Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a disclaimer following reports that its currency transport boxes are being misused by individuals for purposes unrelated to their intended official function, some of which may involve criminal activity.
In a statement titled “Use and Misuse of Bank of Ghana Currency Transport Boxes,” the central bank clarified that while the wooden boxes used for currency import operations are exceptionally durable and occasionally repurposed after official use, any suggestion that the Bank is associated with criminal use of these containers is entirely false and damaging.
“These boxes are robust, reusable, and well-suited to withstand wear and tear associated with logistics,” the statement read. It noted that commercial banks often return them empty or find alternative non-currency uses for them.
“However, due to their durability, some members of the public have repurposed them for domestic and commercial uses, including storage and transport.”
The Bank drew a clear line, stating that any misuse of these boxes, particularly for criminal activities, must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“The BoG cannot be associated with any misuse of these boxes for criminal or unauthorized activities,” it stated.
“Reports have emerged indicating that certain individuals are using these boxes to implicate the Bank or undermine public trust in its operations,” the statement continued.
The central bank warned that such misuse could potentially damage its reputation and insisted that law enforcement agencies must take swift action.
“Misuse of such boxes for criminal activities must be thoroughly investigated… and all persons found culpable prosecuted,” the Bank emphasized.
In an era where appearances can lead to harmful conclusions, the Bank of Ghana clarified that a reused currency box does not represent or have the approval of the central bank.
The Office of the President’s has announced an immediate halt to the granting of contract positions to retired public service workers.
In a letter dated April 2, 2025, signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, it was confirmed that all contract appointments for retirees are now suspended.
“The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect,” the statement read.
As a result of the new directive, the Office of the President emphasized that “all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered.”
This decision is likely to impact numerous current and upcoming contract agreements within public sector organizations.
Although the directive did not provide specific reasons for the action, it suggests a possible change in policy regarding post-retirement employment in the public service.
A man has been charged following an alleged attack on Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The incident took place after City’s Premier League match against Manchester United, which ended in a 0-0 draw. It is reported that Grealish was slapped in the face by a man near the tunnel as both teams were leaving the pitch after the game.
City has not made any comments regarding the matter. However, United officials told ESPN that the club is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that 20-year-old Alfie Holt from Droylsden has been charged with assault. He is scheduled to appear in Manchester Magistrates Court on July 14.
A GMP statement read: “This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club on Sunday, April 6, 2025.”
Following the derby, City manager Pep Guardiola accused United fans of a “lack of class” after derogatory chants were directed at Phil Foden’s mother.
City sources said they had been shocked by the number of fans involved in the chants while sources close to United said they condemn “abusive chants against all players.”
The worst Man United and Man City teams in decades offer a poor Manchester derby to match
“Lack of class; but it’s not United, it’s the people,” Guardiola said when about the chants.
“We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football — managers, owners, and football players especially.
“It is honestly, I don’t understand in the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil, being involved in that.
“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed, but it is what it is; it’s happening everywhere, I would say, not just in the UK.”
Ghanaian artist Deon Boakye has stated that most singers in the country’s music industry rely on auto-tune to enhance the quality of their music.
In an interview on the Frankly Speaking podcast, Boakye acknowledged the widespread use of auto-tune but chose not to name specific artists. He emphasized that this is a common practice that cannot be overlooked.
“Most Ghanaian singers use auto-tune. I’m not going to mention names, but I’d say that about 98% of them rely on it, and I’m being honest,” he stated.
According to Deon, live vocal performance is where the true test of an artiste’s ability lies, and many would struggle to deliver without the assistance of technology.
He further emphasised that only a handful of artistes are capable of sounding as good as they do in the studio.
“In Ghana, if we were to perform live music right here for you to enjoy, aside from Samini, I would be the next best option,” he added.
Deon Boakye gained recognition in 2017 after being nominated for the ‘Unsung Artiste’ award at the Ghana Music Awards.
Although he didn’t win, losing to former Lynx Entertainment artist Kuami Eugene, the nomination helped boost his career.
Since then, Boakye has collaborated with several popular artists, including Yaa Pono, Kofi Kinaata, Kojo Cue, and Medikal, among others.
Hearts of Oak’s ultra-modern secretariat has reportedly been put up for rent.
The state-of-the-art facility in Adabraka was officially handed over to the club’s leadership in July 2024, as Executive Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV affirmed that the facility would serve as the club’s new Commercial Centre.
Despite this, reports circulating indicate that the club has leased the ground floor for commercial purposes.
While the news has sparked curiosity, there is still uncertainty surrounding the move, as the club has yet to confirm whether the space is indeed available for lease or if it’s just a rumor.
In 2022, the Phobians took a significant step by demolishing their old building at Asylum Down, clearing the way for the construction of this new, modern facility.
During the club’s Annual General Meeting held in April 2024, Togbe Afede XIV revealed that the facility cost GH¢9 million.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Hearts of Oak beat Medeama SC to move to fourth place on the Ghana Premier League standings, six points behind leaders Asante Kotoko, who are on 46 points after 25 games.
The team will face newly promoted side Vision FC in their next game on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has praised the Goldbod initiative,calling it a major opportunity for Ghana’s economy. He pointed out that it helps stabilize the cedi, attracts foreign exchange, and generates long-term employment.
During a recent discussion with Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Myriam Montrat, Dr. Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using the Goldbod project to tackle important economic issues.
He explained that the initiative aims to improve the tracking and management of gold exports, while also supporting wider economic goals like currency stability and sustainable growth.
“There is so much to gain from this initiative,” the Minister stated. “Goldbod will give us better control over our gold exports and help shore up our foreign exchange reserves. It is part of our strategy to reduce pressure on the cedi and to prioritize job creation over short-term revenue.”
Dr. Forson acknowledged recent mismanagement within Cocobod but was quick to caution against using those setbacks to discredit the broader Goldbod vision. “While Cocobod has faced some challenges, we must not lose sight of its significant contributions to Ghana’s development. The Goldbod builds on that legacy with a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and impact.”
Dr. Forson expressed optimism that the Goldbod initiative will be fully up and running in the near future.
He also mentioned that the government has implemented necessary corrective measures through the IMF program to address challenges left over from the previous administration.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana congratulated Dr. Forson on his appointment and reiterated Canada’s strong commitment to its ongoing partnership with Ghana, especially in the fields of agriculture and technical vocational education and training (TVET).
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has assured the public that transport fares will not change for the time being, despite recent drops in fuel prices.
This comes as more people are calling for fare reductions, especially after transport unions previously warned of price increases during fuel price hikes.
Mr. Nikpe explained that the Ministry is in regular talks with transport unions and operators, adding that any changes in fares are based on a clear, established formula.
“I am in constant touch with the unions and transport operators. We have a formula in which we use to either increase or reduce prices, and we have not gotten there yet,” he said.
The Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to maintain stability in the sector, reassuring commuters that prices will hold steady for now.
“We are in good touch. We are working together, and Ghanaians should be rest assured that prices will be kept for some time before any of the adjustments will be made,” Mr. Nikpe added.
The Ministry’s position seeks to strike a balance between easing the burden on commuters and ensuring transport operators remain financially viable, while talks about potential fare adjustments are ongoing.
Special Aide and Presidential Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has threatened to take legal action against Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), over what her lawyers have described as “false, reckless, and malicious” comments.
In a legal notice issued on April 3, 2025, by R.O. Solomon Consulting, Mogtari’s legal team is demanding a full retraction of the statements, a public apology, and compensation of GH₵10 million for defamation.
The dispute arose from comments Abronye made during a March 26, 2025 interview on Net 2 TV, where he claimed that Mogtari had turned down a ministerial role in favor of a presidential staffer position, which he alleged comes with a salary of GH₵95,000 per month.
He further claimed that this supposed financial comfort had made her “disrespectful to everyone in Ghana.”
According to the legal notice, these remarks have since been widely circulated across various platforms, including GhanaWeb and social media, leading to “serious embarrassment and damage” to Mogtari’s reputation.
The letter accuses Abronye of spreading misinformation with no factual basis, asserting that the details of Mogtari’s appointment are a matter of public record and could have easily been verified.
“Our client’s reputation, both personally and professionally, has come under attack due to your statements,” the letter reads.
“She has received numerous phone calls and messages from friends, family, and colleagues questioning the claims.”
