TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Scholarship students: Govt negotiating with schools worldwide over student tuition debt

    Scholarship students: Govt negotiating with schools worldwide over student tuition debt

    Ghanaian students on the Ghana government scholarship are currently in distress following the various threats of eviction, revocation of visas, and potential deportation over unpaid tuition and other fees.

    Barely ten days ago, it emerged that Ghanaian students in Memphis face a housing eviction deadline of August 9, 2025, if they fail to pay a $3.6 million scholarship debt owed by Ghana’s Scholarship Secretariat.

    The eviction threat was formally communicated to students in a circular dated July 14, 2025.

    President of Memphis, Dr. Bill Hardgrave, during an interview on Action News 5’s Better on Wednesday, July 16, publicly validated the situation and the current condition of Ghanaian students facing eviction due to unpaid scholarship funds.

    “The students are sponsored by the government of (sic) Ghana, which has not paid the students’ tuition for some time. I think there was a regime change in Ghana, and that affected the budget, but we’re hopeful that gets corrected because we’d love to keep those students on campus,” he confirmed.

    In reaction to this, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 23, revealed that the debt owed in terms of scholarship is owed to several schools across the world and not just one or two.

    He said that an audit is underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding the scholarship debt crisis; however, the acting Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei, has been on trips in the past few months to countries where students face threats of eviction, among other repercussions of the government’s failure to settle their fees.

    This, he revealed, is to negotiate and to help mitigate the pressure coming from these authorities on the affected students.

    “There is a debt of fees that we have across the world. And so my registrar now has to go around the world and negotiate with schools, and that is what we’ve been undertaking in the last four, five months. I keep sending him—go here, go there—because you keep getting threats all over the world: ‘We are going to sack your students.’”

    The former government left a startling GHC 700 million in unpaid scholarship debt, according to the Minister. He described the current situation as a “bad, bad, bad mess” that threatens the future of Ghanaian students abroad and the country’s international reputation.

    “The current bill that I have is over ¢700 million in debt that we have to find money to pay,” he said.

    Given the current state of our economy and the ballooning debt crisis, the Minister was asked whether the government had enough to pay—or was even willing to pay—the GH¢700 million.

    In an empathetic response, he said, “It involves Ghanaian students; it involves lives. It involves our citizens. And so we must find the money to pay.”

    While admitting that Ghana currently doesn’t have this money in cash, he said negotiations are ongoing. He also commended the Chief of Staff for his input while they negotiated the terms of the debt.

    “The Chief of Staff has been very helpful. With the Finance Minister and the Chief of Staff, we are working closely to offset the debt… So yes, we will pay, but we have to negotiate.”

    Some schools, Mr. Opare said, have shown a positive response, understanding that the debt was inherited from the erstwhile government.

    “They know that we are a new government that has come in. We inherited these problems, and so we are aligning and fixing them gradually.”

    He also responded to reports of students receiving threats of eviction from their schools.

    “You can’t blame this government for the mess we inherited. And most of these things have been outstanding for a year or two,” he continued.

    Mr. Opare revealed that a meeting had been held with a group of students in London, and sadly, some of the affected students have decided to forfeit their stipends in exchange for a further stay abroad to continue their education or seek a job.

    They had the option of choosing between being paid their stipends and returning to Ghana or letting it go to stay.

    “If I pay your fees, you must come back and help. So, do you want to stay? If you are going to stay there, I’m not going to pay your stipend, because you have already finished school. And so, a lot of them said, ‘Okay, let the stipends go.’”

    “A lot of the students have opted out. We held a meeting with some of them in London and gave them some options.”

    Although he declined to disclose the options discussed, he revealed a major issue lies with stipends owed to students who have already graduated.

    “Somebody might have finished school for two years, and the government still owes him or her stipends, but per the law, once you finish, you must come back home. And a lot of them want to remain there.”

    He emphasised that a continued stay abroad after graduation without returning violates the terms of the scholarship.

    Ghanaian students studying abroad and on the government’s scholarship over the years have faced similar threats over unpaid debts.

    In late 2024, some Ghanaian students studying at the University of Birmingham, UK, were warned to face deportation following the revocation of their student visas.

    This was a result of their failure to settle their tuition fees. News of their impending deportation came in a statement from the UK Visas and Immigration.

    According to the letter, which was sent to the affected students, they were given the option to leave voluntarily or face legal consequences, including possible detention and prosecution.

    “You still have permission until 09 November 2024, and the current conditions of your stay will continue to apply until then. Please ensure that you comply with these conditions.

    You now have until 09 November 2024 to either leave the United Kingdom (UK) or make another application to stay here. You do not have a right of appeal or administrative review against the decision to cancel your permission.

    If you leave or are already outside the Common Travel Area (the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland) before 9 November 2024, your permission will end immediately, and you will have to make a new application to re-enter the UK.”

    Even in schools in Russia and Algeria, Ghanaian students wallow in debt due to unpaid fees by the government of Ghana. They have lived in a foreign land for nearly a year without stipends, and book and health allowances have not been paid for two academic years.

  • NPP govt left a staggering GHC 700m in unpaid scholarship funds – Youth Minister

    NPP govt left a staggering GHC 700m in unpaid scholarship funds – Youth Minister

    The former government left a startling GHC 700 million in unpaid scholarship debt, according to the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo.

    His comments follow reports that Ghanaian students in Memphis face a housing eviction deadline of August 9, 2025, if they fail to pay a $3.6 million scholarship debt owed by Ghana’s Scholarship Secretariat.

    The eviction threat was formally communicated to students in a circular dated July 14, 2025.

    Speaking during an appearance on PM Express on JoyNews, the Minister noted that the current situation is a “bad, bad, bad mess” that threatens the future of Ghanaian students abroad and the country’s international reputation.

    “The current bill that I have is over ¢700 million in debt that we have to find money to pay,” he said.

    According to him, the debt is not just to a school or a few, but to many across the world. Consequently, for the past few months, his outfit has been visiting the schools to negotiate on behalf of the students.

    “There is a debt of fees that we have across the world. And so my registrar now has to go around the world and negotiate with schools, and that is what we’ve been undertaking in the last four, five months.”

    The pressure to settle the arrears is relentless. Threats keep coming to the office of the acting Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei. Students face serious eviction and withdrawal threats.

    “You keep getting threats all over the world: ‘We are going to sack your students.’ So almost every time he’s out there, pleading, renegotiating how much we can afford and how much we can pay,” the Minister explained.

    Given the current state of our economy and the ballooning debt crisis, the Minister was asked whether the government had enough to pay—or was even willing to pay—the GH¢700 million.

    In an empathetic response, he said, “It involves Ghanaian students; it involves lives. It involves our citizens. And so we must find the money to pay.”

    While admitting that Ghana currently doesn’t have this money in cash, he said negotiations are ongoing. He also commended the Chief of Staff for his input while they negotiated the terms of the debt.

    “The Chief of Staff has been very helpful. With the Finance Minister and the Chief of Staff, we are working closely to offset the debt… So yes, we will pay, but we have to negotiate.”

    Some schools, Mr. Opare said, have shown a positive response, understanding that the debt was inherited from the erstwhile government.

    “They know that we are a new government that has come in. We inherited these problems, and so we are aligning and fixing them gradually”, he said.

    He also responded to reports of students receiving threats of eviction from their schools. “You can’t blame this government for the mess we inherited. And most of these things have been outstanding for a year or two.”

    The Ministry, Mr. Opare said, has also begun an audit to get a full picture of the obligations. While the audit is underway, Mr. Opare revealed that a meeting had been held with a group of students in London, and sadly, some of the affected students have decided to forfeit their stipends in exchange for a further stay abroad to further their education or seek a job.

    They had the option of choosing between being paid their stipends and returning to Ghana or letting it go to stay.

    “If I pay your fees, you must come back and help. So, do you want to stay? If you are going to stay there, I’m not going to pay your stipend, because you have already finished school. And so, a lot of them said, ‘Okay, let us [the] stipends go.’”

    “A lot of the students have opted out. We held a meeting with some of them in London and gave them some options.”

    Although he declined to disclose the options discussed, he revealed a major issue lies with stipends owed to students who have already graduated.

    “Somebody might have finished school for two years, and the government still owes him or her stipends, but per the law, once you finish, you must come back home. And a lot of them want to remain there.”

    He emphasised that a continued stay abroad after graduation without returning violates the terms of the scholarship.

    The ongoing audit is expected to reconcile discrepancies in the data.

    “Once the audit team finishes all its work, we’ll have a clearer picture. But as of now, the bill we have seated on our tables is more than over ¢700 million.”

    Ghanaian students studying abroad and on the government’s scholarship over the years have faced similar threats over unpaid debts.

    In late 2024, some Ghanaian students studying at the University of Birmingham, UK, were warned to face deportation following the revocation of their student visas.

    This was a result of their failure to settle their tuition fees. News of their impending deportation came in a statement from the UK Visas and Immigration.

    According to the letter, which was sent to the affected students, they were given the option to leave voluntarily or face legal consequences, including possible detention and prosecution.

    “You still have permission until 09 November 2024, and the current conditions of your stay will continue to apply until then. Please ensure that you comply with these conditions.

    You now have until 09 November 2024 to either leave the United Kingdom (UK) or make another application to stay here. You do not have a right of appeal or administrative review against the decision to cancel your permission.

    If you leave or are already outside the Common Travel Area (the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland) before 9 November 2024, your permission will end immediately, and you will have to make a new application to re-enter the UK.”

    Even in schools in Russia and Algeria, Ghanaian students wallow in debt due to unpaid fees by the government of Ghana. They have lived in a foreign land for nearly a year without stipends, and book and health allowances have not been paid for two academic years

  • Afenyo-Markin replaced by his deputy as ECOWAS Parliament member to reflect bloc’s gender quotas

    Afenyo-Markin replaced by his deputy as ECOWAS Parliament member to reflect bloc’s gender quotas

    Parliament has voted out Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin from Ghana’s delegation to the  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

    The Minority Caucus initially nominated Afenyo-Markin to represent them in the ECOWAS Parliament when they submitted their proposed delegation list for parliamentary approval ahead of the plenary session yesterday, Tuesday, July 22.

    During a debate on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, proposed that Afenyo-Markin be replaced by his deputy, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asokwa Constituency, Patricia Appiagyei. This, he proposed based on the regional, political and economic union founded on May 28, 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos’ gender quota ECOWAS gender quotas.

    He said, “This decision aligns with long-standing parliamentary practice, which assigns ECOWAS parliamentary roles to Deputy Leaders of the House. It is not unusual, and it is certainly not a slight to any member.”

    ECOWAS Gender Quotas aim to promote inclusive representation of women in governance and decision-making across West Africa. While not yet codified in a binding treaty, the ECOWAS Parliament and its Gender Development Centre (EGDC) have adopted a 30% minimum quota for female representation in national delegations to ECOWAS institutions, parliamentary committees and leadership roles, as well as Cabinet positions and public service appointments.

    Afenyo-Markin’s replacement was met with fierce objection from the former Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul. He contended that, though the decision is for Parliament to make, it is just a way for the Majority Caucus to force their decision on them, as it holds the numbers in the House.

    “I know it is the decision of the House to do it, but it is not for Parliament, because the Majority has the majority, to force the decision of the Majority on the Minority about representation,” he said.

    Afenyo-Markin is currently the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. However, his position is quite uncommon for the leaders of the respective caucuses (Minority, Majority) to be part of the country’s official delegation sent to the ECOWAS Parliament or the Pan-African Parliament.

    They are rather led by the Deputy Majority and Deputy Minority Leaders. The new delegation is being constituted as part of preparations to travel to Abuja, Nigeria, to participate in preparatory meetings and committee engagements ahead of the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, expected later in October or November 2025.

    Meanwhile, Ghanaian legislator and humanitarian, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has also been appointed to represent Ghana at the Pan African Parliament (PAP) by Parliament, marking a milestone in her life.

    The Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle adds to Ghana’s official delegation to the PAP, the legislative arm of the African Union (AU). The Pan African Parliament brings together representatives from all AU member states to advance democratic governance, unity, and cooperation across the continent. By design, each delegation must include at least one woman, ensuring gender balance in Africa’s premier parliamentary body.

    Alongside Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings are MP for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor; MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor; MP for Asutifi South, Alhaji Collins Dauda; Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; and MP for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Boamah.

    About ECOWAS

    ECOWAS is a regional political and economic union set up on May 28, 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos. The purpose of the regional bloc was to promote economic integration, peace, and development among West African countries. Currently, the bloc has 12 active member states, including Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Guinea. Although Guinea remains suspended due to a military coup in 2021, it has not formally withdrawn from the bloc.

    However, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in January 2025 withdrew from the bloc. The three military-led countries released a joint statement accusing ECOWAS of betraying its founding principles and becoming a threat to member states and their populations.

    Citing what they described as the imposition of “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions” following their respective coups. These sanctions included economic restrictions and diplomatic isolation, which the junta argued worsened insecurity and economic hardship in their countries.

    Also, the trio called ECOWAS ‘puppets’ of foreign powers, particularly Western nations, calling them out for their failure to support their efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability.

    One of the military coups that appears to be seemingly supported by the natives and other Africans includes the one that was led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. He became the interim president of Burkina Faso after staging a military coup on September 30, 2022, with the help of junior officers and elements of the elite “Cobra” special forces, many of whom were aggrieved and upset by poor equipment, unpaid salaries, and deteriorating conditions.

    Traoré’s overthrow made him the youngest head of state in the world at the time. He overthrew Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, another military leader who seized power 8 months before Traore overthrew him by the same means he did.

    He seized power in January 2022. Traoré attributed his takeover to Damiba’s failure to curb jihadist violence and restore security across the country. Since taking office, he has made significant changes in the administration that have attracted admiration from all over the world.

    He nationalised gold mines and created a state-owned mining company, SOPAMIB, which now controls several formerly foreign-owned assets. He approved the construction of Burkina Faso’s first gold refinery, capable of processing 400 kg of gold daily, creating thousands of jobs.

    He also cut the salaries of ministers by 30% and effected a 50% wage increase for civil servants.

    Despite this, he has rejected loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. His administration launched low-cost housing, agricultural modernization, and road infrastructure projects, including a new airport.

    He expelled French troops and media, pivoting Burkina Faso’s foreign policy toward Russia, Turkey, and fellow Sahelian juntas in Mali and Niger, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

    These significant achievements have caused Ghanaian actor and comedian Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly referred to as Lil Win, to produce a movie in honour of the Burkina leader, titled Captain Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero. The movie is set to premiere on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the SG Mall in Kumasi.

  • Ghana recorded 50% fall in volume of cocoa exports, 37.5% increase in value in 2024 – Auditor General report

    Ghana recorded 50% fall in volume of cocoa exports, 37.5% increase in value in 2024 – Auditor General report

    Ghana earned more from cocoa exports in 2024, despite a sharp decline in the volume of beans shipped, according to the Auditor General’s latest report on the Bank of Ghana’s foreign exchange performance for the year ending December 31, 2024.

    Comparatively, Ghana exported less cocoa in 2024 than it did in 2023, about half as many raw cocoa beans and fewer processed cocoa products like butter, paste, and powder.

    However, despite the decline in exports, Ghana still made more money from cocoa exports, about 37.5% more in 2024 than the previous year. The increase in earnings despite the decline in the export of beans last year has been attributed to the increase in prices of cocoa on the global level, and the fair sales of processed cocoa products still sold fairly well.

    A major concern stated in the report was the decline in inflows from syndicated cocoa loans. The report noted that in 2024, Ghana’s inflows from syndicated cocoa loans dropped dramatically, from US$681 million in 2023 to just US$50 million. This represents a staggering decline of over 92 percent, and the US$50 million received was not even part of the usual pre-export financing package. Instead, it came from non-collateralised loan proceeds used to pay interest on Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) existing debt.

    The sharp drop in loan money shows that it is now harder to get funding and that COCOBOD chose to buy cocoa with its own money for the 2024/2025 season. This is a big change, because for the past 32 years, COCOBOD has always used syndicated loans to pay for cocoa purchases.

    The report also explained that the US$50 million wasn’t from the usual loan arrangement that Ghana uses to support cocoa exports. Instead, it came from a different type of loan that wasn’t backed by collateral, and it was mainly used to pay interest on COCOBOD’s debt.

    The Bank of Ghana anticipated about US$1 billion earnings from cocoa in 2024, but actually earned US$1.73 billion, which is over US$734 million more than expected. This marks a 73% increase in cocoa earnings over its 2024 forecast. Cocoa contributed 14.47 percent of Ghana’s total foreign exchange earnings of US$11.99 billion in 2024. The decline in production volumes despite the rise in earnings raises questions about long-term sustainability. 

