TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Govt to roll out free education for all learners with Special Needs next year

    Govt to roll out free education for all learners with Special Needs next year

    The government is set to roll out free education for all learners with special needs, effective in 2026. The policy forms part of the government’s Inclusive Education Policy.

    This was announced by the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, on Wednesday, November 19, at a press conference held in Accra, where the Minister was providing clarity on the education sector allocations in the 2026 Budget.

    “I have submitted a comprehensive policy paper to Cabinet to look at the possibility of introducing free education for all learners in special and integrated schools across the country. I intend that if I get the support of the President and Cabinet, which I trust I have, from 1 January 2026, we should be able to provide for the needs of all learners with special needs in our country,” Mr Haruna noted.

    He also noted that his outfit intends to complete e-blocks in some Senior High Schools across the country.

    “We intend, under the 180 million US dollars, to complete 30 community day senior high schools, which is referred to as an e-block,” adding that “for higher education, we want to establish two new technical universities in Jessia-Tame and Damongo.”

    The Education Minister, since taking office, has implemented some policies, including the compulsory teaching of Ghanaian languages in basic schools, specifically for pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Three.

    Initially, when the announcement was made, it was widely reported that the Ministry had scrapped English language as a language of instruction in Ghanaian basic schools, but later it clarified that it wasn’t the case via a statement signed and issued by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, on Thursday, October 30.

    Dr Clement Apaak explained that the new policy is to ensure that children are not only fluent in the English language but also in their home languages. He emphasised that the initiative is also intended to strengthen learning outcomes across all subjects.

    “Teaching in a language the child does not understand or speak well creates major barriers to literacy acquisition. So, we are committing to revisit the policy, based on global evidence, to ensure that we are teaching effectively from KG to Basic Year Three to improve learning outcomes.

    “This includes looking at how we can draw upon the success of Ghanaian programmes such as Complementary Basic Education to involve communities and extend early grade teaching beyond our 12 official languages,” he added.

    According to the statement, “As evidence has shown, the practice in countries such as China, Finland, Japan and Malaysia indicates that proficiency in a home language or playground language is key to learning other languages effectively.

    “It also helps in developing in young learners national identity and appreciation of cultural values,” the statement said, adding that the Ministry of Education was keen to ensure that no learner was left behind in receiving the quality education they deserve. “It is their right. We respect their right. At the end, we are nurturing individuals into responsible national adults and global citizens.”

    In 2023, Ghanaian historian Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka called on managers of educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.

    He said students should be encouraged to speak local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.

    The historian attributed his point to the fact that some foreign countries prioritise their local languages, thereby requiring that a person, upon arrival in the country, speak and understand the language.

    Speaking to KMJ on Prime Morning, he said, “If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”

    “If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” he quizzed.

    Although English is an international language that cannot be abolished, Nana Osei-Bonsu opined that it could be blended with local languages to activate the country’s heritage.

    He also believes that Ghanaian languages are likely to fade out as generations pass if parents do not insist on speaking local dialects with their children.

    Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts to speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.

    “Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language. In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.

    The country celebrates Ghana Month throughout March every year to commemorate her independence. The historian believes that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years go by.

    He attributes the dwindling interest partly to the trend of designers incorporating foreign products into their designs. The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest among the public, as they have failed to insist on the inclusion of local languages in the school curriculum.

    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”

    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project their culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking local languages, among others, throughout March.

    Earlier this year, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to protect and preserve their indigenous languages.

  • US-Ghana deportation policy: 120 Ghanaians to arrive in Ghana after US Immigration Board verdict

    US-Ghana deportation policy: 120 Ghanaians to arrive in Ghana after US Immigration Board verdict

    The lives of many Ghanaians who have been earmarked for deportation in the USA depend on the final decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

    The BIA reviews cases involving asylum, visas, and deportation orders. Ghanaians (and other foreign nationals) are deported if they overstay visas, enter illegally, commit crimes, or lose asylum claims.

    Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during a briefing in Parliament on Thursday, November 20 on immigration-related issues, explained that more than three hundred Ghanaians have been in detention in the last ten to eleven (10-11) months in the USA over immigration-related charges and one hundred and twenty (120) of the detained are currently awaiting the verdict by the BIA on what their fate will be, whether they will be allowed to continue staying or brought back home.

     “So far, Mr Speaker, 388 Ghanaians have been in detention since January this year on immigration-related charges. Of this number, 120 are awaiting final decisions by the Board of Immigration Appeals”, the North Tongu Minister said.

     However, he noted that some people already know their fate and are currently waiting to finalise deportation arrangements and head back home. 

    “Additionally,  49 have exhausted all legal processes and are awaiting final deportation arrangements”, he added.

    Earlier reports suggested that 2,470 Ghanaians were on the U.S. deportation list, one of the highest figures ever recorded. By mid-2025, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that 188 nationals had been earmarked for deportation and were already in detention facilities.

    However, during yesterday’s presentation in Parliament, Mr Ablakwa indicated that per his outfit’s records, “169 Ghanaians have been deported to Ghana since January 2025. Out of this number, 90 arrived unaccompanied on commercial flights, 66 arrived on chartered, controlled flights supervised by ICE agents.

    The Minister’s briefing comes on the back of the U.S. government’s intensified immigration enforcement drive under President Donald Trump in 2025, which targeted undocumented migrants.

    The U.S. formally notified Ghana’s embassies in Washington and New York, requesting cooperation in issuing travel certificates for deportees. Ghana, in response, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. to accept deportees, including some West African nationals, a decision which sparked backlash, particularly from the minority, when news of possible abuse of these West African nationals who were deported to Ghana.

    Critics described the program as “Return to Nowhere,” citing harsh conditions including shackling, military transport, and detention in camps like Bundase and Burma Camp.

    Addressing public concerns about human rights abuses in the U.S. deportation process, the Minister highlighted that, 

    “We have made it clear that deportees have rights and must be deported within the confines of international law. They should not be abused, and their rights must be respected. So far, in our engagement with these deportees, there has been no evidence of rights violations”.

    On the abuse of the rights of these deportees, a group of 11 West African nationals deported from the U.S. to Ghana sued the Government of Ghana in September 2025, alleging unlawful detention and abuse of rights. Their lawyer was Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a Ghanaian human rights activist and lawyer. The case was filed at the Labour Division and Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra, but was later removed to be pursued in the US, because the deportees’ claims were tied to U.S. immigration decisions.

    The reasoning was that Ghana’s courts could not directly overturn or enforce U.S. immigration rulings; only U.S. federal courts could. 

    President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, revealed during a media encounter held on Wednesday, September 10, at 8:00 PM at the Jubilee House, that the first West African nationals have arrived in Ghana following their deportation from the USA.

    The batch consisted of 14 individuals, mostly Nigerians, along with one Gambian national.

    “We were approached by the US to accept third-country nationals who were being removed, and we agreed that West African nationals could be accommodated, since all our fellow West Africans do not require a visa to enter Ghana. So, if they travel from the US to Accra, entry is not an issue. Bringing our West African colleagues back is therefore acceptable,” President Mahama explained.

    Some critics alleged that the government’s acceptance was in exchange for some monetary, logistics or diplomatic benefits, particularly after the government was exempted from the new visa policy directive issued by the Trump administration.

    Ablakwa, however, denied these claims, stating that,

    “The government of Ghana has not requested any monetary support, logistical support, or any material support for this intervention. The understanding is purely on humanitarian grounds. We are Pan-Africanists. These are fellow West Africans who are in distress, being detained, being treated shabbily, without dignity, and we cannot look on as Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana,” he told Parliament.

    Meanwhile, in mid-September, a federal judge, Tanya Chutkan, questioned the Trump-led administration over its decision to deport West African nationals to Ghana instead of sending them straight to their home countries, describing the move as an apparent attempt to circumvent U.S. immigration laws.

    These laws say the U.S. government cannot deport or return a person to a country where they are likely to be tortured or persecuted.

    Judge Tanya Chutkan granted an emergency hearing after lawyers of the deportees contended that their clients, expected to be returned to their home countries, Nigeria and Gambia, feared they would be tortured or persecuted.

    For clarity, Chutkan instructed Donald Trump’s administration to submit a report by 9 p.m. on Saturday, detailing what efforts they are taking to prevent Ghana from sending the deportees back to their home countries.

    While President Mahama didn’t explicitly detail the deal of being a purported transit hub for the West African national sent from the US, the judge, until Trump’s government submits its report, suspects complicity on the part of the Ghanaian government in the full deportation process.

    She explained that concerns about their safety in their home countries were not speculations or claims but real enough “that the United States government agrees they shouldn’t be sent back to their home country.”

    According to her, the arrangement appeared to have been designed by U.S. officials “to make an end run” around legal requirements that bar the government from sending migrants back to situations of danger.

    The controversial deportations form part of President Donald Trump’s strategy of relocating migrants to “third countries” to expedite removals and pressure undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S.

    The deportation of the West African Nationals and their conditions emerged after a lawsuit filed on Friday, September 12, by the counsel of the migrants, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, that five of the nationals deported from the US to Ghana had U.S. legal protections preventing deportation to their home countries over fear of danger or persecution. One of them, a bisexual man, has already been sent to Gambia and is reportedly in hiding.

    The others were held in an open-air facility managed by the Ghanaian military, described as having squalid conditions.

    The said migrants, according to claims, were taken from a Louisiana detention facility, shackled, and flown on a U.S. military aircraft without being told their destination. The complaint further alleges that some were restrained in straitjackets for 16 hours.

    Trump’s government responds to the Judge’s request for clarity in the deportation case

    The U.S. Department of Justice, in response to the judge’s request, stated that it no longer had custody of the migrants, challenging the court’s authority to interfere in diplomacy, citing a Supreme Court ruling that approves their deportations to third countries.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, however, rejected claims that straitjackets were used during the flight, refusing to comment on the allegations of circumventing immigration law.

  • Prof. Gordon Awandare honoured with 2025 Bailey K. Ashford Medal for distinguished work in Tropical Medicine

    Prof. Gordon Awandare honoured with 2025 Bailey K. Ashford Medal for distinguished work in Tropical Medicine

    Professor Gordon Awandare, Founding Director of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana, has been awarded the 2025 Bailey K. Ashford Medal by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), in recognition of his outstanding and sustained contributions to tropical medicine, infectious disease research, and scientific capacity development in Africa.

    The award was presented to Prof. Awandare by ASTMH President, Professor David Fidock, during a colourful ceremony at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as part of the Society’s Annual Meeting. The Bailey K. Ashford Medal, one of the world’s most prestigious distinctions in tropical medicine, is conferred annually on exceptional early- to mid-career scientists who have demonstrated distinguished achievements in the field.

    This year, four scientists from across the globe were honoured, with Prof. Awandare standing out as the only African awardee. His recognition underscores both his personal scientific excellence and the growing global impact of African-led biomedical research.

    A Trailblazer in Malaria Research and African Scientific Leadership

    Prof. Awandare’s groundbreaking work has focused on understanding the biology and immune response mechanisms of malaria, one of Africa’s most devastating diseases. His research has significantly advanced global understanding of malaria pathogenesis, paving the way for improved diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine development.

    Beyond his scientific contributions, Prof. Awandare is celebrated for his visionary leadership in building research infrastructure and nurturing scientific talent across Africa. Through WACCBIP, which he founded in 2014 with support from the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence programme, he has transformed the landscape of biomedical research and postgraduate training on the continent.

    Under his stewardship, WACCBIP has trained and mentored hundreds of young African scientists, many of whom now occupy influential positions in academia, research institutions, and public health agencies across Africa and beyond. The Centre’s research portfolio has expanded beyond malaria to include viral, bacterial, and genetic diseases, contributing vital evidence for disease surveillance, control, and prevention in the region.

    Global Recognition of African Excellence

    In a letter notifying him of the award, the ASTMH Medals Committee commended Prof. Awandare for his “important contributions to the understanding and control of tropical diseases” and his “continuing work on behalf of people in need throughout the world.”

    The Bailey K. Ashford Medal is named after Dr. Bailey K. Ashford, a pioneering figure in tropical medicine known for identifying the connection between hookworm infection and anemia at just 26 years old. His legacy lives on through this award, which celebrates exceptional scientific dedication to improving health outcomes in tropical regions.

    Receiving the medal, Prof. Awandare expressed deep gratitude to ASTMH for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Africa’s role in global health research. “This award is not just a personal achievement,” he said. “It is a recognition of the incredible work being done by my colleagues and students at WACCBIP and across Africa. It shows that excellence in science knows no geographical boundaries. When given the right environment and support, African scientists can make discoveries that change the world.”

    A Milestone for WACCBIP and the University of Ghana

    Prof. Awandare’s achievement marks another major milestone for the University of Ghana and its globally renowned research centre, WACCBIP. Over the past decade, WACCBIP has become a beacon of African scientific innovation, establishing international collaborations with leading institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

    The Centre has also been at the forefront of major scientific responses, including Ghana’s genomic surveillance of COVID-19, its studies into antimicrobial resistance, and its groundbreaking research into the genetics of hearing impairment.

    University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, praised the recognition, describing it as “a proud moment for the University and for Ghanaian science.” She noted that Prof. Awandare’s work exemplifies the University’s vision of excellence and impact through research, teaching, and innovation.

    A Global Call to Support African Science

    Prof. Awandare’s recognition by ASTMH highlights the importance of continued investment in scientific research and infrastructure in Africa. His work demonstrates that empowering African researchers through funding, training, and global partnerships can yield groundbreaking discoveries that address the world’s most pressing health challenges.

    As global attention turns increasingly to emerging diseases and health inequities, this milestone reinforces the message that Africa must be at the forefront of scientific discovery, not merely as a beneficiary but as a leader.

    About WACCBIP
    The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) is a World Bank-funded Centre of Excellence based at the University of Ghana. Established in 2014, WACCBIP is dedicated to world-class research, postgraduate training, and capacity building in infectious and non-communicable diseases. The Centre’s mission is to build a strong pipeline of African scientists capable of leading transformative research and innovation to improve health outcomes across the continent.

  • If I had been given more time, maybe I could have done better – Ex-Black Stars coach Chris Hughton

    If I had been given more time, maybe I could have done better – Ex-Black Stars coach Chris Hughton

    Former Black Stars coach Chris Hughton believes he may have provided better results if he had been given more time as head coach in 2023.

    Speaking with TV3’s Owuraku Ampofo in an interview aired on Thursday, November 13, the Irish-born Ghanaian cited his upbringing in Ireland and the football structure there, which he noted is quite different from that in Africa, particularly Ghana. He also highlighted that managing a club was quite different from managing a national team.

    He believes that having a little more time to adjust would have made his tenure as head coach more effective.

    “And I’ll speak about the Black Stars, but this can apply anywhere in Africa. For someone who spent all of their time in England as a player, then as an assistant coach and later as a head coach or manager, it was very different. But there’s also the reality of the Black Stars’ role and managing in Africa, which is very different. 

    “The levels of structure and organisation you’re used to at club level, where everything is day-to-day, are very different in international football, and of course, working in Africa adds another layer. It takes time to adjust. So, regarding my role… would I have wanted more time? Yes, of course. I genuinely feel that with more time, I would have adjusted better”, he noted.

    He continued, “One reason is that it’s international football, and it was my first time managing at that level. That alone takes some time to adjust to. I was used to working with players all week, preparing for a game, and then preparing for the next one.

    “In international football, you can have the players for just two days before your first game. And in those two days, there’s only so much you can do. So, one challenge is adjusting to the international game,” as he reflected on the demands of international management and the challenges of transitioning from club football.

    Despite these, he acknowledged that, in football, producing results is the most important.

    “But I’m also very conscious that this is football. It’s about results. It’s about emotions. Coaches try to do the best they can in the time they have, and when they’re no longer in the role, they have to move on and look forward to the next challenge,” he added.

    Chris Hughton was sacked as Black Stars head coach on 23 January 2024, after Ghana’s final group game against Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He served as head coach for about 11 months, and before that, he was assistant/technical advisor for roughly 13 months.

    Chris Hughton’s remarks come at a time when the Black Stars are reported to have seen a dip in form following their defeat in their last friendlies.

    Ghana suffered a 0-2 defeat to Japan in their preparatory match against Japan earlier today, Friday, November 14, at the  Toyota Stadium, Aichi.

    Japan notched their first goal just fifteen minutes into the game courtesy of Takumi Minamino. Japan dominated at a point after the possession was shared by both teams for a long period, giving Ghana a hard time breaking into their defence. 

    Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m) to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that,

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

    The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

    “Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.

    According to him, government commitment to the Sports sector has yielded what he describes as “impressive results”.

    He said, “the Black Stars qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Black Queens won

    bronze at the Women’s AFCON. Ghana’s U-15 Girls won the CAF African Schools Championship, and the U-15 Boys placed third.

    The Golden Palms defended their African Youth Baseball Championship, and the GRA Ladies Hockey Team retained their continental title. Athletes Anita Afrifa and Rose Yeboah set new national records, while para-athletes Zinabu Issah and Gilbert Ampiah won medals in Morocco. Abdul-Rasheed Saminu ranked among the world’s fastest 100m runners. 579.

    Mr Speaker, Team Ghana won 55 medals at the African Arm-wrestling Championships and excelled across athletics, badminton, boxing, tennis, and wrestling. Ghana also hosted the 2025 CAA Region II Senior Championships, securing 23 medals”.

    He also announced that the government has targeted more investments into the Sports sector, which includes the building of ultra-modern stadia in regions that do not have any, particularly the new regions which were created under the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

    “In 2026, the Government will invest in athlete welfare, sports infrastructure, and talent development in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and other tournaments. The Anti-Doping Regulations will be finalised to enforce clean sports. 581.

    Construction of modern stadia will begin in three of the eight regions without such facilities. The Ministry will also develop Bills for the National Sports College and Sports University, and organise inter-school, district, and regional sports competitions nationwide”, he added.

  • FIFA expecting about 5-10 million in attendance – Gianni Infantino onianni Infantino

    FIFA expecting about 5-10 million in attendance – Gianni Infantino onianni Infantino

    The FIFA World Cup scheduled for June-July 2026 is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance as announced by the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

    Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

    “Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave — they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

    The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

    Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that,
    ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

    But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

    “Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” the Secretary noted.

    The FIFA president also noted that “With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting from getting their visa”.

    The announcement of priority visa appointments has been welcomed by many, including the US Travel Association, a tourism industry trade group. “The expedited process for FIFA ticket-holders adds needed efficiency without sacrificing security. This is the kind of practical action that strengthens security, increases capacity and cuts wait times, putting the U.S. on a stronger footing to welcome millions of visitors next year,” the group’s CEO, Geoff Freeman, said in a statement.

    The announcement comes after citizens of countries that have already booked their place at the tournament have long wait times for visa appointments.

    In Colombia, travellers applying for US visas are currently waiting around 11 months for an interview appointment, according to data published by the US State Department, the agency which processes visa applications.

    The average wait time in Mexico City is nine and a half months, while non-Canadian citizen residents of Toronto can expect a wait of 14 months for appointments.

    If those wait times hold, the World Cup will have already been played and the golden trophy already awarded by the time fans from some countries have their visas approved or denied.

    However, it’s currently unclear whether the new appointment rules will cover ticket-holders from countries whose citizens are mostly or entirely banned from travelling to the US. In June, Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries from entering the US, citing an effort to manage security threats

    Iran, whose football team has qualified for the World Cup, is among the countries affected by the ban. The June executive order exempts athletes and coaching staff travelling for the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, although their fans could still face a ban.

    The BBC has contacted the US State Department for comment.

    Not all travellers coming to the US next year will need a visa. Most citizens of countries under the US waiver programme can ordinarily travel visa-free for up to 90 days. That scheme covers much of Europe, including the UK, along with Japan, Australia and others.

    At the two most recent World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, a ticket to a game generated a fan ID that could be used like a visa to enter the host country.

    Meanwhile, German manufacturer Adidas, which has been designing World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament, has once again produced the official match ball for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Named Trionda, the ball was officially unveiled on Thursday, October 2, during a global launch event at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. The presentation, hosted jointly by FIFA and Adidas, showcased the ball’s design, technology, and symbolic meaning.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino, during the unveiling of the ball, said, “The Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup 26 is here, and it’s a beauty! “I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda.”

    Trionda, originating from Spanish, is interpreted as “tri” (three) and “onda” (wave), which signifies the three host countries of the global tournament. Trionda stuns with an aesthetic design which has representations from all three host countries, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, with features including Red panels with maple leaves for Canada, green panels with eagle motifs for Mexico and blue panels with stars for the USA. It also has a central triangle formed by the panel seams, symbolising unity.

  • US to prioritize visa appointments for 2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket holders

    US to prioritize visa appointments for 2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket holders

    The next World Cup is in 2026 and is set to be hosted in three countries, including the USA, Mexico and Canada, and the USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.” 

    Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that,

    ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

    But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

    “Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” the Secretary noted.

    At the same press briefing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that about 10 million people could come to the US to watch World Cup matches.

    “With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting from getting their visa,” he said.

    The announcement of priority visa appointments has been welcomed by many, including the US Travel Association, a tourism industry trade group. “The expedited process for FIFA ticket-holders adds needed efficiency without sacrificing security. This is the kind of practical action that strengthens security, increases capacity and cuts wait times, putting the U.S. on a stronger footing to welcome millions of visitors next year,” the group’s CEO, Geoff Freeman, said in a statement.

    The announcement comes after citizens of countries that have already booked their place at the tournament have long wait times for visa appointments.

    In Colombia, travellers applying for US visas are currently waiting around 11 months for an interview appointment, according to data published by the US State Department, the agency which processes visa applications.

    The average wait time in Mexico City is nine and a half months, while non-Canadian citizen residents of Toronto can expect a wait of 14 months for appointments.

    If those wait times hold, the World Cup will have already been played and the golden trophy already awarded by the time fans from some countries have their visas approved or denied.

    However, it’s currently unclear whether the new appointment rules will cover ticket-holders from countries whose citizens are mostly or entirely banned from travelling to the US. In June, Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries from entering the US, citing an effort to manage security threats

    Iran, whose football team has qualified for the World Cup, is among the countries affected by the ban. The June executive order exempts athletes and coaching staff travelling for the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, although their fans could still face a ban.

    The BBC has contacted the US State Department for comment.

    Not all travellers coming to the US next year will need a visa. Most citizens of countries under the US waiver programme can ordinarily travel visa-free for up to 90 days. That scheme covers much of Europe, including the UK, along with Japan, Australia and others.

    At the two most recent World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, a ticket to a game generated a fan ID that could be used like a visa to enter the host country.

    Meanwhile, German manufacturer Adidas, which has been designing World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament, has once again produced the official match ball for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup.

    Named Trionda, the ball was officially unveiled on Thursday, October 2, during a global launch event at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. The presentation, hosted jointly by FIFA and Adidas, showcased the ball’s design, technology, and symbolic meaning.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino, during the unveiling of the ball, said, “The Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup 26 is here, and it’s a beauty! “I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda.”

    Trionda, originating from Spanish, is interpreted as “tri” (three) and “onda” (wave), which signifies the three host countries of the global tournament. Trionda stuns with an aesthetic design which has representations from all three host countries, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, with features including Red panels with maple leaves for Canada, green panels with eagle motifs for Mexico and blue panels with stars for the USA. It also has a central triangle formed by the panel seams, symbolising unity.

  • Let’s save NPP – Prof Frimpong-Boateng writes

    Let’s save NPP – Prof Frimpong-Boateng writes

    I am amazed at how members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Executive and some regional chairpersons are going about their daily routine as if they do not know the state of the party, the mood of majority of party members and the potential danger awaiting the party in the near future.

    The NPP lost the last general election by a disgraceful margin, and instead of documenting and analysing the factors that led to that painful and disgraceful defeat, and taking remedial measures to prevent future disgrace, the National Executive, hiding behind a spineless National Executive Council (NEC), decided to hide a hastily prepared report from the Ghanaian public.

    To add insult to injury, the National Executive, again, hiding behind the spineless NEC, took a decision to abandon the time-tested and wise tradition of electing the flagbearer of the party for the next general election two years before the elections when the party is in opposition, and decided a top-down approach of conducting that election almost three years before the next general election.

    The incompetent national executive members and their puppet masters, who led the party to the abominable and disgraceful defeat, are orchestrating these schemes just because they want their preferred candidate to be elected again, whether by fair or foul means, so that they would have a chance of being elected again to the National Executive Committee.

    Whom do the National Executive and the NEC think they are deceiving? This top-down approach is the beginning of rigging and corruption of the electoral process. What follows a corrupt internal election is aggrieved NPP members and sympathisers not turning up to vote in a General Election, as was witnessed in December 2024.

