries slated for Saturday, January 31, next year.
In a statement dated August 26, signed and shared by the Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee, Williams Yamoah, the party announced that registration has been opened for an additional 60,000 new delegates, which include nineteen new categories of people. This directive follows reforms adopted at the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, July 19.
The statement explained: “In accordance with Article 13(1)(11) of the Constitution of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and pursuant to the motion on transitional provisions adopted at the National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, July 19, 2025, the following new categories of Party officials and dignitaries have been included in the upcoming Presidential Primary voter register.”
The updated voter register, also known as the party album, will now include several new categories of officials and dignitaries. These are: all former regional and constituency executives, members of the National Council of Elders, 30 members of the National Council of Patrons, all past national officers, former party-card-bearing MPs and parliamentary candidates, as well as former party-card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers.
Other groups added to the list are external branch executives, former external branch executives, and key members of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON), including presidents of recognised institutions, the National TESCON Coordinator, regional coordinators, and one TESCON patron from each institution. Additionally, 10 members from each Regional Council of Elders, 10 patrons from each region, and five members and patrons from each constituency have also been included.
The statement directed that “all officers that fall under the categories above are requested to register their names with their respective organisational structures, including the National Secretariat, Regions, Constituencies and External Branches, as applicable, with immediate effect.”To make the registration process easier, the statement clarified that a digital link would be circulated to External Branch Executives for online registration. All other qualified members were advised to liaise with their respective regions and constituencies to register.
However, the forms are to be accessed via the party’s official website. “The registration form may be downloaded from the Party’s official website. For ease of reference, a sample copy is hereby attached,” excerpts of the statement read. The statement further warned that the registration was strictly for the aforementioned categories of people, with a deadline set for Friday, September 19.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s review of Ghana’s fifth review under the Fund program will begin today, September 29.
The full mission, under the leadership of Mission Chief Stéphane Roudet, touched down over the weekend. They will spend two weeks in the country engaging the technical staff of the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana.
According to reports, one of the main topics the IMF is set to discuss with the government is spending on building projects, as audit reports are currently not ready. There are still some unsettled bills from last year’s spending on building projects.
Also, the team will discuss whether the Bank of Ghana’s recent cuts to interest rates are enough now that inflation (price rises) has dropped sharply, as well as how Ghana is managing its foreign reserves and how they are spending.
The review will assess economic data up to June 2025, with discussions focusing on inflation trends, reserve sustainability, arrears audits, weak private banks requiring recapitalisation, the state of state-owned banks, revenue shortfalls, arrears build-up in statutory funds, and gaps in social spending.
This will be the IMF’s last but one review before Ghana’s programme with the global lender ends in May 2026, following the final review, which is slated for April 2026.
Experts say this review is very important because Ghana might have trouble keeping its finances under control once the IMF program ends.
Some donor partners are therefore pushing for “shock absorbers” to ensure stability beyond the IMF exit.
Government, however, insists there is no cause for concern, maintaining that measures are already in place to ensure disciplined expenditure after the programme.
If Ghana passes this review, the country is expected to receive about $360 million in October 2025, bringing total disbursements so far to about $2.3 billion since the programme began.
The IMF Executive Board approved Ghana’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility in May 2023. The programme aims to restore fiscal sustainability through revenue mobilisation and efficient spending, protect the vulnerable, implement structural reforms in tax and energy, and preserve financial stability.
It also seeks to curb inflation, rebuild reserves under a flexible exchange rate regime, and create conditions for private investment, growth, and job creation.
According to Joy Business, the review will be based on Ghana’s economic data up to June 2025. Key areas of discussion include inflation performance, sustainability of reserve build-up, audit of arrears, the recapitalisation needs of weak private sector banks, and state-owned banks such as NIB. This review has become necessary to alleviate fears among market analysts that Ghana may struggle to maintain fiscal discipline at the end of the programme.
Development partners have therefore urged Ghana to adopt measures that will help stabilize the economy after the IMF program ends in May 2026. Fiscal policy shortfalls, particularly in the context of an appreciated currency, will also be reviewed, with adjustments needed to achieve the 1.5% of GDP primary surplus target. Other issues include arrears in the NHIL, GETFund, and Road Fund, as well as shortfalls in social spending.
In July, the IMF announced that five banks, including the National Investment Bank (NIB), were struggling to meet their recapitalisation requirements. This was revealed in the IMF’s July 2025 Country Report, which presented details of Ghana’s Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility. The report also included assessments of Ghana’s banking sector, fiscal performance, and debt sustainability.
“…a few banks (including one state-owned) are materially behind on their recapitalisation schedule due to slow progress against shareholder capital commitments, higher NPLs, and/or delayed booking of credit impairments and required provisioning identified under the BoG’s 2023 asset quality assessments,” parts of the report revealed.
Recapitalisation requirements refer to the minimum amount of money (capital) a bank must maintain to remain financially stable and avoid collapse even when incurring losses. The report further noted that banks still struggling with recapitalisation requirements are under intensified monitoring by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and subject to corrective measures aimed at accelerating their recapitalisation plans to achieve a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 13% by the end of March 2025.
“Parliamentary approval and implementation of the World Bank-funded segment of the GFSF could help some banks achieve CAR targets by end-2025, provided that they secure capital injections sufficient to reach capital levels eligible for access,” the Fund projected.
The IMF further emphasised that “stepped-up efforts to improve the crisis management and resolution framework, enhance financial-sector safety nets, and address legacy issues at the specialised deposit-taking institutions are also important.”
According to the reports, about 13 banks that faced capital deficits following the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) introduced by the previous government have now met their requirements, with some even exceeding their recapitalisation thresholds as of the end of 2024.
The IMF noted that these banks are performing well and remain on track due to increased profits and support from the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), which was set up in August 2023 under the Akufo-Addo-led administration to assist financial institutions impacted by the DDEP.
It also added that these banks are likely to reach the required safety level of 13% CAR on their own without additional support by the end of 2025.
“The Bank of Ghana has implemented risk containment measures to support banking system stability. It appropriately intensified monitoring and escalated measures at weak, undercapitalised banks to promote timely recapitalisation. The Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), established in August 2023, has provided targeted support to banks, contributing to improved profitability and recapitalisation progress,” the report noted.
The IMF further stated that the government is working to support struggling banks as part of efforts to strengthen financial stability.
“The authorities have taken intensified actions to address undercapitalised banks. Looking ahead, further strengthening financial sector stability requires fully implementing the plan to strengthen NIB, finalising the reform strategy to support state-owned banks’ viability and sustainability, and developing contingency plans to address weak banks that fail to recapitalise,” the report stated.
Banks are predicting a stronger cedi following the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) largest auction of dollars since the beginning of the year.
According to Bank of Ghana market data reported by JoyBusiness, the Central Bank last week sold its largest amount of U.S. dollars so far this year, $243 million, to commercial banks through a (7) seven-day FX forward auction.
According to the data, BoG offered US$300 million; however, the commercial banks just accepted US$243 million, with a price range of GHC 12.15-12.40.
In response to this, the banks have predicted that this sale has the potential to stabilise the cedi in its trade against the dollar with this intervention from the BoG.
Even though trading between banks has increased since August, only about $4 million changed hands on Wednesday, so the market is still quiet.
The intervention comes shortly after President John Mahama announced at a recent media engagement that the BoG had withdrawn routine interventions in the forex market, stressing the need to strike a balance between supporting exporters and not overburdening importers.
At the Monetary Policy Committee press briefing held on Wednesday, September 17, Governor Dr Johnson Asiama assured that commercial banks have been adequately supplied with dollars to meet market demand.
At the briefing, he stated: “Over the past weeks, there was no single demand that we have not met. I will be really surprised if businesses are still having problems getting dollars from the commercial banks.”
Following this, reports indicate that the cedi’s depreciation on the market has slowed; however, it remains unclear whether BoG’s latest intervention could be linked to that.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has expressed optimism that current pressures on the cedi will normalise soon, backed by new monetary measures aimed at boosting forex inflows for commercial banks.
Director of Research Dr Philip Abradu-Otoo, during a media engagement, disclosed that the Central Bank’s directive requiring mining firms to channel their dollar inflows through local banks has already eased liquidity challenges.
“We have also seen remittances pick up after recent regulatory intervention, and all of these should go a long way to improve supplies on the market,” Dr Abradu-Otoo stated.
He added that cocoa inflows and expected donor disbursements in the coming months will further strengthen the forex supply.
“All these inflows should go a long way to improve the supply situation when it comes to the forex market,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg in April this year, ranked the cedi as the best-performing currency with a sixteen per cent (16%) gain against the dollar. What made the cedi earn the tag as the worst-performing currency is as a result of it seeing the steepest decline on the global level. The cedi’s appreciation in the last eight months helped ease inflationary pressures, pushing consumer inflation down to 21.2 per cent, the lowest in eight months at the time.
Ghana’s import-dependent economy brings in a wide range of goods, from food to machinery, with demand typically rising toward the end of the year as businesses prepare for the Christmas season. The higher demand for dollars has piled pressure on the cedi, while the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) limited supply of foreign exchange also adds to the strain.
Head of Market-Risk Management at UMB Bank, Mr Hamza Adam, said banks that submitted dollar requests on behalf of clients to the Bank of Ghana the previous week received only half of what they asked for.
“This week the central bank is trying to meet all demand,” he said by phone from Accra on September 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, before Bloomberg reported on the cedi, BoG addressed the concerns of Ghanaians concerning the fast depreciation of the cedi, calling for calm. Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Johnson Asiama, during an interview with Joy Business, which was aired on Wednesday, August 27, mentioned that the current depreciation of the cedi was temporary, assuring a comeback soon.
“The Bank of Ghana operates a managed floating system in terms of framework; therefore, these blips will happen. But the assurance is that this is a short-term issue, and the challenges are being addressed,” he assured.
According to data from the Bank of Ghana, which was shared on 23rd August, the Ghana cedi had seen a five percent (5%) depreciation. Between August 23 and August 28, the Ghanaian cedi depreciated from GH¢10.43 to around GH¢11.00 per US dollar.
The sharpest movement was between August 23 and 24, where the cedi depreciated from GH¢10.43 to GH¢10.90. The dollar was selling at GH¢10.43 on August 23, GH¢10.90 on August 24, and between August 25 and 27, it staggered between GH¢10.85 and GH¢11.00.
As of August 28, it had crossed GH¢11 cedis, sparking major concerns. On Dr. Johnson Asiama’s part, the current depreciation is a result of the temporary shortage of foreign exchange supply in the market, resulting from the effects of the currency appreciation coupled with other phenomena that, “…we are beginning to see those phenomena at play. Imports become a lot cheaper, so it’s just natural to begin to see pressure build up on the currency”.
He said there is no need for panic as the economic indicators are obviously strong, giving signs of a cedi recovery soon enough. Dr Asiamah attributed the depreciating cedi to the decline in remittance inflows, sharp appreciation of the cedi and limited interbank trading.
”…what is happening is just because of the sharp appreciation, we are beginning to have some cash flow problems, specifically because we have seen some decline in terms of remittance inflows. Also, imports become a lot cheaper, so it’s just natural to begin to see pressure build up on the currency
“Over the last two months, we have also seen very limited interbank trading, he stated.”
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium chemicals, mostly traced to illegal mining activities (galamsey), have gradually crept into our food chain, causing devastating effects on both the born and unborn.
Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in the rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.
Approximately five hundred cases of spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) have been recorded in research that links these cases to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities.
A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering the lives of mothers.
“I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.
According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and foetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.
The dangers of these metals extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.
According to him, one of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. He warned that if left unchecked, “Ghana will be in big trouble.”
“Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum. Alum is aluminium hydroxide, that is the full name, aluminium hydroxide, and this aluminium hydroxide, when taken for a long period, in fact at higher concentration, has a lot of what you call health effects. One of them is kidney problems.
“When you use alum, that’s aluminium hydroxide, which is used to purify the water, especially when they are using that concentration, which I believe is so high, it’s going to cause kidney problems, it’s going to irritate the respiratory tract, and it’s going to cause what we call neurological defects. All these things have been proven, have been studied and proven to be important, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects that we are seeing around,” he explained.
He expressed particular concern about the effects of these metals on children, whose developing organs and systems are unable to filter them effectively.
“Do we have what it takes to even solve the kidney diseases that are coming out now? Dialysis is very expensive, and nobody gets it for free. Children are also being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. These are the realities we have to face,” he said.
Prof. Sampene further disclosed that birth deformities are increasingly being recorded in mining areas, though some doctors are hesitant to speak out publicly.
“Ever since I drew attention to this, doctors in mining areas tell me they are recording a lot of deformities in babies. Most of them fear coming out, but it is happening,” he revealed.
Reports linking birth deformities in children to galamsey (illegal mining) activities began gaining public attention around 2019. In August 2024, toxicologist Yakubu Adam published a detailed feature article on Modern Ghana titled “Galamsey and Its Associated Congenital Anomalies: A Public Health Concern in Ghana.” It highlighted the role of mercury exposure, particularly methylmercury, in causing congenital anomalies such as microcephaly, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.
Given the devastating and fatal effects galamsey is having in Ghana, Prof. Sampene expressed concern about the lack of urgency, especially on the part of the government, and criticised the politicisation of the fight.
“And so, oh yes, sometimes it’s so saddening, like I said earlier, that when we see politicians trying to equalise or trying to trivialise the whole thing, it’s so sad. And of course, it’s something that people are playing with. In fact, for me, I’m not interested in whether the government or the president declares a state of emergency. But the most important thing is that the galamsey activity is really killing us,” he lamented.
Prof. Sampene also cited additional dangers, referencing KATH data, which showed that between 2019 and 2021, drowning accounted for 40% of unnatural deaths in the Ashanti Region, with 25% of these linked to abandoned galamsey pits.
“The next thing is drowning. These abandoned pits collect a lot of water, and children, for some reason, like to go and swim in them, and then, in attempting to swim, they drown. In Konfo alone, I think between 2019 and 2021, I carried out that research by going through the data in Konfo, and then I was trying to compare the profile of unnatural death in the Ashanti Region, especially the northern part.
“What it showed me was that drowning alone took in fact, the total was 2,470 drowning alone was 40%. Road traffic accidents took the highest number, poisoning and so forth were there, but drowning alone accounted for 40%. And out of the 40%, the ones that came from galamsey abandoned pits alone were 25%,” he added. He further appealed to both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party(NPP) to rise above partisanship and address what he described as a national health emergency.
“I would have wished that the two main political parties, NDC and NPP, come together and say enough is enough. Otherwise, if care is not taken, we will soon see people walking but with very high cognitive impairment. Mercury inhalation alone can damage the brain. We are seriously in trouble,” he warned.
His remarks come after President Mahama called for patience and calm following the growing pressure on him from stakeholders and citizens to declare a state of emergency over the devastating and deadly effects of galamsey.
Speaking during his first media encounter on September 10, the President explained that the government doesn’t need to declare a state of emergency to fight illegal mining because the laws already give us enough power to act; we just need to enforce them more vigorously.
“I’ve been reluctant to implement a state of emergency in the galamsey fight because we’ve not exhausted the powers we even have without a state of emergency. We have the opportunity to arrest anybody, to confiscate any such thing. The laws for forest protection and all that give us enough powers to be able to act,” he said.
Galamsey is one major challenge and a cancer eating into the country’s ecosystem. The fight against it is a long-standing one with little to no positive and generally significant and impressive effect; however, past and present administrations remain relentless in the fight against the environmental demon.
Ghana in August lost right gallant men who were en route to an event on anti-galamsey in a gory and heart-wrenching plane crash on August 6, in Adansi.
They were burned beyond recognition while on their way to an event to dissuade Ghanaians from engaging in illegal mining activities. Their remains had to be collected in cocoa sacks for forensic examination.
Consequently, their death heightened calls from officials, concerned citizens and other stakeholders on President Mahama to be fierce and stern in his fight against the menace.
Former President John Agyekum Kuffour has made calls for the establishment of a pan-African media house that will tell the stories of Africa just as they are, real without compromise.
Speaking at the Crossroads Forum hosted by the Africa Media Bureau in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, September 26, the former President explained that external narratives by non-African bodies have, over the years, shaped the continent in ways that do not accurately reflect its reality.
He said this stems from colonial divisions that left Africa fragmented along linguistic lines, with limited cultural and practical knowledge among its own people.
To address this, he called on Africans to champion their own stories by establishing a dedicated African media agency, either in Accra, which hosts a blend of diverse cultures, or in another suitable city on the continent, to shape the continent’s narrative and tell its stories without bias but with authenticity.
“If the professional media people will find a way to establish a powerful media agency, say here in Accra, very African, to tell African stories, not just political, it could be economic, it could be social, it could be entertainment, it could be trade, it could be industry. I tell you, before you know it, the African in Nigeria, Nairobi, or South Africa, we would do better,” the former president noted. He also added that,
“Poor Africa so far has tended to be defined from outside. We are seeking our identity,” the former President remarked. “For instance, now we are forming things like AfCFTA, but it tends to be just talk, talk… But then digitalisation, global technology, they are evading us.”
While acknowledging the reach of technology in the remotest communities, communities on the continent, he quizzed, “We talk platforms. How many of the platforms are managed and driven by us?” highlighting the lack of African ownership in digital spaces.
Addressing challenges that continue to restrain African unity, he explained that the continent still carries remnants of colonialism, particularly language barriers and a lack of knowledge about each other’s history, culture and experiences.
“We still are locked into the blinkers of colonialism. We are Anglophone, my cousin in Côte d’Ivoire is Francophone, the next person is Lusophone, we do not know ourselves,” he said.
“You stop the person in Accra and you want to discuss something in Nigeria, you’d be lucky if this person knows anything,” he said, underscoring the disconnect between African countries.
The former president’s advocacy for a Pan -African media agency is a reiteration of calls by Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for African-controlled media as early as the 1960s, emphasising the need to counter colonial narratives and promote African unity.
The African Union, on the other hand, is a major advocate for this pan- African media hub. As part of measures to see it at work, the organisation in 2022 inaugurated the AU Media Fellowship, an initiative aimed at empowering African journalists and content creators to tell Africa’s stories from within, promote cross-border collaboration, and counter negative global narratives.
Also, media scholars like Prof. Kwame Karikari and Dr Etse Sikanku have long argued for a robust African media ecosystem that can shape global perceptions and empower local storytelling.
Meanwhile, the president’s calls come at a time when assaults on journalists are rife, particularly in Ghana, which has affected the country’s global ranking on media freedom. President John Dramani Mahama has pledged his commitment to media safety, freedom and a compensation package for journalists who have been assaulted over the years while on duty.
Speaking during the GJA’s courtesy call on Friday, September 5, Mr. Albert Dwumfuor, the Association’s president, reminded the president to uphold his promise to ensure the safety and sustainability of the media in Ghana. He appealed to the president to take concrete steps to end assaults on media professionals.
“Unwarranted attacks on journalists must end. We call on you to ensure that perpetrators of violence against media personnel are held accountable,” he stressed.
During a media engagement on August 16, 2024, then-presidential candidate Mahama had pledged to journalists that, once in office, his government would protect media freedom and ensure their safety.
“The best thing you can give the media is to give them the freedom to do their work. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened under this government. Media people have been hounded, some have run into exile, some have been threatened, their lives have been threatened, and indeed some have paid the ultimate price like Ahmed Suale did,” he said.
He continued with a personal pledge: “You can trust that as a person who is a member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) myself, I am not the kind of person who would hound the media, and so one gift I can give to you is the freedom to do your work without anybody intimidating and harassing you.”
Consequently, Mr. Dwumfuor urged President Mahama to exercise his executive powers by enacting stronger laws to empower security agencies to protect journalists. According to him, attacks on journalists are often premeditated, making them aggravated offences that require tougher punishment.
“Your Excellency, we encourage you to invoke your executive powers to enact a law to empower security agencies to protect journalists. Since most of these attacks are premeditated, they must be treated as aggravated offences. If we continue to treat them as misdemeanours, it will not serve as a deterrent,” he noted.
President John Dramani Mahama, at the same event, revealed that he has received a report from the Ghana Police Service containing records of all victims of electoral violence. He stated that after a thorough review of the report, victims would be duly compensated. Additionally, he assured that the compensation package would also cover journalists who have suffered repeated attacks during elections.
“…And so once that is done, I’m sure that if there were journalists involved, they would also be considered for compensation,” he added.
Ghanaian actor and director Fiifi Coleman officially tied the knot with his fiancée, Liza Kwarteng, in a colourful traditional wedding ceremony in Kumasi yesterday, lighting up their ceremony with their smiles as beautiful as their wedding colours.
While much isn’t known about his wife, many gushed over her beautiful self and outfit, as she donned an ensemble made of rich kente fabric, featuring vibrant shades of gold, green, and burgundy.
Her outfit was a classic Ghanaian bridal style, featuring a fitted bodice and a flowing wrap skirt, accented by intricate beaded embroidery and gold accessories.
She adorned her look with traditional jewellery, including a layered gold necklace, matching earrings, and a radiant headpiece that crowned her neatly styled hair, giving her the glow of a true Ashanti bride.
Fiifi, draped regally in the same richly woven kente cloth, in a classic Ghanaian style, giving him an appearance of royalty. Among Fiifi’s groomsmen was the loved and celebrated actor, Adjetey Annan, whose appearance threw guests, friends and family present into ecstasy.
The pair radiated love all afternoon, their smiles and subtle gestures painting a perfect picture of partnership.
Adding to the excitement was a lineup of familiar faces who came to celebrate with the couple.
The event, themed “FIZA25,” was nothing short of star-studded, with the presence of the vice president of Liberia, veteran actor Fred Amugi, Rapper and cultural ambassador, Okyeame Kwame, renowned actress and fashion icon, Kalsoume Sinare, Actress and TV personality, Gloria Sarfo, Mzbel and James Gardiner all were present to support their colleague on his special day.
Former Multimedia Group staff member and renowned disc jockey (DJ), Samuel Tei Mensah Nartey, popularly referred to as DJ Awana, has been laid to rest. The funeral, which was held on Saturday, September 27 at the Aggrey Road School Park in Tema Community 2.
He was laid in state from 8:00am -9:00am after which a burial service was held for him.They proceeded to the Prampram Cemetery where the interment took place.
The funeral was graced by friends, family, sympathisers and his colleagues from the Multimedia Group joined mourners to commiserate with the family.
Tributes were read in his honour, while saxophonist Sax Borsah delivered a moving performance, describing DJ Awana as a true gem who helped make many gospel songs a hit.
DJ Awana, aged 47, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital after a short illness.
He is survived by three children: Beatrice Nartey, El-Nathan Duodu Nartey, and Nelson Nartey.
DJ Awana started his successful career in media over 20 years ago at Adom FM, which was then based in Tema.
He quickly gained recognition and became a beloved figure in both Ghana’s media and live event industries.
Known for his kind personality, calm voice, and thoughtful music choices, DJ Awana won the affection of many listeners.
He began his illustrious career in 2003 with Adom FM, a station under the Multimedia Group. Over the years, he became a household name, captivating audiences with his unique style and signature jingle, “3y3 Awana nie oo,” which resonated deeply with his listeners.
In 2007, DJ Awana briefly left Adom FM to join Oman FM, a station owned by Kencity Media. However, he later returned to the Multimedia Group, where he continued to shine, this time with Hitz FM.
His career spanned over two decades, during which he became a prominent figure in Ghana’s radio and live event scenes. DJ Awana was not only a talented DJ but also a mentor and a beloved personality in the industry.
Tragically, DJ Awana passed away on April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after battling a short illness. His untimely demise has left a void in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, with many colleagues and fans mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy.
Ghana has lost many celebrities, government officials as well as other renowned personalities like Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka .
Ghana’s entertainment industry mourned the loss of several beloved figures this year. Highlife musician Dada KD passed away after a short illness. Legendary highlife musician, Daddy Lumba born Charles Kwadwo Fosu succumbed at the Ridge hospital, though the exact cause of his death was not publicly disclosed but speculations attributed it to medical negligence. The film industry also suffered a blow with the death of Abdullai Tahiru, popularly known as Taidu from the Junka Town series, who died on February 9, 2025. His cause of death was not specified.
In the realm of government and public service, Ghana lost several key officials in a tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Limuna Muniru, Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture; and Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate. The crash also claimed the lives of three Ghana Air Force officers who were accompanying them to a government event.
The nation also bid farewell to Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a revered cleric, inventor, and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission. He died peacefully on September 11, 2025, shortly after celebrating his birthday. His passing marked the end of an era for Ghana’s innovation and spiritual leadership.
The very recent death was that of rising Ghanaian boxer, Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali who passed just 11 days after a thrashing defeat to Jacob Dickson, his opponent.
Ghana Police, in a joint operation with the International Police (INTERPOL), have cracked down on scammers in the country, arresting sixty-eight suspected individuals involved in romance scams and sextortion.
In a release shared by INTERPOL on its official website, the international security agency revealed that the operation, dubbed Operation Contender 3.0 and funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, discovered that these criminal syndicates caused USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered in cash.
“Ghanaian authorities arrested 68 individuals, seized 835 devices and identified 108 victims. Their investigations revealed USD 450,000 in financial losses, with USD 70,000 recovered,” excerpts of the statement revealed.
According to INTERPOL, the operation was targeted at criminal networks exploiting social media and dating platforms to carry out romance scams and sextortion.
“The crackdown targeted transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, particularly social media, to manipulate victims and defraud them financially. Specifically, the operation focused on romance scams, where perpetrators build online relationships to extract money from victims, and sextortion, in which victims are blackmailed with explicit images or videos,” the statement said.
INTERPOL explained: “…For romance scams, the suspects had used fake profiles, forged identities and stolen images to deceive victims. The scammers extracted payments using a range of schemes, including fake courier and customs shipment fees. In sextortion cases, offenders secretly recorded intimate videos during explicit chats and used them for blackmail.”
On the continent level, these syndicates have caused an estimated $2.8 million in losses to 1,463 identified victims.
During the operation, police identified IP addresses, digital infrastructures, domains and social media profiles linked to members of the scam syndicates. These leads and the subsequent arrests also resulted in the seizure of USB drives, SIM cards, and forged documents, as well as the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures across Africa.
The operation, which ran from July 28 to August 11, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 1,235 electronic devices continent-wide.
Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, Cyril Gout, highlighted the growing threat, stating, “Cybercrime units across Africa are reporting a sharp rise in digital-enabled crimes such as sextortion and romance scams. The growth of online platforms has opened new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit victims, causing both financial loss and psychological harm.”
