Black Stars captain Andre Ayewcouldn’t hide his emotions as Marseille fans gave him a standing ovation during their impressive 5-1 win over Le Havre in the French Ligue 1 on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Returning to the stadium where he spent five memorable seasons, Ayew was warmly celebrated by the home supporters, who showed their respect for the former Marseille star.
Despite Le Havre trailing 5-0 with 15 minutes to go, Ayew gave his team a glimmer of hope by scoring a late consolation goal. He delivered a brilliant header into the top corner with just five minutes left in the game.
Andre Ayew showed great respect by choosing not to celebrate his goal against his former club, Marseille, which earned him applause from the entire Stade Vélodrome.
The goal was a special moment for Ayew, as it was his first at the stadium in nearly 15 years. His last goal there came in May 2015 during his time with Marseille. It was also his first goal of the 2024/25 season after nine league appearances.
With just two minutes remaining,Ayew was substituted. As he left the field, the fans gave him another standing ovation, a touching gesture that moved the 35-year-old to tears.
Ayew spent five seasons at Marseille after joining from Lorient in 2009.
Over the course of his time at the club, he played over 160 matches in Ligue 1, scoring 44 goals and cementing his legendary status at the club.
Former Ghanaian boxer Bukom Banku, whose real name is Brimah Kamoko, surprised broadcaster and actress Nana Ama McBrown with a marriage proposal.
The unexpected moment happened during a fun cooking segment on her show, McBrown’s Kitchen.
“I will schedule the day for the wedding. Right now you are vacant, right? I love you really. It’s not fake,” he said.
McBrown, who confirmed she is currently single, appeared to enjoy the playful atmosphere of the show.
“Okay, yeah I am vacant so give me a ring. Ladies and gentlemen, right now I am vacant,” she said.
Throughout the session, Bukom Banku openly admired McBrown, even sharing his taste regarding women.
“I like thick women with shapes like yours. Your face, your money, your beauty, just like you,” Bukom Banku told McBrown while they were cooking banku and tilapia.
Bukom Banku, known for his boxing achievements, also shared insights about his life after retiring from the sport.
Since announcing his retirement in November 2023, he has dedicated his time to supporting his two sons, Abu Kamoko and Mustafa Kamoko, who are following his path into professional boxing.
Bukom Banku rose to fame after winning a bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the 1999 All-Africa Games in South Africa.
He retired with an impressive career record of 29 wins out of 30 fights, including 21 knockouts. His only loss came in 2017 when he faced formerOlympian Bastir Samir.
The issue started when MC Portfolio,during an interview with Stonebwoy on Angel FM, revealed that some BHIM fans suggested he return the GH¢5,000 gift he received from Shatta Wale.
They even proposed he contact Shatta Wale’s mother to give back the money.
The fans felt this was the only way MC Portfolio could regain Stonebwoy’s trust, accusing him of betraying the artist by accepting money from Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy’s rival.
However, Shatta Wale supporter Mawuli Ekpe Peter, also known as Abro, recently criticized MC Portfolio, saying it was wrong to drag Shatta Wale’s mother into the matter.
Abro expressed that it was disrespectful for MC Portfolio to claim he felt pressured to return the GH¢5,000 to Shatta Wale’s mother.
At first, MC Portfolio brushed off Abro’s criticism.
However, after thinking about it, he admitted that his comments were wrong and showed a lack of respect toward Shatta Wale and the SM community.
In his apology on Fakye TV, MC Portfolio said, “I deeply regret the comments I made. I understand now how they could have hurt Shatta Wale and his fans, and I sincerely apologize. My words were ill-chosen, and I recognise the importance of being mindful of the impact they have.”
Ghanaian fashion critic Charlie Diorhas spoken out again about rumours regarding his sexuality.
On the Girls Aloud podcast, one of the hosts asked him directly about the ongoing speculation about his sexual orientation, something that has followed him for some time.
While Charlie Dior is known for being confident and outspoken, he seemed uncomfortable when first asked about it.
After a brief pause, he explained that he prefers to keep that part of his life private.
