Shatta Wale’s management has announced that the dancehall star will no longer be performing at the highly anticipated 2025 Nima Salahfest.
The event is set to take place on March 31.
In a statement explaining the change, his management said the decision was due to a misunderstanding between the event’s original organisers, VIP, and the new planners, Broadway Entertainment.
“This decision comes as a result of a misunderstanding between the usual organizers of the event (VIP) and the new organizers of Broadway Entertainment.
The brand Shatta Wale, a strong advocate for unity and peace within the entertainment industry, has chosen to step back from this event to ensure harmony and togetherness between all parties involved and hopes the impasse will be resolved in the near future.”
The Nima Sallahfest has long been recognised as a staple event in Accra’s entertainment calendar, drawing thousands of music lovers and industry stakeholders each year during the Eid celebrations.
The presence of Shatta Wale was expected to be a major highlight of the event.
“We at Shatta Movement Empire remain committed to his fans and the growth of Ghana’s entertainment scene and therefore we believe that resolving conflicts amicably is key to fostering a stronger industry for future events.
Management appreciates the love and support of his fans and assures them of bigger and better shows in the future.”
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has surprised fans with a brand-new look, swapping his signature thick hair for a neat lowcut.
His fresh hairstyle caught the attention of dancehall star Shatta Wale at an event, where he appeared visibly puzzled by the change.
In a viral video, Shatta Wale was seen staring at Sarkodie in surprise as the rapper seemingly explained his new style.
Sarkodie, who previously rocked thick hair with a fade on the sides, has now opted for a much shorter cut. His new hairstyle features lightly trimmed hair in the middle, a subtle fade on the sides, and a curved line in the corner. He has also shaved off his signature goatee, keeping only a small mustache.
Both musicians showed up to the event dressed in black, with Shatta Wale completing his outfit with a cap.
While the haircut itself has sparked reactions, many social media users were even more surprised to see the two artists together in a friendly manner, considering their history of conflicts.
Sarkodie and Shatta Wale have had a rocky relationship over the years. In 2018, Sarkodie responded to Shatta Wale’s criticism with a diss track titled My Advice, in which he strongly called out the dancehall star.
After releasing the diss track, Sarkodie distanced himself from Shatta Wale, later explaining that he found the dancehall artist’s social media comments disrespectful. He said that as a friend, he would have preferred private conversations instead of public criticism.
Shatta Wale, however, insisted that their rivalry was all part of the entertainment industry.
He repeatedly claimed that Sarkodie should not take their exchanges personally, as the back-and-forth actually benefits them both.
At one point, Shatta Wale even accused Sarkodie of being a hypocrite. This happened after the rapper congratulated him on his collaboration with Beyoncé, with Shatta Wale suggesting that the praise was not genuine.
Ghanaian singer KiDi has reached a major milestone on Boomplay, surpassing 100 million streams and earning a place in the platform’s exclusive Golden Club.
This achievement makes him one of the few Ghanaian artists to reach this level.
To mark the occasion, KiDi shared a video on social media, proudly showing off the black and gold plaque he received from Boomplay. His post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments to congratulate him.
Many praised his talent and expressed their love for his music, while others eagerly looked forward to his next project.
With this accomplishment, KiDi joins fellow Ghanaian artists Black Sherif and King Promise, who have also crossed the 100 million streams mark on Boomplay.
Black Sherif was the first to hit this milestone, thanks to hits like Kwaku The Traveller and Second Sermon, while King Promise followed soon after, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most-streamed musicians.
Boomplay’s Golden Club honors artists who achieve remarkable streaming success on the platform. Other African stars in this category include Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Diamond Platnumz, and Omah Lay.
KiDi’s success comes as he prepares to release his highly anticipated album, Where Do We Go From Here, in 2025.
The album was originally set for release last year but faced delays. In a recent interview, he assured fans that the wait would be worth it, promising exciting collaborations and top-tier production.
See how some netizens reacted to the news :
slinky_dl commented:
"Where Do we Go from Here?? Only Lord Kidi knows.😭"
iamnaijabobo said:
"S for Shuga & D for Daddy 😍you deserve it and more, let’s gooo."
nanaagyemangll said:
"I’m just obsessed with you 😢🔥🔥… I’ll definitely invite you to sing during my wedding day.. in 2030. It’s a prophecy, trust me."
glitteratieent commented:
"We dey wait for giveaway oooooooo ...Bossu something small for the boys ....Congratulations to my faveeeeeeeee."
noellefrancesca said:
"We are ready!!! 🔥 congratulations sugar."
babatundeolawale001 commented:
"@kidimusic congratulations 🎉 to us family 🙏🥳 one love brother."
Highlife icon Paulina Oduro has addressed recent claims that she said Kofi Kinaata is “bigger” than the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).
During an interview on ShowBiz Today on Empire 102.7 FM, she clarified that her words had been misinterpreted. She urged bloggers and media outlets to report her statements accurately.
“Oh, Chaley! I think these bloggers should get their facts right,” she stated. “What I actually said was that it’s not a big deal.
“Kofi is loved all over Ghana; he’s a big artiste and should not be worried about whether he’s nominated or not.
“TGMA has been around for a long time; Kofi can never be bigger than that show. But as an artiste, he is big!”
The confusion started when Kofi Kinaata was unexpectedly not included in the Artiste of the Year category for the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), even though his Kofi oo Kofi EP earned him several nominations.
Fans were disappointed and expressed their frustration online. In an attempt to encourage Kinaata, Paulina Oduro’s words were misquoted by some blogs, sparking criticism.
She has now cleared the air, stating that while Kinaata is a highly respected artist, the TGMA remains a significant platform in Ghana’s music industry. She hopes this clarification will settle the issue.
Ghanaian musicianBlack Sherif has revealed the official tracklist for his new album, Iron Boy, which is set to be released on April 3, 2025. The album includes 15 songs, with only two collaborations featuring Nigerian artistes Fireboy DML and Seyi Vibez.
Black Sherif shared the tracklist on Instagram, sparking excitement among fans who have eagerly awaited the project. Some of the songs on the album include The Victory Song, Top of the Morning, Sacrifice, Rebel Music, and the title track, Iron Boy.
The announcement comes after he unveiled the album’s cover art and an official teaser, which featured a dark, mysterious theme. In the trailer, Black Sherif appeared dressed as an alien, adding to the anticipation.
Before releasing the tracklist, the artiste had already dropped two singles. His first song of 2025, Lord I’m Amazed, was released on January 9, coinciding with his 23rd birthday.
The track performed well on the UK Afrobeats Chart, competing with songs from Davido and YG Marley.
Black Sherif also gave fans a sneak peek of some tracks from Iron Boy during a session in London, where he met Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso.
This new album follows his 2022 debut, The Villain I Never Was, which reached #12 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. That success cemented his place as one of Ghana’s top music exports, alongside stars like Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Amaarae.
On Friday evening, Elon Musk shared that he has sold his social media company, X, to his AI firm, xAI. The sale is valued at $45 billion, which is a bit more than what he originally spent on X in 2022. However, the deal also includes $12 billion in debt.
Musk announced on X that the transaction now places the company’s worth at $33 billion.
“xAI and X’s futures are intertwined,” Musk said in a post on X. “Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution and talent. This combination will unlock immense potential by blending xAI’s advanced AI capability and expertise with X’s massive reach.”
Elon Musk has not announced any immediate changes to X, though xAI’s Grok chatbot is already integrated into the platform. He stated that merging the two companies would create “smarter, more meaningful experiences” and revealed that their combined value is now $80 billion.
Since buying X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, Musk has introduced major changes, including laying off 80% of the workforce, altering the verification system, and reinstating accounts that were previously banned. These decisions led to an advertiser exodus and a significant drop in the company’s value.
Although X is now worth less than what Musk originally paid, it has regained some of its lost value. Investment firm Fidelity estimated in October that X had lost nearly 80% of its original worth, but by December, it had recovered to about 30% of its purchase price.
Musk’s sale of X to xAI comes at a time when he is facing scrutiny for his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, raising concerns about whether he is fully focused on his companies, particularly Tesla.
Additionally, Musk has been positioning himself as a key player in artificial intelligence, an area of interest for both the tech industry and the Trump administration. Earlier this year, he led a group of investors in an attempt to buy OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, for nearly $100 billion, intensifying his long-running rivalry with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman.