He emphasised that collaboration between INTERPOL, its member countries, and private sector partners like Group-IB and Trend Micro was crucial to the operation’s success, enabling enhanced data sharing and swift enforcement actions that led to the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures.
“The transnational operation was strengthened by collaboration with private sector partners Group-IB and Trend Micro, resulting in enhanced data sharing and operational capabilities. The exchange of INTERPOL cyber activity reports facilitated swift enforcement actions from participating countries, underscoring the value of international cooperation in combating cybercrime,” INTERPOL highlighted.
Aside from Ghana, the operation also uncovered syndicates in other African countries such as Angola, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
“In Senegal, police arrested 22 suspects, uncovering a network that impersonated celebrities and used emotional manipulation on social media and dating platforms to defraud 120 victims of approximately USD 34,000. A total of 65 devices, forged identification documents and money transfer records were seized during the operation.
“Police in Côte d’Ivoire dismantled a cybercrime ring that created fake profiles online to manipulate vulnerable individuals into sharing intimate images. Once in possession of compromising material, the criminals blackmailed victims, demanding payments to prevent public exposure. Police arrested 24 suspects, seized 29 devices and identified 809 victims.
“In Angola authorities arrested 8 individuals and identified 28 domestic and international victims, primarily targeted via social media. Offenders used fraudulent documents to create fake identities, facilitating financial transactions and concealing their real identities while engaging victims,” the statement added.
According to INTERPOL’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report released in June, “two-thirds of surveyed African member countries said cyber-related offences make up a medium-to-high proportion of all crimes.”
Other countries that participated in the operation include Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
Ghanaian law enforcement officers, in partnership with counterparts from 11 other West African countries, played a pivotal role in an international crackdown on vehicle crime that uncovered about 150 stolen vehicles and led to the seizure of more than 75.
The joint effort, spearheaded by INTERPOL and dubbed Operation Safe Wheels, aimed at curbing the trafficking of stolen vehicles in the region.
It was executed between 17 and 30 March and saw law enforcement teams establish an average of 46 checkpoints daily, inspecting around 12,600 vehicles and cross-checking their details with INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database.
The operation, supported by INTERPOL’s SMV Task Force, unearthed the involvement of two organized crime groups and sparked 18 fresh investigations. It was part of Project Drive Out – a new initiative funded by the Government of Canada to tackle auto theft and the illegal spare parts market.
INTERPOL revealed that the majority of the vehicles identified during the operation had been smuggled from Canada, with others reported stolen in European countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Toyota was the most frequently recovered brand, followed by Peugeot and Honda. Smuggling was carried out via both land and sea routes.
In Nigeria’s port city of Lagos, for instance, customs officials discovered six suspicious vehicles—Toyota and Lexus models—hidden in freight containers from Canada.
Four showed signs of forced entry, and checks later confirmed that all had been stolen in Canada in 2024. Collaborative investigations between Nigerian authorities and Canada’s INTERPOL bureau are underway.
INTERPOL deployed nine experts, including a vehicle examiner from Canada, across several countries, including Ghana, to support on-the-ground activities. Their efforts proved vital in tracking and verifying stolen vehicles.
David Caunter, INTERPOL’s Director of Organized and Emerging Crime, highlighted the broader implications of vehicle theft:“Each year, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are stolen around the world, yet the initial theft is often only the beginning of a vehicle’s journey into the global criminal underworld.
Stolen vehicles are trafficked across the globe, traded for drugs and other illicit commodities, enriching organized crime groups and even terrorists.
INTERPOL’s SMV database is the strongest tool we have to track stolen vehicles and identify the criminals involved in this global trade.”
In 2024 alone, nearly 270,000 stolen vehicles were identified worldwide using the SMV database.
Participating countries in Operation Safe Wheels included Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo.
A recent report from the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority has raised serious health concerns after discovering heavily contaminated food and cosmetic products containing some metals in the Ghanaian market.
In what they describe as the National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment surveillance, conducted across all 16 administrative regions, assessed levels of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg) in turmeric, cereal mixes (tom brown), bentonite clay (“ayilor”), kohl (“Kaji Kaji”) and some skin-lightening creams and lotions.
Per the report, the product with the highest contamination is Kohl (“kaji kaji”). The findings showed that kohl had the highest contamination rate, with 77.79 percent of samples testing positive for lead. The Upper East and Eastern regions recorded a 100 percent contamination rate for the product.
Turmeric also recorded a 42.09 percent contamination rate for lead, with the Greater Accra and the Central regions topping the list.
Cereal mixes were found to contain 29 percent contamination from cadmium, particularly in the Northeast, Western North, and Oti regions, while bentonite clay recorded a 24.62 percent lead contamination rate, mainly in the Northeast and Greater Accra regions.
Skin-lightening creams and lotions met safety standards; no mercury was found there.
The FDA emphasised that these contaminations were mainly from unbranded products, particularly from open markets and retail shops, citing serious public health concerns.
Speaking at the launch of the National Summary Report on Heavy Metal Contaminant Assessment held in Accra in September, Deputy Chief Executive, Food Division, FDA, Mr Roderick Kwabena Dadie Agyei, noted that his outfit was reviewing and setting new regulations to regulate the importation of kohl as well as tighten oversight and surveillance duties at the port.
The food safety regulatory body has announced a recall for all affected contaminated products and has implemented expanded safety checks for cereal mixes. This initiative aims to identify the exact source of these products and determine if they originate from areas prone to illegal mining, known as galamsey, to prevent their supply from reaching the market.
“The FDA thinks that issues of traceability of food products should be taken seriously. We must know if these foodstuffs are coming from galamsey areas so that we can stop the supply. The heavy metals are causing birth defects and dire health challenges. We need to stop the galamsey and change our agricultural practices,” Mr Agyei said.
A significant concern raised was the impact of metals infiltrating our food chain on children. During the same event, Rev. Dr Emmanuel Kyerematen Amoah, a health specialist from UNICEF Ghana, emphasised that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these metals. Even small amounts in their bodies can lead to cardiovascular issues, kidney problems, and negative influences on their IQ development. He said reducing lead in consumer products was a collaborative responsibility, adding that “this report is not the end, it is … a call to decisive action. We owe it to our children, our families and the generations yet unborn to make this country safe from the devastating effects of lead.
“We must develop and enforce standards and regulations for lead in consumer items. We must support trade groups and businesses to properly register their products and seek safer alternatives for public health protection,” the Health Specialist said.
The Volta Regional Directorate of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has made another bust following the interception of a large consignment of Tapentadol Hydrochloride tablets, popularly known as “RED,” at the Kpoglu border in the Volta Region, within the Ketu South Municipal District.
The FDA made the seizure, in collaboration with security agencies, during a routine surveillance operation on August 14.
The tablets seized include 7,700 tablets of 250mg Tapentadol valued at an estimated street value of GH¢11.5 million.
During a media engagement, Volta and Oti Regional Head of the FDA, Mr Gorden Akurugu, explained that the drugs were hidden in sacks and packed in a truck with registration number TG 6891 BI, from Nigeria to Ghana.
The police have arrested the driver, identified as Oliver Takra of Go Express Transport Company, and an agent.
Also, two others have been arrested, including a Nigerian man and a woman believed to be the receiver of the drugs, and they are currently assisting police with investigations.
The Volta FDA Chief, referring to Section 122 of Ghana’s Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), cautioned that the transportation of the drugs by road and without his outfit’s approval is a breach of law which warrants a prison sentence of over twenty years.
He mentioned Kotoka International Airport and Tema Harbour as the only legitimate entry points for drugs.
He assured that the suspects would be fully prosecuted under the law, commending the collaborative role of Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and National Security in the operation.
“This interception is a clear signal that we are committed to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of Ghanaians,” he said.
The FDA in August suspended the manufacture of Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix following consumer complaints and the FDA’s investigation of Nutrifoods Ghana Limited’s manufacturing plant, which established infractions on standards and quality.
In a statement issued August 3 by the Food and Drugs Authority, the national regulatory body noted that “maintenance of critical manufacturing equipment was poor, and monitoring systems were inadequate to protect public health and safety.”
The lapses at the manufacturing plant affected the integrity of the canned products by compromising the sealing mechanisms, leading to contamination and bloating of the products in pouches.
“Mould was found on some of them, raising serious health and safety concerns, hence the suspension and product recall,” the statement added.
A market recall of all canned Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix products, and specific batches of the product in pouches (the 380g and 1.05kg pouches) was earlier directed by the FDA.
On August 1, NutriFoods Ghana Limited, following guidance from the FDA and National Security, after some incidents of bloating, recalled all batches of the Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix in 210g and 400g Cans and Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix in 380g and 1.05kg.
In a statement, Business Head of the company Jay Jagadip revealed that in January 2025, the FDA suspended the can manufacturing lines for the 210g and 400g Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix and production had since ceased.
The company’s manufacturing activities were suspended until further notice to ensure full compliance with all regulatory recommendations. The company entreated consumers to return any of its packages they suspected to be affected.
“Moreover, if you have any of the Tasty Tom Enriched Tomato Mix that you suspect may be affected, please return them to the above locations or contact the above number as well.”
“We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to our consumers and trade partners because of this issue and recall. We at Nutrifoods Ghana Ltd are committed to delivering high-quality products meeting all the required stringent national food safety standards and ensuring our consumers are delighted with our products. We want to reassure our consumers and trade partners that we are doing our best to recover all affected products and replace them without difficulty,” the statement added.
The FDA commenced internal investigations to ascertain if there were regulatory lapses, particularly because Nutrifoods had earlier in January 2025 been barred from manufacturing the product, in line with the Food and Drugs Authority’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Authority noted that any dereliction of duty identified will be swiftly dealt with in order to strengthen the FDA’s regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Authority has advised consumers, retailers and wholesalers to take note of this directive and act accordingly.
“We will continue to exercise rigorous oversight in accordance with our mandate to protect public health and safety,” the Authority assured.
Ghanaian Afrobeats and R&B star KiDi, born Dennis Nana Dwamena, has shared how he deals with advances from women.
His music, filled with themes of love, desire, and flirtation, has earned him huge admiration, particularly from female fans, earning him monickers like Girl Dem Sugar and Sugar Daddy, among other nicknames he proudly owns due to consistently leaning into romantic storytelling.
In a candid interview on Joy Prime’s entertainment magazine show PrimeTime, hosted by George Quaye, the award-winning artiste discussed the challenges of fame and the attention it brings, especially from women.
In response to how he handles the attention from women, he explained that, “There’s no rule book on how to deal with these things; just grace and making sure that you’re disciplined.”
When asked whether he intends to marry, he said yes but admitted he is unsure about his readiness and the timing for such a lifelong commitment. He confirmed he was currently single and not in a relationship with any woman.
KiDi disclosed: “KiDi is getting married, but we don’t know if it’s soon. It’s something I want one day, but I don’t know if I’m ready for it yet.” Asked if there was a special woman in his life, he replied: “No.”
He also reflected on his determination to stay authentic in his craft despite the demands of fame, explaining that his personal experiences shape his music, allowing him to create songs that resonate deeply with fans.
KiDi, the voice behind hits such as Odo, Touch It, Say Cheese, Enjoyment, and Adiepena, has gained international recognition and was crowned Artist of the Year at the 2022 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. His soulful and romantic style has endeared him especially to women, cementing his place as one of the most adored acts of his generation.
In late April, KiDi made it clear that a woman’s sexual history plays a significant role in whether or not he would consider her for marriage.
Speaking on the Rants, Bants and Confessions podcast, the “Likor” hitmaker stated that while he has no problem with a woman’s body count in a casual relationship, he thinks differently when it comes to a lifelong commitment.
“If we’re just having a good time, having fun, I don’t care. But if you’re someone I’m going to call mine, it matters,” he said.
KiDi explained that when he envisions a future with someone, her past matters to him—not just physically, but emotionally. He believes that multiple intimate connections could leave behind emotional baggage that might affect a committed relationship.
“I don’t want to walk into a space and see all the guys eyeing each other. I don’t want a woman who has given her body and soul to too many people, because when I meet you, I feel like I’m meeting a very degraded version of yourself,” he added.
His comments stirred mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his perspective while others found it controversial.
In May, he jokingly announced that he is the latest prophet to hit town. He commented after his predictions for the outcome of a football game between Arsenal and Madrid on Spotify came to pass just as he expected.
During an engagement with Derrick Elorm Ashilevi on “Talk No Dey Cook Rice Podcast”, KiDi was asked by the host how he felt about such an experience.
In response, the musician humoursely declared, “I mean, I feel like you people should be asking about your future now …So I can tell you what’s going to be happening tomorrow,” while he bursts into laughter.
KiDi has established himself as one of Ghana’s top contemporary artistes as he blends his music with Afrobeat, Highlife and R&B influences.
Ghanaian disc jockey and Multimedia Group staff member, Samuel Tei Mensah Nartey, popularly known as DJ Awana, will be buried today.
This was announced in a detailed public notice by his former employers.
The final funeral rites of the veteran are slated for today, Saturday, September 27. He will be laid in state at the Aggrey Road School Park in Tema Community 2 from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, followed by a burial service at the same venue from 9:00 am.
Interment will take place at the Prampram Cemetery. He is survived by three children: Beatrice Nartey, El-Nathan Duodu Nartey, and Nelson Nartey.
He died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital following a brief illness.
DJ Awana started his successful career in media over 20 years ago at Adom FM, which was then based in Tema.
He quickly gained recognition and became a beloved figure in both Ghana’s media and live event industries.
Known for his kind personality, calm voice, and thoughtful music choices, DJ Awana won the affection of many listeners.
He began his illustrious career in 2003 with Adom FM, a station under the Multimedia Group. Over the years, he became a household name, captivating audiences with his unique style and signature jingle, “3y3 Awana nie oo,” which resonated deeply with his listeners.
In 2007, DJ Awana briefly left Adom FM to join Oman FM, a station owned by Kencity Media. However, he later returned to the Multimedia Group, where he continued to shine, this time with Hitz FM.
His career spanned over two decades, during which he became a prominent figure in Ghana’s radio and live event scenes. DJ Awana was not only a talented DJ but also a mentor and a beloved personality in the industry.
Tragically, DJ Awana passed away on April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after battling a short illness. His untimely demise has left a void in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, with many colleagues and fans mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy.
Ghana has lost many celebrities, government officials as well as other renowned personalities like Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka .
Ghana’s entertainment industry mourned the loss of several beloved figures this year. Highlife musician Dada KD passed away after a short illness. Legendary highlife musician, Daddy Lumba born Charles Kwadwo Fosu succumbed at the Ridge hospital, though the exact cause of his death was not publicly disclosed but speculations attributed it to medical negligence. The film industry also suffered a blow with the death of Abdullai Tahiru, popularly known as Taidu from the Junka Town series, who died on February 9, 2025. His cause of death was not specified.
In the realm of government and public service, Ghana lost several key officials in a tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Limuna Muniru, Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture; and Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC parliamentary candidate. The crash also claimed the lives of three Ghana Air Force officers who were accompanying them to a government event.
The nation also bid farewell to Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a revered cleric, inventor, and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission. He died peacefully on September 11, 2025, shortly after celebrating his birthday. His passing marked the end of an era for Ghana’s innovation and spiritual leadership.
The very recent death was that of rising Ghanaian boxer, Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali who passed just 11 days after a thrashing defeat to Jacob Dickson, his opponent.
About Bahubali’s death
Some reports suggest that doctors have confirmed Akushey died from internal bleeding and malaria.
Reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup indicate that Ernest Akushey passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after being rushed to LEKMA Hospital following complaints of unspecified symptoms on Monday.The symptoms are said to have worsened, and around 2 am the following day, he was confirmed dead.
Bahubali’s death comes barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.
According to reports, the bout appeared to have favoured Akishey’s opponent as he dominated right from the beginning until he clinched his victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).
Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.
Consequently, many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused him some internal injuries, which have led to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.
A video which was trending on social media after Akushey’s death captures former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey talking to Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey after the bout with Dickson. It was about time he decided, as he wasn’t fit enough to continue in the sport, which warned him of imminent health problems.
“Bahubali, it’s about time that you made a decision. I have told you to stop boxing. The reason I told you that is because I know you feed from boxing. I don’t know when you started fighting, but up to where you have gotten to now. But you need to make a decision and know what you’re doing because those small punches in the games, and you’re falling. You’re going to many wars, and you might not realise the effects today, but in the future, when you grow,” he warned.
According to reports, Akushey collapsed after his bout with Dickson, with many speculating that their bout was a mismatch and a one-sided affair, given the dominance of Akushey’s opponent right from the start tothe finish.
Akushey, who rose through the ranks at the Wadada Gym in James Town, was once an undefeated prospect with a 6-0-0 record.
He earned his “Bahubali” moniker from his ferocious, crowd-pleasing style, likened to the warrior hero in the Indian blockbuster film.
“Bahubali’s” death marks the second case at Bukom. The first death linked to Bukom was that of a Nigerian, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring in the middle of a professional bout with a Ghanaian opponent, Jon Mbanug, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, where the 40-year-old fighter Olanrewaju, a former holder of both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles, had been putting on a strong performance before suddenly losing consciousness mid-fight.
Spectators and officials watched in horror as medical personnel rushed in to provide emergency assistance.
A widely shared video of the match shows the moment he collapsed, leaving fans and members of the boxing community in shock.
Ghanaian songstress Wendy Shay has praised Dancehall artist Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah, expressing her gratitude for his rare and generous gesture of giving up some royalties from their hit collaborations, “Stevie Wonder” and “H.I.T. (Haters In Tears),” to her record label, Rufftown Records.
Taking to her official X (formerly known as Twitter), she expressed her shock and excitement at the same time, she wrote,
“I witnessed something yesterday, and I still cannot believe it. Shatta Wale gave all his mechanical rights on Stevie Wonder and H.I.T. to Rufftown Records. I don’t know how many people can show such kindness in this industry. A King for a reason. More blessings, King”.
One of the collaborations, released by Stevie Wonder in 2018, has garnered over six million views on YouTube, and their 2020 feature, “H.I.T. (Haters In Tears),” has nearly nine million views.
Expressing her amazement on social media, Wendy Shay described the move as a rare act of generosity in the music industry.
Mechanical rights are royalties earned whenever a song is reproduced, sold, or streamed on digital platforms or through physical copies like CDs. They ensure that the songwriter or performer is compensated whenever the song is mechanically reproduced.
By transferring his share of these rights to Rufftown Records, Shatta Wale has redirected a portion of the long-term earnings from both songs to Wendy Shay’s label. This means Rufftown will now exclusively benefit from sales, streams, and reproductions of Stevie Wonder and H.I.T., strengthening the label’s financial base.
Bullet’s Rufftown Records, Wendy Shay, over the years, have displayed an enviable camaraderie, which was particularly evident when Rufftown CEO Bullet stood by Shatta Wale during his recent detention at EOCO over an ownership dispute involving his car.
Shatta Wale was invited for questioning by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his alleged involvement in a fraud case regarding his purchase of a Lamborghini Urus.
He was detained and later granted bail. While in detention, a mass of his fans gathered in front of the EOCO office on Thursday, demanding his release.
While in detention, several of his associates, including his media manager, Sammy Flex, and Leslie Quaynor, CEO of the now-defunct Fantasy Dome, both of whom worked to ensure that the artiste met his bail conditions. Other industry colleagues, such as Bullet of Rufftown Records and Captan, were also spotted at the scene.
Bullet, whose real name is Ricky Nana Agyemang, during an engagement with the media on Thursday, August 21, described EOCO’s dealings with Shatta Wale as witch-hunting by the security system in Ghana.
He believes the Ghanaian system is built to restrain creatives and musicians.
“I think it is more of a witch hunt. There is more to it than people might not even understand. The system has been designed for musicians and celebrities to be poor so that they can suppress us,” Bullet said.
He insists that the establishment was unsettled by Shatta Wale’s financial success and influence in the industry.
“They don’t understand that a musician has been able to make so much money. They don’t understand that a musician has been able to buy a house in Trassaco, own Shaxi company, own estates and do oil business. So the system will hold you back and tell you that you can never make it or shouldn’t make it. Nobody should be happy that Shatta Wale has been arrested,” he added.
Bullet expressed his admiration for Shatta Wale and his contribution to transforming the lives and fortunes of Ghanaian musicians, setting new standards for performance fees.
Before Shatta Wale raised the bar so high, charging even thousands of dollars, high-profile artists were being paid as little as GHS 2,000 to 3,000 per show.
“Back in the day, even when we were A-list artistes, the highest we received was GH¢3,000. Shatta Wale came into the industry and changed everything. Now, artistes can charge GH¢200,000 or GH¢300,000 for a show. Shatta Wale came into the industry and started taking $100,000 or $150,000 for a show, so he changed something. He showed the way that musicians, too, can make money,” Bullet added.
Left for what he describes as “the system”, artists would still be struggling to even afford a BMW, much less to purchase luxurious cars like Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini. “The systems” are unhappy with the wealth some artists have amassed and are currently enjoying.
“Before, musicians couldn’t even afford a BMW, but now boys are building mansions, boys are buying Range Rovers and Rolls-Royces. Boys are making money and owning estates, so the system is not happy; they want us to be poor,” he stated.
Shatta Wale, Lamborghini and EOCO
These comments come on the back of Shatta Wale’s release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after a bail variation.
Shatta Wale was on Wednesday night granted bail of GHC10,000,000 with two sureties to be justified in investigations surrounding a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, a car identified by the FBI and the US Justice Department as proceeds of a $4 million crime.
The $4 million crime involves Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian who is currently serving an eighty-six (86) months jail term in federal prison in the USA, which is just over 7 years.
However, he was not able to make bail, prompting his legal counsel to apply for a variation of bail. Subsequently, EOCO granted the singer bail of GHC5 billion with two sureties to be justified.
Under the new conditions, Shatta Wale is required to report to EOCO three times a week as investigations continue.
Shatta Wale was invited by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) following a public claim on August 5 that he purchased the car in question at a price of US$150,000 from an unidentified party.
According to EOCO in a press statement issued on August 21, an invitation was issued to Charles Nii Armah Mensah to report on August 13.
This was, however, rescheduled for August 20, 2025 at 10am.
“Counsel for Charles Nii Armah Mensah, indicated to EOCO officers that they would prefer to report at 11am. EOCO readjusted its schedule to align with their time. Shortly before 11am, Counsel for Nii Armah called EOCO to claim that his client was not available and that he was also busy,” a part of the statement noted.
EOCO indicated to the singer’s Counsel that he and his client were expected to report as scheduled.
Charles Nii Armah Mensah arrived in the Office around 3pm and, according to EOCO, insisted that he was not going to cooperate until his counsel arrived, a right which he is entitled and was accorded him.
Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) came under heavy criticism following the death of 32-year-old Ghanaian boxer, Ernest Akushey aka Bahubali, just eleven days after a bout.
Although the family and the Authority have yet to officially confirm the exact cause of his death, fans and other stakeholders have expressed concerns about the welfare of boxers, the effectiveness and implementation of safety measures, and the enforcement of boxing protocols, especially to protect rising talents like Ernest.
Many speculated that GBA’s approval for Ernest to fight Dickson was a clear mismatch given the one-sided show witnessed during the bout, where the latter showed clear dominance right from the beginning to the end, where he was finally declared winner.
However, in response, the interim head of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), in an interview with Gideon Okyere Anim (Gattuso) on Original TV, urged Ghanaians to reconsider their focus on the boxing authorities and instead direct their criticism at Bahubali’s family.
“The family should have sought professional medical care instead of taking him to a prayer camp. It’s a sad situation, but we cannot shift the blame to the GBA or the National Sports Authority (NSA) when medical negligence was the issue,” he noted.
Bahubali’s sister, in an interview with GhanaWeb, revealed that a few days after her brother’s fight with Dickson, he took ill and was taken to a pastor for prayers. Following the pastor’s prayers, he advised the family to seek medical care for the boxer at Korle-Bu; an advice they heeded not.
According to his sister, they took him to another pastor at Teshie for more prayers, following which they noticed the boxer had gotten better until she realised her brother had begun shrinking. It was then that they rushed him to Korle-Bu, where he was placed on oxygen; however, after some hours, he succumbed and was prepared for the morgue.
In a separate interview with JoySports, Banor said:
“Together with the medical team of the Ghana Boxing Authority, we are putting together a structure that just after fights, [after a few days], you will be asked to see the medical department so they can take care of you.”
He also expressed GBA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of boxers before every bout.
“There are medical protocols before and after each bout, and we shall continue to ensure that all boxers are fit to fight, as has been the practice ”.
Banor also addressed the controversy surrounding the NSA’s blanket ban on boxing activities, where he urged Ghanaians to ignore the information.
“There has not been any official communication to that effect, and I will implore the general public to disregard any such information. We were in a meeting with the NSA yesterday, and nothing of such sort came up for discussion,” he clarified.
About Bahubali’s death
Some reports suggest that doctors have confirmed Akushey died from internal bleeding and malaria.
Reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup indicate that Ernest Akushey passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after being rushed to LEKMA Hospital following complaints of unspecified symptoms on Monday.The symptoms are said to have worsened, and around 2 am the following day, he was confirmed dead.
Bahubali’s death comes barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.
According to reports, the bout appeared to have favoured Akishey’s opponent as he dominated right from the beginning until he clinched his victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).
Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.
Consequently, many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused him some internal injuries, which have led to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.
A video which was trending on social media after Akushey’s death captures former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey talking to Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey after the bout with Dickson. It was about time he decided, as he wasn’t fit enough to continue in the sport, which warned him of imminent health problems.
“Bahubali, it’s about time that you made a decision. I have told you to stop boxing. The reason I told you that is because I know you feed from boxing. I don’t know when you started fighting, but up to where you have gotten to now. But you need to make a decision and know what you’re doing because those small punches in the games, and you’re falling. You’re going to many wars, and you might not realise the effects today, but in the future, when you grow,” he warned.
According to reports, Akushey collapsed after his bout with Dickson, with many speculating that their bout was a mismatch and a one-sided affair, given the dominance of Akushey’s opponent right from the start tothe finish.
Akushey, who rose through the ranks at the Wadada Gym in James Town, was once an undefeated prospect with a 6-0-0 record.
He earned his “Bahubali” moniker from his ferocious, crowd-pleasing style, likened to the warrior hero in the Indian blockbuster film.
“Bahubali’s” death marks the second case at Bukom. The first death linked to Bukom was that of a Nigerian, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring in the middle of a professional bout with a Ghanaian opponent, Jon Mbanug, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, where the 40-year-old fighter Olanrewaju, a former holder of both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles, had been putting on a strong performance before suddenly losing consciousness mid-fight.
Spectators and officials watched in horror as medical personnel rushed in to provide emergency assistance.