“I don’t think Ghana is ready for that conversation,” Dior stated as he explained that his reluctance was not rooted in fear or personal insecurity but stemmed from an understanding of the societal context in which he operates.
Dior elaborated, saying, “It’s not about me; it’s about the readiness of the society I’m part of. I won’t have a conversation that people aren’t prepared to handle.”
Despite his refusal to confirm or deny the rumours, Charley Dioremphasised that he is unbothered by such claims.
“People will always have something to say,” he remarked with a smile. “But that doesn’t define who I am or my work,” he stated.
Romance isn’t about grand gestures or physical intimacy—it’s about being intentional in showing love and care. If your relationship relies solely on physical aspects, you might be missing out on building a strong emotional foundation.
When people think of romance they often associate it with physical intimacy. However, romance is more about showing love and care in meaningful ways that build emotional connections.
Romance isn’t about grand gestures or physical intimacy—it’s about being intentional in showing love and care.
If your relationship relies solely on physical aspects, you might be missing out on building a strong emotional foundation.
Here are 10 romantic gestures to deepen your bond and bring lasting joy to your relationship—without focusing on sex.
Romantic Nicknames to Strengthen Your Bond
Create a special connection with your partner by using unique names like “Honey,” “Sweetheart,” or “Darling.” These nicknames convey love and make your relationship feel one of a kind.
How Cooking Together Can Deepen Your Relationship
Cooking as a team allows you to collaborate, share laughter, and create something special together. Whether it’s trying a new recipe or baking a favorite treat, the experience strengthens your bond.
Plan Heartfelt Dates in Intimate Settings
Choose cozy, quiet places where you can talk openly and enjoy each other’s company. Dates that involve meaningful conversations help build emotional intimacy.
Write Heartfelt Notes or Letters
Handwritten notes or love letters are a timeless way to express your feelings. In a digital age, reading a personal note adds a touch of romance and shows effort.
Take Walks While Holding Hands
Something as simple as a walk while holding hands can beincredibly romantic. It’s an easy way to stay connected while enjoying each other’s presence.
Publicly Celebrate Your Partner
Praising your partner in front of friends, family, or on social media shows appreciation and respect. Ensure your actions in private align with your public praise to maintain authenticity.
Pray or Meditate Together
Strengthen your emotional and spiritual bond by sharing prayers or moments of meditation. Supporting each other spiritually is one of the most profound ways to connect.
Surprise Your Partner with Thoughtful Gifts
Send a small parcel, handwritten card, or meaningful gift to surprise your partner. Unwrapping a gift from someone you love creates lasting memories and joy.
Relive Your Love Story
Take time to revisit how you met and your journey as a couple. Share these stories with each other—or even with your children—to relive the moments that brought you together.
Have Meaningful Pillow Talks
Cuddle up and talk about your dreams, challenges, and emotions. Vulnerable and honest conversations like these foster trust and strengthen your connection.
For couples with children, or those in long-term relationships, maintaining romance beyond physical intimacy is crucial. By making small, thoughtful gestures, you can keep the spark alive and deepen your love for each other.
Romance is the glue thatstrengthens relationships. By incorporating these thoughtful and non-sexual gestures, you’ll create a love that is deep, meaningful, and lasting.
The game was in danger of being postponed due to heavy snowfall in Liverpool on the morning of January 5, 2025.
However, after a safety meeting, it was confirmed that the match will go ahead as scheduled.
Both clubs issued statements, and the snow has been cleared from the pitch in preparation for the game.
In a Sky Sports video shared on X, former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher was seen clearing snow from the pitch, but Gary Neville, theex-Manchester United defender, jokingly shoveled it back onto the field.
His playful actions were a humorous attempt to delay the match.
Gary Neville trying to shovel snow onto Anfield so the game gets cancelled 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9bd5KAosWb
Diana Hamiltonis set to release a new single called “Perfect God” on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
The song will be available across all digital streaming platforms, and a visualiser video will premiere on her official YouTube channel.
Produced by the talented Enoch Owuraku, the song showcases Diana’s powerful worship style and positive messages. “Perfect God” focuses on God’s perfection despite human flaws, encouraging listeners to trust in Him for hope and assurance. With Diana’s incredible voice and Owuraku’s expert production, the track promises to offer a memorable and inspiring experience.