    Do they think discerning NPP members, and for that matter Ghanaians, can’t see the schemes being hatched? Privately, and in some cases openly, people are talking against this pinnacle of corruption and it appears nothing can be done about it. Our fathers and mothers who fought for the independence of the country were not that docile.

    The last elections that elected Dr. Bawumia as flagbearer was conducted in a similar fashion, typical of recent NPP internal elections. The whole of the Akufo-Addo government apparatus and the party machinery were mobilised to favour the election of Dr. Bawumia, the establishment candidate. Weak delegates had their arms twisted, corrupt ones were allegedly bribed, and the cowardly were intimidated to vote for Dr. Bawumia.

    The backlash was the staying away of hundreds of thousands of NPP members from voting. Party apathy, coupled with blatant corruption, economic mismanagement, disregard of environmental degradation and “do-nothing” attitude towards pollution of water bodies, must have contributed to the loss of the elections in December 2024

    Those who think the party belongs to them and therefore do whatever pleases them are at it again. They will stop at nothing in rigging the evil-intended January 2026 elections for Dr. Bawumia. One of the regional Chairpersons of the NPP shamelessly announced recently that they would do everything in their power to get Dr. Bawumia elected as the flagbearer.

    The NPP hierarchy and their puppet masters may shamelessly want to add manipulation of the election registers to other corrupt practices they seem to have perfected over the years to conduct the January 2026 one.

    What do they take us for? Idiots? No. This fraud must be prevented. The theft must not be allowed to go on. Those who engineered the “top-down” scheme don’t want clean elections.

    I had always believed that in Ghana, the NPP is the only major political party whose foundations are based on the principles of the rule of law, respect for the rights, opinions, and dignity of the individual, fundamental human rights, pluralism, and above all, the separation of powers. The NPP tradition, as far as I know, does not believe that political power should be entrusted into the hands of one individual or a group of individuals and their family and friends.

    It is pathetic that the Chairman of the Council of Elders has allowed the Party to come to this state. Having done a lot of good for the NPP in the past, It would be most unfortunate for the Chairman to end his political career with the NPP in this sorry state. If I had my way, I would postpone the January 2026 flag-bearer elections and go back to the time-tested down to top approach.

    If the ill-conceived January 2026 election is allowed to go on, the NPP stands the risk of another flag-bearer race being supervised by the same biased party machinery which was mobilized to favour Dr. Bawumia, their preferred candidate.

    Allowing the January 2026 flagbearer election to be managed by an incompetent National Executive, and supervised by a toothless National Executive Council, removes any level playing field for the other candidates – it favours one candidate, the previously failed flag-bearer.

    We endured a variation of “family and friends’ government”, that controlled the press not through violence but through bribery and intimidation. We witnessed the weaponisation of state institutions that attempted to silence transformative voices while allowing patronised corruption to flourish. Instead of development in freedom, we witnessed unprecedented intimidation, economic retrogression, and widespread corruption.

    The NPP and its government did not have the balls to curb illegal mining and its attendant destruction of the environment. Now, the party in opposition does not have the moral courage to criticise the NDC that is neck-deep in galamsey, and has taken environmental destruction to a much higher level.

    A resurgent NPP must have the courage to process all the above and in the end come out with people Ghanaians can trust to run the party and a future government. Instead, we are busy looking for problems when the solutions are staring us in the face.

    My candid advice or suggestion is that the NPP must be watchful. Don’t fall for any diversionary tactics. Those who conceptualized and are rolling out the top-down election process will stop at nothing to rig the elections for Dr. Bawumia.

    It appears Dr. Bawumia is enjoying being used to destroy the NPP. If he cannot read between the lines because of power, fame, and wealth then I want him to think carefully about his future and reputation. However, if he is aware of the implications of his action, then I would like to call on the sane majority in the NPP to reject this top-down election purposely designed to elect Dr. Bawumia.

    As reported by several news outlets and on social media, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo hosted a breakfast meeting with the five presidential aspirants of the NPP at his private residence in Nima, Accra.

    “The meeting was convened…to foster a spirit of camaraderie and unity ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for 31st January 2026, and to underscore the critical importance of a cohesive party for the 2028 general elections.”

    The invitation by the former President gave an indication that he approves and supports the top-down election arrangement that has brought division and acrimony into the NPP. I am of the strong opinion that anybody who supports such division has no business organising a breakfast or any other meeting to foster camaraderie or unity.

    As a Ghanaian saying goes: “One cannot muddy the river upstream and then rush secretly downstream to complain that the river has become muddy and needs treatment”. Such behaviour is the hallmark of a traitor and nation wrecker.

    My two questions to delegates are: Do we want those who when in government, neglected the grassroots, ruined the economy of Ghana, and also adopted a lukewarm attitude towards the environment and its biodiversity to be in charge of the NPP again going into the General Elections in December 2028?

    Do we want an all-inclusive NPP or one that is controlled by people, including an arrogant “Prime Minister”, a declared fugitive, and their other “Nouveau Riche” family members and friends to continue to control the Party post January 2026? Niemals!

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • You have 6 weeks to surrender unregistered weapons or face severe sanctions – Interior Minister warns gun owners

    You have 6 weeks to surrender unregistered weapons or face severe sanctions – Interior Minister warns gun owners

    Individuals in possession of unregistered or illicit firearms have forty-six (46) days, that is approximately six weeks, to surrender them or face stringent punishment, the Interior Ministry has announced as the government ramp up efforts to crack down on the proliferation of illicit arms and address rising gun-related incidents across the country.

    Addressing the media at the official launch of the Gun Amnesty Programme, held on Tuesday, November 18, the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, explained that the move forms part of government’s gun amnesty initiative “a bold and compassionate initiative to reduce illicit firearms in our country”, following increasing cases of violence and attacks carried out with the aid of illegal firearms nationwide.

    In reference to the rising cases of murder and robbery this year, the government, in consultation with stakeholders, has decided to open a window of amnesty for individuals to surrender the said weapons, the Minister said.

    “In 2024 alone, there were 219 reported robbery cases and 552 murder cases. As of July this year, statistics from the Ghana Police Service show that in just half of the year, we have already had over 600 cases, the exact number being 628 cases of armed robbery and 340 cases of murder. All of these involved people using violent means to achieve their ends, often through the use of illicit arms. 

    The gun amnesty program is a window of grace. It offers every law-abiding Ghanaian who holds an unregistered or illicit firearm the opportunity to surrender it without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution. From the 1st of December 2025 to the 15th of January 2026, any person who voluntarily hands over such weapons at designated collection points will be commended, not condemned. You will be recognised as a patriot contributing to the peace and safety of our nation”, the Interior Minister said.

    However, individuals who fail to surrender any illegal weapon in their possession, the Asawase Member of Parliament noted, will be treated as criminals and be made to face the full course of the law.

    “But let me be clear: when this amnesty period ends, the law will take its full course. The Ghana Police Service and all security agencies will intensify operations to recover illicit arms. Those who refuse this generous offer will be treated as criminals, and the consequences will be firm and uncompromising”, the Minister added, stressing that the effort is essential to creating a safer and more secure environment for all Ghanaians.

    The Minister also announced a temporary ban on the use of firearms during traditional festivities within the amnesty period, a measure intended to curb celebratory gunfire, prevent injuries, and save lives in communities nationwide.

    He also noted that, “We cannot continue to bury our loved ones while the tools of violence remain unchecked. The statistics are not looking good at all”.

    Also, on the gun, Minister Muntaka revealed during a session with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament in Accra, on Tuesday, 30 September, in response to questions on firearm regulation and monitoring, announced that gun registration, which is currently done manually, will be digitalised to make it easily accessible and less daunting for citizens.

    In a detailed explanation, he broke down what measures the Ministry intends to put in place.

    He said, “So this is what is going to happen: You register, and we have you in the registry. In the registry, we have your contact number and all your details. So, three months before expiry, we will send you a notification that your license will expire on 31st December. And you no longer need to walk to any CID office where you have to join a queue to pay for the renewal. Because the databases will be talking to each other, and over the one year, we will have recorded no criminal activities about the person we granted the license to hold the firearm, you will be able to pay through your MoMo or using your bank details. You can renew it immediately without any struggle.

    “Many people even tend to forget that the time has come for them to renew it. Maybe along the line, they just see the gun and say, “Hey, when was the last time I renewed this?” So we want to digitalise this, and by the grace of God, when we are done, by the close of the year, worst case, by the close of the year, all these things will be digitalised. It will give people the opportunity to do the renewal online without necessarily having to walk to the Police Headquarters.

    However, Mr Muntaka added that gun owners flagged for criminal activity during the renewal period will not be allowed to complete the process online.

    “The only thing is that if there’s a criminal record over the period when you want to renew, it may deny you, and that may require that you come physically. But it also helps us. Even if you change address; because we are going to link it to your Ghana Card, we will be able to tell that Maka has a gun, has not renewed it over this period, and has changed his address from Asar to Bima. We will be able to track him and either retrieve the gun from him or get him to renew his license”, he continued.

    Meanwhile, in a related development, Ghana joined sixty-nine (69) other nations in efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate dangerous weapons, particularly nuclear bombs, from the world.

    Announcing the development on Saturday, September 27, via the X platform, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that Ghana has officially ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The move, according to the Minister, reflects Ghana’s commitment to supporting global peace and a stable security for the world. The Minister further applauded both the Cabinet and Parliament for their unanimous approval of the treaty.

    He also recalled how Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was a strong advocate of disarmament in 1962, adding that the late President would be proud of this groundbreaking step.

    “Yesterday, Ghana boldly demonstrated to the world that we shall be a Nuclear-Weapon-Free State by depositing our instrument of ratification on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at the UN. I commend the Ghanaian Cabinet and Parliament for the unanimous ratification. As I indicated in my UN address, Ghana has been consistent across all political parties in advocating for total disarmament and creating a new world without nuclear weapons.

    “Ghana’s Founder, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, who convened the 1962 World Without the Bomb conference in Accra, would be absolutely proud of this moment. It was an honour to meet with the inspiring Melissa Parke and Seth Shelden of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). ICAN won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for their groundbreaking work to attain a world without nuclear weapons. We shall triumph and end global impunity,” he wrote.

  • 30,000 abusive online posts flagged this year – FIFA

    30,000 abusive online posts flagged this year – FIFA

    FIFA’s annual monitoring publication by its Social Media Protection Service (SPMS) on social media abuse in football has reported that it has flagged more than 30,000 abusive posts to social media platforms this year.

    In commemoration of the International Day of Tolerance, the football governing body released the report’s findings on 17 November, through an official media release and accompanying press coverage.

    FIFA also reported eleven(11) individuals to law enforcement authorities and forwarded one case to Interpol.

    These individuals were reported for online abuse targeted at players, coaches, referees, and teams during official FIFA competitions.

    These individuals FIFA said were in Argentina, Brazil, France, Poland, Spain, the UK and the US, and had been identified “following abuse during Fifa competitions”.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino, on November 16, highlighted his outfit’s commitment to sanitising the sport from cyber, pitch bullying or any other place. 

    He said, “On the International Day for Tolerance, I want to make it abundantly clear that football must be a safe and inclusive space – on the pitch, in the stands and online. Through the Fifa social media protection service (SMPS) and by deploying advanced technology and human expertise, Fifa is taking decisive action to protect players, coaches, teams, and match officials from the serious harm that online abuse causes.”

    The SMPS is a monitoring and safeguarding system created by FIFA in partnership with FIFPRO (the global players’ union) to protect football players, coaches, referees, and teams from online abuse during competitions. It was set up in 2022.

    FIFA was criticised after it appeared to drop anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup, which was held in the US this summer, but SMPS was used.

    A FIFA statement read: “During the tournament SMPS monitored 2,401 active accounts across five social media platforms covering players, coaches, teams, and match officials participating at the groundbreaking tournament, with 5.9m posts analysed, 179,517 flagged for review, and 20,587 reported to the relevant platforms.”

    Infantino said: “Our message is clear: abuse has no place in our game, and we will continue to work with our member associations, the confederations and law enforcement authorities to hold offenders accountable.

    “This behaviour has no place in football or in society, and Fifa is taking all possible steps by reporting these incidents and also by blacklisting individuals from purchasing tickets for Fifa tournaments.”

    World football’s governing body said in a report that 11 people were reported to law enforcement authorities in 2025, and one case was submitted to Interpol.

    Meanwhile, racism, one of the abuses in football, has evolved, while authorities make efforts to completely nip it in the bud, some fans refuse to budge.

    Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who is currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona, was racially abused by a fan in the stands on September 25 during the Catalan giants’ 3-1 win over Real Oviedo. TV microphones picked that up, and later it was circulated on social media.

    In reaction to this, Spanish authorities have recommended a €4,000 ($4,625) fine for the fan who abused the 27-year-old forward.

    “La Liga detected the images on social media and filed a complaint with the National Police,” the statement said.

    “Subsequently, analysis of footage from the stadium’s Organisational Control Unit (UCO) cameras allowed for the identification of the alleged perpetrator. The processing of this proposal will be contingent upon the final decisions made in the criminal proceedings.”

    The authorities are yet to confirm when a final decision will be taken. This is not the first time Rashford has been subjected to racial abuse. His being a target on several occasions at both the club level and national level has made him an ardent advocate.

    Rashford has repeatedly spoken out about racist messages and threats he’s received on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. He’s called for stronger action from tech companies to curb hate speech. Rashford has worked with campaigns like Kick It Out and has urged authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

    Meanwhile, in May last year, FIFA announced that it had put forward a five-pillar plan aimed at addressing racist abuse in football.

    The global governing body stated that it had engaged in an extensive consultation process with current and former players who are committed to instigating change.

    One of the plan’s key suggestions involves implementing a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to signal racist incidents during matches.

    The first pillar of the proposal intends to make racism a specific offence which is included in all member associations’ disciplinary codes and has its own “specific and severe sanctions, including match forfeits”.

    Fifa said it will “pause, suspend and abandon games in cases of racism”.

    The crossed-hands gesture will be used by referees to signal an in-game procedure in which matches are paused twice and warnings are given, with the game to then be abandoned in the event of further racism.

    In pillar three – ‘criminal charges’ – Fifa called for racism to be recognised as a criminal offence in every country, and said it would push for severe sanctions in the countries where it is already an offence.

    Fifa also said it would promote education initiatives with schools and governments to “provide a future free of racism”, while an anti-racism panel made up of former players will be set up to review the progress of the proposal.

    In 2023, a FIFA report found almost 20,000 abusive social media posts were aimed at players, coaches and officials during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    And in 2021, England manager Gareth Southgate called the racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final “unforgivable”.

  • EOCO rescues 7 Nigerians in swoop at Mataheko–Afienya, arrests 10

    EOCO rescues 7 Nigerians in swoop at Mataheko–Afienya, arrests 10

    The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has rescued seven Nigerian nationals who were reportedly trafficked into Ghana.

    The country’s Economic Crime Unit, during a rescue mission undertaken on Friday, November 14, as part of EOCO’s ongoing Operation LIFELINE, set free the victims who were being forced to engage in online fraud schemes and other cybercrimes under harsh conditions after being lured to Ghana with promises of legitimate employment.

    EOCO stormed their hideout at Mataheko-Afienya, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals, all Nigerians.

    “During the operation, ten (10) individuals were arrested; three (3) suspects and seven (7) victims, all Nigerian nationals,” the statement said.

    EOCO urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its hotlines and law enforcement channels. The agency also cautioned landlords to thoroughly verify the backgrounds of foreign tenants before renting out properties to them.

    About a week ago, 320 individuals in Kumasi were arrested by EOCO in its fight against organised crime.

    The raid, carried out on Thursday, November 6, 2025, was announced by EOCO as a major breakthrough in its ongoing operation against human trafficking and economic crimes linked to the QNET fraud scheme.

    “The suspects, who initially lure their victims with promises of employment in Ghana, subsequently subject them to harsh and exploitative conditions and compel them to engage in online fraud schemes and prohibited cyber activities. The ages of the victims range from 17 to 30 years,” parts of the statement read.

    Of that number, 25 were being treated as suspected members of the fraud and trafficking network, while the remaining 295 were believed to be victims who were lured into QNET-related employment and human trafficking schemes.

    This operation is larger than the Kasoa raid two weeks ago, which resulted in more than 26 arrests.

    EOCO says this major raid was not random but the result of months of careful investigations, showing its commitment to tracking down and prosecuting people involved in economic and organised crime.

    The 25 people believed to be behind the scheme are being questioned and will face deeper investigations, with the aim of taking them to court and securing convictions under Ghana’s laws.

    The agency is also actively working with QNET to clamp down on the misuse of the brand name to traffic and defraud innocent individuals.

    EOCO has assured the public that it will keep fighting financial and organised crime and is encouraging people to report anything suspicious.

    The QNET scheme is known for tricking people with promises of big profits or well-paid jobs abroad, but many end up being deceived, trapped in debt, or forced to recruit others.

    This is why the operation is considered both a fraud and a human trafficking scheme disguised as a business opportunity.

    EOCO’s action targets the local actors exploiting the model.

    EOCO, in a joint operation on Friday, October 17, busted a human trafficking syndicate operated mainly by Ghanaians and Ivorians.

    In a statement shared the same day, the crime intelligence agency announced that, following the raid, it had successfully rescued 26 victims of human trafficking, comprising sixteen (16) Ghanaians and ten (10) Ivorians.

    These nationals had fallen victim to job opportunity scams run by individuals posing as recruitment agents for QNET, a multinational company known for its wellness and lifestyle products.

    The operation, dubbed “Operation Quest,” was conducted by EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in collaboration with QNET, around 10:30 a.m.

    “The operation, code-named Operation Quest, followed intelligence that some foreigners and Ghanaians had been trafficked under the guise of employment with the QNET Company — a reputable organisation that trades in wellness and lifestyle products.

    The suspects include two (2) Ivorians and seven (7) Ghanaians, while the victims were made up of ten (10) Ivorians and sixteen (16) Ghanaians,” the statement noted.

    The organisation clarified that these individuals had no legitimate ties to the company and were exploiting QNET’s reputation to carry out their illicit activities.

    “All nine (9) suspects are currently in the custody of EOCO to assist in investigations,” parts of the statement added.

    EOCO cautioned the public against falling for such scams and advised that all reports of employment offers purportedly from QNET be directed to the appropriate authorities. It also reminded the public that the company is working to restore its reputation, which has suffered due to impersonation by groups and agencies using its name for fraudulent recruitment schemes.

    “EOCO wishes to advise the general public to report all cases of individuals and groups who claim to be agents of QNET who can provide job opportunities at the company, either in Ghana or abroad.

    In July this year, EOCO and QNET signed a joint MoU to clamp down on criminal actors using the name of QNET to traffic persons,” the statement continued.

    EOCO further emphasised its commitment to protecting the public from organised crime and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the office directly via its official channels.

    “EOCO encourages the public to continue using its hotlines to report suspicious activities to the Office and other law enforcement agencies. Landlords are also urged to conduct due diligence when renting out their properties, especially to foreign nationals. Individuals involved in such illegal activities are strongly warned to desist, as the Office remains fully committed to pursuing and apprehending offenders,” the crime check agency added.

    It further warned that persons found engaging in or facilitating cybercrime will be pursued and prosecuted, reaffirming its commitment to tackling organised crime and protecting vulnerable victims. For reports or information, EOCO can be reached via email at eoco@eoco.gov.gh.

    About a week ago, 320 individuals in Kumasi were arrested by the EOCO in its fight against organised crime.

    The raid, carried out today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, was announced by EOCO as a major breakthrough in its ongoing operation against human trafficking and economic crimes linked to the QNET fraud scheme.

    Of that number, 25 were being treated as suspected members of the fraud and trafficking network, while the remaining 295 are believed to be victims who were lured into QNET-related employment and human trafficking schemes.

    This operation is larger than the Kasoa raid two weeks ago, which resulted in more than 26 arrests.

    EOCO says this major raid was not random but the result of months of careful investigations, showing its commitment to tracking down and prosecuting people involved in economic and organised crime.

    The 25 people believed to be behind the scheme are being questioned and will face deeper investigations, with the aim of taking them to court and securing convictions under Ghana’s laws.

    The agency is also actively working with QNET to “clamp down on the misuse of their brand name to traffic and defraud innocent individuals.”

    The QNET scheme is known for tricking people with promises of big profits or well-paid jobs abroad, but many end up being deceived, trapped in debt, or forced to recruit others.

    This is why the operation is considered both a fraud and a human trafficking scheme disguised as a business opportunity.

    EOCO’s action targets the local actors exploiting the model.

    EOCO), in a joint operation on Friday, October 17, busted a human trafficking syndicate operated mainly by Ghanaians and Ivorians.

    In a statement shared the same day, the crime intelligence agency announced that following the raid, it had successfully rescued 26 victims of human trafficking, comprising sixteen (16) Ghanaians and ten (10) Ivorians.

    These nationals had fallen victim to job opportunity scams run by individuals posing as recruitment agents for QNET, a multinational company known for its wellness and lifestyle products.

    The operation, dubbed “Operation Quest,” was conducted by EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in collaboration with QNET, around 10:30 a.m.

    “The operation, code-named Operation Quest, followed intelligence that some foreigners and Ghanaians had been trafficked under the guise of employment with the QNET Company, a reputable organisation that trades in wellness and lifestyle products.

    The suspects include two (2) Ivorians and seven (7) Ghanaians, while the victims were made up of ten (10) Ivorians and sixteen (16) Ghanaians,” the statement noted.

    The organisation clarified that these individuals had no legitimate ties to the company and were exploiting QNET’s reputation to carry out their illicit activities.

    “All nine (9) suspects are currently in the custody of EOCO to assist in investigations,” parts of the statement added.

    EOCO cautioned the public against falling for such scams and advised that all reports of employment offers purportedly from QNET be directed to the appropriate authorities. It also reminded the public that the company is working to restore its reputation, which has suffered due to impersonation by groups and agencies using its name for fraudulent recruitment schemes.

    “EOCO wishes to advise the general public to report all cases of individuals and groups who claim to be agents of QNET who can provide job opportunities at the company, either in Ghana or abroad.

  • Photos: Black Stars have their first training ahead of South Korea friendly tomorrow

    Photos: Black Stars have their first training ahead of South Korea friendly tomorrow

    The Black Stars have begun training ahead of their friendlies with South Korea in Seoul set for tomorrow Tuesday, November 18.

    Following their defeat to Japan on Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium, Aichi, the head coach Otto Addo has expressed optimism despite player injury struggles.

    Two of the squad’s top players, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Salisu have both returned to their clubs due to fitness concerns, joining Francis Abu, who remains sidelined with a fractured ankle.

    Semenyo, who started in last Friday’s friendly against Japan, was substituted in the 55th minute after aggravating a left anterior talo-fibular ligament sprain.

    These developments leave Addo with 19 players to finalize his lineup. The team will continue preparations with a session at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Monday ahead of the 10:00 a.m. kickoff.

    Despite the disruptions, the Black Stars are determined to respond positively and close the international window on a strong note.

    In a pre-match interview, Otto Addo admitted the difficulties posed by the reduced squad however he said his side have “prepared very well”.

    “We were facing some difficulties due to injured players. It’s also, to be honest, not so easy for us to get replacements because of visa issues. It’s always not possible to get fast replacements. But we prepared very well,” he said.

    He continued, “We are looking forward to the match on Tuesday. The last time we met them was at the World Cup, where we won, but it was a very close match. We are happy to be here and happy to have this opportunity to play against South Korea,” Addo added.

    Also, Atalanta forward Kamaldeen Sulemana backed Otto Addo saying , 

    “It’s a different team than we played against a few years ago. I know they also have different players. It’s going to be a tough game for us, but I also think we can beat them,” Sulemana said.

    He added: “I think we’ve got the quality to beat them. We are going to try to do that. We are very excited to be here.”

    Meanwhile, during the Black Stars game with Japan, the Asian country notched their first goal just fifteen minutes into the game courtesy of Takumi Minamino. Japan dominated at a point after the possession was shared by both teams for a long period, giving Ghana a hard time breaking into their defence. 

    After the first half, the Black Stars conceded another goal in the 59th minute, when Ritsu Doan gave a fine strike, curling the ball into the bottom corner to seal the win. Ghana nearly responded, but Brandon Thomas-Asante dragged his effort wide.

     This came after Ghana suffered a setback when Abu Francis picked up a serious injury and was stretchered off, prompting Alidu Seidu’s introduction. Prince Kwabena Adu also replaced Semenyo.