While it is unclear how merging X with xAI will advance Musk’s AI ambitions, the integration could help xAI introduce its latest AI models and features to a wider audience more quickly.
A significant reversal of X’s fortunes Big advertisers, who had largely abandoned X after hate speech surged on the platform and ads were seen running alongside pro-Nazi content, have begun to return. (X made several pro-Nazi accounts ineligible for ads following advertiser departures.) Amazon and Apple are both reportedly reinvesting in X campaigns again, a remarkable endorsement from two brands with mass appeal.
The brand’s stabilization helped a group of bondholders, who had been deep underwater in their investments, sell billions of dollars in their X debt holdings at 97 cents on the dollar earlier this month — albeit with exceedingly high interest rates — according to several recent reports.
Bloomberg in February reported that X was in talks to raise money that would value the company at $44 billion. It’s not clear what came of those talks and why xAI is valuing X at less than it could reportedly fetch from investors. X needs to pay down its massive debt load, which Musk on Friday said totals $12 billion.
A big part of why X’s valuation has rebounded in recent months is xAI, which X reportedly held a stake in. Last month, xAI was seeking a $75 billion valuation in a funding round, according to Bloomberg.
But the biggest factor in X’s stunning bounce-back is almost certainly Musk himself: Musk’s elevation to a special government employee under President Donald Trump has empowered the world’s richest person with large sway over the operations of the federal government, which he has rapidly sought to reshape.
Investors putting their money into X may be relying more on Elon Musk’s leadership than the company’s actual business performance. Over the past year, Musk has reshaped X into a platform that strongly supports former President Donald Trump, frequently using it to promote his campaign.
With an audience of 200 million followers, Musk has shared controversial views on immigration policies under the Biden administration and often speaks out against progressive movements, using the term “woke mind virus,” which some conservatives use to criticize liberal ideologies.
Now that Trump is back in office and Musk holds a position in the government, X has once again become a major platform for tracking and engaging with the administration. Musk has also used X to communicate updates on policy changes within his Department of Government Efficiency.
Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, released a letter dated March 2, 2023 revealing his appeal to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to suspend the auctioning of ECG and PDS consigned containers at the Tema Port.
Addressed to the Commissioner-General of the GRA, the letter requested an extension to facilitate the clearance of the consignments, citing ongoing legal disputes and negotiations with Power Distribution Services (PDS).
Mahama highlighted the termination of agreements between ECG and PDS in October 2019, stressing that unresolved obligations and disputes had contributed to the delays.
Mahama acknowledged that several containers had remained uncleared at the port, with uncertainty surrounding whether PDS had requested an extension for their clearance.
While the letter recognized the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) authority to classify the containers as overstayed cargo and auction them, he cautioned that such action could undermine ECG and the government’s legal standing in ongoing disputes with PDS.
He therefore urged the GRA to halt the auctioning process until ECG could resolve its issues with PDS and formally address the status of the uncleared consignments.
The resurfacing of this letter comes at a time when Dubik Mahama faces allegations of awarding contracts without competitive bidding, resulting in excessive procurement costs that pushed ECG’s 2023 budget overrun to GHS 7.3 billion.
Investigators also uncovered that 1,346 ECG containers, valued at $489 million, had either gone missing or been fraudulently cleared. The reemergence of Mahama’s correspondence further deepens concerns over ECG’s financial mismanagement and the unresolved fate of these consignments.
Parliament has passed the Public Procurement Authority Amendment Bill 2025, introducing a key reform that mandates written approval from Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for all government-funded procurements.
This new measure is designed to reinforce fiscal discipline and prevent expenditures that exceed approved budgetary allocations.
The amendment addresses past concerns where contracts were awarded without sufficient financial backing, resulting in accumulated arrears. By enforcing this requirement, the government aims to improve oversight and ensure that procurement decisions align with available resources.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr Ato Forson emphasised the necessity of the reform, stating: “Mr Speaker, the object of the Bill is to amend the Public Procurement Act (Act 663) to introduce a requirement for commitment authorisation to accompany all government-funded procurement.”
He underscored the importance of this change in maintaining financial discipline within public sector spending.
He further highlighted how previous procurement practices had contributed to financial challenges, explaining: “Mr Speaker, one of the critical challenges that have contributed to the accumulation of arrears is the practice of awarding contracts without ensuring the availability of funds for payment.”
“To address this, the government, as part of the 2025 Budget measures, has directed that all procurement funded by the central government must be accompanied by written authorisation from the Minister responsible for Finance.”
About the Public Procurement Authority Amendment Bill 2025
The Public Procurement Authority Amendment Bill 2025 is an important piece of legislation aimed at improving accountability and transparency in Ghana’s public procurement system. It introduces a requirement for written authorization from the Minister for Finance before government-funded contracts are awarded.
This change ensures that the contracts are financially backed and helps prevent the accumulation of arrears caused by commitments made without available funds. Additionally, the bill promotes better budgetary discipline by aligning procurement decisions with approved financial resources.
Minority in Parliament has accused the NDC government of endorsing illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, through the creation ofGoldBod—an entity tasked with regulating and purchasing gold from small-scale miners.
Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, March 28, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin denounced the initiative, labeling it a “Galamsey Board” rather than a genuine regulatory authority.
“We’re all aware of the challenges we face as a nation, specifically on galamsey, I believe that galamsey became a major issue during the elections.
“Our friends who are now in government made some promises to the nation. Today, they are the apostles who are promoting galamsey. They are using their numbers to now establish what has become known as a Galamsey Board,” he stated.
Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that instead of prioritising investments in agriculture, women’s banking, and the much-publicised 24-hour economy policy, the government is diverting GH¢4.6 billion to small-scale miners, whom he described as galamsey operators.
“If you bring an enactment and you say your focus is on small-scale mining – all of us in this country know that small-scale mining is galamsey. So the question is – is this government really ready to fight galamsey?” he questioned.
The Minority Leader also raised concerns over the government’s approach to gold purchases through GoldBod, accusing it of monopolizing the market for small-scale miners while simultaneously offering them financial support. He argued that this practice contradicts efforts to combat illegal mining.
Reaffirming the Minority’s dedication to accountability, he emphasized that their role extends beyond mere opposition, as they remain committed to ensuring that an NDC-led administration fulfills its promises to the Ghanaian people.
“We told you something that with time, the true colours of this NDC will be known. I think today, we have all seen them.
“Let us assure you – we, the mighty minority, we are assuring you that we will continue to be constructive in our criticism, we will not criticise for the sake of criticising, but we will hold their (NDC/Majority)feet to the fire,” he added.
Volta Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the deployment of 180 officers from the region as temporary personnel for the National Security Council Secretariat.
In a statement dated March 28, 2025, and signed by Acting Regional Secretary Bright Kwashie Ege, the NDC disclosed that ten individuals from each constituency in the region had been selected for the role.
Their appointments will officially take effect on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The statement emphasized that the newly appointed officers would be responsible for gathering intelligence and reporting potential threats to peace and security within their respective constituencies.
The party congratulated the selected officers and encouraged them to demonstrate competence and dedication in their roles. Additionally, plans are in place for the Volta Regional Minister to provide an orientation and necessary support to aid them in their duties.
This initiative is viewed as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security through localized intelligence gathering.
Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is set to receive further medical treatment abroad following a sudden health issue.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, March 30, 2025, officials disclosed that she fell ill after work on Friday, March 28, and was initially treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday.
Medical specialists have recommended additional care, necessitating her transfer to a facility outside the country for advanced treatment.
The statement, signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring she receives the highest standard of medical attention.
Founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor, was laid to rest on March 29, 2025.
The final funeral rites took place in her hometown, Ejuratia, in the Ashanti Region.
Politicians from all divides, traditional and religious leaders showed up in their numbers to pay their last respects.
A thanksgiving service will be held in her honour at the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Until her demise on Tuesday, October 28, 2024, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, Akua Donkor was the presidential candidate of the GFP.
She will be remembered for her efforts in championing the causes of farmers and women, as well as for being a fearless and spirited voice in Ghana’s political landscape.
Akua Donkor was a polarizing figure, earning both admiration and criticism for her firm stance on issues affecting the everyday Ghanaian.
Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has called for enhanced cybersecurity and stricter patient confidentiality measures as healthcare facilities transition to digital records.
He underscored the need to strengthen systems against cyber threats and data breaches to protect sensitive patient information.