The visualiser video for “Perfect God” will be directed by the renowned Sam Blankson of Alpha Standard Media, who is known for his work on Diana Hamilton’s award-winning music video “Adom.”
Blankson’s creative touch will add a captivating visual story that enhances the song’s emotional depth. The video is set to be a stunning masterpiece, perfectly matching the song’s impactful message.
According to Diana Hamilton, “Perfect God’ is a song of thanksgiving and reflection, celebrating the flawless nature of God and how His perfection covers our imperfections. It’s a call for us to move forward in faith, knowing that He remains the same unchanging God who loves us in every situation.”
The release of ‘Perfect God’ also marks a significant moment as Diana Hamilton prepares for the Diana Hamilton Experience 2025, themed ‘Move’, a four-city concert series across Ghana and USA. The song’s message aligns beautifully with the event’s theme, encouraging audiences to take bold steps forward in faith and trust in the “Perfect God.”
In the meantime,Diana has releasedon her YouTube channel a live rendition of ‘Yehowa Behwe’ recorded at Awake Experience 2024 video:
Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG),Dr. Ernest Addison, has announced that the central bank expects inflation to drop to single digits by the first quarter of 2026.
However, he mentioned that this projection depends on the economic policies and programs that the incoming John Mahama administration will implement in 2025.
Dr. Addison shared this information during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition with host George Wiafe.
In 2024, the BoG initially predicted inflation to end the year at 15%, but this forecast was later updated to 18%.
By November 2024, inflation had slightly increased to 23% from 22.1% in October.
Dr. Addison noted that inflation is expected to decrease due to the monetary policy actions taken by the BoG.
“Based on the work that the Bank of Ghana has done in checking rising price levels through the inflation targeting policy, the inflation rate will slow down for this year (2025), he assured.
“Inflation rate will hit 15 per cent by the end of 2025, from the current 23 per cent”, he assured.
Dr. Addison explained that the increase in inflation was partly due to the election-related emotions and the uncertainty surrounding that period.
The outgoing Member of Parliament for Suame,Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed concerns over President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s choice of Alban Bagbin as the Speaker for the 9th Parliament.
Speaking in an interview on January 5, 2025, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated that Mahama’s instruction for the NDC caucus to keep Alban Bagbin as Speaker goes against the constitution.
He explained that, according to the parliamentary rules, the decision on who should lead the parliament should be made by the new Members of Parliament, not the president.
Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu strongly disagreed with Mahama’s move, stating, “I would disagree with it. The presidency is one arm of government and the Constitution provides that the Speaker is a person who is chosen from amongst Members of Parliament or persons who qualify to be elected as Members of Parliament by the Members of Parliament themselves.”
The former Majority Leader of the 8th Parliament further stated that the presidency or the executive branch of government can only express their views or opinions regarding their comfort with the candidate.
“If the presidency is comfortable with Bagbin, they can say ‘they are comfortable with Bagbin’,” he emphasised.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further emphasized that the constitution gives both the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament the power to nominate and choose the Speaker.
As a result, the decision should not be left to just one group in Parliament.
“In the Constitution, it does not even lie with the NDC caucus alone to nominate a person as Speaker; it could as well come from the other side because Parliament is a representative body that includes both sides of the house,” he explained.
He continued, “The Constitution provides that the Speaker must come from amongst the Members of Parliament, and the election is at the instance of the Members of Parliament, not the party or the president.”
Kyei-Mensah Bonsu further advised the presidency to refrain from involving itself in legislative matters and decision-making regarding the leadership of Parliament.
“I would advise that the president doesn’t get himself involved in this. If he wants to talk to the members, he could do so informally, but to formally direct them to do this, to me, it is wrong,” he stated firmly.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks follow the nomination of Alban Bagbinas Speaker for the 9th Parliament by President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
A statement released on January 5, 2024, confirmed that the nomination was made after discussions and an agreement between the National Executive and Parliamentary Leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
65-year-old Alhaji Yakubu Ayaana has taken on an incredible challenge by walking 250km from Kumasi to Accra to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect John Mahama.