    As good as the increase in earnings appears, it is temporary, as concerns have been raised about an unexpected decline in cocoa prices on the global level, which is expected to potentially affect how the sector would perform if prices drop and output levels remain low. The fall in syndicated loan inflows also points to tighter financing conditions for Ghana’s cocoa industry. Without strong investment in production and support for farmers, stakeholders worry the gains made in 2024 may not last.

    Cocoa contributes significantly to Ghana’s GDP, export earnings, and employment. In some years, it has accounted for over 25% of merchandise export revenue and 4.5% of total GDP. The sector directly supports over 800,000 farm families, and indirectly sustains millions more through transport, processing, and trade. It also plays a key role in rural development, with COCOBOD investing in schools, clinics, and infrastructure in cocoa-growing areas.

    In May this year, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the inauguration of an eleven-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), announced the government’s plans to introduce plantation farms by acquiring about 200,000 hectares of cocoa land.

    This, he said, is aimed at restoring cocoa production levels to 1 million metric tonnes. Per reports, the country’s cocoa production has declined to a little above 500,000 tonnes in 2024.

    “Cocoa has always been the mainstay of our economy, and that must not change. Unfortunately, massive mismanagement in recent years has led to a worrying downturn in both production and financial stability. It is time to act decisively,” the minister said.

    Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson tasked the board to decisively address the issue of diseased cocoa farms, especially in the Western Region, which continues to hamper productivity. Also, as part of measures to promote the country’s cocoa sector, the Ghana Cocoa Board, in July, in collaboration with the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and other stakeholders, launched the Ghana Cocoa Monitor.

    The monitor will check duplication of sustainability programmes, ensure transparency, and build trust among the government, civil society, the private sector, and farmers. It will also support efforts at tackling challenges such as child labour, deforestation, and climate change in the cocoa sector. This platform will promote a more collaborative approach to tackling challenges facing the cocoa sector and provide real-time insights for informed decision-making on cocoa sustainability.

    Recently, Barry Callebaut Chief Executive Officer Mr. Peter Feld reaffirmed his company’s longstanding collaboration with COCOBOD and emphasised the importance of strengthening ties in a bid to sustain the cocoa industry.

    He also highlighted key concerns, including price stability, continuous business development, and the crucial need for consistent cocoa and chocolate exports to support the global supply chain. He called for renewed support for smallholder farmers, whom he described as “the backbone of the industry”, and advocated for deeper partnerships that will empower farmers and sustain cocoa production in the face of rising threats.

    Mr. Feld further raised concerns over the growing menace of illegal mining, which continues to encroach on cocoa farmlands and urged both institutions to critically address the issue, warning that it poses a significant risk to the future of cocoa cultivation and livelihoods

    “There must be a strong partnership between Barry Callebaut and COCOBOD to ensure the sustainability of the industry. The need to protect cocoa farms from destructive mining activities cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

    In response, COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, Dr. Randy Abbey, assured the Barry Callebaut delegation of the board’s unwavering commitment to partnership and transparency. “There is nothing to be sceptical about. Our interest is the same, the sustainability of the cocoa industry,” he said.

    On July 6, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) revealed that in June and July, its anti-cocoa smuggling task force made significant strides in cracking down on the activities of syndicates involved in cocoa smuggling. The two months saw the seizure of some 216 bags of cocoa beans that were being smuggled across the border to Togo.

    This was possible due to four separate operations at Zebila and Bolga in the Upper East Region. The most recent activity led by the task force was on Saturday, July 5. The task force intercepted 15 bags of cocoa beans at Maame Wata in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, also bound for Togo.

  • Gov’t has no plans to turn National Cathedral into Cultural Centre – Govt Communications Minister

    Gov’t has no plans to turn National Cathedral into Cultural Centre – Govt Communications Minister

    Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has rebuffed the widespread report of the government’s intention to repurpose the stalled National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre.

    His response comes to deny claims that surfaced on Friday, July 18. These claims stemmed from speculation and an unsolicited proposal submitted to the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat by a continental organisation. During an interview on Citi FM yesterday, Tuesday, July 22, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu rendered such claims as “inaccurate and misleading.”

    “Contrary to claims that emerged last week, the government has not decided to turn the site into a cultural convention centre; nothing of the sort has happened,” he clarified. He explained that the whole speculation is coming from a proposal that was submitted by a continental organisation requesting to build its headquarters on the site, as it is currently renting a space in Accra for its operations.

    According to the proposal, the organisation intends to build a cultural and convention centre for Ghana. “A continental organisation that currently rents space in Accra submitted an unsolicited proposal to establish its headquarters on the site. The proposal includes plans to build a cultural and convention centre for Ghana,” he said.

    However, he went on to explain that this proposal has not been accepted by the government, as it has not yet been deliberated on. “It is merely an unsolicited proposal. The government has not accepted it or even considered it,” he added. He went on to reaffirm the government’s stance on the project, saying that the president has no intention of spending a penny on it.

    “I can state with authority that as long as President Mahama remains the head of this country, he is unprepared to see even a pesewa of taxpayers’ money put into this National Cathedral project, ” Kwakye Ofosu emphasised. He noted that the future of the site would only be determined after a full forensic audit.

    “What happens to the site will be decided once we have all the facts. But I can assure Ghanaians no public funds will go into the cathedral,” he said.

    About the National Cathedral project 

    The National Cathedral project, which was originally supposed to be former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s project, as he explicitly stated during the sod-cutting ceremony of the project in 2017 that it was a personal project he promised God if he helped him win the 2016 elections.

    Following the sod-cutting ceremony, the design of the project was assigned to a popular Ghanaian-British architect celebrated for his culturally resonant and socially conscious designs, Sir David Adjaye.

    He unveiled the design a year later in March 2018, and construction commenced shortly afterwards. The cathedral was envisioned as an interdenominational Christian space, featuring a 5,000-seat auditorium, chapels, a Bible museum, and cultural elements inspired by Ghanaian heritage.

    Despite the project being presented by the former President as a personal vow, initially believed to be funded by donations and other private funds, it ended up being largely funded by taxpayers’ money.

    According to the Deloitte audit report, as of December 2023, the government had spent $97 million (GH¢339 million) on the project. This included payments made before contracts were signed, expenses without proper documentation, procurement violations and questionable reimbursements.

    The audit revealed that government seed money dried up, and fundraising efforts failed to generate significant private support.

    The spotlight on alleged embezzlement and financial mismanagement in Ghana’s National Cathedral project was first brought to public attention by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu. As a vocal opposition figure, he consistently raised red flags about questionable expenditures, procurement breaches, and governance lapses tied to the project.

    The embezzlement and financial mismanagement in Ghana’s National Cathedral project were first brought to public attention by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu and current Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He consistently raised red flags about questionable expenditures, procurement breaches, and governance lapses tied to the project.

    Following the discovery of the heavily disembezzled funds, the National Cathedral Secretariat was dissolved by the government.

    The dissolution marks a major shift in the government’s stance on the controversial project, which faced widespread criticism over allegations of financial mismanagement, stalled construction, and questions over its funding transparency.

    Speaking on Channel One, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, confirmed that the government would no longer provide funding for the abandoned project.

    He emphasised that the decision reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s consistent position that taxpayer money should not be used to finance the National Cathedral.

    “There are outstanding issues regarding the procurement processes, and outstanding payments that the contractor is demanding, but nobody will answer because there is no National Cathedral,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

    The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has urged the Auditor-General to launch a forensic audit into the controversial National Cathedral project.

    Meanwhile, the National Cathedral Secretariat has responded to Deloitte Touche’s report, revealing that the misappropriation of funds occurred within its operations.

    According to an internal memo to staff dated July 21, Executive Director of the Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, branded the report as false and incomplete.“While the government press conference made reference to audit findings, what was presented was not the actual audit report but rather audit queries that had been responded to in detail.

    “This audit report does not exonerate anyone. However, it confirms that there has been no misuse of state funds. All payments made were supported by contracts and guided by legal and financial protocols,” the memo noted.

    Deloitte Touche was tasked by President John Dramani Mahama earlier this year to conduct an independent audit on the National Cathedral project.

    The report, which covered activities from December 2021 and December 2023, accused the Secretariat of procurement breaches, unsupported expenditures, and governance lapses.

    During a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Felix Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that the Secretariat spent 18,500 Ghana cedis on the expenses of one Kharis Psalmist; however, it failed to document the full cost rendered in its records.

    “A key example involves academic payment for Mr Kharis Psalmist, who was lodged at the Movenpick Hotel from 16th to 28th February 2022 at 18,500 Ghana cedis.

  • GNASSM urges Lands Minister to reconsider 2-week ultimatum for license revocation

    GNASSM urges Lands Minister to reconsider 2-week ultimatum for license revocation

    The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to reconsider the two-week ultimatum issued regarding their licenses.

    The order concerning the revocation of licences came after the Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, announced at a press conference in Accra on Monday, July 21, that, following an audit report, small-scale operators have until August 4 this year to address irregularities in their licences or face permanent revocation.

    “Operators must regularise their status by August 4, 2025, or face permanent licence cancellation. We will not tolerate breaches of mining regulations.”

    The report released by the ministerial committee suggested that following the audit of 1,278 small-scale mining licences across Ghana, it was discovered that 962 licences had serious irregularities, including documentation gaps, procedural flaws, and data inconsistencies, hence the ultimatum issued.

    However, in reaction to this, GNASSM has expressed concern about how news of the ultimatum was broken to them and the limited timeline given by the Ministry.

    Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, General Secretary of the GNASSM, Godwin N. Armah, said the Association received the news in shock as members of the government’s committee on mining.

    He said that at no point were they engaged, only to hear the news for the first time in a press conference.  

    “We were shocked. It was just yesterday that we heard about it in the media. As members of the government’s committee on mining, at no point were we told to bring our licences or that there would be such an ultimatum,” he said.

    Mr. Armah said that even though there is a committee in charge of checking licences, small-scale miners thought that anyone with problems with their licence would be contacted personally after the committee finished its review.

    However, despite the challenges miners face with license processing, the Ministry has come forward to issue an ultimatum at the least expected time.

    He complained about the technical challenges that members of the association face when uploading the 

    licence data onto the Minerals Commission’s system.

    He believes that the many small-scale mining companies whose licenses may have been found to have irregularities are likely to be victims of the Minerals Commission’s system malfunctions.

    “The Minerals Card (M-card) system started in 2022. Many of the licences were uploaded, but there were serious challenges with the process. That is not the fault of the small-scale miners who went through the right procedures,” he explained.

     The Minerals Card (M-card) system is a digital identification and compliance tool introduced by Ghana’s Minerals Commission to streamline the licensing and monitoring of small-scale miners. It’s part of broader reforms aimed at curbing illegal mining and improving transparency in the sector.

    The M-card system was designed to validate licensed miners and prevent identity theft. It was also designed to track mining activities using GPS-enabled devices, monitor compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

    It also supports field monitoring via mobile apps like the RD Quantum App, allowing officers to upload real-time data from mining sites directly into the MCAS.

    In light of this, he stressed that these irregularities should not be used as the basis to revoke licences or prevent mining activities.

    “It takes a long time to upload the M-cards, and the system itself has its technical problems. That doesn’t mean the miners are operating illegally,” he added.

    Mr. Armah described the two-week ultimatum as unfair and called for proper engagement.

    “The licensing process is already very difficult. There are many people currently going through the process or seeking reviews of their licences. To now give everyone a blanket two-week deadline is simply not fair,” he noted.

    He called on the Ministry and the committee to open lines of communication and provide clear recommendations.

    “We are ready to engage with the Ministry to find a way forward. “

    Meanwhile, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, also speaking on the same show, pinned down thoughts or assertions that may suggest that the ultimatum is set to punish small-scale miners.

    According to her, they expect that the miners respond to the directive and act according however adding that the committee is likely to reconsider the timeline given if it becomes necessary.

    “The goal is not to punish anyone. If there is a need to extend the deadline, the committee will consider it. But for now, we expect compliance with the directive,” she stated.

    Meanwhile, the Lands Minister is taking stringent measures on licensing and mining, especially that of small-scale mining companies, given the devastation illegal mining activities called galamsey have caused the Ghanaian environment.

     In collaboration with security agencies like the police and anti-galamsey task force, as well as the military, several arrests have been made.

    Since the current administration assumed power, it has made at least 208 arrests in connection with illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, as of mid-July.

    The arrests were made at galamsey hotspots such as Samreboi, Wassa Dunkwa, Akrokerri, and Diaso, where illegal mining has severely damaged water bodies and forest reserves.

    From March to May, authorities arrested 208 suspects following a nationwide crackdown. They also seized 99 excavators.

    On April 18, a joint raid by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission targeting illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining near Samreboi in the Western North Region was conducted.

    The raid led to the arrest of 26 suspects, including 6 Chinese.

    Also in June 2025, the Ghana Police Service carried out an operation that led to the arrest of 49 individuals involved in illegal mining across the Western, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern Regions.

    The Western Central Regional Police Command made 19 arrests at Huniso, Wassa-Dadieso, and Wassa-Gyapa, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command made 9 arrests at Akrokerri, the Central North Regional Police Command made 10 arrests at Dunkwa-On-Offin and Diaso

    Eastern South Regional Police Command also made 11 arrests along the Awin River and at Akyem Akwadum.

    Despite the efforts made so far, many stakeholders still appear unsatisfied with the government’s interventions. UTAG recently warned the president to fulfil all promises to get rid of galamsey when he takes office.

    They warned that “If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments.”

    The government’s fight against illegal mining (also known as galamsey) is getting more challenging as illegal miners gear up to face off against anti-galamsey teams.

    A Forestry Commission Rapid Response team comprising eight members narrowly escaped death on Saturday, June 28, after they were ambushed by about 20 fully armed illegal miners still operating within the Jimira Forest Reserve in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

    Reports indicate that officials of the team received intel that some illegal miners have begun operations in the reserve again, particularly Compartment 34 of the Jimira Forest Reserve (Bentiko-Pakyi portion).

    Acting upon the news, they embarked on patrols only to be ambushed by some illegal miners who opened fire on them and blocked their entry into the forest with about three pickup trucks.

     “We had made attempts on two occasions to clamp down on illegal miners at the said portion of the reserve but were prevented by armed thugs.”

    “One of our officers who was seated at the front of one of our vehicles was hit with a machete several times by the thugs,” an officer with the team is quoted to have told JoyNews reporter Erastus Asare Donkor.

  • Pharmaceutical distributor fined GHS1.68m or faces 25-year jail term

    Pharmaceutical distributor fined GHS1.68m or faces 25-year jail term

    A Circuit Court in Tamale has found one Alhaji Sayuti guilty of possession of illegal drugs following an intelligence-led operation that took place on Tuesday, July 15, around 1:30 p.m. at his over-the-counter chemical shop near Victory Cinema in Aboabo, Tamale.

    The court, presided over by Francis Asubayere, fined the 53-year-old pharmaceutical distributor an amount of GH₵1,680,000, equivalent to 14,000 penalty units, on each charge set to run concurrently.

    In the case of default of payment, he is expected to serve 25 years in prison.

    Before his sentence, Alhaji pleaded guilty to the charges of possession and illegal sale of the regulated drugs.

    As part of the crackdown exercise on opioid trade in the North and Ghana at large, the Northern Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Taskforce, busted and found 447 boxes of tramadol (120mg) and 11 boxes of tramadol (120mg) in a warehouse inside Alhaji Abdulai Sayuti’s residence in Fuo.

    However, his conviction is concerning 336 blisters of tramadol (120mg) found on him around the Victory Cinema area.

    He is yet to be put before the court for the huge bust and seizure of the 447 boxes of tramadol and 11 boxes of tramadol-making found in the warehouse.

    The Northern Region has experienced a rise in illegal opioid use, prompting significant arrests by police and the local anti-drug task force.

    In a related development, the government has intensified its fight against rising abuse of opioids, particularly tramadol among others.

    In June 2025, Officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Transit Terminal on Thursday, June 19, intercepted a shipment disguised as general merchandise and headed for Niger.

    The officials uncovered 100 cartons of Tramadol (50 of 250mg, 50 of 120mg), also known on the streets as “red.”

    The operation, led by CRO William Kpodo and the monitoring team, has now been escalated to the Tema Collection’s investigation unit in collaboration with the Narcotics Board, Port Security and JPCU.

    In March, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division intercepted contraband goods at Tema Port.

    Boxes containing opioids were confiscated before noon today. There were 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg, 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg, 4 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 250 mg, 190 cartons of Diazole Loperamide 2 mg, and 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate.

    The drugs are worth approximately GH₵20 million. The shipment was en route to Niger, its final destination.

    Engaging the media, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh condemned the use of land borders to smuggle drugs and announced that the impounded consignment would remain in the safe custody of the Authority.

    “There are only two designated areas for the import and export of medication—Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport. Drugs are not imported through our land borders,” he said.