A widely shared video of the match shows the moment he collapsed, leaving fans and members of the boxing community in shock.
Meanwhile, three months after Success’ death, President Mahama’s son, Sharaf Mahama, in partnership with Sharaf-led sports management company, Legacy Rise Sports, successfully organised a boxing tournament – Battle of the Beasts at the Bukom Sporting Arena.
At a press conference held at the Multichoice Office in Achimota, Mr Mahama expressed his commitment to giving Ghanaian boxers the global exposure they deserve.
He commended all the foreign boxers who travelled to Ghana to be part of the event and extended gratitude to the sponsors and partners who are making the night possible.
Renowned trainer Coach Ofori Asare of Wisdom Boxing Gym highlighted the importance of fair officiating, especially in the highly anticipated bout between his fighter, Theo Allotey (aka Lopez), and Daniel Selassie Gorsh, who will be defending his WBO Africa Bantamweight title.
Asare described Allotey as a seasoned fighter whose experience and transition from amateur to professional ranks make him the right contender for the title.
“Boxing is not about trash talk—it’s about delivering in the ring,” Asare said, adding that his fighters are ready to impress fans with dominant performances.
Also on the card, Haruna Mohammed (aka Thunder) was to defend his National Cruiserweight Title against Abdulai Ahmed from Fit Square Gym.
Coach Carl Lokko of Bronx Boxing Club emphasised his gym’s reputation as the “house of champions,” stating that although his boxers often miss out on amateur national team selections, they consistently shine at the professional level.
In his brief but confident remarks, reigning WBO Africa champion Daniel Gorsh promised fireworks, declaring, “On the D-day, we shall see who is who.”
The main attraction of the night will see Ghana’s Jacob Dickson (aka The Beast) face off against American fighter Andrew Tabiti (also nicknamed The Beast) in a fierce contest for the WBC Africa Bridgerweight Title—a bout that has sparked major excitement among fans.
Another fan-favourite clash featured Abubakar Kamoko (aka Bukom Tilapia), son of the legendary Bukom Banku, taking on Stephen Ackon in an energetic, powerful, and passionate clash.
Former boxer Aryeetey Powers has sworn to proceed with the “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event despite the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) ban on all boxing activities.
The Authority announced the ban following the death of boxer Ernest Akushey, aka ‘Bahubali’.
Speaking during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, September 24, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, revealed that all boxing activities in Ghana are suspended until investigations into the cause of death of Bahubali are completed.
The goal of the ban is to prioritise the safety of boxers and ensure that proper safety measures are in place before any future boxing events resume.
“All boxing activities are hence suspended pending investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey,” he announced.
Financing and organising a single-night professional boxing event, Aryeetey said, he will proceed with the event despite the vow as he cannot allow his investment in terms of finances, time and organising, among others, to go to waste; he has no intention of cancelling the fight.
He disclosed during an exclusive interview with Gideon Okyere Anim (Gattuso) on Original TV.
“There’s no way I’m going to cancel my fight,” Powers said. “I’ve put in too much — both in terms of money and planning. My investment cannot go to waste,” he explained.
Powers expressed deep disappointment, claiming he was misled by both the Minister of Sports and NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who initially denied knowledge of the suspension when he sought clarification.
Aryeetey Power’s boxing event
Aryeetey is organising a single-night professional boxing bout named “Battle of the Beasts”. The event slated for November 23 is set to feature Jacob Dickson vs. Haruna Mohammed at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra.
About Bahubali’s death
Some reports suggest that doctors have confirmed Akushey died from internal bleeding and malaria.
Reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup indicate that Ernest Akushey passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after being rushed to LEKMA Hospital following complaints of unspecified symptoms on Monday. The symptoms are said to have worsened, and around 2 am the following day, he was confirmed dead.
Bahubali’s death comes barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.
According to reports, the bout appeared to have favoured Akishey’s opponent as he dominated right from the beginning until he clinched his victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).
Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.
Consequently, many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused him some internal injuries, which have led to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.
A video which was trending on social media after Akushey’s death captures former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey talking to Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey after the bout with Dickson. It was about time he decided, as he wasn’t fit enough to continue in the sport, which warned him of imminent health problems.
“Bahubali, it’s about time that you made a decision. I have told you to stop boxing. The reason I told you that is because I know you feed from boxing. I don’t know when you started fighting, but up to where you have gotten to now. But you need to make a decision and know what you’re doing because those small punches in the games, and you’re falling. You’re going to many wars, and you might not realise the effects today, but in the future, when you grow,” he warned.
According to reports, Akushey collapsed after his bout with Dickson, with many speculating that their bout was a mismatch and a one-sided affair, given the dominance of Akushey’s opponent right from the start tothe finish.
Akushey, who rose through the ranks at the Wadada Gym in James Town, was once an undefeated prospect with a 6-0-0 record.
He earned his “Bahubali” moniker from his ferocious, crowd-pleasing style, likened to the warrior hero in the Indian blockbuster film.
“Bahubali’s” death marks the second case at Bukom. The first death linked to Bukom was that of a Nigerian, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring in the middle of a professional bout with a Ghanaian opponent, Jon Mbanug, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, where the 40-year-old fighter Olanrewaju, a former holder of both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles, had been putting on a strong performance before suddenly losing consciousness mid-fight.
Spectators and officials watched in horror as medical personnel rushed in to provide emergency assistance.
A widely shared video of the match shows the moment he collapsed, leaving fans and members of the boxing community in shock.
Meanwhile, three months after Success’ death, President Mahama’s son, Sharaf Mahama, in partnership with Sharaf-led sports management company, Legacy Rise Sports, successfully organised a boxing tournament – Battle of the Beasts at the Bukom Sporting Arena.
At a press conference held at the Multichoice Office in Achimota, Mr Mahama expressed his commitment to giving Ghanaian boxers the global exposure they deserve.
He commended all the foreign boxers who travelled to Ghana to be part of the event and extended gratitude to the sponsors and partners who are making the night possible.
Renowned trainer Coach Ofori Asare of Wisdom Boxing Gym highlighted the importance of fair officiating, especially in the highly anticipated bout between his fighter, Theo Allotey (aka Lopez), and Daniel Selassie Gorsh, who will be defending his WBO Africa Bantamweight title.
Asare described Allotey as a seasoned fighter whose experience and transition from amateur to professional ranks make him the right contender for the title.
“Boxing is not about trash talk—it’s about delivering in the ring,” Asare said, adding that his fighters are ready to impress fans with dominant performances.
Also on the card, Haruna Mohammed (aka Thunder) was to defend his National Cruiserweight Title against Abdulai Ahmed from Fit Square Gym.
Coach Carl Lokko of Bronx Boxing Club emphasised his gym’s reputation as the “house of champions,” stating that although his boxers often miss out on amateur national team selections, they consistently shine at the professional level.
In his brief but confident remarks, reigning WBO Africa champion Daniel Gorsh promised fireworks, declaring, “On the D-day, we shall see who is who.”
The main attraction of the night will see Ghana’s Jacob Dickson (aka The Beast) face off against American fighter Andrew Tabiti (also nicknamed The Beast) in a fierce contest for the WBC Africa Bridgerweight Title—a bout that has sparked major excitement among fans.
Another fan-favourite clash featured Abubakar Kamoko (aka Bukom Tilapia), son of the legendary Bukom Banku, taking on Stephen Ackon in an energetic, powerful, and passionate clash.
Nigerian singer and former member of music duo, P Square, known professionally as Rudeboy, flared up after an X (formerly Twitter) user, @chubbiedivah, alleged that he sexually abused a domestic help, who was way younger.
It all started when the singer shared photos from the 25th birthday celebration of his partner, Ivy Ifeoma and in reaction, some users who identified themselves as feminists in a threaded reaction slammed the singer.
One user, @Zoyabloms, identifying as “Evil Feminist,” mocked the couple’s age difference.
Another user, @darkskinnedtemi, also identifying as a feminist, escalated the conversation with cheating allegations involving Rudeboy and a housemaid.
However, @chubbiedivah’s allegations caught the singer’s attention. She alleged that Rudeboy sexually coerced a domestic help who was underage, and claimed he expelled his then-wife and sister-in-law after being confronted. Rudeboy, obviously enraged by the claims, in a strongly worded response, threatened to exhaust all means to punish his accuser over claims he described as ‘defamatory’.
The response read, “@chubbiedivah, if you like, go private, leave X!! I will find you. I will use every necessary means—power, resources, and money!!! You will face the law; I will use you to set an example!! … your only way out is to leave the surface of this earth and relocate to space. To everyone who brought my attention to her tweet … thank you.”
Rudeboy’s response has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting his right to pursue legal redress, while others expressed concern over the tone of his message.
I hardly reply !!! But you see this one !!! @chubbiedivah if you like go private , leave X !! I will find you , I will use every necessary means , power , resources and money !!! You will face the law , I will use you to set an example!! (scapegoat )… your only way out is to… pic.twitter.com/kZCR5sGxXP
Some users quickly shared the profile details of the @chubbiedivah with Rudeboy, adding that they will do everything within their power to help him clear his name in these defaming allegations.
One user, @UnkleAyo, posted, “I know I’ve replied 3 times. No vex. I don’t want you to miss any information. In case you need her pictures so you can print big, big ‘wanted’ banners, here you go. Before they begged you to forgive her, she called you:
– paedophile
– yamayama nigga
– rapist
No gree o”.
Another user, @don_dola205, asked, “Does she even have any evidence of those claims?” while another, @Gusszman, added, “This matter should be addressed immediately. Accusing someone of rape seems to have become a norm for certain uncultured ladies. What may appear to be a casual comment today could turn into a false accusation against an innocent boy tomorrow, even though there is no basis for it, simply because she feels she can get away with it as a lady…”.
Notably, many of the users’ comments suggested and urged Rudeboy to take the lady on, citing that letting it slide will only ruin his reputation, as many of his fans will express their disappointment in his purported act by cancelling him.
More than two users expressed how they had to shut themselves away at the sound of his music after hearing the speculations about the misconduct. Others also humourously affirmed their belief in Rudeboy’s lawsuit threats, referring to his song “Personally”, whose lyrics read “ Ago deal with you personally”.
Rudeboy is not the only celebrity victim in accusations relating to sexual misconduct. Over the years, many acts have been falsely accused, entangled in legal battles, and, when declared innocent, they are left devastated, with their music career sinking, some even deserted by their loved ones.
A case in point is Mendy’s case, where his football career came to a standstill after thirteen women accused him of sexual assault spanning incidents from 2018 to 2020. The charges included eight counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault, spanning incidents from 2018 to 2020.
These allegations were spread across two separate trials in the UK.
Ultimately, Mendy was acquitted of all charges, first in January 2023 (on most counts), and then in July 2023 (on the remaining two).
However, he was arrested in August 2021 and immediately suspended by Manchester City FC, where he played as a left-back. The club stopped paying him after his arrest in 2021. According to reports, he was heavily drained during the legal tussle, and he neared bankruptcy, causing him to sell many of his luxurious assets.
Mendy put his £5 million mansion in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, on the market in 2023. The home featured six bedroom suites, a swimming pool, gym, cinema, and sat on 1.75 acres of land. He later slashed the asking price by £750,000, down to £4.25 million, in a desperate bid to sell quickly. He also sold his Lamborghini and several other designer watches to sort out his legal fees.
Another case is that of the Ghanaian and Villareal forward, Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian international’s legal woes just four days after he departed from Arsenal. He is currently facing six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. These charges have been levelled against him by three different women.
In one of the charges, Complainant 1 claims that, between April and May 2021, Partey penetrated her anally during what began as consensual vaginal intercourse, without her consent. She further claims that between April and June 2021, Partey engaged her in anal sex on on at least four separate occasions without her consent.
Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, after she refused to engage in sexual activity, Partey raped her vaginally. She also claims that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex. A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally.
Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey lay on top of her, attempted to kiss her, and touched her over her clothes without her consent.
However, the player has denied all the allegations levelled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.
The statement issued by Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, noted:“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The lawyer noted that as legal proceedings are ongoing, her client will not make any further comment on the matter.Under UK law, rape and sexual assault are prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which sets out clear definitions and penalties for these crimes. Rape is defined as intentional penile penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person without their consent and without a reasonable belief that they consent.
Sexual assault involves intentionally touching another person sexually without their consent.
Police said the investigation was opened in February 2022 when it first received a report of rape.
President John Dramani Mahama says the global pandemic, COVID-1,9, which plagued the world five years ago, foiled the hard-fought-for decades of poverty reduction policies which were implemented by African countries.
He was highlighting some of the challenges of global progress and the fragility of development gains, which, in a general sense, affect development.
President Mahama referred to the impact of the pandemic and how it led to a regression in progress made in bettering the livelihoods of citizens, particularly the less privileged. In an Accra Reset keynote at UNGA80 on September 23, the President said,
“In 1990, 36 per cent of the world lived in extreme poverty. By 2019, that figure had fallen to eight per cent. Global life expectancy had risen by nearly a decade in just one generation. Maternal mortality had declined by a third since the year 2000. And in global health since 2000 alone, more than 50 million lives had been saved through expanded access to vaccines, HIV treatment, and malaria prevention. The Global Fund and Gavi, born out of a new development consensus two decades ago, had provided life-saving tools to billions of the world’s population. This progress deserves recognition. It reminds us of what becomes possible when global solidarity rises to meet global challenges.”
COVID-19, first recorded in China, was declared a Global Health Emergency in January 2020. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
In early 2020, especially from March 2020 onward, as countries began enforcing lockdowns, travel bans, and social distancing measures, these affected work and production globally, affecting vulnerable countries like Africa, which were already struggling with healthcare, limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and other constraints, the most from these health and safety-imposed restrictions.
The unprecedented pandemic devastated global economies, leading to widespread job losses and a sharp rise in the cost of living.
While the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government consistently attributed Ghana’s economic downturn between 2020 and 2022 to the pandemic, then-opposition leader Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rejected that explanation.
However, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly during a side event dubbed Accra Reset, President Mahama acknowledged that the pandemic had indeed negatively impacted Ghana, particularly its fight against poverty.
“And yet, even as we celebrate these gains, the cracks in the global order are growing deeper… The COVID-19 pandemic erased two decades of poverty reduction in less than two years”, state broadcaster Ghana Television quoted the President as saying on its official Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Also, President Mahama made calls for a permanent representation of Africa on the United Nations General Assembly, granting the continent the right to veto power.
In his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, September 25, President Mahama explained that the long-standing tradition in which veto power is reserved for just five nations is outdated.
The current arrangement, rooted in the post-World War II order, the President stressed, concentrates power in the hands of a few countries.
He said, “Veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute. There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interests in a conflict.”
Currently, five countries hold permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which automatically grants them veto power. This allows any one of them to block substantive resolutions, even if all other members agree. Named the P5, they include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.
These countries were granted permanent status and veto rights in 1945, at the end of World War II, as part of the founding structure of the UN. Eight decades later, nothing has changed despite the shifting global order, President Mahama highlighted.
He referred to Africa’s growing and youthful population, citing demographic projections that by 2050, Africa will be home to over a quarter of the world’s population and a third of its youth, hence, “the future is African.”
He emphasised that it is time for the UN to grant Africa permanent representation on its council. He believes that just as Ghana is making adjustments, the UN must “reset” itself in light of the dramatic changes since 1945; however, the UN’s structures have not kept pace.
“A continent as large as Africa, with its numerous UN member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Madame President, I believe that in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organisation’s founding, the number of UN member nations has nearly quadrupled, and quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then when the UN was formed,” he stressed.
He reiterated that if equality were truly upheld, Africa, with its 54 member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The most powerful post-World War II nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN Charter declares that ‘The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members,’” he said.
Drawing on the words of Nelson Mandela, who in 1995 urged the UN to “reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures,” President Mahama noted that little progress had been made three decades later.
“Today, we African leaders are still making the same request: for a permanent seat on the Security Council, with the power of veto. So, I ask again: if not now, then when?” he declared.
Another reform President Mahama urged the UN to pursue was gender equality, particularly empowering women and girls. He emphasised that women are indispensable in the world’s pursuit of development.
He said the future must be one of inclusion and fairness. “Allow me to echo the Indian-American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote: ‘Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.’ I want to add that for the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” he stated.
He added that empowering women is not optional but essential for progress. “To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” President Mahama said.
President Mahama then congratulated Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on becoming Ghana’s first female Vice-President, describing her rise as a milestone for women. “Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend,” he said.
Former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has applauded President John Dramani Mahama for what he describes as an “impressive and commendable” speech delivery at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York yesterday, Thursday, September 25.
Taking to his official Facebook page, the Member of Parliament for Karaga lauded the president’s bold articulation of perspectives, highlighting pressing global issues and calls for long-standing traditions which needed to be reviewed.
“President Mahama’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly was truly commendable, particularly his insights on pressing global issues such as immigration, financing for development, the Middle East conflict, and climate change. His eloquent delivery and thought-provoking perspectives showcased his leadership capabilities on the international stage”, he said.
According to him, the impressive will go a long way however, the realities of his talk should reflect in his policies in Ghana, galamsey and free speech should be dealt with among other national development concerns which should be duly addressed by the president and his government.
“It’s important how such well articulated vision and approach to international development translate to national development in Ghana particularly as the reset economy is not resetting, whilst Galamsey is out of control and free speech is being murdered.
Despite his criticism, the MP ended on a hopeful note, urging that Mahama’s leadership values at the international level be applied to Ghana’s progress.
“Let’s hope his leadership principles and global perspectives inform his decision-making for the benefit of Ghana’s development. Best wishes to you, Mr. President.”
Also, President Mahama made calls for a permanent representation of Africa on the United Nations General Assembly, granting the continent the right to veto power.
In his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, September 25, President Mahama explained that the long-standing tradition in which veto power is reserved for just five nations is outdated.
The current arrangement, rooted in the post-World War II order, the President stressed, concentrates power in the hands of a few countries.
He said, “Veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute. There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interests in a conflict.”
Currently, five countries hold permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which automatically grants them veto power. This allows any one of them to block substantive resolutions, even if all other members agree. Named the P5, they include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.
These countries were granted permanent status and veto rights in 1945, at the end of World War II, as part of the founding structure of the UN. Eight decades later, nothing has changed despite the shifting global order, President Mahama highlighted.
He referred to Africa’s growing and youthful population, citing demographic projections that by 2050, Africa will be home to over a quarter of the world’s population and a third of its youth, hence, “the future is African.”
He emphasised that it is time for the UN to grant Africa permanent representation on its council. He believes that just as Ghana is making adjustments, the UN must “reset” itself in light of the dramatic changes since 1945; however, the UN’s structures have not kept pace.
“A continent as large as Africa, with its numerous UN member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Madame President, I believe that in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organisation’s founding, the number of UN member nations has nearly quadrupled, and quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then when the UN was formed,” he stressed.
He reiterated that if equality were truly upheld, Africa, with its 54 member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The most powerful post-World War II nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN Charter declares that ‘The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members,’” he said.
Drawing on the words of Nelson Mandela, who in 1995 urged the UN to “reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures,” President Mahama noted that little progress had been made three decades later.
“Today, we African leaders are still making the same request: for a permanent seat on the Security Council, with the power of veto. So, I ask again: if not now, then when?” he declared.
Another reform President Mahama urged the UN to pursue was gender equality, particularly empowering women and girls. He emphasised that women are indispensable in the world’s pursuit of development.
He said the future must be one of inclusion and fairness. “Allow me to echo the Indian-American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote: ‘Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.’ I want to add that for the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” he stated.
He added that empowering women is not optional but essential for progress. “To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” President Mahama said.
President Mahama then congratulated Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on becoming Ghana’s first female Vice-President, describing her rise as a milestone for women. “Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend,” he said.
As Ghana commemorates Founder’s Day on September 21 in honor of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and prepares to observe World Maritime Day on September 25, it is fitting to reflect on the immense legacy of Ghana’s first President in shaping the nation’s maritime infrastructure and its associated economic development.
Nkrumah understood, far earlier than many of his contemporaries, that maritime infrastructure was not merely about ships and harbors, but about the holistic integration of ports, industry, and transport systems as catalysts for national development. His vision for Ghana’s maritime future laid the foundation for much of what sustains the sector today.
Central to Nkrumah’s maritime ambition was the construction of Tema Port in the 1950s. At that time, global port development was in its second generation, characterized by mechanized handling of bulk cargo, stronger links with inland transport, and increasing integration with industrial activity. Though containerization in Ghana would only begin in the 1980s, the decision to build Tema Port positioned Ghana as a modern maritime hub in West Africa.
In keeping with international practice where port development stimulates city growth, Nkrumah complemented Tema Port with the creation of Tema Township, envisaging a symbiotic relationship between the port and the surrounding urban space. Although the port’s contribution to the township’s development has diminished in contemporary times, the initial model remains a testament to his foresight.
Nkrumah ensured that the port was not an isolated facility, but part of a broader industrial ecosystem. He strategically established industries such as the Tema Oil Refinery, Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), and Tema Steel Works to provide both inputs and outputs for port-related trade, while also supporting maritime-linked industries such as shipbuilding.
Equally critical was the creation of maritime-supporting infrastructure:
Tema Dry Dock: Essential for ship maintenance and repair, reducing dependence on foreign facilities and ensuring that Ghanaian and foreign vessels could be serviced locally, thereby retaining revenue within the country.
Tema and Takoradi Boat Yards: Vital for constructing and repairing smaller vessels, enhancing coastal trade, artisanal fishing, and inland waterway transport. Boat yards not only bolstered the fishing and transport sectors but also cultivated local technical skills in ship repair and boatbuilding.
Recognizing the strategic importance of fisheries to food security and maritime trade, Nkrumah established the Ghana Fishing Corporation, which operated 19 fishing trawlers. This strengthened Ghana’s presence in industrial fishing, encouraged the growth of ancillary industries such as fish processing, and provided employment for Ghanaian seafarers
To absorb the seafarers being trained by the Ghana Nautical College—established in the 1950s—Nkrumah created the Black Star Line, Ghana’s national shipping line, with 19 general cargo vessels. This provided opportunities for practical sea service, reduced dependency on foreign shipping lines, and elevated Ghana’s status as a maritime nation. The Nautical College has since evolved into the Regional Maritime University (RMU), serving West and Central Africa, a living testament to Nkrumah’s regional vision.
A port is only as strong as its connections to its hinterland. Nkrumah’s infrastructure development included the Tema–Accra Railway line and other railway projects to facilitate efficient cargo movement between ports and inland destinations. Complementing this was the Tema Motorway, which remains Ghana’s most vital land transport corridor for cargo moving to and from Tema Port. These projects illustrate Nkrumah’s comprehensive understanding of the maritime transport chain.
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was not merely Ghana’s political founder; he was the architect of Ghana’s maritime and industrial infrastructure. His integrated approach—linking ports, industry, shipping, fishing, education, and transport—demonstrates an advanced appreciation of maritime economics and logistics. Today, even as Ghana navigates new challenges in the global maritime domain, Nkrumah’s legacy continues to inspire.
As we mark World Maritime Day, we must acknowledge that Ghana’s maritime future rests on the shoulders of the visionary who built its foundation. Indeed, Kwame Nkrumah remains the doyen of Ghana’s maritime infrastructure—a leader who saw in the sea not just a boundary, but a boundless horizon of opportunity.
Writer: Evans Ago Tetteh, Ph.D. Regional Maritime University. Regent, Kpone-Sebrepor.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
President Mahama has joined calls for a permanent representation of Africa on the United Nations General Assembly, granting the continent the right to veto power.
In his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, September 25, President Mahama explained that the long-standing tradition in which veto power is reserved for just five nations is outdated.
The current arrangement, rooted in the post-World War II order, the President stressed, concentrates power in the hands of a few countries.
He said, “Veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute. There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interests in a conflict.”
Currently, five countries hold permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which automatically grants them veto power. This allows any one of them to block substantive resolutions, even if all other members agree. Named the P5, they include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.
These countries were granted permanent status and veto rights in 1945, at the end of World War II, as part of the founding structure of the UN. Eight decades later, nothing has changed despite the shifting global order, President Mahama highlighted.
He referred to Africa’s growing and youthful population, citing demographic projections that by 2050, Africa will be home to over a quarter of the world’s population and a third of its youth, hence, “the future is African.”
He emphasised that it is time for the UN to grant Africa permanent representation on its council. He believes that just as Ghana is making adjustments, the UN must “reset” itself in light of the dramatic changes since 1945; however, the UN’s structures have not kept pace.
“A continent as large as Africa, with its numerous UN member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Madame President, I believe that in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organisation’s founding, the number of UN member nations has nearly quadrupled, and quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then when the UN was formed,” he stressed.
He reiterated that if equality were truly upheld, Africa, with its 54 member states, would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The most powerful post-World War II nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN Charter declares that ‘The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members,’” he said.
Drawing on the words of Nelson Mandela, who in 1995 urged the UN to “reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures,” President Mahama noted that little progress had been made three decades later.
“Today, we African leaders are still making the same request: for a permanent seat on the Security Council, with the power of veto. So, I ask again: if not now, then when?” he declared.
Another reform President Mahama urged the UN to pursue was gender equality, particularly empowering women and girls. He emphasised that women are indispensable in the world’s pursuit of development.
He said the future must be one of inclusion and fairness. “Allow me to echo the Indian-American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote: ‘Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.’ I want to add that for the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” he stated.
He added that empowering women is not optional but essential for progress. “To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” President Mahama said.
President Mahama then congratulated Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on becoming Ghana’s first female Vice-President, describing her rise as a milestone for women. “Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the United Nations will soon appoint its first female Secretary-General. “Words matter, but issues of representation matter even more,” he concluded.
He did not leave out calls for reforms in the world’s financial architecture, which he said is currently rigged against Africa. Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions.
“We demand not only a reform of the Security Council, but also a reset of the global financial architecture, which is currently rigged against Africa. Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions,” he mentioned, highlighting that despite Africa’s vast natural wealth from minerals to agricultural produce, it is often extracted without fair compensation, processing, or reinvestment on the continent.
“Africa continues to be the source of raw materials for the world, yet we remain at the bottom of the value chain. This is not just unjust, it is unsustainable.”
He also pleaded with global powers to remove the blockade on Cuba. He said, “…as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, our nation’s founder, famously said, ‘We seek to be friends of all and enemies to none.’ The Cuban people shed their blood on African soil in the fight against apartheid. Indeed, Cuba has been, and continues to be, a faithful friend to Africa. You see, the very fact that I can stand here and ask these things, and the fact that all nations can ostensibly gather here to address critical global issues, air grievances, and express concerns, that is what makes the survival of this organisation so important,” he added.