Alhaji Ayaana, a philanthropist, started his journey from Kumasi, located in the Ashanti Region, with the aim of reaching Accra by January 7, 2025, the day Mahama is sworn in as President.
This journey, which covers about 250 kilometers, is Alhaji Ayaana’s way of showing his respect and support for Mahama’s victory in the 2024 elections, as well as honoring Ghana’s democracy and unity.
John Dramani Mahama, who was Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, won the December 2024 elections with 56.55% of the vote. His victory has brought hope for progress and stability, especially as the country faces economic difficulties.
Alhaji Yakubu is known for making symbolic journeys. In 1997, he walked to mark the second-term inauguration of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
In 1999, he led a 16-kilometre peace and health walk in Tamale on Independence Day, aiming to promote national unity and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Evangelist Suro Nyame has expressed his views on Shatta Wale’s performance at the recent ‘Freedom Concert’ in Jamaica.
In a Facebook post, he highlighted the significance of Shatta Wale’s kneeling gesture, which was a tribute to Vybz Kartel.
As a strong supporter of the Shatta Movement, Evangelist Suro Nyame disagreed with critics who claimed Shatta Wale appeared overly starstruck and that his tribute to Kartel negatively impacted his performance.
The Evangelist believes the situation was not as the critics portrayed it.
He said it wasn’t just Shatta’s song choices that stood out to him, but it was his humbling gesture towards Vybz Kartel.
“Humility is key. Shatta Wale didn’t have to do that, but he did. He knelt, showing respect to Vybz Kartel, and that is a sign of the highest form of humility,” Nyame explained.
Evangelist Suro Nyame believes that Shatta Wale’s gesture serves as a reminder that true greatness comes from humility.
“When you humble yourself, likeShatta Wale did, God will elevate you. That’s how it works. No one gets far in life without acknowledging others and showing respect. It’s a spiritual principle,” he added.
He further emphasised, “Shatta Wale didn’t just perform; he connected with the crowd.”
Ousmane Dembélé’s stoppage-time goal secured a 1-0 victory for Paris Saint-Germain over AS Monaco in the French Super Cup on Sunday. The win marked PSG’s third consecutive Super Cup triumph.
The Ligue 1 champions, who took on Monaco after winning both the league and French Cup last season, claimed their 13th title in the competition’s history and their 11th in the past 12 years.
The match, held at Doha’s Stadium 974—constructed from recycled shipping containers for the 2022 World Cup—was action-packed. PSG dominated with 27 attempts, including nine shots on target, but struggled to score until Dembélé’s decisive goal in the final moments.
Ousmane Dembélé ensured Paris Saint-Germain avoided a penalty shootout with a dramatic injury-time winner, securing a 1-0 victory over AS Monaco.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Dembélé found the back of the net with a precise shot into the far corner after Fabián Ruiz set him up with a well-placed pass across the goal.
Earlier in the game, summer signing Désiré Doué nearly gave PSG an early lead but struck the crossbar in the ninth minute. Just before halftime, Lee Kang-In’s long-range attempt was denied by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn.
Throughout the first half, Dembélé and Vitinha also challenged Köhn with dangerous shots.
On the other side, Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Takumi Minamino tested PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was back in action after recovering from a facial injury.
No goals were scored in the first half of a French Super Cup for the first time since 2010 when Marseille beat PSG 5-4on penalties after the match ended goalless.
PSG, who beat Nantes and Toulouse in the previous two editions, won 4-2 at Monaco last month in Ligue 1 with Dembélé scoring a second-half brace.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiolahas challenged Jack Grealish to work hard and earn his spot in the team’s starting lineup. He urged the midfielder to regain the impressive form he showed during the club’s historic treble-winning season.
In the 2022-23 season, Grealish played 50 matches, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists, contributing to City’s triumph in the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
This season, however, the 29-year-old England international has struggled to make an impact. His recent performance saw him left on the bench during City’s 4-1 victory over West Ham United, with Brazilian player Savinho taking his place in the starting lineup.
“Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho,” Guardiola told reporters.
“Do I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that. They have to fight. You can say it’s unfair.
