TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • NPP to open 2028 flagbearer nominations tomorrow

    NPP to open 2028 flagbearer nominations tomorrow

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will, on Tuesday, July 29, open nominations for its 2028 flagbearer position.

    The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, known as Nana B, confirmed the date for the nominations opening during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

    “We are opening nominations on Tuesday, July 29, in line with our constitutional mandate. Every aspirant will have a full month to submit their forms. This process is not just about picking forms—it’s about demonstrating readiness to lead our great party into the future. The National Executive Committee has approved the full timetable, and we are committed to a transparent and fair process,” he said.

    This comes after the opposition party officially released its presidential primaries timetable on Friday, July 25, following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The statement informed interested candidates to pick up their forms by Tuesday. It also noted that by August 28, all forms should have been submitted, as the party is expected to move into the vetting mode by September, approximately a month after they close the flagbearer nomination. 

    “Nominations will be opened on July 29, 2025, for all persons interested in contesting for the flagbearer to pick their forms. Vetting will be conducted from September 15 to 22, and the election to choose our flagbearer will be held on January 31, 2026.”

    NEC has urged both candidates and supporters to uphold the tenets of the party to uphold peace and harmony. “All aspirants and their supporters are reminded to uphold the values of the party and refrain from divisive conduct during the campaign period.”

    The earlier-than-usual opening of nominations for the flagbearer position, according to the party, forms part of their restructuring and strategic measures taken to ensure transparency and discipline in the selection process, as well as give ample time to the flagbearer to engage members, stakeholders, and other members of the international community to set the required tone for the 2028 elections. 

    The nominations’ opening comes about six months ahead of the party’s presidential primaries, scheduled for January 31, 2026. Ahead of the 2016 general elections, the NPP opened nominations in March 2014 and held flagbearer elections on October 18, 2024, marking 25 months ahead of the elections.

    However, in 2025, they have declared nomination openings in July and a primary set for January 2026, which is about 35 months ahead of the presidential elections. According to the party’s constitution, it is required that at least six months’ notice be given ahead of the primaries.

    Meanwhile, several prominent party figures have already publicly signalled their intent to contest, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe), Bryan Acheampong (Member of Parliament for Abetifi), Kennedy Agyapong (former Member of Parliament for Assin Central), and former party General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former vice president and the NPP’s flagbearer in the 2024 election, is widely considered the frontrunner, followed by the former Assin North Member of Parliament and Kennedy Agyapong, a former contender for the flagbearer primaries. 

    The former vice president has already declared his intention to run again. His popularity among the party’s grassroots is strong, and recent endorsements have added momentum to his campaign.

    Kennedy Agyapong’s position as the strongest contender for Dr. Bawumia has been complemented by a recent survey conducted by Sanity Africa, a Pan-African civil society organisation, between April and June 2025, which showed Kennedy Agyapong leading with 51.4% delegate support, ahead of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who had 42.2%.

    Meanwhile, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has received backing from 268 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who visited him in June to pledge their support. That is a major boost, especially from party operatives who served under the previous administration.

    Ahead of the flagbearership race, Ken Agyapong has received prophecies about his victory. Prophet Bernard El-Bernard has prophesied his win.

    “In the conclusion of the vision, I will witness Kennedy Ohene Agyapong elected as the flagbearer of the party. A new movement will emerge, one that brings renewed strength, unity, and energy to the New Patriotic Party. I will marvel at how the choice of one man could revive the party and prepare it with vigor for the 2028 election,” the prophet shared on May 3, 2025.

    Ahead of the 2024 elections, he predicted that current president John Mahama would win the election by a landslide. Prophet Bernard Nelson-Eshun shared the prophecy on several occasions, but the most notable was on October 22, 2024, via a Facebook post titled “My Third Vision Concerning Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Elections.” He stated that he saw President Mahama as number 8 on the ballot paper and being declared the winner after the December 7 election.

    Following the Electoral Commission’s balloting event on September 21, 2024, President Mahama drew the number 8 slot. 

    Indeed, President Mahama won the election. John Dramani Mahama (NDC) bagged 6,328,397 valid votes, representing 56.55%, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP secured 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presently has absolute Majority in Parliament.

  • 2026 budget presentation slated for October 

    2026 budget presentation slated for October 


    The Mahama-led administration will present its 2026 budget and economic statement to Parliament in October 2025, instead of November 2025.

    Parliament would have about an additional month to debate the 2026 budget before the House goes on recess in late December. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who revealed this information, noted that the timeline for the presentation of the budget will aid thorough deliberation, allowing room for alterations before the budget comes into force from the beginning of 2026.

    “We are aiming to present the 2026 budget to Parliament by the end of October 2025. Preparations are already underway. We want to avoid the delays and uncertainties of the past. This government is committed to proper planning and transparency,” he disclosed during an appearance on a special edition of PM EXPRESS with host Evans Mensah on July 24.

    The Finance Minister explained that this should also help government programmes and initiatives to fully take off immediately from the beginning of next year. The presentation of the year ahead’s budget is per the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) of Ghana, which was passed by Parliament and assented to on August 25, 2016, and it governs how public funds are managed across all government entities.

    The Act mandates that the Finance Minister, acting on behalf of the President, lay before Parliament, not later than the 15th of November of each financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditures of the government.

    When asked about the government’s review of the 2025 budget targets, Dr Forson, without mincing words, outrightly warned that the government wants to tread cautiously. “We want to remain cautiously optimistic rather than behave that we have gotten there. We have not gotten out of the woods yet,” Dr. Forson added.

    He was, however, optimistic that Ghana would now achieve the 11.9% inflation target before the end of this year. “I am of the firm belief that by the end of the year, we will be entering single digits—for a reason. Based on the trajectory, we are now at 13.7%. The Producer Price Inflation, for example, moved from 10-point-something to 5.9% last month. And based on that, I expect that next month inflation will go down, and if it does, then I believe that by the end of December, we should be able to achieve that.” Dr Forson said.

    Concerning growth and other indicators, he insisted that the government will stick to what was announced earlier this year. “We are not changing course. The growth target, the fiscal deficit, the inflation target—all of it remains as announced in the 2025 Budget. We are sticking to it.” “The economy is responding well. We’ve seen 5.3% GDP growth in Q1, inflation is falling, and the cedi is stable. So there’s no need to revise the framework.”

    His comments come a few weeks after the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) announced the sixth consecutive reduction in the inflation rate this year so far. According to GSS, as of June, the country recorded a 13.7 percent rate, a 4.7 percent decline from the 18.4 percent rate reported in May. This is also the lowest rate recorded since February 2022. Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, following data released on July 2, noted that the reduction in rate was due to the decline in prices of foodstuffs and items.

    “The downward inflationary trend over the last 6 months provides some consistency and assurance of a real, sustained shift in prices,” Dr Alhassan said. Due to the appreciation of the cedi, the prices of goods and services have seen a relative decline. Food inflation fell by 6.5 percentage points to 16.3 percent, down from 22.8 percent in May, whereas non-food inflation dropped by 3 percentage points to 11.4 percent.

    Ghana ended the year 2024 with 23.8% inflation. In January 2025, inflation slightly declined to 23.5%. And since then, it has continued to ease. In February, inflation declined to 23.1%; it saw another decrease in March to 22.4% and declined again in April to 21.2%.

    With the 2025 macroeconomic targets being real GDP growth of at least 4.0%, non-oil real GDP growth of at least 4.8%, an end-year inflation rate of 11.9%, a primary balance on a commitment basis at a surplus of 1.5% of GDP, and gross international reserves covering not less than three months of imports, the Finance Minister noted that “the first half of 2025 has demonstrated the government’s commitment to recovery.”

    He noted that the government does not intend to just run the economy but to make the necessary changes and effect lasting growth. “This government did not come to simply manage the decline. We came to reverse it and reset our country. The signs of recovery are obvious, evident, noticeable, visible, tangible and being felt” he noted.

    The minister’s appearance on JoyNews was after he had presented the 2025 Midyear Budget Review on the floor of Parliament earlier on July 24. The presentation of the budget is by Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to inform the country on its economic performance and fiscal strategy halfway through the year.

    The Ghana cedi, the minister noted, had seen a remarkable appreciation against major trading currencies worldwide over the past six months. During the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review on July 24, the Minister revealed that the cedi has recorded a remarkable turnaround in the first six months of 2025, appreciating by 42.6% against the US dollar. 

    Dr Forson described the cedi’s performance as “impressive” and the first of its kind in the history of Ghana’s economy. The cedi, which was initially always experiencing depreciation, is currently showing resilience against the dollar. He noted that the cedi, which was previously trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US dollar, had strengthened to GH¢10.4 as of July 23.

    “Mr. Speaker, the cedi’s performance in the first half of this year has been impressive! The Ghana cedi experienced significant appreciation against all major trading currencies in the first six months of 2025. I am happy to inform the House that our precious cedi, which once upon a time was trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US dollar, was trading at about GH¢10.4 as of yesterday, 23rd July, 2025,” he revealed.

    In high spirits, the minister adopted the catchphrase from Ghanaian highlife musician King Paluta’s energetic party anthem “For the Popping (Apicki),” released on December 27, 2024, and said, “This level of appreciation of the Ghana cedi has never happened in the history of our nation. Ghanafo, cedi no apicki! Apicki apicki apicki!”