    Also, the Ghana Police Service on June 20 arrested one Christopher Saigoe for the unlawful possession of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs at Nkurakan in the Eastern Region.

    The operation, conducted on June 17, led to the interception of a Sprinter Benz bus with registration number AS 1933-21, driven by the suspect.

    A search of the vehicle revealed five (5) sacks of maize within which were concealed seventy-eight (78) oval-shaped, sellotaped balls of plant material suspected to be Indian hemp.

    The suspect is currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before court.

    In addition to the crackdown on the illicit sale of drugs and their usage, twenty-six suspects in connection with drug-related offences at the Aflao Border enclave in the Volta Region were apprehended by the Volta Regional Police Command through an intelligence-led operation conducted on May 24.

    The suspects were arrested at various locations as part of efforts to clamp down on suspected drug peddlers and other related criminal activities in the area.

    Exhibits retrieved from the suspects include 20 wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, 12 sachets of tramadol tablets, and a quantity of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp contained in a rubber bucket. Also found were cash amounts of GHC 30,558.00 and 17,500 CFA, as well as six drug-laced toffees.

    Additionally, eight creams suspected to contain narcotic substances and 26 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp concealed in a fertilizer sack were retrieved.

    The suspects are currently in police custody and will be arraigned before court to face justice.

    In a related event, two individuals were also presently behind bars for possessing 1,650 slabs of substances suspected to be Indian hemp at Antokrom in the Eastern Region.

    The Eastern North Regional Police Command arrested Hawa Ibrahim and Latifa Adams through an intelligence-led operation on May 14.

    Twenty-four maxi bags were retrieved when a search was conducted.

    The suspects who are in police custody will be taken through the due process of the law to face justice.

    Consequently, the Senior Correctional Centre (SCC), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, organised a symposium on drug abuse for juveniles at the centre as part of the regional commemoration of the gender week celebration by the Ghana Prisons Service.

    A psychiatrist with the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Adwoa Kusi-Kyere, facilitated the symposium at the Borstal Hall with the theme “drug abuse and its consequences on health.”

    Dr. Adwoa Kusi-Kyere educated the juveniles on avoiding substances such as tramadol, red, blue blue, cannabis, weed, alcohol, and others.

    Deputy Director of Prisons, Mrs. Yayra Ashong-Mettle, the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) at the Senior Correctional Centre outlined some strategies to consider while serving their jail term.

    She mentioned that rehabilitation programs available at the Senior Correctional Centre serve as a powerful remodeling tool to straighten their paths to become responsible citizens devoid of substance abuse.

    The OIC called on the Borstal Boys to always avail themselves for counseling sessions in order to address any underlying issue bothering their minds.

    Also, she underscored that cognitive-behavioral therapy available at the station helps juveniles to identify and change negative thought patterns that would benefit them in the long term.

    DDP. Ashong-Mettle noted that, by providing a supportive environment and evidence-based programs, inmates who were once addicted to substance abuse could overcome addiction and develop a positive path towards rehabilitation and reintegration.

  • Black Sherif ‘preaches’ inclusivity as he invites sign language interpreter on stage during ‘Share a Coke’ concert

    Black Sherif ‘preaches’ inclusivity as he invites sign language interpreter on stage during ‘Share a Coke’ concert

    Ghanaian musician sensation, Black Sherif, also known as Blacko, is likely to have won the hearts of the hearing-impaired group in Ghana and beyond with a stunning and unexpected performance style at the just-ended Share a Coke concert.

    The concert held on July 19, at Ghud Park in Accra saw people with variant backgrounds and communities come together to enjoy the celebration of music, inclusion, and personal connection, powered by Coca-Cola’s iconic campaign.

    It was a highlight as Blacko called on stage a fan believed to be an interpreter to sign the lyrics of the songs to the hearing impaired to enjoy the sound while he performed his song “Sacrifice”.

    This gesture by Blacko won the hearts of many, as many praised him for his thoughtfulness and efforts to make his music accessible to all.

    Several fans took to X to react to Blacko’s inclusivity initiative. One fan described it as a “powerful moment of accessibility”, applauding Black Sherif for thinking of fans with hearing impairments.

    Another also wrote, “This is why Blacko is different. He doesn’t just perform, he connects.”

    Another reaction that garnered several reactions was from one X user who wrote, “Black Sherif just made history. This is what music for everyone looks like.”

    The interpreter’s expressive signing during “Sacrifice” was described as “goosebumps-inducing” and “spiritually moving”, another user said.

    Black Sherif has had a successful journey so far since his breakthrough in March 2022 following the release of his single, “Kwaku the Traveller”.

    The song became a hit, topping charts in both the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music chart space, making it his most popular track at the time.

    Before the hit of “Kwaku the Traveller”, Blacko had already become famous for his singles “First Sermon”, which was released in May 2021, and in the next two months, he followed with a “Second Sermon” (July 2021), which later got a remix featuring Burna Boy.

    He bagged several awards in 2023. He won the Artist of the Year award, Most Popular Song of the Year – “Kwaku the Traveller”, Best Music Video – “Konongo Zongo”, Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste – Winner, Best Hip-Hop Song – “Kwaku the Traveller”, Collaboration of the Year – “Country Side” with Sarkodie.

    Despite being nominated in several categories in the 2025 TGMA, he bagged none of them but secured a nomination in the 2025 BET Awards, making him the first Ghanaian to be nominated in the rebranded category since 2018.

    Other awards he’s won include the 2022 3Music Awards, where he won awards for the following categories:

    Hip Hop Song of the Year, Breakthrough Act of the Year, Hip life/Hip hop Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year. He won the Entertainment Personality of the Year in the 2022 Entertainment Achievement Awards.

    Blacko has so far performed at over 35 concerts globally since his breakthrough in 2022, and his touring footprint keeps expanding.

    Performed at major festivals like Pop-Kultur Berlin and SXSW in Austin.

    He has also had major tours, with the very recent one dubbed the Iron Boy Tour (2025), where he visited and treated fans to stunning and electrifying performances.

    He also toured across North America, Europe, and Africa following the release of his second album, Iron Boy.

    Notable stops included New York (Irving Plaza), London (O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire), and Toronto (The Opera House).

    Also in 2024, he embarked on the Villain I Never Was Tour. He played shows in Paris, Berlin, Washington D.C., and Dublin.

    Speaking on his Iron Boy album, which topped charts a few days after its release, Black Sherif said that winning a Grammy or the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Artiste of the Year title does not compare to the personal satisfaction he gets from his latest album, Iron Boy.

    “This is the biggest project of my career so far. It’s my life, my emotions and my truth. It tells my story from the moment I stepped into the music industry to where I am now” he noted during an interview with Graphic Showbiz.

    The 23-year-old explained that although he appreciates recognition for his work, true success for him is defined by the emotional connection people have with his music.

    “My struggles, my victories, my doubts and my faith in my journey are all in here,” he said.

    Released on April 3, 2025, Iron Boy is a 15-track album that Black Sherif calls his most personal project so far.

    More than just a set of songs, the album tells a raw and honest story of his journey, highlighting his growth, struggles, and achievements.

    “I also feel with the kind of validation I need in my life right now, Iron Boy will do the job better than even a Grammy or TGMA AOTY. That is not to say I don’t value awards, but it is just how I feel at the moment,” he said.

    Meanwhile, his dominance in both the Ghanaian and international music communities has seemingly earned him some attacks, particularly from Ghanaian dancehall singer Shatta Wale, who once mentioned during an interview that he can end Blacko’s career if he ever made any attempt to disrespect him.

    While Blacko hardly replied, he, however, mentioned in an interview during an appearance on City FM in Nigeria on December 6, 2024, calling it unimportant.

    He said, “This is the second time I’ve been asked this question, and I think the kind of attention I’m supposed to give that thing is pretty irrelevant in my world. You have to care about something to even let it bother you, but for this, I don’t care,” he stated.

    Blacko also made it clear that he doesn’t view Shatta Wale as a rival.

    “Nothing can happen between me and Shatta Wale. It just can’t happen. Because of the kind of position we both occupy in society, the street can’t have that kind of bad blood,” he added.

    The feud between Shatta Wale and Black Sherif started on October 31, 2024, during Shatta’s interview on the Bant, Rants, and Confessions podcast.

    Shatta Wale took a swipe at Black Sherif’s fashion, suggesting he needed to dress better.

    Shortly after, Black Sherif posted a photo of Shatta Wale on Snapchat with the caption “I plaster everywhere,” which many saw as a playful dig at Shatta’s looks.

  • Govt pays GAVI $24.5m to GAVI for vaccine procurement – Health Minister 

    Govt pays GAVI $24.5m to GAVI for vaccine procurement – Health Minister 

    The government has paid $24.5 million to GAVI to secure a regular supply of vaccines, according to the Health Minister, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

    During a press conference on Friday, July 18, at the Government Accountability Series held at the Presidency in Accra, he announced that the government has completed full payment to the vaccine alliance for the purchase of vaccines.

    GAVI is a global alliance including both public and private partnerships that helps vaccinate children in lower-income countries against deadly infectious diseases.

    It brings together governments, the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, the World Bank, and vaccine manufacturers to improve access to immunisation. 

    “This year, we increased the budget for vaccines by 46 per cent. As of today, we have fully paid the country’s $24.5 million to GAVI.” 

    He mentioned that the payment to GAVI emphasises the government’s commitment to ensuring excellent healthcare in the country by curbing shortages of vital vaccines aimed at preventing disease outbreaks.

    “This prompt payment will help ensure we avoid recurring shortages of critical vaccines, which can lead to outbreaks,” he said.

    The Minister reiterated that by August, Ghana would receive hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses ready to reach every community across the nation.

    “As we say, investing in our children’s health today is securing Ghana’s tomorrow,” he stated, adding that, “we are not resting on our achievements.

    “The government will continue to prioritise and invest in immunisation to protect every child and build a healthier nation for generations to come.”

    Reiterating the vision to make Ghana a vaccine manufacturing hub, Mr Akandoh noted that,

    “In this regard, the National Vaccine Institute is collaborating with the regulatory authority and pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to bring this plan to reality.”

    His comments emphasise President Mahama’s remarks on February 7 this year, where he communicated his vision of making Ghana the pharmaceutical hub of Africa while delivering the State of the Nation Address. He declared,

    “My administration is committed to ensuring that we establish a world-class pharmaceutical sector that can meet the needs of not just our country, but the entire continent”

    “I am happy to inform you that one of our private sector partners has obtained market marking the next authorisation from Ghana’s FDA to produce Snake Anti-Venom Serum on a commercial scale, a step in our goal to shift Ghana from a consumer to a producer.”

    Also, on May 15, Mr Akandoh cited that Ghana was positioning itself to produce its vaccine with the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute and the readiness of the country’s pharmaceutical company.

    “Ghana is strategically positioned now to manufacture its vaccines. We have established the National Vaccine Institute, and our pharmaceutical industry is ready to lead the way.”

    “As we all recall during the pandemic, there were countries that looked us in the eye and said they would not allow the export of vaccines until they had satisfied their citizens. We must learn from that experience and prepare adequately for future pandemics,” he remarked.

    In his speech during an appearance at the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunisation in Brussels in June, Mr Akandoh announced the government’s vision to produce 60% of the country’s vaccines.

    “At this point, we do not want to wait for the vaccines to reach us; we must begin to manufacture vaccines ourselves.”

    “Our goal is to locally produce about 60% of the vaccines Ghana needs.”

    In a related development, Ghana on 19th June received its first shipment of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect the health of girls and women against cervical cancer.

    This information was made known by the lead agency responsible for procuring and shipping the vaccines, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ghana, on Tuesday, June 18.

    According to UNICEF, over 2.5 million additional doses of the HPV vaccine will arrive in the coming weeks, following the initial batch of 441,860 doses.

    The incoming vaccines will be utilized in a nationwide immunisation campaign led by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    The campaign exercise is scheduled for September this year and will span five days. The vaccine will be offered for free to girls turning 9 to 14 years old in the country.

    It added, “By including the HPV vaccine in the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) routine vaccines, Ghana is taking a significant step to protect future generations from cervical cancer.”

    Meanwhile, it will be recalled that on 8th June, Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe,  announced that Ghana will soon experience relief in response to the surging cases of monkeypox (Mpox), as the government is engaging international organisations for assistance.

    Speaking to the media on Saturday, June 7, Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe, disclosed that the country is already in talks with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to receive MPOX vaccines.

    According to him, the GHS has submitted the requirements for the vaccines. He noted that, unlike before, the country’s current trend of infection has given Ghana the room to receive vaccines.

    “We’re engaging WHO and the Africa CDC so that we get the vaccines. Somewhere last year, Ghana didn’t have any established human-to-human transmission, so we do not qualify. Now that we have human-to-human transmission. The idea is that we will be able to identify a clear group who will benefit from the vaccine,” he added.

    About GAVI and Ghana’s relations with the alliance

    GAVI was established in 2000, bringing together different countries to contribute and help support children in lower-income countries against deadly infectious diseases such as polio, measles, Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, Meningitis A, Pneumonia, Diphtheria and HPV among others.

    The primary reason behind GAVI has been children; however, over the years, the alliance has extended its goodwill to other groups, such as HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer, targeting adolescent girls.

    Also, during outbreaks of disease such as yellow fever and meningitis, GAVI provides older age groups with vaccines.

    A case in point is during pandemics (like COVID-19), GAVI helped fund and distribute vaccines for entire populations globally, not just children.

    It supports snake anti-venom serum production, which benefits rural adults and farmers.

    Since the founding of GAVI in 2000, the United States has been one of the major donors, contributing over $8 billion to its programs, and this accounts for roughly 26.7% of GAVI’s overall funding to date.

  • Money to reimburse September first-year students is ready – President Mahama

    Money to reimburse September first-year students is ready – President Mahama

    President Mahama is committed to fulfilling his promise of ensuring equal access to education, as he announces a school fee refund for freshmen enrolling in September 2025 as part of his “No Fees Stress” policy.

    Speaking during a major rally at Jackson Park in Koforidua, Eastern Region on Sunday, July 20th, as part of his nationwide “Thank You Tour”, the president revealed that funds have already been earmarked for students enrolling in September to receive their fee refund.

    “In September, the new batch of first-year students who will be enrolled, money is ready to be reimbursed for their academic fees,” he declared, receiving loud cheers from the crowd.

    The policy that was implemented early this year has already benefited 15,000 first-year tertiary students.

    This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families, particularly those who are struggling financially.

    The policy forms part of President Mahama’s broader social protection and human capital development agenda, which was central to his 2024 election campaign.

    In addition to a refund of the fee, President Mahama also highlighted to his commitment to finishing projects that had been started by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo led administration, saying,

    “Let me be clear, we are not here to abandon projects. We are here to complete what was started and to expand upon it.

    “The Eastern Regional Hospital project, which was initiated by the previous administration, will not be left to rot. We will complete it to serve the people of this region.”

    He also added that as part of measures to deal with rising youth unemployment in the country, his outfit has launched a “National Apprenticeship Programme to equip young Ghanaians with employable skills. This is part of our broader plan to tackle youth unemployment head-on.”

    He also mentioned that nursing and teacher trainees have been paid six months of unpaid allowances.

    “We have also paid six months’ arrears of allowances for students at the nursing and teacher training colleges,” he stated, adding,

    “We promise that they will receive their allowances every month.”

  • Jack Grealish begins solo training at Etihad as he awaits next move

    Jack Grealish begins solo training at Etihad as he awaits next move

    Jack Grealish is currently training alone 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 of but it’s reported that a more realistic option remains a loan spell, given Grealish’s wages and valuation.

    This situation makes things harder for clubs that want to sign him, especially teams that are not in England.

    Napoli’s coach, Antonio Conte, really wants to sign him. West Ham and Everton (two English clubs) are also reportedly interested and may try to get him on loan.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LKdEr55VNhA

    Also, another reason why a loan is more preferable is that this will help him secure more play time in the other interested club and help him gain his spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad, some reports have suggested.

    The report also suggested that Grealish has been working with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds to stay sharp during the off-season. He will now continue his training at City’s Etihad Campus, ahead of a potential move.

    Meanwhile, the future of Grealish came under discussion after his limited play time in Pep’s squad, which partly caused his snub from the England squad.

    Pep addressed that, admitting that Grealish’s limited play time was solely due to a dip in form and nothing relating to off-field behaviour.

    He noted that he wants the ‘Grealish from the days they won the treble’.

    The Man City coach continued that “Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is, of course, my decisions. We decided that he has to play. The club was honest, and he was honest.

    “The best thing is to stay [behind] and have a place that he can feel like he can come back to be the player like he was in the year of the Treble or all his career in Aston Villa.”