“If you think that, then it’s fine, but you have to prove [to me], ‘Okay, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’, every single day, every single week and every single month.”
Grealish, who also spent a spell on the sidelines this season due to injury, has made just six starts for City in the league.
“Two weeks ago, he was injured and he needs rhythm, and to play, but players need training,” Guardiola said.
“I don’t have any doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players. They would not be here [otherwise].
“I know that he can do it because I saw him. I saw his level and I want that, every single training session and every single game.”
Stonebwoy has once again made headlines, this time due to his past split with former manager Blakk Cedi, which continues to leave fans curious.
Back in 2019, Stonebwoy and Blakk Cedi ended their professional relationship, citing internal issues within the Burniton Music Group. While the exact reasons for their fallout were never revealed, reports suggested that disagreements led to Blakk Cedi’s exit.
Although an official statement was released at the time confirming their separation, many fans believe there’s more to the story.
The partnership between Stonebwoy and Blakk Cedi was not just a business connection but also a close personal relationship, which has fueled ongoing speculation about the real cause of their split.
Given their close relationship, many felt that a mere misunderstanding could not have led to such a permanent severing of ties.
However, the situation took a new turn when Blakk Cedi recently linked up with Stonebwoy’s nemesis, Shatta Wale, prompting further speculation and reactions from netizens.
DJ Slim, a well-known media personality and close friend of Stonebwoy, has made bold claims about the reason behind the split between Stonebwoy and his former manager, Blakk Cedi.
Speaking on his podcast, Street is Watching, DJ Slim shared rumors from trusted sources, alleging that a heated argument between the two at the 2018 Jamaica Sumfest turned physical.
He stated that tensions flared during a meeting with stage management and performers at the event, where Blakk Cedi reportedly disagreed with Stonebwoy over certain issues. The disagreement allegedly escalated to the point where Blakk Cedi physically attacked Stonebwoy by attempting to strangle him.
“When Stonebwoy went to perform at the Jamaica Sumfest in 2018, before soundcheck, stage management, artiste, and artiste management needed to meet. But apparently, it was alleged that Cedi met some of the stage performers and went through rehearsals with them.
“So, whenStonebwoy later joined in the meeting, he disagreed with certain things, and there and then in the meeting, the attitude of Blakk Cedi changed. His attitude changed to the extent that when the Jamaicans left the meeting room, things turned physical between Blakk Cedi and Stonebwoy. He (Blakk Cedi) held Stonebwoy’s neck and strangled him,” DJ Slim stated on his Street is watching the podcast,” he stated.
Famous Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has been invited to lead a worship session at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast forU.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The event is set to take place on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The Akwa Ibom-born cleric announced the invitation on his Instagram page, sharing a poster of the event and writing: “Let’s raise a sound in America. See you on January 20, 2025.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) explains that the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast is a faith-based gathering held every four years before a new administration is sworn in.
The event is non-political and focuses on offering prayers and worship for the U.S. government and its leadership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfZOIFtgQ1U
This year’s breakfast will be held at the Waldorf Astoria Presidential Ballroom and is organized by Reverend Merrie Turner.
Notable speakers like Dr. Alveda King and Pastor Mario Bramnick will take the stage as part of the program leading up to the inauguration of Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Bassey, known for his powerful worship music and as the convener of the Hallelujah Challenge, an online Christian worship movement, has gained global recognition for songs like “Imela,” “Onise Iyanu,” and “Olowogbogboro.”
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey is widely celebrated in Nigeria for his gospel music, which includes jazz, hymns, and medleys.
In 2024, his impact was honored in the United States when the Mayor of Albany, New York, officially declared October 6 as “Pastor Nathaniel BasseyDay.”
Tullow Ghana has won a major legal case against the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a high-stakes tax dispute. This ruling clears Tullow of the $320 million tax liability and ensures it will not face similar tax claims in the future.
This comes after Tullow Ghana filed the request for arbitration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in February 2023.
This was in response to the tax assessment imposed by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the disagreement over the application of the Branch Profit Remittance Tax (BPRT).
After 11 months of legal battle, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on January 2, 2025 ruled in favor of Tullow Ghana.