Ghana’s tourism industry has embarked on a growth path, generating a whopping GH₵15.2 billion in revenue from inbound tourists between October 2022 and September 2023, marking a triple of the revenue generated during the pandemic era.
These statistics were contained in a recent report by the Ghana Statistical Service, titled “Ghana International Travellers’ Survey (GITS). The report revealed that Q3 2023 alone saw a 61.6% surge in arrivals compared to Q4 2022.
Per the report, a total of 901,448 international visitors travelled to Ghana. 888,584 of them were inbound overnight visitors. These are foreign nationals who entered Ghana and stayed at least one night, making up 98.6% of all inbound arrivals. Their spending contributed the bulk of the ₵15.2 billion in tourism revenue.
On the other hand, inbound same-day visitors, thus travellers who entered Ghana but did not stay overnight, often cross borders for business, shopping, or transit. They numbered 12,864 and contributed ₵24 million to the economy.
For the overnight visitors, 543,392 of them were males and 345,192 females. Inbound same-day visitors also totalled 12,864, with males numbering 8,214 and females also numbering 4,650.
This shows that there were more males than females among the travellers. Most of these visitors were transit passengers, especially from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Liberia.
One of the main purposes for these visitors, according to the reports, was to visit friends and relatives. Business and professional travel dominated in Q4 2022, accounting for 46.9% of overnight visits
Same-day visitors were mostly transit passengers, especially in late 2023.
Visitor numbers peaked in Q3 2023, when arrivals surged by 61.6% compared to Q4 2022, driven by a wave of tourists from West Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
“Over the period, the highest expenditure for inbound overnight visitors from each continent was recorded in Q3 2023. Inbound overnight visitors from Africa and America made the highest expenditure of GHS 1.8 billion and GHS 1.5 billion, respectively,” the report highlighted.
Also, according to the report, “the average length of stay of an inbound overnight visitor is 12 nights. Inbound overnight visitors from Asia have the longest stay across all quarters, ranging from 21 to 28 nights, whereas those from Africa have the shortest stay (7 to 8 nights)”.
Accommodation and food were the biggest beneficiaries, taking up nearly 63% of total spending. Hotels saw rising demand, with stays climbing to 146,571 in Q3 2023.
Business and professional travellers topped the spending charts, contributing GHS2.7 billion in a single quarter, while American tourists recorded the highest per-capita expenditure at GHS28,233.
Also, per the report, many who visited Ghana had tertiary education and were aged 36 to 64.
During their visit to Ghana, same-day visitors mostly preferred to visit the Bisa Abrewa Museum, Cape Coast Castle, National Museum, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Overnight visitors also preferred to visit Independence Square & Arts Centre, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the Cape Coast Castle.
Given the current milestone chalked by the tourism industry, the GSS made some recommendations to maximise the economic and developmental potential of inbound overnight tourism, targeting three particular stakeholders, i.e., the government, private sector/businesses, development partners and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
For the government, GSS made three recommendations. It suggested a collaboration between the government: first, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTCCA) to partner with embassies, chambers of commerce and diaspora groups to run special campaigns aimed at Americans, Europeans, businesspeople and professionals, because these visitors spend the most money. GSS recommends that special packages be introduced to help make travelling to Ghana attractive to tourists.
“Specific packages could include diaspora homecoming events, international business conferences, and cultural tourism promotion”, GSS noted in the report.
Also, GSS suggested that the government take advantage of ECOWAS’ free-movement protocols to design packages for West African nationals visiting Ghana.
It said “The Government should collaborate with stakeholders to leverage ECOWAS free movement protocols to create cross-border packages tailored to business and professional, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and vacation markets, particularly from Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone”, adding that priority to be given to facelifting tourism site infrastructure facilities, mostly the ones preferred by these tourists.
“Prioritise infrastructure upgrades at high-traffic heritage and eco-tourism sites such as Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Kakum National Park, and the Arts Centre. Investments should also focus on expanding and modernising shopping and culinary infrastructure through tax incentives,” it continued.
GSS also charged private sector business owners, specifically those who run restaurants, eateries and accommodation services, to expand their services to accommodate the growing numbers. It is recommended that retail and culinary investments,”…seize opportunities to expand shopping and dining experiences by developing open-air markets, renovating malls, and hosting themed food festivals. Strengthening the retail and culinary ecosystem can increase visitor spending and improve Ghana’s appeal as a diverse tourism destination”.
And for the hospitality, it urged that “private investors and operators should partner with government initiatives to deliver modern accommodation facilities, ensuring a wider range of affordable and high-quality lodging options for inbound tourists”.
Development Partners and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) also charged “…development partners, in collaboration with MoTCCA and GTA, should support the rollout of a National Tourism App offering real-time access to attractions, maps, booking services, safety alerts, and translation tools. Partnerships with technology firms can also deliver virtual guides and itinerary planners to enhance the experience of self-arranged tourists.”
Another recommendation for the CSOs and development partners includes the provision of “tourist support services by introducing multilingual tourist help desks at major entry points (airports, land borders, ports), providing both physical and digital support for international visitors. This will improve visitor satisfaction, safety, and accessibility, especially for non-English-speaking tourists”.
The Presidency officially announced President John Dramani Mahama’s departure for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York through a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman and Minister in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Saturday, September 21.
The statement announced that the President will lead a high-level delegation and was scheduled to deliver his address to the Assembly today, Thursday, September 25. During his speech, he called for reforms to the UN Security Council and global financial architecture, emphasising the need to embrace gender equality to achieve global development.
Find his full speech below:
Madam President, Mr Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:
At this 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, I would like to speak about Africa’s role in the future of the organisation. However, it is impossible to do that without first considering the collective role that Africa played in its founding, which was small and relatively insignificant.
Of the 51 Member States involved in the founding of the United Nations in 1945, only four were African: Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, and South Africa.
It is important to point out that the United Nations came into being in the aftermath of World War 2 because of the inability of its precursor, the League of Nations, to avert a large-scale global conflict, which had been its guiding purpose when it was founded in 1920 on the heels of World War 1.
Out of the 42 founding member states of the League of Nations, only three were African: Liberia, the Union of South Africa, and Ethiopia. Egypt joined later in 1937. Africa’s overall participation in the organisation’s founding was minimal and relatively unimportant.
That’s because, before all the other talks and meetings, representatives from a group of 14 nations gathered in Berlin for a series of discussions that began in 1884, which led to the partition and formal colonisation of the continent—also called the Scramble for Africa.
It has famously been written that “past is prologue.” Well, in the past, the majority of the 54 nations that now comprise Africa were never offered a seat at the table where plans for a new World Order were being drawn.
But, Madam President,
As fate would have it, the tables have turned, and Africa’s role in the authorship of whatever is yet to come for this world will be huge, and it will be consequential.
According to this organisation’s own projections, by the year 2050, more than 25% of the world’s population is expected to come from the African continent. Additionally, by 2050, one- third of all young people, aged 15 to 24, will be residing on the African continent.
So, you see, the future is African.
Allow me to say this once again, a little louder for the people in the back. The future is African!
Already today, Africa is a catalyst for human potential and development, as well as for economic reform and ecological stability. Africa is a catalyst for systemic change. If this reality—which is fact-based and straightforward—seems provocative or unsettling, perhaps it’s because you’re viewing it through the lens of centuries of racism, colonialism, imperialism, and the resulting implicit bias.
Maybe you’re unaware of the resilience of African nations or their remarkable ability to make a strong comeback, just when you think it’s safe to discount them.
That’s what is happening right now in Ghana. Our Constitution limits leaders to two four-year terms. In January, I was sworn in for a second term, which, I should add, is non-consecutive with the first. Our currency, the Ghana cedi, was rapidly depreciating.
Faced with rising inflation, a huge debt burden, and low morale amongst our citizens, my new administration quickly embarked on an ambitious programme of comprehensive transformation designed to restructure Ghana’s economic foundation and enhance our competitive standing globally. We refer to this process of recalibration as our reset agenda.
In just eight months, we have achieved a significant reduction in inflation, from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% in August 2025, restoring price stability for our citizens. Additionally, the Ghana cedi has appreciated considerably against other currencies, with Bloomberg reporting it as the best-performing currency in the world at one point.
Our improved sovereign credit rating reflects increasing investor confidence. Our 24-Hour Economy Initiative promises to transform our economy. There is a renewed willingness among the people to trust that their elected officials have Ghana’s interests at heart and that we are progressing together.
Madam President,
I believe that, in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organisation’s founding, the number of UN Member Nations has nearly quadrupled. And, quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then.
I mentioned earlier that I began my second non-consecutive term as president this past January. My first term ended in January 2017. In that span of time, the world had changed with such ferocity, my first days in office felt as though I’d just awakened from a Rip Van Winkle-style slumber. That was after only eight years; imagine, then, what it would be like after eighty years.
In 1945, the sun had not yet set on the largest empire in history; the most common mode of international travel was by sea; the personal computer had not been invented, let alone made portable; and television, a new convenience, was still in its infancy, albeit in black and white.
Relations between the US and the Soviet Union were turning frosty, with Winston Churchill declaring that “an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.”
Eighty years on, in today’s world, 100,000 commercial flights take off and land every day; libraries have been digitised so that volumes of literature can exist on a device small enough to fit inside your pocket. This is a world of cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence, social media, the Internet, and its dark, hidden dungeon —the dark web—all of which carry a potential threat to global peace and security.
Climate change is real, and we are fighting a losing battle against the loss of the Maldives and other island nations to the rising sea level, Timbuktu to desertification, and the Amazon Rainforest to global warming and deforestation.
Madam President,
The UN founding charter is outdated when it comes to representation. The most powerful post- World War 2 nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN charter declares that “The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members.”
If this were truly the case, a continent as large as Africa with its numerous UN Member states would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Furthermore, veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute.
There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interests in a conflict.
In 1995, during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, Nelson Mandela stood in this very spot. He said, “The United Nations has to reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures. It should truly reflect the diversity of our universe and ensure equity among the nations in the exercise of power within the system of international relations. In general, and the Security Council in particular.”
Thirty years later, we African leaders are still making the same request: for a permanent seat on the Security Council, with the power of veto. So, today, Madam President, I stand here in this exact spot, asking: if not now, then when?
We demand not only a reform of the Security Council, but also a reset of the global financial architecture, which is currently rigged against Africa. Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions.
While I am making requests, I would like to call for the removal of the blockade on Cuba. As Dr Kwame Nkrumah, our nation’s founder, famously said, “We seek to be friends of all and enemies to none.” The Cuban people shed their blood on African soil in the fight against apartheid. Indeed, Cuba has been, and continues to be, a faithful friend to Africa.
You see, the very fact that I can stand here and ask these things, and the fact that all nations can ostensibly gather here to address critical global issues, air grievances, and express concerns—that is what makes the survival of this organisation so important.
In every old city or village, you will find a town square, a courtyard, or a plaza that once served as a gathering place for the citizens and their leaders. Meetings and celebrations were held there, as were trials and elections. They were spaces that brought people together and held them as a community. Sadly, time and technology have eroded those spaces.
Madam President,
In many ways, the United Nations is the proverbial town square of our modern global village. And it has never been more critical for us to protect this one space that brings and holds the world’s nations together as a community.
The Internet, social media platforms, and Artificial Intelligence offer us the illusion of connectivity, when in fact they reinforce isolation by using algorithms that ensure we do not receive new ideas and perspectives, but rather more of the same. We are served alternative facts and manipulated images, making it easier to disseminate disinformation and sow seeds of division.
These are dangerous times. Our world is currently experiencing a rise in nationalism and economic instability. There is a general breakdown of multilateralism; various acts of aggression have been committed against the sovereignty of others, and nations are attempting to circumvent the very safeguards put in place to prevent large-scale global conflict.
These conditions are all too similar to the ones that led to the League of Nations’ failure in fulfilling its mandate. The denial of visas to President Abbas and the Palestinian delegation sets a bad precedent and should be deeply worrying to all member nations.
Ghana recognised the state of Palestine in 1988 and supported a two-state solution to the conflict.
Contrary to the claims of some, a two-state solution would not be a reward for Hamas but, rather, a reprieve for the hundreds of thousands of innocent people who have been facing collective punishment and forced starvation for no reason other than the fact that they are Palestinian.
For nearly two years, and for the fear of reprisal, we here in this General Assembly have been playing hide-and-seek with language to find the right words to help us avoid or excuse what we all know is taking place there.
But here’s the thing, it doesn’t matter what you call it: if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, well then… It must be a duck. The crimes in Gaza must stop.
Madam President,
I want to draw particular attention to the conflict in Sudan, which this body has described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Twelve million people have had to flee their homes.
When we speak of migration, we refer to the 12 million new refugees, whom we, as a global community, should be willing to assist in much the same way that many member nations readily assisted new refugees from Ukraine.
Let’s dispense with euphemisms and dog-whistles and speak frankly. It’s not a mystery that when leaders of Western nations complain of their migration problems, they are often referring to immigrants from the Global South.
Many of those migrants are climate refugees. Interestingly, the Global North emits 75% more greenhouse gases than the Global South. However, the effects of climate change are more severe in the Global South because we lack the resources to address them effectively.
So, when the desert encroaches and our villages and towns become unlivable, we are forced to flee.
Warsan Shire, a Somali-British poet born in Kenya to Somalian refugee parents, was London’s first Youth Poet Laureate. She writes in her poem titled “Home”.
You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land No one burns their palms
under trains beneath carriages
No one spends days and nights in the stomach of a truck feeding on newspaper unless the miles travelled mean something more than a journey.
Madam President,
We cannot normalise cruelty. We cannot normalise hatred.
We cannot normalise xenophobia and racism.
If we are going to tell a story, let’s not tell it slant. Let’s tell all the truth.
When we speak of migrants, we speak of Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, a judge on the US District Court for the Central District of California. She is the first Black female judge on any of California’s four federal district courts. She was born in America to immigrant parents from Ghana.
We speak of Peter Bossman, a medical doctor born in Ghana who moved to the town of Piran in Slovenia in the 1980s. He later became the first Black mayor of Piran, the first Black mayor in Slovenia, and in the whole of Eastern Europe.
We speak of T-Michael, the iconic Ghanaian-Norwegian artist and designer, and the late Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who was born in Ghana but spent his adulthood in various places in America and Europe.
These are people who have brought great distinction to the countries that they call home. Just as the migrants and the children of migrants before them did. These are not invaders or criminals.
Madam President,
The slave trade must be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity. As African Champion on reparations, Ghana intends to introduce a motion in this August body to that effect.
More than twelve and a half million Africans were forcibly taken against their will and transported to create wealth for the powerful Western nations.
We must demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonisation of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources, as well as the looting of artefacts and other items of cultural heritage that have yet to be returned in total. We recognise the value of our land and the value of our lives.
As did our coloniser, as well as the governments that happily paid reparations to former slave owners as compensation for the loss of their “property”—that “property” for which compensation was paid referred to enslaved people who had been freed.
Madam President,
An increasingly insecure world is witnessing upward spending on defence budgets of bilateral partners and steep cuts in Official Development Assistance. Since July 2024, there has been a 40% drop in humanitarian aid to Africa.
In this era of global uncertainty, Africa must exercise sovereignty over its natural resources to raise the necessary funds to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
The days of parceling out vast concession areas to foreign interests for exploitation must come to an end. We will continue to welcome foreign investment, but we must negotiate better for a bigger share of the natural resources that belong to us.
We are tired of the continued image of poverty-stricken, disease-ridden rural communities, living at the periphery of huge foreign-controlled natural resource concession areas. We are tired of having people extract the most they can from us and, in return, offer us the very least by way of respect, consideration, and dignity.
We are tired of not being represented in ways that reveal the richness and complexity of our history or acknowledge all that we have overcome to arrive here, in this liminal space of untold possibilities.
Allow me to echo the Indian-American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote: “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”
I want to add that for the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential.
In closing, Madam President,
I would like to congratulate you on your election to preside over this historic 80th General Assembly, and on being the fifth woman to hold this distinction.
I would also like to congratulate Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on being the first woman Vice President of Ghana. Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend.
Words matter, but issues of representation matter even more, which is why Ghana looks forward to the appointment of a woman as Secretary General of this organisation in the future.
The Transport Minister announced on September 18 the opening of the Tema-Mpakadan railway. During the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra, Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe disclosed that “….I am pleased to announce that the Tema–Mpakadan Railway will officially open on October 1”.
In reaction to this, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has announced that it will not tolerate the sidelining of the Ghana Railway Company Limited in issues related to the operations of Ghana’s national railway system. Their remarks come at a time when the government has yet to engage them on the commissioning of the Tema-Mpakadan railway set to happen in the next four days.
At a press conference organised by the Union on Wednesday, September 24th, to address the government’s delay and failure to settle the twelve-month salary of the railway workers, the General Secretary of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, admonished the government to abort it, as the operators, i.e., Ghana Railway Company Limited, have not been officially informed about it.
“The Ghana Railway Company Limited, which is the operator, the ministry can’t purport to run the Mpakadan rail line and other lines without the operator. We will resist any attempt to sideline the Ghana Railway Company Limited,” he added.
He also announced an imminent strike, set to take effect on September 30, if the government does not pay the twelve months’ salary owed to the Railway Workers Union of Ghana by then.
Joshua Ansah, gave the government a six-day window to settle the workers or expect an industrial action to drum home their demands following the failure of authorities to address them.
According to him, the railway workers have been subjected to hardships in the last twelve months, and they are no longer going to take assurances without action from the government.
“It’s been 12 solid months since the workers of the company were paid. Just imagine the situation of a worker and their family in today’s Ghana without a salary for 12 calendar months,” adding that all they have exhausted all avenues to get their grievances addressed; however, all efforts have proven futile.
“We have written letters and engaged the government at the highest level. We will no longer settle for assurances. We have had enough of them already,” he said.
Accordingly, Mr Ansah stated that “We have sent a notice to the government and the owner of the company that if by September 30 the 12-month outstanding salaries owed to our affiliate are not paid, TUC will embark on a strike”.
While the state previously covered 70% of railway workers’ salaries, this support has been reduced, leaving the Ghana Railway Company and its staff in crisis. In light of that, Mr Ansah urged the government to “look for any means” to settle the 12-month debt immediately.
“The state used to pay 70% of the salaries of the railway workers, but that support has been withdrawn,” he noted.
Their press conference follows the Railway Workers Union officially informing the Greater Accra Regional Police Command of its intention to strike and picket on September 30 due to the government’s failure to pay salaries since October 2024.
Reaffirming the TUC’s solidarity with the workers, Mr Ansah said: “The union itself was founded on railway land, and we have a duty to ensure fair treatment and timely pay for railway staff.”
Meanwhile, during the Minister’s update at the Government Accountability Series, he touched on Railway Labour Issues and Ghana Railway Company Limited Staff Salaries. Mr Nikpe said the Ghana Railway Company’s operations had declined over the years due to infrastructure deterioration, which had limited its capacity to generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs, including staff salaries.
“We are engaging with the Ministry of Finance and stakeholders to develop a sustainable solution going forward,” the Minister said.“I must add that we feel for the workers, and we have gotten close to resolving this issue and getting them their salaries.”
He also added that a test run of the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train, which was freshly procured from Poland and was involved in an accident in 2024, has been successfully carried out on the railway, which is set to be opened in October.
“The train that was involved in the accident during the test drive in 2024 has been repaired. A successful test run was carried out on September 16. The 97km Tema to Mpakadan Railway Line, which is part of a multimodal system connecting Tema Port to Buipe Port via the Volta Lake, has been completed,” he noted.
He continued that the completion and soon-to-be-opened railway forms part of the government’s plans to broaden the rail infrastructure for goods and passenger services.
“The Government plans to modernise and expand the railway infrastructure for fleet and passenger services, creating jobs, boosting local economies and fostering trade”, adding that “the viability of the rail line depends on fleet services but requires further investment in port infrastructure to facilitate the transfer of cargo between rail and the lake.”
Mr Nikpe said the Government had therefore taken steps to devolve the line for fleet operations.
Concerning the Western Railway Line, the Minister said the Western Railway Line spans 330km from Takoradi to Kumasi, with a branch line extension from Dunkwa to Awaso.
Mr Nikpe said construction on sections of the line, the 22km Kojokrom to Manso, 78km from Takoradi Port to Huni Valley, and 6km Adum to Kaase, had all been halted since December 2024 due to unpaid payment certificates by the administration.
Consequently, the government is engaging stakeholders, including the Transport Ministry and the Finance Ministry, among others, to ensure that all debts are paid for the completion of projects by the contractors.
“The government, through the Ministry of Transport and Ghana Railway Development Authority, is engaging stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s Office, to resolve the outstanding issues to enable the contractor to resume work,” the Minister stated.
As part of efforts to expedite the completion of the projects without any impediments, the Minister revealed that his outfit was partnering with the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Security Agencies and the Lands Commission to launch a campaign to remove encroachers from the railway right-of-way and perfect titles to railway lines nationwide.
National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced that it is making arrangements to acquire pitch covers for national stadia nationwide. He made this revelation during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, September 24.
Ghana has a mixed history when it comes to the quality of our pitches, with rare cases of consistent maintenance often from hosting football, concerts, and rallies. Lack of pitch covers, among others.
In light of this, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, attributed Ghana’s lack of pitch covers to a possible oversight; however, he assured that his outfit was making arrangements to secure some to ensure the sustainability and quality of stadia’s turfs nationwide.
The poor condition of several pitches, largely due to inadequate maintenance and the absence of protective covers, has raised concerns about their suitability for hosting matches.
“We are in the process of acquiring pitch covers for our stadia. In the past, maybe it was an oversight, and that is why we don’t have some at the moment, but for now, we are making arrangements to get them,” he said.
He stressed that the move is aimed at preventing further deterioration of the facilities. “We don’t want our pitches to deteriorate, as we witnessed in the past,” Ampofo Ankrah added.
The national stadia include Accra Sports Stadium, Aliu Mahama Stadium, Essipong Sports Stadium, Baba Yara Stadium, and Cape Coast Stadium.
His remarks come at a time when he clarified the Authority’s decision to allow Ghanaian rapper and highlife artist Michael Addo, popularly referred to as Sarkodie, to host his Rapperholic concert this Saturday, September 27, at the Baba Yara sports stadium in Kumasi.
The Sark Nation were ecstatic after the ‘landlord’ announced that his flagship annual concert, Rapperholic, would be held in Kumasi this year. However, football enthusiasts weren’t happy to hear that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will host the concert.
However, during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, the Director General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.
Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he added.
He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.
“We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.
Estimated costs for pitch covers
Pitch covers vary significantly in cost depending on their design, durability, and deployment method The cost of a basic tarpaulin cover typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 USD, thus approximately around (GH₵ 61,750 -GH₵ 247,000). They are mostly manually deployed sheets designed to protect the pitch from rain. Comparatively cheaper but offer limited durability and seasonal flexibility.
Heavy-duty weatherproof covers cost between $20,000 and $50,000 USD (G₵ 617,500- GH₵ 247,000). These are UV-resistant and suitable for multi-season use. They provide better protection against both rain and sun, making them ideal for regions with fluctuating weather patterns like Ghana.
Mechanised retractable covers are significantly more expensive, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 USD or more. These systems are automated and typically used in elite stadiums around the world. They allow for quick deployment and retraction, often integrated with advanced turf management systems.
Full dome or roof structures, which go beyond simple pitch covers, can cost anywhere from $1 million to $10 million USD or more. These are permanent installations that protect the entire stadium and are usually reserved for high-capacity, multi-purpose venues in wealthier countries.
Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.
“The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.
About Rapperholic
The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.
This year promises nothing different. The concert is set to host artists like Black Sherif, King Promise, Efya, and surprise international acts. Under the theme “Rapperholic: The Homecoming”.
The Baba Yara Stadium is currently under renovation to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA standards, making preservation of the playing surface a top priority.
Sarkodie visits Otumfuor
Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:
“They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.”Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.
After advising the rapper and his team to stay humble, he said he’s happy to attend the event if invited.
The Ghana Boxing Authority has recorded another post-match death following the death of Ernest Akushey aka “Bahubali” on Tuesday, September 23.
While an autopsy report is yet to be formally released to determine the cause of his death, many have speculated that he may have died from internal injuries from a bout with Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12.
This has led to many stakeholders, fans and concerned citizens questioning the effectiveness of mandatory post-fight medical checks and stricter matchmaking protocols and the welfare and oversight for rising boxers.
In response to this, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has announced that all boxing activities in Ghana will be suspended following the tragic death of boxer Ernest Akushey.
“All boxing activities are hence suspended pending investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey,” he announced during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, September 24.
The NSA boss also questioned why Akushey had been allowed to engage in multiple bouts in the last 12 to 24 months.
“Ernest Akushey is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12-24 months, which shouldn’t have happened,” he added.
Some reports suggest that doctors have confirmed Akushey died from internal bleeding and malaria.
According to reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup, Ernest Akushey gave up the ghost today, Tuesday, September 23, after he was rushed to the LEKMA hospital following complaints of undisclosed symptoms on Monday.
The symptoms are said to have worsened, and around 2 am the following day he was confirmed dead.
Bahubali’s death comes barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.
According to reports, the bout appeared to have favoured Akishey’s opponent as he dominated right from the beginning until he clinched his victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).
Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.
Consequently, many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused him some internal injuries, which have led to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.
A video which was trending on social media after Akushey’s death captures former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey talking to Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey after the bout with Dickson. It was about time he decided, as he wasn’t fit enough to continue in the sport, which warned him of imminent health problems.
“Bahubali, it’s about time that you made a decision. I have told you to stop boxing. The reason I told you that is because I know you feed from boxing. I don’t know when you started fighting, but up to where you have gotten to now. But you need to make a decision and know what you’re doing because those small punches in the games, and you’re falling. You’re going to many wars, and you might not realise the effects today, but in the future, when you grow,” he warned.
According to reports, Akushey collapsed after his bout with Dickson, with many speculating that their bout was a mismatch and a one-sided affair given the dominance of Akushey’s opponent right from the start to finish.
Akushey, who rose through the ranks at the Wadada Gym in James Town, was once an undefeated prospect with a 6-0-0 record.
He earned his “Bahubali” moniker from his ferocious, crowd-pleasing style, likened to the warrior hero in the Indian blockbuster film.
“Bahubali’s” death marks the second case at Bukom. The first death linked to Bukom was that of a Nigerian, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring in the middle of a professional bout with a Ghanaian opponent, Jon Mbanug, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, where the 40-year-old fighter Olanrewaju, a former holder of both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles, had been putting on a strong performance before suddenly losing consciousness mid-fight.