Mogtari, through her lawyers, is demanding that Abronye publicly retract his statements and issue a full, sincere apology. This apology should be shared on all the platforms where the remarks were originally made, including Net 2 TV, GhanaWeb, MyJoyOnline, Channel One TV, and Citi FM.
If Abronye does not meet these demands, her legal team has warned that they will take legal action to address what they believe is an intentional attack on her reputation.
African trade ministers are set to meet on April 14 to discuss the impact of a new U.S. tariff policy introduced by President Donald Trump. The policy places a 10 percent tax on all goods entering the U.S. from over 100 countries, including many in Africa.
The meeting will bring together government officials, economists, trade specialists, and representatives from regional trade blocs. Their goal is to find ways for Africa to protect its economic interests in a world where protectionist policies are on the rise.
Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), spoke to the media from Washington, D.C. He described the U.S. tariff decision as a serious warning for Africa.
According to Mene, this move by the U.S. shows why it’s more important than ever for African countries to speed up efforts to trade more among themselves and rely less on major global economies.
“President of the United States has given us a wake-up call. And the wake-up call is that we must accelerate our own economic self-sufficiency. The ministers of trade will meet on April 14 to deliberate on this matter and exactly how our continent should respond.”
Wamkele Mene’s comments reflect what many African leaders and trade experts are now thinking — that rising global economic nationalism and decisions by powerful countries mean Africa needs to act together and prepare better.
The new U.S. tariff could make African goods more expensive in the American market, making it harder for them to compete.
Many African countries depend heavily on exports like clothes, farm produce, raw materials, and manufactured items. A lot of these goods currently benefit from special trade deals like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows them easier access to the U.S. market.
Western Regional Office of National Security has discovered a large quantity of suspected stolen electrical items at Kansawurodo, a suburb in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
Acting on a tip-off, security officers found the items hidden in an uncompleted building, believed to be connected to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The items found include 46 cable drums, electric switches, meter boxes, meter covers, iron angle bars, and other valuable materials usually used in ECG operations.
These materials are suspected to be missing property of ECG. Two people have been arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.
Hashim Torkonu, a National Security officer who led the operation, told Channel One News on Monday, April 7, that the way the items were hidden suggests they were being kept secretly and possibly stolen.
He said this case is different from a previous one involving a similar discovery at a private home, which is also under investigation.
According to him, the suspect from the earlier case gave inconsistent statements, which raised more doubts.
He added that the Regional Security Coordinator will contact the national office in Accra for further instructions, especially since no one has come forward to claim the newly discovered items.
“The stocks here are different from the ones that we uncovered in that private residence. That one has been owned by a contractor.
The main concern authorities have with one of the suspects is how the electrical materials ended up at his private residence. Additionally, the list of items he provided during questioning did not match what was actually found. Investigators say they are still in the early stages of the case.
The Regional Security Coordinator is expected to contact the national headquarters in Accra for further instructions. So far, no one has claimed ownership of the items. According to officials, even nearby residents said they don’t know who owns the goods or how they got there.
One of the suspects, Evans Lartey, claims he is innocent. He said he is a certified contractor for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and that he legally supplies meters and cables under contract.
Authorities say investigations are still ongoing to confirm where the materials came from and whether they were legally acquired.
Government’s choice to deport foreign nationals involved inillegal miningand other crimes instead of putting them on trial in Ghana has sparked mixed reactions. Some Ghanaians are asking why local offenders are taken to court, while foreigners are simply sent back to their countries.
According to Citi News investigations, deported foreigners are handed over to law enforcement in their home countries, where they face prosecution. Officials at the Ministry of the Interior say Ghana’s embassies, including the one in China, keep track of these legal cases and give regular updates to the Ministry.
In a recent case, 30 Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” were deported. At the Kotoka International Airport, they were handed over to Chinese immigration officers. The operation was led by Superintendent Li Ran, who heads airport operations. Sources say the process was carried out politely and professionally.
The Chinese government has reportedly backed Ghana’s decision, calling the involvement of Chinese citizens in galamsey shameful and harmful to the good relationship between the two countries.
“Foreigners arrested for illegal mining often exploit loopholes in the judicial process,” the source explained. “They establish connections within security agencies and deliberately choose courts that offer favorable bail terms. Once granted bail, they relocate to different districts and resume their illegal activities, while court cases drag on for years without resolution.”
Since Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak assumed office as Minister for the Interior, more than 100 foreign nationals—including Chinese citizens—have been deported for offenses related to illegal mining and other crimes.
Officials from the Interior Ministry stressed that the deportation strategy is not designed to favor foreigners, but rather to prevent abuse of Ghana’s legal system and safeguard national interests. “The aim is to ensure swift justice and reduce the risk of recidivism among offenders who manipulate court delays and lax bail conditions,” one official noted.
Ghanaians who are caught working with foreign nationals involved in illegal mining are being prosecuted in the country, and the Ministry of the Interior says no one will be spared.
At a recent meeting with police officers in the Ashanti Region, the Interior Minister warned law enforcement and prosecutors not to change the identities of foreign suspects to help them avoid deportation. He made it clear that anyone caught doing so would face punishment.
The Ministry is also working with the embassies of the deported individuals to make the repatriation process smoother. The embassies pay for the return flights of their citizens, while the Ghanaian government covers the cost of Immigration officers who escort them.
Officials say this method helps strengthen Ghana’s cooperation with other countries in tackling international crime. It also improves national security and speeds up justice. Photos from the Immigration Service show Chinese nationals being escorted and handed over to Chinese authorities for prosecution over illegal mining and fraud.
Captain of Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk, has shared that discussions about a new contract with the club have made progress as the summer transfer window approaches. Following the team’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham on Saturday, the Dutch defender confirmed that there have been positive developments in his contract talks with the club this week.
As Van Dijk is set to turn 34 in July, questions have arisen about his future at Liverpool, with some reports suggesting his position at the club may be uncertain.
“There is progress, yeah. I don’t know, we’ll see. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.
“I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again and we wanted to reward them at Fulham. But want I them to be there against West Ham on Sunday again and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, two of Van Dijk’s teammates, are expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Manager Arne Slot is working hard to find replacements for them.
However, with positive developments in talks with one of the world’s top defenders, the club might not need to spend too much when the transfer window opens.
The 33-year-old Van Dijk addressed the loss to Fulham, admitting that the team simply wasn’t good enough on the day.
“It was a poor day at the office for all of us. I think they were individual moments that should have been dealt with better. In games, these moments can happen but if you let them back in, they obviously scored three goals and we were on the back foot.
“No one can ever be perfect and we were sloppy and today we got punished quickly and like I said then it’s a difficult battle to play. We still had the belief, still had opportunities but, based on the first half, you can’t argue with the result.”
X is introducing tougher rules for parody accounts starting April 10.
Under the new guidelines, any account pretending to be someone else must clearly include the word “fake” or “parody” at the beginning of its account name. In addition, these accounts must not use the same profile pictures as the real people or accounts they are imitating.
This move comes after several users raised concerns about being misled by parody accounts, especially ones pretending to be X owner Elon Musk.
“These changes are designed to help users better understand the unaffiliated nature of PCF accounts and reduce the risk of confusion or impersonation,” the company said in a post on Saturday.
It encouraged affected accounts to update their profiles by the enforcement date. The changes will also apply for fan and commentary accounts, it said.
“Hopefully this includes all the thousands of fake variations of Elon Musk accounts,” wrote one user in response to X’s post about its policy update.
“About time, I get a fake Elon account contacting me almost once a week,” wrote another. There are many parody accounts of Elon Musk on X, each using different ways to show they’re fake. Some of these accounts post funny memes, jokes, or even promote things like cryptocurrency and fake car giveaways.
In one example, a parody account with over a million followers asked users to “like and comment” for a chance to win a Tesla. That post ended up getting 428,000 likes and over 200,000 replies.
Back in January, X introduced labels for parody accounts. This built on earlier rules that required users who impersonate others for entertainment to make it clear they are doing so. The platform’s blue tick system was also meant to help users tell real accounts from fake ones. However, some say these steps haven’t worked well enough.
In July 2024, the European Union criticized the blue tick feature, saying it could mislead users. They said some verified accounts might confuse people. Musk responded by calling the EU’s claims “misinformation.”