Tullow Chief Executive Officer, Rahul Dhir expressed satisfaction with the Tribunal’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the company’s interpretation of the Petroleum Agreements.
“We are delighted with the outcome and decision of the Tribunal, which affirms our assessment and removes a material overhang from our business,” Dhir said.
Tullow has expressed its commitment to working positively with the Government of Ghana to settle two remaining tax disputes currently being handled by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
These disputes, submitted to the ICC in February 2023, are a top priority for Tullow as it aims to reach fair agreements with the Ghanaian authorities.
The company also plans to strengthen its partnership with the government to fully harness the potential of its major oil fields, Jubilee and TEN, which play a significant role in Ghana’s oil production.
The Black Queenshave hit a major hurdle in their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Former coach Nora Hauptle has signed a three-year contract with Zambia, leaving Ghana without a coach just six months before the tournament.
Hauptle, who led the team to WAFCON qualification in November 2023 with a 3-2 aggregate win over Namibia, ended her contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on December 31, 2024.
The GFA has since reassigned Hauptle’s assistants, Charles Sampson and Anita Wiredu, to the U-20 women’s team as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, leaving a void in the Black Queens’ technical team.
In a statement, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) expressed confidence in Hauptle’s ability to elevate their women’s team. “We are excited to announce Nora Hauptle as the new Zambia Women’s National Team coach.
We believe she has the pedigree to take us to the next level,” said FAZ General Secretary Rueben Kamanga.
The Black Queens, placed in Group C with Mali, Tanzania, and South Africa, are now facing a tough challenge as they prepare for the tournament without a head coach.
Former manager of Shatta Wale, Bullgod, has criticized Blakk Cedi’s recent post praising his collaboration with Shatta on a project, calling it a “huge betrayal.”
Bullgod initially believed that Blakk Cedi was just helping to ensure the event’s success, as he had done for other international events involving Ghanaian artists.
However, after seeing Blakk Cedi’s post, which went further than expected, Bullgod was shocked.
In a surprising revelation, Blakk Cedi, former manager of Stonebwoy, shared that he had worked with Shatta Wale’s team during the Vybz Kartel Freedom Street Concert in Jamaica.
In a post on social media, Blakk Cedi called the opportunity a big deal and expressed his appreciation for Shatta Wale’s professionalism and strong work ethic.
He also thanked Shatta Wale for the trust, respect, and love he received during their collaboration.
The post has since sparked mixed reactions online, with netizens labeling Blakk Cedi a “sellout” for working with Shatta Wale, who is Stonebwoy’s greatest rival.
Some critics believe that Blakk Cedi, who was once closely connected to Stonebwoy and played an important role in his career, should have remained loyal.
Bullgod has weighed in on the issue, agreeing with this viewpoint.
“We’ve met at different platforms, and as event people, we usually want to support our Ghanaian artistes. That’s how I saw the whole thing until I saw his post. For me, that felt like it was a huge stab in the back for Stonebwoy. I don’t know how Stone will feel, but I know he won’t be happy about this. I say this with no disrespect,” Bullgod said in an interview on Joy Prime.
He added, “I’ve seen Blakk Cedi multiple times outside the country, helping at events. But when he made that post, saying he was part of the team, it felt off. What was the message supposed to achieve?”
Despite his disappointment over Blakk Cedi’s actions, Bullgod did acknowledge Shatta Wale’s success in the concert and expressed pride in seeing his dream come to fruition.
“I’m happy for Shatta. Why not? It has always been part of his dream. Shatta has always admired Vybz Kartel. We saw the vision back then and understood where the inspiration was coming from. Now that it’s happening, we’re proud. Whether we’re with him or not, it’s a dream we started, and we’re glad to see it realised. It’s historic. Nobody should criticised him, he did what he had to do,” Bullgod said.
Bullgod also reminisced about a past effort to bring Vybz Kartel to Ghana when he managed Shatta Wale.
He shared how everything was set, including booking the venue and paying for Vybz Kartel’s appearance, but the Jamaican artist was arrested just days before the event.