Speaking at the hospital’s 2024 End-of-Year Performance Review Conference in Kumasi, Professor Agyare urged the government to invest in cutting-edge technology to improve Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
“I commend the government’s forward-thinking in transitioning to a paperless system. However, I urge a heightened focus on cybersecurity and patient confidentiality.
“The National Health Service in the UK recently experienced a cyberattack, and we must take proactive steps to prevent a similar breach in our system,” he cautioned.
He highlighted the hospital’s consistent improvement in patient satisfaction and reaffirmed the commitment to sustaining these gains.
He attributed this progress to the strategic use of Internally-Generated Funds, which have been invested in acquiring critical medical equipment for specialized treatments and introducing initiatives that enhance patient care.
The Ghana Navy has launched an investigation into a suspected pirate attack on the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, Mengxin 1, which took place on the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Initial reports indicate that around 5:53 PM, seven armed individuals stormed the vessel, firing warning shots that forced several crew members to seek refuge in a secure area.
The attackers remained on board for approximately three hours, during which they assembled the crew on deck and seized their mobile phones.
After the attack, the crew realized that the Captain, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer—all Chinese nationals—were missing, raising suspicions that they had been kidnapped.
Lacking mobile network coverage at sea, the crew had to navigate closer to shore before they could report the incident.
The vessel has since safely berthed at the Tema Fishing Harbour, where Marine Police and Naval Intelligence officers have begun initial investigations.
“We are treating this as a serious maritime security threat and are working closely with intelligence agencies to locate and rescue the missing crew,” said a Ghana Navy spokesperson.
The Ghana Armed Forces have informed neighboring countries about the attack through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F in Accra, in line with the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security.
This initiative seeks to strengthen regional collaboration in locating and apprehending the suspected kidnappers.
“Cross-border collaboration is essential in such cases, and we are counting on our partners to assist in finding the perpetrators,” the spokesperson added.
Efforts are currently underway to locate and rescue the kidnapped crew members, with intelligence agencies intensifying their search.
Authorities have assured the public of their commitment to combating maritime piracy and ensuring the safety of vessels operating in Ghanaian waters.
Ghana Water Limited (GWL)officials in the Ashanti Region have intensified efforts to fully restore water supply to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
According to the company, water has begun flowing at the facility, but additional measures are being implemented to ensure a steady and sufficient supply.
A severe water shortage at KATH recently forced the hospital’s Doctors Association to suspend certain surgical procedures. The crisis, which began 10 days ago, has severely impacted critical departments such as the Orthopedic and Emergency Directorates, raising serious concerns about patient care.
The shortage was caused by a burst pipeline that supplies water to parts of the Kumasi metropolis, including KATH.
Ghana Water Company Limited assured that while many areas in Kumasi remain affected, priority is being given to restoring full supply to the hospital as efforts continue to resolve the issue.
“We’re on course to restoring full production to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. As of Thursday, March 27, they started receiving flow, as of 9 am on Friday, March 28, till 4 am when the pressure went down.
“We’re also using the tanker services from the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to also augment supply. We’re doing our best. We are also looking at our system, where we can shut valves and direct flow. We’re hoping we don’t have any power challenges.”
Water tankers have been dispatched to supplement the hospital’s water supply. Meanwhile, the management has assured that efforts are underway to minimize the impact on healthcare delivery.
Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwa, has disclosed that nearly 75% of voters highly rated Dr. George Akuffo Dampare’s performance as Ghana’s Inspector General of Police during the 2024 general elections.
The survey results underscore widespread public approval of his leadership in managing election security.
However, while many endorsed his role, a smaller segment of voters opposed his removal from office.
Dankwa shared these findings in a Facebook post on Saturday, March 29.
“Nearly 3 in 4 voters rate Dr Akufo Dampare’s performance very high during the election, but only 1 in 5 oppose his sacking,” he stated.
The survey results have ignited debates over the rationale behind Dampare’s removal, despite widespread recognition of his professionalism.
While some analysts suggest political motives may have influenced the decision, others view it as part of a larger pattern of leadership changes within key state institutions.
Bayern Munich have accused Canada Soccer of negligence after Alphonso Davies returned from international duty with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Defender Davies went off injured 12 minutes into Canada’s 2-1 win against the United States in a Concacaf Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday.
Canada Soccer initially gave the 24-year-old the all clear, but an examination on his return to Munich revealed the injury. The full-back is expected to be out for at least six months.
During a press conference on Friday, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said Canada Soccer’s decision to send Davies on a 12-hour flight to Germany before a thorough medical examination was conducted was “borderline” and “negligent”.
He added: “The way things went down was incorrect. We are the employer and also pay the players, so we will investigate.”
In an interview with German tabloid newspaper Bild, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said the club wanted a “complete clarification of the events”, accusing Canada Soccer of “gross negligence” and saying “we reserve the right to take legal action”.
He continued: “Sending an obviously injured player with a damaged knee on a twelve-hour intercontinental flight without a thorough medical assessment is, in our view, grossly negligent and a clear breach of medical duty of care.
“Phonzy (Davies) is not at fault, he’s the captain and he wants to take responsibility. Canada as host nation of the 2026 World Cup has already qualified, you can’t take risks with a player like him.”
Davies signed a new five-year contract with the club in February to end speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. Bayern also lost French centre-back Dayot Upamecano to a long-term leg injury during the international break and remain without captain Manuel Neuer.
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has called for the introduction of Islamic law as part of the curriculum at the Ghana School of Law.
Speaking at a grand iftar organised by the Ghana School of Law Muslim Students Association in Accra on Friday, March 28, Abdul-Hamid underscored the significance of expanding legal education to reflect Ghana’s diverse legal traditions.
The event, themed “Reflections on the Ideals of Ramadan: Lessons for a Nation in Search of Development,” provided a platform for discussions on governance, justice, and equity.
Abdul-Hamid emphasized that Islamic jurisprudence offers profound insights into legal principles that can enhance students’ understanding of justice and governance within a multicultural society.
He argued that incorporating it into legal education would promote inclusivity and equip future lawyers with a broader perspective on legal systems.
He urged the Ghana School of Law to consider this proposal as part of its efforts to modernize and enrich its academic offerings.
His advocacy highlights the need for a legal education framework that embraces diversity and prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized legal landscape.
NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, has alleged that the petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo are part of a broader strategy to replace her with a nominee sympathetic to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His statement comes in the wake of petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, accusing the Chief Justice of misconduct and calling for her removal.
In response, President Mahama referred the petitions to the Council of State for advice and granted Justice Torkornoo a 10-day window to submit her response.
Reacting to the development on social media platform X, Ahiagbah characterized the move as a calculated attempt to weaken judicial independence and facilitate the removal of key electoral officials, including Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa.
He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance and institutional integrity, urging Ghanaians to resist any attempts to undermine the country’s democratic structures.
“A grand scheme is underway to remove the Chief Justice and replace her with a preferred NDC-Mahama Chief Justice, who will implement the agenda of ousting the electoral commissioners (Jean Mensa and others).
“This is a premeditated attack on institutional independence and, ultimately, on our democracy.
“We must find the courage as citizens, regardless of where we belong, to speak out unequivocally against the politics of the John Mahama Administration.
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has announced a reduction in the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) budget allocation from GH₵500 million to GH₵250 million amid controversy over missing containers at the Tema Port.
According to Mr. Jinapor, the decision is intended to help offset debts owed to power producers.
Addressing Parliament, he revealed that ECG had received GH₵935 million in 2023 for planned procurement.
“We have reduced their budget from GH₵500 million to GH₵250 million because we must pay the power producers. Today, the bill is over GH₵80 billion in the energy sector. If we don’t do something, this sector will collapse. As a minister, I am determined to do my bit no matter how difficult it is,” he stated.
However, he revealed that ECG had overspent its allocation by GH₵7.3 billion, largely due to excessive cable procurement, which led to revenue shortfalls.
These financial difficulties also played a role in the issue of missing containers at the Tema Port, as some remained uncleared due to outstanding fees.
Mr. Jinapor assured Parliament that strict measures were being put in place to curb financial mismanagement and safeguard the sustainability of ECG.
Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted reports alleging an ongoing investigation into former President Akufo-Addo’s foreign travels.