    He continued that the strength of the cedi has not appreciated against just the US dollar but against the British pound as well. The cedi also gained 30.3% against the British pound and 25.6% against the euro during the same period. This marks a sharp contrast to the same period in 2024, when the cedi depreciated by 18.6% against the dollar, 17.9% against the pound, and 16.0% against the euro.

    “Similarly, the cedi, which was once trading at GH¢21.0 to the Great British Pound, was trading at about GH¢14.1 as of yesterday, 23rd July, 2025. Mr. Speaker, as of end-June 2025, the cedi appreciated by 42.6% against the US dollar, 30.3% against the British pound, and 25.6% against the euro,” he added.

    With these gains over the past few months, Dr Cassiel stated that all the losses in the previous years had been reversed. “Mr. Speaker, I repeat, so far, we have almost reversed all the cedi depreciation in 2022, 2023, and 2024,” he mentioned.  

  • You will forever be remembered in our party’s history – NPP mourns Daddy Lumba

    You will forever be remembered in our party’s history – NPP mourns Daddy Lumba

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has shared a compassionate and commiseratory message with the family and friends of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba.

    In a statement dated July 26, the opposition party praised the legend for his stunning and unforgettable contributions to the highlife genre in Ghana and beyond which “without a shred of doubt, have touched countless people”.

    This message comes after the passing of the 60-year-old singer in the morning of Saturday, July 26, at the Bank hospital in Accra following a short illness, as announced by the family through their lawyer.

    “Daddy Lumba, celebrated for his distinctive voice and timeless melodies, has long stood as a symbol of cultural pride. Through his music, he masterfully told stories of love, hope, and resilience, creating a legacy that continues to resonate across generations” the opening parts of the statement read.

    It continued that “His exceptional ability to connect with people from all walks of life was a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft”.

    Acknowledging the impact of the highlife legend’s contribution to the party’s history, citing the iconic song “Nana Ye Winner” campaign song, Lumba released for the NPP during their 2008, 2012, and 2016 election campaigns, they noted that the powerful lyrics and rythm of the song was even regarded by their political opponents.

    “For us in the New Patriotic Party, his melodious contribution to our campaigns in 2008. 2012. and 2016, through the famous “Nana Ye Winner track in its original and remix versions, remains deeply etched in the political history of our tradition and the country. The power and inspiration behind those songs were acknowledged even by our political opponents” parts of the statement read.

    According to NPP Lumba’s “melodious contribution remains deeply etched in the political history of our tradition and the country,” the statement said.

    The NPP went further to express their condolence to all grieveing parties following the passing of the musician.

    “We mourn this great loss together with his family, friends, and the millions of fans who found joy, comfort, and meaning in his music. In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with all who are grieving, and we pray for strength and peace for his loved ones” the statement added.

    The party stated that Daddy Lumba’s influence will endure, inspiring future generations of artists and music lovers.

    “In the years to come, Daddy Lumba will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to music but also for his role in uplifting and uniting the Ghanaian spirit. His influence will endure and continue to inspire future generations of artists and music lovers.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans as we honour the life and legacy of this distinguished music star.

    “May his soul rest in perfect peace until the last day of resurrection. Amen!” the Secretary Justin Kodua ended.

    Lumba’s death has sent shocking waves all across Ghana and the world at large.Several tributes have poured in for him.From people he’d trained, politicians and political parties, other musicians as well as mediapersonalities like GhOne’s Serwaa Amihere who appeared to be very close to the highlife legend and his family.

    Among those that have paid their respect to the musician is the president Mahama who took to his official X (formerly Twitter) platform to express his condolence to the family, highlighting Lumba’s unmatched contribution to the Ghanaian music industry’s growth.

    “I have learnt with deep sorrow the passing of Ghanaian music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba. Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life,” President Mahama wrote, capturing the collective grief of a nation.

    He continued, “The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages. On behalf of the Government of Ghana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss.”

    The news of Daddy Lumba’s passing hit the world in the early hours of Saturday. Initially, when news of his passing emerged, a journalist of Hitz FM, Andy Dosty, came to deny it, noting that Daddy Lumba was alive. However, barely three hours later, Daddy Lumba (DL) FM released an official statement signed by the legend’s lawyer, confirming his demise.

    A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family later confirmed that the music veteran passed on July 26, after a short illness.

    He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.

    The statement reads: “With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness.”

    Daddy Lumba was born 60 years ago to Mr. Johnson Kwadwo Fosuh and Madam Comfort Gyamfi, also known as Ama Saah, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Both of his parents were teachers, and he was the second of three siblings.

    His educational journey began in Nsuta Kyebi, and he completed junior high school at Suame Methodist, Kumasi in 1979. Subsequently, he attended Adu Gyamfi Senior High School in Jamasi, but later transferred to Juaben Senior High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1984.

    Daddy Lumba’s music career took off in the early 80s when he formed the Nkwanta Wesley Singers, gaining fame at the Anokye Krom Cultural Center.

    During his time at Juaben Senior High School, he led the school choir and composed the song “Lumba Lumba,” dedicated to the freedom fighters in South Africa. This song’s popularity earned him the nickname “Daddy Lumba,” which later became his stage name. He also formed the Lumba Brothers band during his school days, which included his girlfriend at the time, Theresa.

    After completing school, Daddy Lumba, with the help of his high school sweetheart Theresa Abebrese, traveled to Germany. There, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, and they formed another Lumba Brothers group, recording their debut album, “Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom,” in 1986. Financial constraints delayed the album’s release until 1989, and eventually, the duo split.

    Daddy Lumba then launched his solo career and released his debut solo album, “Obi Ate Meso Buo,” in 1990. The album received immense popularity and critical acclaim, featuring classics like the title track and “Theresa,” dedicated to his ex-lover. He has since released 33 albums, including notable ones like “Sika Asem,” “Aben Wo Ha,” “Wo Ho Kyere,” “Awosoo,” “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Ahenfo Kyiniye.” His latest project, “Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo,” was released in December 2022, reuniting him with longtime collaborator Kweku Mensah.

    In addition to his own success, Daddy Lumba is renowned for nurturing the careers of budding artists who went on to become legends in their own right.

    Some of these artists include Felix Owusu, for whom he produced the debut album “Vida” in 1992, Afia Ampofowaa, Kwabena Sunkwa, Ofori Amponsah with the “Wo Ho Kyere” album in 1999, Selina Orleans, Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Borax, Ateaa Tina, and many others.

    His contributions to Ghanaian music and the support he provided to upcoming talents have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the country’s music industry.

    With his passion, talent, and dedication to the craft, Daddy Lumba continues to be a role model for aspiring musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the rich musical landscape of Ghana.

    Daddy Lumba’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of Highlife music as a cultural heritage.

    Highlife, indigenous to Ghana, has evolved over the decades, reflecting the nation’s social, political, and economic landscapes.

    Artists like Daddy Lumba played a pivotal role in modernising the genre, ensuring its relevance and appeal across generations.

    He was just two months away from celebrating his 61st birthday following the grand celebration he had last year, which saw the appearances of many notable personalities.

    “The celebration of his 60th birthday took place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, with a grand event held at Bayview Village, near Atomic Junction in Accra. This marked his first-ever public birthday celebration, which he described as deeply emotional and spiritually significant.”

    Also, his protégés including Ofori Amponsah, Kofi Nti, and Borax were present.

    Media personalities such as Serwaa Amihere, Nana Ama McBrown, Okyeame Kwame, Empress Gifty, Ras Kuuku, gospel stars like Selina Boateng and Daughters of Glorious Jesus, AJ Poundz, Abena Pokuaa Ahwenee, and Kojo Kinn, as well as Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari, and others from the creative arts scene, all made an appearance at the legend’s birthday party.

    Before he performed his last song for the night that day, he rebuffed allegations against his wife, which suggested she had poisoned him.

    He thanked one Mr. Twum and his Agric teacher for being there for him when he wasn’t feeling well.

    “Many accuse my wife, Akosua Serwa, of poisoning me. My wife will not do that. I had a spine surgery. It was Mama Acheampong who took me to the hospital, and Nana Twum paid all my bills. I am grateful to you all.”

  • You provided the soundtrack to our lives – President Mahama mourns Daddy Lumba

    You provided the soundtrack to our lives – President Mahama mourns Daddy Lumba

    President John Dramani Mahama has shared a heartfelt message following the death of Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba. The legend passed on yesterday, July 26, after a short illness.

    The news came as a shock to Ghanaians and even the international community, given the legend’s influence over the years.

    In a heartfelt X post today, July 27, President Mahama expressed sorrow and declared that Daddy Lumba’s “unmatched musical genius” would resonate for generations to come.

    “I have learnt with deep sorrow the passing of Ghanaian music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba. Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life,” President Mahama wrote, capturing the collective grief of a nation.

    He continued, “The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages. On behalf of the Government of Ghana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss.”

    This sentiment expressed by the president captures the deep emotions and connection many Ghanaians had with his music, which highlighted everyday life experiences with unparalleled artistry.

    The news of Daddy Lumba’s passing hit the world in the early hours of Saturday. Initially, when news of his passing emerged, a journalist of Hitz FM, Andy Dosty, came to deny it, noting that Daddy Lumba was alive. However, barely three hours later, Daddy Lumba (DL) FM released an official statement signed by the legend’s lawyer, confirming his demise.

    A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family confirmed that the music veteran passed on July 26, after a short illness.

    He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.

    The statement reads: “With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness.”

    “Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience.”

    The bereaved family has respectfully requested privacy as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.