    Ghana’s defeat has been partly attributed to Coach Otto Addo fielding debutants like Derrick Kohn and Joseph Annan.

    Addo made further substitutions, bringing on Gideon Mensah for Jerome Opoku and Christopher Baah Bonsu for Thomas-Asante, but Japan maintained control to secure the victory.

    Ahead of the clash, some key players, including Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, were missing from the squad listed to play Japan and South Korea in the friendlies in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Their absence sparked reactions from fans and pundits seeking explanations for the absence of such players.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) responded, stating that their exclusion was based on legitimate reasons. Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM in Accra, yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, clarified that their absence is to allow budding talents to prove their worth in the senior national team.

    Head coach Otto Addo opted to give opportunities to emerging talents, including Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Kwabena Adu, and Prince Osei Owusu.

    According to Henry, it was mutual consent that some key players were left out of the squad; some needed to rest.

    “Absentees from the Black Stars squad for the Japan and South Korea friendly games are due to legitimate reasons and not the travelling distance. We all came to an agreement that some players will need to rest while others are nursing injuries, so we had to let them stay behind. The new faces in the squad have been on the radar of the technical team for some time now, and this is an opportunity for them to prove their worth in these games,” he said.

    He further noted that the friendlies form part of a broader development plan aimed at building a strong team for future competitions.

    “These friendly games are aimed at working on something within the Black Stars setup and among the players. We just want to make use of the best talents for the future,” he added.

  • 11 people reported this year over online abuse against players, coaches others – FIFA

    11 people reported this year over online abuse against players, coaches others – FIFA

    FIFA’s annual monitoring publication by its social media protection service (SPMS) on social media abuse in football has reported that this year, it reported eleven(11) individuals to law enforcement authorities and forwarded one case to Interpol.

    These individuals were reported for online abuse targeted at players, coaches, referees, and teams during official FIFA competitions.

    These individuals FIFA said were in Argentina, Brazil, France, Poland, Spain, the UK and the US, and had been identified “following abuse during Fifa competitions”.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in remarks during the celebration of the International Day for Tolerance yesterday, November 16, highlighted his outfit’s commitment to sanitising the sport from cyber, pitch bullying or any other place. 

    He said, “On the International Day for Tolerance, I want to make it abundantly clear that football must be a safe and inclusive space – on the pitch, in the stands and online. Through the Fifa social media protection service (SMPS) and by deploying advanced technology and human expertise, Fifa is taking decisive action to protect players, coaches, teams, and match officials from the serious harm that online abuse causes.”

    The SMPS is a monitoring and safeguarding system created by FIFA in partnership with FIFPRO (the global players’ union) to protect football players, coaches, referees, and teams from online abuse during competitions. It was set up in 2022.

    Fifa was criticised after it appeared to drop anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup, which was held in the US this summer, but SMPS was used.

    A Fifa statement read: “During the tournament SMPS monitored 2,401 active accounts across five social media platforms covering players, coaches, teams and match officials participating at the groundbreaking tournament, with 5.9m posts analysed, 179,517 flagged for review and 20,587 reported to the relevant platforms.”

    Infantino said: “Our message is clear: abuse has no place in our game, and we will continue to work with our member associations, the confederations and law enforcement authorities to hold offenders accountable.

    “This behaviour has no place in football or in society and Fifa is taking all possible steps by reporting these incidents and also by blacklisting individuals from purchasing tickets for Fifa tournaments.”

    The international governing body of football mentioned that 65,000 abusive posts have been reported to social media platforms since the SMPS was created adding that it has flagged over 30,000 abusive posts to social media platforms this year.

    World football’s governing body said in a report that 11 people were reported to law enforcement authorities in 2025 and one case was submitted to Interpol.

    Meanwhile, racism, one of the abuses in football, has evolved, while authorities make efforts to completely nip it in the bud, some fans refuse to budge.

    Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who is currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona, was racially abused by a fan in the stands on September 25 during the Catalan giants’ 3-1 win over Real Oviedo. TV microphones picked that up, and later it was circulated on social media.

    In reaction to this, Spanish authorities have recommended a €4,000 ($4,625) fine for the fan who abused the 27-year-old forward.

    “La Liga detected the images on social media and filed a complaint with the National Police,” the statement said.

    “Subsequently, analysis of footage from the stadium’s Organisational Control Unit (UCO) cameras allowed for the identification of the alleged perpetrator. The processing of this proposal will be contingent upon the final decisions made in the criminal proceedings.”

    The authorities are yet to confirm when a final decision will be taken. This is not the first time Rashford has been subjected to racial abuse. His being a target on several occasions at both the club level and national level has made him an ardent advocate.

    Rashford has repeatedly spoken out about racist messages and threats he’s received on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. He’s called for stronger action from tech companies to curb hate speech. Rashford has worked with campaigns like Kick It Out and has urged authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

    Meanwhile, in May last year, FIFA announced that it had put forward a five-pillar plan aimed at addressing racist abuse in football.

    The global governing body stated that it had engaged in an extensive consultation process with current and former players who are committed to instigating change.

    One of the plan’s key suggestions involves implementing a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to signal racist incidents during matches.

    The first pillar of the proposal intends to make racism a specific offence which is included in all member associations’ disciplinary codes and has its own “specific and severe sanctions, including match forfeits”.

    Fifa said it will “pause, suspend and abandon games in cases of racism”.

    The crossed-hands gesture will be used by referees to signal an in-game procedure in which matches are paused twice and warnings are given, with the game to then be abandoned in the event of further racism.

    In pillar three – ‘criminal charges’ – Fifa called for racism to be recognised as a criminal offence in every country, and said it would push for severe sanctions in the countries where it is already an offence.

    Fifa also said it would promote education initiatives with schools and governments to “provide a future free of racism”, while an anti-racism panel made up of former players will be set up to review the progress of the proposal.

    In 2023, a FIFA report found almost 20,000 abusive social media posts were aimed at players, coaches and officials during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    And in 2021, England manager Gareth Southgate called the racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final “unforgivable”.

  • GAF decentralises Accra recruitment screening, announces 8 sub-centres

    GAF decentralises Accra recruitment screening, announces 8 sub-centres

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have announced 7 new centres in addition to the original screening centre, El-Wak Stadium.

    In a statement dated November 17, and signed by Acting Director General, Public Relations Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, GAF explained that “…as part of measures to ensure a seamless process, the screening will be done at 8 sub-centres within the following 5 locations.

    “El-Wak Stadium (two centres), Nicholson Park at Burma Camp (two centres), the Air Force Base at Burma Camp, TRADOC in Teshie (two centres), and the Eastern Naval Command in Tema.

    All qualified applicants will receive an SMS informing them of their designated screening centres, reporting dates, and batch assignments, urging everyone to strictly adhere to the instructions.

    “All qualified applicants in batches of 600 persons will each receive an SMS specifying their reporting dates, batches and designated centres. They are also encouraged to check on the recruitment portal for updates. Applicants are strongly advised to strictly adhere to these instructions”, parts of the statement read. 

    GAF has also given a helpline that will assist applicants who may face any challenges and require assistance in their recruitment process.

    “Any qualified applicant who does not receive a text message by Thursday, 20 November 2025, should call the helpline on Mobile Number 0256405104 or WhatsApp on 0256405154 for assistance. Applicants can also verify from the recruitment portal”, it continued. 

    To prevent congestion and overcrowding at the centres, parents, guardians or relatives are advised to stay away from the centres.

    “Families and friends are cautioned not to accompany potential recruits to the screening centres to reduce congestion. Non-applicants will not be allowed entry to any of the centres”.

    Resumption-GAFDownload

    GAF also announced a new recruitment team, including “Commodore F.A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko, and Colonel G.B. Eduah, heading Human Resources, Manpower, and Information Technology, respectively.

    “Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede is in progress”, the statement added. 

    Captain Arhin assured the public that anyone found responsible will face sanctions. She extended sympathies to the bereaved families and confirmed that injured applicants will continue to receive free medical care at the 37 Military Hospital until fully recovered. A special recruitment package will also be provided to them and the affected families.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces continues to count on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour,” the statement concluded.

    The stampede led to the loss of six lives; all females and the injuries of about twenty -right others. Following this, the country’s defence service has announced Thursday, November 20, as the new date for the process.

    How did the stampede happen?

    It all started when thousands of Ghanaian youth, hoping to gain entry into the military, thronged the stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. However, even before the screening exercise could begin, the unfortunate happened when a surge of applicants breached security protocols and rushed toward the gates.

    The uncontrolled crowd movement caused people to fall and be trampled, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries.

    In a swift response, the government set up a Board of Inquiry to probe the El-Wak Stadium stampede. The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, chaired by Hon. James Agalga, has announced it will conduct its own probe into the incident.

    Since the incident government has announced several changes in the recruitment process of the other internal security services (Ghana Police Service, GNFS, Prisons and Customs Service), which officially begins today. The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, during a media address on Friday, November 14, explained that a new system “will automatically allocate applicants to screening centres and time slots….If you apply from Tamale, for example, and there are three centres… the system will automatically assign you to one of them and indicate whether you are scheduled for the morning or afternoon session.”

    According to him, the new recruitment system will be a centralised, fully digital e-recruitment portal. It is designed to harmonise hiring across all security agencies under the Ministry of the Interior, eliminate paper-based processes, and allow applicants to complete the entire recruitment process using their mobile phones, either via the short code given by their outfit or via the portal.

    “The application process will be fully online, utilising a secure portal capable of handling large volumes of applications efficiently. The portal is user-friendly and accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers,” he noted.

  • GAF sets Thursday as new date for resumption of suspended recruitment screening in Accra

    GAF sets Thursday as new date for resumption of suspended recruitment screening in Accra

    A stampede that occurred during the recruitment screening of the Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday, November 12, led to the suspension of the process. The incident resulted in the deaths of six people; all females, and left about twenty-eight others injured.

    Following this, the country’s defence service has announced Thursday, November 20, as the new date for the process. In a statement dated November 17, and signed by Acting Director General, Public Relations Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, GAF explained that “…as part of measures to ensure a seamless process, the screening will be done at 8 sub-centres within the following 5 locations.

    “El-Wak Stadium (two centres), Nicholson Park at Burma Camp (two centres), the Air Force Base at Burma Camp, TRADOC in Teshie (two centres), and the Eastern Naval Command in Tema.

    All qualified applicants will receive an SMS informing them of their designated screening centres, reporting dates, and batch assignments, urging everyone to strictly adhere to the instructions.

    “All qualified applicants in batches of 600 persons will each receive an SMS specifying their reporting dates, batches and designated centres. They are also encouraged to check on the recruitment portal for updates. Applicants are strongly advised to strictly adhere to these instructions”, parts of the statement read. 

    GAF has also given a helpline that will assist applicants who may face any challenges and require assistance in their recruitment process.

    “Any qualified applicant who does not receive a text message by Thursday, 20 November 2025, should call the helpline on Mobile Number 0256405104 or WhatsApp on 0256405154 for assistance. Applicants can also verify from the recruitment portal”, it continued. 

    To prevent congestion and overcrowding at the centres, parents, guardians or relatives are advised to stay away from the centres.

    “Families and friends are cautioned not to accompany potential recruits to the screening centres to reduce congestion. Non-applicants will not be allowed entry to any of the centres”.

    GAF also announced a new recruitment team, including “Commodore F.A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko, and Colonel G.B. Eduah, heading Human Resources, Manpower, and Information Technology, respectively.

    “Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede is in progress”, the statement added. 

    Captain Arhin assured the public that anyone found responsible will face sanctions. She extended sympathies to the bereaved families and confirmed that injured applicants will continue to receive free medical care at the 37 Military Hospital until fully recovered. A special recruitment package will also be provided to them and the affected families.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces continues to count on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour,” the statement concluded.

    How did the stampede happened ?

    It all started when thousands of Ghanaian youth, hoping to gain entry into the military, thronged the stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. However, even before the screening exercise could begin, the unfortunate happened when a surge of applicants breached security protocols and rushed toward the gates.

    The uncontrolled crowd movement caused people to fall and be trampled, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries.

    In a swift response, the government set up a Board of Inquiry to probe the El-Wak Stadium stampede. The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, chaired by Hon. James Agalga, has announced it will conduct its own probe into the incident.

    Since the incident government has announced several changes in the recruitment process of the other internal security services (Ghana Police Service, GNFS, Prisons and Customs Service), which officially begins today. The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, during a media address on Friday, November 14, explained that a new system “will automatically allocate applicants to screening centres and time slots….If you apply from Tamale, for example, and there are three centres… the system will automatically assign you to one of them and indicate whether you are scheduled for the morning or afternoon session.”

    According to him, the new recruitment system will be a centralised, fully digital e-recruitment portal. It is designed to harmonise hiring across all security agencies under the Ministry of the Interior, eliminate paper-based processes, and allow applicants to complete the entire recruitment process using their mobile phones, either via the short code given by their outfit or via the portal.

    “The application process will be fully online, utilising a secure portal capable of handling large volumes of applications efficiently. The portal is user-friendly and accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers,” he noted.

    This comes to replace an old system where the recruitment process was manual and decentralised. Applicants had to physically choose or travel to screening centres themselves, often leading to overcrowding, long queues, and even dangerous stampedes. Assignments were not automated; instead, they were managed by human administrators, with candidates sometimes directed to centres based on availability or their own preference.

    Meanwhile, applicants who suffered injuries from the El-Wak stampede remain hospitalised at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

    President Mahama visited the victims on the day of the incident and shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences to the families of the applicants who lost their lives in the stampede.

    “He said, “I visited the 37 military hospital this afternoon to check on our young men and women who were injured earlier this morning following a stampede at the Elwak Stadium recruitment centre, where thousands of potential military recruits had gathered for a selection exercise”.

    Also, the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, visited the victims on Saturday, November 15, accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Gyemfi, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong.

    The Vice President spent time at the various wards, interacting with each of the injured and offering words of comfort. She assured them of the government’s full support as they undergo treatment and recovery. Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the medical personnel at the 37 Military Hospital for their swift intervention following the incident and the emergency staff for their professionalism and dedication.

    “We are deeply grateful for the tireless work of the medical team. Their commitment at this very difficult moment has been truly commendable,” she said.

    Earlier, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, donated GH¢100,000 to support the medical treatment of victims injured in the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede.

  • PSB questions presidential jet’s airworthiness, calls for independent safety certification

    PSB questions presidential jet’s airworthiness, calls for independent safety certification


    The Bureau of Public Safety (BSP) has called for an independent certification and audit into the airworthiness of Ghana’s presidential jet, which has reportedly returned from maintenance.

    This comes after the Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Sunday, November 16, shared that the jet had arrived in Accra, Ghana. According to him, the Falcon 900EX has been in Ghana since Monday, November 10.

    The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) in Ghana is a non-profit civil society organization that advocates for public safety, security, health, and environmental protection.

    Speaking in an interview with Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, November 16, the Executive Secretary of BSP, Nana Yaw Akwada warned that despite the safety confirmations and certifications by the French aircraft company that conducted the maintenance works on the the Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE, there is a need for an independent and  fully transparent certification before declaring the aircraft safe for presidential use.

    “It is good news to hear that the jet is back, but before we can make any concrete statement on its safety or otherwise, it’s very important that we have an independent certification body to let us understand objectively what was established in relation to what the Ghana Armed Forces communicated to us,” he said.

    He is demanding that the public be informed about the kind of safety audit that was conducted on the aircraft particularly regarding the scope and quality of the work.This he says will enhance transparency and public trust  in the jet’s safety for travels.

    “We need to know what kind of safety audit, certification, or maintenance routine the aircraft went through. Then we will be able to appreciate and concretely say it is safe for the President to use,” he noted.

    Mr. Akwada cautioned that without independent verification and full disclosure, public trust in the jet’s airworthiness will remain shaky.

    “In the absence of that, everything else will be rumour and rhetoric. We need to have full disclosure on the scope of the work done, the certified bodies involved, and the post-repair airworthiness status. Only then can we speak objectively and without any shadow of doubt,” he explained.

    He urged authorities and the public to treat any unofficial claims about the aircraft’s condition as hearsay until a transparent, third-party certification process is completed.

    Meanwhile, the Presidency and Defence Ministry is yet to confirm the return of the jet following Bright Simons’ announcement of his return.

    About eleven days ago, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, during a briefing on the floor of Parliament on the reasons for the delay in the return of the presidential jet, noted that new technical faults were discovered while the original fault; a corroded fuel tank, was being fixed.

    Ghana’s presidential jet has been in France’s Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, for its mandatory 24-month and 1,600-flying-hour inspection since March. Eight months on, the Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE remained grounded, with new faults discovered each time it was scheduled to be dispatched back home.

    The Minister, during his presentation, mentioned that the aircraft would only be allowed to return when it had been declared airworthy.

    Parts of Bright Simons’ post read: “Ghana’s presidential jet has been delivered safely back into the custody of the Ghana Air Force since Monday, the 10th of November. Exactly 8 months after it was sent to the Dassault Falcon Service MRO base at Paris Le Bourget (PLB).”

    He reiterated Mr Brogya’s explanation in Parliament earlier that the faults that were detected required manufacturer-level intervention and prolonged the maintenance schedule, as the repairs could only be executed at that specific Dassault-authorised site.

    “Whilst at PLB, it underwent a MANDATORY 24-month and 1600-hour technical inspection. During this extensive inspection, severe defects affecting the fuel tank and a turbofan were discovered, triggering prolonged repairs that could only be done with manufacturer assistance at that specific Dassault facility.”

    Following this, “all the complex repairs, final tests (including leak tests, engine ground runs, and acceptance flights) have been successfully completed. The long delay in completing the repairs was due to some apparent difficulty sourcing certain OEM-certified spare parts. The aircraft has, however, been given the all clear by DFS now.”

    He continued that, before the jet was allowed to return, “a positioning flight from Marseille, relating to minor logistics, was conducted.”

    In July this year, news about the jet surfaced after Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, questioned why the Vice President travelled by a rented jet instead of the state’s upon her return from the UK following her medical treatment. He asked whether the presidential jet was unavailable, restricted, or reassigned at the time of her private return in May.

    In response to this, late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah revealed that the jet had 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 realised 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.

  • Ghana’s presidential jet touches down months after mandatory technical inspection – IMANI’s Bright Simons

    Ghana’s presidential jet touches down months after mandatory technical inspection – IMANI’s Bright Simons

    About eleven days ago, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, during a briefing on the floor of Parliament on the reasons for the delay in the return of the presidential jet, noted that new technical faults were discovered while the original fault, a corroded fuel tank, was being fixed.

    Ghana’s presidential jet has been in France’s Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, for its mandatory 24-month and 1,600-flying-hour inspection since March. Eight months on, the Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE remained grounded, with new faults discovered each time it was scheduled to be dispatched back home.

    The Minister, during his presentation, mentioned that the aircraft would only be allowed to return when it was declared airworthy.

    However, Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Sunday, November 16, shared that the jet had arrived in Accra, Ghana. According to him, the Falcon 900EX has been in Ghana since Monday, November 10.

    Parts of his post read: “Ghana’s presidential jet has been delivered safely back into the custody of the Ghana Air Force since Monday, the 10th of November. Exactly 8 months after it was sent to the Dassault Falcon Service MRO base at Paris Le Bourget (PLB).”

    He reiterated Mr. Brogya’s explanation in Parliament earlier that the faults that were detected required manufacturer-level intervention and prolonged the maintenance schedule, as the repairs could only be executed at that specific Dassault-authorised site.

    “Whilst at PLB, it underwent a MANDATORY 24-month and 1600-hour technical inspection. During this extensive inspection, severe defects affecting the fuel tank and a turbofan were discovered, triggering prolonged repairs that could only be done with manufacturer assistance at that specific Dassault facility.”

    Following this, “all the complex repairs, final tests (including leak tests, engine ground runs, and acceptance flights) have been successfully completed. The long delay in completing the repairs was due to some apparent difficulty sourcing certain OEM-certified spare parts. The aircraft has, however, been given the all clear by DFS now.”

    He continued that, before the jet was allowed to return, “a positioning flight from Marseille, relating to minor logistics, was conducted.”

    In July this year, news about the jet surfaced after Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, questioned why the Vice President travelled by a rented jet instead of the state’s upon her return from the UK following her medical treatment. He asked whether the presidential jet was unavailable, restricted, or reassigned at the time of her private return in May.

    In response to this, late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah revealed that the jet had 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 realised 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 were also found on Engine No. 2’s air intake plug receptacle and turbofan, which had to be completely replaced, along with intermittent tripping of the starter-generator on Engine No. 2.

    A series of deferred defects had accumulated over previous operations that required manufacturer-level repair. The report also noted that the fuel tank contamination, if left untreated, could potentially cause engine failure during flight, posing a serious safety risk.

    All these issues pushed back the initial return of the presidential jet, which was originally scheduled for March 26, 2025; the aircraft’s delivery has since 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 ageing presidential jet.”

    When the jet was flown for repairs in 2020–2021, it saw no delays. In 2022–2023, it was delayed by 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 hopes of its return now pinned on 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 purchasing a new jet, others have accused the government of wanting to exploit Ghanaians to buy a new jet for their own comfort and selfish gains.

    The Defence Minister has highlighted the need to treat the state of the jet as a national and security issue 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.”

  • Using your phone on the toilet raises your risk of hemorrhoids

    Using your phone on the toilet raises your risk of hemorrhoids

    A BBC lifestyle feature

    Using your phone while sitting on the toilet could have serious consequences for your health, according to a recent study.

    Its results indicate that this bathroom habit isn’t just unhygienic, but could significantly increase your risk of developing haemorrhoids, otherwise known as piles: swollen veins in the anal or rectal area that can cause pain and bleeding.

    Scientists in the US conducted a survey of 125 adults whose gut health was being investigated with a colonoscopy (a procedure where doctors insert a camera into the intestines).

    Participants answered questions about their lifestyle and toilet habits, and the doctors who completed their colonoscopies assessed them for haemorrhoids.

    In total, 66 per cent of the participants said they used their smartphones while dropping a number two, mostly admitting to scrolling on social media or reading the news. Toilet scrollers were more likely to be younger than non-scrollers.

    The researchers used statistical analysis to adjust for other factors linked to haemorrhoid risk, such as physical activity, age and diet.


    They then found that individuals who brought their phones to the toilet had a 46 per cent higher risk of haemorrhoids than those who didn’t.

    So why is scrolling so bad? It all comes down to how long you’re sitting on the toilet, which is likely to increase when you’re distracted by your phone.

    In fact, 37 per cent of toilet scrollers in this study admitted to spending more than five minutes on the toilet per visit, compared to just 7.1 per cent of non-scrollers.

    The scientists suggested that spending this extra time could increase pressure on the bottom – including the anal tissues at risk of swelling up into haemorrhoids.

    Senior author Dr Trisha Pasricha, instructor of medicine at Harvard University, told BBC Science Focus: “Don’t bring your smartphone to the toilet! It distracts you from the task at hand.”

    At the very least, she recommended setting a five-minute timer or opting for old-school entertainment, such as a magazine, “that isn’t expressly designed to make you lose all sense of time, like social media is.”

    Haemorrhoids, otherwise known as piles, are lumps inside and around your bottom that may cause itching, pain and bleeding – Credit: seksan Mongkhonkhamsao via Getty
    Haemorrhoids lead to nearly four million visits to the doctor or emergency room per year in the US – and in the UK, haemorrhoids are estimated to affect around 10 per cent of the population per year.


    Through anecdotal claims, they were already associated with bathroom phone use – but there are surprisingly few studies that provide evidence for this.

    “I think we still have so much to learn about the health impacts of constant scrolling on our phones,” said Pasricha. “Our study pointed, for the first time, to a link between smartphone use on the toilet and haemorrhoids, but it’s only the first step in what I hope will be much more research into this area.”

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Illegal miners flee as NAIMOS raids “Yellow Face” site; dynamite, hard drugs found, structures set ablaze

    Illegal miners flee as NAIMOS raids “Yellow Face” site; dynamite, hard drugs found, structures set ablaze

    Videos circulating online capture about 20 illegal miners who took to their heels following an unexpected dawn raid by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force on Saturday, November 15, at a popular galamsey hotspot called “Yellow Face” at Wassa Abrehyia in the Western Region, as part of its intensified efforts to combat illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

    According to reports, many of the illegal miners began fleeing the site upon sighting the anti-galamsey taskforce in the enclave to escape arrest.

    In the video, the illegal miners were seen running in different directions up a hill while a voice believed to be that of one of the NAIMOS taskforce members gave orders of gunshots.