  • Swansea announce Snoop Dogg as new co-owner and investor

    Swansea announce Snoop Dogg as new co-owner and investor

    Rapper Snoop Dogg has joined Swansea City as a co-owner and investor after taking a minority stake in the Championship club.

    The current status of the 90s rapper in the club became known after he surprised many fans, modelling in the club’s home kit during the launch of their home kit for the 2025-26 season last weekend.

    In a formal statement, the club has announced that the 53-year-old American star has followed Real Madrid and Croatia legend Luka Modric by joining the club’s ownership group.

    “…Snoop’s colossal global fanbase and audience will certainly help us do that, and he has made clear to us throughout this process just how excited he is at the prospect of joining the club.

    “Snoop has openly shared his love of football and his desire to be involved in the game, and we expect his involvement to support us in putting as competitive a team as possible out on the field,” parts of the statement read.

    It expressed it’s excitement on having the ‘Gin and Juice’ hitmaker join them.

    “During our conversations, Snoop spoke about having worn many football shirts without ever having felt a club to be the right fit for him. We are delighted that putting on a Swansea shirt has proven to be the right fit.”

    They added that a mural of the hip-hop artist has been unveiled in the Swansea.com Stadium’s West Stand “to mark taking his place as part of our club ownership”.

    Snoop, on the other hand said,

    “My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City,” Snoop Dogg said on the club’s website.

    “The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me.

    “I’m proud to be part of Swansea City.”

    Swansea announced in April that Modric, who this week joined AC Milan as a player, had acquired a stake in the club following a takeover led by American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen last November.

    Now Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, who has well in excess of 100 million social media followers, has come on board with a pledge “to do all I can to help the club”.

    Snoop Dogg’s involvement is believed to have come about as a result of a mutual connection between him and Cravatt and Cohen.

    Swansea’s owners have made it clear that they want to raise the club’s profile in an attempt to generate greater revenue, which will then allow them to invest more money in the team under profit and sustainability rules.​​​​​​​

  • Wolves honour Diogo with Hall of Fame induction

    Wolves honour Diogo with Hall of Fame induction

    The late Liverpool champion’s name has entered his former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, widely referred to as Wolves’ Hall of Fame.

    This was to honour the late Portuguese forward Diogo Jota for his contribution to the club.

    The Hall of Fame is a special list or group created by the club to recognise players who made a big impact or had a memorable contribution during their time at the club.

    Jota and his brother passed after the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of the Portuguese star and his brother, Andre Silva, who died near Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, at approximately 12:35 a.m. local time.

    “Diogo was not only a phenomenal footballer, but someone who carried himself with humility and kindness throughout his time at Wolves, and will be sorely missed by all of us,” Wolves’ director of football administration Matt Wild said in a statement.

    During Jota’s stint at the club, he helped them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2018, notching 44 goals in 131 appearances before joining Liverpool in 2020.

    “There is such a feeling of sadness and disbelief around this awful tragedy that we wanted to make this tribute of our own as soon as we could,” Wolves Hall of Fame chairman John Richards said.

    “We hope it will bring a little comfort to those who were close to Diogo and André, and we trust Wolves supporters will understand that this gesture is made with real love and admiration, and also fully justified.”

    Wolves also said they plan to mark Diogo and André’s passing in their final preseason friendly against Celta Vigo and their opening game of the new Premier League season against Manchester City.

    Billy Wright, Derek Dougan and Steve Bull are among those already inducted in the club’s Hall of Fame, which was established in 2008.

    Meanwhile, the funeral of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva,was held on July 5 at 10 a.m. local time in the Portuguese town of Gondomar.

    The bodies of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva were sent to Gondomar, Portugal, on the night of Friday, July 4, just after 11:00 p.m. local time.

    A convoy of hearses transported them from Puebla de Sanabria, Spain, near the site of the tragic crash, and they were met with quiet applause and mourning crowds outside the local chapel.

    According to ESPN as reported by Spain’s Guardia Civil (Civil Guard).An investigation team has reported that the two’s accident occured when they overtook a car, their tire blew which led to their veering of the road and crashing into a barrier, and then immediately burst into flames.

  • Proud father of a law graduate – Van Vicker celebrates daughter’s LLB graduation

    Proud father of a law graduate – Van Vicker celebrates daughter’s LLB graduation

    Ghanaian actor Van Vicker is excited about his daughter’s milestone following her graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

    Van couldn’t contain his excitement as he took to his Facebook page to commend his daughter for her resilience in her journey.

    The post read, “Yesterday, my daughter graduated with a Legum Baccalaureus degree (Bachelor of Laws). I am a proud father and basking in it till tomorrow,” he wrote.

    He continued that “I appreciate her completion, her success, because staying focused, determined, committed and being resilient is an arduous undertaking in recent times,” he noted.

    The actor also gave thanks to God for seeing his family through the journey. “I am thankful to God for all His blessings,” he added.

    He ended with a congratulatory message to his daugher.

    “Congratulations to you J, my LLB senior. Continue to soar. I love you.”

    Van Vicker has three children, and his first daughter, J’dyl Vanette (21), was the one who graduated recently from Leicester University in the UK.

    The actor has been married for over two decades now. He tied the knot with his wife, Adjoa Vicker in 2003.

    J’dyl is the eldest, followed by Ji-an Vicker, born May 26, 2006 and their last born and only son, VJ Van Vicker, who was born on November 21, 2008.

  • Ghanaian artists aren’t stingy — Quamina MP on Davido’s $5k gift to Ananzo

    Ghanaian artists aren’t stingy — Quamina MP on Davido’s $5k gift to Ananzo

    Musician Quamina MP, born Emmanuel Kwamina Amonoo, has rebuffed claims that Ghanaian artists give little to nothing to fans who promote their songs.

    In an interview with MyNewsGh.com, which aired on July 14, Quamina stated that Davido’s $5,000 gift to Ananzo for promoting his song doesn’t make Ghanaian artists stingy.

    His comment comes on the back of claims that Ananzo has been promoting Ghanaian music but has never received a gift from artistes he promotes in Ghana—yet received an amount of $5,000 from Davido.

    He said some Ghanaian artists reward their fans but mostly do so behind closed doors and do not make it public.

    “Davido giving Ananzo Official $5,000 doesn’t mean Ghanaian artistes are stingy, as some people might want to make it look like. Maybe a Ghanaian musician can give him more than that amount but will never make it public.”

    He continued, “You never know how other Ghanaian artistes are supporting him behind the scenes with numerous gifts for promoting our music. Unless we make it public before you know, but I will never say that no Ghanaian musician has given him anything, or we are stingy as people claim,” he stated.

    He mentioned that he believes Ghanaian artists are supporting Ananzo in several ways, reiterating that they have decided not to make it public.

    “I know that definitely Ananzo Official is definitely being given something small, though it is not something that is in the public domain,” he said.

    Story of Ananzo: From washing bay to popular music promoter

    Ananzo, whose real name is Kelvin Ananzo Junior, is a washing bay worker.

    He has worked at the bay for over a decade, saving earnings to support himself through school.

    He started working as a bay worker after junior high school in 2015.

    Junior rose to fame when he was often captured singing along to songs played at the bay while he did his work.

    His breakthrough came in April 2025 when he posted a heartfelt TikTok video of himself vibing to Davido’s song “With You” featuring Omah Lay.

    This was after Davido had made a humorous appeal to Black Sherif on X on April 28. He shared an Instagram Story showing the Ghana Apple Music Top Songs chart, where Black Sherif held 15 out of the top 16 spots with songs from Iron Boy.

    Davido’s song “With You” featuring Omah Lay had climbed to #3.

    Davido jokingly tagged Black Sherif and wrote:

    “@blacksherif_ IRON BOY .. how far make I enter #1 I wan screenshot 😂😂🇬🇭❤️”

    Shortly after that post, Ananzo’s TikTok video of himself singing “With You” at the washing bay went viral, gathering millions of views.

    This caught Davido’s attention, after which he gifted him $5,000 as a gesture of appreciation.

    He later gifted him an extra $1,0004. This gesture catapulted Ananzo into the spotlight, earning him interviews, business deals, and a massive TikTok following (over 600,000 followers).

  • SML/GRA deal: Former Technical Advisor at Finance Ministry declared wanted over corruption, procurement breaches 

    SML/GRA deal: Former Technical Advisor at Finance Ministry declared wanted over corruption, procurement breaches 

    Former Chef de Cabinet (Technical Advisor) at the Finance Ministry, Ernest D. Akore, has been declared wanted over his alleged involvement in corruption-related offences concerning the Revenue Assurance Contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    In a public notice served by the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Wednesday, July 16, the Office noted that the 67-year-old likely possesses dual citizenship (Ghana and America) and is probably in hiding in the US, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, or South Africa.

    An arrest warrant for Mr. Akore has been issued by the High Court’s Criminal Division under the case title Republic v. Ernest D. Akore.

    To aid his arrest, the OSP has urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Akore to alert the Office by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 0554494499/0554484488.

    Contractual breaches in a deal involving the Ghana Revenue Authority and Strategic Mobilisation Limited surfaced last year. An in-depth audit was carried out by international firm KPMG, commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The original purpose of the GRA-SML contract was to boost revenue assurance in vital sectors of Ghana’s economy, including the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals value chain.

    The KPMG audit uncovered significant procedural errors and regulatory violations in awarding the contract. Specifically, the GRA did not obtain the required approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and failed to seek parliamentary oversight before finalizing the agreement with SML.

    GRA entered into six service agreements with SML, utilising the single-source method without obtaining approval from PPA. Ghana’s procurement laws, which are stated under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), which was later amended by the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Act 914) spell out the legal framework for how public institutions acquire goods, works, and services using public funds. 

    In January 2024, three journalists from The Fourth Estate submitted a petition to the OSP, requesting a probe into SML.

    Investigations by the OSP commenced last year, and in June 2025, the OSP conducted searches on SML’s offices in Osu and Tema, retrieving electronic evidence and arresting several key figures.

    The Office apprehended Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), Evans Adusei, Philip Mensah, former deputy commissioner of Legal GRA and now legal consultant to SML; Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor, both staff of the Public Procurement Authority; and Kofi Nti, former Commissioner General of GRA.

    Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML); and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now MD/CEO of SML, were also apprehended.

    Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by the OSP for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, which include the contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority.

  • No baby died in Madina Ritz Junction fire outbreak on Tuesday – GNFS clarifies

    No baby died in Madina Ritz Junction fire outbreak on Tuesday – GNFS clarifies

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has clarified that no fatalities were recorded during the fire outbreak that occurred at Madina Ritz Junction on Tuesday, July 15.

    It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

    The Fire Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

    The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

    The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations. 

    An investigation by the Service has been launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties.

    In the first half of the year, the Ghana National Fire Service has reported a marginal increase in fire outbreaks. A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.

    The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10.

    Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they were able to save over GH¢203 million worth of properties.

    Fire outbreaks across the country in the first half of 2025 led to the destruction of properties valued at over GH¢188 million.

    Top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, include electrical faults through illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits; improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.

    Also, unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves. Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches, gas leakages, and poor handling of LPG cylinders are also responsible for fire incidents in the country. 

  • Producer Price Inflation drops to 5.9% in June – GSS

    Producer Price Inflation drops to 5.9% in June – GSS

    Ghana’s Producer Price Inflation (PPI) for June 2025 has seen a sharp decline of 5.9%, marking the lowest level since November 2023, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    Presenting the data in a press briefing held on Wednesday, July 16, in Accra, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu indicated that for June alone, there was a deflation of 1.4%, meaning that, on average, producers earned less money for their products than they did in May.

    This comes after a drop of 4.2 percentage points, given the 10.1% rate drop in May, indicating a significant drop of 19.7 percentage points compared to June 2024, when it was 25.6%, marking the fifth month in a row that the PPI has gone down.

    “Ghana Producer Price inflation fell sharply to 5.9% in June 2025, down from 10.1% in May, a 42 percentage point dip in just a month, marking the fifth straight month of decline and the lowest rate since November 2023,” he announced.

    Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu attributed the decline to the mining and manufacturing sectors along with the transport and hospitality sectors.

    The mining and quarrying sector—Ghana’s largest contributor to the PPI with a 43.7% weight—saw inflation fall from 13.7% in May to 6.5% in June. Manufacturing, which contributes about 35% of the PPI basket, dipped from 9.8% to 7.6%.

    https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1AziSN5VZJ

    Notably, transport sector inflation dropped even further, from -4.8 percent in May to -7.0 percent in June, while hotel and restaurant prices saw a dramatic reversal from a 6.5 percent rise to a 2.7 percent decline, representing a swing of 9.2 percentage points.

    The services sector, such as banking, education, and health, saw a slight increase in prices, with inflation at just 0.7% compared to the same time last year. The construction sector had a higher rate of 6.0%.

    In contrast, crude oil and natural gas prices went down by 25.1%. In manufacturing, the biggest price increases were seen in vehicle production, which went up 35.8%, and leather goods, which rose 32.4%. On the other hand, petroleum refining saw a price drop of 10.6%.

    Dr. Iddrisu urged businesses to “rethink pricing and renegotiate smartly,” warning that while falling input costs present opportunities, they may also tighten margins. “Stay ahead by innovating, not just adjusting prices,” he advised.

    He also called on the government to “lock in macroeconomic stability, boost production, and support key sectors like mining and manufacturing with smart incentives to maintain momentum and protect jobs.”

    To consumers, the GSS recommended careful spending. “Buy smart, question markups, and support brands that pass savings on,” the report advised.

  • Igbo kingdom in Ghana idea abandoned, no land purchased – Foreign Minister reveals

    Igbo kingdom in Ghana idea abandoned, no land purchased – Foreign Minister reveals

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, who also doubles as Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has called for calm after a meeting with Nigerian EZE DR. CHUKWUDI JUDE IHENETU, who is parading himself as King of the Igbos in Ghana. 

    The meeting comes after a video emerged on July 7, capturing Dr CHUKWUDI JUDE expressing a desire to establish a 50-acre Igbo village in Old Ningo.

    He described the project as a cultural hub for Igbos in Ghana and abroad, featuring a palace, market, schools, a guest house, and streets named after Igbo icons like Nnamdi Azikiwe. 

     His remarks drew several reactions both from abroad and locally, with some Ghanaians slamming past governments for allowing a Nigerian to earn such vast land in a foreign land. Nigerians taking to X also warned against allowing ‘Igbos’ to establish such a community in Ghana.

    They called ‘Igbos’ as power drunk and selfish leaders, while others also cited the essence of foreign policy, referring to Ghana’s long-standing relations with Nigeria.

    In response to this, the Minister invited Dr Jude through a formal summons to his office in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

    The Minister, after the meeting, clarified that the video which surfaced a few weeks ago was an old video dating as far back as 2013. He said Dr Jude has also apologised for his remarks and assured that he has abandoned the idea of reigning as King in a 50-acre Igbo community in Ghana.

    “Yesterday, I invited Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the gentleman captured in a viral video claiming he intends to establish an Igbo Kingdom in Ghana following an alleged purchase of a tract of land. Izwe clarified that it was an old 2013 interview, which he deeply regrets. 

    “He assured that he has long abandoned that idea and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose”, the Minister clarified.

    He continued that “Chukwudi conveyed profuse apologies to the President, Government, Chiefs and People of Ghana for the unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created”.

    Ablakwa, however, emphasised that, despite Ghana’s friendly foreign policy, particularly a commitment to promote the Pan-African identity, it expects an adherence to the country’s cultural norms, laws and desisting “from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality”. 

    As I emphasised in the meeting, Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy, which is welcoming to all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to keep championing that Pan-African identity, for which we have attained global renown. 

    Consequently, he called for call and restraint while highlighting ”the inseparable bond of friendship and brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria”.

    In a related development, the Ga Traditional Council issued a stern warning to Nigerian EZE DR. CHUKWUDI JUDE IHENETU, who is parading himself as King of the Igbos in Ghana. 

     The Council, in a five-item statement dated July 9, dissociated itself from all activities related to the purported Igbo King Dr Chukwudi Jude following a crunch meeting held by the council and headed by the President, KING TACKIE TEIKO TSURU II- Ga Mantse.

    They said they have not conferred any kingship title on any individual mandating him as King of Igbos in the Ga State.

    Also reacting to Dr Jude’s remarks was Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, who urged the public to disregard the claims, stating that,

    “No ‘King’ has any kingdom or land in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency. Disregard any such claims. The ancient Great Ningo kingdom is welcoming to all who visit us, but none is welcome to lay claim to a kingdom here. Rest assured, we are a hospitable people, but our hospitality cannot be taken for granted. Let calm prevail.”

    Meanwhile, Eze Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, according to reports, was not a king in Nigeria before relocating to Ghana in 1995 as a businessman, but he was crowned as Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana in 2012 by recognised Nigerian kingmakers who travelled to Ghana for the ceremony.