    Daddy Lumba was born 60 years ago to Mr. Johnson Kwadwo Fosuh and Madam Comfort Gyamfi, also known as Ama Saah, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Both of his parents were teachers, and he was the second of three siblings.

    His educational journey began in Nsuta Kyebi, and he completed junior high school at Suame Methodist, Kumasi in 1979. Subsequently, he attended Adu Gyamfi Senior High School in Jamasi, but later transferred to Juaben Senior High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1984.

    Daddy Lumba’s music career took off in the early 80s when he formed the Nkwanta Wesley Singers, gaining fame at the Anokye Krom Cultural Center.

    During his time at Juaben Senior High School, he led the school choir and composed the song “Lumba Lumba,” dedicated to the freedom fighters in South Africa. This song’s popularity earned him the nickname “Daddy Lumba,” which later became his stage name. He also formed the Lumba Brothers band during his school days, which included his girlfriend at the time, Theresa.

    After completing school, Daddy Lumba, with the help of his high school sweetheart Theresa Abebrese, traveled to Germany. There, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, and they formed another Lumba Brothers group, recording their debut album, “Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom,” in 1986. Financial constraints delayed the album’s release until 1989, and eventually, the duo split.

    Daddy Lumba then launched his solo career and released his debut solo album, “Obi Ate Meso Buo,” in 1990. The album received immense popularity and critical acclaim, featuring classics like the title track and “Theresa,” dedicated to his ex-lover. He has since released 33 albums, including notable ones like “Sika Asem,” “Aben Wo Ha,” “Wo Ho Kyere,” “Awosoo,” “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Ahenfo Kyiniye.” His latest project, “Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo,” was released in December 2022, reuniting him with longtime collaborator Kweku Mensah.

    In addition to his own success, Daddy Lumba is renowned for nurturing the careers of budding artists who went on to become legends in their own right.

    Some of these artists include Felix Owusu, for whom he produced the debut album “Vida” in 1992, Afia Ampofowaa, Kwabena Sunkwa, Ofori Amponsah with the “Wo Ho Kyere” album in 1999, Selina Orleans, Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Borax, Ateaa Tina, and many others.

    His contributions to Ghanaian music and the support he provided to upcoming talents have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the country’s music industry.

    With his passion, talent, and dedication to the craft, Daddy Lumba continues to be a role model for aspiring musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the rich musical landscape of Ghana.

    Daddy Lumba’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of Highlife music as a cultural heritage.

    Highlife, indigenous to Ghana, has evolved over the decades, reflecting the nation’s social, political, and economic landscapes.

    Artists like Daddy Lumba played a pivotal role in modernising the genre, ensuring its relevance and appeal across generations.

    He was just two months away from celebrating his 61st birthday following the grand celebration he had last year, which saw the appearances of many notable personalities.

    “The celebration of his 60th birthday took place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, with a grand event held at Bayview Village, near Atomic Junction in Accra. This marked his first-ever public birthday celebration, which he described as deeply emotional and spiritually significant.”

    Also, his protégés including Ofori Amponsah, Kofi Nti, and Borax were present.

    Media personalities such as Serwaa Amihere, Nana Ama McBrown, Okyeame Kwame, Empress Gifty, Ras Kuuku, gospel stars like Selina Boateng and Daughters of Glorious Jesus, AJ Poundz, Abena Pokuaa Ahwenee, and Kojo Kinn, as well as Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari, and others from the creative arts scene, all made an appearance at the legend’s birthday party.

    Before he performed his last song for the night that day, he rebuffed allegations against his wife, which suggested she had poisoned him.

    He thanked Mr. Twum and his Agric teacher for being there for him when he wasn’t feeling well.

    “Many accuse my wife, Akosua Serwa, of poisoning me. My wife will not do that. I had a spine surgery. It was Mama Acheampong who took me to the hospital, and Nana Twum paid all my bills. I am grateful to you all.”

  • Medikal confirms romantic relationship with Eazzy, announces marriage soon

    Medikal confirms romantic relationship with Eazzy, announces marriage soon

    Ghanaian rapper Medikal has confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship with singer Eazzy.

    His confirmation ends months of swirling rumours and fan speculation following their being seen together at different locations and times in suggesting they are love birds.

    In recent times, the pair have been spotted enjoying cosy moments together, from club appearances to intimate car rides, to posing for seeming loved up couple pictures, sparking rumours of a budding romance.

    During a live interview on Hitz FM with host Andy Dosty on the morning of Thursday, July 24.

    During the interview on Hitz FM, Andy Dosty asked Medikal what was going on between himself and Eazzy as they have been seen together a lot of times lately.

    Medikal in response quizzed,

    “Eazzy First Lady?That’s my woman”. Andy probed further for explanation as to what Medikal meant by “my woman” and he responded by singing “My woman, my everything / My woman oh oh, I go fit buy you anything” , a hit song by Patoranking, featuring Wande Coal.

    “She’s my girlfriend now… my babe, my rib” adding that he is going to marry her a grand wedding soon.

    “Will I marry her? Yes. Hard. Very, very soon. Definitely. I don’t know how to hide things. I’m open with my life… I hope she will be my last stop. I don’t believe in polygamy,” he said.

    Andy Dosty further went on to ask Medikal why he hadn’t collaborated musically with Eazzy, especially since he had done so with his previous partners like Fella Makafui and Sister Deborah.

    He intends to take a different turn with Eazzy unlike he did with his former partners like Fella Makafui and Sister Derby whom he featured in songs.He explained that, though he loves to involve his partners in his business or what he does, this time around he would like to do things differently.

    He however confirmed they both have projects together but that is not the focus currently, but what matters is how “they feel about each other”. According to the ‘Omo Ada’ hitmaker, he is not one who hides his relationships hence once he starts making romantic post or other things on his social media platforms, people can easily make meanings out of them.

    Recounting how they met, Medikal revealed that, it all started on Instagram. Where he initiated contact, after which she eventually said yes.

    While some fans have raised questions about the timeline of their relationship, especially in light of his recent divorce from actress Fella Makafui, Medikal declined to comment on whether his romance with Eazzy began before his marriage ended.

    Meanwhile, Medikal denied asertions that, his love life revolves around people in the industry given his previous relationships with celebrtities like his former wife and actress, Fella Makafui and singer and model Sister Deborah. He said, his career exposes him to such people adding that, he has been in relationships with people who were not in the entertainment industry.

    It would be recalled that, Medikal tied the knot with his girlfriend Fella in a beautiful and simople ceremony in March 2020. The ceremony held at Odekye Gardens in East Legon saw the appearances of friends and family including celebrities like Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale and singer Sista Afia.

    The couple announced the welcome of their daughter, Island Frimpong and celebrated their one year anniversary in 2021.

    Before the wedding in 2020, Medikal drove with Shatta Wale to go and plead for a second chance with Fella after a fallout which nearly caused their seperation.

    Shatta Wale after speaking with Fella, went on his knees to drive home his pleas. “I dey beg give Medikal,” the singer was heard saying.

    A supposed fan who was present at the scene also kneelt down saying, if Shatta Wale is kneeling down then it is prudent they all have to follow suit. This gesture earned him a $100 note from his idol.

    The dancehall artist apology came days after Medikal went public to apologise to fella to forgive him and to accept his apology.

    “Somebody tell Fella I’m sorry, I know say people go bore me but I still go fight for love, Chuck Norris I still love you, you’re my baby,” Medikal had said in his new song El Chapo.

    In a previous video that surfaced in an earlier week, the AMG crew went visited Fella’s wine shop but were sent away by the Yolo Actress.

    However, barely 5 years into the marriage, they announced their separation in March 2024 revealing that they’d be co-parenting.

    The two had a tumultuos start, as the ex of Medikal, Sister Derby used to throw subtle jabs at Fella suggesting she was a man snatcher

    Sister Derby did release a song called “Talk to Your Boyfriend” featuring Enam, where she seemingly took shots at Fella Makafui. Some of the lyrics include:

     “Na wo nim s3 he dey plus me / Nanso you want minus me / Then we get plus multiply, But you take adwenfi come divide

     “Match wei wo one outcome p3 / Ebi b3 y3 wo ama w’aka how come p33 / Otwea, koo kyea meko / Kakalika love spray, m’ato”.

    Her song suggested that, Fella knew very well Medikal was with her but she mischieviously caused a divide.She then went on to warn her to expect a betrayal from Medikal, just as he had done with her, he will do same with her saying, “the match they are playing has just a single outcome, Fella will be served the same pill she was served and she’d wonder and say how come”? she sang in Twi.

    Fella Makafui also released a song called “Over” where she jabbed Sister Derby, with lyrics like, “If it’s yours, come collect”.

    Meanwhile, Medikal’s recent song ‘Shoulder’ featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap is making waves in Ghana and beyond with a catchy dance style.

    It has gained momentum on leading platforms like YouTube Ghana, Audiomack, and Spotify, with fans praising the chemistry and top-shelf visuals by Yaw Skyface.

    However, he was threathened with a lawsuit by DJ Azonto for infriengement after use “Ala Woyo” in his track.

    According to Azonto, he owns the catchphrase and Medikal is supposed to pay him for adopting it.

    He released a statement with a tall list of unrealsitic demands including three Rolls Royce, a diplomatic pastor for his mother among other benefits for his three daughters.

    Medikal in reaction to this, took to his social media platform, X and wrote “Killa ntua” a popular phrase which suggests he has nothing to give him.