    Following this, the task force destroyed the makeshift shelters and equipment believed to be used for illegal mining activities. They set ablaze the structures and found evidence of widespread use of hard drugs and dynamites at the location.

    NAIMOS says similar targeted actions will continue in the coming days and weeks as part of its broader strategy to disrupt illegal mining networks and clamp down on the growing menace of illicit drug use found at these sites.

    The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) was established on June 26, this year under the President Mahama led administartion and under the leadership of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in Accra. It was launched with support from the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and the Minister for Defence, the late Dr. Omane Boamah.

    As of November 2025, NAIMOS has conducted over 40 coordinated field operations nationwide, targeting illegal mining sites along major rivers (Pra, Ankobra, Offin) and in forest reserves. These operations have led to the seizure of hundreds of excavators and water-pumping machines, the arrest of dozens of illegal miners (both Ghanaian and foreign nationals), and the restoration of several degraded lands.

    Meanwhile, in one of NAIMOS operations last week A notorious galamsey operator, Iddrisu Zakari, also known as Yaayaa, who carries out illegal mining activities in the Osino area, was been apprehended.

    His arrest, which occurred on Monday, November 10, at around 6:06 pm, came after he met with NAIMOS operatives to discuss the release of his associates. Iddrisu Zakari is currently in the custody of the Ghana Police Service for further interrogation.

    Illegal mining continues to pose a major challenge to the country, with several foreign nationals implicated and multiple arrests made. In June, NAIMOS warned criminal groups to vacate galamsey areas.

    Weeks ago, the Commanding Officer of NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, signaled an imminent and aggressive crackdown on illegal miners.

    “I would like to send this warning to illegal miners, their assignees, and financiers that they are the first or prime enemies of the state, and they will be dealt with as such. There will be no room for them to escape or to hide. NAIMOS will smoke them out very soon. There’s no resting place for them,” he said at a stakeholder engagement at the Jubilee House on October 3, 2025.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized that his government is not backing down in its fight against the longstanding menace of illegal mining (galamsey).

    According to the President, the country will soon be cleared of the menace as the government plans to launch a programme in the coming days to reclaim degraded lands.

    He added that youths in affected communities will be employed under the programme, each receiving a monthly stipend of GH₵1,500.

    “We’re restoring degraded lands while creating thousands of jobs for young people in affected communities. I have asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so that we can recruit more youth into forest tree planting and the Blue Water Guard to safeguard our water bodies.

    “These youth are to be recruited from affected communities, and they will receive a monthly stipend of GHC1,500. I wish to commend journalists who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk. Your bravery is noted, and it’s patriotic. I wish to assure you, as the President, that I will never give up the fight,” President Mahama said.

    President Mahama made the remarks at the 2025 GJA/KGL National Awards held at the Manhyia Palace on Saturday, November 8. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on October 3, the President said: “There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back.”

    President Mahama urged patience in the long-running battle against galamsey, noting that declaring a state of emergency alone will not end the menace.

    He said government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining and technologies that neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies. He also pledged to act on calls for a state of emergency if his advisors recommend it.

    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment. Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Authority, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Authority believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.

    Despite renewed efforts, the canker continues to wreak havoc. The newly established National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force narrowly escaped death in a mob assault at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region on Saturday, November 1, during an operation that resulted in several arrests, including a Burkinabe national. Locals were seen in a viral video confronting the NAIMOS team and demanding the release of those arrested. NAIMOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf described the attack as “extremely and profoundly disappointing,” saying the officials “survived clearly by the mercy of God. If you look at how they were charged, the rest of the team could have lost their lives.”

  • El-Wak stampede: You will be well taken care of – Vice President to victims during visit

    El-Wak stampede: You will be well taken care of – Vice President to victims during visit

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on Saturday, November 15, visited victims of the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede.

    She was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Gyemfi, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong. The Vice President visited the wards of the injured, interacted with them, and assured them of the government’s support toward their full recovery.

    “We spent time with each patient, offering words of encouragement and assuring them of our support as they recover, she told the media.

    Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang went on to applaud the medical team at the 37 Military Hospital for their swift and timely intervention following the incident and the emergency staff for their professionalism and dedication.

    She noted that their timely response was crucial in saving the lives of the victims, particularly those who were in critical condition.

    “We are deeply grateful for the tireless work of the medical team. Their commitment at this very difficult moment has been truly commendable,” she said.

    The Vice President further extended her thoughts and prayers to all injured persons and their families, reiterating that the nation stands with them as investigations into the tragic event continue.

    Authorities are expected to provide an update on the ongoing inquiry in the coming days.

    The Minority in Parliament, thus the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have ordered the release of the report on the cause of the stampede that occurred during the recruitment screening by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on the morning of Wednesday, November 12, in Accra.

    It all started when thousands of Ghanaian youth hoping to gain entry into the military thronged the stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. However, even before the screening exercise could begin, the unfortunate happened when a surge of applicants breached security protocols and rushed toward the gates.

    The uncontrolled crowd movement caused people to fall and be trampled, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries.

    In a swift response, the government set up a Board of Inquiry to probe the El-Wak Stadium stampede. The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, chaired by Hon. James Agalga, has announced it will conduct its own probe into the incident.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin directed the committee to take a keen interest in the investigations, ensuring accountability and transparency.

    In reaction to this, the leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, in a two-page statement, has demanded that the committee present the findings within fourteen (14) days.

    “We note that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a preliminary enquiry. However, we demand that this investigation be independent, thorough, and time-bound, with findings made public within fourteen (14) days. The families of the deceased and the nation deserve transparency, not bureaucratic opacity”, parts of the statement read.

    Following the incident, several suggestions have been made to the government, including the modernisation of the process using technology and the screening exercise done in batches and spread across the days of the week.

    Consequently, part of the four demands listed in the statement also charge the government to provide “a clear timeline for implementing corrective measures” as well as settle the affected families as far as compensation is concerned, calling for an immediate suspension of the exercise.

    “All ongoing recruitment exercises should be halted immediately until adequate crowd management protocols, emergency response systems, and venue safety standards are verifiably in place. Compensation and support for the families of the deceased and those injured”, the statement noted..

    They also called on the country’s national defence force to assure the public that there would not be a recurrence of such an incident again in the history of Ghana. The Minority said, “A commitment from the Ghana Armed Forces and relevant government agencies that such a tragedy will never recur.

    Just hours after the El-Wak tragedy, reports confirmed a stampede at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium during the same Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise, leaving at least five applicants injured and hospitalised. The cause, according to reports, is similar to what happened in Accra: overcrowding and poor crowd control. One person was reported to be in a critical condition and receiving treatment at the Emena Hospital in Oforikrom Municipality, according to reports, while four others are at the Ashanti South Government Hospital for treatment.

    In the latest development, the Member of Parliament representing the Ketu North Constituency has announced on X (formerly Twitter) that “Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi has stated that all personnel responsible for the screening process during the military recruitment have been asked to step aside while official investigations into the stampede are conducted”.

    Meanwhile, President Mahama paid a visit to applicants who had been hospitalised at the 37 Military Hospital from the stampede hours after the incident ahead of his trip to Kumasi for the launch of one of his flagship policies, “Nkoko Nketenkete” programme in Kumasi on Wednesday.

    Delivering a speech at the launch, he confirmed that all the fatalities recorded linked to the stampede at El-Wak were females. The President described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation,” while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

    According to him, “The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition.”

    He also took to his official X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences to the families of the applicants who lost their lives in the stampede.

    He said, “I visited the 37 military hospital this afternoon to check on our young men and women who were injured earlier this morning following a stampede at the Elwak Stadium recruitment centre, where thousands of potential military recruits had gathered for a selection exercise. Lordina and I wish all the injured a speedy recovery, and our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the stampede.”

  • Police, GNFS, others: New recruitment system to automatically assign applicants to screening centres – Interior Minister

    Police, GNFS, others: New recruitment system to automatically assign applicants to screening centres – Interior Minister

    The government has announced new developments in the recruitment process into the country’s internal security agencies, that is, the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Customs. The recruitment, which is set to begin on Monday, November 17, will see prospective applicants automatically assigned to a screening centre.

    The  Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, during a media address on Friday, November 14, explained that a new system “will automatically allocate applicants to screening centres and time slots….If you apply from Tamale, for example, and there are three centres… the system will automatically assign you to one of them and indicate whether you are scheduled for the morning or afternoon session.”

    According to him, the new recruitment system will be a centralised, fully digital e-recruitment portal. It is designed to harmonise hiring across all security agencies under the Ministry of the Interior, eliminate paper-based processes, and allow applicants to complete the entire recruitment process using their mobile phones, either via the short code given by their outfit or via the portal.

    “The application process will be fully online, utilising a secure portal capable of handling large volumes of applications efficiently. The portal is user-friendly and accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers,” he noted.

    This comes to replace an old system where the recruitment process was manual and decentralised. Applicants had to physically choose or travel to screening centres themselves, often leading to overcrowding, long queues, and even dangerous stampedes. Assignments were not automated; instead, they were managed by human administrators, with candidates sometimes directed to centres based on availability or their own preference.

    The new system has become necessary following an unfortunate stampede that occurred at the El-Wak Stadium on Wednesday, November 12, during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise in Accra, leading to six fatalities and about twenty-four (24) people injured.

    To prevent a recurrence, Mr Muntaka revealed that about 5-10 screening centres will be made available to avoid overcrowding.

    “Multiple centres will be available for screening applicants. In areas where we expect very large numbers (for example, Accra), we are considering using 10 to 15 centres a day to prevent overcrowding. Centres will be strategically located nationwide to ensure accessibility and convenience. 

    “The exercise will be region-based, and depending on the numbers in each region, there may be 3, 4, 5, 10 or more centres operating simultaneously. Several phone numbers will be provided on the portal for assistance, available 24/7 for all services, Police, Fire Service, Immigration, and Prisons Service”.

    He went on to explain that the screening centres will attend to 1000 applicants a day, with split times: five hundred in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. He warned that those who fail to adhere to their assigned screening times risk automatic disqualification.

    “Every screening centre will not screen more than one thousand applicants a day. Even the one thousand will be split, 500 in the morning and 500 in the afternoon. If you are scheduled for the afternoon session and decide to come in the morning, that becomes grounds for disqualification because you are refusing to follow instructions,” he said.

    He assured applicants that the newly launched centralised e-recruitment portal for security services is simple, accessible, and convenient, even for those with limited digital skills.

    The portal covers recruitment for agencies under the Ministry of Interior, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service, as well as the Narcotics Control Commission, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Gaming Commission of Ghana.

    Meanwhile, applicants who suffered injuries from the El-Wak stampede remain hospitalised at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

    President Mahama visited the victims on the day of the incident and shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences to the families of the applicants who lost their lives in the stampede.

    “He said, “I visited the 37 military hospital this afternoon to check on our young men and women who were injured earlier this morning following a stampede at the Elwak Stadium recruitment centre, where thousands of potential military recruits had gathered for a selection exercise”.

    Also, the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, visited the victims on Saturday, November 15, accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Gyemfi, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong.

    The Vice President spent time at the various wards, interacting with each of the injured and offering words of comfort. She assured them of the government’s full support as they undergo treatment and recovery. Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the medical personnel at the 37 Military Hospital for their swift intervention following the incident and the emergency staff for their professionalism and dedication.

    “We are deeply grateful for the tireless work of the medical team. Their commitment at this very difficult moment has been truly commendable,” she said.

    Earlier, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, donated GH¢100,000 to support the medical treatment of victims injured in the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede.

    Mr Bagbin, who was with a delegation of Parliament, explained that the gesture is Parliament’s way of showing solidarity with the affected families and helping ease their financial burdens.

    He said the gesture was to help alleviate the financial burden on the victims and demonstrate Parliament’s solidarity with affected families.

    The Speaker also expressed grave concern about the recurring challenges associated with public sector recruitment exercises, emphasising the need for urgent reforms to make the process safer and more efficient.

  • GAF to receive four new helicopters in the next four years – Finance Minister

    GAF to receive four new helicopters in the next four years – Finance Minister

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is set for a retooling as Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announces the procurement of four new helicopters for the National defense force.

    The Minister during the 2026 Budget Statement presentation on Thursday November 13 on the floor of Parliament disclosed that, as a part of government’s broader national strategy to enhance defence readiness in response to evolving security challenges.

    Significant investments are being made across all three Services, the Ghana Army, Navy, and Air Force,to upgrade logistics, equipment, and infrastructure.

    Dr Cassiel noted that, next year, the government will begin the procurement engagements for the helicopters; however, all four are expected to be delivered in Ghana within the next four years if  the process goes smoothly as planned and expected.

    He said, “The Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning 2026, the Government of Ghana will begin the procurement process for the acquisition of four modern helicopters… These aircraft are expected to be delivered in four years, if the procurement processes are completed in 2026.”

    The type of helicopters the Minister said would be “one long-range and one medium-range aircraft.”

    Dr Forson also paid tribute to the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this year, describing him as “a fallen hero and the brain behind the strategy to retool the Ghana Armed Forces.”

    Addressing the state of the Ghana Army, Dr Forson revealed that the government had disbursed US$40 million out of a US$80 million supplier credit agreement signed with ELBIT Systems Land Ltd in 2020 for the procurement of 19 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). However, he noted that no equipment had yet been delivered.

    “Despite the disbursement of US$40 million to the supplier, the Ghana Army has not received a single APC,” he said, adding that the government has taken steps to renegotiate the agreement to prevent financial loss to the state.

    Turning to the Ghana Navy, Dr Forson acknowledged ongoing challenges, including an ageing fleet and uncompleted operating bases.

    He announced that the government will acquire two 72-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), each equipped with helipads and combat systems, to strengthen maritime security operations.

    “These vessels will enable the Navy to conduct long-endurance patrols, safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone, prevent maritime crimes, and protect critical offshore infrastructure,” he said.

    His announcement of four helicopter procurement comes a few days after the investigative Committee charged to probe the cause of the Adansi 6, helicopter crash which claimed the lives of eight gallant men including the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    While the Board, chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), largely attributed the cause of the crash to a sudden and intense downdraft, which led to a rapid loss of altitude and lift, the Board also highlighted the inadequacy of necessary safety devices, such as warning systems, sensors and protective mechanisms, which played a role in the Z-9 helicopter crash, the investigative committee that probed the incident has disclosed.

    According to one of the 11-member committee, Captain Forjoe, there is a need for Ghana to get a new fleet of helicopters as the old ones are without some safety requirements.

    “The crash could have been prevented if it had had enhanced equipment. And it could have put the pilot in a better situational awareness mode. And it could have put them in a much better place to have made better decisions, which could have prevented this. What they went through, even the best anywhere would have struggled to get out of, with the limited instruments they had. If you have all these other enhancements, it really helps

    “Despite all this, the aircraft was in good condition to fly and met all safety requirements. Investigation has strongly recommended that aircraft with these additional safety enhancements be acquired immediately for the air force. We have recommended that the Air Force acquire modern aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems and modern navigation systems. The aircraft should also have cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, which are the audio-visual capable types,” he added.

    Also, ruling out potential human failures, Captain Forjoe noted that the captain of the helicopter, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, exhibited all the requisite skills to handle the aircraft. He said Peter Anala had hands-on experience dating back to 2015. According to him, Peter Anala had a green instrument rating, making him both qualified and experienced.

    “To rule out any potential human causes, we also examined the qualifications, experience, and competence of the crew. The captain has a postgraduate certificate in safety and accident investigations from Hansfield University, UK, in 2024. The captain was a qualified FAA, thus the Federal Aviation Administration Commercial and instrument-rated pilot from Crystal Academy in the USA in April 2015, 10 years ago. Within the Airforce he was recategorised in March 2025 as a Cat C pilot. The pilot was qualified to be a Captain of the Z-9 helicopter, and he had a green instrument rating.”

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s presidential jet has been in France’s Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, for its mandatory 24‑month and 1,600‑flying‑hour inspection since March. Eight months on, the Falcon 900EX EASy with registration number 9G-EXE remains grounded, with new faults discovered each time it is scheduled to be dispatched back home.

    Initially scheduled for dispatch in mid-year, the Deputy Minister for Defence Brogya Genfi, during a briefing on the floor of Parliament yesterday, November 6, on the reasons for the delay, noted that new technical faults were discovered while the original fault, that is, a corroded fuel tank, was being fixed.

    According to Mr Genfi, “The reported corrosion spots detected within the aircraft’s fuel tanks, which affected the aircraft’s delivery date, have undergone extensive repairs. These corrosion issues in the fuel tanks have since been resolved.”

    However, he explained that further inspections revealed new problems that caused additional delays.

    “In the course of the inspection, fuel leakages were observed from the right-hand wing tank. Unfortunately, after successfully repairing the section of the wing that experienced the leakages, another challenge was encountered while reinstalling the lower panel beneath the wing,” he told Parliament.

    The Deputy Minister said the situation required specialised intervention from the manufacturer.

    “Following the difficulties encountered, Dassault Aviation invited the Falcon Wing original equipment manufacturer to the Dassault Falcon Services hangar to enable the OEM to conduct an on-site assessment of the right-hand wing lower panel and provide independent technical recommendations aimed at expediting the repair and reinstallation process,” he said.

    Mr Genfi added that these repairs have now been completed.

    “The repair from the OEM has been successfully carried out, and the right-hand wing repair has also been completed. Upon the completion of this rectification, the aircraft has to undergo a leak test of the fuel tanks, a third engine ground run, painting of the wing lower panel, and finally, an acceptance flight will be performed,” he explained.

  • Begin preparations immediately for the next Hajj – President Mahama to the new Hajj Board

    Begin preparations immediately for the next Hajj – President Mahama to the new Hajj Board

    President Mahama has ordered the newly inaugurated Hajj Board to start preparations for the next Hajj “immediately”. He made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, held at the Presidency on Friday, November 14, in Accra.

    Hajj is a sacred journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia—the annual Islamic pilgrimage that stands as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

    To ensure smooth coordination and avoid last-minute alterations and changes, which would likely cause disruptions, President Mahama urged the Board to start preparing for the pilgrimage.

     “Begin preparations immediately for the next Hajj. Announce schedules, registration processes, and cost structures promptly so that pilgrims and agents can plan effectively. Last-minute changes must become a thing of the past”.

    President Mahama also charged the new board to learn from past organisational and coordination experiences to implement new and effective changes in honesty, transparency and excellent service to all pilgrims. For effective delivery of their work, he highlighted five major areas of priority that the Board is expected to pay attention to.

    “But each experience has taught us valuable lessons about the importance of early planning, inter-agency coordination, and financial discipline. Today, I want this new board to build on those lessons we have learned. Let this mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where efficiency, honesty, and service define every stage of the pilgrimage process.”

    Over the years, there have been reports of pilgrims being charged levies outside the official payment channels to cover their travel and related expenses. These practices have been widely criticised, as the additional fees often lacked transparency, leaving pilgrims and their families uncertain about how their money was being used.

    Consequently, the president has charged this new board to reflect effective leadership by being transparent.

    “The second is transparency and accountability. Pilgrims and their families must know how their money is used. All payments must pass through approved and traceable channels. No unofficial levies. No hidden charges. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the currency of leadership”.

    The priority area, as mentioned by the President, is the health of pilgrims, particularly of the aged and persons with disabilities.

    Fifteen lives have been lost in the last two years following their travel to the Holy Land of Mecca.

    In 2024, eight pilgrims lost their lives, and their deaths were linked to an extreme heat wave, with temperatures above 41°C. Saudi authorities even directed pilgrims to remain in tents during peak heat hours to reduce exposure. Although in 2025, the death toll went down by one, five females and two males lost their lives to similar conditions of heat exceeding 48°C, which posed serious risks, especially for the elderly. 

    To avoid a recurrence, he told the board, to liaise with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), to give priority to the health of pilgrims, particularly the elderly, “coordinate with the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Transport, and our embassy in Riyadh to ensure safe travel, decent accommodation, adequate meals, and strong medical support. Happily, we have a doctor, a heart surgeon, on the Hajj Board this time, so I expect health issues to be managed effectively. Pay special attention to elderly pilgrims, women, and persons with disabilities. Their comfort is a sacred duty of the Hajj Board”.

    He continued, “The fourth is conduct and service. Every official, from board members to volunteers, must act with courtesy, discipline, fairness, and honesty. Our pilgrims should feel respected at every point, from registration to their safe return home. The fifth is partnership and communication.

    Maintain open and constant engagement with the Office of the National Chief Imam, your regional imams, travel partners and agents, and especially the Saudi authorities.

    Coordination prevents crises, and communication prevents rumours”.

    He also tasked the Board with developing a Hajj Mobile Application to enable pilgrims to register, verify their status, track payments, and access travel information, noting that such innovation would reduce fraud and ease congestion.

    In a related development, President Mahama in May this year announced that the continuous appreciation of the local currency could reduce the fees Ghanaian Muslims pay to travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

    President John Dramani Mahama announced this during his Thank You Tour in Kintampo in the Bono East Region on Thursday, May 29.

    According to him, pilgrims are likely to pay as low as GHC 50,000 next year, down from GHS 62,000.

    “At the time we started paying for the Hajj, the Cedi was at GHC15.5 to the dollar. So, the fare we came up with for the $4,000 cost to do the Hajj came to GHC 62,000,” he explained.

    “Next year, if you do a calculation with where the Cedi is currently—GHC 10.5—it means the fare for Hajj may go below GHC 50,000.”

    This year’s pilgrimage recorded a massive turnout due to the Mahama-led government’s decision to reduce the Hajj pilgrimage fee to 62,000 to 75,000 Ghana cedis under the previous administration.

    Approximately 6,000 Ghanaian Muslims travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025. These numbers show an increase of 2,000 Ghanaian participants as compared to 4,000 last year.

    The Hajj pilgrimage begins on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and lasts till the 13th of the month.

    A total of 42 Hajj agents have been accredited and approved to facilitate the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

    This was officially announced by the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG).

    A statement signed by the Director of Communications at PAOG, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey, dated 22 October 2025, indicated that the approved list had been vetted and approved by the Hajj Agents Association of Ghana (HAAG) in collaboration with PAOG.

    The release further warned prospective pilgrims to strictly work with these officially recognised agents to discourage fraudulent activities and inconveniences.

    “The public, particularly all intending pilgrims for Hajj 2026, are strongly advised to deal only with these approved and accredited agents to avoid any inconvenience or fraudulent activities.

    “PAOG remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth, transparent, and successful Hajj operation for the year 2026,” the statement read.

    The full list of the 42 approved agents has been attached to the release and is available through PAOG’s official communication channels.

  • President Mahama inaugurates new Hajj Board; urges transparency and early planning for next pilgrimage

    President Mahama inaugurates new Hajj Board; urges transparency and early planning for next pilgrimage

    In late October, a total of 42 Hajj agents were accredited and approved to facilitate the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage as the next Hajj is set to take place from Monday, 25 May 2026 to Saturday, 30 May 2026, corresponding to 8th–13th Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH.

    For effective planning and coordination, President John Dramani Mahama, on Friday, November 14, inaugurated the newly constituted Hajj Board, chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko at the Presidency.

    Speaking during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama charged the new board to learn from past organisational and coordination experiences to implement new and effective changes in honesty, transparency and excellent service to all pilgrims. For effective delivery of their work, he highlighted five major areas of priority that the Board is expected to pay attention to.

    “But each experience has taught us valuable lessons about the importance of early planning, inter-agency coordination, and financial discipline. Today, I want this new board to build on those lessons we have learned. Let this mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where efficiency, honesty, and service define every stage of the pilgrimage process.”

    The five key priorities include early and predictable planning, transparency and accountability, safety and welfare of pilgrims, discipline and courtesy among officials, and strong stakeholder communication.

    On the early and predictable planning, President Mahama instructed the Board to desist from making eleventh-hour adjustments to avoid disruptions, adding the need for early communication of schedule plans, cost, among other necessities needed to ensure a smooth run of service for pilgrims.

    He said, “Begin preparations immediately for the next Hajj. Announce schedules, registration processes, and cost structures promptly so that pilgrims and agents can plan effectively. Last-minute changes must become a thing of the past”.

    Ghana has a history of Hajj pilgrims being asked to pay levies, extra charges, and fees outside the official payment channels to cover their travel and related expenses. These practices have been widely criticised, as the additional fees often lacked transparency, leaving pilgrims and their families uncertain about how their money was being used.

    Consequently, the president has charged this new board to reflect effective leadership by being transparent.

    “The second is transparency and accountability. Pilgrims and their families must know how their money is used. All payments must pass through approved and traceable channels. No unofficial levies. No hidden charges. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the currency of leadership”.