After he bought X in November 2022, Musk warned that accounts pretending to be someone else without clearly saying so would be banned.
While many parody accounts do label themselves—often putting “parody” in brackets at the end of their usernames—this isn’t always effective. When account names are too long, only part of the name shows up in posts or replies. If the profile photo also matches the real person, users can easily be fooled.
Real Valladolid’s struggles continued on Sunday as they suffered a heavy 4-0 home loss to Getafe—and things got even worse on the bench.
During the match, with Valladolid already down 3-0 in the 66th minute, tension boiled over between defender Luis Pérez and striker Juan Miguel Latasa, who had been substituted earlier. Cameras caught the heated argument between the two players.
At one point, Pérez tried to hit Latasa on the arm, but teammate Eray Cömert, who was sitting between them, stepped in to stop him. A coach quickly intervened and had a word with Pérez, who then left the bench and headed to the dressing room.
After the match, the club released a statement saying both players will face disciplinary action for their behavior.
“Real Valladolid wishes to express its strong condemnation of the incident that occurred today on the bench between players Luis Pérez and Juan Miguel Latasa during the match against Getafe CF,” they said.
“We deeply regret the image given by our players. The frustration that the sporting situation is leading us all to must be transformed into greater commitment, a better attitude, and improved performance, never into division and confrontation.
“Therefore, in defense of the club’s image and respect for our teammates and, especially, our fans, Real Valladolid will proceed to apply the General Disciplinary Regulations to both players.”
Valladolid, a club owned by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, has had a difficult season, winning only four out of 30 league matches.
Their last win came on January 11, and since then, things have gone downhill. Sunday’s heavy loss marked their 10th defeat in the last 11 games.
With just eight matches left to play, they now sit 14 points away from safety, making their chances of avoiding relegation extremely slim.
Neymar and Memphis Depay are among the top footballers who have spoken out against a new rule introduced by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The CBF has informed all clubs in Brazil’s domestic league that any player who stands on the ball with both feet will now receive a yellow card. In addition, the other team will be given an indirect free kick.
According to the CBF’s letter the act of standing on the ball “in addition to the player risking an injury, generates widespread disruptions in games, is considered a provocation to a rival and disrespects the game.”
“Football is getting more and more boring,” Santos captain Neymar wrote on Instagram.
Corinthians star Memphis Depay says there are more important things referees should focus on than whether a player is standing on a ball. Depay recently did that action and it provoked Palmeiras players during the Campeonato Paulista final, which his team won.
The Netherlands international said after Saturday’s 3-0 league win against Vasco da Gama: “I don’t know what the VAR did, in the first half they should have checked, it was a clear foul for a red card. But instead, they prefer to create rules here [in Brazil] like not being able to get on the ball, what are we talking about?
“If we carry on like this, those who decide things in soccer are doing the wrong things. I want to be clear about this, Brazil is a country where we play soccer, you don’t just play soccer with your feet, you also play with your head. They have to do a better job.”
Bukayo Saka has suggested that he plans to stay at Arsenal for a long time, saying he wants “to win while wearing this badge.” He also shared his dream of one day winning the Ballon d’Or.
The England international still has two years left on his current Arsenal contract, which is reportedly worth up to £300,000 a week. The club is expected to begin talks with him soon about a new deal.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg clash with Real Madrid, Saka said,: “For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge.
“I think it is pretty clear — the fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on on Tuesday [against Everton], I think they love me back so it is a good relationship. I am really happy to be here and I’m just focused on winning. “I don’t think anyone is really in a rush. I have got two years left on my contract so it is pretty relaxed. Everyone knows my thoughts and I’ve let you guys know as well so I don’t think there’s any rush really.”
Saka, whose sole trophy win remains the 2020 FA Cup, returned from an almost four-month absence following hamstring surgery last week and is set to start against Madrid for the first time, facing off against Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham among others in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.
“If you ask my physios, there was a lot of conversation about this game,” Saka said. “I was waiting to be back and not just back, back in good shape. I’m feeling good. That’s what I spent a lot of months working massively towards and we’re here now so I’m excited.”
Saka finished 21st in the voting for last year’s Ballon d’Or — won by Manchester City midfielder Rodri ahead of Vinícius Júnior — and asked winning the prize was a target of his, the 23-year-old replied: “It’s a dream. I think it’s a dream for a lot of players. I’m just working hard to do my best for my team, and any individual awards that come of it, I’ll accept it.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to create their own legacy as they prepare for only their second Champions League quarterfinal in the past 15 years.
Last season, the Gunners were knocked out at this stage by Bayern Munich. Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta said,“Building those experiences is something necessary.
Bank of Ghana (BoG) plans to auction $120 million to Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) in the second quarter of 2025 as part of efforts to ease the pressure on foreign exchange demand and stabilize the Ghana Cedi.
The auctions will take place on six dates between April and June and are exclusively for BDCs to obtain dollars for importing petroleum, which is a major factor driving forex demand in the country.
Each auction will offer $20 million, totaling $120 million for the second quarter.
These auctions are part of the Central Bank’s strategy to reduce volatility in the foreign exchange market, particularly in the petroleum sector, where there is typically high demand for dollars.
The first auction is scheduled for April 10, with additional auctions on April 29, May 14, May 28, June 12, and June 26.
“The Bank of Ghana announces for the information of all Authorised Foreign Exchange Dealing Banks, the Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) FX forward Auction Calendar for the second quarter of 2025. In accordance with the BDCs Forex Forward Auction guidelines, bids are invited as per the prescribed format to purchase United States Dollars against Ghana cedis, separately on each auction date and should be submitted via the dedicated email bogforwards@bog.gov.gh,” part of a statement issued the Central Bank read.
Bids for the auctions must be submitted by authorized foreign exchange dealing banks on behalf of the BDCs during the specified hours on each auction day. The results will be announced later in the afternoon.
The Bank of Ghana has reminded all authorized dealers to carefully follow the auction guidelines, which can be found on its website.
A 25-year-old man, Richmond Owusu Kankam, has been found dead under unclear circumstances in Ahwiaa, a town in the Kwabre East Municipality, Ashanti Region.
Richmond’s body was discovered lying by the roadside near the Ahwiaa RC School on the morning of Sunday, April 6, 2025. His death has caused shock and sadness in the community.
The young man, who lived with his grandmother in Mamponteng, was last seen on Friday when he left home to run errands at the market. His mother, Nana Yaa, shared that she received a worrying phone call from him later that day.
“One of my siblings in Accra called to ask if I had heard that Rich had been killed,” she said.
Worried, Nana Yaa visited his workplace, only to find it closed with no sign of her son’s presence.
She then visited various locations he frequented in an attempt to find him, but her search was in vain. Desperate, she filed a report with the Mamponteng Police.
“They told me he might have spent the night at his girlfriend’s house,” she said, expressing frustration over the lack of urgency in the response.
The following day, Nana Yaa resumed her search. While riding in a tricycle, the driver mentioned that a body had been found nearby. Acting on her instincts, she went to the location and was devastated to identify the body as her son’s.
The discovery has shocked the community, and residents are demanding a quick and thorough investigation into the cause of Richmond’s death.
Kylian Mbappé has said he can’t picture Real Madrid without his teammate Vinícius Júnior, even though some people think it might be hard for both of them to play together in the same attack.
When Mbappé moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid last summer, rumours began that Vinícius might leave the club. There was even reported interest from Saudi Arabia. However, ESPN has said that Vinícius is now more likely to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
Mbappé talked about his bond with Vinícius during a detailed interview on Spanish TV station La Sexta on Sunday. It was his first personal interview since joining Real Madrid.
“The relationship [with Vini] is good,” Mbappé said. “It’s normal that people want to talk about us, because we’re two famous players who can make a difference, but I came to Real Madrid with the idea of playing with Vini.
“I can’t imagine Madrid without Vini, I always had the idea of playing with him. We play well together. We can always do better, the fans always expect more of us and it’s normal, but I think we play well together and now at this stage of the season we’re going to try to help Madrid as much as we can.”
After a slow start, Mbappé has now scored 22 goals in LaLiga — 33 in all competitions — to help Madrid stay in contention for the league title, reach the Copa del Rey final, and the Champions League quarterfinals. Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinícius has had a more inconsistent season, but has still scored 11 league goals, and 20 overall, with seven coming in the Champions League.