  • He needs immediate therapy, he is not okay – Shatta Wale’s on musician’s state after death prophecy

    He needs immediate therapy, he is not okay – Shatta Wale’s on musician’s state after death prophecy

    Dancehall artist, Shatta Wale’s management have confirmed that the dancehall is indeed traumatised following a death prophecy shared by Reverend Daniel Yaw Donkoh who is a pastor of the City of Wisdom Centre in Ghana.

    In a video shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, July 22, he was seen sharing how he received two visions about the musician’s fate.

    In the first vision, Shatta Wale was attacked by armed men but managed to escape and later thanked God on social media. In the second vision, the prophet said three gunmen ambushed Shatta Wale and fatally shot him.

    This prophecy according to Shatta Wale has traumatised him speaking about the emotional toll and stress it has had on him.

    Taking to his social media page on Thursday, July 24, the ‘Gringo’ hitmaker expressed his anguish in a short but powerful Facebook post, written in white text on a black background he wrote, “I am traumatised.”

    His emotional distress, a disruption of his peace of mind, has prompted immediate calls from his management for psychological support and therapy.

    Shatta Wale’s management team, through Sammy Flex, his immediate past manager and current Public Relations Officer (PRO), announced on social media through a statement on Friday, July 25, and interviews with local media outlets.

    The post read, “Shatta Wale is really traumatised… and it’s worrying to the whole management team. Remedy and therapy needed immediately for him. On God.”

    This is not the first time Shatta Wale has received a death prophecy. In October 2021, a Ghanaian pastor named Jesus Ahuofe born Bishop Stephen Kwesi Appiah gave a prophecy that Shatta Wale would be shot and killed on October 18, 2021 — the same day as the late Tupac Shakur’s birthday.

    In response, Shatta and his team announced on social media that, the dancehall artist had been attacked and shot by unknown gunmen on the evening of October 18, and was receiving treatment.

    His aide as at the time,Nana Dope,shared updates of his staged attack on social media, fueling the hoax.

    The news spread rapidly, causing panic nationwide particularly among his fanbase.

    After police launched an investigation, it was revealed that Shatta Wale had staged the incident to draw attention to the prophecy.

    Shatta Wale was then arrested and charged with publication of false news and causing fear and panic

    He was remanded in custody and later fined GH₵2,000 or faced a 3-month jail term.

    The prophet, Jesus Ahuofe, was also arrested and detained briefly.

    Death prophecies in Ghana, particularly among celebrities is nothing new.Popular musicians such as Sarkodie, Wendy Shay, Stonbwoy among others have received prophecies from different men of God in the past years.

    In 2018, Ghanaian rapper and legend, Prophet Cosmos Walker Affrangave a death prophecy about him saying he will die in a car crash hence urged him to pray. Though he didn’t reply, fans and netizens slammed the pastor calling the prophecy as fear-mongering.

    Ebony Reigns (Priscilla Opoku-Kwarteng) also met an untimely death after she was involved in a car crash on the Sunyani road in February 2018.This was after Prophet Nigel Gaisie, widely called Eagle Prophet prophesied in late 2017 that the dancehall artist will die in a car crash.

    He wasn’t the only pastor that had predicted her death.Several others including rev Owusu Bempah, Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, issued a prophecy that, a “great musician” will die soon. Another prophecy about Ebony’s death which was met with heavy backlash was one from Prophet Agyei Agyeman Fredua of Rafa Ministries posted on Facebook in 2017 that “God will soon strike Ebony down.”

    Wendy Shay was also prophesied to by Jesus Ahocfe in 2020 that if she doesn’t give her life to Christ, she will be kidnapped and killed for money rituals.

    “Tell Wendy Shay that if she does not give her life to God, before December, some people will kidnap her to acquire powers. Spiritually, I see her being kidnapped and placed in a small room for 21 days and crying, after which she will be sacrificed. Wendy Shay, this is a bad year for her—tell her.”
    Wendy in response visited the pastor’s church and stated that “God’s grace and favour can exceed common sense.”

    She explained that while many fans urged her to ignore the prophecy and rely on logic, she believed that divine intervention could go beyond human reasoning. Wendy added:

    “God reveals to redeem.”

    Stonebwoy also received a prophecy from Nigel Gaisie about an impending spiritual attack urging him to pray.

    The ‘Jejereje’ singer did not respond publicly however netizens did with some questioning the authenticity of the prophecy.

    Former IGP Dampare following the rife in doom prophecies and predictions from pastors, issue a directive in banning public declaration of doom prophecies in December 2021. This was to deal with rise in death prophecies which was causing fear and panic, especially during 31st December watchnight services.

    Since then, the police have reiterated and enforced the directive annually, with December 27th now recognized as “Prophecy Communication Compliance Day”.

    Meanwhile, Shatta Wale has tipped Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie born Michael Owusu Addo, as the ‘Greatest of All Time (GOAT) of all time in the rap industry.

    Naming Medikal as his favourite Ghanaian rapper, the ‘Gringo’ hitmaker also acknowledged Sarkodie’s consistency and longevity, which he said have cemented the rapper’s influence and dominance in Ghana’s entertainment industry.

    “My favourite rapper is Medikal. His music is for Gen Z, but if we are talking about the best of all time, I would give it to Sarkodie,” Shatta Wale stated, he revealed during an interview with U.S.-based Ghanaian fashion critic Firestick, which was published on June 25.

    He believes Medikal can take over Sarkodie’s reign if the ‘yes Sir’ hitmaker decides to resign from doing rap music in Ghana.

    According to him, many of the new generation rappers copy Medikal’s style and energy.

    “Medikal will be able to succeed Sarkodie hands down. What Medikal does is what most of the boys learn. The way Medikal raps is how plenty of the boys also rap. It’s just that we don’t speak the truth here,” he said.

  • Shatta Wale says he is traumatised after death prophecy

    Shatta Wale says he is traumatised after death prophecy

    Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale has spoken out about the emotional toll a death prophecy has had on him.

    He said he is traumatised. Taking to his social media page on Thursday, July 24, the ‘Gringo’ hitmaker expressed his anguish in a short but powerful Facebook post, written in white text on a black background, he wrote, “I am traumatised.”

    His post comes as a reaction to a death prophecy shared by Reverend Daniel Yaw Donkoh’s just two days before his response.

    Reverend Daniel Yaw Donkoh is a pastor of the City of Wisdom Centre in Ghana. In a video shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, July 22, he was seen sharing how he received two visions about the musician’s fate.

    In the first vision, Shatta Wale was attacked by armed men but managed to escape and later thanked God on social media. In the second vision, the prophet said three gunmen ambushed Shatta Wale and fatally shot him.

    Just a day after of the Reverend’s prophecy went viral, Shatta Wale took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, July 23.

    Without mincing words, he accused the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare for his supporting and promoting of these doom prophecies by pastors.

    He called on the Ghana Police Service to arrest the man of God within a week or be ready to see him take matters in his own hands. He disclaimed that he plans not to be violent in his response to the prophets doom prophecy but said it would be “a lesson to this country”.

    “Men of God indeed. This is what Dampare supported, and it escalated. Ghana Police, if you don’t arrest this man within 1 week, nobody should blame me for what I am capable of doing—and it won’t be violence but a lesson to this country.”

    He also criticized Ghanaian pastors for exploiting religion for personal gain, writing:

    “Self-acclaimed men of which god, I don’t know, keep brainwashing people looking for trends just to cash out from innocent souls… Deh play with Shatta Wale, and one day I will show you all the power I have spiritually. Lazy men!!!”

    In a swift response, the Reverend was arrested on July 26.

    Meanwhile, Shatta Wale’s management has confirmed the dancehall artist’s emotional distress, a disruption of his peace of mind which has prompted immediate calls for psychological support and therapy.

    Shatta Wale’s management team, through Sammy Flex, his immediate past manager and current Public Relations Officer (PRO), announced on social media through a statement on Friday, July 25, and interviews with local media outlets.

    The post read, “Shatta Wale is really traumatised… and it’s worrying to the whole management team. Remedy and therapy needed immediately for him. On God.”

    This is not the first time Shatta Wale has received a death prophecy. In October 2021, a Ghanaian pastor named Jesus Ahuofe, born Bishop Stephen Kwesi Appiah, gave a prophecy that Shatta Wale would be shot and killed on October 18, 2021 — the same day as the late Tupac Shakur’s birthday.

    In response, Shatta and his team announced on social media that, the dancehall artist had been attacked and shot by unknown gunmen on the evening of October 18, and was receiving treatment.

    His aide as at the time,Nana Dope,shared updates of his staged attack on social media, fueling the hoax.

    The news spread rapidly, causing panic nationwide particularly among his fanbase.

    After police launched an investigation, it was revealed that Shatta Wale had staged the incident to draw attention to the prophecy.

    Shatta Wale was then arrested and charged with publication of false news and causing fear and panic

    He was remanded in custody and later fined GH₵2,000 or faced a 3-month jail term.

    The prophet, Jesus Ahuofe, was also arrested and detained briefly.

    Death prophecies in Ghana, particularly among celebrities, are nothing new. Popular musicians such as Sarkodie, Wendy Shay, Stonebwoy, among others, have received prophecies from different men of God in the past years.

    In 2018, Ghanaian rapper and legend, Prophet Cosmos Walker Affrangave a death prophecy about him, saying he would die in a car crash, hence urged him to pray. Though he didn’t reply, fans and netizens slammed the pastor, calling the prophecy fear-mongering.