    The priority area, as mentioned by the President, is the health of pilgrims, particularly of the aged and persons with disabilities.

    Fifteen lives have been lost in the last two years following their travel to the Holy Land of Mecca.

    In 2024, eight pilgrims lost their lives, and their deaths were linked to an extreme heat wave, with temperatures above 41°C. Saudi authorities even directed pilgrims to remain in tents during peak heat hours to reduce exposure. Although in 2025, the death toll went down by one, five females and two males lost their lives to similar conditions of heat exceeding 48°C, which posed serious risks, especially for the elderly. 

    To avoid a recurrence, he told the board, to liaise with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), to give priority to the health of pilgrims, particularly the elderly, “coordinate with the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Transport, and our embassy in Riyadh to ensure safe travel, decent accommodation, adequate meals, and strong medical support. Happily, we have a doctor, a heart surgeon, on the Hajj Board this time, so I expect health issues to be managed effectively. Pay special attention to elderly pilgrims, women, and persons with disabilities. Their comfort is a sacred duty of the Hajj Board”.

    He continued, “The fourth is conduct and service. Every official, from board members to volunteers, must act with courtesy, discipline, fairness, and honesty. Our pilgrims should feel respected at every point, from registration to their safe return home. The fifth is partnership and communication.

    Maintain open and constant engagement with the Office of the National Chief Imam, your regional imams, travel partners and agents, and especially the Saudi authorities.

    Coordination prevents crises, and communication prevents rumours”.

    He also tasked the Board with developing a Hajj Mobile Application to enable pilgrims to register, verify their status, track payments, and access travel information, noting that such innovation would reduce fraud and ease congestion.

    In a related development, President Mahama in May this year announced that the continuous appreciation of the local currency could reduce the fees Ghanaian Muslims pay to travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

    President John Dramani Mahama announced this during his Thank You Tour in Kintampo in the Bono East Region on Thursday, May 29.

    According to him, pilgrims are likely to pay as low as GHC 50,000 next year, down from GHS 62,000.

    “At the time we started paying for the Hajj, the Cedi was at GHC15.5 to the dollar. So, the fare we came up with for the $4,000 cost to do the Hajj came to GHC 62,000,” he explained.

    “Next year, if you do a calculation with where the Cedi is currently—GHC 10.5—it means the fare for Hajj may go below GHC 50,000.”

    This year’s pilgrimage recorded a massive turnout due to the Mahama-led government’s decision to reduce the Hajj pilgrimage fee to 62,000 to 75,000 Ghana cedis under the previous administration.

    Approximately 6,000 Ghanaian Muslims travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025. These numbers show an increase of 2,000 Ghanaian participants as compared to 4,000 last year.

    It was reported that,this year’s Hajj was expected to take place between 4th June and 9th June. The exact date of Eid al-Adha will be determined once the moon is spotted.

    Meanwhile, the government declared Friday, June 6, a statutory public holiday for the Eid al-Adha celebration.

    A statement from the Interior Ministry noted, “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 6th June 2005, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.”

  • El-Wak Stampede: Gov’t to offer automatic slots for family members of killed potential recruits

    El-Wak Stampede: Gov’t to offer automatic slots for family members of killed potential recruits

    Families of the prospective applicants who lost their lives in the El-Wak stampede, which occurred on Wednesday, November 12, in Accra, have been allowed to present names of relatives who qualify to be absorbed into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), officials announced.

    It all started when thousands of Ghanaian youth, hoping to gain entry into the military, thronged the stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. However, even before the screening exercise could begin, the unfortunate happened when a surge of applicants breached security protocols and rushed toward the gates.

    The uncontrolled crowd movement caused people to fall and be trampled, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries. claimed the lives of six (6), all females and over twenty-eight (28) were left injured, with some confirmed to be in a critical condition.

    During a visit to one of the bereaved families at Eyan Maim in the Central Region, the Deputy Defence Minister, Ernest Brogya Genfi, revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has instructed that each affected family be given an automatic slot.

    “Due to what happened, the recruitment in Accra has been suspended by the President, so that we will ensure that measures are put in place to avoid a repeat of such incidents.”

    “The President has sent us to inform you that the State will stand with the families in the burial and funeral arrangements for the families. The President has also asked us to inform you that all those who wanted to wear the military uniform but died in the process, their families should present a replacement for those people to be absorbed into the military. So, the authorities representing the government in the region will engage you in that regard for the family to decide on who can be enrolled into the military.”

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the incident as deeply heartbreaking and affirmed that the state will ensure all six victims receive befitting burials in honour of their service.

    “The government wants you to know that you’re not in this alone; the whole nation is affected. Your children also belong to the State. The President wants you to know that he’s standing with you in this period of mourning. You’re not alone. His Excellency John Mahama stands with you through this painful period.”

    The arrangements in place for the deceased and the injured ones, the President says, he’s standing with all of them. Those who require a befitting burial, he will stand with the support of the family to give them a befitting burial. And those who are also recovering at 37 Military Hospital, the government is bearing all the cost until such time that they fully recover.”

    The GAF preliminary inquiry indicates that the stampede was triggered when applicants breached security protocols and rushed through gates ahead of schedule.

    The government’s gesture seeks to honour the memories of those who died in pursuit of serving their country and to reassure families of its commitment to their welfare.

    During a visit to the victims of the stampede at the 37 Military Hospital on Thursday, November 13, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, donated GH¢100,000 to support the medical treatment of victims injured in the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede.

    Mr Bagbin, who was with a delegation of Parliament, explained that the gesture is Parliment’s way of showing solidarity with the affected families and help ease their financial burdens.

    He said the gesture was to help alleviate the financial burden on the victims and demonstrate Parliament’s solidarity with affected families.

    The Speaker also expressed grave concern about the recurring challenges associated with public sector recruitment exercises, emphasising the need for urgent reforms to make the process safer and more efficient.

    President John Dramani Mahama described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation,” while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

    According to him, “The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition.”

  • Black Stars to get $13m allocation for 2026 World Cup – Finance Minister

    Black Stars to get $13m allocation for 2026 World Cup – Finance Minister

    Ghana Black Stars have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m)  to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that, 

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

    The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

    “Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.

    According to him, government commitment to the Sports sector has yielded what he describes as “impressive results”.

    He said, “the Black Stars qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Black Queens won bronze at the Women’s AFCON. Ghana’s U-15 Girls won the CAF African Schools Championship, and the U-15 Boys placed third.

    The Golden Palms defended their African Youth Baseball Championship, and the GRA Ladies Hockey Team retained their continental title. Athletes Anita Afrifa and Rose Yeboah set new national records, while para-athletes Zinabu Issah and Gilbert Ampiah won medals in Morocco. Abdul-Rasheed Saminu ranked among the world’s fastest 100m runners. 579. 

    Mr Speaker, Team Ghana won 55 medals at the African Arm-wrestling Championships and excelled across athletics, badminton, boxing, tennis, and wrestling. Ghana also hosted the 2025 CAA Region II Senior Championships, securing 23 medals”.

    He also announced that the government has targeted more investments into the Sports sector, which includes the building of ultra-modern stadia in regions that do not have any, particularly the new regions which were created under the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

    “In 2026, the Government will invest in athlete welfare, sports infrastructure, and talent development in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and other tournaments. The Anti-Doping Regulations will be finalised to enforce clean sports. 581.

    Construction of modern stadia will begin in three of the eight regions without such facilities. The Ministry will also develop Bills for the National Sports College and Sports University, and organise inter-school, district, and regional sports competitions nationwide”, he added.

    Over the years, past governments have mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    With the current state of the country’s sports sector, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that, while it has been a long-standing act, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    Speaking during an interview with Peace FM, Mr Adams revealed that, while no allocation will be made for flying fans to the tournament, the government will offer other support, but not financial, citing that anyone who intends to go to the World Cup will have to find their own resources.

    He said the country’s economic challenges as the main reason for the government’s decision not to finance fan travel.

    “Well, there is no game or tournament we don’t go with supporters, but whether I will take them or someone else will take them is a different ball game,” he said.

    Mr Adams says there is a need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

    “We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

    While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

    “I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

    “Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

    The Black Stars are expected to learn their group-stage opponents when the World Cup draw takes place on December 5.

  • Japan beat Ghana 2-0 in international friendly

    Japan beat Ghana 2-0 in international friendly

    Ghana suffered a 0-2 defeat to Japan in their preparatory match against Japan earlier today, Friday, November 14, at the  Toyota Stadium, Aichi.

    Japan notched their first goal just fifteen minutes into the game courtesy of Takumi Minamino. Japan dominated at a point after the possession was shared by both teams for a long period, giving Ghana a hard time breaking into their defence. 

    After the first half, the Black Stars conceded another goal in the 59th minute, when Ritsu Doan gave a fine strike, curling the ball into the bottom corner to seal the win. Ghana nearly responded, but Brandon Thomas-Asante dragged his effort wide.

     This came after Ghana suffered a setback when Abu Francis picked up a serious injury and was stretchered off, prompting Alidu Seidu’s introduction. Prince Kwabena Adu also replaced Semenyo.

    Ghana’s defeat has been partly attributed to Coach Otto Addo fielding debutants like Derrick Kohn and Joseph Annan.

    Addo made further substitutions, bringing on Gideon Mensah for Jerome Opoku and Christopher Baah Bonsu for Thomas-Asante, but Japan maintained control to secure the victory.

    The Black Stars now turn their focus to their final friendly of the international window, a meeting with South Korea on Tuesday, November 18, as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros courtesy of a decisive goal from Mohammed Kudus in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reacted to questions surrounding his future with the team.

    His second coming as a Black Stars head coach was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 2022 under his leadership.

    However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his long-term future due to his inconsistencies in performances.

    Ahead of Ghana’s final game for the 2026 World Cup clash with Comoros, in an interview with the Ghana FA website, the former Dortmund talent coach intimated that his focus is to make Ghanaians happy and not to worry about keeping his job, a situation he has no control over.

    “What happens after is not in my hands. I hope that a lot of people, if we win, can go to America. We have to win this game. This is what we are looking at. If Ghanaians are happy, then we are happy,” he said.

    Addressing calls for his dismissal, including ones from the former Majority speaker of Parliament and the former Suame Member of Parliament (MP), Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, noted that the dismissal of Otto Addo is not a solo decision he can make but several factors will need to be considered before decision about the coach’s future is made.

    “If you listen to Otto Addo on the team, he said he will try a lot of legs to know who will go or not, but I believe the management and everybody who is involved in hiring the coach will consider a lot of factors,” “I pay him, but it is not my decision alone. The GFA has a role to play, and it is not about this or not and going forward, we will have all these conversations,” Mr Adams said during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

  • BBC apologises to President Trump, rejects compensation request

    BBC apologises to President Trump, rejects compensation request

    President Donald Trump gave the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) three days to retract, apologise and compensate him for reputational damages or face a billion-dollar lawsuit.

    This comes after the British broadcaster apologised to the President for airing a Panorama documentary in October 2024 that included an edited version of Donald Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. The edit showed Trump appeared to say he would walk with supporters to the Capitol and “fight like hell,” which critics argued implied he was inciting violence.

    Today, Friday, November 14, the British broadcaster has apologised but has, however, declined to compensate the president.

    In a statement to President Trump, the broadcaster  stated that “While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree that there is a basis for a defamation claim.”

    The broadcaster emphasised that while they were sorry for the error, they rejected Trump’s demand for compensation, stating his defamation claim “lacks merit.”

    “We accept that our edit unintentionally created the impression that we were showing a single continuous section of the speech, rather than excerpts from different points in the speech, and that this gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action,” the statement said.

    Lawyers for the BBC have written to President Trump’s legal team in response to a letter received on Sunday, a BBC spokesperson said.

    “BBC chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the corporation are sorry for the edit of the president’s speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the programme,” they said.

    They added: “While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree that there is a basis for a defamation claim.”

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, expressed that she was confident the corporation was “gripping this with the seriousness that it demands”, adding her role was to ensure “the highest standards are upheld”.

    But she also told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the BBC’s editorial standards and guidelines were “in some cases not robust enough and in other cases not consistently applied”, adding that there would need to be people “at a very senior level with a journalistic background”.

    Political appointments to the corporation’s board would be examined in the BBC’s charter review, she said in response to a question asking if member Sir Robbie Gibb, a former political adviser to Theresa May, had overstepped his remit and weighed into politics.

    While this was a matter for the board and its chairman, she said, those appointments “damaged confidence and trust in the BBC’s impartiality”.

    Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey had urged the prime minister on Thursday to “get on the phone to Trump” to put a stop to his lawsuit threat and “defend the impartiality and independence of the BBC”.

    Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness stepped down on Sunday following the escalating backlash.

    Trump, on the other hand, happily welcomed the BBC leader’s resignation, labelling them as “corrupt” and “dishonest”. His press secretary also referred to the broadcaster as “100 per cent fake news.”

    This is not the first time Trump has filed a lawsuit against media houses. In 2024, he sued ABC, CBS, and in September, he sued The New York Times, according to APP.

    In 2024, he sued ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation. The anchor alleged that the President had been found liable for rape, a claim the President blatantly denied, labelling them as lies and highly defamatory. By December 2024, they settled the caseafter which ABC agreed to pay $15 million to a Trump-related foundation, cover $1 million in legal fees, and formally apologise.

    Before the lawsuit against ABC News, Trump, in November that same year, sued CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris. He claimed the network deceptively edited the interview in a way that misrepresented Harris’s remarks. The case concluded in July 2025 when CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled for $16 million. As part of the settlement, CBS agreed to release full transcripts of presidential candidate interviews in the future to ensure transparency.

    Most recently, on September 16, 2025, Trump filed a massive $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. He accused the paper of publishing malicious and fabricated claims in articles and a book released before the 2024 election. While a federal judge struck parts of the complaint in September 2025, Trump refiled an amended version in October 2025. The case remains ongoing.

    However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman emphasised the BBC’s importance in combating disinformation:

    “It’s important that the BBC acts swiftly to maintain trust and correct mistakes quickly when they occur.”

    The government is preparing a review of the BBC’s charter, which governs the corporation’s governance and funding, set to expire in 2027.

    The BBC, facing budget cuts and hundreds of job losses, is funded by a licence fee paid by anyone who watches live TV in Britain.

    The BBC’s latest crisis intensified after the right-wing Daily Telegraph reported that warnings from a former external standards adviser about serious failings of impartiality and systemic bias had been ignored.

    Earlier this year, the BBC also apologised for “serious flaws” in a documentary about the Gaza war, deemed “materially misleading” by the UK media watchdog.

    Additionally, the broadcaster faced criticism for failing to remove a livestream of punk-rap duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, after anti-Israel comments were made by the frontman.

  • Grains glut: Govt’s GHS 200m support only a drop in the ocean, yet appreciated – Buffer Stock

    Grains glut: Govt’s GHS 200m support only a drop in the ocean, yet appreciated – Buffer Stock

    President John Dramani Mahama announced a GHS 200 million disbursement to Bufferstock to tackle the grain glut going on across the country. 

    Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi, President Mahama said the government had already released GH₵100 million to address the situation, but the funds were not enough to clear the surplus.

    Reacting to the disbursement order, in the morning of Thursday, November 13, the National Food Buffer Stock Company, during a press conference, revealed that they requested at least GH¢770 million to effectively address the issue of the food glut.

    Chief Executive Officer, George Abradu-Otoo, noted that the GHC 200 million was “a drop in the ocean.”

    According to him, the current food glut Ghana is facing is evidence of the long-term funding gaps his outfit has faced over the years, noting that the Buffer Stock Company has never received dedicated funds to mop up excess produce from farmers.

    While he described the money as a drop in the ocean, he commended the government for the move, saying,  “Initially, we were given GHȼ100 [million]. The minister wrote to me recently that they have added another GHȼ100 [million]. I hear in the next budget that will be read on Thursday, there’s some GH¢200 [million] that will come. It’s like a drop in the ocean, but I am happy because this is the first time this is happening.

    He continued that, even though they requested about GHC 770 million, the fund earmarked for his outfit is a step in the right direction; an expression of hope and comfort that more funds will be released for their work, stating that, “For so many years, nobody ever gave Buffer Stock money, or no government gave Buffer Stock money to go out to the field and mop up the excess [produce]. This is the beginning. The amount of money I requested is far higher than what they have given us now, but I am steadfast in the comfort that it is a modest beginning.

    He added, however, that the Buffer Stock Company is currently deploying its contracted agents to farm gates to purchase excess produce for storage in its warehouses.

    “We are in the field now, and very soon the noise will go down. Initially, we requested GH¢770 million minimally, but so far they have given us GHȼ100 million,” George Abradu-Otoo said.

    There have been reports of gluts in key food crops, with farmers struggling to find ready markets for their produce.

    Farmers have protested, and others have described this year as their worst year in decades, following a massive maize and rice glut plaguing the country. During a peaceful protest held by some farmers in Tamale, they held placards with inscriptions which read  “Eat Ghana Rice” and “Boycott Farmers’ Day Until Farmers Are Heard”, accusing the government of failing to honour its pledge to buy local grains through the Buffer Stock Company.

    Another remark President Mahama made was an expression of his concerns about the worries of farmers. 

    “Our farmers are worried. There’s a glut on the market, so I asked the Finance Minister to provide GH₵100 to the National Buffer Stock Company to buy up the surplus maize so that when there’s a shortage later in the year, it can be released. They have finished purchasing with the first GH₵100 million, but there’s still a lot of maize on the market and prices remain low.”

    He explained that with prices continuing to fall and farmers unable to make profits, the government had decided to take further action.

    “I’ve directed the Finance Minister to release an additional GH₵200 million to buy the remaining glut and store it for future use. President Mahama added that the same approach would be applied to other crops, including rice. It is the same situation with rice. I’ve instructed the Buffer Stock Company to purchase the excess and keep it as well,”  he stated.

    This move forms part of the government’s wider plan to curb food wastage, strengthen national food security, and preserve surplus produce for future use.

    The President also mentioned measures to support poultry farmers. “I have also instructed Buffer Stock to purchase rice from our local farmers to prevent losses. For eggs, I have asked the managers of the school feeding programme to include eggs in student meals,” he added.

    He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting farmers, stabilising agricultural markets, and protecting the nation’s food supply chain, stressing that “no Ghanaian farmer should suffer losses simply because they produced in abundance.”

    What is Bufferstock?

    Buffer Stock in Ghana refers to the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), a government initiative that purchases surplus food from farmers, stores it, and redistributes it to stabilise prices and prevent food waste.

    The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) was established in 2010,

  • Grains glut – President Mahama orders release of GHS 200million to bufferstock to tackle crisis

    Grains glut – President Mahama orders release of GHS 200million to bufferstock to tackle crisis

    Farmers have protested, and others have described this year as their worst year in decades, following a massive maize and rice glut plaguing the country. During a peaceful protest held by some farmers in Tamale, they held placards with inscriptions which read  “Eat Ghana Rice” and “Boycott Farmers’ Day Until Farmers Are Heard”, accusing the government of failing to honour its pledge to buy local grains through the Buffer Stock Company.

    Consequently, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, during an interview on Citi Breakfast Show, confirmed that the government earlier released GH₵100 million on November 10.

    In addition to the GHC 100 million, President Mahama, during a speech in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 12, at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative, announced that he has ordered the Finance Minister, Ato Forson, to disburse another GHC 200 million, citing that the first disbursement couldn’t clear the surplus.

     He acknowledged the troubles of the farmers, citing that the yet-to-be disbursed funds will be used to purchase the surplus grains and be stored for future use.

    Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi, President Mahama said the government had already released GH₵100 million to address the situation, but the funds were not enough to clear the surplus.

    “Our farmers are worried. There’s a glut on the market, so I asked the Finance Minister to provide GH₵100 to the National Buffer Stock Company to buy up the surplus maize so that when there’s a shortage later in the year, it can be released. They have finished purchasing with the first GH₵100 million, but there’s still a lot of maize on the market and prices remain low.”

    He explained that with prices continuing to fall and farmers unable to make profits, the government had decided to take further action.

    “I’ve directed the Finance Minister to release an additional GH₵200 million to buy the remaining glut and store it for future use. President Mahama added that the same approach would be applied to other crops, including rice. It is the same situation with rice. I’ve instructed the Buffer Stock Company to purchase the excess and keep it as well,”  he stated.

    This move forms part of the government’s wider plan to curb food wastage, strengthen national food security, and preserve surplus produce for future use.

    The President also mentioned measures to support poultry farmers. “I have also instructed Buffer Stock to purchase rice from our local farmers to prevent losses. For eggs, I have asked the managers of the school feeding programme to include eggs in student meals,” he added.

    He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting farmers, stabilising agricultural markets, and protecting the nation’s food supply chain, stressing that “no Ghanaian farmer should suffer losses simply because they produced in abundance.”

    In the morning of Thursday, November 13, the National Food Buffer Stock Company, during a press conference, revealed that they requested at least GH¢770 million to effectively address the issue of the food glut.

    Chief Executive Officer, George Abradu-Otoo, noted that the GHC 200 million was “a drop in the ocean.”

    According to him, the current food glut Ghana is facing is evidence of the long-term funding gaps his outfit has faced over the years, noting that the Buffer Stock Company has never received dedicated funds to mop up excess produce from farmers.

    While he described the money as a drop in the ocean, he commended the government for the move, saying,  “Initially, we were given GHȼ100 [million]. The minister wrote to me recently that they have added another GHȼ100 [million]. I hear in the next budget that will be read on Thursday, there’s some GH¢200 [million] that will come. It’s like a drop in the ocean, but I am happy because this is the first time this is happening.

    “For so many years, nobody ever gave Buffer Stock money, or no government gave Buffer Stock money to go out to the field and mop up the excess [produce]. This is the beginning. The amount of money I requested is far higher than what they have given us now, but I am steadfast in the comfort that it is a modest beginning.

    He added, however, that the Buffer Stock Company is currently deploying its contracted agents to farm gates to purchase excess produce for storage in its warehouses.

    “We are in the field now, and very soon the noise will go down. Initially, we requested GH¢770 million minimally, but so far they have given us GHȼ100 million,” George Abradu-Otoo said.

    There have been reports of gluts in key food crops, with farmers struggling to find ready markets for their produce.

    The government in September announced a thirty percent (30%) increase in farmgate prices for three staple crops in Ghana.

    In a statement shared by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), it announced a minimum guaranteed farmgate price set for gari, rice and maize.

    Farmgate refers to the point where agricultural products are sold directly by the farmer, typically at the farm itself, before any additional costs like transportation, packaging, or retail markups are added. This forms part of the government’s efforts to give farmers the option to sell directly to the National Food Buffer Stock Company at fixed rates.

    Farmers now have a minimum price assurance, protecting them from exploitative middlemen and volatile market swings and protecting them against post-harvest losses. With NAFCO ready to buy at guaranteed rates, farmers are less likely to leave produce unsold or rotting and stabilise the agricultural value chain.

    “Any farmer experiencing difficulties with buyers who attempt to purchase below the guaranteed prices should sell their stock directly to NAFCO, where they will be assured of the approved price. The guaranteed prices are intended to tackle the problem of unsold surplus grains, provide fair earnings for farmers, and stabilise the agricultural value chain,” parts of the statement said.

    Consequently, “farmers are strongly encouraged not to sell their produce below these announced prices.”

    The prices were approved by the Producer Price Determination Committee during its first meeting, which took place from September 11 to 12 after its inauguration earlier this month.

    Under the new structure, a 100-kilogramme bag of maize will be purchased at GH¢450, a 50kg bag of rice at GH¢625, and a 34kg bag of gari at GH¢340.

    This translates into GH¢4.50 per kilogramme for maize, GH¢12.50 per kilogramme for rice, and GH¢10 per kilogramme for gari.

    Before the government announced the new prices, farmers were primarily selling their staple crops at significantly lower and fluctuating rates. For example, the price of maize before the increase ranged from GH¢2.80 to GH¢3.50 per kilogram. 

    These prices were not fixed and could change, especially during glut periods when there was an oversupply in the market, which impacted pricing. During such times, prices often dropped sharply, forcing many farmers to sell below their production costs to prevent their crops from spoiling, often due to inadequate storage facilities.

  • GAF-El-Wak stampede: Minority demands investigative report from govt in 2 weeks

    GAF-El-Wak stampede: Minority demands investigative report from govt in 2 weeks

    The Minority in Parliament, thus the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have ordered the release of the report on the cause of the stampede that occurred during the recruitment screening by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on the morning of Wednesday, November 12, in Accra.