  • Bellingham to be sidelined for about 12 weeks after shoulder surgery – Sources

    Bellingham to be sidelined for about 12 weeks after shoulder surgery – Sources

    England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has finally undergone shoulder surgery after months of managing the injury.

    The surgery had become necessary due to a recurrent dislocation of his left shoulder.

    Jude also expressed his Real Madrid’s 3–1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The match was part of the FIFA Club World Cup Group H and took place at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina

    This was confirmed by the Spanish club in an official statement yesterday, Wednesday, July 16.

    “Our player Jude Bellingham has successfully undergone surgery for a recurrent dislocation of his left shoulder. The operation was performed by Drs. Manuel Leyes and Andrew Wallace, under the supervision of the Real Madrid Medical Services,” the statement noted.

    The 22-year-old is expected to miss the whole of Real’s pre-season and at least the first six weeks of the campaign, which would include England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia in September.

    Bellingham has struggled with the problem since 2023, when he dislocated his shoulder in a game against Rayo Vallecano.

    Real said he will now undergo a period of rehabilitation before returning to training.

    The Spanish club, under new manager Xabi Alonso, start their La Liga season at home to Osasuna on 19 August.

    Bellingham has worn strapping on his shoulder, but told reporters in June he was “tired of playing with the sling”.

    Real scheduled his surgery for after the Club World Cup in the United States, where they were beaten in the semi-finals by Paris St-Germain last week.

    Bellingham joined Real from Borussia Dortmund for £115m two years ago and won the La Liga title and Champions League in his first season, scoring 23 goals in 43 appearances.

    He scored 15 goals in 58 games last season, with Real losing the league title to Barcelona and knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Arsenal.

    As a result, he failed to make a full recovery. Bellingham, who started in all of Madrid’s Club World Cup games, explained his decision to undergo an operation following the 3-1 win over Pachuca last month.

    “I’ll have the surgery done after the tournament,” he said. “I’m sick of playing with the brace, especially in the heat. It will be nice to have my old shoulder back, so I’m looking forward to it.”

    Bellingham, who joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, helped the Spanish giants win the LaLiga and Champions League double in his first season at the club.

    He scored 15 goals and delivered 15 assists in 58 games across all competitions for Los Blancos last season.

    Madrid, under new coach Xabi Alonso, begin LaLiga at home to Osasuna on Aug. 19.

    Bellingham is expected to return in early October but will miss up to eight league games and the start of the Champions League group phase.

  • Edem appointed Brand Ambassador for Safer Digital Ghana Campaign

    Edem appointed Brand Ambassador for Safer Digital Ghana Campaign

    Ghanaian artiste, Edem, has been officially named as the Brand Ambassador for the Safer Digital Ghana Campaign, an initiative led by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.

    His new position was announced during a ceremony held at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Headquarters in Airport City, Accra.

    In his acceptance remarks, he expressed gratitude for the honour to serve in the sector, highlighting the impact of technology and how it shapes our everyday life.

    He highlighted the importance of digital safety in today’s world, emphasising that the internet, while powerful and resourceful, also poses significant threats that affect individuals, businesses, and even nations.

    “We live in an era where the digital world shapes nearly every aspect of our lives; how we learn, work, communicate, and express ourselves.

    “With just a few clicks, we gain access to opportunities but also expose ourselves to cyber threats,” he said.

    Edem emphasised his commitment to ensure change and not just occupy the position.

    He said it aims to empower all Ghanaians, from school children to business owners, government workers, and everyday citizens to take an active role in protecting themselves and their communities online.

    “As the face of this campaign, I’m not just here to represent; I’m here to advocate for change.

    “I am truly committed to using my platform to promote cyber hygiene, encourage reporting of cyber incidents, and champion safe internet practices, especially among the youth who are the direct consumers of my work,” he added.

    He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to serving in this role to the best of his abilities and called on all Ghanaians to recognise cybersecurity as a shared responsibility and a national priority.

  • GH¢20m defamation suit: Agradaa’s lawyers pray court for case transfer over distance of court

    GH¢20m defamation suit: Agradaa’s lawyers pray court for case transfer over distance of court

    Lawyers for the controversial evangelist and former priestess, Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, have filed a request for the transfer of the case to a circuit court in the Eastern Region, citing proximity reasons.

    This is concerning the former priestess’ defamation case with gospel musician Gifty Adorye.

    In May 2025, Empress Gifty filed a GH₵20 million defamation suit against Agradaa following the televangelist’s verbal assault on her. Agradaa accused her of promiscuity and bestiality during a livestream on TikTok.

    Her lawyers have filed for the move as Agradaa is currently serving a 15 years jail term in the Nsawam police station.

    In a media engagement yesterday, a lawyer of Mrs Adorye confirmed the defendants legal team’s petition.

    “Today, Nana Agradaa’s lawyers came up with another application that the place she is being kept is too far from the court. So they appealed that the case be moved to a court in the Eastern Region… When the time comes, the court will hear that application,” he said.

    However, Empress Gifty’s lawyer maintained that the current court location should not affect the substance of the case, and they are prepared to argue against the motion for a change in venue.

    The lawyer also clarified that the ongoing case is distinct from the criminal case that led to Nana Agradaa’s conviction.

    “That issue was a criminal issue, this one is a civil issue, there is no jail time involved in this case,” he emphasised.

    Meanwhile, in June, the Tema High Court dismissed her motion to strike out the case, ordering her to pay GH₵6,000 in costs, and confirmed the defamation case will proceed despite her concurrent 15‑year prison sentence for fraud.

    Agradaa was sentenced to 15 years in jail for Charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by pretence are serious criminal offences under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

    Such offences are mostly punished with fine of 25 penalty units or 30 days imprisonment if the fine isn’t paid.

  • Confirmed! Brentford announces the signing of Henderson in two-year deal

    Confirmed! Brentford announces the signing of Henderson in two-year deal

    Jordan Henderson have joined Brentford in a two-year deal.

    The former Liverpool skipper joined the Bees from Ajax on a free transfer.

    Speaking on the Brit’s move to Brentford, head coach Keith Andrews expressed optimism in the former Liverpool player’s imminent contribution to keeping the team in alignment.

    He trusts his leadership skills, given his experience as a captain with Liverpool for nearly a decade from July 10, 2015, when he officially succeeded Steven Gerrard, until his departure in July 2023.

    “When we became aware of Jordan’s availability, it was a pretty simple decision.”

    “He’s still phenomenally fit and phenomenally motivated… he will drive standards and be a brilliant addition to the squad.” Keith Andrews noted.

    Henderson, reacting to this, stated that,

    “I’m delighted that I’m here; I’m very excited to get started and get going”

    “I’ve always had huge admiration for the club and what they’ve achieved over the last few years… it was an easy decision in the end”, Henderson on why he chose the bees.

    Several European and English clubs had eyes on Henderson, but Brentford were the frontrunners as they won the race to sign the former Liverpool skipper.

    Playing in the Premier League will provide Henderson with the platform to stay in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad before next summer’s World Cup.

    The deal formalities are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

    The move to Brentford will return Henderson to the Premier League after he left Liverpool in 2023.

    During his 12 years at Anfield Henderson won the Premier League – the club’s first league title in 30 years – Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Community Shield.

    Henderson left the Reds to join Al-Ettifaq on July 27, 2023, in a three-year deal worth £700,000 per week, totalling nearly £36.5 million annually.

    His pay made him the highest-paid English footballer at the time, but this ‘luxury’ lasted less than a year when he terminated his contract abruptly after 6 months, citing professional and personal reasons.

    Henderson signed with Ajax on a free transfer, allegedly in an attempt to revive his career.

    Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, as he had not played for England since 2023.

    After Tuchel’s appointment as England head coach in January, Henderson has featured in both of the German’s squads, making three appearances.

  • Lamine Yamal under investigation after birthday party with people with dwarfism in Spain

    Lamine Yamal under investigation after birthday party with people with dwarfism in Spain

    Spain’s Ministry for Social Rights has called for an investigation into a party thrown by Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal in celebration of his 18th birthday on July 13.

    The Ministry wants the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Spanish Ombudsman and the Office for Combating Hate Crimes to probe whether laws which prohibit shows that mock or denigrate people with disabilities were violated at the party.

    “ADEE has filed a legal complaint. Therefore, this Directorate General has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate to determine whether the law and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities have been violated.”

    It is reported that, at the party, taking videos or pictures was prohibited; however, some people still managed to take them.

    Some of these pictures surfaced online, attracting the discontent of the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE).

    ADEE filed a legal complaint against Lamine Yamal, accusing him of hiring individuals with dwarfism as entertainers at his birthday party.

    In a statement, the ADEE said the act “violates current laws and fundamental ethical values” and that they would take “legal and social action to protect the dignity of people with disabilities.”

    However, one of the performers at the party is unhappy about ADEE’s move slamming the Association of making a fuss about nothing.

    He said the suit is unnecessary, they only attended the party as they were invited as entertainers and there, they were treated well just like other people. there were no instances of disrespect to himself or any member of his crew.

    “No one disrespected us, we were allowed to work in peace,” they told RAC1 in an interview in Catalan. “I don’t understand why it’s become such a big deal. We’re normal people who dedicate ourselves to what we love doing in an absolutely legal way.

    He went on to accuse ADEE of trying to harm them over the years. According to him, the Association for sometime, has tried to prevent them from working as entertainers, slamming them for making a big deal out of nothing.

    “All this fuss has come about purely because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”

    “For a couple of years these people [the ADEE] have wanted to harm us, the want to prevent us from doing what we like, but they have not offered any work or training to those who are affected.

    “We work as entertainers. Why can’t we do what we do? We dance, we do magic, and there are all types of shows. We were treated like anyone else [at the party], and everyone had a good time.

    Yamal returned to preseason training with Barça on Sunday, the day after the party, after around a month off following the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

  • MUSIGA to honour Fameye for exceptional contribution to highlife

    MUSIGA to honour Fameye for exceptional contribution to highlife

    Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), National Folklore Board, and Charter House, have announced they would honour TGMA Highlife Artiste of the Year, Fameye, at the Authentic Highlife Night to be hosted at the iconic +233 Jazz Bar & Grill on Saturday, July 19.

    In a formal statement released on July 14, MUSIGA announced that the night would feature a special highlight on Fameye for his dedication to highlife over the years.

    “In a special highlight, MUSIGA and its partners will honour Fameye, the winner of the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Highlife Musician of the Year award.

    Fameye’s soulful sound and dedication to the genre have earned him this prestigious accolade, cementing his place as one of Ghana’s leading voices in contemporary highlife,” parts of the statement read.

    Authentic Highlife Night is a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s rich musical heritage, spotlighting the timeless genre of highlife music.

    This highly anticipated event will celebrate the rich legacy and vibrant future of Ghanaian highlife music, bringing together legendary and contemporary stars for an unforgettable night of live performances.

    This is a night where we will showcase some of the best highlife music…”

    “…an opportunity for us to enjoy a night of authentic highlife, cultural pride, and musical excellence…” – said Bessa Simons, President of MUSIGA, highlighting the event’s cultural significance

    MUSIGA President Bessa Simons, noted, “This is a night where we will showcase some of the best highlife music and it’s an opportunity for us to enjoy a night of authentic highlife, cultural pride, and musical excellence as we await UNESCO’s declaration of highlife as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.”

    Attendees would be treated to thrilling performances from some of the genre’s most celebrated artists, including the golden voice of Africa, Pat Thomas; Samuel Owusu, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, Adani Best, Pauline Oduro, Sherifa Gunu, Aklerh and Bessa Simons and The Bessa Band.

    This year’s Authentic Highlife Night arrives at a historic moment, as highlife music is poised to be officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

    Ghana’s highlife music was officially recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage on July 18, 2024.

    The announcement was made by Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, Secretary General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, during the Telecel Ghana Music Awards industry event.

    This international acknowledgment underscores highlife’s unique origin and enduring influence as a Ghanaian cultural treasure.

    The event will be graced by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP; as the Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the national significance of this celebration.

  • Talents are being wasted! – Gloria Sarfo cries out over Ghana’s dying film industry

    Talents are being wasted! – Gloria Sarfo cries out over Ghana’s dying film industry

    Ghanaian actress Gloria Sarfo has bitterly expressed her discontent about the current state of the Ghana movie industry, crying out, “What has happened to our industry??? Talents are BEING WASTED. Mercy, Lord,” she lamented.

    Drawing comparisons to the growing and vibrant Nigerian movie industry, she chastised Ghanaian movie producers for the long time they take to produce a single movie, while producers in Nigeria release new films almost every week.

    Taking to her Instagram page yesterday, July 15, she said that many talented Ghanaian actors are not getting the best of opportunities here, quizzing what went wrong in the once-booming and flourishing industry.

    “Honestly, if you’re in Nigeria as an actor, you’d realise that you’ve REALLY WASTED YOUR TALENT back in Ghana,” she wrote. “As in, people are shooting daily, back to back, nonstop. Meanwhile, in my country, Ghana, producers STRUGGLE even to shoot one film in a year (sic).”

    Her post was accompanied by another captioned which captured her lamentations about the many talents dying or being wasted in Ghana due t o limited to no opportunities to grow.

    She added how many friends and other close associates always questioned her on why she was wasting her talent as an actress in Ghana.

    “This MUST be looked at, seriously. Look there are lots and lots of talent wasting in Ghana year by year, trust me,” she wrote.

    “I’m just here recommending people left right centre, cos I KNOW what we have back in my country, I KNOOOOOOOOOOOW,” Gloria intimated.

    She praised the opportunities available in Nigeria, where she believes many Ghanaian talents could thrive with the right support.

    “Great great talents, who’ll do exceptionally WELL in Nigeria meeeehn. And there are people to PUSH THEM too. But in our CASE… Oh my HEART,” she added.

    Sarfo also reflected on the past, saying the situation was once the opposite. “It was the other way round just some few years ago, so WHAT HAPPENED, WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. Or is it the NUMBERS, or WHAT?” she asked.

    She then went on to call on Ghanaian actors to take the necessary steps to awaken the Ghanaian movie industry again.

  • ‘One shoulder, one cedi’ – DJ Azonto replies Medikal in new song

    ‘One shoulder, one cedi’ – DJ Azonto replies Medikal in new song

    Ghanaian Amapiano singer DJ Azonto has released a new song targeting Medikal and Shatta Wale over their alleged copyright infringement of his signature term “Ala Woyo”.

    He threatened to sue the duo if they failed to meet a list of dramatic and unrealistic demands as compensation for using the catchphrase without permission.

    Medikal took to his X handle on July 10, responding with, “Killa ntua!”

    In reaction, DJ Azonto has released a song titled “One Shoulder One Cedi Tax”.

    In the song, he chases Medikal for the compensation demands, asking that he pays before he flexes, calling him “Toppa Thief”.

    Some catchphrases in the song include:

    “My ‘Alla’ was stolen!”One Shoulder One Cedi Tax, pay before you flex!”Toppa Thief, you dey claim what’s mine!”

    These lines send direct jabs at Medikal and Shatta Wale.

    The song opens with “Toppa Thief!”, with Azonto calling on Ghanaians, singing:

    “Have you see, 100 million dollars, only for me to hear; Killa ntua.”

    It continues with:

    “Henceforth, one shoulder one cedi,” warning Medikal and his crew that he “doesn’t want his number and that he should forget email but rather request his account number and send millions.”

    A video for the diss song is already out, capturing street-style dancers gesturing at the camera in support of Azonto’s demands.

    DJ Azonto’s version of “One Shoulder One Cedi Tax” has been making waves on social media, especially with its entrancing accompanying music video.

    The Fa No Fom hitmaker, on “Toppa Thief”, showcases his lyrical prowess while combining Amapiano rhythms with some Hiplife vibes.

    The song “One Shoulder One Cedi Tax” is available across various digital streaming platforms.

  • NIB, other banks failing to meet recapitalisation requirements after DDEP – IMF

    NIB, other banks failing to meet recapitalisation requirements after DDEP – IMF

    Five banks, including National Investment Bank (NIB), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are currently struggling to meet their recapitalisation requirements.

    This was reported by the IMF in its July 2025 Country Report, which shared details with the country’s Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility, along with 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) that a bank is required to have to stay financially strong and stable to avert a collapse despite incurring losses.

    The report also noted that banks that are currently still struggling with recapitalisation requirements are under intensified monitoring by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and are subject to corrective measures aimed at accelerating their recapitalisation plans to achieve a 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 emphasized 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 after the implementation of the  Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) by the erstwhile government have now met their requirements, with some even exceeding their recapitalization requirements as of the end of 2024.

    The IMF believes that these banks are performing well and on track due to increased profits and support from the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF)—a net fund that was set up in August 2023 under the Akufo-Addo-led administration to support financial institutions affected by Ghana’s DDEP.