According to a report by Accra-based Asaase Radio, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) was conducting the probe as part of broader efforts to ensure accountability in the use of state resources. The report further claimed that government officials had confirmed the initiative.
However, in a social media post, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed these claims, stating that President John Mahama had not issued any directive for such an investigation.
For the avoidance of doubt,the Presidency has not given any order to the NIB to look into President Akufo Addo's travels.
The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has called for a reduction in the 25% corporate tax imposed on the earnings of Rural and Community Banks, arguing that the high tax rate is stifling their growth, development, and sustainability.
Speaking at the union’s Northern Regional Conference in Tamale on Thursday, March 2025, ICU-Ghana General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, emphasized the need for fiscal policies that support the rapid and sustainable expansion of these financial institutions.
He further urged the government to take immediate steps to facilitate the release of locked-up funds belonging to Rural and Community Banks at Gold Coast Investments. According to him, restoring these funds is crucial for enabling the banks to effectively carry out their operations and maintain their relevance in the country’s banking sector.
The ongoing regional conferences serve as a preparatory engagement ahead of ICU-Ghana’s 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference, scheduled for August this year.
Bailout PBC PLC
Mr. Ayawine, raised issues with the operations of PBC PLC, which has been seriously handicuped over the years, due to lack of funds to conduct its business i.e. buying of cocoa beans and shea nut.
“In this light, we wish to use this platform to appeal to Government to urgently bailout PBC Plc to enable it bounce back to business.”
ICU-Ghana General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, has urged the government to take immediate steps to revive the long-abandoned Pwalugu Tomato Factory to create employment opportunities and reduce the country’s dependence on imported tomatoes.
Speaking at the Upper East ICU-Ghana Regional Conference in Bolgatanga on Friday, March 28, 2025, Mr. Ayawine emphasized that reviving the factory would not only generate jobs but also save the nation substantial foreign exchange spent on tomato imports.
He further appealed to the government to prioritize the construction of a dam at Pwalugu, citing its significant economic benefits, including boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing livelihoods in the region.
According to the ICU-Ghana General Secretary “the growing phenomenon of unemployment in the country which is the cause of unbridled youth migration calls for serious attention and action to stem this tide to enable the youth remain in the rural areas to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.”
The initiative by Government to construct a dam at Pwalugu in addition to existing dams in the Upper East Regions will greatly aid and improve agricultural venture among other economic activities in the Region.
Mr. Ayawine, in his address in Tamale and Bolga, reiterated the need to management and labour unions to consciously promote harmonious relations at the workplaces, in the country, to enhance productivity and quality service delivery.
“Productivity suffers when there is no peace and harmony within the arena of labour relations,”, he added .
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the provisional results for 12,452 candidates who sat for the 2025 first series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates.
Candidates can check their results via the WAEC online portal by entering their examination number and required credentials.
The total number of candidates comprised 5,269 males and 7,998 females, while 738 registered candidates were absent from the examination.
WAEC reported instances of malpractice during both the examination and the marking process. In a statement issued on Thursday, March 28, the Council announced that the subject results of 34 candidates and the entire results of 43 others have been withheld, pending investigations into these cases.
The Council also warned the public against fraudsters who claim they can alter results for a fee through mobile money transfers. WAEC assured candidates that its results database is highly secure and that all results can be verified for authenticity.
“The Council wishes to caution members of the public to be wary of scammers who contact candidates and promise to upgrade their results for a fee payable through mobile money transfers.
“Candidates are to note that WAEC’s results database is well secured and all results can be authenticated. Institutions and organisations are therefore advised to confirm or verify results presented to them directly from WAEC or access the confirmation/verification service online at the WAEC official website, www.waecgh.org,” WAEC stated.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has revised the nomination period for the Nkoranza North and Nkoranza South District Level Elections, as well as by-elections for other vacant electoral areas.
Originally set for April 1 to April 4, 2025, the submission window has now been rescheduled to Monday, April 7, through Thursday, April 10, 2025.
In an official statement, the EC explained that the adjustment was necessary due to the declaration of Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as a public holiday.
Despite the change in dates, the time and designated venues for submitting nominations remain unchanged. The Commission, therefore, urges the public and all aspiring candidates to take note of the new schedule.
EC Press Release on District Level Elections_New Date
Acting CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse has called for an immediate stop to the encroachment of wetlands, emphasizing that such actions are crucial in mitigating the potential devastation caused by floods.
Addressing the media following her inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Prof. Klutse underscored the urgent need to halt construction on Ramsar sites to safeguard flood-prone areas.
Her warning follows a heavy downpour and storm on Tuesday, March 26, which triggered flooding in parts of the Greater Accra Region. The storm also brought down trees and billboards, causing damage to vehicles.
A case in point is the collapse of solar panels at the A&C mall’s car port which caused severe damages to customers cars.
“We see flooding happening, and this year, we are going to have a lot of flooding happening. Two days ago or even yesterday [Wednesday, March 26], we had heavy rain for a short period, but heavy and stormy,” she said.
“These are some of the extreme events we are going to be having this year, and we need to prepare our adaptation plan so that we can survive the impacts when they happen.
“There are a few things we do that actually cause us the flooding. We have to stop building on waterways. So no matter how heavy it rains, water should find its way running into wetlands or areas that are supposed to store water,” Prof. Klutse added.
Prof. Klutse, former Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Ghana, delivered the lecture titled “Physics, Policy, and Politics of Climate Change: The Foundation of Human Survival.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Okudzeto Ablakwa has successfully reclaimed all lands that had been encroached upon, following President John Mahama’s directive to annul allocations and sales authorized by the previous administration.
The directive was issued to protect the Ministry’s property in the Airport Residential Area, which had been taken over by seven organizations and individuals.
These lands, located at the Airport Residential Area, were originally under the Ministry’s jurisdiction but had been allocated or sold during the previous administration. President John Dramani Mahama issued a directive to reverse these allocations and sales, ensuring the lands were restored to their rightful ownership—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the people of Ghana.
During a parliamentary debate on the Ministry’s GH¢1.4 billion budget allocation, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the recovery, emphasizing the government’s firm opposition to the sale of state-owned assets.
He assured Parliament that all lands belonging to the Ministry had been fully restored to state ownership.
“I am pleased to inform this house that we have successfully reclaimed all lands belonging to the Ministry. The adjoining land at the Foreign Ministry has now been fully restored to its rightful ownership – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the people of Ghana,” he declared.
The Minister further emphasised the government’s firm position against the disposal of state assets, particularly diplomatic properties.
“We have made it clear that no land under the Ministry’s jurisdiction will be put up for sale. Additionally, I am delighted to announce that we have halted attempts to sell diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia,” he stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting national assets, Ablakwa stressed that under President Mahama’s leadership, there would be “zero tolerance for the sale of diplomatic properties.”
He guaranteed that all diplomatic missions and state-owned properties overseas would be preserved to serve the interests of future generations.
Parliament has passed the Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025, paving the way for the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee the gold industry. The newly created Gold Board will be responsible for regulating gold transactions, improving transparency, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
The board will monitor the purchase, sale, and export of gold, ensuring efficient sector management while contributing to economic stability and strengthening the cedi.
However, the bill faced resistance from the Minority Caucus, which argued that it could encourage illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The opposition claimed the legislation lacked strong measures to curb illicit mining and might inadvertently legalize unauthorized activities in the industry.
Despite these concerns, the bill was passed by a majority vote. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga hailed the legislation as groundbreaking, commending Parliament for its commitment and extensive deliberations that led to its approval.
“Mr Speaker, this is a landmark legislation. And those of us who sat through the night to the morning to pass this historic legislation should be proud of ourselves. We have vindicated the trust and confidence Ghanaians reposed in us. Indeed, the 24-hour economy has started in this chamber,” he remarked.
The passage of the Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025 was overshadowed by controversy, as the Minority Caucus staged a walkout during the deliberations.
Their protest stemmed from First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor’s refusal to accommodate their request to adjourn discussions until 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, following the approval of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Despite the division in Parliament, the bill has been successfully passed, laying the groundwork for a structured and transparent regulatory framework to govern Ghana’s gold industry.
A leading global health organization has sounded the alarm over a potential crisis, warning that up to one million children could die from preventable diseases if the United States withdrawsits financial support.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, head of Gavi, an alliance that provides life-saving vaccines to developing nations, told the BBC that losing US funding would severely undermine global health security. Her warning comes amid reports from the New York Times that the Trump administration is considering halting contributions to Gavi, despite the US being its third-largest donor.