    It all started when thousands of Ghanaian youth hoping to gain entry into the military thronged the stadium in the early hours of Wednesday. However, even before the screening exercise could begin, the unfortunate happened when a surge of applicants breached security protocols and rushed toward the gates.

    The uncontrolled crowd movement caused people to fall and be trampled, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries. 

    In a swift response, the government set up a Board of Inquiry to probe the El-Wak Stadium stampede. The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, chaired by Hon. James Agalga, has announced it will conduct its own probe into the incident.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin directed the committee to take a keen interest in the investigations, ensuring accountability and transparency.

    In reaction to this, the leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, in a two-page statement, has demanded that the committee present the findings within fourteen (14) days.

    “We note that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a preliminary enquiry. However, we demand that this investigation be independent, thorough, and time-bound, with findings made public within fourteen (14) days. The families of the deceased and the nation deserve transparency, not bureaucratic opacity”, parts of the statement read. 

    Following the incident, several suggestions have been made to the government, including the modernisation of the process using technology and the screening exercise done in batches and spread across the days of the week.

    Consequently, part of the four demands listed in the statement also charge the government to provide “a clear timeline for implementing corrective measures” as well as settle the affected families as far as compensation is concerned, calling for an immediate suspension of the exercise.

    “All ongoing recruitment exercises should be halted immediately until adequate crowd management protocols, emergency response systems, and venue safety standards are verifiably in place. Compensation and support for the families of the deceased and those injured”, the statement noted..

    They also called on the country’s national defence force to assure the public that there would not be a recurrence of such an incident again in the history of Ghana. The Minority said, “A commitment from the Ghana Armed Forces and relevant government agencies that such a tragedy will never recur.

    The Minority went on to condemn the incident, slamming GAF for what they described as “a catastrophic failure of crowd control and safety planning”, which needs to be addressed without delay.

    “In all the years of military and security service recruitment in this country, we have never witnessed such a catastrophic failure of crowd control and safety planning. This tragedy demands urgent answers, unflinching accountability and immediate systemic reforms”, the statement continued.

    The Afenyo-Markin-led caucus also expressed its sympathies with the bereaved and affected families, stating that, 

    “ Our deepest condolences go to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in these heartbreaking circumstances. We also extend our solidarity and prayers to all those injured. The pursuit of national service must never be marred by preventable tragedy or compromised by inadequate safety measures. The pursuit of national service must never be marred by preventable tragedy or compromised by inadequate safety measures.

    While this tragedy is the deadliest in recent memory, Ghana has experienced similar stampedes during recruitment exercises before, though earlier incidents caused injuries rather than deaths.

    Just hours after the El-Wak tragedy, reports confirmed a stampede at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium during the same Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise, leaving at least five applicants injured and hospitalised. The cause, according to reports, is similar to what happened in Accra: overcrowding and poor crowd control. One person was reported to be in a critical condition and receiving treatment at the Emena Hospital in Oforikrom Municipality, according to reports, while four others are at the Ashanti South Government Hospital for treatment.

    In the latest development, the Member of Parliament representing the Ketu North Constituency has announced on X (formerly Twitter) that “Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi has stated that all personnel responsible for the screening process during the military recruitment have been asked to step aside while official investigations into the stampede are conducted”.

    Meanwhile, President Mahama paid a visit to applicants who had been hospitalised at the 37 Military Hospital from the stampede hours after the incident ahead of his trip to Kumasi for the launch of one of his flagship policies, “Nkoko Nketenkete” programme in Kumasi on Wednesday.

    Delivering a speech at the launch, he confirmed that all the fatalities recorded linked to the stampede at El-Wak were females. The President described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation,” while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

    According to him, “The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition.”

    He also took to his official X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences to the families of the applicants who lost their lives in the stampede.

    He said, “I visited the 37 military hospital this afternoon to check on our young men and women who were injured earlier this morning following a stampede at the Elwak Stadium recruitment centre, where thousands of potential military recruits had gathered for a selection exercise. Lordina and I wish all the injured a speedy recovery, and our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the stampede.”

    The Ghana Armed Forces announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise. The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, has now been extended to November 7. GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1st via their official X (formerly Twitter). The statement titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads,

    “The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period. The new deadline is 7 November 2025.”

  • El-Wak stampede: Speaker Bagbin donates GHS100k to victims

    El-Wak stampede: Speaker Bagbin donates GHS100k to victims

    Just before Ghana could finish mulling over the failures that led to the helicopter crash on August 6, claiming the lives of eight gallant men, the nation has been hit with another tragedy.

    A stampede occurred during screening for enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Wednesday, November 12, at the El-Wakstadium claiming the lives of six (6) and over twenty-eight (28) were left injured, with some confirmed to be in a critical condition.

    During a visit to the victims of the stampede at the 37 Military Hospital on Thursday, November 13,  the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, donated GH¢100,000 to support the medical treatment of victims injured in the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede.

    Mr Bagbin, who was with a delegation of Parliament, explained that the gesture is Parliment’s way of showing solidarity with the affected families and help ease their financial burdens.

    He said the gesture was to help alleviate the financial burden on the victims and demonstrate Parliament’s solidarity with affected families.

    The Speaker also expressed grave concern about the recurring challenges associated with public sector recruitment exercises, emphasising the need for urgent reforms to make the process safer and more efficient.

    However, the Ghana Armed Forces has since suspended the recruitment exercise at El-Wak pending investigations into the circumstances that led to the stampede.

    All six potential recruits who tragically lost their lives in the stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise on Wednesday, November 12, were female.

    President John Dramani Mahama made the revelation at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi. The President described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation,” while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

    According to him, “The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition.”

    Reports indicate that the incident occurred as thousands of young Ghanaians thronged the stadium, forcing their way through entry points in an attempt to secure enlistment into the Service. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while several others are receiving emergency treatment.

    The Ashanti Region has also reported that at least five potential recruits reportedly collapsed during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 11. One person is in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Emena Hospital in Oforikrom Municipality, according to reports, while four others are at the Ashanti South Government Hospital for treatment.

    To reduce overcrowding and prevent a potential stampede, authorities have asked some applicants to attend the exercise on Thursday and Friday.

    Also, President Mahama paid a visit to the 37 Military Hospital to see 22 victims receiving treatment, accompanied by senior officials, including the Deputy Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chief of Staff, before his trip to Kumasi for the launch of the ‘Nkokoo Nketenkete’ programme. He also took to his official X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences to the families of the applicants who lost their lives in the stampede. 

    He said, “I visited the 37 military hospital this afternoon to check on our young men and women who were injured earlier this morning following a stampede at the Elwak Stadium recruitment centre, where thousands of potential military recruits had gathered for a selection exercise. 

    Lordina and I wish all the injured a speedy recovery, and our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the stampede.”

    Effiduase-Asokore Member of Parliament, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, has suggested that the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces should offer automatic enlistment to family members of deceased victims as a form of compensation.

    The Ghana Armed Forces announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise. The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, was extended to November 7.

    GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1 via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The statement, titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads:

    “The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period. The new deadline is 7 November 2025.”

    Before the extension, GAF, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun, outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide. It noted that this marks a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process, moving away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi.

    The new approach, GAF explained, is to ensure equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.

    According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers. GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

    “The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

    The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment. Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

    Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants. Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment. Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult. GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal.

  • Absence of key players in Japan friendly due to mutual agreement, legitimate reasons – GFA

    Absence of key players in Japan friendly due to mutual agreement, legitimate reasons – GFA

    Some key players, including Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, are missing from the squad listed to play Japan in the friendlies tomorrow.

    Their absence has sparked reactions from fans and pundits seeking explanations for the absence of such players.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded, stating that their exclusion was based on legitimate reasons. Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM in Accra, yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, clarified that their absence is to allow budding talents to prove their worth in the senior national team.

    Head coach Otto Addo opted to give opportunities to emerging talents, including Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Kwabena Adu, and Prince Osei Owusu.

    According to Henry, it was mutual consent that some key players were left out of the squad;some needed to rest.

    “Absentees from the Black Stars squad for the Japan and South Korea friendly games are due to legitimate reasons and not the travelling distance. We all came to an agreement that some players will need to rest while others are nursing injuries, so we had to let them stay behind. The new faces in the squad have been on the radar of the technical team for some time now, and this is an opportunity for them to prove their worth in these games,” he said.

    He further noted that the friendlies form part of a broader development plan aimed at building a strong team for future competitions.

    “These friendly games are aimed at working on something within the Black Stars setup and among the players. We just want to make use of the best talents for the future,” he added.

    The Black Stars opened camp on Tuesday, November 11, and have already held their first training session ahead of their match tomorrow in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, before taking on South Korea on November 18. The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.

    In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.

    Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.

    The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah.

    Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.

    More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,

    “Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

  • That is “unrealistic” – Laporta dispels Messi’s return to Barcelona

    That is “unrealistic” – Laporta dispels Messi’s return to Barcelona

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has shot down the “unrealistic” speculations of a possible Messi return.

    Lionel Messi, one of the club’s favourite, greatest-ever players and longest-serving modern icon, paid an unannounced visit to the stadium on Sunday, November 9, ahead of his camping in Spain with Argentina and ahead of Camp Nou’s partial reopening this November in their clash against Athletic Club in La Liga.

    During his visit, he expressed his desire to return not only to bid farewell to fans and the club officially, but for something more than just a goodbye.

    In an Instagram post, he wrote alongside pictures he took at the stadium, “Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart,” he wrote alongside the images on Monday. It’s a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do…”

    In reaction to this, Laporta has stated that, “Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, Barca, and the Barca club members, I believe that now, for me to make speculation that is unrealistic, nor do I think it is fair, well, I believe that is not appropriate,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

    Barcelona moved temporarily to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc when renovation works began at Spotify Camp Nou in the Summer of 2023.

    While it was set to be ready so use in the 2024/25 season, it saw some delays, pushing the reopening to August 2025.

    Barcelona are set to return during the 2025/26 La Liga season, though only the lower tiers will be complete. Work on the upper tiers will continue throughout the season.

    Messi spent about twenty-one years at Camp Nou. He joined Barcelona’s famous academy at the age of 13, from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, between 2000–2004. He made his debut appearance at age 17 when the club played against Spain on October 16, 2004.

    Lionel Messi played 778 official matches for Barcelona, scoring a club-record 672 goals, providing 269 assists, and winning 35 major trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 FIFA Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 8 Spanish Super Cups.

    He played his last match in August 2021 vs Celta Vigo, before leaving due to financial constraints at the club, and making a ‘hasty’ exit to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

    His departure wasn’t formally done due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place at the time.

    Laporta has spoken about a desire to bring Messi back for a tribute game, suggesting it would be the perfect way to inaugurate the new Camp Nou, which has been closed for redevelopment since 2023.

    “It would be a great way to open the stadium [when it’s finished], with 105,000 packed in and paying tribute to Leo,” Laporta reiterated to reporters after an open training session in front of 23,000 fans at Camp Nou last week.

    “Always, of course, depending on what [the Messi camp] wants. There are also presidential elections before then, but in the case I am still president, I would love that.”

    Messi, whose relationship with Laporta cooled following his departure, has never previously commented on the possibility of returning to participate in any such game. Work is still ongoing on Camp Nou.

    Barça currently have a license to host games with 25,991 fans present, but hopes to secure a permit to increase that to 45,401 later this month, at which point they will return to the arena, having spent over two years playing at the Olympic Stadium in the city.

    However, the third tier still needs to be finished and the roof added. When the refurbishment is completed, which is not anticipated to be until 2027, the capacity will rise to 105,000.

    Messi returned to Europe over the weekend after scoring twice on Saturday as third-seeded Inter Miami ousted sixth-seeded Nashville SC in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

    Meanwhile, Messi, speaking at the America Business Forum, held at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, highlighted that winning the title of football’s greatest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, is the highest achievement any player can attain in football.

    According to him, he feels fulfilled after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the memory continues to excite him every time it comes to mind.

    The Barcelona icon noted that clinching the Mundial was the perfect way to cap off his footballing career, and nothing more could be asked of him.

    “Winning the World Cup is the ultimate achievement. After the World Cup, there’s nothing more you can ask for. It’s hard to explain the feelings from that moment. It’s difficult to find words to describe what that title meant on a personal level, for my family, my teammates, and for the country.

    “It was clear how the whole nation celebrated it, the need and desire we all had for that to happen again after such a long time”.

    He continued that it was an exceptional experience in his life, having won trophies in his career, but winning the World Cup “completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    “…It was special. I had already been lucky enough to achieve everything else before, at club level, individually. That was the one thing missing, the one that completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    This comes after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo rejected the notion that he needs to lead Portugal to a World Cup title to be considered among the greatest players in history.

  • I will not recommend govt flying supporters to World Cup – Kofi Adams

    I will not recommend govt flying supporters to World Cup – Kofi Adams

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Past governments over the years, mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    With the current state of the country’s sports sector, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that, while it has been a long-standing act, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    Speaking during an interview with Peace FM, Mr Adams revealed that, while no allocation will be made for flying fans to the tournament, the government will offer other support, but not financial, citing that anyone who intends to go to the World Cup will have to find their own resources.

    He said the country’s economic challenges as the main reason for the government’s decision not to finance fan travel.

    “Well, there is no game or tournament we don’t go with supporters, but whether I will take them or someone else will take them is a different ball game,” he said.

    Mr Adams says there is a need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

    “We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

    While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

    “I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

    “Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

    The Black Stars are expected to learn their group-stage opponents when the World Cup draw takes place on December 5.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA)  has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.

    In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.

    Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.

    The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah. 

    Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.

    More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,  

    “Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.

    The Black Stars will hold their first training session in Nagoya on Wednesday, November 12, ahead of the Kirin Cup clash against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025”, parts of the statement said.

    Ghana will face South Korea three days later, on November 17, after their Japan clash as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team, 

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

  • GFA announces arrival of 18 players in camp ahead of Japan friendly on Friday

    GFA announces arrival of 18 players in camp ahead of Japan friendly on Friday

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA)  has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.

    In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.

    Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.

    The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah.

    Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.

    More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,  

    “Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.

    The Black Stars will hold their first training session in Nagoya on Wednesday, November 12, ahead of the Kirin Cup clash against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025”, parts of the statement said.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    While they look forward to finding out who their group-stage opponents will be when the official draw is held on December 5, they will face South Korea three days later, on November 17, after their Japan clash as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.

    Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.

    The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.

    President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros courtesy of a decisive goal from Mohammed Kudus in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

    Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team, 

    “We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.

    He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.

    “We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.

    Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.

    “Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

    “We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.

    “See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”

    Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reacted to questions surrounding his future with the team.

    His second coming as a Black Stars head coach was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 2022 under his leadership.

    However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his long-term future due to his inconsistencies in performances.

  • Do not take Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s Ataa Ayi remarks lightly – John Boadu to Parliament

    Do not take Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s Ataa Ayi remarks lightly – John Boadu to Parliament

    One of the leading contenders for the NPP’s National Chairmanship, John Boadu, has warned Parliament not to downplay the Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s, remarks on notorious criminal Atta Ayi’s prison sentence.

    In 2005, Justice Paul gave Atta Ayi a 70-year prison sentence, convicting Atta Ayi of multiple counts of robbery and conspiracy to rob. 

    Twenty years later, he addressed the issue, citing it as an example in response to a question about sentencing guidelines and recent concerns over lengthy sentences for minor, non-violent offences during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for his appointment as Chief Justice nominee.

    According to him, the unusually lengthy sentence he gave Atta Ayi was to ensure the safety of his family; a shorter sentence could have allowed the criminal to target them after his release. emphasised that while sentencing guidelines provide a framework, judges must sometimes exercise discretion to address the broader context of a case, including public safety and the protection of vulnerable parties.

    “The judges and magistrates, they are trained, they have sentencing guidelines,” he said. “But sometimes they have to go beyond it. In my youthful days, I gave somebody 70 years, Atta Ayi.

    “I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family will be the first he will attack. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he said lightheartedly to laughter in the audience,” he noted.

    NPP’s aspiring Chairman is not content with the Justice’s answer, raising concerns about his reputation as the soon-to-be highest judicial officer in Ghana and his impartiality in future cases.

    During an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr Boadu said Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s remarks about the 70-year jail sentence handed to notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi were “unfortunate”.

    Speaking and raising concerns about his impartiality in future rulings.

    “What the Chief Justice nominee said was absolutely wrong. Such statements from someone expected to uphold justice are troubling,” he stated.

    He further questioned whether Justice Baffoe-Bonnie could remain neutral in cases involving his personal or political interests.

    “If a case that affects his personal interest comes before him, can we expect a fair trial?” he asked.

    Consequently, he has admonished Parliament to take up the matter, highlighting the need for lawmakers to protect the rights of citizens and uphold judicial independence.

    “The parliamentarians who vetted him have an honourable duty to protect the liberty of our people. This should not be about personal interest; it affects the government as a whole. If a case comes to him that involves his personal interests, can we really expect a fair trial? If my case goes before him, I would be fearful because if our political views do not align, he may try to favour his personal interests,” he added.

    Background

    Ataa Ayi, who was described by the police as the nation’s most notorious bandit,t had a high price tag placed on his head by the police. His whereabouts before he was captured prompted the largest manhunt in the nation’s crime history, with expensive billboards bearing his portrait mounted in five of the ten regions of the country. Ataa Ayi was arrested in his hideout in the Teshie Tsui Bleo, a suburb of Accra.

    His girlfriend, suspected to be an accomplice, was also arrested in the raid.

    Before his arrest, the police had been on his heels for months. His deputy, Emmanuel Tetteh, also known as Mpata, was also arrested. It was believed that information provided by Mpata might have helped to track down the elusive Ataa Ayi.

    According to police, Ataa Ayi was the brain behind most of the brutal armed robberies in Accra. He and members of his gang were alleged to have, at gunpoint, stolen money, cars, jewellery and other valuables from various people in the national capital. He was also alleged to have shot several people who resisted his attacks.

    Meanwhile, during the vetting, the Minority Caucus staged a walkout during the vetting process of the Chief Justice nominee.

    This unfolded after the Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, led his colleagues in raising issues against the nomination and also the processes that led to the removal of Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice.

    “We vote to reject the nominee. The Majority can proceed with the questions; we do not intend to proceed with any question. We are, however, registering in the strongest terms that we reject the nomination, and the records should reflect that the report of this committee be a majority report,” their leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said during the vetting process.

    In response, the Chair of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, said, “We thank you very much, we wish you well.”

    Tension flared between Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the vetting session for the Chief Justice nominee.

    Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, insisted that his caucus reserves the right to refer to Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the contested Chief Justice nominee.

    The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised strong objections to Parliament’s decision to continue with the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, calling it a violation of constitutional principles, the rule of law, and a situation that presents a conflict of interest.

    In a statement issued on November 10 and signed by General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, the party maintained that the vetting should have been put on hold until cases filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo were fully addressed.

    According to the NPP, seven substantive legal actions related to the matter are currently pending before Ghana’s Supreme Court, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

    Baffoe-Bonnie was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with constitutional provisions following the removal of the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.

    The vetting will assess his qualifications, judicial experience and overall suitability for the role before the committee submits its report to the plenary for consideration.

    This comes despite Minority Members of Parliament filing a motion seeking to halt the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.

    In a statement dated October 29, 2025, the Minority indicated that the vetting process should be suspended until all pending suits and applications concerning former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo have been heard and determined.

    The Minority, citing Articles 110(1), 125–127, 144(1) and 146 of the 1992 Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, urged Parliament to suspend the Appointments Committee’s vetting and any plenary debate or approval processes.

    The motion cited cases including the ECOWAS Court suit, the Supreme Court and the High Court applications.

    “That this Honourable House, having regard to Articles 110(1), 125-127, 144(1) and 146 of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Orders 57(1)-(3), 93, 103(f), 216 and 217, resolves to suspend forthwith all further proceedings, both at the Appointments Committee and at Plenary, on the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice until all pending suits and applications directly bearing on the removal of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo (including ECOWAS Court Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25 on provisional measures, multiple Supreme Court proceedings, and High Court applications) are finally determined or withdrawn,” the statement said.

  • Family of helicopter victim expresses satisfaction with investigative report

    Family of helicopter victim expresses satisfaction with investigative report

    The government has made public the findings from the helicopter crash which occurred on August 6 at Adansi, claiming the lives of eight gallant men, including Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Sarpong, who lost his life just hours after his appointment as Board Chairman-designate of the Cocoa Processing Company.

    According to the investigative board’s report released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the crash was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift resulting from a downdraft.

    “The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a downdraft. This loss of altitude, without any change in power or pitch attitude, is consistent with downdrafts associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,” a member of the committee stated.

    Speaking after the presentation of the report’s findings, a relative of Mr. Sarpong expressed his satisfaction with the committee’s work, saying that the crash was caused by nature, which was beyond human control.

    “We are very satisfied because, based on the briefing we received, we understand that this was an act of God. Nobody controls the weather except the Almighty, and for that matter, we have accepted it in good faith,” he said.

    He added, “I believe strongly that, per the briefing we’ve had today, this will put all speculation to rest. Captain Forjoe took time to explain everything to us in detail, and even yesterday we had a closed-door briefing. We are okay; we have accepted everything and are very satisfied with the outcome.”

    The committee, chaired by National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul-Osman Razak, submitted its final report to the National Security Council on Monday, November 10, 2025.

    The board comprised representatives from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB-Ghana), with technical and advisory support from the United States Air Force.

    The committee was aided by aviation experts from China as well as other relevant institutions in decoding the black box.

    The helicopter crashed into a forested mountainside in Ghana’s Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025. All eight people on board, consisting of five passengers and three crew members, were killed.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CkdFX6cZJ

    In the early hours of Tuesday, November 11, it was widely reported that President Mahama had received the report from the committee tasked to conduct the probe into the crash.
    In August, the Ministry of Defence announced that it had officially begun a probe into the unfortunate incident, following the establishment of an investigative board.

    The presentation of the report comes after the government, in early October, announced that the report on the probe into the crash would be made ready in two weeks from the 11th day of October. The investigation findings were presented to the National Security Council in November 2025. About a month later, the report has now been presented to the president.

    The victims of the crash included Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; and Samuel Sarpong.

    The others are Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Aboagye; Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that its Air Force helicopter Z9, which took off on August 6 at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

    Hours later, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the eight individuals, comprising three crew and five passengers.

    As part of the three-day national mourning, the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” took place at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9. The event was open to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.

    On the first day of mourning, which began Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash.

    Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.

    The public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8. It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency.

    This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning. The samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 were transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

    Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies called for advanced forensic processes.

    Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, two out of the eight who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash, were buried in accordance with Islamic tradition, custom, and practices.

    They were buried following the arrival of the DNA results on Saturday, August 9. On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were offered at the Forecourt of the State House.

    Following that, the deceased were buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra. The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers.

    President Mahama later announced that he would set up a fund to cater for the families of the gallant men who lost their lives while serving the country.

    He announced the creation of the fund during an address on Tuesday, August 12, while attending the funeral rites for the late Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, which was held at Adenta, but officially announced it while speaking at the state funeral organised for the victims at Black Star Square on Friday, August 15. “At the funeral, we will announce a programme for creating a fund that will assist with the education of their children. Persons who want to contribute to the future of the children they’ve left behind would have the opportunity to do so.”

    President Mahama emphasised the need to protect the victims’ dependents from hardship, specifically mentioning the two-month-old child of the military pilot, Peter Bafemi.

    “It’s a difficult calamity. Because if you look at all those who died, they were at the prime of their lives and had so much responsibility; children still in school, and some even with infants as young as two months.

    “These responsibilities are what we have to take up to make sure that the absence of the parents does not adversely affect the innocent children,” he said.

  • “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme to be launched today in Kumasi

    “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme to be launched today in Kumasi

    One of the government’s flagship programmes, “Nkoko Nkitinkiti”, is set to be launched today, Wednesday, November 12. This was announced by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

    He confirmed the launch of the programme in a Facebook post on Sunday, November 9, through a Facebook post and subsequent media briefings, noting Kumasi as the venue for the launch. The post explains the purpose of the programme and its anticipated impact on the country’s poultry sector.

    “This week is a very important one for our country. On Wednesday, November 12, President John Dramani Mahama will launch one of the government’s flagship programmes, Nkoko Nkitinkiti, in Kumasi. This initiative will boost poultry production, reduce imports, and create jobs for thousands of households,” adding that “Later in the week, the Finance Minister will present the 2026 Budget to Parliament. We will also receive the final report on the Adansi helicopter tragedy. A week of accountability and progress.”

     Though the exact operational details of the programme remain undisclosed, it is expected to focus on community development and youth empowerment initiatives in line with the government’s social intervention agenda.