Mbappé said he’d never doubted joining Real Madrid — a club he watched as a boy, following idols Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo — despite the possibility of earning more money elsewhere.
“I have no problems talking about money, but there are more important things. I wanted to play for Real Madrid,” Mbappé said. “Money is important, but for me the most important thing is being happy on the pitch and in life.”
Mbappé later clarified in a post on X that his comments had “No connection with PSG” and he was simply discussing his options after leaving the Ligue 1 club.
“The question was about the next step and the choice, for example, of Saudi Arabia or a club like Real,” Mbappé posted.
In the interview, Mbappé also discussed his mother, Fayza Lamari, saying her “tough image” isn’t warranted.
“In the world of football, people don’t want there to be a lot of women,” Mbappé said. “She isn’t my agent, she’s my mother. She only wants the best for me.”
The France international also discussed his revelation that he’d hit “rock bottom” after struggling earlier in the season, culminating in a missed penalty against Athletic Club on Dec. 4.
“I know people and teammates who’ve had depression. I wasn’t playing well, but it wasn’t for mental health reasons,” Mbappé said. “I didn’t like it when people said that, because it’s a serious subject … In Bilbao I hit rock bottom in a sporting sense, not a mental one.”
Madrid face Arsenal in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday, in a demanding month which also includes a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26.
Pep Guardiola has criticized a group of Manchester United fans for showing a “lack of class” after they directed offensive chants at Manchester City’s Phil Foden during Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
Foden, 24, who had a quiet performance, was substituted by City manager Guardiola in the second half. The England midfielder, who grew up supporting City in Stockport, was one of just two local players in the match, alongside City’s Nico O’Reilly.
Despite his local connection, Foden endured derogatory chants from the United fans, to which he responded by giving them a thumbs-up. Guardiola expressed disappointment, suggesting that the behavior of these fans reflected troubling trends in today’s society.
“Lack of class,” Guardiola said when asked about the chants aimed at Foden. “But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?
“We are so exposed in the screen in world football — managers, owners, and football players especially. Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil. It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
Manchester City’s draw in the game means they remain in fifth place in the Premier League, holding onto the final Champions League spot, just one point ahead of Aston Villa. Villa will visit the Etihad on April 22.
Newcastle, currently in seventh place, are only two points behind City, having played two fewer games. If they win their upcoming match against struggling Leicester City, they could move ahead of City into the fifth spot.
Despite the pressure of potentially missing out on the Champions League, Guardiola stated that he is not worried about the team’s chances of qualifying.
“Nothing,” Guardiola said when asked his thoughts about finishing in the top five. “All that is important is our next game, against Crystal Palace.
“We will prepare for the upcoming games. There are a few things I’m happy with what I saw, but now we need to achieve the target of qualifying for Champions League, then next season is next season.”
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has accused former President John Dramani Mahama of halting the promotion of several high-ranking Ashanti military officers.
These officers were supposed to be reassigned from lieutenant colonels to colonels in United Nations mission operations.
Fordjour, the MP for Assin South, explained that these appointments had been planned months in advance but were blocked by President Mahama, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
In an interview with Mensa Musa on Voice of London Radio on April 4, 2025, Fordjour criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, claiming it was off to a bad start. He also accused the government of engaging in tribalistic practices.
“They are using politics to dismiss people left, right, and centre; as I speak to you, call anyone in the Ghana Armed Forces and ask them how is it that Ashanti high-ranking military officers, from lieutenant colonels to colonels, who had been promoted and appointed to UN missions, suddenly had their appointments reversed.
“These arrangements were made three to four months ago, and now this government has rescinded all such appointments for Ashantis while leaving appointments for officers from other tribes intact,” he said.
Ntim Fordjour raised concerns about what he called a politically motivated, tribal, and ethnocentric approach to governance.
He also criticized the current situation, pointing out serious issues like the suspected rise in cocaine trafficking and money laundering.
“What kind of political, tribal, and ethnocentric governance is this?” he asked.
“Cocaine is everywhere; money laundering is everywhere. I am telling you, they have started on a very terrible note. I have all the proof of this. I even mentioned it on Ekosiison and asked them to verify. The kind of text messages they received shocked them.”
Reverend Ntim Fordjour had earlier criticized President Mahama for appointing a Brigadier General as Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces. This decision led to the resignation of several senior generals, whose ranks were higher than Major General William Agyapong, the current Chief of Defence Staff.
Former Ghanaian High Commissioner to India and President of the NDC Professionals Forum, Sam Pee Yalley, has passed away.
While the exact cause of his death is still unclear, sources from Channel One News confirm that he died on Sunday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from key figures within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who expressed his condolences on social media.
“I learnt with pain the passing of my brother and friend, Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, an astute statesman and respected member of our party, the National Democratic Congress,” he wrote.
“Ambassador Yalley was a champion of professionalism in politics and a key figure of the NDC’s Professionals Forum. My deep condolences to everyone mourning the passing of this great man, particularly members of his immediate family.”
Ambassador Yalley was an experienced lawyer and public servant. Before becoming Ghana’s Ambassador to India in 2014, he held the position of Deputy CEO at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority under President John Mahama.
In addition to his legal and diplomatic roles, Sam Pee Yalley was well-regarded for his advocacy, particularly his strong support for promoting female leadership in Ghana.
Renowned Ghanaian disc jockey and Multimedia Group staff member, Samuel Tei Mensah Nartey, widely known as DJ Awana, has passed away.
He died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital following a brief illness.
DJ Awana started his successful career in media over 20 years ago at Adom FM, which was then based in Tema.
He quickly gained recognition and became a beloved figure in both Ghana’s media and live event industries.
Known for his kind personality, calm voice, and thoughtful music choices, DJ Awana won the affection of many listeners.
Life of DJ Awana
He began his illustrious career in 2003 with Adom FM, a station under the Multimedia Group. Over the years, he became a household name, captivating audiences with his unique style and signature jingle, “3y3 Awana nie oo,” which resonated deeply with his listeners.
In 2007, DJ Awana briefly left Adom FM to join Oman FM, a station owned by Kencity Media. However, he later returned to the Multimedia Group, where he continued to shine, this time with Hitz FM.
His career spanned over two decades, during which he became a prominent figure in Ghana’s radio and live event scenes. DJ Awana was not only a talented DJ but also a mentor and a beloved personality in the industry.
Tragically, DJ Awana passed away on April 6, 2025, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after battling a short illness. His untimely demise has left a void in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, with many colleagues and fans mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reiterated the government’s firm commitment to deporting all foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
While addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, the Minister emphasized President Mahama’s strong position on safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he stated.
He revealed that a military operation will soon begin targeting illegal miners.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he said, referring to the upcoming military deployment.
Ablakwa also disclosed that several deportations have already taken place, though the government has not publicized them widely.
“Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them,” he added.
He stressed the importance of taking action against those who repeatedly return to restricted areas after military operations have removed them.
The Minister expressed hope that with full implementation of government measures, the water quality in the country will improve.
He made a heartfelt plea to Ghanaians in Nigeria to help the nation in its fight against illegal mining, assuring them that all necessary steps would be taken to tackle the issue.
Ghanaian gospel artist Empress Gifty has excited fans by hinting at the possibility of a joint album with award-winning musician Kuami Eugene.
In an interview during the TGMA Nominees Jam in Takoradi, Empress Gifty shared that there could be more to come after their successful collaboration on the song “Watch Me.”
The two artists, who bring unique styles to the table, previously worked together on the track, which has received positive feedback since its release in September 2024.
The song was co-written and produced by Kuami Eugene and has showcased their strong musical connection.
Empress Gifty mentioned that their partnership may extend beyond just this one song.
She hinted at the possibility of more projects together, with a joint album potentially dropping in October 2025.
“This year, by October, my album will be out. It’s a project between me and Kuami Eugene. This would be my first project with him. He called me and said he has something for us to work on,” she added.
A top official at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, has revealed that a search is still ongoing for the main suspect behind a major counterfeiting operation uncovered in Sapeiman, near Accra, in February.
Speaking to journalists during a tour of the crime scene, Mr. Jakpa said investigators had found a lot of strong evidence, which remains untouched to avoid tampering while the investigation continues.