While Gavi has not yet received an official notice of termination, Dr. Nishtar confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the White House and Congress to secure $300 million in funding for 2025, along with longer-term financial commitments. The US has previously pledged $1.6 billion for the 2026-2030 period, which accounts for approximately 15% of Gavi’s total budget.
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has emphasized his “America First” approach, signaling a shift in overseas spending priorities.
The international development sector has been preparing for widespread cuts, with USAID among the first agencies affected when the Trump administration imposed a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid earlier this year. The move was part of broader budget reductions overseen by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
Dr. Nishtar warned that without US support, 75 million children could miss critical vaccinations, exposing them to deadly diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and polio. Additionally, the ability of health agencies and governments to maintain emergency vaccine stockpiles for outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, and mpox would be severely compromised.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has echoed Gavi’s concerns, emphasizing the devastating impact that funding cuts could have on global health efforts.
“The consequences of this political decision will be catastrophic,” said MSF USA chief programs officer Carrie Teicher.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) “fully supports” Gavi and was “engaging” with US authorities on the disruption caused by the withdrawal of US funding for major programmes, said Africa CDC emergencies incident manager Dr Ngongo Ngashi.
He added: “We are prioritising routine vaccines but we also know how crucial vaccines for emergencies are.”
Dr Ngashi also said it was “critical that we find our own funding streams – that are not dependent on the decision of partners” and which help Africans contribute “to advancing public health”.
Gavi has said it will try to further broaden its donor base. Indonesia, a country that has previously been a recipient of Gavi’s assistance, became a donor last year.
“As a lean and efficient organisation where 97 cents in every dollar raised goes towards our immunisation programmes, it is impossible to consider that any cut in funding by the US would not have disastrous implications for global health and for the safety of people everywhere,” Dr Sania Nishtar said.
The BBC has contacted the US State Department, which runs what remains of USAID, for comment.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has taken firm action to halt the sale of Ghanaian properties, including lands in Nigeria.
He revealed that Ghana’s Embassy in Nigeria and a plot of land worth $5.3 million were among the assets at risk. The Nigerian property had already been acquired by a buyer who made an initial payment of $1.3 million.
A similar situation was unfolding in Zambia, where a property was nearly sold, but swift intervention from ministry officials prevented the transaction.
Ablakwa also disclosed that lands near the ministry’s headquarters in Accra, previously sold to a private developer, have now been reclaimed.
Speaking in Parliament before the approval of GHS1.4 billion for the ministry’s budget on March 28, the North Tongu MP assured that measures were being put in place to safeguard state-owned properties from unauthorized sales.
To prevent similar occurrences in the future, he declared a strict “no-sale” policy on public properties.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed concerns over Ghana’s limited diplomatic presence in Latin America, stating that the absence of embassies in many countries within the region hampers the nation’s foreign relations.
He also advocated for an increase in the ministry’s budget, emphasizing that the allocated funds were inadequate to effectively support its operations.
Additionally, Jinapor urgedthe government to fast-track efforts to establish embassies in Hungary and Mexico, stressing the importance of strengthening Ghana’s diplomatic engagements on the global stage.
The final funeral rites forAkua Donkor, founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), are set for today Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Her burial will take place in her hometown, Ejuratia, in the Ashanti Region, followed by a thanksgiving service at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Akua Donkor passed away on October 28, 2024, at Ridge Hospital in Accra after being transferred from Nsawam Hospital due to worsening respiratory complications. At the time of her passing, she was the GFP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
She was widely recognized for her unwavering advocacy for farmers, women, and rural communities. Fearless and outspoken, she played a significant role in Ghanaian politics, earning both admiration and controversy for her bold stance on national issues.
Early Life and Political Journey
Born in February 1952 in Ejuratia, Akua Donkor started her career as a cocoa farmer before venturing into public service as an assemblywoman. Despite having no formal education, she became a strong voice for the marginalized, using her influence to champion the interests of rural dwellers and farmers.
Her death sparked political discussions, particularly regarding the GFP’s participation in the 2024 elections. With her sudden passing, the party was given a brief window by the Electoral Commission to nominate a new candidate.
However, the replacement was later disqualified due to irregularities in the nomination process, raising concerns about electoral regulations and party preparedness and fairness, with some speculating about political maneuvering.
The government has vowed to take swift action to avert a looming food shortage within theGhana Armed Forces (GAF)caused by an unpaid debt of GH₵275 million owed to food suppliers since August 2023.
President John Mahama gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong, and other Service Chiefs at the Jubilee House on yesterday March 28, Friday.
He emphasized that the Ministries of Finance and Defence are collaborating to clear the existing arrears while putting measures in place to settle the remaining debt.
“This year, we have allocated over GH₵6.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces. As we turn the economy around, you can rest assured that your budgetary allocation will further increase to secure new platforms and assets to enhance your operations,” Mahama said.
On the broader financial challenges facing the Armed Forces, the President acknowledged a debt burden of around GH₵3.7 billion but expressed confidence that, through innovation and dedication, the military would be modernized and expanded.
“We are already working to fix the imminent food crisis that could have affected the Ghana Armed Forces due to the GH₵275 million owed to food suppliers for the past 17 months,” he added.
Mahama also highlighted the contribution of the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited to Ghana’s agricultural development, noting that the disciplined workforce and strategic land holdings of the GAF could help enhance food security in the country.
He urged the military to explore innovative financing solutions to improve infrastructure, training, and accommodation.
“I will be by your side every step of the way. We are already planning to upgrade the Asutsuare Training Camp into a first-class training facility,” he stated.
The President also called on GAF to take decisive action against illegal mining and continue their efforts to maintain peace in Bawku and other conflict-prone areas.
“I know our personnel are deployed in Bawku and other areas for internal security operations, dealing with ethnic and chieftaincy disputes. While we work on resolving these disputes through mediation, judicial intervention, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, the Armed Forces must continue to play their part in maintaining peace. I trust you to deliver,” he said.
Mahama further expressed confidence in the military’s leadership, stating, “I am confident that you will all work tirelessly to ensure that our Armed Forces serve with unity, resilience, and pride. I wish the new CDS and the chiefs of the Ghana Armed Forces a successful tenure as you protect and defend our dear nation.”
LJ Smith, the acclaimed author behind The Vampire Diaries series, has passed away at the age of 66.
Smith first introduced readers to the world of The Vampire Diaries in the early 1990s, crafting a captivating story centered around two vampire brothers and a young orphan caught in a supernatural love triangle. The original four-book series, published in 1991 and 1992, became a major success, leading to a follow-up trilogy between 2009 and 2011.
Despite creating the beloved series, Smith was later replaced by ghostwriters hired by her publisher. Undeterred, she continued writing new installments independently, releasing them as fan fiction for her dedicated readers.
LJ Smith, the acclaimed author behind The Vampire Diaries series, has passed away at the age of 66.
Smith first introduced readers to the world of The Vampire Diaries in the early 1990s, crafting a captivating story centered around two vampire brothers and a young orphan caught in a supernatural love triangle. The original four-book series, published in 1991 and 1992, became a major success, leading to a follow-up trilogy between 2009 and 2011.
Despite creating the beloved series, Smith was later replaced by ghostwriters hired by her publisher. Undeterred, she continued writing new installments independently, releasing them as fan fiction for her dedicated readers.
In 2009, her books were adapted into a television series, which quickly became a sensation among teens and ran for eight seasons, cementing its place in pop culture.
Carlo Ancelotti has strongly criticized LaLiga president Javier Tebas, accusing him of being “obsessed” with Real Madrid and showing a lack of respect for coaches.
The Real Madrid boss voiced his frustration over fixture congestion, vowing that his team would not take the field if given less than 72 hours to recover between matches. His remarks followed Madrid’s dissatisfaction with the scheduling of their 2-1 victory over Villarreal on March 15.
Tebas, when asked about the controversy during a conference on Thursday, appeared to take a swipe at Ancelotti’s squad management. He noted that since COVID-19, teams are allowed five substitutions per game, yet some managers only make three late in the match and then complain about player fatigue.
“I knew [Tebas] was obsessed with Real Madrid, but I didn’t know he wanted to be a coach,” Ancelotti responded, when asked about the comments in a news conference on Friday. “[Tebas] should focus more on his own things. He lacked a bit of respect, to Real Madrid and to coaches.”