    The  Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative, which is also labelled as ‘backyard poultry programme’ by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, is set to empower about 60,000 households in all the 276 constituencies nationwide to produce 3 million birds. According to him, the programme is targeted at single mothers, Persons with disabilities and other vulnerable people in the community during an address on October 16.

    Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the launch tomorrow, Mr Opoku clarified that “the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti policy, which is to be launched, does not cover commercial poultry farmers. The policy is purposely for households. While the government is starting with the Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative, the public must understand that it is just one aspect of the government’s poultry production plans. We have another program under which we are targeting existing poultry farmers.”

    However, he noted that the government has other policy directives that will be rolled out to support large-scale and medium-scale poultry farmers.

    The policy is part of the broader Feed Ghana strategy and includes training, access to feed, and improved breeding stock. Originally set for July, it was delayed to October for stakeholder engagement. By reducing the $300 million spent annually on poultry imports, the initiative seeks to revitalise agriculture, empower youth, and strengthen Ghana’s self-sufficiency in protein production.

    The Minister for Food and Agriculture stated that technical staff from the ministry are engaging stakeholders in the poultry industry to gather data and information on how best the policy can be rolled out, noting that the information received from the field officers will guide them as to who gets to be selected to benefit from the policy rollout.

    “What we are doing now is dealing with backyard poultry farming. That has nothing to do with the commercial farmers. It has nothing to do with the commercial farmers. In fact, the technical people are already in the field. We are selecting the beneficiaries based on their capacities in their various places.

    “So, in Bono Ahafo, for instance, the people have submitted their reports. They have gone to their places of work and have identified those people we can work with. Now, we have to engage with them based on the information that we have before we roll out that one”, the Minister said.

    Hon. Opoku then noted that there are other plans underway that are purposely for large-scale and medium-scale commercial farmers, emphasising the need for an overall increment in poultry production in the country to reduce imports and over-reliance on imported poultry and poultry produce.

    The minister noted that there is an existing program from last year where some poultry farmers were provided with the logistics and financial support, with the understanding that they would pay back after harvest.

    In an earlier address in April by President Mahama, he revealed that the policy will be implemented in collaboration with Poultry Farmers Associations, which will support “hatcheries, feedmills, veterinary services and poultry processing centres.

    This year, 50 anchor farmers will be supported to produce four million birds, which will be equivalent to 10,000 tonnes of chicken. Additionally, a supplementary programme will involve the registration of 55,000 households across this country, and each of these households will produce 500 birds every year. We believe that this will rear over 1 million birds to improve the income of women and the nutrition of their children”.

    Meanwhile, while farmers have commended the government for the initiative to deal with poultry importation, they have expressed concerns about being sidelined in designing the programme. Some farmers also expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to exclude commercial farmers, who have described themselves as a crucial party in ensuring the effectiveness of the programme. The National Poultry Farmers Association (NPFA) have also warned that the government may incur losses if the programme is not effectively implemented.

     They are calling for a balanced household empowerment with support for commercial farmers, and to ensure proper training and monitoring so the initiative doesn’t backfire.

    Meanwhile, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also represents the people of Effutu Constituency in January this year expressed his belief in the government’s proposed poultry programme.

    Speaking during the vetting of Agriculture Minister-designate, Eric Opoku, Mr Markin described it as a potential solution to the country’s high youth unemployment rate.

    Mr Afenyo-Markin noted that, as an entrepreneur, he recognises the pressure the youth unemployment crisis places on the political class and believes the programme could offer a viable solution.

    “I heard it from President, Mahma, and for me as an entrepreneur, knowing the pressure from our youth on all of us as a political class, beyond the political rhetoric, I believe that if it [nkoko nketenkete] is implemented, it will help the youth because a lot of them are dejected in this country. They don’t have jobs, and the pressure is on us,” he stated.

  • Britain, South Africa deliver 130 more gold, bronze, other artefacts to Manhyia

    Britain, South Africa deliver 130 more gold, bronze, other artefacts to Manhyia

    Manhyia Palace has received one hundred and thirty (130) gold and bronze artworks from South Africa and Britain.

    These artefacts, crafted in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region, about a century and a half ago, were purchased by AngloGold Ashanti and have now been returned to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace and to the museum.

    Some of these pieces are aged between forty-five (45) and one hundred and sixty (160) years, reflecting governance systems in villages and towns as well as the socio-economic importance of gold.

    In a ceremony marked by traditional Asante cultural protocols such as drumming, dancing, and the presence of chiefs and elders, some executives of AngloGold Ashanti, led by Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Stuart Bailey, presented the items to the Asantehene. They were accompanied by the Managing Director of the Obuasi mine, Samuel Boakye Pobee, and former MP of Obuasi, Edward Ennin.

    The Ashanti Overlord, in response, expressed his gratitude to the gold trading firm for their kind gesture in returning the artefacts, which they had purchased from the open market. He commended them for thinking it “appropriate to give back to the source from which they were taken.”

    A total of 110 items that were returned have now been added to those already in Kumasi, bringing the total number of returned objects to 140. These objects originally came from the Barbier-Muller Museum in Geneva, which had collected them through its founder, Josef Muller, starting in 1904.

    Aside from the donations by AngloGold, an 86-year-old British art historian and curator, Hermione Waterfield, donated 25 more objects from her personal collection. She had joined the famous art auction house Christie’s in London in 1961 and, in 1971, established the Tribal Art Department.

    Detailing Waterfield’s donation, Historian and Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, mentioned that it included a 46-inch wooden fontomfrom drum, which was part of the loot from the Palace.

    These items were taken away by British Colonial Officer Sir Cecil Hamilton Armitage, who led the advance force in the siege of Kumasi in 1900 during the Yaa Asantewaa War and later became British Colonial Governor of The Gambia.

    Waterfield inherited these drums and owned fourteen other gold weights purchased between 1967 and 1973, including from Christie’s auctions.

    Mr. Agyeman-Duah continued that the authority on the returned objects from South Africa “and indeed of metal or goldsmith arts in West Africa was the late British art historian and archaeologist, Timothy Garrand, who lived for a time in Kumasi and Accra and also Bouake in the Ivory Coast. Together with the octogenarian Waterfield, they have helped shape our understanding not just of gold and bronze collecting but of the heritage of their manufacturing processes.”

    Among Waterfield’s donations is the famous brass self-portrait of Timothy Garrand on his motorbike in Kumasi, created by Yaw Amankwa in 1980.

    Mr. Agyeman-Duah, who last October signed the deaccession papers with Waterfield in London, said that among other great works to be displayed at the palace museum are those of Ghanaian and African masters, including Ablade Glover, El Anatsui, Ato Delaquis, Nee-Owoo, Anthony Kwame Akoto, Vincent Koffi, and Edwin Kwasi Bodjawah.

    In February 2024, the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London restituted 32 royal Asante artefacts to Ghana, including gold regalia, ceremonial objects, and historic treasures taken during the Anglo-Asante wars of the 19th century.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jzvQp7Jtxw

    Another restitution took place eight months later that same year, when a set of 17 artefacts was repatriated from the Fowler Museum at UCLA (United States) to the Manhyia Palace, alongside another return of items from South Africa’s AngloGold Ashanti. The multinational company returned the items from their collections, marking the beginning of a partnership to restore cultural heritage.

    According to documented records, the donations from both South Africa and Britain bring the total tally of artefacts to about one hundred and sixty-two (162): thirty-two from Britain in February 2024 and the 130 delivered this month.

    Meanwhile, in unrelated development, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on African leaders to tap into the continent’s rich human and resource capital for development and to attain self-sufficiency. He made these calls in June this year.

    His call comes on the back of Africa’s over-reliance on international aid for development. He believes the continent is rich in everything from human capital to natural resources and considerable infrastructure to create ‘the Africa we need.’

    African universities possess the expertise and capacity to produce the skilled workforce needed to drive progress, transforming knowledge into tangible development.

    “We have all the resources we need. Look at the graduates here today, there’s nothing they cannot achieve. The question is, what are we lacking to motivate them? We must empower our engineers to manufacture what we need locally. Our professors and lecturers are brimming with knowledge; we have the capacity to make this happen,” he said.

    The Asantehene continued with calls for unity and self-reliance, urging citizens to take ownership of the continent’s progress.

    “Let us challenge ourselves as Africans, as Ghanaians, and work together to build our future,” the Asante Overlord said during an address at the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) over the weekend.

    To attain this continental unity, Otumfuo called for unity, collaboration, and partnerships among African countries to unlock growth and development within the region.

    “We must collaborate effectively as African nations. We’ve held discussions on Ghana’s relations with Eswatini and South-South cooperation to explore stronger partnerships. As Africans, we must prioritise trade and business among ourselves. Our economies are in our hands; if we fail to act and continue relying on the so-called ‘developed’ world, especially in these uncertain times, we risk stagnation. Africa must come first,” he stated.

    The Asantehene was accompanied by His Majesty King Mswati III, Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Eswatini, who embarked on a four-day state visit.

  • Retract, apologise and compensate me by Nov 14 or face $1bn lawsuit – Trump to BBC

    Retract, apologise and compensate me by Nov 14 or face $1bn lawsuit – Trump to BBC

    US President Donald Trump has threatened the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) with a billion-dollar lawsuit.

    This comes after the British broadcaster apologised to the President for airing a Panorama documentary in October 2024 that included an edited version of Donald Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. The edit showed Trump appeared to say he would walk with supporters to the Capitol and “fight like hell,” which critics argued implied he was inciting violence.

    President Trump’s legal team, in a letter addressed to the BBC, ordered the broadcaster to remove the documentary containing the edit, apologise and “appropriately compensate” the president for the reputational damage.

    The BBC is expected to comply with the orders in the letter by November 14. 

    “If the BBC does not comply, President Trump will be left with no alternative but to enforce his legal and equitable rights… including by filing legal action for no less than $1,000,000,000 (One Billion Dollars) in damages,” the letter stated.

    It added that, “The BBC is on notice. PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.”

    The BBC’s Director-General and the organisation’s top news executive resigned on Sunday amid the row, following accusations that a Panorama programme documentary last year featured extracts from a Trump speech that were edited misleadingly.

    The BBC said it would “review” the letter from Trump’s legal team. 

    It all started when Trump made allegations that the 2025 elections had been rigged. His supporters raided the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, while officials were certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. It was considered one of the most serious assaults on American democracy in modern history.

    One of Trump’s spokespersons from the legal team confirmed that the letter has been sent detailing that, “President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who traffic in lies, deception, and fake news.”

    This is not the first time Trump has filed a lawsuit against media houses. In 2024, he sued ABC, CBS, and in September, he sued The New York Times, according to APP.

    In 2024, he sued ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation. The anchor alleged that the President had been found liable for rape, a claim the President blatantly denied, labelling them as lies and highly defamatory. By December 2024, they settled the caseafter which ABC agreed to pay $15 million to a Trump-related foundation, cover $1 million in legal fees, and formally apologise.

    Before the lawsuit against ABC News, Trump, in November that same year, sued CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris. He claimed the network deceptively edited the interview in a way that misrepresented Harris’s remarks. The case concluded in July 2025 when CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled for $16 million. As part of the settlement, CBS agreed to release full transcripts of presidential candidate interviews in the future to ensure transparency.

    Most recently, on September 16, 2025, Trump filed a massive $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. He accused the paper of publishing malicious and fabricated claims in articles and a book released before the 2024 election. While a federal judge struck parts of the complaint in September 2025, Trump refiled an amended version in October 2025. The case remains ongoing.

    Meanwhile, BBC chairman Samir Shah, in a formal letter to MPs, admitted that his outfit edited Trump’s speech, making it “…give the impression of a direct call for violent action.”

    “The BBC would like to apologise for that error of judgment,” he added, assuring that it would do better in terms of oversight within the broadcaster.

    Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness stepped down on Sunday following the escalating backlash.

    Trump, on the other hand, happily welcomed the BBC leader’s resignation, labelling them as “corrupt” and “dishonest”. His press secretary also referred to the  broadcaster as “100 per cent fake news.”

    However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesman emphasised the BBC’s importance in combating disinformation:

    “It’s important that the BBC acts swiftly to maintain trust and correct mistakes quickly when they occur.”

    The government is preparing a review of the BBC’s charter, which governs the corporation’s governance and funding, set to expire in 2027.

    The BBC, facing budget cuts and hundreds of job losses, is funded by a licence fee paid by anyone who watches live TV in Britain.

    The BBC’s latest crisis intensified after the right-wing Daily Telegraph reported that warnings from a former external standards adviser about serious failings of impartiality and systemic bias had been ignored.

    Earlier this year, the BBC also apologised for “serious flaws” in a documentary about the Gaza war, deemed “materially misleading” by the UK media watchdog.

    Additionally, the broadcaster faced criticism for failing to remove a livestream of punk-rap duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, after anti-Israel comments were made by the frontman.

  • Committee on August 6 helicopter crash submits report to President Mahama; details to be made public today

    Committee on August 6 helicopter crash submits report to President Mahama; details to be made public today

    The President has received the report of the August 6 Adansi helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight gallant men in their service to the nation.

    Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who also serves as the Finance Minister, led the committee that investigated the crash yesterday, November 10, to present its report and findings to President John Mahama during a meeting of the National Security Council.

    Officials say the report explained the cause of the crash, citing recommendations and measures to be taken to prevent similar future occurrences

    Government sources have confirmed that the full report will be made public on Tuesday.

    The helicopter crashed into a forested mountainside in Ghana’s Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025. All eight people on board, consisting of five passengers and three crew members, were killed.

    The presentation of the report comes after the government, in early October, announced that the report on the probe into the crash will be made ready in two weeks from the 11th day of October. About a month later, the report has now been presented to the president.

    The committee was aided by aviation experts from China as well as other relevant institutions in decoding the black box.

    The victims included The deceased are Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Samuel Sarpong.

    The others are: Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Ghana observed three days of national mourning, and a state funeral was held for the deceased. An investigation was launched, and flight recorders were recovered. The investigation findings were presented to the National Security Council in November 2025.

    In August, the Ministry of Defence announced that it had officially begun a probe into the unfortunate incident, following the establishment of an investigative Board.

    The Board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with membership drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    This was contained in a press statement issued by the Acting Defence Minister, Ato Forson.

    “The Ministry of Defence hereby informs the public that the Investigation Board established to inquire into the recent Z-9 helicopter crash has formally commenced its work,” parts of the statement read.

    According to the Ministry, “the United States of America is providing advice and assistance to the board through visiting investigators from the U.S. Air Force”.

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that its air force helicopter Z9, which took off on August 6th at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

    Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

    As part of the 3-day national mourning, the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” took place at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9. The event was open to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.

    On the first day of mourning, which began Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash.

    Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.

    The public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8. It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency.

    This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning. The samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 were transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

    Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

    Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, two out of the eight who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash, were buried in accordance with Islamic Tradition, Custom, and Practices.

    They were buried following the arrival of the DNA results on Saturday, August 9. On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were offered at the forecourt of the State House.

    Following that, the deceased were buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra. The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers.

    President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin attended the prayers, who were also attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and institutional heads, among many other Ghanaians.

    At the burial site, President Mahama used the opportunity to thank all who were present and showed their sympathy to the family and country as a whole. He also expressed gratitude to the family for their patience in ensuring the DNA tests are carried out to aid the identification of the two deceased.

    On“Today is not a day for talking; I want to thank you for your sympathy. I want to thank the two families for their patience. I want to thank the family for accepting my decision for the two brothers to be buried here. The families are free to visit anytime they want to do so,” he added.

    Minister for Health Minister Akandoh and the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Sunday, August 10, received the DNA results for the remaining six deceased in the August 6 helicopter crash.

  • It was for the safety of my family – Justice Bonnie on Atta Ayi’s 70 years prison sentence

    It was for the safety of my family – Justice Bonnie on Atta Ayi’s 70 years prison sentence

    Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has explained the motive behind his sentencing of notorious criminal, Raymond Atta Ayi.

    In 2005, Justice Paul gave Atta Ayi a lengthy 70-year prison sentence, convicting Atta Ayi of multiple counts of robbery and conspiracy to rob. 

    Twenty years later, he addressed the issue, citing it as an example in response to a question about sentencing guidelines and recent concerns over lengthy sentences for minor, non-violent offences during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for his appointment as Chief Justice nominee.

    According to him, the unusually lengthy sentence he gave Atta Ayi was to ensure the safety of his family; a shorter sentence could have allowed the criminal to target them after his release. emphasised that while sentencing guidelines provide a framework, judges must sometimes exercise discretion to address the broader context of a case, including public safety and the protection of vulnerable parties.

    “The judges and magistrates, they are trained, they have sentencing guidelines,” he said. “But sometimes they have to go beyond it. In my youthful days, I gave somebody 70 years, Atta Ayi.

    “I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family will be the first he will attack. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he said lightheartedly to laughter in the audience,” he noted.

    Background

    Ataa Ayi, who was described by the police as the nation’s most notorious bandit,t had a high price tag placed on his head by the police. His whereabouts before he was captured prompted the largest manhunt in the nation’s crime history, with expensive billboards bearing his portrait mounted in five of the ten regions of the country. Ataa Ayi was arrested in his hideout in the Teshie Tsui Bleo, a suburb of Accra.

    His girlfriend, suspected to be an accomplice, was also arrested in the raid.

    Before his arrest, the police had been on his heels for months. His deputy, Emmanuel Tetteh, also known as Mpata, was also arrested. It was believed that information provided by Mpata might have helped to track down the elusive Ataa Ayi.

    According to police, Ataa Ayi was the brain behind most of the brutal armed robberies in Accra. He and members of his gang were alleged to have, at gunpoint, stolen money, cars, jewellery and other valuables from various people in the national capital. He was also alleged to have shot several people who resisted his attacks. 

  • You have to match our energy to beat us – Jeremy Doku

    You have to match our energy to beat us – Jeremy Doku

    Manchester City has had an incredible form this season, with back-to-back wins, recording their very recent win in their clash with Liverpool on Sunday, November 9, yesterday at the Etihad Stadium.

    They thrashed the title holders in a 3-0 clash, focused on themselves, not on what other teams like Arsenal are doing.

    Jeremy Doku, who was awarded man of the match after being awarded a penalty and sealing City’s win, has noted that, until other clubs match their energy this season, he is certain his side cannot be beaten.

    They believe they’re improving step by step, and even though they were happy with their performance against Liverpool, they know they still need to keep getting better every game.

    “We’re just looking at ourselves. We have been building, and we know that we can still improve. The performance that we delivered [against Liverpool], we’re very happy, but we still have to improve every game. And we know that if we are playing well, it’s difficult to stand next to us”, Doku said.

    Man City’s coach Pep Guardiola, during a post-match conference, announced his side’s readiness to contend with Arsenal for the title this season as Arsenal currently sits about three (3) points clear of City on the Premier League table.

    Asked whether City were focused on Arsenal’s form and their position at the top, he responded, “We’re not really looking at Arsenal, though. What the other teams are doing, because at the end of the day, we know that it depends only on us. “

    Doku is enjoying his best season at City since arriving from Rennes in 2023.

    The 23-year-old has three goals already, including his stunner against Liverpool, which is only five behind his season-best tally of eight. While he is on course to break that record, the Belgium international insists that he’s not focused impressed by statistics. On his part, his definition of a bad game is not in numbers but when he feels he was ineffective in a game.

    “I don’t do that, because I think those come from themselves. I just work to have more of that, but I’m not a player that’s going to look after a game and say, ‘you didn’t score, you didn’t assist, you had a bad game. I’m not that type of player. A bad game is for me if I don’t touch the ball, if I’m not effective or if I lose a lot of balls; that’s a bad game. If I didn’t score today, would I have said this is a bad game? No, I would have said this is a good game. That’s how I am and how I’m going to be,” he continued.

    Meanwhile, City moved to within four points of leaders Arsenal at the top of the table thanks to goals from Erling Haaland, Nico González and Jérémy Doku.

    The result against Liverpool came 24 hours after Mikel Arteta’s side drew 2-2 with Sunderland, and Guardiola said afterwards it felt like a significant performance against the current champions.

    “I think Liverpool and us said ‘oh wow, Arsenal dropped points finally and conceded two goals. But in the end, we have to do it, and I said to the players. Don’t do it because yesterday Arsenal didn’t win. Do it because we believe in ourselves that we can play against the champions of England and show them we are ready to be there with them this season,” said Guardiola.

    He added, “Today, we proved it. We did it.”

    Guardiola went on to praise Jeremy Doku for his stunning display during the match. He won a penalty earlier in the 13th minute of the match when Doku made a trademark dribbling run into the Liverpool penalty area.

    “He [Doku] is demanding himself to be better, he listens, and he has special attributes with dribbling,” said Guardiola.

    Guardiola was impressed with the Belgian, particularly after Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley had such a good game against Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday.

    “Today, Conor [Bradley], the right-back of Liverpool, I’m really, really impressed

    “Pep Lijnders told me a thousand incredibly good things about that guy. He can do everything. I know the game against [Real] Madrid, how good [he was] against Vinícius.

    “And he [Doku] handled it. He was aggressive, quick without the ball, and we tried to help him. He played an outstanding game.”

    Victory over Liverpool was the perfect way for Guardiola to celebrate his 1,000th game as a manager.

    “Thank you to the players and staff for giving me an incredible present against the most important opponent we faced in my time here,” said Guardiola.

    “It has been nice playing against them and seeing Virgil [van Dijk], [Andy] Robertson, and Mohammed Salah after all the battles we have had.

    “It has been a special night with my kids here.”

    Meanwhile, Liverpool’s 0–3 defeat to Manchester City on 9 November was their 5th loss in 11 Premier League matches since the start of the 2025/26 season.

    Their coach, Arne Slot, jokingly made remarks that his squad have been very consistent this season in terms of losing games.

    They played Brentford some days before their City clash on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. They suffered a 2–3 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

  • Messi hints at Barcelona return in cryptic IG post after visit to Camp Nou

    Messi hints at Barcelona return in cryptic IG post after visit to Camp Nou

    Messi hints at a return to Camp Nou as he shares pictures of his visit to the renovated stadium of Barcelona.

    Barcelona moved temporarily to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc when renovation works began at Spotify Camp Nou in the Summer of 2023. While it was set to be ready so use in the 2024/25 season, it saw some delays, pushing the reopening to August 2025.

    Barcelona are set to return during the 2025/26 La Liga season, though only the lower tiers will be complete. Work on the upper tiers will continue throughout the season.

    Lionel Messi, one of the club’s favourite, greatest-ever players and longest-serving modern icon, paid an unannounced visit to the stadium on Sunday, November 9, ahead of his camping in Spain with Argentina and ahead of Camp Nou’s partial reopening this November in their clash against Athletic Club in La Liga.

    During his visit, he expressed his desire to return not only to bid farewell to fans and the club officially, but for something more than just a goodbye.

    In an Instagram post, he wrote alongside pictures he took at the stadium, “Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart,” he wrote alongside the images on Monday. It’s a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do…”

    Messi spent about twenty-one years at Camp Nou. He joined Barcelona’s famous academy at the age of 13, from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, between 2000–2004. He made his debut appearance at age 17 when the club played against Spain on October 16, 2004.

    Lionel Messi played 778 official matches for Barcelona, scoring a club-record 672 goals, providing 269 assists, and winning 35 major trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 FIFA Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 8 Spanish Super Cups.

    He played his last match in August 2021 vs Celta Vigo, before leaving due to financial constraints at the club, and making a ‘hasty’ exit to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

    His departure wasn’t formally done due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place at the time.

    Club president Joan Laporta has spoken about a desire to bring Messi back for a tribute game, suggesting it would be the perfect way to inaugurate the new Camp Nou, which has been closed for redevelopment since 2023.

    “It would be a great way to open the stadium [when it’s finished], with 105,000 packed in and paying tribute to Leo,” Laporta reiterated to reporters after an open training session in front of 23,000 fans at Camp Nou last week.

    “Always, of course, depending on what [the Messi camp] wants. There are also presidential elections before then, but in the case I am still president, I would love that.”

    Messi, whose relationship with Laporta cooled following his departure, has never previously commented on the possibility of returning to participate in any such game. Work is still ongoing on Camp Nou.

    Barça currently have a license to host games with 25,991 fans present, but hopes to secure a permit to increase that to 45,401 later this month, at which point they will return to the arena, having spent over two years playing at the Olympic Stadium in the city.

    However, the third tier still needs to be finished and the roof added. When the refurbishment is completed, which is not anticipated to be until 2027, the capacity will rise to 105,000.