The operation shocked security officials, as it led to the discovery of ten large containers—each 40 feet long—packed with fake Ghana cedi and US dollar notes. Investigators believe two more containers were quickly removed from the site just before the security raid.
In a surprising discovery, officers also found official Bank of Ghana (BoG) money boxes at the scene. Checks confirmed that the boxes were real and not fake, raising serious questions about how the counterfeit group got them.
Another key finding was an unfinished building nearby, which looked ordinary from the outside but was secretly being used as the main base for the criminal activities.
At the front of the building, an elderly man known in the area as the “Battery Doctor” pretended to run a car battery-charging business. This was a clever cover to avoid raising suspicion.
Inside the building, investigators discovered piles of fake money in different currencies and amounts. They also found fake gold bars, some of which were already peeling and showing silver-colored metal underneath.
Mr. Richard Jakpa confirmed that the entire operation was being run by a well-organized criminal group. He said the main suspect, known only as “Alhaji,” is still on the run. However, he assured the media that National Security officers are working hard to track him down.
“We have solid evidence connecting Alhaji to the crime scene and to the broader network of illegal activities,” Mr. Jakpa said. “We are confident that it is only a matter of time before he is apprehended.”
The uncovering of the counterfeit operation has raised serious concerns about financial safety and the potential manipulation of national symbols by criminals.
National Security has vowed to hold everyone responsible accountable and enhance monitoring systems to prevent future incidents.
Government has failed to meet its Treasury bill target, for the third week in a row. This time, it fell short by GH¢2.69 billion after rejecting GH¢2.37 billion worth of bids, likely because the interest rates offered by investors did not meet the government’s expectations.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s latest data, the government aimed to raise GH¢4.39 billion through short-term borrowing but only received GH¢1.69 billion in bids. This represents a shortfall of 61.46%.
Here’s how the individual Treasury bills performed:
For the 91-day bill, the government received GH¢3.38 billion in bids but accepted only GH¢1.45 billion.
For the 182-day bill, GH¢501.17 million was tendered, but only GH¢81.09 million was accepted.
The 364-day bill saw GH¢176.26 million in bids, with GH¢161.26 million accepted.
Interest rates on these short-term bills remain between 15% and 18%. Specifically:
The 91-day bill rate dropped slightly to 15.65%.
The 182-day rate declined to 16.50%.
The 364-day rate edged down to 18.83%.
This comes after the Bank of Ghana recently increased its policy rate from 27% to 28% to help control inflation.
Although the government is rejecting more bids and trying to keep interest rates lower, experts believe this is part of a strategy to manage short-term interest rates, control liquidity in the system, and prepare for issuing longer-term bonds.
However, if the government keeps rejecting bids, it may start running low on cash, which could tighten its spending ability in the near future.
Looking ahead, the government hopes to raise GH¢6.68 billion in the next Treasury bill auction.
Construction work on the Ofankor-Nsawam road project is set to start again today, Monday, April 7, after being on hold for four months due to lack of funds.
The break in construction had caused worry among drivers and pedestrians, especially after several accidents were reported. These incidents were mostly blamed on the missing footbridge and lack of road signs and markings.
Speaking to Citi News, the resident engineer, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, admitted that people were right to be concerned. He explained that although the road was originally expected to be finished by July this year, the delay means it will now take about nine more months to complete.
“Now that funds have started flowing, we expect that there will be continuous work and if there is continuous work, even if we give him probably another eight, nine months after the July deadline, he should be able to complete the work. Because as I have always maintained, the heavy lifting has been done. The bridges, apart from the Nsawam bridge, most of them are over 90 percent complete. And so from Monday, we should see the contractor back on site.”
About the Ofankor-Nsawam Road
The Ofankor-Nsawam road project is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at improving the stretch of road that connects Ofankor to Nsawam, forming part of the Accra-Kumasi highway. This road is a vital link for trade and transportation, serving communities in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, as well as facilitating economic activities between Ghana and neighboring countries.
The project officially commenced in 2022 under the government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. It was part of the administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda, funded through a $750 million loan agreement with the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK). The scope of the project includes expanding the road from two lanes to three lanes, constructing service roads, interchanges, and pedestrian crossings, and improving drainage systems and street lighting.
However, the project faced several challenges that led to its suspension. One of the primary reasons was financial constraints, as the government struggled to meet its obligations to the contractor, Maripoma Enterprise Limited. Additionally, legal disputes, including over 100 lawsuits related to land ownership and human rights issues, further delayed progress. These lawsuits complicated the relocation of utility lines, such as electricity and water, which were essential for the construction to proceed.
Despite these setbacks, the project has resumed, with assurances from the Roads Minister that the contractor is committed to completing the work without further delays. The resumption of construction is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency along this critical corridor.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that starting today, April 7, 2025, it will begin issuing printed Ghana Cards and registering new applicants in the Greater Accra Region.
According to a statement from the NIA, all District Offices in the region will be giving out cards to people who registered between June 2023 and now but haven’t received them yet.
People who fall into this group should go back to the same District Office where they first registered to pick up their cards.
Also, all Ghanaians aged 15 and above who haven’t registered for the Ghana Card are encouraged to visit any NIA District Office in the Greater Accra Region to complete their registration.
The NIA stressed that both the registration and the card are completely free. They warned the public not to pay anyone for these services.
The Authority also urged Ghanaians to report any staff member who tries to take money for helping with registration or card collection.
“However, replacement cards and updates to personal records will still attract a fee, as previously stipulated.”
Former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is set to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) today, April 7, 2025.
The meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the NPP Headquarters Conference Room in Asylum Down, Accra.
Adwoa Safo has been asked to bring along any documents or witnesses that support her side of the case.
This follows a statement from the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, dated March 20, which said she had been referred to the committee for allegedly going against party instructions.
According to the NPP, Adwoa Safo gave several media interviews in which she spoke about internal party issues, despite a clear warning not to. Party leaders say her comments have hurt the NPP’s unity and slowed down efforts to bring members together after their loss in the 2024 elections.
Today’s hearing could have serious consequences for Adwoa Safo’s role in the party and may set the tone for how the NPP handles similar cases in the future.
Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing yet another lawsuit, this time from a photographer who alleges he was sexually assaulted by the rapper.
The plaintiff, identified as John Doe, claims the incident occurred during a high-profile commercial shoot in 2022 or 2023. According to his lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court on March 26, Combs invited him into his trailer under the pretense of discussing career opportunities.
Once inside, the lawsuit alleges, Combs unzipped his pants and told the photographer that if he performed satisfactory oral sex, it would make his “career take off.” The plaintiff claims he complied out of fear that his career would suffer if he refused.
When Combs allegedly deemed the act unsatisfactory, he threatened him with violence before sending him back to work, leaving him to process the trauma.
“No matter how many lawsuits are filed—especially by individuals who refuse to put their own names behind their claims—it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor,” the statement reads. “We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, has been hit with several lawsuits over the years, with men, women, and minors accusing him of sexual misconduct. These allegations date back decades, but he has always denied them.
The latest lawsuit comes while Combs is still in custody in Brooklyn. He was recently indicted on federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and forced labor.
Despite the charges, Combs has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is expected to begin soon.
Ghanaian comedians Kwaku Manu and Funny Face recently had a memorable meeting with former First Lady Lordina Mahama, wife of ex-President John Dramani Mahama.
The two actors visited Mrs. Mahama at her official residence to show their respect and engage in a friendly conversation.
Kwaku Manu later shared a photo on Instagram, capturing the moment. In the picture, he and Funny Face stood beside Mrs. Mahama in one of the elegant rooms of her home, all smiling happily.
In the photo, Mrs. Lordina Mahama looked elegant in a stylish camo dress as she warmly welcomed Kwaku Manu and Funny Face into her home.
In the caption of his social media post, Kwaku Manu shared how grateful he was to meet the former First Lady.
He also prayed for God’s blessings upon her, appreciating the kindness she showed him and Funny Face during their visit to the Mahama family residence.
He wrote: “It’s an honor meeting with the First Lady of Ghana, Her Excellency Lordina Mahama. God bless you for your kind heart and may you succeed in all your endeavours.”
Kwaku Manu and Funny Face were among the well-known personalities who attended Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration at the Jubilee House on March 6, 2025. Other notable guests included former Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor.