    It also says these banks are likely to reach the required safety level of 13% (called the Capital Adequacy Ratio, or CAR) on their own—without needing extra help—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 stated that the government is working to support the struggling banks as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s 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.

    Earlier reports indicated that 15 out of 21 banks had recorded losses as a result of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the government’s decision to recapitalize National Investment Bank (NIB), Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG).

    Fuller details of this comprehensive recapitalization plan will be unveiled during the upcoming mid-year review, Dr Forson noted in a post on X on July 9.

    In May last year, the erstwhile government earmarked GH¢2.3 billion for the recapitalization of the National Investment Bank (NIB).

    “As part of the implementation of the Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), Cabinet has approved the plan for restructuring and recapitalization of the National Investment Bank (NIB),” the former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam said.

    The recapitalization plan was to involve a programmed equity injection of about GHS2.3 billion over a year, with the first tranche of GHS400 million expected to be transferred to NIB before the end of May last year.

    This initiative was critical to strengthening the governance structure, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving risk management to ensure the financial viability of NIB.

  • GALOP: Govt announces $117.1 million allocation to basic schools 

    GALOP: Govt announces $117.1 million allocation to basic schools 

    An additional $117.1 million in AF2 (Additional Financing 2) has been allocated to basic schools under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) by the government.

    Speaking at the first GALOP Project Oversight Committee meeting held yesterday, July 15, Deputy Education Minister Clement Apaak announced that the allocation is to scale up targeted interventions in basic schools. 

    “We must ensure that every intervention—from teacher training and school grants to performance-based incentives—is efficiently deployed and monitored,” he said.

    Dr. Clement Apaak, who delivered a speech on behalf of Minister Haruna Iddrisu at the Chair of the Project Oversight Committee, highlighted the need for effective deployment and monitoring of every intervention.

    “As a committee, our effectiveness would be measured by the clarity of our direction, the quality of our oversight, and the responsiveness of our system to on-the-ground realities,” he stated.

    He went on to urge the committee members to collaborate effectively to prove that effective supervision works as a team, not only to ensure improvements in education, but also as a sure indication that it is possible to attain effective results.

    The Deputy Minister also underscored the critical role of oversight and responsiveness in the implementation process. 

    “As a committee, our effectiveness would be measured by the clarity of our direction, the quality of our oversight, and the responsiveness of our system to on-the-ground realities,” he stated.

    The $117.1 million under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) was officially approved in January 2025, with the announcement made on January 31, 2025, during a visit by the World Bank Country Director Robert Taliercio O’Brien, who, highlighted the significance of funding for strengthening education and the economy.

    GALOP is a government project launched in 2019 to help improve teaching and learning in basic schools, especially ones that face the most challenges in basic school administration.

    The project is aimed at enhancing educational development programmes, such as training teachers in adopting strategies on how to effectively deliver instruction and foster student learning, increasing grants to schools to support operational needs and learning activities.

    The first funding that GALOP received was $218.7 million in 2019, targeting about 10,000 schools with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and school management. The second is what has been announced by the Education Ministry with an expanded reach, focusing on digital accountability tools and rigorous oversight. 

    GALOP, over the years, has been funded by the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Education, among others.

  • Akufo-Addo denies lobbying for change in delegates’ conference date

    Akufo-Addo denies lobbying for change in delegates’ conference date

    The Office of former President Akufo-Addo has rebuffed media reports claiming attempts by the statesman to make changes to the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming delegates conference.

    In a formal statement released on July 14, the Office denied any involvement in plans to alter the date of the conference.

    “The attention of this office has been drawn to two separate publications on Otecfmghana and Ghanaweb, alleging that former President Akufo-Addo sought to overturn the party’s decision on early primaries and to postpone the July 19 NPP National Delegates Conference.”

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state emphatically that these reports are completely false…. (he) has not made any such requests on the party either by a petition or any other means, and he does not have any such intentions,” parts of the statement read.

    The perpetrators of such news, according to the former president, “have an agenda of their own, which has nothing to do with improving the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The statement revealed that former President Akufo-Addo has been out of the jurisdiction for some time now.

    The reports from the media houses cited by the Office of the former president claim that the statesman is lobbying groups and individuals to oppose the proposed amendments during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Monday.

    A pressure group within the NPP, called the Patriotic Movement (PM) claims the former president aims to ensure his preferred candidates emerge victorious to continue to lord his power over the party and sustain his control over the party’s leadership and decision-making processes.

    About the conference

    The National Delegates Conference is slated for Saturday, July 19, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra. The theme for this year is “Rebuilding Together With Our Values,” signaling a push for unity and ideological clarity after the party’s 2024 election loss.

    The conference is set to see the party’s highest decision-making body (delegates) vote on constitutional amendments and strategic plans. Over 5,675 delegates are expected from all 16 regions.

    Campaign materials such as posters, T-shirts, and banners are strictly prohibited to enforce neutrality and maintain peace.

    Earlier this month, some final-year students of the University of Ghana, Legon, called for the suspension of the National Annual Delegates Conference at the UG Sports Stadium over concerns that the gathering could escalate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic following its resurgence.

    However, Chairman of the National Planning Committee for the New Patriotic Party’s National Annual Delegates Conference, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has assured complete adherence to all COVID-19 protocols at the UG Sports Stadium.

    Engaging the media last week, he revealed that security officers will be deployed at hostels, kitchens, and rest areas, with the stadium’s inner perimeter restricted to authorised personnel only. Each of the 16 regions will be assigned a dedicated gate to streamline access and enhance security screening.

    The NPP has called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure a successful and incident-free conference.

  • Mahama scraps fuel allowances for all political appointees

    Mahama scraps fuel allowances for all political appointees

    The Presidency has announced a withdrawal of the payment of fuel allowance allocation to all political appointees.

    This forms part of the government’s efforts to cut expenditure as part of its reset agenda to push funds into what it describes as “priority areas”.

    The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 15, in an official statement from the presidency signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

    “President John Dramani Mahama has, effective immediately, directed the cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocation of fuel to all political appointees.

    “The directive forms part of a broader curb in government expenditure aimed at cutting costs and channelling public funds into priority areas”.

    President Mahama believes the appointees and officials should also “bear their part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make”.

    Among such sacrifices government has asked the people to make include the need to embrace civic duty, reduce waste, and support national development efforts through community engagement and responsible consumption.

    It will be recalled that in May 2024, President Mahama announced plans to scrap allowances and suspend the payment of bills for officials, citing accountability and equality in the distribution of the national cake.

    Mahama explained that this move is aimed at saving the country money and that high-profile officials should pay their utility bills like every other citizen.

    He stated,”We will discontinue the payment of utility bills, fuel, DSTV, etc., as conditions of service for top government officials, directors, and the political class. We believe that people should be responsible for paying their own electricity and water bills, just as every other Ghanaian does.”

    “Unless you are using a government vehicle or are on a government assignment, you should purchase your fuel if you are using your car.. We are going to put an end to that”.

    One of the key highlights about the President Mahama led government is its commitment to cut cost and expenditure.

    Since its administration began, it has implemented key cost-cutting policies, such as ordering the discontinuation of all DSTV and other satellite TV subscription payments at the Jubilee House.

    This is reported to potentially save over GH₵120,000–GH₵240,000 in a year, assuming multiple offices at Jubilee House were subscribed, depending on the number of accounts and packages.
    oa year, this could translate to GH₵120,000–GH₵240,000 in savings—just from the presidency alone.

    Other cost-cutting decisions also include a reduction in government size, where he reduced the number of ministers to 56, four short of his 60-minister cap.


  • I have divorced my husband, and it was my decision and not God’s – Cee

    I have divorced my husband, and it was my decision and not God’s – Cee

    Cee of Mentor fame, born Cynthia Appiah-Kubi, has disclosed that her about decade has ended.

    Speaking during an interview aired on COS TV on July 11, she revealed that she had divorced her husband, who is a pastor, citing personal challenges she could no longer endure as reasons for her separation.

    While the interviewer made attempts to probe further, she declined to give details on the cause of the separation, stating that the issues which were unbearable for her to continue her marriage are “very well known to her husband”

    “I won’t talk about it because of my three children with him”

    “I was married to a pastor, but I left because of certain issues and circumstances that I could not stand. I left because I could no longer take certain things,” she said.

    The revelation of her divorce from her husband comes as a surprise to many, given her positive and exciting comments about the stability and success of her marriage.

    According to her, her decision to seperate from her husband wasn’t divinely ordered or orchestarted as many gospel usicians purport after sepearting fom their husbands often times.

    She said, “God did not tell me to leave my husband; I left because I could no longer take certain things”.

    Speaking on reasons why some gospel musicians mostly prefer marriage to pastors she explained that, many of them believe these pastors would be aligned with their calling hence their preference.

    Counting herself as an exception, she revealed that growing up, she never intended to marry a pastor.

    She declined their proposals many times, but later ended up with one.

    Cee was signed to Bandex Music Productions, a label owned by music producer Bandex (Ahmed Banda), right after she left TV3 Mentor. She worked with Bandex for approximately 6 to 7 years before relocating to the U.S. in 2013. Under his label, she collaborated with artists like Isaac (Showboy) and Great Ampong, producing hits such as Osabarima.

    However, in a 2022 interview, Cee made it clear that she had moved on from Bandex and wouldn’t return—even if offered the chance. She explained:

    “I won’t go back to Bandex, not for now. Things change as we grow. I was young at the time, but now I am mature. I believe God used Bandex to do his work and gave me the chance to do other things. He will provide me with another person to continue in his works.”

    However, in her recent interview with COS TV, she revealed furthering her education as one of the reasons why she left the record label.

  • Beyoncé’s unreleased music, tour plans on hard drive stolen after car break-in

    Beyoncé’s unreleased music, tour plans on hard drive stolen after car break-in

    Beyoncé’s songs, which are yet to be released among several items, have been stolen in Atlanta, authorities have confirmed.

    The songs, saved on hard drives containing her tour plans, show plans, and past and future set lists for her tour, were among the items stolen from the car of one of her choreographers.

    “The hard drives contained watermarked music, some unreleased music, footage plans for the show and past and future set lists,” the police report stated

    The theft happened just two days before Beyoncé’s first Atlanta performance as part of her four-night Cowboy Carter tour stop in the city.

    An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect’s arrest, although the suspect’s identity has yet to be made public.

    How the theft happened

    Recounting the incident to the police, Christopher Grant (choreographer) and Diandre Blue (dancer)told the police that they had parked their rented 2024 Black Jeep Wagoneer at a food hall in Atlanta around 8:09 p.m. on July 8, 20252.

    Although the food hall has not been confirmed or mentioned in the police report, a source stated that the theft occurred in a parking deck near Krog Street Market, a well-known food hall and gathering spot in the city.

    They told police they were “carrying some personal sensitive information for the musician Beyoncé” in the vehicle that was also stolen.

    That included “five jump drives containing watermarked music, unreleased music, footage plans for shows past and future, and set list”, the report states.

    Other items reported stolen included a laptop, designer clothes and Apple AirPods. Authorities used tracking information on the laptop and headphones to track where the items may have gone, the police report notes.

    Authorities also dusted the vehicle for any fingerprints and discovered “two very light prints”.

    It is unclear whether the stolen items have been recovered.

    The BBC has contacted a representative for Beyoncé for comment.


  • Ex-Man Utd defender Tuanzebe sues club over alleged negligent medical advice

    Ex-Man Utd defender Tuanzebe sues club over alleged negligent medical advice

    Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has dragged The Red Devils to court over alleged negligent medical advice.

    Axel Tuanzebe officially filed his legal claim against Manchester United on July 9.
    He claims the club gave him medical advice that could have harmed him.

    According to sources, the case of the injury which earned the “harmful medical” advice happened somewhere around July 2022.
    Filed under the “Clinical Negligence – Part 7 Claim – Medical Advice”, the case is considered a high-value claim, estimated to exceed £1 million.

    Tuanzebe was out for 195 days in his final season at the club before he was loaned to Stoke in January 2023, where he made just five appearances.

    Before his exit from Man Utd in the summer of 2023 to Ipswich following his contract expiry, he was sidelined for 195 days during his final season at Old Trafford.

    He began his journey with Man Utd as a boy, rising through the youth team to the senior team, where he made 37 appearances.

    His stint at Man Utd was plagued with injuries, with the first being a hip injury he suffered during training in 2019 ahead of a game with Liverpool.

    He was then ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring himself in a Carabao Cup victory over Colchester United that December.

    Some outlets have reported that the injuries involved reportedly include hip, ankle, and hamstring issues.

    He was loaned to Aston Villa thrice—2018, 2019, and 2021—and also played for Napoli in 2022.

    Tuanzebe’s lawyers, Simons Muirhead Burton, and United have so far declined to comment on the issue.

  • FIFA snubbed FIFPRO from meeting on player welfare – Sources

    FIFA snubbed FIFPRO from meeting on player welfare – Sources

    FIFA did not invite the global football players’ union, FIFPRO, to a summit meeting in New York between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and players’ groups, where player welfare and scheduled time of rest were discussed and “consensus” reached despite the union’s huge representation of players worldwide.

    This is according to sources, as reported by ESPN.

    This comes after an announcement by FIFA in an official statement published on its channels and shared with media houses in the early hours of Sunday, July 13, 2025 (Saturday evening in the U.S.) regarding an agreement that has been reached about player rest and welfare.

    However, this high-profile meeting had been held on the blindside of FIFPRO, a union that represents 66,000 players worldwide, and the UK-based Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

    FIFPRO had been excluded from the decision it had advocated so much for.

    It was quite vocal, especially following the staging of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer.

    The players’ union, FIFPro, on June 12, recommended a one-month mandatory off-season break for professional footballers.

    Just a few hours before the finale of the Club World Cup, FIFPRO released a strongly worded statement on Sunday describing the tournament as one “…held under unacceptable conditions, with matches scheduled during extreme heat that put players’ physical integrity at serious risk”

    “It was a grandiose performance that inevitably brings to mind Nero’s Rome and its ‘bread and circuses’—entertainment for the masses while behind the curtain, inequality, precariousness, and the neglect of the true protagonists deepen”, the words of the statement cut deep.

    For a tournament as such to be fixed under the purported circumstances, FIFPRO believes “This situation must not only be condemned but firmly addressed.”

    And in a statement released to ESPN on Sunday, Marchi, who chose to fly back to Argentina rather than attend the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in protest at FIFA’s claims of an agreement, said that FIFA are risking a “dangerous disconnect” with players.

    “While the recent Club World Cup generated enthusiasm among numerous fans and allowed some of the world’s leading figures to be seen in a single tournament, FIFPRO cannot fail to point out, with absolute clarity, that this competition hides a dangerous disconnect with the true reality experienced by most footballers around the world,” Marchi said.

    “What was presented as a global celebration of football was nothing more than a fiction created by FIFA, promoted by its president, without dialogue, sensitivity, and respect for those who sustain the game with their daily efforts.”

    Meanwhile, it is reported that player representatives who showed up for the meeting with Infantino included national union officials whose organisations have been expelled from FIFPRO or who have lost their position at FIFPRO following a democratic process.

    Also, ESPN has reported that senior player representatives regard FIFA’s statement as “deeply flawed”, highlighting that none of the decisions taken at the meeting were legally binding.

  • YouTube’s new monetisation policy takes effect tomorrow

    YouTube’s new monetisation policy takes effect tomorrow

    The surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

    The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.

    In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube’s Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.

    “We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.

    “On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today”, it continued.

    Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.

    “AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”

    What YouTube considers repetitive content

    Content taken from other platforms or channels must be subject to significant transformation enough to be viewed as original content.

    Repetitive content must serve a clear purpose — it should be either entertaining or educational, not just created to gain views.

    This policy is also expected to affect clickbait, templated videos, and AI-generated content, particularly those using robotic voices or lightly edited versions of others’ work.

    Eligibility Requirements

    Below are the specifications:

    At least 1,000 subscribers.Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days.

    Uncertainty Around Enforcement

    YouTube has not listed the penalties for violating the new rules. Also, there is no mention of suspensions, strikes, or demonetisation in the updated terms. However, the company says the changes are meant to align monetisation rules with evolving content trends and prevent abuse of the system.

    Also, YouTube’s update forms part of its recent decision to ban users under 16 from livestreaming without adult supervision.

  • Club World Cup: Palmer, Reece James surprised Trump stayed for Chelsea’s celebration

    Club World Cup: Palmer, Reece James surprised Trump stayed for Chelsea’s celebration

    US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, July 8, announced his decision to attend the Club World Cup final, which was being hosted in the USA at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

    Just as promised, he showed up, but not only to present the trophy; he also joined the Blues to celebrate their win yesterday, Sunday, July 13.

    The gesture appeared to have come as a surprise to the Blues’ skipper and man of the night, Cole Palmer.