    Ebony Reigns (Priscilla Opoku-Kwarteng) also met an untimely death after she was involved in a car crash on the Sunyani road in February 2018. This was after Prophet Nigel Gaisie, widely called Eagle Prophet, prophesied in late 2017 that the dancehall artist would die in a car crash.

    He wasn’t the only pastor who had predicted her death. Several others, including Rev Owusu Bempah, Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, issued a prophecy that a “great musician” will die soon. Another prophecy about Ebony’s death, which was met with heavy backlash, was one from Prophet Agyei Agyeman Fredua of Rafa Ministries posted on Facebook in 2017 that “God will soon strike Ebony down.”

    Wendy Shay was also prophesied to by Jesus Ahocfe in 2020 that if she doesn’t give her life to Christ, she will be kidnapped and killed for money rituals.

    “Tell Wendy Shay that if she does not give her life to God before December, some people will kidnap her to acquire powers. Spiritually, I see her being kidnapped and placed in a small room for 21 days and crying, after which she will be sacrificed. Wendy Shay, this is a bad year for her—tell her.”
    Wendy, in response, visited the pastor’s church and stated that “God’s grace and favour can exceed common sense.”

    She explained that while many fans urged her to ignore the prophecy and rely on logic, she believed that divine intervention could go beyond human reasoning. Wendy added: “God reveals to redeem.”

    Stonebwoy also received a prophecy from Nigel Gaisie about an impending spiritual attack urging him to pray.

    The ‘Jejereje’ singer did not respond publicly however netizens did with some questioning the authenticity of the prophecy.

    Former IGP Dampare, following the rise in doom prophecies and predictions from pastors, issued a directive banning public declarations of doom prophecies in December 2021. This was to deal with the rise in death prophecies, which was causing fear and panic, especially during the 31st December watchnight services.

    Since then, the police have reiterated and enforced the directive annually, with December 27th now recognised as “Prophecy Communication Compliance Day”.

  • Singing is easier – Camidoh on why he switched from rap

    Singing is easier – Camidoh on why he switched from rap

    Ghanaian Afro-Fusion artist, Camidoh, born Raphael Kofi Attachie, has shared the story behind his transition from rapping to singing.

    Camidoh had been rapping from 2008 to 2017—almost a decade of lyrical grind—until he decided to switch lanes in December 2017.

    Sharing the reasons behind the switch, Camidoh, during an interview on Hitz FM, the Sugarcane hitmaker explained that the rap scene became too demanding for him as an independent artist.

    Efforts to make hit songs as an independent artist without the support of a record label that will take charge of production, promotion, among others, weren’t easy, Camidoh said.

    “I just felt that rap became a lot of work for me because, as time went on, I had to be reading a lot. I had to be doing so much work because the bar is always being raised. So that was a lot of work for me

    “It’s not like we had big labels that were signing us, and when you are signed, everything else is done for you. It’s like, bro, we are hustling for ground up, so there is no time for luxury,” he said.

    Unlike rap, Camidoh said singing comes easily. Rap often demands ‘bars’ mostly to impress, but when it comes to singing, he can sing and also produce independently.

    “I am not here to say I am writing raps to catch up. I can do this one. I can produce and I can sing. And the singing comes to me easily,” he said.

    The former member of the Belce group added that now “I cannot freestyle a rap, but I can freestyle singing.”

    Camidoh began his musical journey with the intention to project the Volta culture to the world in collaboration with a friend called KD Bakes, whose real name is Wisdom Rudge Dela. They formed a group called Belce.

    The duo was first signed to Myco Music in December 2008, shortly after they began collaborating at Bishop Herman College in the Volta Region.

    After working with Myco for about eight years, they were later signed by 3FS Productions, a UK-based record label, in April 2016, after impressing the team with a live performance at the Mercedes-Benz African Fashion Festival. They remained with 3FS until December 24, 2017, when the group split and Camidoh took his path career-wise.

    Before their signing in 2016, Belce released their debut song Richlove, in 2015.

    The first song released by Camidoh right after his separation from Belce, “For My Lover”, which dropped in December 2018.

    Later, in April 2016, they were signed by 3FS Productions, a UK-based record label, after impressing the team with a live performance at the Mercedes-Benz African Fashion Festival. They remained with 3FS until December 24, 2017, when the group split and Camidoh launched his solo career.

    Camidoh kept the momentum, releasing about 8 songs, including an EP. The EP was just him with no features from other artists. However, he had a few songs featuring artists like Kelvyn Boy, Kwesi Arthur and Eugy.

    Camidoh released ‘The Best’ featuring Kelvyn Boy in 2019, marking one of his early collaborations that helped him gain traction. In 2020, he dropped ‘Maria’ as part of his Contingency Plan EP, a project that showcased his vulnerability and songwriting depth. That same year, he also released ‘Dance With You’ featuring Kwesi Arthur, which quickly gained popularity on YouTube and expanded his fan base.

    ‘Mama (Nana Refix), a heartfelt reinterpretation of Peruzzi’s original, came out in 2019 and highlighted Camidoh’s ability to infuse emotion into covers. ‘Available’ featuring Eugy was released in April 2021 and became a smooth Afropop anthem that resonated across streaming platforms. ‘Find Me and Yawa’, both from the Contingency Plan EP, were released in 2020 and reflected Camidoh’s introspective side, blending soulful melodies with honest lyrics.

    Subsequently, Camidoh’s breakthrough came in 2021 after he released his hit song ‘Sugarcane’ on November 19 that year. The song, produced by Phantom, became a massive success across Africa and beyond, especially after the remix featuring King Promise, Mayorkun, and Darkoo dropped in April 2022.

    In 2023, he released his debut album L.I.T.A (“Love Is The Answer”), a 15-track project that blended Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. The album featured collaborations with Stonebwoy, King Promise, Mayorkun, Kwesi Arthur, and Eugy, and explored themes of love, resilience, and growth.

    That same year, he earned a BET Awards nomination for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act, placing him alongside global stars like Asake and Libianca. He also performed in Portugal and hinted at a surprise collaboration with Snoop Dogg, which had already been filmed by late 2023.

    2024 appeared to be a challenging year for Camidoh. He suffered a broken heart after his fallout in a relationship he said he built his life around. It took a great toll on him emotionally, so he had to see a therapist as part of his recovery.

    The emotional journey, as painful as it could be, however, inspired some of his hit songs like “Nothing Lasts Forever (Breakfast)”, “NFL (No Fake Love)”, which were released in June 2024.

  • ‘Too Late’ is frustration turned into music – Wendy Shay on story behind song

    ‘Too Late’ is frustration turned into music – Wendy Shay on story behind song

    Ghanaian female artiste, Wendy Shay, has shared how her recent hit song, “Too Late,” came about.

    She had gotten to a time in her life where everything seemed to be frustrating. One of the fuels behind that frustrating stage of her life was the drama that unfolded after the release of her rendition of “Vivian,” the popular Cameroonian song that made waves recently.

    It became a beloved anthem in Cameroon and even in the global community, where Ghana was no exception, known for its emotional lyrics about heartbreak and betrayal.

    Speaking during an interview on 3Music TV on Tuesday, July 22, Wendy revealed that before she was able to use the ‘Vivian’ sound for he rendition, her team and she reached out to the originator of the “Vivian” song – Prince Aimé, to seek licensing to be able to use it.

    Prince stated his price, quite huge, Wendy said, but didn’t disclose the amount, which they paid.

    Soon after, another self-acclaimed owner of the song by name Waxy Kay, claiming ownership of the song instead, made fresh demands from Wendy, which she paid as well.

    Thinking all dust had settled, Wedy continued that, for the second time, Waxy Kay reached out again to demand more money, after discovering the song was doing well, which is likely to translate into monetary value.
    She said Waxy Kay was threatening to remove the song from all streaming platforms if they failed to meet his demands.

    All these situations coming together, she decided to pour out her frustrations into a new project.

    However, the song, for some unknown reason, didn’t do as well as she expected.

    ‘Too Late’ broke the internet between the first and second half of 2025 after a young girl named Tracy Shay danced to it in a viral TikTok video. That moment catapulted the song into mainstream success, leading to over 18.7 billion views and 21 million TikTok creations within just 90 days.

    To show her appreciation following Tracy’s dance to the song, she adopted her and promised to see her through school from her current grade (5) to the university. She also paid a surprise visit to Ridoana School Complex, where the young fans’ school is in Ashaiman.

    Wendy Shay added that Tracy has been nothing but a blessing since their paths crossed and she’s particularly grateful “this child came into my life as a blessing and to show gratitude to God, to the universe, whatever connected us, I just need to do something for her in return.”

    Wendy Shay released the song on November 7, 2024. The song was produced by MOG Beatz and distributed under Rufftown Records.

    Wendy hasn’t been kind only towards Tracy, but also to her father and her siblings.

    Following her visit to Tracy’s school on April 9, she paid a visit to her god-daughter’s father at his furniture shop on Friday, May 9, 2025. She gifted him a white envelope containing an undisclosed amount of cash, and the emotional moment was captured in a video shared by Tracy on Instagram.

    Excited, he lifted it into the air and offered praise to God while showering Wendy Shay with gratitude. But the day did not end there.

    Wendy Shay treated Tracy and her three younger siblings to lunch, where they enjoyed an assortment of gourmet dishes.

    Taking to Instagram, Tracy wrote, “@wendyshayofficial came to visit my father’s shop and also took my siblings and I out for lunch 🍕🍹🥳🥰,”.