At the event, the two comic actors, who have been living together as part of Funny Face’s recovery journey, had an interesting encounter with Sharaf Mahama, the son of President John Dramani Mahama and Mrs. Lordina Mahama.
A video that went viral on social media showed Sharaf warmly greeting Kwaku Manu and Funny Face. As a big fan of the actors, he was thrilled to meet them and eagerly asked for a selfie.
While adjusting his iPhone Pro Max for the picture, his four security personnel, also excited to meet the popular movie stars, joined in for the selfie.
Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo joined forces with popular YouTuber Wode Maya and the BuzStop Boys for a sanitation campaign on Monday, March 31, 2025.
In a video shared by blogger Sika Official on X (formerly Twitter), Dumelo, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon and Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, was seen working alongside Wode Maya and the BuzStop Boys to clean gutters at Okponglo.
Dumelo used a shovel to remove sand clogging the gutters, which was preventing water from flowing freely.
He poured the sand into a pan to help clear the blockage. Additionally, he donated GH₵10,000 to cover the clearance fee for the BuzStop Boys’ newly imported mini excavator.
Since taking office as MP, Dumelo has been dedicated to addressing development challenges in his constituency. Recently, he received widespread praise for solving traffic issues at Okponglo Junction.
He worked with the Department of Urban Roads to install a traffic signal controller, ensuring the malfunctioning traffic lights were fixed and functioning properly.
Rapper Joey B took a heartfelt moment to appreciate his colleague, Lil Shaker, for playing a key role in his music career.
The heartfelt moment happened during his performance at ‘Accravangaza which took place on March 29, 2025, at Ghud Park, near the Accra Mall in Ghana. It was a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian pop culture, featuring performances from top artists like Stonebwoy, Joey B, and others.
Pausing the show, Joey B turned to the audience and sincerely thanked Lil Shaker, who was standing beside him on stage.
“Lil Shaker is the guy who got me started. I’ve mentioned it in my interview countless times: there would never have been a Joey B without Lil Shaker,” he said.
He then shared how their journey began, recalling how Lil Shaker discovered him during his school days.
“I was in school when Shaker came looking for rappers, and I decided to avail myself. He has supported me ever since that time,” Joey B added.
After the touching moment, the two rappers thrilled fans with performances of some of their biggest hits, including Who Dey Eat and DJ Vyrusky’s latest song, Good Girl.
Lil Shaker, a highly regarded figure in Ghana’s Hip-hop scene, was a key member of BBNZ Live. He played a significant role in mentoring young talents and shaping the industry during his time with the label.
Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) has strongly condemned the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) following the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Success,” fought against Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu in a match that ended in tragedy.
Initially, the fight was set for Friday, March 28, but was canceled after weigh-ins showed that Olanrewaju did not meet the required weight class.
However, in a last-minute decision, the match was rescheduled for Saturday night—a move that ultimately led to his death.
During the third round, Olanrewaju suddenly became unsteady, hit the ropes, and collapsed.
Reports indicate that medical staff at the venue responded quickly and rushed him to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Nigerian Boxing Board Blames Ghana for Olanrewaju’s Tragic Death
Nigeria Boxing Board blames Ghana for boxer’s death
Shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding the fight, NBBC secretary Remi Aboderin confirmed that the 40-year-old had initially received approval to compete on March 28 but was forced to withdraw due to weight discrepancies.
“Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana, a fight that was proposed to take place on a Friday.
"Unfortunately, they did weigh-in on Thursday, and he was found to be overweight, and they told him the person he was to fight was not his weight,” Aboderin explained, as quoted by Nigerian outlet PUNCH.
This was more than just a setback in his boxing career—it was a financial struggle.
Olanrewaju was already in debt and had little money left when he arrived in Ghana. After his scheduledfight was canceled, he and his team decided to return to Lagos on Saturday morning.
Nigerian Boxer, Gabriel Olanrewaju has passed on during a match against a Ghanaian opponent.
However, upon reaching the Aflao border, he hesitated. The thought of going home empty-handed was unbearable. Desperate for an opportunity, he reached out to the Ghanaian matchmakers, asking if there were any fights available.
Their response was swift—there was an opening that same night. If he accepted the previously rejected $500 purse increase, the fight could go ahead.
Even though the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) had not approved this arrangement, Olanrewaju made the difficult choice to turn back, driven more by financial hardship than the pursuit of victory.
GBA’s oversight questioned
Aboderin squarely placed blame on the GBA, arguing that the Ghanaian authorities should have conducted proper due diligence before allowing him to fight.
Beyond the regulatory lapse, this tragedy highlights a broader concern—the exploitation of struggling fighters.
Olanrewaju was not just competing; he was fighting for survival, a reality that cost him everything.
Ghanaian actor Kwaku Manu has encouraged creatives not to depend on awards for validation amid controversy surrounding King Paluta’s ‘Makoma’ song being snubbed in nominations over profanity claims.
Speaking on United Showbiz on March 29, 2025, he shared his thoughts, explaining that he has never looked to awards for recognition because they have never brought him any real benefits.
Although he acknowledges that awards can be a way to appreciate hard work, he believes that the effort, stress, and money spent on attending these events often outweigh any rewards they offer.
“Since I started working, I have not considered awards because they’ve done nothing for me. It’s good if you’re acknowledged for your efforts and your name is mentioned. But for someone to dress up, fly from Kumasi to Accra, and book hotel rooms for themselves and their team, what’s the point?” he said.
“It’s not like they’re even getting money from the awards. Forget about deals or opportunities,” he continued.
The actor also reflected on his experience with the Ghana Movie Awards, describing it as a waste of time due to the disrespect he and other Kumawood actors received.
“I went for the Ghana Movie Awards sometime back, and it was a waste of time for me. Those of us who came from Kumasi, our names weren’t even mentioned. The hosts mentioned all the names of the English-speaking actors and ignored us,” he recalled.
He further highlighted the collapse of the scheme when Kumawood actors stopped attending. “You could see that when the Kumawood actors stopped attending, the scheme collapsed.
These award shows depend on celebrities to function. The moment the celebrities stop attending, they collapse. So what’s their use?” he questioned.
Shatta Wale’s management has announced that the dancehall star will no longer be performing at the highly anticipated 2025 Nima Salahfest.
The event is set to take place on March 31.
In a statement explaining the change, his management said the decision was due to a misunderstanding between the event’s original organisers, VIP, and the new planners, Broadway Entertainment.
“This decision comes as a result of a misunderstanding between the usual organizers of the event (VIP) and the new organizers of Broadway Entertainment.
The brand Shatta Wale, a strong advocate for unity and peace within the entertainment industry, has chosen to step back from this event to ensure harmony and togetherness between all parties involved and hopes the impasse will be resolved in the near future.”
The Nima Sallahfest has long been recognised as a staple event in Accra’s entertainment calendar, drawing thousands of music lovers and industry stakeholders each year during the Eid celebrations.
The presence of Shatta Wale was expected to be a major highlight of the event.
“We at Shatta Movement Empire remain committed to his fans and the growth of Ghana’s entertainment scene and therefore we believe that resolving conflicts amicably is key to fostering a stronger industry for future events.
Management appreciates the love and support of his fans and assures them of bigger and better shows in the future.”
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has surprised fans with a brand-new look, swapping his signature thick hair for a neat lowcut.
His fresh hairstyle caught the attention of dancehall star Shatta Wale at an event, where he appeared visibly puzzled by the change.
In a viral video, Shatta Wale was seen staring at Sarkodie in surprise as the rapper seemingly explained his new style.
Sarkodie, who previously rocked thick hair with a fade on the sides, has now opted for a much shorter cut. His new hairstyle features lightly trimmed hair in the middle, a subtle fade on the sides, and a curved line in the corner. He has also shaved off his signature goatee, keeping only a small mustache.
Both musicians showed up to the event dressed in black, with Shatta Wale completing his outfit with a cap.
While the haircut itself has sparked reactions, many social media users were even more surprised to see the two artists together in a friendly manner, considering their history of conflicts.
Sarkodie and Shatta Wale have had a rocky relationship over the years. In 2018, Sarkodie responded to Shatta Wale’s criticism with a diss track titled My Advice, in which he strongly called out the dancehall star.
After releasing the diss track, Sarkodie distanced himself from Shatta Wale, later explaining that he found the dancehall artist’s social media comments disrespectful. He said that as a friend, he would have preferred private conversations instead of public criticism.