“We were going to bringVybz Kartel to Ghana. We had already paid for the dome, arranged everything, and had the figures to pay him. Then, he got arrested on Friday,” Bullgod recalled.
Blakk Cedi and Stonebwoy’s split
In 2019, Blakk Cedi and Stonebwoy parted ways after some internal issues within the Burniton Music Group.
While the exact details of their fallout were never fully disclosed, reports stated that Blakk Cedi was asked to leave due to disagreements over how the label’s artistes were being managed.
Prior to this split, Blakk Cedi and Stonebwoy shared a very close bond, both professionally and personally.
They were not just business partners but best friends, and Cedi even served as Stonebwoy’s best man during his wedding.
Blakk Cedihad long been one of Stonebwoy’s most trusted allies, defending him in both public and private battles.
Dancehall artist Stonebwoyshared a cryptic message on X(formerlly Twitter) in response to the buzz surrounding the decision after being removed from the NDC’s victory concert lineup.
The BHIM Nation leader, who often refers to himself as “the Torcher,” posted a Bible verse for his fans that read, “From the TORCHER to BHIMNATION. Exodus 14:13.”
Exodus 14:13 reads: “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.”
This mysterious post followed an official statement from the concert organizers explaining that Stonebwoy was removed due to pressure from grassroots members of the NDC.
According to reports, some supporters expressed concerns about Stonebwoy’s rumored connection to the opposition NPP, which resulted in his exclusion.
Additionally, there is speculation that Baba Sadiq, who has a known rivalry with Stonebwoy, may have played a role in the decision.
Baba Sadiq, an influential figure in the entertainment industry and the NDC Parliamentary candidate for Okaikoi Central, has been at logger heads with Stonebwoy throughout 2024, further fuelling the belief that his involvement could be a key factor in Stonebwoy’s exclusion from the event.
Other netizens have seen the move as part of what they describe as a broader ‘sabotage’ of Stonebwoy’s career, with the situation unfolding.
Meanwhile, theNational Democratic Congress‘ election victory concert, dubbed the ‘Ghana Victory Concert’, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.
Veteran musician Mzbelhas sparked fresh discussions about the value of the Ghana Card after facing a challenging travel experience.
The outspoken NDC supporter criticized the card, which outgoing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has championed as a key identification document, for not helping her in a difficult situation during her travels.
In a video posted on social media, Mzbel shared her experience while trying to return to Ghana with her two children from an undisclosed location.
She explained that she had lost her purse, which contained her passport and other important documents.
When she presented her Ghana Card as proof of identity, airport officials still refused to let her board her flight home.
“I was left stranded because they told me the Ghana Card wasn’t enough for the necessary processes. How does that even make sense when it’s supposed to be our ultimate form of identification?” she questioned.
Mzbel shared that she tried to resolve the issue directly with airport authorities, but her efforts were unsuccessful. This left her with no choice but to reach out to the Ghanaian embassy for help.
She said the incident highlighted flaws in the system, challenging the claims made by Dr. Bawumia, who had promoted theGhana Cardas a revolutionary tool during his time in office.
“This is the same card Bawumia said could be used for everything. So why couldn’t I use it in a situation like this? It’s no surprise he lost so badly in the elections,” Mzbel stated, referencing Dr. Bawumia’s significant defeat in the 2024 NPP presidential primaries.
Entertainment pundit and artist manager, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson,popularly known as Bullgod, has advised the Electoral Commission to consider changing the December election date.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, he explained that elections during the festive season negatively impact creative events and investments. Many people in the diaspora avoid visiting Ghana during this time, fearing possible unrest.
Bullgod noted that event organizers often wait until after the elections to host their programs but still face low attendance, leading to financial losses.
“I think one of the things we need to consider is shifting the date for elections. There was a rumour somewhere last year that they were going to put it in November. So I think we can do November like the Americas or even do it before that. What stops us? It’s just a day. The reason being that it affects investment. There’s a lot of money that comes in during that time.”
Bullgod suggested that the constitution could be amended to set a new date for the government’s transition, ensuring a smooth process despite moving the election date.
He emphasized that Ghana cannot remain stuck in outdated practices. According to him, times have changed, and politics should evolve to reflect these changes.