    Reece, during an interview, mentioned that he was aware that Trump was going to give the trophy to them and step aside, but after the presentation, he stayed.

    Following the presentation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited Trump to move aside, possibly so he could also take part in the ceremony or have a photo taken, but Reece said,

    “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.

    “He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”

    Trump stayed for some time before later exiting with Infantino.

    Following the Blues’ 3-0 win over Paris St-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James.

    However, Trump remained alongside James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and applauded as James lifted the trophy—staying in position for a few seconds before he and Infantino left at the rear of the stage.

    Cole Palmer, who notched a brace, also mentioned his surprise after Trump decided to celebrate their win. He added, “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy.

    “I was a bit confused, yes.”

    The final of the expanded Club World Cup was attended by 81,118 people at MetLife Stadium.

    In a later interview with DAZN at halftime, Trump mentioned that he was “having a really great time.”

    In a longer interview broadcast later on Sunday, he commended FIFA president for his contributions and supervision of the growth of the sport.

    “Gianni is a friend of mine, he’s done such a great job with the league and with soccer – or as they would call it ‘football’, but I guess we call it soccer. But I’m not sure that change could be made very easily.

    “But it’s great to watch – and this is a little bit of an upset that we’re watching today, isn’t it? So far. It’s incredible.”

    When it was suggested he could make an executive order so that the sport was referred to as “football” from now on, Trump smiled and said, “I think we could do that. I think I could do that.”

    The United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 men’s World Cup next summer.

    This year’s Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams and 48 games.

    The expansion featured four African countries: Al-Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.

    Chelsea played against PSG in the finals and triumphed by 3-0, which was a surprise to many given the French club’s heavy win against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

    The Blues secured their second Club World Cup title following Palmer’s brace, and the other goal came from the 43rd minute, João Pedro.

    Palmer was awarded the best player of the night, winning the Golden Ball, and Robert Sanchez won the Golden Glove for best keeper.

    Chelsea earned a record-breaking $123 million in total, including a $40 million bonus for winning the final.

  • Tems makes history as first African artiste to wow fans at Club World Cup Final

    Tems makes history as first African artiste to wow fans at Club World Cup Final

    Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, affectionately addressed as Tems, has set a record as the first African artist to perform at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.

    The tournament held on Sunday night at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the US, saw Tems offer a stunning display while singing her hit track “Love Me JeJe” alongside a group of yellow- and white-clothed choreographers.

    She performed alongside global stars like Doja Cat and J Balvin, with surprise appearances from Coldplay and Emmanuel Kelly.

    The show was co-produced by FIFA and Global Citizen. The performance opened with J Balvin’s hits “Mi Gente” and “Reggaeton,” followed by Tems’ Grammy-winning track.

    The conclusion of the revamped, expanded Club World Cup was attended by 81,118 people at MetLife Stadium.

    This year’s Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams and 48 games.

    The expansion featured four African countries: Al-Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.

    Chelsea played against PSG in the finals and triumphed by 3-0, which was a surprise to many given the French club’s heavy win against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

    The Blues secured their second Club World Cup title following Palmer’s brace, and the other goal came from the 43rd minute, João Pedro.

    Palmer was awarded the best player of the night, winning the Golden Ball, and Robert Sanchez won the Golden Glove for best keeper.

    Chelsea earned a record-breaking $123 million in total, including a $40 million bonus for winning the final.

  • Yaa Yeboah denies downplaying King Paluta’s talent, insulting him

    Yaa Yeboah denies downplaying King Paluta’s talent, insulting him

    Ghanaian media personality and entertainment analyst, MC Yaa Yeboah, has denied insulting King Paluta after the artist was captured in a video insulting a fan.

    In a viral video that surfaced online on June 29, Paluta was seen insulting a woman during a performance at the All White Boat Party in London.

    Paluta paused halfway through his performance to insult a female guest who appeared unimpressed and allegedly gestured for him to leave the stage.

    He called her “foolish” and mocked her wig, saying, “If you don’t f** with me, I don’t f*** with you either”*

    This stirred reactions online with many slamming Paluta for his behaviour.

    Among the many who criticised the Aseda hitmaker was Yaa Yeboah, who chastised the rapper and singer for lacking personality during her appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz.

    Her comments did not sit well with Paluta and his fans which subjected her to backlash.

    Speaking on the same platform on Saturday, July 13, 2025, Yaa Yeboah contended that her comments weren’t an insult to Paluta, explaining what her use of ‘personality’ means to buttress her point.

    Yaa Yeboah stated that she can never say Paluta is not talented, revealing that she has personally promoted his songs before.

    “I didn’t sit here to insult King Paluta. What I said wasn’t an insult, and I never said he’s not talented. Don’t put words into my mouth,” she stated firmly

    Nonetheless, Yaa stood by her words that it was not perfect for King Paluta to insult a female fan on stage, and that raises questions about his personality.

  • Kwame Dadzie: Bash King Paluta but don’t crush him 

    Kwame Dadzie: Bash King Paluta but don’t crush him 

    A video that surfaced online shows him hurling insults at a patron he claims was giving him a “bad reaction” during his performance. This unfortunate scene has sparked widespread criticism, with industry players and social media users expressing their disappointment at the rapper’s conduct.

    Undoubtedly, King Paluta’s action was unbecoming of a public figure and an artiste of that stature, especially one whose brand is now gaining solid ground on both local and international stages. As an artiste who got a nomination in the Artiste of the Year category of the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards and has earned public admiration through songs like ‘Yahitte’, ‘Aseda’, ‘Makoma’, ‘For the Popping’, among others, his image should radiate maturity, discipline and control. It is only fair and right that we hold him accountable for falling short in this regard.

    That notwithstanding, the depth of the backlash he is receiving is alarming. It reeks of unprofessionalism. It smacks of emotional insensitivity. It lacks fairness and objectivity.

    Already, King Paluta has responded with a song laced with subliminal jabs, possibly at those chastising him. While this may win him sympathy from loyal fans or serve as a release valve for his frustration, it does not help his image in the long term. His refusal to apologise is also not doing him any good. In moments like these, humility speaks louder than talent. A simple acknowledgement of wrongdoing could go a long way to mend bridges and restore confidence in his brand. But I hear Paluta’s recalcitrance is one beyond even his handlers.

    I don’t know where he is headed with this posture, but if this trend of insults and counterattacks continues, it could significantly harm his career. Brands may hesitate to associate with him, organisers may avoid booking him for international gigs, and fans who are the bedrock of any artist’s success may start to drift away.

    Musician King Paluta

    Even worse, the narrative may shift from his music to his temper, a shift that could derail his momentum. Maybe he wants to tailor his brand along the Shatta Wale model. But the big question is whether he is ready to go through everything that comes with living the Shatta brand; it’s not for the faint-hearted.

    In the meantime, King Paluta must rise above the polemics. It is within his power to salvage the situation and regain goodwill. Offering an apology, either in person or via a public statement, will not make him weak; it will show maturity.

    To our colleagues in the media and the creative arts industry, I am not here to assume the highest moral ground on this matter. We all make mistakes. Sometimes, annoying situations may steal the bigger part of our emotions, and we may say things that we will regret later. But we can only get better when we watch each other’s backs and whip in line when one strays.

    Let us use our voices wisely. Let us demand better from our artistes, but let us not bury them under the weight of our words. The purpose of criticism must always be to build, not break.

    In an industry already struggling with support systems, destroying potential icons through unchecked vitriol does no one any good. King Paluta erred, but let us find better ways of helping him be a better person.

    About the author
    Kwame Dadzie is an arts and culture journalist at the Multimedia Group. He writes for myjoyonline.com and hosts the most authoritative entertainment talk show in Ghana (Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM). He is also the co-host of Daybreak Hitz, Ghana’s ultimate entertainment and lifestyle morning show.

  • Influencer Ama Burland’s social media post suggests she has bought a BMW

    Influencer Ama Burland’s social media post suggests she has bought a BMW

    Social media influencer Princess Ama Burland has shared a post suggesting that she has bought a BMW.

    The post comes about three to four months after she shared a video on X which captured her saying,

    “Today is 16th March, if you are watching this, it means I’ve bought the BMW. If this video never comes out, it means I died before the car came because, as for the car, I have bought it.”

    Fast forward, on Friday, 12th July, she referred to the same post and captioned it, “If you’re seeing this…I did it.”

    She has yet to show the said car to the public and also reveal the model and colour of the car she purchased.

    It is unknown whether the new car has arrived yet. Neither is it clear how much she paid for the car she said she has bought. 

    Taking to the comments section, several netizens congratulated Ama Burland on her new car.

    As of the time of publication, close to 30,000 people had watched the video confirming the purchase of the car.

    See some reactions below:

    About Ama Burland

    Princess Amdiya Burland was born on April 25, 1998, and is currently a brand ambassador for Samsung. She is a lifestyle influencer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Ayurveda’s Hair Care Products.

    Ama has partnered with major brands like Coca-Cola, Nivea, Dove Ghana, Bolt, and VitaMilk.

    She was also crowned the winner of Lifestyle Influencer of the Year, Instagram Influencer of the Year, and YouTube Influencer of the Year at the 2023 Pulse Influencer Awards.

  • Finance Minister to present mid-year budget on July 24 

    Finance Minister to present mid-year budget on July 24 

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to deliver to Parliament the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 24.

    This is in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to inform the country on its economic performance and fiscal strategy halfway through the year.

    The delivery of the budget by the Finance Minister was announced by Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan during the presentation of the Business Statement on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 11.

    “The mid-year again will happen on the 24th of July. I think the committee is on the selection issue. Right Honourable Speaker has been engaging with it. He is out of the jurisdiction, and so when he comes back, I am sure he will get it sorted out,” he said on the floor of the House.

    The minister’s update is expected to include a detailed assessment of government expenditure since the start of the year (January–date).

    This would include updates on revenue generation, spending, debt servicing, policy direction, and fiscal policies and decisions so far. 

    It will also outline any proposed amendments or adjustments to fiscal plans in light of current economic conditions.

    It would also address the country’s macroeconomic performance, including issues such as inflation status, exchange rate stability, and progress on structural reforms.

    As part of his delivery, the sector minister is expected to officially inform Parliament about the government’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and current arrangements with bilateral creditors.

    Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has confirmed the receipt of $367 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), credited to its account on Tuesday, July 9. 

    This forms part of the fifth disbursement under the IMF’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility programme, which Ghana entered into in May 2023.

    This comes after the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 7 completed the fourth review of the US$3 billion, 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, which was approved by the Board in May 2023.

    Following the Executive Board discussion on Ghana, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:

    “The authorities are strongly committed to restoring fiscal discipline and addressing the structural weaknesses that led to the slippages. This should be supported by continued efforts to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation and streamline non-priority expenditure while creating space for development priorities and enhanced social safety nets.”

    This brings Ghana’s total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$2.3 billion. Ghana received its first disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the $3 billion Extended Credit Facility on Friday, May 19, 2023.

    Ghana’s growth in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 was higher than expected, reflecting robust activity in the mining, agricultural, ICT, manufacturing, and construction sectors.

    Ghana’s economy grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, higher than the 4.9% recorded during the same period in 2024.

    According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), growth was driven by strong performance in the services sector and a rebound in the agricultural sector over the period.

    However, the industry sector recorded a slow growth of 3.4% as a result of low activities and slow growth in the oil and gas sector. 

    Under the incumbent government, the country has observed a continuous decline in inflation from over 20% to 13.7% as of June 2025.

  • Ghana’s energy sector: IMF predicts $2.2bn shortfall by December 2025 

    Ghana’s energy sector: IMF predicts $2.2bn shortfall by December 2025 

    Ghana’s energy sector woes are anticipated to deepen as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announces a sector shortfall by December 2025.

    The global financial institution has predicted that Ghana is estimated to lose about US$2.2 billion this year. IMF made this revelation in its July 2025 Country Report on Ghana, released as part of the Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

    According to the Fund, this reflects the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG’s) large commercial and technical losses. It also attributed the anticipated loss to delayed tariff adjustments despite rising power generation costs and weak implementation of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, which affects payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

    According to the IMF, the 2024 report highlighted that the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM)—a framework to ensure the distribution of ECG’s revenues to stakeholders—was not implemented according to its guidelines, with significant deviations between ECG’s validated and declared collections (GHS 5.3 billion) and between CWM allocations and actual payments (GHS 3.9 billion).

    Currently, the concern of most analysts is that despite the many taxes paid by petroleum consumers, the country’s energy sector debt will not record a signficant decline anytime soon. Amid this, the IMF has commended the government over progress in addressing the energy sector crisis.

    These included the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)’s 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs in April 2025, after having maintained tariffs unchanged in December 2024 and March 2025, and the Cabinet approval of opening power distribution to private sector participation (end-September 2025).

    The publication of the 2023 Quarter 4 and 2024 ECG Revenue/Collection Accounts Validation Reports (end-January 2025) was completed with a delay because it covered a period longer than envisaged.

    Even though there was some improvement, the money that some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) received from the fund was less than expected. This was because fuel payments had to be made, and a new IPP was added, which reduced the amount available for others.

    However, the 2025 budget has allocated GH¢27.1 billion (around US$1.7 billion) to cover the shortfall, assuming that policy actions will be taken to help reduce it. Among the measures are the resumption of quarterly tariff adjustments and the accelerated implementation of the Energy Sector Recovery Programme measures.

    This includes doing a multi-year tariff assessment (called MYTO) by the end of September 2025 to make sure electricity prices match the real cost of producing energy. It also involves improving how money is collected from customers and reducing the amount of unpaid bills that pile up over time.

    Ghana’s energy sector crisis has been a long-standing challenge over the years, with Finance Minister Ato Forson describing it as a “ticking time bomb.” During a speech at the first session of the two-day National Economic Dialogue at the Accra International Conference Centre in March, Dr. Forson warned that the sector’s financial deficits could exceed nine billion dollars by 2026, despite government interventions.

    “Currently, only 62 per cent of total energy purchases by ECG are collected, leaving out probably 62 per cent. 65 per cent of that amount is used to pay for supplies through the cash quarter for the mechanism,” Dr. Forson stated.

    “Unfortunately, 35 per cent of ECG’s revenue is used to take care of ECG themselves over time that they don’t actually work,” he added.

    Also, the government has introduced the GH¢1 per litre charge on petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products. It is to raise funds to clear energy sector debts, especially those owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The levy, labelled as the fuel levy, was initially announced and later withdrawn following pushback from drivers and mainly the minority, citing economic burden on the ordinary Ghanaian.

    Consequently, on June 15, the government suspended the levy, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama to delay rollout due to global oil price volatility and public concerns.

    Following the demands of timelines to ensure transparency by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) and the GPRTU, the government confirmed the levy would now take effect on July 16, 2025.

  • FDA raids Bawku markets, seizes unregistered products

    FDA raids Bawku markets, seizes unregistered products

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on Friday, July 11, embarked on a market surveillance exercise in the Bolgatanga Main Market to crack down on unregistered and unwholesome products to promote public health and safety. 

    The officials arrived on a market day, with some of the officials spreading across the market, combing through stalls and stores for unauthorised goods. Upon sighting them, some of the traders made attempts to hide the unregistered products but got busted by the officials.

    Some of the products they seized include concoctions and powders with printed male and female sex organs sold as herbal medicines, many of which are mostly marketed as aphrodisiacs and body enhancement products. 

    They also include ointments, hand sanitizers, and other pharmaceutical products. The exercise lasted several hours, approximately 4 to 6 hours.

    Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the exercise, Acting Regional Head of the FDA Mr Abel Ndego, reiterated the authority’s core mandate to ensure the region remained in regulatory compliance. 

    “We have been doing our underground work to ensure that we raid the region to get rid of all forms of unregistered, unwholesome products and anything that has the potential of causing public health threats,” he said. 

    Mr Ndego said the Authority noticed the infiltration of unregistered and unwholesome products into the Region despite several sensitization programmes for traders over the years on the dangers and penalties for such business. 

    “We had earlier done some work on it, but noticed that it appears we have a lot of recalcitrants in the system who still find ways of getting these unapproved products through unapproved routes into our Region. And as part of our mandate to ensure public health and safety, it is imperative that we undertake exercises like this to ensure that we maintain the safety ratings of our region and possibly beyond,” Mr Ndego said. 

    Mr Jiah Jiato Juah, the Regulatory Officer 1 (RO 1) of the FDA, who led the team of officials to conduct the exercise, told the GNA that the Authority, as part of investigations to ascertain how the products entered the region, visited Senkase, a community in Northern Togo, which shared a border with Pulmakom in the Pusiga District, where the products were smuggled into the region. 

    Following their checks, they found out that some Ghanaian traders crossed the border to Senkase on Thursdays and Fridays to buy the unregistered products. Due to stationed FDA officers at the border, the officer noted that these products are smuggled via motorbikes through Bawku and Garu.