The scheduling row is the latest in a series of clashes between Madrid and the league on a number of issues.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s game with Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ancelotti sought to add some nuance to his threat.
“I must add something: we won’t play [with under 72 hours’ rest] without justification,” he said. “It might be that nobody can change [the time], there might not be enough time, for many reasons. “But for [the] Villarreal [game], it could have been changed. Villarreal and the television companies wanted to. Only LaLiga didn’t. There was no justifiable reason.”
Ancelotti categorically denied that the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) had contacted him in recent days over coaching the national team, following Brazil 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying.
The Italian has previously been strongly linked with the position, but has a contract at the Bernabéu until June 2026.
“My contract speaks for itself,” Ancelotti said. “I don’t have anything to add. I have a lot of affection for the Brazil team, its players and fans. But I have a contract at Real Madrid.”
On Thursday, UEFA announced that it was investigating four Madrid players — Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Ceballos — over their behaviour following their penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 on March 12.
Real play Arsenal in the quarterfinals next month.
Manager of former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, Samuel Anim Addo, has weighed in on the Ayew family’s discontent over Black Stars head coach Otto Addo’s explanation for leaving out Andre Dede Ayew from the squad.
In response to Fiifi Tackie, the Ayew family’s spokesperson, Anim Addo shared a cryptic message on social media. The Chief Executive Officer of Young Apostles simply wrote: “No condition is permanent.”
Fiifi Tackie had earlier criticized Otto Addo’s remarks about Dede Ayew, describing them as disrespectful.
“Such remarks are not only disrespectful to Ayew but also undermine his sacrifices and the pride he has brought to Ghanaian football. Coach Addo’s comments are unprofessional and unbecoming of someone in his position,” Fiifi Tackie said.
Samuel Anim Addo, manager of former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, has weighed in on the Ayew family’s discontent over Black Stars head coach Otto Addo’s explanation for leaving out Andre Dede Ayew from the squad.
In response to Fiifi Tackie, the Ayew family’s spokesperson, Anim Addo shared a cryptic message on social media. The Chief Executive Officer of Young Apostles simply wrote: “No condition is permanent.”
Fiifi Tackie had earlier criticized Otto Addo’s remarks about Dede Ayew, describing them as disrespectful.
“For Andre [Dede Ayew], the team is always open, and I am watching. If we need him, we will call him. At the moment, I see others ahead of him,” he said.
Andre Ayew has not played for the Black Stars since 2023 when he featured in a 3-0 win over Liberia in an international friendly.”
A forensic expert who conducted Diego Maradona’s autopsy revealed that the Argentine football legend endured severe pain for at least 12 hours before his death. He also stated that “any doctor” should have detected symptoms several days earlier.
On Thursday, Carlos Cassinelli, head of Forensic Medicine at the Scientific Police Superintendency, provided details of the autopsy performed on the day Maradona passed away—November 25, 2020—while under home care in a residence in Tigre, Buenos Aires.
“The heart was completely covered in fat and blood clots, which indicate agony,” the specialist said during the homicide trial for seven health professionals.
Prosecutors have said that Diego Maradona was not given adequate medical care
The autopsy concluded that Maradona died from acute pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure.
“This is a patient who had been collecting water over the days; that’s not acute. This was something that was foreseeable,” Cassinelli said. “Any doctor examining a patient would find this.”
According to the prosecution, the accused professionals — a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, doctors, and nurses — who were caring for Maradona during his convalescence failed to provide adequate medical care, which allegedly led to his death.
During the investigation, multiple witnesses testified that Maradona’s face and abdomen appeared abnormally swollen.
Among those facing trial is Leopoldo Luque, who served as Maradona’s personal physician for the last four years of his life, along with psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who prescribed his medication until his passing.
Additionally, nurse Gisela Madrid, who has also been indicted, is set to stand trial before a jury later this year.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that neither the players nor staff deserve summer bonuses following what he considers a disappointing season.
Despite still being in contention for silverware in the FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup—where the winner takes home £97 million ($125m)—City’s overall performance has fallen short of expectations. They currently sit fifth in the Premier League with nine games remaining and failed to progress beyond the Champions League round of 16.
Guardiola maintains that even if the club secures trophies, their struggles throughout the campaign do not merit additional financial rewards.
“We don’t deserve it this season,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday. “We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much. You go there, it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve. Not even a watch.”
City return from the international break with an FA Cup quarterfinal against Bournemouth on Sunday.
There was speculation that the break for international matches could provide a window for a verdict to be delivered in the Premier League’s case against the club.
It’s now set to drag on and Guardiola raised the possibility that it could be another month before a decision is made public. “We are more than one year with that so nothing changes with one more week or two more weeks or three more weeks or four more weeks,” he said.
Guardiola’s immediate focus is securing a place in the FA Cup semifinals for the seventh consecutive time before shifting his attention to Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium.
With Manchester City set to compete in the Club World Cup in the U.S., their season could extend into July. Guardiola has also hinted at the potential return of Rodri, who has been out of action since September due to a knee injury.
“I hope,” Guardiola said. “Listen, it would be nice if he could play tomorrow, but don’t do a wrong decision right now, you know and make a step back. He’s behaving really well on the pitch already, but competition is completely different. We will see.”
The Kenya Football Federation (FKF) has launched an investigation into claims that goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was involved in match-fixing.
Matasi, 37, currently plays for Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz and has earned over 30 international caps for the Harambee Stars. His last appearance for the national team was in October 2024 during a qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The controversy arose after an undated video surfaced online, allegedly showing Matasi discussing a deal to manipulate the outcome of a league match. However, the BBC has been unable to independently verify the authenticity of the footage.
“I have spoken to him. He was also shocked at what he was seeing in the video and he told me he doesn’t know about match-fixing,” Homeboyz owner Cleophas Shimanyula told BBC Sport Africa.
The FKF said it would work with world governing body Fifa, the Confederation of African Football and other “relevant authorities” during its investigation.
“We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions,” a statement added.
“This investigation will adhere to FKF’s anti-match manipulation regulations and Fifa guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent, and thorough process.
“The rights of the player and his club will be respected, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.”
BBC Sport Africa has contacted Matasi for comment.
Shimanyula backed Matasi, pointing to the fact the veteran has kept three clean sheets in as many games since joining the club a month ago.
“When we watched this video, we found that Matasi has not wronged the club,” he said.
“In a video there can misinterpretations and false narratives and we cannot trust everything.
“He will keep playing for us because there’s no wrongdoing on his part as far as we are concerned – unless there’s evidence or the FKF writes to us to say they are suspecting the player of some wrongdoing.
“He is innocent until proven guilty and then we will act.”
The FKF has urged individuals with credible information to come forward and assist in the investigation, assuring that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Meanwhile, Shimanyula has called on the Kenyan football community to present concrete evidence to support the allegations against Matasi.
“Kakamega Homeboyz is against any form of match manipulation,” he said.
“In the past we’ve reported match-fixing regarding some of our players who fixed a game with the coach and punishments were handed down by Fifa.
“We have our own internal systems that we use to also look at match-fixing and I cannot speak on behalf of other clubs.
“As Kakamega Homeboyz we are asking anyone who has evidence of Matasi fixing a game to bring it forward.”
The seasoned shot-stopper has been in exceptional form during the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season, securing 12 clean sheets. His impressive performances earned him a debut call-up to the senior national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Asare, 32, proved his worth by maintaining clean sheets in both matches, helping Ghana to emphatic victories—5-0 over Chad and 3-0 against Madagascar.
Reflecting on his success, the former Great Olympics goalkeeper highlighted the crucial role of dedication and a strong mentality in achieving such consistency.
“As a player, the secret is hard work—training, preparation, and mindset. You have to be aggressive about it because, without these things, you cannot make it as a footballer,” he said.
He also credited the welcoming atmosphere in camp for boosting his confidence, particularly the support from senior players.
“As soon as I entered camp, everyone was happy to welcome me, which gave me more motivation to work hard,” he said.
“Special thanks to Jordan Ayew—he motivated me all the time and told me that, despite being a local player, I can do this,” he added.
Asare’s impressive performances have not only earned him national recognition but also reinforced the potential of local league talents on the international stage.