Spectators and officials watched in horror as medical personnel rushed in to provide emergency assistance.
A widely shared video of the match shows the moment he collapsed, leaving fans and members of the boxing community in shock.
Meanwhile, three months after Success’ death, President Mahama’s son, Sharaf Mahama, in partnership with Sharaf-led sports management company, Legacy Rise Sports, successfully organised a boxing tournament – Battle of the Beasts at the Bukom Sporting Arena.
At a press conference held at the Multichoice Office in Achimota, Mr Mahama expressed his commitment to giving Ghanaian boxers the global exposure they deserve.
He commended all the foreign boxers who travelled to Ghana to be part of the event and extended gratitude to the sponsors and partners who are making the night possible.
Renowned trainer Coach Ofori Asare of Wisdom Boxing Gym highlighted the importance of fair officiating, especially in the highly anticipated bout between his fighter, Theo Allotey (aka Lopez), and Daniel Selassie Gorsh, who will be defending his WBO Africa Bantamweight title.
Asare described Allotey as a seasoned fighter whose experience and transition from amateur to professional ranks make him the right contender for the title.
“Boxing is not about trash talk—it’s about delivering in the ring,” Asare said, adding that his fighters are ready to impress fans with dominant performances.
Also on the card, Haruna Mohammed (aka Thunder) was to defend his National Cruiserweight Title against Abdulai Ahmed from Fit Square Gym.
Coach Carl Lokko of Bronx Boxing Club emphasised his gym’s reputation as the “house of champions,” stating that although his boxers often miss out on amateur national team selections, they consistently shine at the professional level.
In his brief but confident remarks, reigning WBO Africa champion Daniel Gorsh promised fireworks, declaring, “On the D-day, we shall see who is who.”
The main attraction of the night will see Ghana’s Jacob Dickson (aka The Beast) face off against American fighter Andrew Tabiti (also nicknamed The Beast) in a fierce contest for the WBC Africa Bridgerweight Title—a bout that has sparked major excitement among fans.
Another fan-favourite clash featured Abubakar Kamoko (aka Bukom Tilapia), son of the legendary Bukom Banku, taking on Stephen Ackon in an energetic, powerful, and passionate clash.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has announced an imminent strike, set to take effect on September 30, if the government does not pay the twelve months’ salary owed to the Railway Workers Union of Ghana by then.
Speaking at a press conference held in Accra yesterday, the General Secretary of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, gave the government a six-day window to settle the workers or expect an industrial action to drum home their demands following the failure of authorities to address them.
According to him, the railway workers have been subjected to hardships in the last twelve months, and they are no longer going to take assurances without action from the government.
“It’s been 12 solid months since the workers of the company were paid. Just imagine the situation of a worker and their family in today’s Ghana without a salary for 12 calendar months,” adding that all they have exhausted all avenues to get their grievances addressed; however, all efforts have proven futile.
“We have written letters and engaged the government at the highest level. We will no longer settle for assurances. We have had enough of them already,” he said.
Accordingly, Mr Ansah stated that “We have sent a notice to the government and the owner of the company that if by September 30 the 12-month outstanding salaries owed to our affiliate are not paid, TUC will embark on a strike”.
While the state previously covered 70% of railway workers’ salaries, this support has been reduced, leaving the Ghana Railway Company and its staff in crisis. In light of that, Mr Ansah urged the government to “look for any means” to settle the 12-month debt immediately.
“The state used to pay 70% of the salaries of the railway workers, but that support has been withdrawn,” he noted.
Speaking on the planned commissioning of the Tema–Mpakadan Railway line on October 1, TUC admonished the government to abort it, as the operators, i.e., Ghana Railway Company Limited, have not been officially informed about it.
“The Ghana Railway Company Limited, which is the operator, the ministry can’t purport to run the Mpakadan rail line and other lines without the operator. We will resist any attempt to sideline the Ghana Railway Company Limited,” he added.
This follows the Railway Workers Union officially notifying the Greater Accra Regional Police Command of its intention to strike and picket on September 30 due to the government’s failure to pay salaries since October 2024.
Reaffirming the TUC’s solidarity with the workers, Mr Ansah said: “The union itself was founded on railway land, and we have a duty to ensure fair treatment and timely pay for railway staff.”
Barely five months ago, the Railway Workers Union declared an industrial action over a 7-month unpaid arrears of 900 staff members if the Ghana Railway Company Limited fails to pay.
This comes after the group stated on Monday, May 12, that it was giving authorities until the close of Tuesday, May 13, to pay them or explain the reason for the delay in payment of their salaries.
During a media engagement, the Branch Secretary of the Accra division, Franklin Cobbinah, explained that the move has been necessitated as all efforts to engage the government have proven futile, citing that “…we learnt our management together with the union have been there but what comes out at the meeting we are told anything”.
Responding to concerns of issuing a short notice of their action to the government, Mr Cobbinah insisted that, “For us, it’s not short because we have waited for quite a long time, 7 months, so when should we tell them to bring us our salary again? The time is now. That is why we gave them by the close of yesterday.”
“We started demanding this salary somewhere last year, and we were told we are to wait till we get a sector minister, so we continue from there. We are told there was no sector minister to talk about the Railway Ministry. We learnt our management together with the union and have been there, but what comes out at the meeting we are told anything,” he added.
The Ministry of Railway Development, according to the Branch Secretary of the Accra division, visited for a headcount, promising to settle their salaries right after May Day; however, there has been no news of their settlement for the past twelve days.
“…the Ministry came to take particulars of ours and we were told just after May day we would receive our salaries and today is 13th (sic) we haven’t heard anything, nobody is telling us what is going on. So the only decision we, the workers, can take is to sit down and wait for the management to come and tell us why we haven’t been paid,” he added.
In response to the union’s strike, the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has issued a statement distancing itself from the industrial action by workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL). They said they have no connection to it and that it does not affect its operations.
“We wish to assure the public that the GRDA remains fully operational and has not initiated or endorsed any form of public demonstration on any issue,” the statement said.
About the Tema-Mpakadan railway opening
The Transport Minister announced on September 18 the opening of the Tema-Mpakadan railway.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra, Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced that a test run of the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train, which was freshly procured from Poland and was involved in an accident in 2024, has been successfully carried out on the railway, which is set to be opened in October.
“The train that was involved in the accident during the test drive in 2024 has been repaired. A successful test run was carried out on September 16, “The 97km Tema to Mpakadan Railway Line, which is part of a multimodal system connecting Tema Port to Buipe Port via the Volta Lake, has been completed, and I am pleased to announce that the Tema–Mpakadan Railway will officially open on October 1,” he noted.
He continued that, the completion and soon to be opened railway forms part of government’s plans to broaden the rail infrastructure for goods and passenger services.
“The Government plans to modernise and expand the railway infrastructure for fleet and passenger services, creating jobs, boosting local economies and fostering trade”, adding that “the viability of the rail line depends on fleet services but requires further investment in port infrastructure to facilitate the transfer of cargo between rail and the lake.”
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has assured the National Sports Authority that he will not break the rules of the stadium during his Rapperholic concert in Kumasi.
Taking to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), earlier today, Wednesday, 24 September, the “Maakye” hitsmaker wrote, “The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic)”.
His comments come after the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.
Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he added.
He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.
“We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.
The annual flagship concert of the rapper is set to be held for the first time in Kumasi, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday, September 29. This maiden edition of the concert in Kumasi was largely welcomed by the Sark Nation in Kumasi. Following the announcement, social media lit up with comments like:
“The landlord is home… Give me 1 ticket eeh.” Another user said, “Fresh and clean Sark. The King of African music is welcome to Kumasi”. Another user added, “Old Gee with the moves 💯.”
The explanation by the NSA boss had become necessary following concerns raised by football enthusiasts and stakeholders about the authority approving the concert to be held at the stadium when Ghana is preparing for an international match. Ghana has a mixed history when it comes to the quality of our pitches, with rare cases of consistent maintenance often from hosting football, concerts, and rallies. Lack of pitch covers, among others.
The Baba Yara pitch is undergoing renovations to meet CAF and FIFA standards, including turf upgrades and drainage improvements.
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has flagged the pitch as vulnerable to damage, especially from non-sporting events like concerts.
There are no protective pitch covers, making it risky to host large-scale setups directly on the grass.
The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.
This year promises nothing different. The concert is set to host artists like Black Sherif, King Promise, Efya, and surprise international acts. Under the theme “Rapperholic: The Homecoming”.
Sarkodie visits Otumfuor
Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:
“They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.” Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.
After advising the rapper and his team to stay humble, he said he’s happy to attend the event if invited.
The Asante Overlord’s comments show his regard for the rapper’s craft. Months ago, he also expressed his admiration for celebrated Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata. He was honoured by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his contribution to youth development through music.
As a special ceremony held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Kinaata received the “Youth in Entertainment Award” in recognition of how his music continues to inspire, guide and educate the younger generation. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the artist for using his platform to address societal challenges and offer wisdom through lyrics that resonate deeply with everyday realities. He said, “Susuka is a song full of wisdom.”
“Susuka,” one of Kinaata’s most acclaimed songs, had earlier been described by the Asantehene as a composition “full of wisdom ” during the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in September 2024. Kinaaa’s style, rooted in storytelling and social commentary, has earned him widespread respect for being a voice of the voiceless.
From tackling themes of personal responsibility and social justice to highlighting issues affecting youth, his work stands out in Ghana’s music landscape for its depth and relevance. The award was presented as part of Otumfuo’s Millennium Excellence Awards-an initiative of Manhyia Palace that celebrates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to national development, particularly those whose efforts support vulnerable groups such as the poor, widows and orphans.
Fans of Ghanaian rapper and highlife singer Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, were ecstatic after the ‘landlord’ announced that his flagship annual concert, Rapperholic, would be held in Kumasi this year. However, football enthusiasts weren’t happy to hear that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will host the concert.
However, during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.
Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he added.
He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.
“We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.
Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.
“The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.
The Baba Yara Stadium is currently under renovation to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA standards, making preservation of the playing surface a top priority.
About Rapperholic
The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.
This year promises nothing different. The concert is set to host artists like Black Sherif, King Promise, Efya, and surprise international acts. Under the theme “Rapperholic: The Homecoming”.
Sarkodie visits Otumfuor
Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:
“They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.” Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.
After advising the rapper and his team to stay humble, he said he’s happy to attend the event if invited.
The Asante Overlord’s comments show his regard for the rapper’s craft. Months ago, he also expressed his admiration for celebrated Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata. He was honoured by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his contribution to youth development through music.
As a special ceremony held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Kinaata received the “Youth in Entertainment Award” in recognition of how his music continues to inspire, guide and educate the younger generation. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the artist for using his platform to address societal challenges and offer wisdom through lyrics that resonate deeply with everyday realities. He said, “Susuka is a song full of wisdom.”
“Susuka,” one of Kinaata’s most acclaimed songs, had earlier been described by the Asantehene as a composition “full of wisdom ” during the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in September 2024. Kinaaa’s style, rooted in storytelling and social commentary, has earned him widespread respect for being a voice of the voiceless.
From tackling themes of personal responsibility and social justice to highlighting issues affecting youth, his work stands out in Ghana’s music landscape for its depth and relevance. The award was presented as part of Otumfuo’s Millennium Excellence Awards-an initiative of Manhyia Palace that celebrates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to national development, particularly those whose efforts support vulnerable groups such as the poor, widows and orphans.
Ivory Coast’s Baby Elephants thrashed Ghana Black Starlets in a 3-0 match in the ongoing WAFU B U17 Championship on Tuesday evening.
This tournament also serves as the qualifier for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
During the match, the Baby Elephants showed dominance in a stunning display not just in the first half but throughout the game.
Just eighteen minutes into the match, Robinho Gavi Yao took advantage of Ghana’s defence loops and notched a goal to give his side a lead.
The Starlets pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way past a resolute Ivorian backline before the break. But the young Elephants proved too strong, combining pace and precision to outclass their visitors.
While Ghana fought to build from behind, the Ivory Coast accurately converted its chances more efficiently. In the end, they cemented their lead with two more goals in the second half, giving them an emphatic win at Stade Konan Banny. The Baby Elephants were more clinical in the final third.
Match statistics
According to the statistics, Ivory Coast dominated possession with approximately 60% registering a total of 14 shots, with 7 on target, while Ghana, on the other hand, held around 40% with 6 shots, of which only 2 were on target.
Ivory Coast also earned more corners, with 5 against Ghana’s 3. Their pass accuracy was notably higher, at around 82%, while Ghana managed roughly 68%. In terms of discipline, the Ivory Coast committed 11 fouls and received 1 yellow card, whereas Ghana committed 13 fouls and received 2 yellow cards.
Ghana: What’s at stake
Following this defeat, the Starlets currently sit at the bottom of Group A with just a point from two matches. As part of the group state schedule, the Starlets are scheduled to play three matches, and so far they have played two. Their opener, which was against Togo on Saturday, Sept 20, ended in a draw, from which they earned a point, and their second was against the Baby Elephants yesterday.
Their current position on the table leaves them at the mercy of the results from their final match with Niger on Friday, September 26, which will be hosted at the Accra Sports Stadium.
They’ll also need the Ivory Coast to defeat Togo to avoid a tie on points.
The result leaves the Ivory Coast top of Group A with six points from two matches.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Black Stars have moved a rank higher in the latest FIFA ranking. This comes after their recent performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The team have climbed from 76th to 75th. The Black Stars, after two matches with Chad and Mali, respectively, still sit atop Group 1 with 19 points, despite drawing with Chad on September 4 at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena.
However, they had a win in their clash with Mali. Black Stars led by a goal, securing for themselves three (3) extra points and a point from Chad’s draw.
Despite the global improvement, their standing in Africa remains unchanged, with the four-time African champions still ranked 14th on the continent.
In July, Ghana’s Black Stars fell about six places in FIFA’s rankings at the time.
This was after their loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September during the international break.
In the ranking released on July 10, Ghana ranked 76th in the FIFA World Rankings. This leaves the former African giant out of the top 10 national teams as they continue the push to rejoin the continent’s elite.
According to the July ranking, Argentina still held its spot as number one, followed by Spain, France, and then England, with Brazil taking the fifth spot.
In Africa, Morocco sat on top with its 12th position on the global level with 1,698.72 points. Senegal also moved a spot up from its 19th position last year. Egypt dropped to 34 on the global scale but remained 3rd in Africa despite its slight dip from the 32nd position, which was caused by a quiet international window with no matches played since March.
Meanwhile, other teams gained points through qualifiers and friendlies, allowing them to climb higher in the rankings.
Algeria (36th), Nigeria (44th) and the Ivory Coast (45th) follow closely, despite the latter’s recent AFCON success.
Tunisia (49th), Cameroon (51st), Mali (54th) and South Africa (57th) round out the African top ten, with Ghana sitting just outside the group.
Ghana played in May when they played in the Unity Cup in London, facing their long-standing rivals, Nigeria.
They lost 1–2 to the Super Eagles but ended with a resounding 4–0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place play-off.
Coach Otto Addo blamed their defeat to Nigeria on a lack of chemistry among players who he claims hadn’t played together often.
Some fans also blamed our underperformance in the cup on the absence of key players like Kudus, Semenyo, and Partey due to club commitments and minor injuries.
Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo admitted that Ghana’s performance was below par following the squad’s draw with Chad in yesterday’s clash at N’Djamena.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, the head coach slammed his side for their wastefulness despite dominating play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. According to him, the team wasted opportunities they got from their several dead-ball situations.
“I can’t say we played excellently, or we played well, because it was a draw. The result is everything; we had a lot of corners, we did nothing out of that…We had a lot of shots, goal attempts, we had a lot of ball possession, and normally we have to win this game. This, in the end, surely, is not good enough, and we have to improve, especially on our execution,” Otto Addo said.
Ghana’s third World Cup qualifier match is slated for Tuesday, October 8. The Black Stars will take on the Central African Republic in a decisive match at the El Abdi Stadium in Morocco.
Currently leading Group I with 19 points from eight matches, Otto Addo’s squad need a win in their last two games, one against Morocco and the final against the Central African Republic (CAR), to secure their place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Following the clash with CAR, head coach Otto Addo’s side will return to Accra to conclude their qualification campaign with a home fixture against Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, October 11.
The four-time African champions are aiming for a fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions held in Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and Qatar, respectively.
The Ghana Black Stars have moved a rank higher in the latest FIFA ranking. This comes after their recent performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The team have climbed from 76th to 75th. The Black Stars, after two matches with Chad and Mali, respectively, still sit atop Group 1 with 19 points, despite drawing with Chad on September 4 at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena.
However, they had a win in their clash with Mali. Black Stars led by a goal, securing for themselves three (3) extra points and a point from Chad’s draw.
Despite the global improvement, their standing in Africa remains unchanged, with the four-time African champions still ranked 14th on the continent.
In July, Ghana’s Black Stars fell about six places in FIFA’s rankings at the time.
This was after their loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September during the international break.
In the ranking released on July 10, Ghana ranked 76th in the FIFA World Rankings. This leaves the former African giant out of the top 10 national teams as they continue the push to rejoin the continent’s elite.
According to the July ranking, Argentina still held its spot as number one, followed by Spain, France, and then England, with Brazil taking the fifth spot.
In Africa, Morocco sat on top with its 12th position on the global level with 1,698.72 points. Senegal also moved a spot up from its 19th position last year. Egypt dropped to 34 on the global scale but remained 3rd in Africa despite its slight dip from the 32nd position, which was caused by a quiet international window with no matches played since March.
Meanwhile, other teams gained points through qualifiers and friendlies, allowing them to climb higher in the rankings.
Algeria (36th), Nigeria (44th) and the Ivory Coast (45th) follow closely, despite the latter’s recent AFCON success.
Tunisia (49th), Cameroon (51st), Mali (54th) and South Africa (57th) round out the African top ten, with Ghana sitting just outside the group.
Ghana played in May when they played in the Unity Cup in London, facing their long-standing rivals, Nigeria.
They lost 1–2 to the Super Eagles but ended with a resounding 4–0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place play-off.
Coach Otto Addo blamed their defeat to Nigeria on a lack of chemistry among players who he claims hadn’t played together often.
Some fans also blamed our underperformance in the cup on the absence of key players like Kudus, Semenyo, and Partey due to club commitments and minor injuries.
Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo admitted that Ghana’s performance was below par following the squad’s draw with Chad in yesterday’s clash at N’Djamena.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, the head coach slammed his side for their wastefulness despite dominating play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. According to him, the team wasted opportunities they got from their several dead-ball situations.
“I can’t say we played excellently, or we played well, because it was a draw. The result is everything; we had a lot of corners, we did nothing out of that…We had a lot of shots, goal attempts, we had a lot of ball possession, and normally we have to win this game. This, in the end, surely, is not good enough, and we have to improve, especially on our execution,” Otto Addo said.
He blamed the poor condition of the pitch in N’Djamena for slowing down Ghana’s tempo and limiting their ability to break down Chad’s defence.
“It’s very difficult to play on this terrain when it’s not watered. We can’t play fast, so it’s a disadvantage for us,” he continued.
He then went on to applaud Chad for their defensive effort and late equaliser, which earned them their late goal.
Ghana appeared on course for another victory in Group I when Jordan Ayew put them ahead in the 17th minute. But the Chadians struck late, with Celestine Ecua equalising in the 88th minute to frustrate the four-time African champions in N’Djamena.
He expressed disappointment that the Black Stars will have little time to regroup as they prepare to host Mali in a crucial Matchday 8 encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.
Despite their poor play, they saw victory against Mali, after which the coach warned the squad against getting complacent but stressed the need for focus and hard work.
However, Otto Addo has issued a warning to both fans and players not to be complacent, citing the need to respect each opponent.
“Everybody was talking before the Chad game that we had already won. It’s dangerous. We are not at the World Cup yet,” Addo said after the game.“We have a lot of work to do, and every opponent must be respected,” he added.
Speaking during a post-match conference at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 8, he highlighted that some players were visibly nervous due to being newbies or debutants in the senior team; however, he lauded their ability to swiftly blend in after he first half. The former Dortmund coach described the first half of the match as a “deserved draw”.
“Yeah, some problems, I think, yeah, you could see that we have a young squad and players who haven’t been playing often for the national team so far, and we were a little bit nervous here and there, but after 50 minutes I think we got into the game. The game was even, but with a little bit of upper chances for us, but it was a, I think, yeah, it was a deserved draw to halftime, and then we, we increased the pressure early in the second half, we managed to score out of a set piece.”
He went on to applaud Antoine Semenyo for his relentless speed, which held the squad together against their opponents despite the pressure from Mali in the last minutes of the game.
He said, “He fought until he couldn’t run anymore… I was very satisfied with his performance and with his runs, especially.”
Addo emphasised the intensity of the final stages, saying, “It stayed really, really hot till the last minute and Mali was putting pressure on us, but not really creating chances—just high balls and long shots.” He credited the defence for their resilience and fight, expressing satisfaction with how they held firm under pressure.
He also touched on Ghana’s decision-making in the final third, urging his players to be more direct: “Sometimes you don’t need the perfect solution—just rip the ball in. Even if it’s one against three, something can happen.”
With just two games left, Ghana needs only one more win to confirm their place at next year’s tournament. However, Addo cautioned against complacency despite the team’s progress.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has set a record as the first entity to donate to the Ghana Medical Fund, also known as the MahamaCares Fund, to help support and promote healthcare in the country.
The government, in April this year, unveiled the Mahama Cares Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a program dedicated to providing financial aid to individuals battling chronic conditions such as kidney failure, cancer, and heart disease. The fund is designed to alleviate the financial burden faced by patients in need of life-saving medical care.
The news of the donation was shared on GoldBod’s official Facebook page yesterday, Tuesday, September 23
During a presentation of the donation, Mr Richard Nunekpeku, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GoldBod, reaffirmed GoldBod’s confidence in the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the Fund.
“We are convinced of the foresight behind MahamaCares and the capacity of its administrators to deliver on its mission and to use the resources effectively in furtherance of this noble vision, the reason why we are making this donation”, he said.
Mr Nunekpeku further called on other state and corporate institutions to join forces in supporting this laudable initiative aimed at addressing the specific challenges of chronic disease care in Ghana.
Receiving the donation, Obuobia Darko Opoku, Administrator of the MahamaCares Fund, underscored the urgent healthcare gaps revealed by a recent needs assessment. The study identified severe shortages of essential medical equipment across major facilities in Accra. She assured that the Fund is committed to addressing these deficits, adding: “Our focus is to equip health institutions with the tools needed to provide quality care for patients battling non-communicable diseases.”
Meanwhile, the launch of the Medical Trust Fund took place at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra on Tuesday, April 29, and brought together key stakeholders from the healthcare sector and the corporate world. President John Dramani Mahama, who officially introduced the fund, called on the private sector to support Mahama Cares as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“I want to encourage corporate Ghana, businesses, the mines, the banks, and all the other companies, that this Ghana Medical Trust Fund is coming to your clients who save their money in your banks or do business with you. Some of them are even your own staff.“So, as part of your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), if you give anything, consider that you are giving to your own staff or customers. So, I would like to encourage all corporations in Ghana, both private and public, to, at the end of the year, donate some portion of their annual CSR to the Ghana Medical Fund because it is going to do a lot of good to the country,” he stated.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, expressed his support for the initiative, describing it as long overdue. He emphasised that the fund would ensure equitable access to healthcare, particularly for individuals facing financial barriers to treatment.
“The draft bill for the Mahama Care is ready and will be submitted immediately Parliament resumes,” he confirmed.Akandoh also announced a significant policy change to strengthen the programme, revealing that the government has removed the capping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This, he explained, will unlock substantial resources for the fund.“Most importantly, the uncapping of the national health insurance firm has been removed. This move has unlocked substantial resources to ensure that a dedicated allocation of funds will now support the Mahama Care Programme,” he added.
Following the uncapping of NHIS, Parliament on July 23 passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill under a certificate of urgency, giving legal backing to the Mahama Cares Initiative and enabling the establishment of a dedicated fund to support patients battling life-threatening conditions.
Meanwhile, GoldBod has been quite instrumental in dealing with leakages in Ghana’s gold trading by regulating the affairs of licensed traders.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is the sole authority with exclusive right to buy, sell, weigh, grade, assay, value, and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana. The Ghana Gold Board functions under the oversight and supervision of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Ghana.
Gold Board (GoldBod) Ghana has announced the suspension of the licence of a Tier 2 licensed gold buying company in Tarkwa over breach of several gold laws.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 16, the governing body overseeing all gold trading and export activities in Ghana informed the public that the company’s license has been suspended and all its shops closed.
“The Ghana Gold Board (“GoldBod”) wishes to inform the general public that it has suspended the license and closed all trading shops of NK Benak Enterprise, a licensed gold buyer (Tier 2), with immediate effect,” the statement stated.
The suspension comes on the heels of the company’s breach of several gold trading laws, leading to the arrest of its CEO, who is currently facing prosecution.
“This action has been taken on grounds of NK Benak Enterprise’s complicity in several gold-related offences, which have led to the arrest of the sole proprietor, Bernard Nkrumah, and his prosecution before the High Court,” GoldBod added.
Consequently, Bernak has lost the right to trade with all other licensed gold trading companies. GoldBod emphasised in the statement, highlighting the commitment to ensuring the appropriate enforcement of all gold trading laws to ensure transparency.
“Notice is hereby given to all licensed traders, miners, and the general public to desist from trading and/or engaging in any form of gold transaction with NK Benak Enterprise forthwith. GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” it added.
This is not the first gold trading company that has been suspended by GoldBod over breach of trading laws. In late August, GoldBod announced it had suspended the license of Evanex Gold Enterprise, a licensed gold buyer (Tier 2), with immediate effect. They took this action following an adverse investigative finding of illegal gold pricing made against the company, contrary to the terms and conditions of the license of the company.
The GoldBod has thereby cautioned licensed traders, miners, and the general public against trading or engaging in any form of gold transaction with Evanex Gold Enterprise forthwith.
“GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” a statement issued by GoldBod read.
Miners operating under a valid mining license have been offered a special temporary bonus scheme from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) in efforts to support the industry as well as combat gold smuggling. The licensed miners will enjoy an additional GH¢832 per pound of gold sold through the Ghana Gold Board.
“This novelty is in response to legitimate complaints from licensed miners about the significant reduction in the local price of gold in the last few months due to the continuous appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
“The special bonus will ensure that licensed miners who have contributed immensely to the country’s increased gold output and foreign exchange earnings do not indirectly suffer as a result of the significant appreciation of the Ghana cedi that they have helped the country achieve,” it added. This information was contained in a statement issued by the GoldBod on Wednesday, August 27.