    “We tried to find out how they bring them. Unfortunately, they don’t pass through the border because we have an officer stationed at the Pulmakom border. Our checks revealed that they use unapproved routes with motorbikes through Bawku and Garu,” he noted. 

    Mr Juah added that their checks further revealed that a lot of the products were also found in Dakola, a community in Burkina Faso, and smuggled into the region through unapproved routes at Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District. 

    The regulatory officer expressed concern about the health implications of these unregistered products, which have infiltrated the markets, and urged residents to stay away from them. He said that despite prior education on its risks, some members of the public have been convinced to buy them. 

    In reaction to the FDA’s raid, a resident, Madam Rose Akaribire Atindoo, expressed excitement, saying, “I am happy with what the officers are doing.” She bemoaned the indiscriminate sale and use of unregistered and unprescribed drugs, especially tramadol, among the youth.

    “I am old, and it’s sad that the young ones who should take over from us, the older ones, abuse these products and eventually die prematurely from strange health conditions,” Madam Atindoo said.

  • Vice President inaugurates Entrance University of Health Sciences to address low doctor-to-patient ratio

    Vice President inaugurates Entrance University of Health Sciences to address low doctor-to-patient ratio

    Access to training programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing, along with a Dental Hospital has been simplified with the inauguration of the Entrance University of Health Sciences (EUHS).

     Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang inaugurated the school located at Spintex-Accra on Friday, July 11.

    EUHS has been established to address the challenge of the low doctor-to-patient ratio and improve access to adequate healthcare professionals across the country.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice President lauded the initiative, noting its significant contribution to Ghana’s healthcare training capacity. 

    According to Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the establishment of EUHS will go a long way to train more experts to fill the gap in the country’s doctor- and dentist-to-population ratio. 

    H. E. Prof. Jane Naana acknowledged the need to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare delivery system by expanding training opportunities for health professionals. 

    “Ghana is not yet in the ideal position regarding the WHO-recommended doctor-and-dentist-to-population ratio. These new facilities will enhance clinical training, expand access to dental care, and strengthen healthcare delivery.”

    She also charged the new entrants of the school to adopt a spirit of servitude and humility as they begin their journey in the respective “noble professions.”

    “You are entering a noble profession at a time of great national need. Let your learning be marked by humility, compassion, and a constant desire to serve. I hope the relationship between students and surrounding communities will be mutually enriching,” she said.

    Speaking at the event, Minister for Health Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh lauded the initiative as a strategic and commendable step toward solving one of Ghana’s most pressing health sector challenges. 

    Highlighting gaps in medical, nursing, and dental services across the country, the minister reemphasized the urgency of expanding Ghana’s health workforce. 

    He praised the visionary leadership of the university’s founder and chancellor, Nana Samuel Amo Tobbin, describing his efforts as a “bold and patriotic investment in Ghana’s future”. 

    “This initiative demonstrates foresight, commitment, and a strong sense of national responsibility,” the minister said.

    In his address, Nana Samuel Amo Tobbin emphasized the university’s mission to raise a new generation of healthcare professionals with academic excellence and moral integrity.

    The chancellor also stressed the importance of innovation and discipline in training the next wave of healthcare workers, pledging continued investment in infrastructure and academic quality.

    “Many Ghanaian students face difficulties after studying abroad due to language and cultural barriers. I established this university to provide a world-class, locally grounded education that prepares our youth for global relevance.”

    He absolved them from blame while citing the disparity in environment. “This challenge is not the fault of our young people. It stems from the differences in the environments and systems they’re exposed to,” he said.

    Nana Tobbin also took the opportunity to make a direct appeal to the Vice President to consider some of their students for government scholarships and support them in terms of resource supply and management.

    “We urge government support through national scholarship schemes. Strengthening institutions like Entrance University will help retain valuable resources within Ghana and empower local communities directly,” he mentioned.

  • They started it, so it’s their duty to end it – Gospel musician OJ to politicians over election violence

    They started it, so it’s their duty to end it – Gospel musician OJ to politicians over election violence

    Renowned Gospel musician Minister OJ has shared his opinion on how elections violence,associated killings and disruptions can be curbed in Ghana.

    Joining panelists on UTV’s United Showbiz on Saturday, July 12, the Minister asserted that every problem is best solved by the people who cause it—making reference to Westerners who began the slave trade in Africa.

    He noted that when they realized it was wrong, they put a stop to it.

    In the same way, since politicians are the perpetrators of these acts of violence, he believes they are the best people to bring them to an end.

    He insists that politicians tend to manipulate people for their selfish interests. Hence, the cases of violence meted out on people, especially on election days.

    “The issue of political violence, politicians are the ones who started it, and they are the only ones who can end it easily.

    “Politicians do not work with people; they use them. They will confuse, convince and use you. Look at the videos coming out. Why didn’t anyone attack the candidates? Only the party supporters were affected,” he stated.

    His comments come in the wake of the recent violent incidents that erupted during the Ablekuma North parliamentary reruns on July 11, 2025, which saw journalists, political party executives and former politicians being assaulted.

    He continued that, the attention Ghanaians give to these politicians who lead and instigate these violent acts should be cut off. Once they realise this, they’d put a stop to it.

    “The moment the people stop paying attention to these politicians and stop following them around, they will stop,” he added.

    He also called for a strong national response to crime and violence, stating, “A nation cannot be seen as timid when it comes to crime; it has to be brutal in handling it.”

    He recommended the need to empower institutions like the NCCE to embark on education and awareness programs to psych the youth on the dangers of being used by politicians during elections.

    What happened?

    OJ’s comments come on the back of violence that erupted during the Ablekuma North election rerun on Juky 11.

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

    The Ghana Police Service has interdicted one of its officers who was caught on camera slapping a journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, during the rerun election at Ablekuma North.

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

    The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North.

    The rerun election, held on July 11 across 19 polling stations, saw several alarming incidents.

    At some polling stations, unidentified individuals, described as “thugs” assaulted political figures, including Hawa Koomson, former Awutu Senya East MP, and the NPP’s Deputy National Organiser, Chris Lloyd.

    Following the reports, various stakeholders, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Minority Caucus in Parliament, and local journalists have called for thorough investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and full protection for voters and officials.

    Listen to OJ from 2:28

  • “I don’t like being told what to do” – Moliy on why she hasn’t joined a record label

    “I don’t like being told what to do” – Moliy on why she hasn’t joined a record label

    Ghanaian musician Moliy has expressed her contentment of remaining independent of any record label.

    She cited record labels’ restraints on her creativity, issues of trust, as well as hearsay about artists and the challenges that come with being signed to a label.

    Her remarks was in response to a feature of discussion about her career as an independent artiste since her debut in 2020.

    For the sake of creative freedom Moliy says she doesn’t want to be a part of any record label. She said

    “Yeah. I’ve always been kind of hesitant to be a label artist because I’ve just heard so many stories.“I don’t just wanna be a name on a list. Music is very personal to me.

    “So, I think if I did get locked in with a label, I hope it’s something that could be a real, long-lasting, organic relationship.

    “The most freeing part is just getting to do what I want creatively without someone telling me what to do. I don’t like being told what to do” she shared during an interview on July 7 with Revolt TV.

    She said ” I always feel like the people I work with, I want to trust them. I want it to feel organic”.

    Though she has seen significant success with her songs hitting millions on boardsin UK and other streaming platforms, her independent journey hasn’t been without challenges.

    She struggled with getting her music distributed effectively without the backing of a record label:she had to navigate distribution hurdles on her own.

    “I realized at some point, I was actively seeking [distribution]. I hadn’t released music for a whole year in 2024, and me and my manager were trying to get a [distribution deal] so I could put out music.

    The conversations were sounding positive, but nothing was actually happening. I remember thinking,(sic)I still wanna move. I don’t wanna be stagnant,’” she said.

    It was at this point that she realised that “also, if you’re not pushing yourself, if you’re not putting your foot on the gas, no one is gonna do it for you. That’s what I love the most”

    Meanwhile, her journey as an independent artiste has proven quite successful with the awards she’s won and success of her releases over the years.

    In June 2022 she was named Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador.She also featured on MTV Base, 3Music TV, and Revolt TV and was later nominated for Ghana Music Awards and honored as BET Amplified Artist of the Month.

  • The Standpoint is 17 years! Gifty Anti celebrates with dinner party in London

    The Standpoint is 17 years! Gifty Anti celebrates with dinner party in London

    Veteran broadcaster Gifty Anti has marked over a decade and half groundbreaking television programme, The Standpoint, which she has now rebranded as TSP with Gifty Anti.

    She celebrated the seventeen years show with a vibrant dinner event titled “Chat & Dine with Gifty Anti” on Friday, July 11 which marked the exact date of the show’s launch anniversary.

    Stanpoint which started in July 11 2008 focuses on the women empowerment, addressing women and girls challenges across all walks of life.

    Reflecting on the journey, Gifty Anti described it as one marked by dedication, resilience, and God’s grace—“17 years of scars and medals for the sake of womanhood and humanity.”

     The event was hosted by Akosua Tiana brought together fans, media personalities, feminists among others.

    Headling the evening as the center of the event, Gifty Anti recounted her journey through the years, the rebranding of the show in April last year and her commitment to the course- to give voice to women and children.

    She also promoted her children’s book, tittled ‘The Princess and Jazz’, as part of her international tour.

    “Cheers to many more years to come, God willing,” Gifty Anti shared in an emotional post, thanking her supporters and celebrating the show’s nearly two decades of impact.

    See her full statement below:

    And the Day is here!!

    Friday, 11th July 2008 to Friday, 11th July 2025!

    17 years of dedication, commitment, focus, strength, resilience and an audacity to create a platform (a TV programme):

    1. Empower Women Holistically
    2. Breaking the myth and daring to discuss hitherto taboo topics
    3. Projecting and capturing the untold stories of Women, girls and children.

    17 YEARS OF THE STANDPOINT, now TSP WITH GIFTY ANTI

    17 YEARS OF GOD’S GRACE AND FAITHFULNESS

    17 YEARS OF GOD STAYING IN THE STORY!

    17 years of defying all odds, smiling at storms, holding my head high and still pushing the gender agenda!! Regardless!!

    17 years of IMPACTING LIVES!!!

    17 years of SCARS AND MEDALS for the sake of womanhood and humanity.

    Cheers to the many years to come, God willing!!

    I AM GIFTY ANTI, and for the past 17 years, I have independently produced and hosted THE STANDPOINT, now TSP with Gifty Anti.

    Help me THANK GOD

    #proudmoment

    The evolution of The Standpoint

    Stanpoint has eveolved over the years since its inception. It was first aired on GTV (Ghana Television), Ghana’s national broadcaster however funded by Gifty to avoid conflict of interest and maintain editorial independence.

    It celebrated milestones like its 5th anniversary in 2013 by launching a foundation to support vulnerable girls.

    Fast forward the show was rebranded in April 2024 as TSP with Gifty Anti.The new format focused on one-on-one interviews with women achievers, feminists, and advocates.

    The rebranding came with a new studio set, logo, and broader digital presence on Joy Prime TV at 6:30 PM on Sundays and aired on GTV at 8pm on Thursdays.

    It is also streamed on Youtube on YouTube Mondays at 8:00 PM and at on Facebook, Mondays at 6:00 PM

  • Presidential jet grounded in France for repairs over life-threatening defects – Defence Minister

    Presidential jet grounded in France for repairs over life-threatening defects – Defence Minister

    Ghana’s decade-and-a-half-old presidential private jet has been grounded again in France, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has revealed.

    The aircraft, Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE, has been in France since March 11 this year, undergoing a mandatory 24-month/1600 flight hour inspection at Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget due to multiple critical defects, including severe corrosion in its fuel tanks and engine components.

    News about the jet surfaced after Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, questioned why the Vice President traveled by a rented jet instead of the state’s upon her return from the UK following her medical treatment. He questioned whether the presidential jet was unavailable, restricted, or reassigned at the time of her private return in May.

    In response to this, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah revealed that the jet has been grounded in France for repairs and due to the unavailability of a critical component—the turbofan, which had become severely rusted and required urgent replacement.

    He said, “Ghana’s presidential jet, if I am to summarize, is an aircraft that is almost 15 years old that has massive multifocal corrosion, including very important parts of the machine.”

    “These defects, we are trying to fix them, but they keep identifying new defects as they fix them. And one serious aspect of the identification is that, when they realized that the turbofan was heavily corroded and it required replacement, the company did not have a readily available spare,” he noted.

    He also highlighted the challenges of accessing certain spare parts in the coming months or years, given the rapid advancement of technology and the fact that aircraft manufacturers rarely produce many components for older jets like Ghana’s Falcon.

    “Normally, like all technologies over time, when you do not have many of that in circulation, companies do not produce many of such spares. But after a series of negotiations, a spare was received, and that has been installed successfully. And no one can predict going forward, if other spares also get dysfunctional, whether we are going to be able to have others for replacement,” the Defence Minister added.

    The document, which states the detailed status report of the Falcon 900EX indicates that technicians discovered severe corrosion in the aircraft’s left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) feeder tanks, as well as the centre wing tanks. Corrosion and damage on Engine No. 2’s air intake plug receptacle and turbofan, which had to be completely replaced. Intermittent tripping of the starter-generator on Engine No. 2.

    A series of deferred defects accumulated over previous operations that required manufacturer-level repair. The report also noted that the fuel tank contamination, if left untreated, can potentially cause engine failure during flight, posing a serious safety risk.

    All these have pushed back the initial return of the presidential jet, which was initially bound for return on March 26, 2025; the aircraft’s delivery has now been postponed multiple times.

    According to the Defence Minister, the delays the jet has faced at the workshop are a “worrying pattern” and indicate “an aging presidential jet.”

    When the jet was flown for repairs in 2020–2021, it saw no delays. In 2022–2023, it was delayed 2.5 months. Fast forward to 2024, it saw another 2 months, and in 2025, it has been delayed for four months and counting, with the hope of its return ending in July.

    Meanwhile, a security analyst, Emmanuel Kotin, did not mince words when he spoke about Ghana’s presidential jet on TV3’s The KeyPoints on Saturday, July 12.

    He said, “Six years ago, I described it as a flying coffin. That is what it is. Let’s put politics aside; let’s treat this as a national emergency.”

    Given Ghana’s status as a sovereign and independent country, Kotin believes, “Nobody would advise the president to use the jet. We need an aircraft befitting our status as a sovereign country.”

    While some netizens have advised on the purchase of a new jet, some have also accused the government of wanting to exploit Ghanaians to purchase a new jet for their selfish gains and comfort.

    The Defence Minister has highlighted the need to treat the state of the jet as a national issue and a security reason rather than a partisan one, citing that “…this is an air asset of the Air Force that carries not just the President, not just the Executive, but sometimes the Legislature, sometimes other arms of government, and sometimes other institutions.”

  • Photos: Patapaa’s ex-wife marries Nigerian lover just weeks after finalising divorce

    Photos: Patapaa’s ex-wife marries Nigerian lover just weeks after finalising divorce

    Ex-wife of Ghanaian artist Patapaa, Liha Miller, has remarried.

    This comes barely two months after she finalised her divorce with the “One Corner” hitmaker in May this year.

    In a modest court wedding, Liha married her Nigerian content creator husband, Ikem Casey, on Friday, July 11.

    Taking to TikTok, she shared images and videos of herself and her newly wedded husband with the caption, “Till Death Do Us Part My Odogwu”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-xo9xo1yU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Liha Miller shared a video of her proposal on her TikTok handle which captured her flaunting her ring as she celebrated the milestone on Wednesday, July 3, 2025 a plush Lagos apartment.

    The video’s caption read,“I said Yes 💍”.

    Liha Miller officially finalised her divorce from Patapaa on Thursday, May 22, 2025, after a Ghanaian court granted their request for separation.

    The couple got married on Saturday, January 2, 2021, in Agona Swedru, located in Ghana’s Central Region.

    She wasn’t physically present due to her work commitments in Germany, but was represented by a lawyer and another individual during the proceedings.

    The couple had been separated since 2022, following their 2021 wedding in Agona Swedru.

    Why did they divorce?

    The marriage began to face challenges shortly after the message. At a point,there were reports of Liha having an affair with comedian Atemuda.

    Also, long-distance challenges, emotional strain, alleged infidelity, and lack of support. Liha described the marriage as a “nightmare.”

    In an interview with BessahGh, she lamented bitterly about the poor and harsh treatment Patapaa subjected her to.

    She said he used to abuse her physically to the point that she became a regular at the hospital.

    She added that she had been treating infections for a long time, even staying home for seven months without any income because of her poor health.

    During that period, her husband never asked how she was managing to pay her bills and was still trying to extort money from her.