    Shay has consistently been expressing gratitude to Tracy for making her song go viral.

    Speaking on Hitz FM on April 11, 2025, Wendy described the teenager as a blessing to her music career.

    “She has really been a blessing. That video changed everything,” Wendy said.

    “People can say whatever they want, but the fact is that video helped me. The song is now playing in over 50 countries,” she explained.

    Wendy noted that although Tracy’s video garnered some backlash, the exposure the song received proved to be valuable.

    “I realised that the song she was dancing to is Too Late, which I released three months ago. And the video caught my attention and has shed light and brought so much attention to my song.

    Right now, it is chatting in over 50 countries, which is mind-blowing. I was overwhelmed. I am so grateful to God and the little girl. She is a blessing to me,” she added.

    Meanwhile, hanaians are quick to associate any physical body change with artificial procedures, stressing that several African women are originally endowed with big buttocks.

    “So y’all want to tell me before BBL Africans didn’t have a natural shape like mine? What’s with this BBL tag… Is it because I have gained at the right places? Y’all should get a life and stop being naive. What you are seeing is 100% natural and it is not my fault y’all didn’t realise it earlier because of the Bullying when I stepped in the game.”

    “I’ve got it since! Clearly, humans will always have something to say. It’s either your booty is too big, too small, or too fake. Mind your business! Africa, Wake Up!” Wendy Shay wrote.

    Months ago, the singer called on Ghanaians to change the way they are quick to associate negativity with even genuine situations.

    Wendy also advised ladies to cultivate the habit of acknowledging, appreciating, and supporting their partners who are working hard to succeed or improve their lives.

    “Before the day ends, I want to tell my ladies that if you are with a guy who is trying and grinding soo hard to build something or make ends meet, encourage them and don’t leave them and chase a wealthy man because their money is not your money,” she wrote on X.

    Her message was shared to mark Father’s Day, which was observed on June 15.

    “On this Father’s Day, I want to celebrate the good men out there who are also grinding and going out of their way to make it happen for their women. We appreciate you, and we pray you reap the fruit of your labour,” she added.

    Last year, Wendy Shay opened up about the heartbreak that inspired her hit song ‘Survivor’.

  • Full list of roads to be upgraded, constructed, and rehabilitated across 166 constituencies

    Full list of roads to be upgraded, constructed, and rehabilitated across 166 constituencies

    Major roads across the country are set to see a facelift, and others are to be newly constructed, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced.

    He revealed this during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 24.

    He mentioned that the government has identified and targeted specific road networks that are in “dire need of road infrastructure”.

    “Mr. Speaker, the Mahama administration has identified 166 constituencies in dire need of road infrastructure,” he said.

    Dr. Forson said the government had programmed the rehabilitation of 10 kilometres of roads annually in each of the selected constituencies over the next three years.

    “In response, we have programmed to rehabilitate 10km of roads annually in each of these constituencies,” he told Parliament.

    According to the finance minister, this initiative will see a total of 5,000 kilometres of roads reconstructed across the 166 constituencies by 2028.

    “This translates to approximately 5,000 kilometres of roads to be constructed in these 166 constituencies over the next three years. Simply put, over the next three years, we will build 5,000 kilometres of road in these critical areas.”

    He gave a long list of the roads that will be built and those that will be rehabilitated.

    1 Construction of a new bridge on the Oti River at Dambai
    2 Rehabilitation of Wa–Han Road
    3 Upgrading of Tumu–Hamile Road
    4 Upgrading of Tumu – Han – Lawra Road
    5 Reconstruction of the Navrongo–Tumu Road
    6 Rehabilitation of Techiman – Nkonsia – Wenchi Road
    7 Rehabilitation of Wenchi – Sawla Road
    8 Construction of Sungani Outer Ring Road
    9 Construction of Kumasi Outer Ring Road (Eastern Quadrant)
    10 Rehabilitation of Gibitri – Nakpanduri Road
    11 Rehabilitation of Dodo Pepesu – Nkwanta Road
    12 Rehabilitation of Atimpoku – Asikuma Junction Road
    13 Rehabilitation of Asikuma Junction – Anyirawasi Road
    14 Reconstruction of Anyirawasi – Ho Titrinu Road
    15 Upgrading of Akosombo–Gyakiti–Kudikope Road
    16 Upgrading of Asikuma to Anum Boso–Kpalime Road
    17 Upgrading of Adomi Bridge to Akwamufie Road
    18 Rehabilitation of Ho–Kpetoe Road
    19 Rehabilitation of Kpetoe – Afiadenyigba Road
    20 Rehabilitation of Afiadenyigba – Penyi Road
    21 Rehabilitation of Penyi – Aflao Road
    22 Dualisation of Winneba – Mankessim Road
    23 Dualisation of Cape Coast – Takoradi Road
    24 Rehabilitation of Mankessim – Ajumako – Breman Asikuma – Agona Swedru Road
    25 Rehabilitation of Tema – Aflao Road (Section 1)
    26 Reconstruction of Dodowa – Afienya – Dawhenya Road
    27 Upgrading of Ojubji – Appolonia – Afienya Road
    28 Construction of Enchi – Elubo Road
    29 Construction of Dadieso – Akomtomra Road
    30 Upgrading of Adwofua – Oseiokjokrom Road
    31 Upgrading of Enchi – Kudjouru – Pekyi Road
    32 Upgrading of Bediako Junction – Camp 15 – Sefwi Adabokrom Road

    Despite the government’s commitment to fixing roads, contractors are heavily owed by the state.

    Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza revealed earlier this month that the government owes road contractors GH¢21 billion.

    According to him, the government will settle GH¢4 billion out of the large debt owed to road contractors, the Roads Minister revealed on Tuesday, July 8, during a press conference where he provided updates on the many road projects in the country.

    “On record, we are intending to pay some GH¢4 billion towards retiring part of the 21 billion from this month. I have no doubt that will be on record to be one of the biggest payments at a particular time to make sure that we are serious about clearing the debt, and then also making provision to start the new work we are talking about,” Kwame Governs Agbodza said.

    President John Dramani Mahama, during a meeting with members of the Council of State at the Presidency on Monday, July 7, announced the government’s decision to begin paying debts owed to road contractors within this month.

    This, he said, would help revive road construction projects that have been abandoned. “The Ministry of Finance has made dedicated financial allocations to address a substantial portion of the outstanding debts. We expect this to bring much-needed relief to the contractors and help accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure,” the President stated.

    President Mahama emphasised his government’s commitment to infrastructure development under his administration’s 24-hour economy agenda. On his part, prioritising road construction and the swift resumption of stalled road projects holds the key to promoting economic growth and productivity by ensuring adequate regional connectivity.

    The announcement has been met with excitement and optimism by many stakeholders in the construction sector. The Ghana Institute of Engineers and the Association of Road Contractors have largely welcomed the president’s announcement, but they have called for transparency.

    They have called on the government to publish clear timelines and payment schedules to ensure that contractors can plan and mobilise resources effectively.

    The Roads and Highways Minister announced that the government will settle GHC4 billion out of the large debt owed to road contractors.

    “On record, we are intending to pay some GH¢4 billion towards retiring part of the 21 billion from this month. I have no doubt that will be on record to be one of the biggest payments at a particular time to make sure that we are serious about clearing the debt, and then also making provision to start the new work we are talking about,” Kwame Governs Agbodza said.

    He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the Afram Plains, with a major infrastructure plan that includes a 3.6-kilometre bridge over the River Afram and an estimated 100 kilometres of road network across key communities.

    The initiative forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s ambitious “Big Push” infrastructure agenda, designed to drive inclusive growth, reduce rural poverty, and strengthen Ghana’s agricultural value chain.

    Among the roads under consideration are routes connecting Mpraeso – Obomeng – Nkawkaw, Abooso – Mpaem, Mpaem – Kwahu – Adawso, and Feyiase – Kwahu Tafo. Other priority roads include Ekye Amanfrom – Takoratwene, Takoratwene – Dome, Takoratwene – Donkorkrom, and Donkorkrom – New Kyeiase.

    On Monday, April 28, the Minister for Roads and Highways led a team of engineers to survey the proposed bridge site and inspect strategic roads across the Eastern Region.

    During a media interaction in Donkorkrom after the tour, the Minister reiterated the President’s determination to transform the Afram Plains into a hub for agribusiness and investment.

    “The bridge when completed will connect Eastern, Ashanti and OTI regions in a very strategic way. It will open up the place for big time agriculture and investment in agro-processing,” Hon. Agbodza said.

  • Free Primary Healthcare Policy to begin in September – Health Minister

    Free Primary Healthcare Policy to begin in September – Health Minister

    Ghanaians, particularly the aged and vulnerable, will be eased of the burden of healthcare costs as the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) is poised to kick off in the next two months.

    The Free Primary Healthcare Policy is Ghana’s bold initiative to ensure that every resident, especially vulnerable populations, can access essential health services without paying out-of-pocket at the point of care. The government is poised to officially roll out the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative on September 1, 2025. This forms part of the key steps adopted towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

    The start date for the program implementation was announced by the Health Minister Kwabena Mintah during the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra on Friday, July 18.

    “We are fully committed to making free primary health care a reality for every Ghanaian, breaking down barriers to essential services. The MahamaCares initiative is no longer just a promise—it is a lifeline growing stronger every day. Beginning September 1, 2025, we will roll out the Free Primary Healthcare Policy to ensure that every Ghanaian—especially the aged and vulnerable—can access essential health services without paying out-of-pocket.”