On July 7, a task force was inaugurated with a special mandate with specific powers as police officers to wage war against smuggling and all forms of illegal gold trading activities in the country.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, this will save the government from any leakages in revenue mobilisation in the sector, helping to generate and invest revenue for economic development.
“(This will) help the state combat and defeat the phenomenon of gold smuggling, the canker of illegal gold trading, and price disruptions that deprive the state of the needed revenue, profit, and the needed forex for our economy and the development of our country.
He thus cautioned traders to secure the appropriate licence to engage in any form of gold trading in the country, saying, “But for those who are hell bent on trading illegally without the licenses, we are serving notice that we are coming after you,” he announced.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced a 7-day extension window for the stakeholder committee set up to review DSTV’s pricing model in Ghana to present their report by September 29.
Originally scheduled to present its final report by September 22, the committee requested an extension, which was granted by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George.
In a statement released by the NCA, it announced that “Whilst the Committee has made significant progress, it has requested an extension of one week to complete its work, which extension has been granted by the Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. Consequently, the outcome of the Committee’s work is expected to be presented by 29th September, 2025”.
It continued that “the Stakeholder committee established to evaluate DStv pricing in Ghana commenced work on 8th September 2025, to address the following: a. Achieve a shared understanding of DStv pricing for Ghana and structured, mutually acceptable and commercially viable measures to address the Minister’s concerns around the pricing of the DStv service. b. Establish an acceptable roadmap to curb cross-border piracy of DStv decoders/service from Nigeria to Ghana”.
On September 7, the NCA announced that it will have a meeting with MultiChoice Ghana (the company that runs DStv) over the satellite television provider’s pricing model in Ghana on Monday, September 8.
The governing body of the electronic communications and broadcasting sectors in Ghana announced this in an official statement dated September 7 and titled “Update on DSTV Pricing in Ghana”.
It revealed that MultiChoice has responded to its mandate to suspend its operations in Ghana and has expressed its readiness to review its pricing and collaborate with the Committee set by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George.
“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has received from Multichoice Ghana its response to the notice of intention to suspend their authorisation and request for their pricing model…The first meeting of the Stakeholder Committee shall be held on Monday, 8th September 2025. The Authority shall provide further updates on this matter in due course, NCA revealed in the statement.
The paid-TV company denied some claims made by the Communications Minister about its readiness to cut prices for Ghanaian consumers.
In a responsive statement titled “MultiChoice sets the record straight on DStv pricing” and shared on Friday, September 5, MultiChoice announced its readiness to cooperate with the Working Committee established by the Communications Ministry to find a solution to the discussion concerning the reduction of DSTV fees for the Ghanaian populace.
However, it objected to claims by the Minister that their outfit is ready for a price reduction.
“We have noted the statement made by the Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find an amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved, but does not jeopardise the viability of the DStv service.
“We will fully participate in the established Working Committee. However, we wish to clarify that MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a price reduction”, the statement explained. The said Committee, according to Sam George, will be chaired by him to ensure transparency and fairness. Consequently, NCA engaged MultiChoice on the statement for clarity.
“…While the Authority reviews their submission, there have been further engagements with Multichoice Ghana regarding its public statement dated 5th September 2025”, the statement continue,d adding that following the engagements,
“…the following clarifications have been obtained: 1. Multichoice Ghana agrees with the directive from the Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations for the establishment of a Stakeholder Committee to evaluate DSTV pricing in Ghana and that they intend to fully participate in this work. 2. The outcome of the Stakeholder Committee would be determined at the end of its work. 3. MultiChoice has confirmed that it will respect due process and the laws of Ghana and its people”.
Meanwhile, the said committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the National Communications Authority, MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa, which would be chaired by the Communications Minister himself, he stated during the press briefing, citing that this is to ensure fairness and transparency.
The development comes after MultiChoice’s statement denying its purported initial agreement to cut their subscription fees. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Sam George highlighted his commitment to protecting the interests of Ghanaians without compromise.
He affirmed that he would not allow any form of disrespect to consumers from any company.
“If MultiChoice has objected to price cuts as they earlier agreed to, then the proposed shutdown of their services in Ghana would hold as earlier communicated”.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated.
He reiterated that “DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action”.
The Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament stressed that Ghana is ready to partner with international firms, but only in full respect of the country’s laws and consumer protection.
“No company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss a price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over. The NCA Ghana would carry out enforcement. Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions,” he stressed.
The statement follows Communications Minister Sam George’s claims in an earlier press briefing held yesterday, Friday, September 5, that the satellite television provider has agreed to a price reduction.
During the briefing, he also revealed that, following their agreement to reduce prices, they have asked for thirty days to conclude discussions and arrive at a final decision.
But Sam George outrightly declared that the 30-day window is too much, hence they have just fourteen days to reach a decision. With the 14-day window, MultiChoice has until September 21 to arrive at a solution.
“Let us be clear—they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction, and they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe that as a minister, we do not need 30 days. 14 days is enough for us to reach this decision, inclusive of weekends,” the Minister said.
Engaging the public on Friday, September 5, as part of the Government Accountability Series, the minister noted that he received a 9-page document from Multichoice on July 21 over its inability to reduce its subscription fees.
Earlier, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, announced that should Multichoice fail to reduce the prices of its subscription services, the DStv broadcast license will be suspended nationwide, effective August 7, 2025.
Engaging the public yesterday as part of the Government Accountability Series, the minister noted that he received a 9-page document from Multichoice on July 21 over its inability to reduce its subscription fees.
The company cited depreciation of the cedi in past years, despite the recent cedi appreciation, as the reason for its inability to reduce prices.
Sam George noted that it is unacceptable for Nigerians to be paying less for the same packages offered to Ghanaians at higher costs when the naira has depreciated at an accelerating rate against the cedi.
As such, he has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcast of DStv should Multichoice fail to reduce prices of its packages.
“Their reasons included that the cedi had depreciated in the preceding eight years by 240%, and they claimed that my request for a reduction based on the appreciation of the cedi was unfounded because, in their words, the appreciation of the Ghana cedi over the last 6 months has been a fluke which could not be sustainable.
“As Minister, my fidelity is to the Ghanaian people. I have to act in the interest of the Ghanaian people, and I believe the Ghanaian people have been fleeced and exploited for too long. I wrote back to the NCA on Monday and directed the NCA in that letter to suspend the broadcasting license of DStv effective 7th of August 2025, if they fail to effect a reduction in their bundle prices.
“I can’t as a minister serving the Ghanaian people, continue to watch what can be best described as plain stealing happening to the Ghanaian people. In my letter to them, I gave them scenarios from seven markets that DSTV is operating in. The same content in the premium bouquet that is offered to Ghanaians for the $83 equivalent is offered to Nigerians for the $29 equivalent.
“How can anyone explain this price disparity to me? Enough of the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer. In Nigeria, in the same timeframe, they say the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by 240%, and the Nigerian naira has depreciated by 409%. If Nigerians are paying the equivalent of $29, DSTV must charge the same here in Ghana,” he said.
The Electoral Commission (EC), in a statement dated Friday, September 12, announced a reopening of nominations for Tamale Central after two candidates withdrew their nominations on the last day, Wednesday, September 10. Following the expiry of this ten-day window, the Commission, as mandated by CI 127, declared Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the winner of the Tamale Central by-election, after he emerged as the sole candidate in the race.
Regulation 46(1) of CI 127 states: “Where at the close of nominations only one person stands nominated, the Returning Officer shall declare that person duly elected without a poll.”
In light of this, the Returning Officer for the Tamale Central Constituency, Mr. Muniru Musah, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in Tamale, declared Professor Seidu as the replacement for the late Environment Minister and Member of Parliament for the constituency.
“As it stands, only Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama stands nominated, and according to CI 127, he shall be declared elected,” Mr. Musah stated.
Following Prof. Seidu’s triumph in the NDC’s primaries, he was initially expected to contest the seat with two other party opponents—Abdallah Salifu of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and Abubakari Abdul-Rahman of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). However, both withdrew from the race on Wednesday, September 10.
In response, the EC reopened nominations for 10 days, but no fresh contenders came forward. With the window closed and no challengers, Prof. Seidu was declared MP-elect without a single vote being cast.
While the University of Ghana professor has not made any formal statements following his victory, the NDC’s Deputy Regional Secretary, Ziblim Saaka, expressed gratitude to constituents and assured them of inclusive, development-driven leadership. He said the MP-elect will deliver on his promises and advance the party’s commitment to progress in Tamale Central.
“Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu will be one of the best MPs to be elected to represent the good people of the Tamale Central constituency… By the end of four years, he will be one of the best-performing MPs in Ghana.”
Prof. Seidu is expected to be sworn into Parliament in the coming days to assume his duties.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of the incumbent MP, Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in August.
The NPP had earlier declared its intention not to participate in the upcoming by-election. According to a statement signed by the Party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision was taken by the Party at a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, at the Party Headquarters pursuant to Article 10(10)(1) of the Party Constitution.
The statement indicated that their decision was the Party’s way of honouring Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims.
In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat became vacant and the possibility of further polarisation of the country at this critical time. The NPP argued that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to competitive processes in search of a replacement for the departed MP.
The Party added that the tension and acrimony often associated with by-elections in the country should be avoided.
“It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed, is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.
“Consequently, the NPP hereby announces that when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election in line with Article 112 (5) of Ghana’s Constitution, the Party will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest,” parts of the statement read.
Professor Alidu Seidu Mahama, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, was elected by NDC delegates as the Party’s candidate for the Tamale Central parliamentary primaries.
His victory was officially announced by Electoral Commission officials at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on September 6.
According to the results, he secured 840 votes out of 1,511 valid ballots cast, beating 11 other contenders in what was described as a hotly contested race.
His closest challenger, former Tamale Metropolitan Assembly Mayor Abdul Hanan Gundadoo, polled 536 votes, while the remaining candidates shared the rest of the ballots.
A total of 1,511 delegates out of 1,551 registered cast their votes; one ballot was rejected. Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama secured a commanding lead with 840 votes, followed by Abdul Hanan Gundadoo with 536.
The remaining candidates received the following: Dr. Seidu Fiter Mohammed (44), Ing. Aliu Abdul Hamid (23), Alhassan Mbalba (10), Dr. Abdul Rahaman Rashid (9), Sadat Haruna (9), Alhassan Osman Gomda, aka Naa Simani (7), Shamima Yakubu (5), Mariama Naana Salifu (5), Prof. Abdul Razak Abubakari (4), and Muleika Salisu (3).
Following his declaration as the winner, Prof. Seidu expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their support and trust in his leadership.
“I am deeply grateful to the party, the delegates, and my fellow aspirants for the clean and competitive campaign we all ran. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member of this great party who believes in unity, progress, and service,” the UG professor said.
On August 29, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) cleared 12 out of 16 aspirants who picked up nomination forms to contest the Tamale Central parliamentary primary after the completion of the vetting process.
The NDC had opened nominations on August 21 for aspirants seeking to contest the Tamale Central Constituency primary.
Nomination forms were made available at the Northern Regional Office of the Party from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day.
Prospective aspirants were expected to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of GH¢5,000 and a filing fee of GH¢40,000, to be paid in cash only into the Party’s official account at UMB Bank, Adabraka Branch. No cheques or bankers’ drafts were accepted, the Party announced.
Female aspirants and persons with disabilities were entitled to a 50 percent reduction on the filing fee. A certified copy of the delegates’ list was to be made available to all aspirants after the vetting process.
Aside from being a political scientist, Prof. Seidu Alidu once headed the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana. At the Water Resources Commission, he currently serves as Executive Secretary. In 2014, he received a scholarship from the Donahue Institute to study U.S. Political Thought at the University of Massachusetts.
He has lectured at 12 universities across Africa, including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Dar es Salaam, University of Nairobi, and the University of Botswana. Prof. Alidu is a respected scholar who has contributed research to many renowned journals in areas such as peace, justice, politics, and African development.
He has also consulted for organisations including PASGR, the Centre for International Development Issues Nijmegen, IDS at the University of Sussex, the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, UNDP, the Varieties of Democracy Project, and the Social Science Research Council. Prof. Alidu is a former MIASA Fellow on Parliaments and Democracy in Africa.
The Presidency has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has submitted the name of His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to the Council of State for consideration as Chief Justice.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 23, by the Spokesperson to the President, Minister of Government Communications and Member of Parliament (MP) for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Fosu, he revealed that “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, forwarded the name of His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to the Council of State for consideration as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.”
Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana outlines the process for appointing the Chief Justice, which states that, “The Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President acting in consultation with the Council of State and with the approval of Parliament.”
Accordingly, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who since April this year has been serving as Acting Chief Justice, is now being considered to take the role permanently. The Presidency cited virtues such as diligence and integrity as qualities that make him the best fit for the position, adding that “he has made invaluable contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence.”
“Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has, throughout his distinguished judicial career, served with diligence and integrity at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and currently, the Supreme Court. He has earned the esteem of the Bench, the Bar, and the wider legal fraternity for his intellect, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to justice. His wealth of experience and long service on the Bench render him eminently qualified for the high office of Chief Justice. His Lordship has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since 22nd April 2025,” parts of the statement added.
This development comes after President John Dramani Mahama relieved the embattled Chief Justice, Gertrude Tokornoo, of her duties with immediate effect in a formal statement dated September 1. The statement, issued by the Presidency and signed by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that her dismissal was in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution. President Mahama had earlier suspended the Chief Justice on Tuesday, April 22, after a prima facie case was established following separate petitions calling for her removal.
The new development follows President Mahama’s receipt of recommendations from the committee probing petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo on Monday, September 1. The Presidency justified its decision to dismiss her, citing findings from the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry.
According to the statement, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office. “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect. This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office. Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation,” parts of the statement read.
The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, included Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.
In July, an application for review regarding an “abuse of court processes” by the embattled Chief Justice was dismissed by the Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court. The court, presided over by Justice Amoako on Thursday, July 31, noted that several claims, such as illegal composition of the committee and wrongful conduct of adversarial proceedings, were already before the Supreme Court. Justice Amoako argued that relitigating these issues would result in duplication of litigation and abuse of court processes. Consequently, the claims were dismissed.
The judge also dismissed reliefs such as an order of certiorari to quash the committee’s proceedings and nullify its sittings because the Chief Justice did not receive a fair hearing, citing jurisdictional limits.
The judicial review application, filed on June 9 this year, sought nine reliefs, including a series of declarations that the Article 146 committee probing her removal had acted unlawfully. She asked the court to prevent the committee from proceeding without providing her with authenticated copies of the petitions seeking her removal and the subsequent responses.
The Chief Justice argued that the President’s purported prima facie determination contained no reasons or justification and was entirely devoid of the elements of judicial or quasi-judicial reasoning expected under the Constitution. However, as the proceedings of the Article 146 committee are to be held in-camera in accordance with Article 146(8) of the Constitution, the court noted that it could not inquire into matters raised by the suspended Chief Justice.
In response, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo proceeded to the ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking $10 million in compensation over her suspension from office by President John Dramani Mahama. This formed part of the 10 reliefs she requested. Her latest suit followed several unsuccessful cases at the Supreme Court earlier this year after her suspension.
The suspended Chief Justice wanted the court to ensure she continues to enjoy the paraphernalia and entitlements of her office pending the determination of the case. Among the measures requested are: “That the Republic of Ghana suspend the disciplinary/removal from office as Chief Justice process against the Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the complaint on the merits. That Ghana refrains from taking any other measures that may harm the rights claimed by the Applicant and/or aggravate or extend the dispute submitted to the Court, or compromise the implementation of any decision that the Court may render. Given the urgency of the situation, the Applicant respectfully requests the Court to hold a hearing on this request as soon as possible, and that the President of the Court ask Ghana to act to allow any order that the Court may issue on the Request for Assignment of Precautionary Measures to have its appropriate effect.”
Other reliefs sought include declarations that the panel constituted by the Government of Ghana to investigate and determine the allegations of misconduct was not independent and impartial, thereby violating her human right to a fair hearing under Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. She also argued that her suspension constituted a violation of her rights to fair working conditions, dignity, and professional standing, exposing her to immeasurable public ridicule. Additionally, she requested an order for the Government of Ghana to prescribe clear procedures for investigating misconduct allegations against a Chief Justice, as well as an order to restore her to office until the conclusion of constitutional proceedings. Finally, she sought $10 million in compensation for moral and reputational damages.
Meanwhile, the government’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted Justice Torkornoo’s claims, maintaining that her suspension aligns with the Constitution. On Thursday, August 14, the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association called for the immediate reinstatement of Ghana’s Chief Justice by President Mahama and the Executive arm of government.
“Immediately and without delay, reinstate the Chief Justice of Ghana to her Office, consistent with both the hitherto strong attachment to the rule of law demonstrated by Ghana and also the constitutional duties incumbent upon it. And afford the Chief Justice due and fair process in the investigation and determination of the disciplinary matters brought against her, including but not limited to full and transparent access to that process by her legal representatives,” the group demanded in a joint statement issued on August 14.
The groups also urged the government to ensure impartial investigations of the disciplinary charges, with her lawyers granted full and transparent access to the proceedings. They further demanded the establishment of clear procedural rules to guide the disciplinary process, including a definite timeframe for the committee to complete its work and communicate its decision.
In response, Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine emphasised that his office can only intervene after the committee concludes its work and submits a report to President Mahama. “The suspension will, therefore, remain in effect until the inquiry committee completes its work and submits its report, to which His Excellency, the President will adhere,” he said.
Childhood cancer is gradually becoming a major concern within Ghana’s health system. Over the years, some children have lost their lives due to limited access to treatment, largely attributed to inadequate infrastructure.
This was confirmed by the Head of the Paediatric Oncology Unit, Dr. Ernestina Shandorff, who, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk held in Accra. She revealed an alarming rise in cases of childhood cancer at the facility.
She explained that in previous years, the Unit recorded about 150 cases annually. However, recently, the number has sharply increased to over 200 cases, stressing that these are only new cases. When combined with old cases, the figure rises to about 1,000.
“It’s high time because our numbers have really increased. Around 2014, we used to see maybe around 160 children with cancer every year; now we see more, we see over 230 every year, new cases, excluding the old children. Plus, the old children will be in the 1000s,” she revealed.
One major concern expressed by Dr Shandorff was the lack of adequate facilities to cater to the increasing number of cases. This shortage, she said, reduces the survival chances of some children, especially when emergency cases requiring immediate attention are placed on waiting lists, care that could otherwise be provided promptly if sufficient facilities were available.
“The number of children has outgrown the unit, so we really need a bigger space to be able to make sure we provide adequate care for these children. It takes a village, that’s the truth. So we are advocating through this walk for sponsorship to complete this building so that these children can have the space, and we don’t have to wait for them in the emergency room, wait for additional time that could impact the cure rate of these children,” she said.
Consequently, she called on all stakeholders to support the completion of the stalled 48-bed Pediatric Oncology Block. “…So I call on everybody, govt, philanthropist, please come to the aid of the unit,” she appealed.
Also at the same event, the Executive Director of Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana, Akua Sarpong, reiterated the urgent need for the completion of the building to save more children.
“We are building a 48-bed pediatric oncology block at Korle Bu. It’s not just a building — it’s a lifeline. Every day, children are turned away or delayed because there’s no space. That delay can mean the difference between life and death.”
Her commitment to ensuring the facility’s completion, she explained, is borne out of a personal tragedy. “I lost my daughter to cancer. That pain drives me every day. No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the system isn’t ready.”
She closed with a rallying cry, saying, “We won’t stop until no child in Ghana dies from cancer. That’s our promise.”
The sod-cutting for the project was done in August 2023 under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led government, with an expected completion by October 2024. However, construction has stalled due to funding challenges. So far, about $458,000 has been raised out of the original project cost of $1.6 million (approximately GH¢13.9 million), leaving over $1.1 million still needed to complete the facility.
“We’ve raised some funds, but it’s not enough. We need government support, corporate sponsorship, and individuals who care. Childhood cancer is not rare anymore, it’s real, and it’s rising,” Dr. Sarpong confirmed.
The government, in April this year, unveiled the Mahama Cares Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a program dedicated to providing financial aid to individuals battling chronic conditions such as kidney failure, cancer, and heart disease. The fund is designed to alleviate the financial burden faced by patients in need of life-saving medical care.
The launch took place at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra on Tuesday, April 29, and brought together key stakeholders from the healthcare sector and the corporate world. President John Dramani Mahama, who officially introduced the fund, called on the private sector to support Mahama Cares as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“I want to encourage corporate Ghana, businesses, the mines, the banks, and all the other companies, that this Ghana Medical Trust Fund is coming to your clients who save their money in your banks or do business with you. Some of them are even your own staff. “So, as part of your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), if you give anything, consider that you are giving to your own staff or customers. So, I would like to encourage all corporations in Ghana, both private and public, to, at the end of the year, donate some portion of their annual CSR to the Ghana Medical Fund because it is going to do a lot of good to the country,” he stated.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, expressed his support for the initiative, describing it as long overdue. He emphasised that the fund would ensure equitable access to healthcare, particularly for individuals facing financial barriers to treatment.
“The draft bill for the Mahama Care is ready and will be submitted immediately Parliament resumes,” he confirmed. Akandoh also announced a significant policy change to strengthen the programme, revealing that the government has removed the capping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This, he explained, will unlock substantial resources for the fund. “Most importantly, the uncapping of the national health insurance firm has been removed. This move has unlocked substantial resources to ensure that a dedicated allocation of funds will now support the Mahama Care Programme,” he added.
Following the uncapping of NHIS, Parliament on July 23 passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill under a certificate of urgency, giving legal backing to the Mahama Cares Initiative and enabling the establishment of a dedicated fund to support patients battling life-threatening conditions.
As of now, the operational guidelines and eligibility criteria for accessing the fund are still being finalised. A task force composed of health, legal, and finance experts is developing the rollout framework, but no public release has been made yet. The initiative is expected to roll out in phases beginning in late 2025, with an initial pilot focused on supporting patients with cancer and kidney failure. The exact start date for disbursements and patient enrollment is yet to be announced by the government.
In a recent development, the Ghana Gold Board (“GoldBod”) on Tuesday, September 23, made a significant contribution of GHS 2 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (“Mahama Cares”) to strengthen healthcare delivery and combat the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr Richard Nunekpeku, reaffirmed GoldBod’s confidence in the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the Fund. “We are convinced of the foresight behind Mahama Cares and the capacity of its administrators to deliver on its mission and to use the resources effectively in furtherance of this noble vision, the reason why we are making this donation,” he said.
A suspected boxing injury-related death has been reported following the passing of a Ghanaian boxer, Ernest Akushey, popularly known as “Bahubali”.
According to reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup, Ernest Akushey gave up the ghost today, Tuesday, September 23, after he was rushed to the hospital following complaints of undisclosed symptoms on Monday.
The symptoms are said to have worsened, and around 2 am the following day he was confirmed dead.
Bahubali’s death comes barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.
According to reports, the bout appeared to have favoured Akishey’s opponent as he dominated right from the beginning until he clinched his victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).
Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.
Consequently, many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused him some internal injuries, which have led to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.
Akushey, who rose through the ranks at the Wadada Gym in James Town, was once an undefeated prospect with a 6-0-0 record.
He earned his “Bahubali” moniker from his ferocious, crowd-pleasing style, likened to the warrior hero in the Indian blockbuster film.
A Nigerian boxer, Segun Olanrewaju collapses and died in the ring during a match against a Ghanaian opponent at the Bukom Boxing Arena last night. Our thoughts and condolences to his family at this time.
“Bahubali’s” death marks the second case at Bukom. The first death linked to Bukom was that of a Nigerian, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring in the middle of a professional bout with a Ghanaian opponent, Jon Mbanug, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, March 29, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, where the 40-year-old fighter Olanrewaju, a former holder of both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles, had been putting on a strong performance before suddenly losing consciousness mid-fight.
Spectators and officials watched in horror as medical personnel rushed in to provide emergency assistance.
A widely shared video of the match shows the moment he collapsed, leaving fans and members of the boxing community in shock.
Meanwhile, three months after Success’ death, President Mahama’s son, Sharaf Mahama, in partnership with Sharaf-led sports management company, Legacy Rise Sports, successfully organised a boxing tournament – Battle of the Beasts at the Bukom Sporting Arena.
At a press conference held at the Multichoice Office in Achimota, Mr. Mahama expressed his commitment to giving Ghanaian boxers the global exposure they deserve.
He commended all the foreign boxers who traveled to Ghana to be part of the event and extended gratitude to the sponsors and partners who are making the night possible.
Renowned trainer Coach Ofori Asare of Wisdom Boxing Gym highlighted the importance of fair officiating, especially in the highly anticipated bout between his fighter, Theo Allotey (aka Lopez), and Daniel Selassie Gorsh, who will be defending his WBO Africa Bantamweight title.
Asare described Allotey as a seasoned fighter whose experience and transition from amateur to professional ranks make him the right contender for the title.
“Boxing is not about trash talk—it’s about delivering in the ring,” Asare said, adding that his fighters are ready to impress fans with dominant performances.
Also on the card, Haruna Mohammed (aka Thunder) was to defend his National Cruiserweight Title against Abdulai Ahmed from Fit Square Gym.
Coach Carl Lokko of Bronx Boxing Club emphasized his gym’s reputation as the “house of champions,” stating that although his boxers often miss out on amateur national team selections, they consistently shine at the professional level.
In his brief but confident remarks, reigning WBO Africa champion Daniel Gorsh promised fireworks, declaring, “On the D-day, we shall see who is who.”
The main attraction of the night will see Ghana’s Jacob Dickson (aka The Beast) face off against American fighter Andrew Tabiti (also nicknamed The Beast) in a fierce contest for the WBC Africa Bridgerweight Title—a bout that has sparked major excitement among fans.
Another fan-favourite clash featured Abubakar Kamoko (aka Bukom Tilapia), son of the legendary Bukom Banku, taking on Stephen Ackon in an energetic, powerful, and passionate clash.
With ten thrilling bouts lined up, this fight night is curated by former world champion Amir Khan in collaboration with Legacy Rise Sports Promotions.
The tournamnet saw King Promise thrill the fans with a performance had the crowd swaying in their seats at first, but as the tempo rose, so did the energy.
He delivered to his fans ‘hot’ with some of his hit songs, including “CCTV,” “Selfish”, and “Paris.”
Tapping feet turned into dancing, and soon the audience was on its feet—clapping, singing along, gesturing at the artiste in the ring, and moving to every beat.
What began as a partially seated crowd quickly turned into a lively dance floor, swept up by his infectious sound and energetic dance moves.