With momentum on his side, the goalkeeper will be determined to secure his spot in the squad as the Black Stars prepare for a four-nation tournament in June. He will also be aiming to play a key role in Ghana’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali on Matchdays 7 and 8.
Premier League has introduced a two-phase transfer window this summer to accommodate Manchester City and Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup.
The first window will be open from June 1 to June 10, followed by a five-day pause before reopening from June 16 to September 1. This adjustment ensures compliance with FIFA regulations, which limit summer transfer periods to 12 weeks.
The 2025 Club World Cup, featuring an expanded 32-team format similar to past FIFA World Cups, will be hosted in the United States. Chelsea and Manchester City are the only Premier League representatives in the tournament, which begins on June 15.
To align with FIFA’s registration rules, clubs will be allowed to register new signings for the Club World Cup from June 1-10, with another registration window available from June 27 to July 3 for teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Why is this happening?
Firstly, to bring order to the global registration system, world governing body Fifa only permits the transfer window in any individual country to be open for 16 weeks in any calendar year.
In Europe, precedent dictates four of those weeks are for the winter window, leaving 12 in the summer. In 2024, the Premier League transfer window opened on 14 June and closed on 30 August.
However, in October, Fifa approved an additional window from 1-10 June that would allow the 32 clubs competing in the Club World Cup to register new players before the tournament.
It also agreed to open a registration window mid-tournament, from 27 June and 3 July, to allow clubs to register additional players for the knockout stage.
As well as Manchester City and Chelsea, European heavyweights Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus, Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal are among others playing in the tournament.
In order to ensure Manchester City and Chelsea did not have an advantage over the other 18 top-flight clubs, the Premier League has adopted the same window.
However, 12 weeks from 1 June is 24 August. The Premier League wanted to be aligned with the rest of Europe’s big leagues around when the summer window closes. Those leagues preferred to close the window at the end of August, so that meant the window had to close and reopen.
What are the issues?
Firstly, the dates.
The Champions League final takes place in Munich on 31 May. After that, there are Nations League semi-finals and finals and World Cup qualifying double-headers. In Europe, those games take place 6-10 June.
It means players could be negotiating transfers in the build-up to important matches.
One potential impact concerns international players who may move to clubs competing in the Club World Cup.
A Spanish appeals court has overturned the four-and-a-half-year prison sentence of former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves, acquitting him of sexual assault.
The 41-year-old had been convicted in February 2024 for an alleged incident at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. However, he was granted bail in March 2024 as legal proceedings continued.
The High Court of Justice of Catalonia ruled in favor of Alves’ appeal, with a panel of four judges citing “inaccuracies” in the original conviction.
The appeals panel consisted of judges Maria Angels Vivas, Roser Bach, Maria Jesus Manzano and Manuel Alvarez, who reasoned the initial ruling contained “a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies and contradictions regarding the facts, the legal assessment and its consequences”.
The court rejected two separate appeals from the prosecution, one from the public prosecutor’s office, which sought to partially annul the verdict and extend Alves’ sentence to nine years, and another from a private prosecution pushing for a 12-year sentence.
Alves was granted bail in March after his legal team posted a €1 million ($1.08 million) bond. His release was conditional, requiring him to remain in Spain and surrender both his Spanish and Brazilian passports to authorities while awaiting the appeal’s resolution.
Prior to securing bail, the former Barcelona defender had spent 14 months in Brians 2 prison in Catalonia. He was initially arrested by local police in January 2023 in connection with an alleged sexual assault at Barcelona’s Sutton nightclub.
The Spanish public prosecutor’s office accused Alves of assaulting a 23-year-old woman at the venue, though he consistently denied the allegations.
Parliament has given the green light for a budget allocation of GH¢65,899,456.00 to enhance sports development nationwide.
The approval came on Thursday, March 27, 2025, after a motion was tabled by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza.
The proposal received widespread backing from lawmakers, including Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, MP for Okere Constituency, who underscored the need for proper maintenance of sports infrastructure to sustain growth in the sector.
“Maintenance has been an issue, and if we want to continue developing our sports and engaging the youth, the maintenance aspect should be very important to the ministry.
This will ensure that these facilities last and provide opportunities for young people to develop their talent,” he said.
Hon. Agbodza outlined the ministry’s plans for utilizing the funds, stating that the budget would drive key initiatives to enhance sports nationwide.
“The amount is intended to help the ministry cover the activities of sports in the country, including the development of a new sports policy, the rehabilitation of some stadia, and the establishment of the national sports fund,” he explained.
This approval marks a significant investment in Ghana’s sports sector, promising improved infrastructure and more opportunities for aspiring athletes.
Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, made headlines on March 26, 2025, after delivering an impressive performance in a football match featuring some of Africa’s most celebrated legends.
Captaining a team of non-legendary players, Traoré put on a spectacular show, netting three goals in style.
His first came from a perfectly executed free-kick that sailed past the goalkeeper.
He followed up with a powerful strike from distance before completing his hat-trick by swiftly reacting to a rebound and slotting the ball home.
The star-studded game featured legendary footballers, including former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor and Nigerian maestro Jay-Jay Okocha. Also on the field were Cameroon’s Stéphane Mbia, along with Senegalese greats Mamadou Niang and Souleymane Diawara.
Traoré’s standout performance has captivated fans and sports enthusiasts alike, earning him admiration not just as a leader but as a skilled footballer.
At 37,he continues to prove that his talents extend beyond the political arena and onto the football pitch.
Spokesperson for the Ayew family,Fiifi Tackie, has strongly criticized Black Stars head coach Otto Addo over remarks he deemed disrespectful towards Andre Dede Ayew.
Otto Addo, while explaining his decision to omit Ayew from Ghana’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, stated that the player’s current performances do not meet his expectations. He further noted that other players are currently ahead of Ayew in the team’s pecking order.
Despite the exclusion, Addo emphasized that Ayew could return to the national team if his performances improve.
“For Andre [Dede Ayew], the team is always open, and I am looking. If we need him, we will call him. At the moment, I see others ahead of him,” he told JoySports.
Reacting to the comment, Tackie expressed his outrage at why the coach would sideline Dede Ayew, who has been actively playing for French side Le Havre this season.
“Coach Otto Addo’s comments on Andre Ayew are shocking and disappointing. On numerous occasions, the same coach has said that one of the key criteria for selection into the national team is active club participation.
“How can Ayew, Ghana’s most-capped player, a three-time World Cup veteran, and a proven leader, be deemed unworthy even when playing well at his club in the French league? Ayew’s legacy and commitment to the Black Stars are undeniable. His experience, leadership, and track record in major tournaments speak volumes,” he said.
The Ayew family spokesperson further slammed Otto Addo for allegedly making rude comments about Dede Ayew and disregarding his legacy and sacrifices for the national team.
“Such remarks are not only disrespectful to Ayew but also undermine his sacrifices and the pride he has brought to Ghana football. Coach Addo’s comments are unprofessional and unbecoming of someone in his position,” he added.
Dede Ayew’s exclusion from the squad comes after Otto Addo previously left him out of Ghana’s team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which took place in 2024.
Bournemouth have reportedly placed a £70 million valuation on forward Antoine Semenyo, amid growing interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United, and other Premier League giants, according to the i Paper.
The 25-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, becoming a key player for the Cherries and a fan favorite at the Vitality Stadium.
His impressive performances have seen him register nine goals and five assists across all competitions, attracting the attention of clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be an admirer of Semenyo and is keen on exploring the possibility of signing him. However, Bournemouth’s strong campaign has positioned them for a potential European qualification, making them determined to hold onto their top talents.
Despite interest from multiple clubs, Bournemouth are firm on their stance and will not entertain offers below their valuation.
On the international stage, Semenyo recently made an impact for the Black Stars.
He was instrumental in Ghana’s victories over Chad and Madagascar, scoring the opening goal in Ghana’s 5-0 win against Chad on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, before earning a starting spot in the match against Madagascar three days later.
Investigative journalistAnas Aremeyaw Anashas expressed optimism about receiving the $18 million (£14 million) awarded to him in a defamation lawsuit against Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong. However, he emphasized that the real victory lies in the precedent set by the ruling.
The lawsuit stemmed from Agyapong’s public accusations, branding Anas a “criminal” following his exposé on corruption in Ghanaian and international football. Although Anas initially lost the case in Ghana, he pursued legal action in the United States—where Agyapong owns assets—and secured a favorable judgment.