    Mr Akandoh highlighted the government’s dedication to removing all barriers limiting Ghanaians’ access to essential, basic healthcare services. He emphasized that “the MahamaCares initiative is no longer just a promise—it is a lifeline growing stronger every day.”

    “We are fully committed to making free primary health care a reality for every Ghanaian, breaking down barriers to essential services.” Ahead of ensuring the timely roll-out of the programme, Mr Akandoh revealed that discussions and deliberations are currently underway to finalise the implementation framework and address any logistical or financial concerns. 

    “We are engaging with relevant stakeholders to design, finalise, implement, and monitor the programme. Looking ahead, this initiative has the potential to transform primary healthcare access in Ghana, ensuring that quality services are delivered equitably and sustainably across all communities,” he continued.

    In a related development, Senior Director in charge of special initiatives at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), who serves as the FPHC focal person, Dr. Anthony Gingong, pledged his outfit’s commitment to support the successful rollout and sustainability of the FPHC at a Technical Committee meeting held in Accra yesterday, Thursday, July 24.

    “We are fully committed to supporting the successful rollout and long-term sustainability of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy. Our technical teams are working tirelessly to ensure that every Ghanaian can access essential health services without financial barriers,” he expressed.

    He threw light on the respective eight specialized subcommittees set up to shape Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy framework. The committees include the Service Package and Delivery Models, Community Engagement and Communication, Financing and Sustainability, Strategic Purchasing and Health System Efficiency, Human Resources and Capacity Building, Governance, Accountability, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Digital Health, Data, and Performance Monitoring, and Pharmaceutical Value Chain and Supplies.

    These committees have been tasked to ensure that the policy is technically sound, community-driven, financially sustainable, and legally enforceable. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, NHIA, Ghana Health Service, WHO, and other partners to finalise implementation strategies ahead of the September 1 rollout.

    The high-level meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Results for Development (R4D).

    Dr. Chris Atim, Senior Technical Advisor to the Chief Executive of the NHIA, underscored the need for alignment on the principles and modules underpinning the policy. “Today is about learning the delivery mechanisms for free primary healthcare because there is a need for alignment for us. We need alignment on the principles and the modules itself on what it contains and what we are going to roll out come 1st September 2025,” he said, noting that all services at the CHPS level will be free under the policy.

    He added that setting up primary care networks across the country would be a priority. Dr. Koku Awoonor, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health, said the meeting’s outcome would shape a blueprint to guide the national rollout.

    “The outcome of this meeting is going to guide the technical committee to be able to come out with a pathway for which Free Primary Healthcare will follow. There are a lot of communities that are deprived and disadvantaged, and they need health services,” he stressed.

    He also emphasised the importance of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in strengthening service delivery at the frontline. During her presentation, Elizabeth Hammah, Associate Director of the Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator project at R4D, explained that the original intent of primary care networks was to support health financing reforms that enable CHPS facilities to function effectively.

    “Primary Care Networks bring facilities together so that they can deliver a broader package of services with a shared, patient-focused system of delivery,” she noted.

    PCNs were set up as pilot programs between 2017 and 2019 in the Volta Region and later launched officially in 2023, with implementation research launched to evaluate their rollout across 34 districts nationwide. Mr. Robert Adatsi, former Head of Clinical Services at the Volta Regional Directorate of GHS, outlined a phased approach to forming Primary Care Networks.

    “Phase one is sensitization—adequately informing healthcare providers, managers, and staff about the reasons and potential benefits the network will bring,” he said. Dr. Alphonse Makafui Dzakpasu, Acting Director for Clinical Services of GHS in Ho, recounted the improvements seen under primary care networks.

    “There were challenges such as a poor referral system and unhealthy competition among health workers. The networks have helped to improve referral systems and overall healthcare delivery,” he explained. In her closing remarks, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Acting Deputy Director General of GHS, called for a stronger focus on preventive and promotive care.

  • Cedi appreciated by 42.6% against the dollar in first half of 2025 – Finance Minister

    Cedi appreciated by 42.6% against the dollar in first half of 2025 – Finance Minister

    The Ghana cedi has seen a remarkable appreciation against major trading currencies worldwide over the past six months.

    During the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review yesterday, July 24, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, revealed that the cedi has recorded a remarkable turnaround in the first six months of 2025, appreciating by 42.6% against the US dollar. 

    Dr Forson described the cedi’s performance as “impressive” and the first of its kind in the history of Ghana’s economy. The cedi, which was initially always experiencing depreciation, is currently showing resilience against the dollar. He noted that the cedi, which was previously trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US dollar, had strengthened to GH¢10.4 as of July 23.

    “Mr. Speaker, the cedi’s performance in the first half of this year has been impressive! The Ghana cedi experienced significant appreciation against all major trading currencies in the first six months of 2025. I am happy to inform the House that our precious cedi, which once upon a time was trading at about GH¢17.0 to the US dollar, was trading at about GH¢10.4 as of yesterday, 23rd July, 2025,” he revealed.

    In high spirits, the minister adopted the catchphrase from Ghanaian highlife musician King Paluta’s energetic party anthem “For the Popping (Apicki),” released on December 27, 2024, and said, “This level of appreciation of the Ghana cedi has never happened in the history of our nation. Ghanafo, cedi no apicki! Apicki apicki apicki!”

    He continued that the strength of the cedi has not appreciated against just the US dollar but against the British pound as well. The cedi also gained 30.3% against the British pound and 25.6% against the euro during the same period. This marks a sharp contrast to the same period in 2024, when the cedi depreciated by 18.6% against the dollar, 17.9% against the pound, and 16.0% against the euro.

    “Similarly, the cedi, which was once trading at GH¢21.0 to the Great British Pound, was trading at about GH¢14.1 as of yesterday, 23rd July, 2025. Mr. Speaker, as of end-June 2025, the cedi appreciated by 42.6% against the US dollar, 30.3% against the British pound, and 25.6% against the euro,” he added.

    With these gains over the past few months, Dr Cassiel stated that all the losses in the previous years had been reversed. “Mr. Speaker, I repeat, so far, we have almost reversed all the cedi depreciation in 2022, 2023, and 2024,” he mentioned.  

    The cedi’s appreciation, the minister continued, can be attributed to the government’s strategic economic policies and programmes, including strong fiscal consolidation, tight monetary policy, improved external sector balances, renewed investor confidence, positive market sentiments, recent credit rating upgrades, and the successful completion of the IMF programme’s fourth review.

    He said, “Mr. Speaker, these gains are largely due to strong fiscal consolidation, tight monetary policy, improved external sector balances, renewed investor confidence, positive market sentiments, credit rating upgrades, and successfully securing staff-level agreement and subsequent Board approval on the 4th Review of the IMF programme.”

    The current status of the cedi is proof of a growing economy whose foundations are being stabilized. “The cedi’s rebound signals that Ghana’s economic foundations are once again beginning to firm up.”

    To maintain the cedi’s appreciation, Dr Ato Forson recommended, “Sustaining this stability will require continued fiscal discipline, supportive monetary policy, strong liquidity sterilisation, robust reserve accumulation supported by activities of the GoldBod and the credible implementation of structural reforms.”

    In a related development, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama also highlighted the cedi’s appreciation during the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting held on Tuesday, 15th July, at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme “Sustaining Forex Gains: Business and Economic Impact.”

    Delivering his keynote address, the Governor stated, “the Ghanaian Cedi has appreciated by over 42% year-to-date as of June 2025, reversing nearly all the losses incurred in 2022 and 2023,” stressing that the rising cedi must go beyond numbers and lead to real change.

    The Governor further noted that Ghana’s gross international reserves now stand at US$11.1 billion, representing 4.8 months of import cover, up from US$8.98 billion at the end of 2024. He added that the country recorded a trade surplus of US$4.14 billion in the first four months of 2025, driven by export growth of over 60%, mainly from gold, cocoa, and oil.

    According to him, the current account surplus also saw significant improvement, reaching US$2.12 billion in Q1 2025, compared to just US$66 million during the same period in 2024. Dr. Asiama noted that remittance inflows remain resilient, and Ghana’s IMF-supported programme has successfully passed all reviews. These achievements, he said, have contributed to a sovereign credit rating upgrade by S&P Global Ratings from Selective Default to CCC+.

    He emphasised that these outcomes “represent more than just statistical improvement. They are a restoration of macroeconomic credibility, the kind that markets, investors, and citizens respond to with confidence.” Following the cedi appreciation, Fitch Ratings officially upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from ‘Restricted Default’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook on Monday, June 16, 2025.

    Fitch credited the upgrade to the country’s successful restructuring of $13.1 billion in Eurobond debt, steady fiscal consolidation, and the country’s improving macroeconomic outlook. The agency also highlighted falling inflation, a strengthening cedi, and a rebound in investor confidence as key indicators of Ghana’s economic turnaround.

    The Fitch report also forecasts real GDP growth of 4% in 2025, supported by a recovery in agriculture, expansion in industry, and strong performance in the services sector. Ghana’s economic reform efforts have received a major boost with Fitch’s rating—an assertion confirmed by President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Casiel Ato Forson.

    According to the Finance Ministry, the upgrade is an endorsement of the decisive fiscal and debt management measures led by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson described the upgrade as a significant milestone and a vote of confidence in Ghana’s future:

    “I assure you—this is only the beginning. We are unwavering in our resolve to fully revive the economy and deliver lasting relief and shared prosperity to you, the good people of Ghana.”