The star-studded event saw celebrities turn up in their numbers as well as business moguls.
Actress Fella Makafui, Juliet Ibrahim, Jackie Appiah and also industrialists Ibrahim Mahama, Osei Kwame Despite, and some members of the East Legon football club, all of whom were spotted cheering passionately from ringside seats.
The bout itself was a spectacle. Abu Kamako, nicknamed “Ambitious Tilapia” and son of former boxing icon Bukom Banku, claimed a unanimous-decision victory over Stephen Ackon, where all three judges scored the bout 60‑54 in his favour, despite a slow start and heavy punches from Ackon, extending his undefeated streak to 4-0.
Starting October 15 this year, travellers from Accra to Paris will have an added alternative to the already eleven existing airline options, following Air Côte d’Ivoire’s recent launch of Accra–Paris flights.
This was contained in a statement by the company announcing a daily service connecting Accra to Paris (France) through its hub in Abidjan. According to the schedule, the flight will leave Accra at 10:45 a.m. and arrive in Abidjan at 12:00 noon.
From Abidjan, they will then proceed to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in a direct flight.
In the first week of the West African airline’s operation, the Paris flight is on schedule to leave at 2:40 p.m.; after that, it moves to 3:40 p.m., arriving in Paris at 11:20 p.m. This near-midnight flight is scheduled to give customers an easy catch of their morning flights to connect them to other European cities.
What the aircraft is like and what it offers
For the route, Air Côte d’Ivoire will use its new Airbus A330-900neo, fitted with a four-class cabin comprising business, premium economy, and economy seating.
The aircraft offers enhanced passenger comfort while doubling as a cargo workhorse capable of facilitating same-day freight delivery between Paris and Abidjan. This means that while passengers are promised comfort in the respective cabins of the aircraft, fast freight between Paris and Abidjan is also assured.
Before Air Côte d’Ivoire announced the Paris route, travellers mostly resorted to travelling with KLM, Brussels Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, or TAP Portugal. Air Côte d’Ivoire’s service gives an alternative and increases competition.
Aside from the new route, Air Côte d’Ivoire will restart flights to Casablanca (Morocco) and Johannesburg (South Africa) in October 2025. This is part of its plan to make Abidjan a stronger regional hub linking West Africa with the rest of the world.
Also, Delta Air Lines is expanding its footprint in Ghana with the introduction of a new seasonal daily nonstop flight service between Accra and Atlanta, starting December 1, 2025.
The upcoming service aims to offer travellers in Ghana a more efficient route to the United States by eliminating layovers and streamlining the travel experience. Operated with the Airbus A330-900neo, the route will provide passengers with a range of seating options, including Delta One Suites, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin.
This development marks Delta’s second nonstop route connecting Ghana directly with the U.S., highlighting the airline’s continued interest in strengthening its presence in the West African market.
The statement underscored Atlanta’s strategic role as Delta’s primary hub and the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. From there, travellers will have access to over 215 destinations across the U.S. and internationally, including key cities such as Miami, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, and Honolulu.
The new service is anticipated to cater especially to those visiting relatives, conducting business, or travelling during festive seasons like “Detty December.”
Passengers on board will enjoy complimentary high-speed Delta Sync Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected, stream entertainment, receive travel notifications, and shop online throughout their flight. This feature, available to SkyMiles Members, reflects Delta’s commitment to offering a modern, digitally enhanced flying experience.
The rollout of this route forms part of the airline’s broader strategy to upgrade its fleet with advanced connectivity tools, including the installation of dual-network systems across newer and regional aircraft.
Having served the Ghanaian market for more than ten years, Delta considers the Accra–Atlanta route a significant move toward deepening travel and cultural connections between Ghana and the United States.
Last year, direct flights from London’s Gatwick Airport to Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport were announced to take place starting December 3, 2024.
This new route is the result of a partnership between the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Ethiopian Airlines.
The announcement was made by GACL in a statement on November 28, 2024, “in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, will operate direct flights from London Gatwick Airport to Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport (PIA) starting December 3, 2024.”
Travellers on the new London–Kumasi direct route, according to the statement, can now depart London Gatwick at 2:10 a.m., arriving at Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport by 9:05 a.m.; the return flight leaves Kumasi at 11:00 a.m. and touches down in London at 6:00 p.m., making the journey smooth and perfectly timed for both business and leisure.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, PassionAir, a domestic airline operator, announced significant disruptions to its flight operations across all routes.
This stemmed from an anticipated shortage of aviation fuel in Accra from Wednesday, 22 July, to Sunday, 27 July, as announced by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. During this period, PassionAir will not be seeing to flight operations.
In a statement dated July 23, PassionAir apologised for any inconvenience caused. The Corporate Affairs of PassionAir advised its valued passengers and the public to stay informed by contacting the customer service team on 0800 221 221 for the latest updates and assistance.
The company appreciated its passengers and the public for their “patience and understanding.”
Already, the domestic airline operator has informed its passengers about cancelled flights. An SMS read, “Dear Valued Customer, Due to an aviation fuel shortage in Accra and Kumasi, your flight has been cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, PassionAir, a domestic airline operator, announced significant disruptions to its flight operations across all routes.
This stemmed from an anticipated shortage of aviation fuel in Accra from Wednesday, 22 July, to Sunday, 27 July, as announced by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. During this period, PassionAir will not be seeing to flight operations.
In a statement dated July 23, PassionAir apologised for any inconvenience caused. The Corporate Affairs of PassionAir advised its valued passengers and the public to stay informed by contacting the customer service team on 0800 221 221 for the latest updates and assistance.
The company appreciated its passengers and the public for their “patience and understanding.”
Already, the domestic airline operator has informed its passengers about cancelled flights. An SMS read, “Dear Valued Customer, Due to an aviation fuel shortage in Accra and Kumasi, your flight has been cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
The Ghana Health Director at Ahafo North, Dr Akosua Owusu Sarpong, has raised an alarm over the rising cases of HIV infections in the region, particularly among the youth.
At a press briefing held at Hwediem in the Asutifi South District, Dr Sarpong revealed that, following research conducted, it was indicated that six hundred and thirty-six (636) have contracted the infection, adding to the old number of cases in the region.
Out of this number, fourteen percent (14%) of them are teens, adolescents, a major challenge she believes should be dealt with as soon as possible.
“After our research, we can say that HIV infection is on the rise. From the beginning of the year to June, we have recorded 636 new cases in addition to the old cases we have now. And the most disturbing trend is infection among our youth, adolescents, and teenagers, from 14% of the total number of new cases. It’s quite concerning that our children who are either in school or working will be infected. She added that this rising case of infections among the youth was “alarming, scary, and dangerous.”
Consequently, she highlighted her outfit’s commitment to intensifying HIV awareness just as it had been doing in the previous years.
“…We are creating awareness about HIV…just as we have been doing in previous years”, she noted.
She further admonished infected persons to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus, urging them to desist from deliberately trying to infect others simply because they themselves have been infected. There are medications you can take to stay healthy, she added
“We have medication for infected persons. Take precautions to prevent infecting others. Do not say I have been infected, hence I will also transmit to others”.
On how the viral disease’s spread can be contained, she advised total abstinence from sex, faithfulness to partners, and the use of condoms.
“Total abstinence from sex, being faithful to your sexual partners, and the careful use of condoms are effective ways to limit the transmission of the viral disease.”
On available interventions, the regional health director urged the public to take advantage of and help prevent the spread of HIV.
“There are many HIV interventions in our facilities, such as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, early infant diagnosis, and HIV linkage to care with antiretroviral medications. Everyone in the Ahafo region should take advantage of these interventions in their health facilities to seek care when positive and to prevent new infections,” she continued.
Dr Sarpong then went on to call on the media and all other stakeholders to join them in creating awareness to fight the fatal infection and save more lives.
“I am appealing to journalists and media outlets in the region to support our public education campaigns to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS,” she continued.
In late April, there were reports of a rapid increase in HIV infections in the Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region, which now has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate at 3.34 per cent.
This was revealed by Mark Kyeremeh Oppong, the Bono Regional Technical Officer in charge of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana Health Service.
He described the findings from the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2023 sentinel survey as worrying and noted that the entire Bono Region is experiencing a concerning rise in HIV cases.
Speaking at the launch of the “Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana 2025”, a beauty pageant initiated by the Reproductive Needs and Fitness (RENEF) foundation, a health-centred Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Oppong encouraged young people who are sexually active to stay away from premarital sex and avoid having multiple sexual partners. For those who cannot abstain, he advised them to always practice safe sex.
RENEF, an organisation focused on reproductive health and gender equality, is using its 2025 beauty pageant as a platform to encourage students in tertiary institutions to voluntarily test for HIV and AIDS. The campaign aims to help control the rising number of infections.
Oppong expressed concern that the Bono Region has recorded the highest HIV prevalence in the country for three consecutive years. He said the increasing infection rate is troubling and called for urgent research to understand the root causes of the spread.
USAID withdrawal puts Ghana at risk
Ghana stands to lose an estimated $138.7 million in funding this year after the United States decided to withdraw support for HIV/AIDS programs.
The allocation, requested through the USAID Foreign Assistance Discretionary Request Report, was designated to aid essential sectors such as healthcare, economic development, education, and governance.
“In terms of aid, Ghana, on average, receives more than $130 million annually. Last year alone, bilateral support from USAID totalled over $150 million, which was dedicated to health, agriculture, education, governance, and other critical sectors. This year, Ghana submitted a request for $138.7 million, and now, that amount will no longer be available.”
The health sector is expected to face severe repercussions, with a $69.2 million funding request aimed at tackling malaria, bolstering health security, and improving maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, and nutrition, which are now at risk.
The withdrawal of U.S. aid jeopardises these vital programs.
The struggle against HIV/AIDS will also take a major hit. Since 2007, Ghana has received support through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program designed to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist those living with the virus. Over time, more than $132 million has been invested in Ghana through PEPFAR, working alongside local partners to combat the epidemic.
However, with the recent reduction in funding, initiatives focused on antiretroviral treatment, testing, and prevention efforts will face significant disruptions.
The U.S. funding cut presents a serious challenge for Ghana, as the country may experience funding gaps that could undermine essential public health programs and economic growth initiatives.
Ghana-US explores options to fight against HIV
Health Minister Honourable Mintah Akandoh and Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson of the United States Embassy have held discussions on exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration in fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
The two held discussions on August 26 to discuss ongoing U.S. health assistance to Ghana and the Mahama Administration’s priorities in the health sector.
Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, has stated that Ghana requires $300 million annually to achieve its HIV/AIDS elimination target by 2030.
According to the Commission, over 500,000 people in Ghana are currently living with HIV/AIDS. The national HIV prevalence rate stands at approximately 1.7%, with regional disparities.
Ghana is facing a concerning rise in HIV-related deaths, with new data revealing a staggering 33% increase in fatalities in 2023.According to reports from the Ghana AIDS Commission, 12,480 Ghanaians lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, compared to 9,359 deaths recorded in 2022. Unfortunately, deaths resulting from AIDS recorded for persons of all ages were 9,359.
The youth-led civic movement in Ghana, FixTheCountry ‘s anti-galamsey protest is set to come off today, Sunday, September 21, 3pm at Revolution Square in Accra, in response to illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, in the country.
The protest comes on the back of President Mahama’s remarks on measures his government is taking to fight the menace.He ruled out declaring a state of emrgency citing that, the instruments available to deal with galamsey haven’t been exhausted yet hence the need for calm.
Taking to the X platform (formerly Twitter), on Monday, September 15, the group’s convenor, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, stressed that the solution to end the menace requires collective efforts, hence, he called on all and sundry to participate in the upcoming vigil.
“On Sunday 21st September, we will have a vigil at the Revolution Square, and on Monday 22nd (a holiday), there will be a march, calling attention to the urgency of our environmental crisis.
“The responsibility to protect and preserve the environment is by divine assignment, ours as a people,” he wrote, adding that the issue transcends electoral politics.Our responsibility to end galamsey does not end at elections. Nor does it begin after our party loses one. This is bigger than petty politics”.
Illegal mining activities continue to retrogress the country’s development, as they lead to the loss of lives, destruction of properties and the environment, and water bodies, among others.
For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results. Among measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of river guards.
The river guards are selected from communities most affected by illegal mining, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the local landscape and challenges.
The government has rolled out an official order requiring all machinery used in mining operations to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August.
A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, July 15, states that the state will go ahead to confiscate unregistered mining equipment after the deadline.
“The Government, as part of efforts to reform the mining sector in the country, requires that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August 2025. Equipment that remains unregistered after this deadline will be confiscated by the State,” the Ministry stated on its website.
Mr Mubarak has empowered the Ghana Police Service and DVLA to begin strict enforcement of the new rule from August 2. “The Ghana Police Service and DVLA have been directed to enforce this directive from 2nd August 2025 onward rigorously. The general public, especially those who use mining machinery, is advised to take note and comply with the directive,” he wrote.
The Ministry reiterates its resolve to maintain national peace through effective internal security and law enforcement. Meanwhile, a similar directive came in months ago where excavator owners and operators were asked to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Kotey announced that the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team commenced a nationwide enforcement after the deadline, arresting and impounding excavators being used at mining sites or for commercial purposes without proper documentation.
“This exercise will help identify every excavator that enters the country and trace how it is being used. The goal is to ensure we can monitor and hold people accountable,” Mr. Kotey said.The directive fell in line with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates the registration of all motor vehicles and trailers, including farm and heavy-duty equipment.
Despite the law, the DVLA found many unregistered excavators operating in mining areas, some of which have been used in illegal activities.
Mr. Kotey emphasized that the DVLA, with its 34 offices nationwide, could register all excavators and farm machinery within two weeks and was ready to strictly enforce the directive. “Excavators in the hands of illegal miners have worsened the destruction of our environment. This is why we must act,” Mr Kotey said.
To further control the situation, the DVLA, in collaboration with key agencies like the Minerals Commission, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), commenced tagging all newly imported excavators.
In addition to tagging new imports, the Minerals Commission was tasked to lead a team that would tag all excavators already in the country. Legal small-scale mining sites have also been geo-fenced, with their site coordinates integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software for better oversight.
The move is part of broader government efforts to combat illegal mining. Three months ago, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies.
According to the sector minister. The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion.
In April, a total of 47 individuals were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests in the Western Region. This followed a special four-day intelligence-led operation that commenced on April 17, within the Samreboi enclave.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. The Police indicated that a significant amount of equipment and materials believed to have been used for the mining operations were retrieved.
These include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Rav4 vehicle, four pump action guns, one single barrel gun, fifty-four live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.
Prosecution began for the arrested suspects. On Tuesday, 41 of them were arraigned, with 29 remanded into Police custody to reappear before the court on April 30, 2025. Twelve others were also remanded to return to court on May 2, 2025.
The remaining seven were put before the court on April 23, 2025.Two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment. The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.
The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved a single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three water-pumping machines.
The task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects—Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra—were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.
One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene. All exhibits were secured in police custody.
Some 12 accused persons standing trial for engaging in illegal mining activities at Tumetu near Princess Town in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have been remanded into prison custody.
While 10 of the accused persons were arrested at a palm plantation, two were arrested at the Elluabo Chavene Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) plantation.
This was due to a coordinated police intelligence-led operation within the Ahanta West Municipality. The accused persons are Lord Yankey, Caleb Adu Kwaw, Stephen Agyei, Ebenezer Barnes, Mathew Somagevi, Paa Grant, Bashiru Kaviru, Joseph Borney, Aminu Issah, Kofi Sogah, Albert Normah, and Robert Mensah.
Four water pumping machines, one tricycle with registration number M-20-WR 1045, and two motorbikes were retrieved from the sites, according to the police.
All twelve accused persons admitted to the offence during police interrogations. They were subsequently put before the Takoradi Harbour Area Circuit Court ‘A’, and were remanded into prison custody at Sekondi and reappeared before the court on Tuesday, July 8.
Also, fifteen individuals are in police custody for engaging in illegal mining activities at Manso Adubia. They were arrested following a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom.The suspects include Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu, (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), and Abdul Malik Seidu (22).
Two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, one water pumping machine, two power generators, one vulcanizing machine, and one Apsonic motorbike were seized from the site.
The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy and the international security firm Digitpol, has intercepted ten trafficked vehicles in Ghana.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that the trafficked vehicles following the investigations were recovered in Accra, Cantonments, Nima and Kantamanto.
“Recently, the Police collaborated with the Netherlands Embassy and Digitpol, a security company that works closely with the Netherlands Police, to track and recover stolen vehicles trafficked into Ghana. These vehicles, which had been reported stolen from the Netherlands, were tracked to Ghana. These vehicles were recovered in parts of Accra, including Kantamanto, Nima, and Cantonments,” she revealed.
The operation, which took place from September 15 to September 17 this year, led to the recovery of eight cars, including Toyota RAV4s and two Toyota CH-Rs.
COP Lydia explained that the tracking and recovery of these trafficked vehicles form part of the government’s efforts to clamp down on the growing challenge of transnational vehicle crime — a problem she said drains the government’s coffers and tarnishes Ghana’s reputation, making it an attractive hub for crime syndicates and other illegal activities.
“The Criminal Investigations Department has intensified efforts to address the growing challenge of transnational vehicle crime. Vehicle theft not only causes financial loss to victims but also tarnishes Ghana’s international reputation and fuels other criminal activities. As part of its efforts, the CID has been working with national stakeholders, including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, as well as international partners and embassies of affected countries,” she detailed.
Consequently, she advised prospective buyers to be vigilant in their car purchasing transactions.
“Prospective buyers are strongly advised to demand proof of ownership from the country of origin. Vehicle details can also be verified with INTERPOL Accra before finalising any purchase,” adding that “these operations highlight the importance of international cooperation in fighting vehicle-related crimes. The operation is ongoing unabated. A lot more vehicles have been identified, and in the coming days, we are going to be tracking and retrieving them.”
COP Lydia’s caution to prospective buyers comes on the back of laws in Ghana that criminalise the purchase of stolen vehicles. Both the seller and the buyer are declared complicit in such crimes.
Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Section 146, declares that, “Whoever dishonestly receives any property which he knows or has reason to believe to have been stolen, fraudulently obtained, or unlawfully converted, is guilty of a second-degree felony.”
The subsequent section, Section 147, also states that “Whoever receives any property under such circumstances as would cause a reasonable person to suspect that the property had been stolen or unlawfully obtained, and fails to make reasonable inquiries as to the ownership of the property, shall be presumed to have dishonestly received the property.”
Recently, Ghana’s dancehall artist Charlkes Nii Armah, popularly referred to as Charles Nii Armah was invited for questioning by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his alleged involvement in a fraud case regarding his purchase of a Lamborghini Urus a car identified by the FBI and the US Justice Department as proceeds of a $4 million crime.
The $4 million crime involves Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian who is currently serving a jail term in the USA..
He was detained and later granted bail. While in detention, a mass of his fans gathered in front of the EOCO office on Thursday, demanding his release.
According to EOCO, Charles Nii Armah Mensah was unable to identify the person from whom he purchased the said Lamborghini Urus vehicle.
He is reported to have said he purchased it from the “Street” and from someone possibly called “ZAK” who may have contacted him on WhatsApp but whose identity he does not know and whose contact he has thrown away.
Also, EOCO states that Charles Nii Armah Mensah does not also possess any documentation in terms of receipt or transfer documents which shows that he owns or purchased the said vehicle except a customs declaration document in his possession bearing the name of Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently in jail.
Earlier this morning, die-hard fans of Shatta Wale started to mass up at the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) following the singer’s detention on Wednesday.
They demanded his immediate release from EOCO detention.
EOCO’s investigation forms part of a larger investigation regarding possible co-conspirators in the $4m crime which occurred in the US involving some Ghanaians and recoveries of the proceeds of the crime.
Following requests from the FBI and the US Justice Department of EOCO to track the vehicle and conduct local investigations in respect of uncovering possible co-conspirators in Ghana, EOCO began looking for the vehicle until it was identified and seized in or around May this year in the possession of one Charles Nii Armah Mensah.
On August 15, 2025, a United States District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky, Central Division of Lexington in a criminal case of the United States of America vrs. Nana Kwabena Amuah issued an order Forfeiting Substitute Asset on the Lamborghini Urus in question, authorising the US Government to take possession of the said vehicle in Ghana as restitution for the crime.
Meanwhile, following Shatta Wale’s release, the musician publicly commended EOCO for their professionalism in handling the case.
He praised the establishment after being released from EOCO’s custody on Thursday night.
In a video on social media, Shatta Wale revealed that while being detained, he was not abused but rather taken through necessary processes as required by the law.
“To all the staff at EOCO, you guys have been wonderful. At least I came there and you guys really took me through the rightful processes that were needed. I just want to say God bless you,” he said.
Shatta Wale also used the opportunity to thank his supporters who thronged the streets to demand his immediate release from EOCO.
He acknowledged that no harm came his way while in custody and remains safe.
“One Don is safe, I’m home now, and I want to say a big thank you [to fans] for supporting and being around me in times like this because I needed you guys the most and you held me down,” he said.
Atletico Madrid is set to launch an investigation into an altercation that occurred after the final whistle in the Liverpool Champions League match at Anfield on Wednesday, September 17.
The Spanish-based club lost 2-3 to Liverpool, but the post-match was marred by a melee after Atletico’s head coach, Diego Simeone, lost his temper, confronted one opposition fan and was sent away with a red card. Visibly agitated, he was captured being restrained by stewards and other staff of the team.
While stewards and other backroom staff worked to end the misunderstanding, a member of Atlético’s backroom staff, wearing a club-issued coat, was caught on video seemingly spitting toward Liverpool fans during the melee.
His behaviour has garnered reactions with many expressing certainty that, following the review of footage and other relevant information to authenticate this bizarre behaviour in football, the football governing body is likely to take punitive action against the staff.
BBC reports that, following an engagement with Athletico, they have confirmed that they will probe further into the case; however, they declined to comment further.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will provide any relevant CCTV footage and other information to support a potential UEFA probe.
Meanwhile, in a post-match interview, Simeon, though not justifying his behaviour, explained that he had endured the insults throughout the whole period the game was underway, which isn’t an easy situation to deal with, despite being a coach.
“They always talk about care, about respect, but they insult you from the crowd all game. I can’t say anything back because I’m the coach. My reaction is not justifiable. But after 90 minutes of insults, it’s not easy, ” he said.
After the game, the Argentine coach said, “It’s never very good when we react as managers, is it? But if there are comments against racism or insults, we can get angry and fight back as well, managers.
“When they scored the third goal, he [the supporter] turned around and insulted me. When I turned around, I am a person and I’m human.”
When asked for specifics on the insults, Simone added: “I’m not going to get into the exact nature of the insults.
“I don’t want to get involved with that. I have to stay in my place. I know what went on behind the manager’s bench.
“I can’t solve society’s problems in one press conference. I’ve got to live with it because it exists all over the place, ” he detailed.
It is reported that Jonny Poulter, a Liverpool fan who was the centre of all this trouble after his remarks triggered Athletic coach’s denial of making racist or political insults, however, confirmed that he was spat at. He is reported to have said in a post-match video he shared on his socials.
“Something I want to get off my chest here, in regards to what happened last night with Simeone, and I think he’s a bit of a coward. When he went in and did his press conference after the game, the Spanish media had asked him what he said, if it was racist, if it was regarding the Falklands War and all this rubbish, right?. There was nothing racist said by me or anyone else. There was never a mention of the Falklands War by me or anyone else. Just putting it out there. Nothing racist, no mention of any war or slurs of any kind,” he shared in an X post.
According to Poulter, Simeon claims of being a target of racist comments, and his snubbing of further questions to authenticate his claims leaves room for the world to make assumptions.
“But the fact that he was asked it, and he didn’t answer the question, and he just got up and walked out, has left it open for speculation for the world,” he noted.
He claims that all he said was “ ‘Hey, hey, f* off,’ we’ve won, basically, as you do” after receiving tons of DMs asking him what he said to have stirred the wrath of the Athletico coach.
“I’ve had messages on every platform, I don’t know how many, of people saying, ‘Oh what did he say, what did you say’…” he added.
Poulter has a record of breaching laws when he visits the stadium.. Before this incident with Simeon, he had suffered a three-year ban from football after a 2015 altercation during Steven Gerrard’s final home game, where he was convicted of abusing a disabled fan and her husband. Also, had been cautioned in 2013 for attempting to bring smoke pellets into Wigan’s DW Stadium.
Man City’s goal-scoring machine, Erling Haaland, has broken and set a new record after notching his fiftieth (50) Champions League goal.
He snatched the spot of fastest player to reach 50 UEFA Champions League goals from the legendary Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who achieved the milestone in 62 appearances. However, in Haaland’s case, he has achieved it in 42 appearances, covering van Nistelrooy’s record by a stunning 13-match margin.
He notched the fiftieth UEFA goal after lofting a header following an assist from Phil Foden in the fifty-sixth minute during Man City’s clash with Napoli yesterday, Thursday, September 18.
As expected earlier, Pep Guardiola’s men dominated in the first minutes, but Napoli kept a good defensive shape, coupled with their keeper Milinković-Savić’s stunning keeping skills in making some significant saves.
Unfortunately, at the twentieth minute, Napoli lost a man, captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, after being sent off for a last-man foul on Haaland. Referee Felix Zwayer initially waved play on, but VAR intervened and the red card was confirmed.
Following their skipper’s dismissal from the field, Napoli’s coach, Antonio Conte, substituted Kevin De Bruyne, a former City player who was making an emotional return to Etihad Stadium, playing his immediate past teammates in the 26th minute to reinforce their defence with Mathías Olivera.
City pressed hard, with Rodri, Reijnders, and Gvardiol testing Napoli keeper Vanja Milinković-Savić, who made several key saves between the 33rd -42 minutes; however, they notched no goal until the first half was over.
However, just eleven minutes into the second half, City found the back of the net when Haaland scored. Napoli could barely sink it in when Jeremy Doku Doku swerved three of their defenders and curled a low shot into the bottom corner, sealing the win.
City controlled the tempo, with 70% possession and 23 shots, while Napoli managed just one attempt and 30% possession.
Man City also had a stunning game on Sunday in a clash against Man Utd.
Kevin De Bruyne’s last days at Man City
News of De Bruyne’s departure from Man City began in late 2023 and early 2024 when speculations began swelling about him being on Saudi Arabia’s wishlist alongside Liverpool’s Salah and Man Utd’s Fernandes. Pep Guardiola, in response, rebuffed claims saying De Bryne is going nowhere.