“The bigger impact for me is not the money but the fact that young journalists are encouraged [to hold the powerful to account] no matter how big you are [as] a politician”, Anas told the BBC.
During the trial, the court was informed that Agyapong had made several allegations against Anas on a podcast, including calling him a “criminal” and accusing him of involvement in the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale.
Speaking to the BBC, Anas expressed his continued grief over Suale’s death. While acknowledging the recent arrest of a suspect, he remains convinced that others responsible for the crime are still at large.
“From time to time I go to where Ahmed was shot, and I go to have my own quiet time. I go to his grave.
“It encourages me. When Ahmed was alive he asked me one day: ‘Boss, I want [to] assure you [that] one day if you should die, I would continue with the good work that you do’. I didn’t know it was going to be the reverse because, all along… I was the one who was the target.”
Anas has been scathing in his criticism of Ghana’s legal system, telling the BBC he believes “many” members of the judiciary “are doing nothing but tilting the scale of justice in favour of the wrong one”.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas pursued his defamation case against MP Kennedy Agyapong in New Jersey, citing the politician’s presence in the state during his appearance on the Daddy Fred Show podcast, as outlined in court documents.
Earlier this month, an eight-member jury in Essex County Superior Court unanimously ruled in favor of Anas, holding Agyapong liable for defamation. The court awarded the investigative journalist $18 million in damages, including $8 million in punitive compensation.
“I feel very happy, I think that it’s a vindication of what I have always preached. This goes a long way to encourage African journalists across the continent there’s a need for us to be resilient. There’s a need for us to have a stomach to take the heat,” Anas told the BBC. Now that the court has ordered Agyapong to pay damages, the journalist says he is confident the funds will be transferred because his legal team’s “due diligence” had assessed the value of property and businesses owned by the MP before bringing the case.
“I cannot be 100% certain, but I know that my legal team has done some work and they have a plan,” he adds.
Anas says that, even though his case was won in the US, it should serve as a wake-up call to the rich and powerful that African journalists can and will hold them to account.
“We also have the capacity to stand toe-to-toe with you. Whilst we are patient, whilst we are honest, our day will definitely come.”
Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has formally requested copies of petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, which seek her removal from office.
In a letter dated Thursday, March 27, she appealed to the President for access to these documents, stating that she needs them to provide an informed response.
Her request follows President Mahama’s decision to consult the Council of State after receiving three petitions calling for her removal.
At the same time, Vincent Assafuah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, has taken legal action at the Supreme Court, challenging the process being used to handle the petitions.
Represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice must be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the President initiates consultations with the Council of State.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that three petitions regarding the potential removal of the Chief Justice have been submitted to the Council of State, in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Although the specific allegations remain undisclosed, this marks the initial phase of a constitutional process that could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s judiciary. The Council of State is now tasked with reviewing the petitions and advising the President on the appropriate course of action.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Torkornoo has formally written to the President, requesting a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations before any further steps are taken.
“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.
The Supreme Court has scheduled April 2, 2025, to hear an injunction application filed by Vincent Assafuah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo. The MP is challenging the procedure President John Mahama is using to address petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
This development follows a formal request from the Chief Justice, who has written to the President and other relevant stakeholders, asking for copies of the petitions filed against her.
Assafuah’s lawsuit, led by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, argues that the Chief Justice must be informed of any petitions concerning her removal and given an opportunity to respond before the President consults the Council of State.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that the three petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Although the details of the petitions remain unknown, their submission initiates a constitutional process that could have major implications for Ghana’s judiciary.
The Council of State is now tasked with examining the petitions and advising the President on the next steps.
In a letter addressed to the President on Thursday, March 27, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo formally requested the opportunity to respond to the allegations before any further action is taken.
“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.
Assafuah, acting as a concerned citizen under Article 2(1)(b) of the 1992 Constitution, seeks several declarations from the Supreme Court, whose original jurisdiction he is invoking, regarding the interpretation of constitutional provisions governing the removal of a Chief Justice.
The suit argues that the President must notify the Chief Justice and obtain the comments of the Chief Justice before initiating consultation with the Council of State on the matter.
Reliefs sought by the plaintiff
The plaintiff requests the court to declare that:
The Constitution mandates that before a petition for the removal of the Chief Justice is submitted to the Council of State, the President must first inform the Chief Justice and seek their response, in accordance with Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6), and (7), as well as Articles 23, 57(3), and 296.
Proceeding with consultations without notifying the Chief Justice violates Article 146(6) and compromises the constitutional safeguard ensuring the security of tenure for the Chief Justice.
Any deviation from this requirement constitutes undue interference with judicial independence, contravening Articles 127(1) and (2).
By failing to obtain the Chief Justice’s input before initiating the removal process, the President breaches the right to a fair hearing, thereby rendering the entire consultation process invalid.
The court is also urged to grant any additional reliefs it deems necessary.
UEFA has launched an investigation into four Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, over allegations of “indecent conduct” during their Champions League last-16 victory against Atletico Madrid.
The probe also targets defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, with all four players potentially facing disciplinary action ahead of Madrid’s quarter-final first-leg encounter against Arsenal on April 8.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players,” said the European football governing body in a statement.
According to reports from the Spanish media, UEFA is closely examining the behavior of Real Madrid players during their post-match celebrations.
Both UEFA and Real Madrid have yet to respond to AFP’s request for comment on the matter.
Madrid, the record 15-time Champions League winners and defending titleholders, secured their victory over Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Metropolitano Stadium on March 12, following a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
However, the match ended in controversy when Atletico’s Julian Alvarez had his penalty ruled out due to an alleged double touch, a decision that sparked heated debate
Kylian Mbappe faced disciplinary scrutiny during a Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille on September 13, 2020. He was investigated for unsportsmanlike conduct after provoking opponents following a goal.
Vinicius Junior has been under disciplinary probes in the past, particularly in connection with incidents of racial abuse during matches. A notable instance occurred on May 21, 2023, in a La Liga game between Real Madrid and Valencia, where he confronted fans and criticized the league’s handling of racism.
FIFA hasset a $9.55 million participation fee for each of the four African clubs competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), marking a significant financial boost for the continent’s representatives.
The inaugural 32-team tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Africa will be represented by Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco).
These teams will receive the same participation fee as clubs from Asia (AFC) and North America (CONCACAF), as part of the massive $1 billion prize pool allocated for the tournament’s first expanded edition.
According to the official website of FIFA this solidarity would provide a significant boost in the efforts in making football truly global It said, “In line with the budgetary principles for the FIFA CWC and a fruitful discussions with key stakeholders, including the European Club Association, as well as the approval of the FIFA Council, FIFA has confirmed the distribution model for its new club competition that includes USD one billion prize money for the 32 participating clubs, plus a substantial and groundbreaking global solidarity model.”
“The distribution model of the FIFA CWC reflects the pinnacle of club football and represents the biggest-ever prize money for a football tournament comprising a seven-match group stage and playoff format with a potential payout of USD 125 million foreseen for the winners.”
It said, “in addition to the prize money for the participating teams, there is an unprecedented solidarity investment programme where we have a target of an additional 250 million dollars being provided to club football across the world.”
It said, “tot only that, but FIFA will neither retain any funding for this tournament, as all revenues will be distributed to club football, nor will it touch FIFA’s reserves, which are set aside for global football development through the 211 FIFA Member Associations.”
Frederick Acheampong, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has disclosed that he and his colleagues faced significant challenges in securing tickets for Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Chad.
According to him, ticketing falls under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Authority (NSA), making it difficult for even high-ranking GFA officials to obtain access despite their positions.
Speaking to Kessben FM on March 26, 2025, Acheampong clarified that contrary to public perception, the GFA is not responsible for ticketing or stadium security for Black Stars matches, as those duties are handled by the NSA.
“For Black Stars matches, the state takes over, including ticket issuance. Even GFA officials struggled to get tickets from the NSA to watch the games. Security for the Black Stars games is handled by National Security; the GFA have no hand in those matters.
“At the moment, the GFA present the national team, while the NSA and National Security take care of the match. They need to enhance the security protocol,” he said in Twi.
The Black Stars defeated Chad 5-0 on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium and secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Madagascar on March 25, 2025.
After six matches played, Ghana lead Group I with 15 points, followed by Comoros with 12 points, while Madagascar lie in third position with 10 points.