    Messi returned to Europe over the weekend after scoring twice on Saturday as third-seeded Inter Miami ousted sixth-seeded Nashville SC in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

    Meanwhile, Messi, speaking at the America Business Forum, held at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, highlighted that winning the title of football’s greatest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, is the highest achievement any player can attain in football.

    According to him, he feels fulfilled after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the memory continues to excite him every time it comes to mind.

    The Barcelona icon noted that clinching the Mundial was the perfect way to cap off his footballing career, and nothing more could be asked of him.

    “Winning the World Cup is the ultimate achievement. After the World Cup, there’s nothing more you can ask for. It’s hard to explain the feelings from that moment. It’s difficult to find words to describe what that title meant on a personal level, for my family, my teammates, and for the country.

    “It was clear how the whole nation celebrated it, the need and desire we all had for that to happen again after such a long time”.

    He continued that it was an exceptional experience in his life, having won trophies in his career, but winning the World Cup “completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    “…It was special. I had already been lucky enough to achieve everything else before, at club level, individually. That was the one thing missing, the one that completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    This comes after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo rejected the notion that he needs to lead Portugal to a World Cup title to be considered among the greatest players in history.

  • Pep warns Man City ready to contend title with Arsenal

    Pep warns Man City ready to contend title with Arsenal

    Manchester City’s 2023-24 season is widely regarded as their worst under Guardiola, marked by their lowest points tally at the halfway stage and a struggle to keep pace with Arsenal, according to statistics. 

    However, holders of the three straight Premier League titles have seen a massive run of good form this season. Following their 3-0 win against Liverpool on Sunday, 9 November at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola has thrown a challenge to Arsenal that their win shows they are ready to battle for the title.

    City moved to within four points of leaders Arsenal at the top of the table thanks to goals from Erling Haaland, Nico González and Jérémy Doku.

    The result against Liverpool came 24 hours after Mikel Arteta’s side drew 2-2 with Sunderland, and Guardiola said afterwards it felt like a significant performance against the current champions.

    “I think Liverpool and us said ‘oh wow, Arsenal dropped points finally and conceded two goals. But in the end, we have to do it, and I said to the players. Don’t do it because yesterday Arsenal didn’t win. Do it because we believe in ourselves that we can play against the champions of England and show them we are ready to be there with them this season,” said Guardiola.

    He added, “Today, we proved it. We did it.”

    Guardiola went on to praise Jeremy Doku for his stunning display during the match. He won a penalty earlier in the 13th minute of the match when Doku made a trademark dribbling run into the Liverpool penalty area. 

    Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, came off his line to challenge. As Doku tried to skip past him, Mamardashvili caught Doku with his left knee, bringing him down, earning Man City an immediate penalty award from the referee. Haaland took the penalty, but he missed.

    “He [Doku] is demanding himself to be better, he listens, and he has special attributes with dribbling,” said Guardiola.

    Guardiola was impressed with the Belgian, particularly after Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley had such a good game against Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday.

    “Today, Conor [Bradley] — the right-back of Liverpool — I’m really, really impressed

    “Pep Lijnders told me a thousand incredibly good things about that guy. He can do everything. I know the game against [Real] Madrid, how good [he was] against Vinícius.

    “And he [Doku] handled it. He was aggressive, quick without the ball, and we tried to help him. He played an outstanding game.”

    Victory over Liverpool was the perfect way for Guardiola to celebrate his 1,000th game as a manager.

    “Thank you to the players and staff for giving me an incredible present against the most important opponent we faced in my time here,” said Guardiola.

    “It has been nice playing against them and seeing Virgil [van Dijk], [Andy] Robertson, and Mohammed Salah after all the battles we have had.

    “It has been a special night with my kids here.”

    Meanwhile, Liverpool’s 0–3 defeat to Manchester City on 9 November was their 5th loss in 11 Premier League matches since the start of the 2025/26 season.

    Their coach, Arne Slot jokingly made remarks that, his squad have been very consistent this season in terms of losing games.

    They played Brentford some days before their City clash on Sunday at the Etihad stadium. They suffered a 2–3 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

    Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s troubled spell was a “big concern”.

    He believes that the duo have signed a contract extension with the club, but their posture this season does not reflect that of good leadership, one that is in charge, citing that as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

    “This is a time when the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah they’ve signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season. I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else,” he said.

    On his part, the team is clearly having a hard time overcoming their struggles, as they never anticipated such results, which have now placed them seventh in the Premier League table. He has called on the leadership of Liverpool to treat the team’s current form with urgency.

    The Reds have lost four consecutive Premier League matches and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    “No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he added.

    “I might be wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

    In reaction to this, Virgil van Dijk has shot down the legend’s claims, flawing them as lazy criticism.

    According to him, a team’s form is not entirely the responsibility of a few players but that of every member of the team citing the silence of the former Man Utd legend when the club was their best last season where they won the Premier League title last season. He said the remarks didn’t hurt him.

    He said, “I didn’t hear him last year,” Van Dijk told reporters, after Liverpool arrested their slide with a win against Aston Villa on Saturday. It doesn’t hurt me. Just to come back to this particular player, obviously a legend, a big player of the game who inspired so many, I can say only positive things, but I feel that comment is just, I would say it’s a bit of a lazy criticism. It’s easy to blame the other players, but he knows we do it together, trying to help each of us to try to get out of this. Last year, when things went well, you didn’t hear that at all”.

    On his part, Rooney’s remarks are an opinion, and as a pundit, he is entitled to his opinion and which is to say, he is doing his job.

    “It is what it is.[Pundits] have to do that job. He has an opinion, and we have to deal with it. There’s no hard feelings. I don’t take it personally,” he continued.

  • World Cup: Winning it is the ultimate achievement, says Messi, hours after Ronaldo’s comments

    World Cup: Winning it is the ultimate achievement, says Messi, hours after Ronaldo’s comments

    Cristiano Ronaldo in a recent interview with Piers Morgan aired on Wednesday, November 5, stated that winning a World Cup wasn’t a dream.  

     “If you ask me, Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup? No, it’s not a dream. To define if I’m one of the best in history, to win one competition, six games, seven games, you think that’s fair?” the Al-Nassr captain noted.

    Hours later that day, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and his long-standing rival, Lionel Messi, speaking at the America Business Forum, held at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, highlighted that winning the title of football’s greatest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, is the highest achievement any player can attain in football.

    According to him, he feels fulfilled after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the memory continues to excite him every time it comes to mind.

    The Barcelona icon noted that clinching the Mundial was the perfect way to cap off his footballing career, and nothing more could be asked of him.

    “Winning the World Cup is the ultimate achievement. After the World Cup, there’s nothing more you can ask for. It’s hard to explain the feelings from that moment. It’s difficult to find words to describe what that title meant on a personal level, for my family, my teammates, and for the country.

    “It was clear how the whole nation celebrated it, the need and desire we all had for that to happen again after such a long time”.

     He continued that it was an exceptional experience in his life, having won trophies in his career, but winning the World Cup “completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    “…It was special. I had already been lucky enough to achieve everything else before, at club level, individually. That was the one thing missing, the one that completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    This comes after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo rejected the notion that he needs to lead Portugal to a World Cup title to be considered among the greatest players in history.

    The Real Madrid legend is expected to feature in FIFA’s flagship event in 2026, his sixth appearance at the tournament, but insists he does not need a World Cup win to validate his legacy.

    Meanwhile, the Argentina and Inter Miami CF captain Messi has expressed his desire to join his country to defend their title after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

    However, he said he is yet to make a final decision on whether or not he’ll play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by Mexico, USA and Canada.

    Speaking during an interview with NBC News that aired Monday, October 27, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner said,

    “Well, the truth is that yes, it’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup,” Messi said in an interview. “And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there”.

    While he expressed his desire to represent his country at the global level, he stressed his unflinching commitment to Argentina but noted that his final decision will depend largely on how he feels physically and whether he remains fit enough to compete at the highest level.

    “I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%. I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again.”

    Messi noted that his fitness is a major concern and determining factor in making a final decision to feature in the Argentina squad because he is not at his best when he is not fit during games.

    “…we’ll see. I’m trying to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good,” Messi said after a World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela in September.

    The Inter Miami captain has formed an integral part of the team’s success throughout the 2025 campaign, featuring in MLS, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup and Club World Cup action. He recently clinched the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after recording 29 goals in 28 regular-season games, earning the accolade for the first time since he joined Miami in 2023.

    He’s also a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP trophy for his contributions to Inter Miami. Should he win the MVP award, Messi would become the first player to win the trophy in two consecutive seasons.

    Messi just extended his contract with Inter Miami, signing a new three-year deal through the end of the 2028 MLS season.

    “I’ve always said that I’ll base my decision [about playing] on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and to continue being part of this club,” Messi told NBC on Monday. “Honestly, I felt really good during the year. I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision was easy.”

    Inter Miami currently prepares to face Nashville SC on Saturday in the second game of the best-of-three round one series of the playoffs. The Herons lead the series 1-0 after triumphing against Nashville at Chase Stadium with two goals from Messi and one from Tadeo Allende.

  • Review of “Reparations” by Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

    Review of “Reparations” by Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

    A feature by Arthur Kobina Kennedy

    Agooo!

    Comrade Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has delivered a powerful Pan-African clarion call for reparations. Reparations is a bold, unapologetic 152-page demand for reparative justice — not only for slavery but also for colonialism.

    The strength of this book is evident in how much it influenced President Mahama’s 2025 UN address, a speech that was hailed across the African continent and diaspora.

    My favourite chapters are Chapters 3 and 4. In Chapter 3, titled The Case for Reparations, Mr Pratt writes, “On a moral level, it is pretty straightforward. The transatlantic slave trade led to the kidnapping and forced labour of over 12 million Africans, along with countless deaths.

    After that, colonialism brought even more misery: taking land, forced labour, stealing resources, destroying cultures, and mass killings. These were not just mistakes; they were deliberate actions by governments and institutions looking to profit off African lives.”

    Elsewhere, he observes, “Reparations are also about reshaping the story. They take history back from those who oppressed and give it back to those who were oppressed.”

    Mr Pratt supports his argument with strong historical precedents, including the billions paid by Germany to Israel and Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, by the United States to Japanese Americans, and by Western nations to indigenous populations. He notes that the African Union’s calls for reparations are grounded on these very precedents.

    He transforms the call for reparations from a purely African demand into a global movement by citing the case of India, which lost an estimated USD 45 trillion to Britain between 1765 and 1938.

    He insightfully identifies the debtors of reparations as “states, corporations, religious orders, and wealthy families whose fortunes are built on the backs of enslaved Africans, colonized people, and pillaged resources.”

    Mr. Pratt also explores possible models of reparations — including cash payments, debt cancellation, and investment in infrastructure, technology, and education.

    Particularly compelling is his call for the establishment of Pan-African universities to educate and empower the continent’s youth. He proposes that reparations should be both continental and diasporic, estimating the cost at $2 trillion in slave labour and between $4–6 trillion for colonial resource extraction.

    However, I noted two major omissions and a few cautions in this otherwise commendable work.

    First, the book overlooks the Arab slave trade, which lasted longer and may have extracted even more labour from Africa. Secondly, it does not adequately address the complicity of African interior empires and coastal elites who became indispensable partners of European slave traders. These elites transformed cities such as Anomabu, Cotonou, and Dakar into wealthy trading hubs that rivalled Liverpool, Charleston, and Savannah in their time.

    Additionally, I am concerned about accountability for reparations funds. If some elites in Ghana could misappropriate Covid-19 relief funds, and Nigerian kleptocrats could loot recovered Abacha assets, who can guarantee that reparations funds would not suffer the same fate?

    Despite these minor blemishes, Comrade Pratt has written a classic that deserves to stand beside Adam Hochschild’s King Leopold’s Ghost, Eduardo Galeano’s Open Veins of Latin America, and Walter Rodney’s How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. It is a vital contribution to global justice and should be required reading for anyone who believes in moral restitution and historical truth.

    In salute, I say, “Comrade Kwesi Pratt, Aluta Continua, Victoria e certa!”

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • I didn’t want to turn the funeral into a circus – Ronaldo explains his absence from Diogo Jota’s funeral

    I didn’t want to turn the funeral into a circus – Ronaldo explains his absence from Diogo Jota’s funeral

    For someone who once described late Liverpool and Portuguese national Diego Jota as a close friend, whose demise made him cry a lot, Cristiano Ronaldo faced severe backlash from netizens and fans when he didn’t show up at his teammate’s funeral.

    Some supporters and commentators saw Ronaldo’s absence as disrespectful, while there were speculations that Ronaldo was holidaying in Mallorca at the time, which fueled anger and disappointment among fans.

    However, the Al-Nassr captain has rebuffed the claims, stating that his absence was in respect to the memory of Jota.

    During his interview with Piers Morgan, which aired on November 5, Cristiano Ronaldo said he didn’t attend Diogo Jota’s funeral because he barely goes out; anytime he appears somewhere, the place turns into “a circus,” and he didn’t want to create such a scene.

    Liverpool and Portugal forward Jota and his brother André Silva tragically died in a car accident in July.

    Ronaldo told Piers Morgan why he didn’t attend, saying: “Two things; people criticise me a lot. I don’t care about that. When your conscience is good and free, you don’t have to worry about what people say.

    “But one of the things I don’t do? After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again. When you know me, and you know my reputation? Wherever I go, it is a circus. I don’t go out because, if I go, the attention goes to me. I don’t want this sort of attention,” he mentioned.

    According to him, he avoids granting interviews during sensitive times, as he believes those moments are not appropriate to speak about the people involved.

    “I don’t like it when you go to a sensitive moment to do interviews, to speak about him, to speak about football. This shows how a circus is life, sometimes. I am not a part of that. If you want to be a part of this world, good luck, but I will be a part of another side.

    Despite what people said, about his being absent, he felt okay with his decision.

    “People can continue to criticise. I felt good with my decision.”

    Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot and Andy Robertson led the Liverpool squad at the funeral of Jota and his brother.

    Former teammates Jordan Henderson and James Milner also attended, as well as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. Jota earned 49 caps for his country, twice winning the Nations League.

    He also won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool.

    The late Liverpool player, Diogo Jota and FC Penafiel’s Andre Silva.

    The brothers were killed in a tragic car crash on July 3 in the Spanish province of Zamora in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, at approximately 12:35 a.m. local time. Their funeral 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 occurred when they overtook a car, their tyre blew, which led to their veering off the road and crashing into a barrier, and then immediately burst into flames.

    The Spanish government official, Ángel Blanco, revealed that the car was completely burned and that the two players were inside the vehicle.

    According to Miguel Gonçalves, a Portuguese physiotherapist who had recently treated Jota, the Liverpool forward had been advised to travel by car instead of flying after undergoing minor surgery on his right lung at the end of the season. Jota won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal last month.

    Due to the severity of the fire, authorities had to use DNA testing and documents found in the wreckage to confirm their identities.

    The brothers were reportedly en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised not to fly following recent lung surgery.

    Diogo recently got married two weeks before to his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. He is survived by three children. Diogo Jota’s brother was a 25-year-old Penafiel player in the Portuguese 2nd League.

     The brothers boyhood club Gondomar SC, have honoured them with a special kit for the 2025-26 season for the two brothers.

    The tribute kit by Gondomar SC was officially announced on August 3 via the club’s Instagram account and other social media platforms.

    The club posted images of the new 2025–26 home, away, and third kits, each featuring large portraits of Diogo Jota and André Silva on the front, with their names appearing on the back beneath an infinity symbol, symbolising eternal remembrance.

    The caption of the post read,

    “Our new jersey brings in the great image of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, two sons of Gondomar who left us too soon, but who will live forever in the history of our club and our football. Every time our athletes put on this jersey, it’s like stepping on the field with them”.

    According to Gondomar SC, though the goal of football, as many perceive, is just notching goals and earning victories, they explain it as one that goes beyond this.

    “Because football is more than victories and goals, it’s legacy, it’s family, it’s love for our land.”

    The fourth-tier Portuguese side added: “More than a jersey, a tribute eternal.

  • Amorim reacts to Ronaldo’s criticism of Man Utd, admits club made mistakes in the past

    Amorim reacts to Ronaldo’s criticism of Man Utd, admits club made mistakes in the past

    Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarks about the club’s problematic structure that needs an urgent fix.

    Ronaldo, during an interview with Piers Morgan, which was aired on November 5, suggested a complete change, particularly in the club structure, as soon as possible before they get worse, lauding the club as “one of the most important clubs of the century”, citing that the club’s current woes are not entirely the fault of the head coach Ruben Amorim. He said the Portuguese coach can’t work “miracles” to change the club’s fortunes; it’s impossible.

    Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo, a former international team-mate of Amorim, argued that while some of United’s players were good, others did not have the “mind” of a player for the club.

    Responding to him, Amorim admitted that the club has made mistakes, but stressed it must look to the future rather than dwell on the past.

    “He [Ronaldo] knows he has a huge impact with everything he says,” Amorim said. We know that as a club, we made a lot of mistakes in the past. We are trying to change that. Let’s not focus on what happened [in the past]. We are changing a lot of things; the structure, the way we want the players to behave. We are improving. Let’s forget a little bit about the past,” he noted during his side’s trip to Tottenham on Saturday (12:30 GMT). 

    Ronaldo also continued that, “We all have to be honest and look at ourselves and say, Listen, they are not on a good path. So they need to change.”

    Cristiano Ronaldo went on to lament the decline in Manchester United’s structure and foundation compared to the club’s earlier years.

    “You have to follow with intelligent people, smart people, to create a base for the future, as Manchester United did so many years ago. Nicky, Garys, Roy Keanes, Beckhams, they became big players, but they had youth,” he added.

    Ronaldo’s last interview with Piers Morgan followed a massive fallout with Man Utd, three years ago.

    The interview was widely reported as an explosive one. Aired in two parts on November 16 and 17. During the interview, he slammed the coach at the time, Ten Hag. He noted he doesn’t respect him because the coach doesn’t respect him, too, adding that, following Sir Fergusson’s departure, everything at Man Utd had come to a standstill. He also

    “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.” Ronaldo accused Ten Hag of trying to force him out and criticised how he was treated, especially after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham. “Nothing has changed since Sir Alex left. The pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym… they stopped in time.”

    Speaking on the club’s younger teammates attitude, Ronaldo lamented that,

    “They don’t listen. They don’t care. They have everything too easy,” expressing his disappointment in some players and other members of the club, including the coach, who wanted to see him exit the club.

    “Yes, not only the coach but two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed,” he added.

    About five days after the interview aired, Man Utd terminated the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract by mutual consent in November 2022.

    After leaving Manchester United in November 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian club, in December 2022. He signed a contract reportedly worth over $200 million per year, including commercial agreements, making it one of the most lucrative deals in football history.

    His contract with Al-Nassr added greatly to his already solid financials. According to Forbes’ ranking released in May 2025, CR7 emerged as the highest-paid athlete for the third consecutive year.

    According to the ranking, NBA star Stephen Curry has taken Lionel Messi’s position as the second-highest paid, falling four places behind his rival.

    Curry, the Golden State Warriors guard who became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers in March, recorded $156 million (approximately £117 million) in income.

    Forbes says Ronaldo has been on the list five times in his career and has since increased his estimated total earnings by $15 million, reaching $275 million (about £206 million). Cristiano Ronaldo’s earnings have increased following his juicy contract with Al-Nassr and partnerships with Nike, Binance, and Clear, as well as his brand and huge social media following.

  • Ghana trashes over 50k female condoms over low patronage – NACP

    Ghana trashes over 50k female condoms over low patronage – NACP

    A study conducted by some students of the University of Ghana and published in April 2017 shows that many females in Ghana are aware of the female condom, but just 2% of them use it.

    This has translated into a loss for the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP), conducted by the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    According to the Deputy Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme, Dr Anthony Ashinyo, his outfit has had to trash about 50,000 female condoms procured following a low patronage and demand, leading to their expiry.

    During an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr Ashinyo explained that the expired condoms formed part of large consignments meant to promote safer sex among women, but poor patronage rendered most of them unused.

    “We bought a lot of female condoms in the past, but they were not being used. Over time, they expired, and we had to throw them away. Now, procurement is done in very small quantities because the demand is not there,” he said.

    He explained that many women stay away from female condoms because of how society views them. To them, using female condoms means distrust of their partner or that she is sexually promiscuous.

    “Many women believe that wearing female condoms means they cannot be trusted by their partners, so they would rather rely on male condoms. The desire and interest to use the female condoms are just not there,” Dr Ashinyo added.

    He also expressed concern about the misuse of female condoms, revealing that some women remove the rims to design bangles and clothes, while others complain about discomfort and overstimulation when using them.

    Dr Ashinyo continued that the low patronage of the female condoms poses a threat to Ghana’s fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

    “Condoms serve as a biomedical protective tool that collects secretions containing viruses. When people don’t use them, those secretions come into direct contact during intercourse, increasing the risk of infection,” he noted.

    To check this worrying trend, Dr Ashinyo called for increased awareness and public education and advocacy to clear the misconceptions about it and ensure that the supplies to pharmacies and public health facilities see a boost again.

    The low demand, he said, has affected the supply chain, with pharmacies and public health facilities now stocking only limited quantities. He called for renewed public education and advocacy to address misconceptions and encourage female condom use as part of national HIV prevention efforts.

    According to the 2024 National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections Report, about 334,721 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana. The country recorded 15,290 new infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths last year.

    The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said new infections among the youth are rising due to low condom usage and complacency about HIV risks.

    To reverse the trend, he announced plans to install condom dispensing machines at public spaces such as transport terminals, university campuses, and youth events to increase accessibility.

    “A person living with HIV still fears disclosure, still fears ostracism, and still fears for their future. We must challenge this,” Dr Akanbong urged, calling on Ghanaians to treat people living with HIV with dignity and respect.

    Globally, HIV has claimed an estimated 44.1 million lives as of July 2025, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The agency notes that while transmission remains widespread, effective prevention and antiretroviral therapy (ART) continue to offer hope for managing and reducing infections.

    In late October, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) revealed that an average of 42 new HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections are recorded daily among adults and children across the country.

    According to the Commission’s 2024 National and Sub-National HIV Estimates and Projections, a total of 334,721 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana. Out of this figure, 105,460 are males, representing 31.5 percent, while 229,261 are females, accounting for 68.5 percent.

    The Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regional Technical Coordinator of the GAC, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bimbilla, who disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, said the data provides crucial insight into the scale of the epidemic and guides effective planning.

    He revealed that 15,290 new HIV infections were recorded in the country, comprising 4,987 males, representing 32.6 percent, and 10,303 females, representing 67.4 percent.

    Mr. Bimbilla also noted that AIDS-related deaths currently stand at 12,614, consisting of 5,445 males and 7,159 females. He said approximately 229 deaths are prevented each week through the provision of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services.

    Providing a regional breakdown, he said the North East Region recorded the lowest HIV population with 1,717 cases, while Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern recorded the highest figures of 77,821, 63,159, and 44,792 respectively.

    He added that seven regions known as Ahafo, Upper East, Northern, Upper West, Oti, Savannah, and North East each recorded HIV populations below 10,000.

    According to him, HIV prevalence is highest in the Bono Region with 2.22 percent, followed by the Eastern Region with 2.08 percent and Ahafo with 1.88 percent, while the North East Region recorded the lowest prevalence at 0.43 percent.

    He further indicated that five regions, namely Oti, Upper East, Savannah, Northern, and North East, recorded prevalence rates below 1.0 percent.

    Mr. Bimbilla stated that the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions also recorded the highest number of new HIV infections, with 3,436, 2,997, and 2,019 cases respectively, while the North East Region recorded the lowest with 97 cases.

    Eleven regions, including Bono, Volta, Bono East, Western North, Ahafo, Upper East, Northern, Upper West, Oti, Savannah, and North East, recorded fewer than 1,000 new infections.

    Commenting on the trend, Mr. Bimbilla described the decline in HIV prevalence, new infections, and AIDS-related deaths as a positive development, which he attributed to the growing uptake of ART services.

    He expressed optimism that the downward trend would help Ghana achieve epidemic control and urged continued efforts in public education, testing, and access to treatment to sustain progress toward eliminating HIV and AIDS.

    In 2024, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, partly attributed the rise in new HIV infections in Ghana at the time to individuals’ reluctance to disclose their HIV status to their spouses, fearing desertion.

    Dr. Atuahene emphasized that the refusal of some HIV-positive individuals to continue their medication was a significant factor in the spike.

    He explained, “The fear of the husband or wife deserting them leads some not to disclose their status. Some are afraid their spouse may discover they are taking daily medication, leading them to hide or discontinue their medicines.”