However, some months later, it emerged that he expressed his uncertainty about his participation in the Club World Cup at the time over fears of sustaining an injury. The attacking midfielder, whose contract was set to expire by the end of the season, left as a free agent.
Speaking in an interview during a discussion about his potential participation in the Club World Cup, Kevin said: “I think in a way I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do?”
“Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point. So there’s a big chance probably I won’t play it, but I don’t know, maybe yes.”
With two games left to go this season, he said he had to consider what is best for his own career as he prepares for his next move.
“I have to take care of my family. I’ve got three kids and my wife; it’s not an easy process at this time,” he said.
However, his uncertainty about missing the Club World Cup has left a slim chance of his participation.
Many believed he could sign a short-term extension that would allow him to play in the newly expanded tournament in June and July.
The timing of the Club World Cup, which was expanded from seven teams to 32, has led to FIFA introducing a short-term transfer window to enable players whose contracts expire on June 30 to move to clubs participating in the tournament.
It also allows players like De Bruyne to sign short-term deals purely to take part before moving on as free agents.
But that brings with it the risk of him suffering a serious injury that would jeopardise a future transfer.
Kevin De Bruyne had an outstanding career at Manchester City, distinguishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.
He joined the club in 2015, and since then, he has won 6 Premier League titles, a Champions League, and multiple domestic trophies. Following his injury return in the 2024/25 season, De Bruyne made a total of 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists.
He also scored 4 goals in the Premier League and assisted 7. However, he scored no goals in the Champions League after 7 matches.
In the FA Cup, he played four games and scored two goals.
After fourteen years with Man City, the 33-year-old is now considering his options but says there has been uncertainty over whether City wants him to be part of its squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.
Meanwhile, City at the time didn’t have the best season, as they gave up their Premier League title this season after four consecutive wins. De Bruyne said, though,
“This year has just not gone the way we wanted it to. You have to accept it. You have to move on and work hard and go again,” De Bruyne said.
“It’s alright. This doesn’t change anything that’s happened in the past 10 years.” De Bruyne said he has yet to decide on his next move and whether he would look to join another Premier League team”.
There were louder cheers and applause for the leaders of the military junta during his inauguration in January this year, a phenomenon that Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has described as troubling, given the large youth population in Africa.
With approximately seven military coups occurring in Africa over the last three years, President Mahama has called on stakeholders to address the challenges facing Africa’s democracy with urgency, to sustain the rule of law and make it attractive to the youth again.
He made these remarks while delivering a keynote speech at the just-ended two-day Democracy Dialogue 2025 held at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “Why democracies die”. In his speech, he highlighted a 2024 survey conducted by Afrobarometer and released in July last year, which suggested that more of the youth prefer a military regime over democracy.
President Mahama noted, “For those who attended my inauguration: if you were not on Black Star Square but were locked in a room and only heard the announcements of presidents coming up to greet me, you would have noticed that the loudest applause was for the countries that have overthrown democracy and are under military dictatorship. That should give us pause for thought. That should make us ask ourselves why democracy is dying.
That’s why today’s topic is relevant: What are the things we need to do to sustain democracy? Democracy will not survive by itself if we don’t work for it. Surveys such as Afrobarometer show that many young people now say they would prefer to live under a military government. That should give us pause for thought”.
He warned African leaders of the need to address the challenges faced by their citizens or risk losing their democracies to military rulers and other anti-democracy forces.
In reference to the recent topplings, particularly in the Sahel, mostly referred to as the “Coup Belt”, President Mahama recommended the need to strengthen African institutions, including the judiciary, parliaments, and electoral bodies, adding the need to deliver development by providing proper roads, educational and healthcare facilities, as well as providing jobs for the youth.
He said, “The first is that we must strengthen institutions; independent courts, parliaments, and our electoral bodies. The second is that we must deliver development, because democracy without development, democracy without roads, schools, hospitals, and jobs, will always be at risk. Third, we must educate our citizens.
“As Thomas Sankara said, a soldier without political education or ideological training is a potential criminal. The same is true of leadership without ethical grounding. Fourth, we must protect media and civic space. A free press is democracy’s immune system. Finally, we must build regional solidarity, because the fall of democracy in one nation weakens democracy in all others”.
He added, “Like Amadou Toumani Touré said: whatever system of government you have, autocracy, democracy, theocracy, if it does not deliver opportunities and prosperity to the people, it will not survive”.
President Mahama outlined weak institutions, leadership deficits, exclusion and inequality as some of the challenges confronting Africa’s democracy in particular.
After outlining the challenges confronting Africa’s democracy, President Mahama called for more forums like the ‘Democracy Dialogue’ to identify, discuss, and solve them to make democracy attractive to the youth.
He said citizens have grown weary of corruption, tired of misgovernance, and tired of the lack of opportunity, hence the need for accountability among leaders.
“That is why I said we need a reset of our democracy, our economy, and our governance. We need to make governance accountable. Anybody who wants to serve in public office must be prepared to account to the people. ….Those of us who believe in democracy must continue to use dialogues like this to see what is wrong with our implementation of democracy so that we can make a reset that makes the youth continue to have faith in democratic governance and not romanticise unconstitutional government,” he stressed.
President Mahama also mentioned that it is for all the stated reasons why he has called for a reset. The Mahama-led administration assumed office with what he describes as a “reset agenda,” an economic recovery and social transformation move to help stabilise and ensure economic growth.
Before he assumed power, one of the major highlights in his campaign message was to reset the country, and after just nine months in power. Many have lauded his efforts so far, despite challenges such as galamsey and other poor road networks marring his measures.
In the educational sector, he announced free tuition for freshers entering university and other public tertiary institutions by allocating GH¢452.9 million via the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
In the transport sector, the Mahama-led administration has paid GH¢809 million to the contractor working on the Pokuase-Nsawam Road (Greater Accra to Eastern Corridor) for four interchanges planned for Amasaman, Pobiman, Medie, and Nsawam Junction.
Also, the government, on September 16, cut sod for the construction of the Afienya road, promising a one-year completion. During the event, Roads Minister, Kwame Governs Agbodz, affirmed that “This is not a campaign promise, it’s a bold intervention. The contractor on this stretch can deliver in less than 24 months.”
In the health sector, the government has invested GH¢2 Billion in Medical Equipment & Training between 2025 and 2028, as announced by the Ministry of Finance in April. Also, the Ga North Municipal Hospital (Accra) received $1.5 million worth of equipment in September 2025. The equipment includes anaesthesia machines, incubators, ECGs, sterilisers, delivery sets, and more.
Transport Minister has announced the opening of the Tema-Mpakadan railway.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra, Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced that a test run of the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train, which was freshly procured from Poland and was involved in an accident in 2024, has been successfully carried out on the railway, which is set to be opened in October.
“The train that was involved in the accident during the test drive in 2024 has been repaired. A successful test run was carried out on September 16, “The 97km Tema to Mpakadan Railway Line, which is part of a multimodal system connecting Tema Port to Buipe Port via the Volta Lake, has been completed, and I am pleased to announce that the Tema–Mpakadan Railway will officially open on October 1,” he noted.
He continued that, the completion and soon to be opened railway forms part of government’s plans to broaden the rail infrastructure for goods and passenger services.
“The Government plans to modernise and expand the railway infrastructure for fleet and passenger services, creating jobs, boosting local economies and fostering trad” adding that “the viability of the rail line depends on fleet services but requires further investment in port infrastructure to facilitate the transfer of cargo between rail and the lake.”
Mr Nikpe said the Government had therefore taken steps to devolve the line for fleet operations.
Concerning the Western Railway Line, the Minister said the Western Railway Line spans 330km from Takoradi to Kumasi, with a branch line extension from Dunkwa to Awaso.
Mr Nikpe said construction on sections of the line, the 22km Kojokrom to Manso, 78km from Takoradi Port to Huni Valley, and 6km Adum to Kaase, had all been halted since December 2024 due to unpaid payment certificates by the administration.
Consequently, government is engaging stakeholders including the Trasnport Ministry, the Finance among others to ensure that all debts are paid to for the completion of projects by the contractors.
“The government, through the Ministry of Transport and Ghana Railway Development Authority, is engaging stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s Office, to resolve the outstanding issues to enable the contractor to resume work,” the Minister stated.
As part of efforts to expedite the completion of the projects without any impediments, the Minister revealed that his outfit was partnering with the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Security Agencies and the Lands Commission to launch a campaign to remove encroachers from the railway right-of-way and perfect titles to railway lines nationwide.
Touching on Railway Labour Issues and Ghana Railway Company Limited Staff Salaries, Mr Nikpe said the Ghana Railway Company’s operations had declined over the years due to infrastructure deterioration, which had limited its capacity to generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs, including staff salaries.
“We are engaging with the Ministry of Finance and stakeholders to develop a sustainable solution going forward,” the Minister said. “I must add that we feel for the workers, and we have gotten close to resolving this issue and getting them their salaries.”
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that five billion Ghana Cedis (GHS5bn) will be allocated annually for road maintenance.
According to him, one hundred and sixty-six (166) constituencies identified as having the country’s worst roads have been earmarked to receive ten kilometres of roads, drains and pavements annually over the next four years.
Speaking during the official launch of the government’s flagship infrastructure development initiative, the Big Push programme, at Afienya on Tuesday, September 16,President Mahama explained that this will provide each constituency with forty kilometres by the end of the period.
He added that the initiative will not only focus on new road construction but also ensure proper maintenance of existing ones.
“So every year the Ghana road fund is going to put aside about five billion cedis a year on road maintenance alone. Pothole patching, desilting, grass cutting, and all the things that keep the road in good shape,” he said.
He added that while some communities may not find their roads listed under the Big Push, there is still a separate allocation for ongoing road works across the country.
He assured traditional rulers, farmers, and citizens that these funds will continue to improve roads that are not captured under the new initiative.
According to him, beginning next year and through to 2027, Ghanaians will notice a significant improvement in the quality of roads nationwide.
Parliament on July 30 unanimously endorsed the government’s proposal to divert all royalties that will be received from oil revenues and mineral royalties to support the implementation of the Big Push Programme.
This comes after the government requested Parliament approve committing funds to assist in the construction of certain road projects. Mr Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of the Parliament’s Finance Committee, while presenting the report by the Budget and Finance joint committee to the plenary, said, “The Committee has carefully considered the Referral, and it is of the opinion that the request is in the right direction.”
The Committee also noted that Parliament had already approved the policy and the allocation to the “Big Push” Programme in the 2025 Budget Statement. Granting the request would enable the Government to enter into multi-year contracts to execute the road infrastructure projects under the Programme.
“The Committee accordingly recommends to the House to approve the Request for the multi-year commitments for the selected road projects under the “Big Push” Programme contained in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana, in accordance with Section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921),” Mr Adongo said.
The initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across the country is estimated at GHC13.8 billion, and it is expected to be completed by 2028 with support from the country’s own financial resources. According to the 2025 budget, GH¢5.75 billion is owed by the Road Fund, with an allocation of GH¢2.81 billion programmed for road maintenance.
This represents a 155.5% increase from the 2024 allocation of GH¢1.1 billion, underscoring the government’s emphasis on sustaining Ghana’s road network. The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, on Wednesday, July 30, revealed that his ministry has undertaken studies and prepared comprehensive engineering interventions and cost estimates for road projects under the Big Push Programme.
On September 9, the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of TUC (Ghana) issued a statement announcing an imminent strike if the government refuses to meet their demands. After offering a ten-day window, their demands, outlined in a statement dated Tuesday, September 16, remain unmet, prompting their decision to embark on an indefinite strike effective today, Friday, September 19.
The statement issued by the Union charged all its members nationwide to stay away from their respective posts until further notice.
“The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of TUC (Ghana) hereby formally declares an indefinite strike action effective Friday, 19th September 2025. All TEWU members across the country are directed to stay at home until further notice.
“This decision has become inevitable due to the Government and employer institutions’ persistent failure to address long-standing concerns of non-teaching staff despite exhausting all laid-down legal and procedural requirements”, parts of the statement read.
They itemised their demands into seven points, including the immediate Signing of Conditions of Service for: TEWU of TUC (Ghana) and all Junior Staff of Public and Technical Universities, Non-Teaching Staff of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Staff of the Ghana Library Authority, Staff of Museums and Monuments Board, and Inclusion in the payment of GES Non-teaching Staff for Continuous Professional Development Allowance in September 2025.
The others are: Resolution of Promotion Grievances in GES, including: Staff who passed interviews but remained unpaid on new scales. Staff placed on scales but denied official promotion letters. Staff who have received no communication after the interviews.
The Union warned its members against defying the strike by showing up at their respective posts, citing that “…it shall constitute an unfair labour practice should any employer prevent or intimidate any of our members, non-teaching staff of the GES, Public and Technical Universities, Ghana Library Authority, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board from exercising their lawful right to strike”.
Nearly a year ago, the Union embarked on a strike over non-implementation of agreed allowances, such as vehicle maintenance and off-campus, delays in Tier Two pension deductions, and general dissatisfaction with working conditions. In this regard, they announced an indefinite strike action on September 29, 2024.
In a statement dated September 5, and titled “Notice of industrial action due to delay in signing conditions of service”, the Union stated that after several follow-ups and engagement with relevant stakeholders for the finalisation of their conditions of service, nothing concrete has come out of it. This, they mentioned, has affected members. Following this, “We hereby notify the Management of these Institutions of our intention to commence action with effect from 19 September to compel the relevant authorities to expedite the signing of the Conditions of Service.
“Despite repeated engagements and persistent follow-ups, the delay in finalising and signing the Conditions of Service for these critical sectors remains unresolved. The prolonged inaction has severely impacted our members’ welfare and morale. We have outlived our patience and can no longer contain the growing pressure from our rank and file. The continued postponement is unacceptable and leaves us with no alternative but to escalate the matter,” they clarified in the statement.
Members of TEWU who intend to partake in this strike include “…Technical and Public Universities, Ghana Library Authority, and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB)”.
Anticipated impact of TEWU’s imminent strike action
The industrial action by the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) significantly disrupted academic operations across Ghanaian universities. Administrative and logistical functions such as registration, examination preparation, timetable coordination, and facility maintenance were delayed, pushing academic calendars off course.
A case in point is the rescheduling of examinations and practical lab sessions. The College of Basic and Applied Sciences had to postpone its lab sessions due to the absence of lab assistants. Administrative offices, including those handling student registration and exam coordination, were all involved in the strike, disrupting academic schedules among others. TEWU’s absence at their post was heavily felt, forcing the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to send a public appeal to the government to intervene and resolve the crisis.
In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on September 27, 2024, UTAG National President Dr Mamudu Akudugu stated: “I would appeal to the government to at least find ways of resolving whatever the issues are so that our colleagues can be assured and then come back to continue their work.”
Meanwhile, about two months ago, the Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) embarked on an indefinite strike, effective Thursday, July 3, following the expiry of a seven-day ultimatum issued to “relevant authorities” on June 24.
The group’s strike was in protest of what they describe as the “egregious and unjustifiable” recognition of a smaller union, TEWU-TUC, to officially represent workers on the Governing Councils of public universities, a decision that disregards TEWU-GH’s majority membership and legitimate claim to representation.
In a statement dated July 3, 2025, and signed by the National Chairman, Suleman Abdul-Rahman, TEWU-GH, the disgruntled union, expressed its discontent and dissatisfaction with the authorities’ failure to provide any satisfactory explanation or resolution after multiple concerns were expressed over TEWU-TUC’s representation.
The union cited that concerned authorities “blatantly disregarding democratic principles and the rights of the majority union” have forced them to take “drastic and immediate action” to uphold fairness, transparency, and democracy in tertiary education governance.
Consequently, TEWU-GH demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of TEWU-TUC’s appointment as workers’ representative on university governing councils.
The union also wanted the Ministers for Labour and Education to instruct the Chief Labour Officer to conduct a verification exercise, in line with Labour Regulations 2007 (L.I. 1833), to determine which union holds the majority membership among non-teaching staff in public universities. It further called for the establishment of a clear, credible, and democratic process for determining union representation on university governing councils. They argue this is essential to ensure that the voice of the majority is respected and reflected in governance structures.
TEWU-GH also called for the establishment of “a transparent, democratic, and verifiable process” to determine union representation across tertiary institutions, ensuring that governance structures reflect the voice of the majority.
Reaffirming its resolve, the union stated, “We remain committed to peaceful engagement with authorities but will not compromise on our demands or retreat in the face of adversity.”
TEWU-GH appealed to fellow labour unions, stakeholders, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to stand in solidarity, emphasising that “only through collective support can the rights and interests of tertiary education workers be protected, safeguarding industrial harmony across the Traditional Public Universities.”
Democracy in Africa is currently under strain, given the recent military coups recorded so far in the last three years. From 2022 to date, five coups have taken place in West Africa and two others in the North and Central.
This has sparked concerns among stakeholders, including Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, who has expressed fears about the sustainability of democracy both in the region and globally.
Joining other stakeholders in discussions at the recent Democracy Dialogue 2025 held at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “Why democracies die”, President Mahama, in his keynote speech, warned African leaders of the need to address the challenges faced by their citizens or risk losing their democracies to military rulers and other anti-democracy forces.
In reference to the recent topplings, particularly in the Sahel, mostly referred to as the “Coup Belt”, President Mahama recommended the need to strengthen African institutions, including the judiciary, parliaments, and electoral bodies, adding the need to deliver development by providing proper roads, educational and healthcare facilities, as well as providing jobs for the youth.
He said, “The first is that we must strengthen institutions; independent courts, parliaments, and our electoral bodies. The second is that we must deliver development, because democracy without development, democracy without roads, schools, hospitals, and jobs, will always be at risk. Third, we must educate our citizens.
“As Thomas Sankara said, a soldier without political education or ideological training is a potential criminal. The same is true of leadership without ethical grounding.
Fourth, we must protect media and civic space. A free press is democracy’s immune system. Finally, we must build regional solidarity, because the fall of democracy in one nation weakens democracy in all others”.
He added, “Like Amadou Toumani Touré said: whatever system of government you have, autocracy, democracy, theocracy, if it does not deliver opportunities and prosperity to the people, it will not survive
President Mahama highlighted the growing taste for military rule over democracy, particularly among the youth, which he said was a major cause for concern, given the population of youth in Africa.
He referred to the loud applause and cheers received by leaders of the military junta during his inauguration in January this year, citing a survey conducted by Afrobarometer and released in July last year, which suggested that more of the youth prefer a military regime over democracy.
President Mahama noted, “For those who attended my inauguration: if you were not on Black Star Square but were locked in a room and only heard the announcements of presidents coming up to greet me, you would have noticed that the loudest applause was for the countries that have overthrown democracy and are under military dictatorship. That should give us pause for thought. That should make us ask ourselves why democracy is dying.
That’s why today’s topic is relevant: What are the things we need to do to sustain democracy? Democracy will not survive by itself if we don’t work for it. Surveys such as Afrobarometer show that many young people now say they would prefer to live under a military government. That should give us pause for thought.
After outlining the challenges confronting Africa’s democracy, President Mahama called for more forums like the ‘Democracy Dialogue’ to identify, discuss, and solve them to make democracy attractive to the youth.
He said citizens have grown weary of corruption, tired of misgovernance, and tired of the lack of opportunity, hence the need for accountability among leaders.
“That is why I said we need a reset of our democracy, our economy, and our governance. We need to make governance accountable. Anybody who wants to serve in public office must be prepared to account to the people. ….Those of us who believe in democracy must continue to use dialogues like this to see what is wrong with our implementation of democracy so that we can make a reset that makes the youth continue to have faith in democratic governance and not romanticise unconstitutional government,” he stressed.
President Mahama also mentioned that it is for all the stated reasons why he has called for a reset. The Mahama-led administration assumed office with what he describes as a “reset agenda,” an economic recovery and social transformation move to help stabilise and ensure economic growth.
Before he assumed power, one of the major highlights in his campaign message was to reset the country, and after just nine months in power. Many have lauded his efforts so far, despite challenges such as galamsey and other poor road networks marring his measures.
In the educational sector, he announced free tuition for freshers entering university and other public tertiary institutions by allocating GH¢452.9 million via the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
In the transport sector, the Mahama-led administration has paid GH¢809 million to the contractor working on the Pokuase–Nsawam Road (Greater Accra to Eastern Corridor) for four interchanges planned for Amasaman, Pobiman, Medie, and Nsawam Junction.
Also, the government, on September 16, cut sod for the construction of the Afienya road, promising a one-year completion.
During the event, Roads Minister, Kwame Governs Agbodz, affirmed that “This is not a campaign promise—it’s a bold intervention. The contractor on this stretch can deliver in less than 24 months.”
In the health sector, the government has invested GH¢2 Billion in Medical Equipment & Training between 2025 and 2028, as announced by the Ministry of Finance in April.
Also, the Ga North Municipal Hospital (Accra) received $1.5 million worth of equipment in September 2025. The equipment includes anaesthesia machines, incubators, ECGs, sterilisers, delivery sets, and more.
Gold Board (GoldBod) Ghana has announced the suspension of the licence of a Tier 2 licensed gold buying company in Tarkwa over breach of several gold laws.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 16, the governing body overseeing all gold trading and export activities in Ghana informed the public that the company’s license has been suspended and all its shops closed.
“The Ghana Gold Board (“GoldBod”) wishes to inform the general public that it has suspended the license and closed all trading shops of NK Benak Enterprise, a licensed gold buyer (Tier 2), with immediate effect,” the statement stated.
The suspension comes on the heels of the company’s breach of several gold trading laws, leading to the arrest of its CEO, who is currently facing prosecution.
“This action has been taken on grounds of NK Benak Enterprise’s complicity in several gold-related offences, which have led to the arrest of the sole proprietor, Bernard Nkrumah, and his prosecution before the High Court,” GoldBod added.
Consequently, Bernak has lost the right to trade with all other licensed gold trading companies. GoldBod emphasised in the statement, highlighting the commitment to ensuring the appropriate enforcement of all gold trading laws to ensure transparency.
“Notice is hereby given to all licensed traders, miners, and the general public to desist from trading and/or engaging in any form of gold transaction with NK Benak Enterprise forthwith. GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” it added.
This is not the first gold trading company that has been suspended by GoldBod over breach of trading laws. In late August, GoldBod announced it had suspended the license of Evanex Gold Enterprise, a licensed gold buyer (Tier 2), with immediate effect. They took this action following an adverse investigative finding of illegal gold pricing made against the company, contrary to the terms and conditions of the license of the company.
The GoldBod has thereby cautioned licensed traders, miners, and the general public against trading or engaging in any form of gold transaction with Evanex Gold Enterprise forthwith.
“GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” a statement issued by GoldBod read.
Miners operating under a valid mining license have been offered a special temporary bonus scheme from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) in efforts to support the industry as well as combat gold smuggling. The licensed miners will enjoy an additional GH¢832 per pound of gold sold through the Ghana Gold Board.
“This novelty is in response to legitimate complaints from licensed miners about the significant reduction in the local price of gold in the last few months due to the continuous appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
“The special bonus will ensure that licensed miners who have contributed immensely to the country’s increased gold output and foreign exchange earnings do not indirectly suffer as a result of the significant appreciation of the Ghana cedi that they have helped the country achieve,” it added. This information was contained in a statement issued by the GoldBod on Wednesday, August 27.
On July 7, a task force was inaugurated with a special mandate with specific powers as police officers to wage war against smuggling and all forms of illegal gold trading activities in the country.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, this will save the government from any leakages in revenue mobilisation in the sector, helping to generate and invest revenue for economic development.
“(This will) help the state combat and defeat the phenomenon of gold smuggling, the canker of illegal gold trading, and price disruptions that deprive the state of the needed revenue, profit, and the needed forex for our economy and the development of our country.
He thus cautioned traders to secure the appropriate licence to engage in any form of gold trading in the country, saying, “But for those who are hell bent on trading illegally without the licenses, we are serving notice that we are coming after you,” he announced.
Earlier, the GoldBod CEO on June 5 also warned that persons who trade without licenses would be prosecuted, adding that his outfit takes no bribes before the said licenses are issued. During a meeting with the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers, Mr Gyamfi stated that “I don’t take or demand bribes before I issue a licence.”
The acting CEO noted that the process for registering has been made seamless and is devoid of corruption. “We have removed the human interface element, and so there is no corruption, bribery, inducements, or favouritism. It is a very transparent and competitive process, and once you qualify, you get the license,” he added.
Lauding his outfit’s results-oriented reforms and initiatives since his takeover as CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, during a media engagement, revealed that GoldBod has exceeded the $5 billion mark in gold export value for the first half of 2025, surpassing the $4.6 billion recorded for the entire year of 2024.
He expressed optimism that GoldBod would hit the 60-tonne export mark by the end of July 2025, driven by stronger compliance, improved oversight, and the streamlined licensing regime under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
“In the whole of 2024, gold exports stood at 66 tons with an export value of $4.6 billion. We have done only six months, and yet we have crossed the $4.6 billion. We have gone beyond $5 billion, and in terms of volumes, we have done 50 tons and over, and we are optimistic that by the end of next month, we will have hit 60 tons,” he said.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is the sole authority with exclusive right to buy, sell, weigh, grade, assay, value, and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana. The Ghana Gold Board functions under the oversight and supervision of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Ghana.
History of GoldBod
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament (ACT 1140) in the year 2025 to oversee, regulate and undertake the buying, selling, assaying, refining, exporting and other related activities in respect of Gold and other Precious Minerals in Ghana.
The GoldBod per section 78 of ACT 1140, took over the rights, obligations, assets, liabilities and workforce of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited, which is an offshoot of the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board.
In 1963, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was established and charged with the responsibility of purchasing and marketing Ghana’s diamonds.
In 1965, by a Legislative Instrument (LI) 401, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was incorporated as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).
Upon the promulgation of the diamonds decree (NRCD 32) in 1972, LI 916 was enacted to change the company’s name to Diamond Marketing Corporation.
In 1989, PNDC Law 219 was enacted to yet again change the Company’s name to the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation with enhanced functions to grade, assay, value gold, diamonds and other precious minerals of the country.
In the year 2000, the Corporation was converted by the Statutory Corporations Conversion to Companies Act (ACT 461) to a Limited Liability Company to operate under the Ghana Companies Code Act (ACT 179) 1963, as Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited with the same functions.
In the year 2016, the PMMC was appointed the national assayer by the government of Ghana.
To strengthen industry regulation and optimise national benefits, the Ghana GoldBod was established on 2 April 2025 by the government of Ghana to restructure and streamline the precious mineral trading sector of Ghana.
The GoldBod initiative is a product of extensive stakeholder consultations and aims at maximising foreign exchange inflows, gold reserve accumulation and value addition for sustainable growth and transformation.