Shatta Wale, however, insisted that their rivalry was all part of the entertainment industry.
He repeatedly claimed that Sarkodie should not take their exchanges personally, as the back-and-forth actually benefits them both.
At one point, Shatta Wale even accused Sarkodie of being a hypocrite. This happened after the rapper congratulated him on his collaboration with Beyoncé, with Shatta Wale suggesting that the praise was not genuine.
Ghanaian singer KiDi has reached a major milestone on Boomplay, surpassing 100 million streams and earning a place in the platform’s exclusive Golden Club.
This achievement makes him one of the few Ghanaian artists to reach this level.
To mark the occasion, KiDi shared a video on social media, proudly showing off the black and gold plaque he received from Boomplay. His post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments to congratulate him.
Many praised his talent and expressed their love for his music, while others eagerly looked forward to his next project.
With this accomplishment, KiDi joins fellow Ghanaian artists Black Sherif and King Promise, who have also crossed the 100 million streams mark on Boomplay.
Black Sherif was the first to hit this milestone, thanks to hits like Kwaku The Traveller and Second Sermon, while King Promise followed soon after, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most-streamed musicians.
Boomplay’s Golden Club honors artists who achieve remarkable streaming success on the platform. Other African stars in this category include Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Diamond Platnumz, and Omah Lay.
KiDi’s success comes as he prepares to release his highly anticipated album, Where Do We Go From Here, in 2025.
The album was originally set for release last year but faced delays. In a recent interview, he assured fans that the wait would be worth it, promising exciting collaborations and top-tier production.
See how some netizens reacted to the news :
slinky_dl commented:
"Where Do we Go from Here?? Only Lord Kidi knows.😭"
iamnaijabobo said:
"S for Shuga & D for Daddy 😍you deserve it and more, let’s gooo."
nanaagyemangll said:
"I’m just obsessed with you 😢🔥🔥… I’ll definitely invite you to sing during my wedding day.. in 2030. It’s a prophecy, trust me."
glitteratieent commented:
"We dey wait for giveaway oooooooo ...Bossu something small for the boys ....Congratulations to my faveeeeeeeee."
noellefrancesca said:
"We are ready!!! 🔥 congratulations sugar."
babatundeolawale001 commented:
"@kidimusic congratulations 🎉 to us family 🙏🥳 one love brother."
Highlife icon Paulina Oduro has addressed recent claims that she said Kofi Kinaata is “bigger” than the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).
During an interview on ShowBiz Today on Empire 102.7 FM, she clarified that her words had been misinterpreted. She urged bloggers and media outlets to report her statements accurately.
“Oh, Chaley! I think these bloggers should get their facts right,” she stated. “What I actually said was that it’s not a big deal.
“Kofi is loved all over Ghana; he’s a big artiste and should not be worried about whether he’s nominated or not.
“TGMA has been around for a long time; Kofi can never be bigger than that show. But as an artiste, he is big!”
The confusion started when Kofi Kinaata was unexpectedly not included in the Artiste of the Year category for the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), even though his Kofi oo Kofi EP earned him several nominations.
Fans were disappointed and expressed their frustration online. In an attempt to encourage Kinaata, Paulina Oduro’s words were misquoted by some blogs, sparking criticism.
She has now cleared the air, stating that while Kinaata is a highly respected artist, the TGMA remains a significant platform in Ghana’s music industry. She hopes this clarification will settle the issue.
Ghanaian musicianBlack Sherif has revealed the official tracklist for his new album, Iron Boy, which is set to be released on April 3, 2025. The album includes 15 songs, with only two collaborations featuring Nigerian artistes Fireboy DML and Seyi Vibez.
Black Sherif shared the tracklist on Instagram, sparking excitement among fans who have eagerly awaited the project. Some of the songs on the album include The Victory Song, Top of the Morning, Sacrifice, Rebel Music, and the title track, Iron Boy.
The announcement comes after he unveiled the album’s cover art and an official teaser, which featured a dark, mysterious theme. In the trailer, Black Sherif appeared dressed as an alien, adding to the anticipation.
Before releasing the tracklist, the artiste had already dropped two singles. His first song of 2025, Lord I’m Amazed, was released on January 9, coinciding with his 23rd birthday.
The track performed well on the UK Afrobeats Chart, competing with songs from Davido and YG Marley.
Black Sherif also gave fans a sneak peek of some tracks from Iron Boy during a session in London, where he met Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso.
This new album follows his 2022 debut, The Villain I Never Was, which reached #12 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. That success cemented his place as one of Ghana’s top music exports, alongside stars like Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Amaarae.
On Friday evening, Elon Musk shared that he has sold his social media company, X, to his AI firm, xAI. The sale is valued at $45 billion, which is a bit more than what he originally spent on X in 2022. However, the deal also includes $12 billion in debt.
Musk announced on X that the transaction now places the company’s worth at $33 billion.
“xAI and X’s futures are intertwined,” Musk said in a post on X. “Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution and talent. This combination will unlock immense potential by blending xAI’s advanced AI capability and expertise with X’s massive reach.”
Elon Musk has not announced any immediate changes to X, though xAI’s Grok chatbot is already integrated into the platform. He stated that merging the two companies would create “smarter, more meaningful experiences” and revealed that their combined value is now $80 billion.
Since buying X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, Musk has introduced major changes, including laying off 80% of the workforce, altering the verification system, and reinstating accounts that were previously banned. These decisions led to an advertiser exodus and a significant drop in the company’s value.
Although X is now worth less than what Musk originally paid, it has regained some of its lost value. Investment firm Fidelity estimated in October that X had lost nearly 80% of its original worth, but by December, it had recovered to about 30% of its purchase price.
Musk’s sale of X to xAI comes at a time when he is facing scrutiny for his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, raising concerns about whether he is fully focused on his companies, particularly Tesla.
Additionally, Musk has been positioning himself as a key player in artificial intelligence, an area of interest for both the tech industry and the Trump administration. Earlier this year, he led a group of investors in an attempt to buy OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, for nearly $100 billion, intensifying his long-running rivalry with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman.
While it is unclear how merging X with xAI will advance Musk’s AI ambitions, the integration could help xAI introduce its latest AI models and features to a wider audience more quickly.
A significant reversal of X’s fortunes Big advertisers, who had largely abandoned X after hate speech surged on the platform and ads were seen running alongside pro-Nazi content, have begun to return. (X made several pro-Nazi accounts ineligible for ads following advertiser departures.) Amazon and Apple are both reportedly reinvesting in X campaigns again, a remarkable endorsement from two brands with mass appeal.
The brand’s stabilization helped a group of bondholders, who had been deep underwater in their investments, sell billions of dollars in their X debt holdings at 97 cents on the dollar earlier this month — albeit with exceedingly high interest rates — according to several recent reports.
Bloomberg in February reported that X was in talks to raise money that would value the company at $44 billion. It’s not clear what came of those talks and why xAI is valuing X at less than it could reportedly fetch from investors. X needs to pay down its massive debt load, which Musk on Friday said totals $12 billion.
A big part of why X’s valuation has rebounded in recent months is xAI, which X reportedly held a stake in. Last month, xAI was seeking a $75 billion valuation in a funding round, according to Bloomberg.
But the biggest factor in X’s stunning bounce-back is almost certainly Musk himself: Musk’s elevation to a special government employee under President Donald Trump has empowered the world’s richest person with large sway over the operations of the federal government, which he has rapidly sought to reshape.
Investors putting their money into X may be relying more on Elon Musk’s leadership than the company’s actual business performance. Over the past year, Musk has reshaped X into a platform that strongly supports former President Donald Trump, frequently using it to promote his campaign.
With an audience of 200 million followers, Musk has shared controversial views on immigration policies under the Biden administration and often speaks out against progressive movements, using the term “woke mind virus,” which some conservatives use to criticize liberal ideologies.
Now that Trump is back in office and Musk holds a position in the government, X has once again become a major platform for tracking and engaging with the administration. Musk has also used X to communicate updates on policy changes within his Department of Government Efficiency.
Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, released a letter dated March 2, 2023 revealing his appeal to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to suspend the auctioning of ECG and PDS consigned containers at the Tema Port.