  • Finance Minister presents 2025 mid-year budget review today

    Finance Minister presents 2025 mid-year budget review today

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to deliver to Parliament the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review today, Thursday, July 24.

    This is in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to inform the country on its economic performance and fiscal strategy halfway through the year.

    The delivery of the budget by the Finance Minister was announced by Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan during the presentation of the Business Statement on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 11.

    “The mid-year again will happen on the 24th of July. I think the committee is on the selection issue. Right Honourable Speaker has been engaging with it. He is out of the jurisdiction, and so when he comes back, I am sure he will get it sorted out,” he said on the floor of the House.

    The minister’s update is expected to include a detailed assessment of government expenditure since the start of the year (January–date).

    This would include updates on revenue generation, spending, debt servicing, policy direction, and fiscal policies and decisions so far. 

    It will also outline any proposed amendments or adjustments to fiscal plans in light of current economic conditions.

    It would also address the country’s macroeconomic performance, including issues such as inflation status, exchange rate stability, and progress on structural reforms.

    As part of his delivery, the sector minister is expected to officially inform Parliament about the government’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and current arrangements with bilateral creditors.

    Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has confirmed the receipt of $367 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), credited to its account on Tuesday, July 9. 

    This forms part of the fifth disbursement under the IMF’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility programme, which Ghana entered into in May 2023.

    This comes after the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 7 completed the fourth review of the US$3 billion, 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, which was approved by the Board in May 2023.

    Following the Executive Board discussion on Ghana, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:

    “The authorities are strongly committed to restoring fiscal discipline and addressing the structural weaknesses that led to the slippages. This should be supported by continued efforts to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation and streamline non-priority expenditure while creating space for development priorities and enhanced social safety nets.”

    This brings Ghana’s total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$2.3 billion. Ghana received its first disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the $3 billion Extended Credit Facility on Friday, May 19, 2023.

    Ghana’s growth in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 was higher than expected, reflecting robust activity in the mining, agricultural, ICT, manufacturing, and construction sectors.

    Ghana’s economy grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, higher than the 4.9% recorded during the same period in 2024.

    According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), growth was driven by strong performance in the services sector and a rebound in the agricultural sector over the period.

    However, the industry sector recorded a slow growth of 3.4% as a result of low activities and slow growth in the oil and gas sector. 

    Under the incumbent government, the country has observed a continuous decline in inflation from over 20% to 13.7% as of June 2025.

    Peasant farmers have made calls for a 50% allocation of funds allocated for the Big Push infrastructure initiative to the agricultural sector ahead of the mid-year budget review.

    They argue that prioritising agriculture—one of the government’s core policy objectives—could be a transformative move, driving economic growth and job creation.

    The farmers highlighted the Feed Ghana Programme, which aims to boost food production, supply raw materials to agro-processing industries, and create employment opportunities, particularly for the country’s growing youth population.

    The initiative includes plans to establish farmer service centres nationwide, offering mechanisation support, quality inputs, financing, market access, and training.

    In a related development, the Finance Minister, Forson, after the budget presentation on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, promised Ghanaians that the 2025 budget is not a paper of unrealistic possibilities but is designed to prioritise their concerns and improve their livelihoods.

    Speaking in Parliament during the conclusion of discussions on the Budget Statement, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeing its proposals fully executed.

    “This budget reflects our determination to put the people first, and we will ensure its successful execution for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” he stated.

    He emphasized that the document is not just a collection of economic projections but a strategic framework aimed at addressing the challenges citizens face.

    “This budget is not just figures on paper; it is a comprehensive plan to address the real concerns of Ghanaians. We have listened, and we are responding with practical solutions,” he added.

    Dr. Forson acknowledged Ghana’s persistent economic difficulties and stressed that resolving them requires a methodical and sustainable approach.

    “The problems of this country did not arise overnight, but we have begun the process of resolving them systematically and sustainably,” he noted.

    He urged Ghanaians to support the government’s plans, highlighting that the budget is a crucial step toward long-term economic stability and national progress.

    He received applause for the removal of some controversial taxes, such as the e-levy, betting tax, which was a major concern for the youth, as many young males argued that, erstwhile government left many unemployed and decided to charge them for the income they were earning without government’s intervention.

    Consequently, social media was buzzing with hashtags like #AbanPapaAba trended on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), with youth and traders celebrating what they saw as a pro-poor budget.

    Also, following engagements with market women, particularly at Makola, they praised the Finance Minister for its grassroots approach, showing a commitment to listening to everyday citizens.

    Despite the loud applause, the Minority slammed the government for hypocrisy, claiming some tax removals were misleading as the Betting Tax had never been implemented.

    Some economists also questioned the sustainability of the tax cuts, asking how it would affect fiscal discipline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About ECOWAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About the National Cathedral project 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    licence data onto the Minerals Commission’s system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About GAVI and Ghana’s relations with the alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jack Grealish is currently training alone despite his return to Manchester City.

    In early June, he was omitted from the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup after being informed by the club that he could leave.

    According to reports, his exit was by mutual agreement, signalling that a summer exit was being prepared.

    Since then, Grealish has been training individually while awaiting a transfer, with interest from clubs like West Ham, Napoli, and Everton.

    Despite interest from multiple clubs, he remains at the Etihad while a deal is explored.

    According to sources, the club seeks a permanent sale of but it’s reported that a more realistic option remains a loan spell, given Grealish’s wages and valuation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Swansea announce Snoop Dogg as new co-owner and investor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Snoop, on the other hand said,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Wolves honour Diogo with Hall of Fame induction

    Wolves honour Diogo with Hall of Fame induction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    He ended with a congratulatory message to his daugher.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Story of Ananzo: From washing bay to popular music promoter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Davido jokingly tagged Black Sherif and wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Producer Price Inflation drops to 5.9% in June – GSS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Edem appointed Brand Ambassador for Safer Digital Ghana Campaign

    Edem appointed Brand Ambassador for Safer Digital Ghana Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Henderson, reacting to this, stated that,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • MUSIGA to honour Fameye for exceptional contribution to highlife

    MUSIGA to honour Fameye for exceptional contribution to highlife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Some catchphrases in the song include:

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

    These lines send direct jabs at Medikal and Shatta Wale.

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

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

    It continues with:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    This was reported by the IMF in its July 2025 Country Report, which shared details with the country’s Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility, along with assessments of Ghana’s banking sector, fiscal performance, and debt sustainability.

    “…a few banks (including one state-owned) are materially behind on their recapitalisation schedule due to slow progress against shareholder capital commitments, higher NPLs, and/or delayed booking of credit impairments and required provisioning identified under the BoG’s 2023 asset quality assessments” parts of the report revealed.

    Recapitalisation requirements refer to the minimum amount of money (capital) that a bank is required to have to stay financially strong and stable to avert a collapse despite incurring losses.

    The report also noted that banks that are currently still struggling with recapitalisation requirements are under intensified monitoring by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and are subject to corrective measures aimed at accelerating their recapitalisation plans to achieve a CAR of 13% by the end of March 2025.

    “Parliamentary approval and implementation of the World Bank-funded segment of the GFSF could help some banks achieve CAR targets by end-2025, provided that they secure capital injections sufficient to reach capital levels eligible for access,” the Fund projected.

    The IMF further emphasized that “stepped-up efforts to improve the crisis management and resolution framework, enhance financial-sector safety nets, and address legacy issues at the specialised deposit-taking institutions are also important.”

    According to the reports, about 13 banks that faced capital deficits after the implementation of the  Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) by the erstwhile government have now met their requirements, with some even exceeding their recapitalization requirements as of the end of 2024.

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

    It also says these banks are likely to reach the required safety level of 13% (called the Capital Adequacy Ratio, or CAR) on their own—without needing extra help—by the end of 2025.

    “The Bank of Ghana has implemented risk containment measures to support banking system stability. It appropriately intensified monitoring and escalated measures at weak, undercapitalised banks to promote timely recapitalisation. The Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), established in August 2023, has provided targeted support to banks, contributing to improved profitability and recapitalisation progress,” the report noted.

    The IMF stated that the government is working to support the struggling banks as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s financial stability.

    “The authorities have taken intensified actions to address undercapitalised banks. Looking ahead, further strengthening financial sector stability requires fully implementing the plan to strengthen NIB, finalising the reform strategy to support state-owned banks’ viability and sustainability, and developing contingency plans to address weak banks that fail to recapitalise,” the report stated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    GALOP: Govt announces $117.1 million allocation to basic schools 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About the conference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Mahama scraps fuel allowances for all political appointees

    Mahama scraps fuel allowances for all political appointees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How the theft happened

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

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

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

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

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

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

    It is unclear whether the stolen items have been recovered.

    The BBC has contacted a representative for Beyoncé for comment.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • FIFA snubbed FIFPRO from meeting on player welfare – Sources

    FIFA snubbed FIFPRO from meeting on player welfare – Sources

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

    This is according to sources, as reported by ESPN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • YouTube’s new monetisation policy takes effect tomorrow

    YouTube’s new monetisation policy takes effect tomorrow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What YouTube considers repetitive content

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

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

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

    Eligibility Requirements

    Below are the specifications:

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

    Uncertainty Around Enforcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Trump stayed for some time before later exiting with Infantino.

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

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

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

    “I was a bit confused, yes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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