Addressed to the Commissioner-General of the GRA, the letter requested an extension to facilitate the clearance of the consignments, citing ongoing legal disputes and negotiations with Power Distribution Services (PDS).
Mahama highlighted the termination of agreements between ECG and PDS in October 2019, stressing that unresolved obligations and disputes had contributed to the delays.
Mahama acknowledged that several containers had remained uncleared at the port, with uncertainty surrounding whether PDS had requested an extension for their clearance.
While the letter recognized the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) authority to classify the containers as overstayed cargo and auction them, he cautioned that such action could undermine ECG and the government’s legal standing in ongoing disputes with PDS.
He therefore urged the GRA to halt the auctioning process until ECG could resolve its issues with PDS and formally address the status of the uncleared consignments.
The resurfacing of this letter comes at a time when Dubik Mahama faces allegations of awarding contracts without competitive bidding, resulting in excessive procurement costs that pushed ECG’s 2023 budget overrun to GHS 7.3 billion.
Investigators also uncovered that 1,346 ECG containers, valued at $489 million, had either gone missing or been fraudulently cleared. The reemergence of Mahama’s correspondence further deepens concerns over ECG’s financial mismanagement and the unresolved fate of these consignments.
Parliament has passed the Public Procurement Authority Amendment Bill 2025, introducing a key reform that mandates written approval from Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for all government-funded procurements.
This new measure is designed to reinforce fiscal discipline and prevent expenditures that exceed approved budgetary allocations.
The amendment addresses past concerns where contracts were awarded without sufficient financial backing, resulting in accumulated arrears. By enforcing this requirement, the government aims to improve oversight and ensure that procurement decisions align with available resources.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr Ato Forson emphasised the necessity of the reform, stating: “Mr Speaker, the object of the Bill is to amend the Public Procurement Act (Act 663) to introduce a requirement for commitment authorisation to accompany all government-funded procurement.”
He underscored the importance of this change in maintaining financial discipline within public sector spending.
He further highlighted how previous procurement practices had contributed to financial challenges, explaining: “Mr Speaker, one of the critical challenges that have contributed to the accumulation of arrears is the practice of awarding contracts without ensuring the availability of funds for payment.”
“To address this, the government, as part of the 2025 Budget measures, has directed that all procurement funded by the central government must be accompanied by written authorisation from the Minister responsible for Finance.”
About the Public Procurement Authority Amendment Bill 2025
The Public Procurement Authority Amendment Bill 2025 is an important piece of legislation aimed at improving accountability and transparency in Ghana’s public procurement system. It introduces a requirement for written authorization from the Minister for Finance before government-funded contracts are awarded.
This change ensures that the contracts are financially backed and helps prevent the accumulation of arrears caused by commitments made without available funds. Additionally, the bill promotes better budgetary discipline by aligning procurement decisions with approved financial resources.
Minority in Parliament has accused the NDC government of endorsing illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, through the creation ofGoldBod—an entity tasked with regulating and purchasing gold from small-scale miners.
Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, March 28, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin denounced the initiative, labeling it a “Galamsey Board” rather than a genuine regulatory authority.
“We’re all aware of the challenges we face as a nation, specifically on galamsey, I believe that galamsey became a major issue during the elections.
“Our friends who are now in government made some promises to the nation. Today, they are the apostles who are promoting galamsey. They are using their numbers to now establish what has become known as a Galamsey Board,” he stated.
Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that instead of prioritising investments in agriculture, women’s banking, and the much-publicised 24-hour economy policy, the government is diverting GH¢4.6 billion to small-scale miners, whom he described as galamsey operators.
“If you bring an enactment and you say your focus is on small-scale mining – all of us in this country know that small-scale mining is galamsey. So the question is – is this government really ready to fight galamsey?” he questioned.
The Minority Leader also raised concerns over the government’s approach to gold purchases through GoldBod, accusing it of monopolizing the market for small-scale miners while simultaneously offering them financial support. He argued that this practice contradicts efforts to combat illegal mining.
Reaffirming the Minority’s dedication to accountability, he emphasized that their role extends beyond mere opposition, as they remain committed to ensuring that an NDC-led administration fulfills its promises to the Ghanaian people.
“We told you something that with time, the true colours of this NDC will be known. I think today, we have all seen them.
“Let us assure you – we, the mighty minority, we are assuring you that we will continue to be constructive in our criticism, we will not criticise for the sake of criticising, but we will hold their (NDC/Majority)feet to the fire,” he added.
Volta Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the deployment of 180 officers from the region as temporary personnel for the National Security Council Secretariat.
In a statement dated March 28, 2025, and signed by Acting Regional Secretary Bright Kwashie Ege, the NDC disclosed that ten individuals from each constituency in the region had been selected for the role.
Their appointments will officially take effect on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The statement emphasized that the newly appointed officers would be responsible for gathering intelligence and reporting potential threats to peace and security within their respective constituencies.
The party congratulated the selected officers and encouraged them to demonstrate competence and dedication in their roles. Additionally, plans are in place for the Volta Regional Minister to provide an orientation and necessary support to aid them in their duties.
This initiative is viewed as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security through localized intelligence gathering.
Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is set to receive further medical treatment abroad following a sudden health issue.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, March 30, 2025, officials disclosed that she fell ill after work on Friday, March 28, and was initially treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday.
Medical specialists have recommended additional care, necessitating her transfer to a facility outside the country for advanced treatment.
The statement, signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring she receives the highest standard of medical attention.
Founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor, was laid to rest on March 29, 2025.
The final funeral rites took place in her hometown, Ejuratia, in the Ashanti Region.
Politicians from all divides, traditional and religious leaders showed up in their numbers to pay their last respects.
A thanksgiving service will be held in her honour at the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Until her demise on Tuesday, October 28, 2024, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, Akua Donkor was the presidential candidate of the GFP.
She will be remembered for her efforts in championing the causes of farmers and women, as well as for being a fearless and spirited voice in Ghana’s political landscape.
Akua Donkor was a polarizing figure, earning both admiration and criticism for her firm stance on issues affecting the everyday Ghanaian.
Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has called for enhanced cybersecurity and stricter patient confidentiality measures as healthcare facilities transition to digital records.
He underscored the need to strengthen systems against cyber threats and data breaches to protect sensitive patient information.
Speaking at the hospital’s 2024 End-of-Year Performance Review Conference in Kumasi, Professor Agyare urged the government to invest in cutting-edge technology to improve Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
“I commend the government’s forward-thinking in transitioning to a paperless system. However, I urge a heightened focus on cybersecurity and patient confidentiality.
“The National Health Service in the UK recently experienced a cyberattack, and we must take proactive steps to prevent a similar breach in our system,” he cautioned.
He highlighted the hospital’s consistent improvement in patient satisfaction and reaffirmed the commitment to sustaining these gains.
He attributed this progress to the strategic use of Internally-Generated Funds, which have been invested in acquiring critical medical equipment for specialized treatments and introducing initiatives that enhance patient care.
The Ghana Navy has launched an investigation into a suspected pirate attack on the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, Mengxin 1, which took place on the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Initial reports indicate that around 5:53 PM, seven armed individuals stormed the vessel, firing warning shots that forced several crew members to seek refuge in a secure area.
The attackers remained on board for approximately three hours, during which they assembled the crew on deck and seized their mobile phones.
After the attack, the crew realized that the Captain, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer—all Chinese nationals—were missing, raising suspicions that they had been kidnapped.
Lacking mobile network coverage at sea, the crew had to navigate closer to shore before they could report the incident.
The vessel has since safely berthed at the Tema Fishing Harbour, where Marine Police and Naval Intelligence officers have begun initial investigations.
“We are treating this as a serious maritime security threat and are working closely with intelligence agencies to locate and rescue the missing crew,” said a Ghana Navy spokesperson.
The Ghana Armed Forces have informed neighboring countries about the attack through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F in Accra, in line with the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security.
This initiative seeks to strengthen regional collaboration in locating and apprehending the suspected kidnappers.
“Cross-border collaboration is essential in such cases, and we are counting on our partners to assist in finding the perpetrators,” the spokesperson added.
Efforts are currently underway to locate and rescue the kidnapped crew members, with intelligence agencies intensifying their search.
Authorities have assured the public of their commitment to combating maritime piracy and ensuring the safety of vessels operating in Ghanaian waters.