“For me, the constant things in life have changed. We can’t be stuck in our ways unless they look at the revenue December brings to us and say it’s negligible because that timing is some way.”
Bullgod has urged stakeholders and industry players to push for a change in the election date, proposing that it be held either in the middle of the year or in November.
Supporting Bullgod’s view, entertainment pundit Edem Mensah-Tsortome shared that many people in the country before the elections considered traveling abroad due to fears of conflict and unrest.
This situation,he noted, could have led to significant losses for the entertainment industry and event organizers, including musicians, as attendance at events might have dropped sharply.
“Even us who were here, it’s like we don’t know what will happen. We were uneasy in a way,” he added.
He pleaded that if there could be a way to amend the decision, the stakeholders in charge should rethink and consider the change.
Chef Failatu Abdul Razak, the Executive Chef and CEO of Chef Faila’s Kitchen, has marked the first anniversary of her Guinness World Record attempt for the longest cooking marathon by donating items to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
The donation included various essentials such as toiletries, rice, bottled water, soap, washing powder, buckets, beverages, cash, and other supplies.
During the presentation in Tamale, Chef Failatu thanked the hospital staff for their incredible support throughout her record-breaking cooking marathon.
She also extended her appreciation to the medical team at the Kamina Barracks Military Hospital, stating, “Today on this same historic day, I had the entire Tamale Teaching Hospital and the Kamina Barracks Military Hospital coming through for me with wonderful doctors and nurses standing on their feet and running shifts through the day and night for 10 days.”
Chef Failatu’s cooking marathon started on January 1, 2024, and ended on January 10, 2024.
She expressed gratitude to everyone, including individuals, organizations, and brands, who supported her during the event. She also encouraged young people to stay focused, work hard, be determined, and remain humble in their pursuits.
“I hope my fellow youth will look at me and decide not to go wayward. We need to stay away from drugs and all manner of criminal activities,” she said.
Hajia Rashida Muhammed, Administrator of TTH, received the items on behalf of the hospital and expressed her gratitude.
“TTH alone cannot achieve the excellence we aspire to. We need support from everyone and the community to help us achieve our goals,” she remarked.
After the NDC decided to remove Stonebwoy from their election victory concert, they explained that some of their supporters were unhappy, mentioning concerns about his rumored connections to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, many people online suspect that Baba Sadiq, who has had issues with Stonebwoy in the past, may be behind the decision.
Baba Sadiq, an influential figure in the entertainment industry and the NDC Parliamentary candidate for Okaikoi Central, has had a long-standing feud with Stonebwoy throughout 2024, and they are currently not on good terms.
Some netizens predicted that when the NDC finally comes to power, Stonebwoy may not be favoured under the administration, as Baba Sadiq,an active member of the party, could go to great lengths to block his opportunities.
As Baba Sadiq is currently involved in a legal battle for the Okaikoi Central seat, some online users believe that Stonebwoy’s situation could worsen if Sadiq wins and becomes a Member of Parliament or even the Creative Arts Minister in a John Mahama-led government.
These speculations, along with the recent decision to exclude Stonebwoy from the NDC’s upcoming concert, have led many to feel that efforts to harm Stonebwoy’s career might already be underway.
The Rift Between Baba Sadiq and Stonebwoy
The conflict between Baba Sadiq and Stonebwoy started when Stonebwoy didn’t attend Baba Sadiq’s 3Music Sallahfest event, citing a breach of their agreement. Stonebwoy said that they had agreed not to share flyers for the concert since it was a charity event, not a paid one.
However, he claimed that Baba Sadiq went ahead and shared the flyers, which led Stonebwoy to cancel his participation just days before the event. On the other hand, Baba Sadiq said that Stonebwoy didn’t show up because he was upset that his music rival, Shatta Wale, was also scheduled to perform at the same event.
The Artiste of the Year saga
Baba Sadiq intensified his conflict with Stonebwoy during the 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards when he actively campaigned for King Promise to win the “Artiste of the Year” title.
Baba Sadiq argued that Stonebwoy didn’t deserve the award, stating that King Promise was a better candidate.
He used social media, as well as radio and TV platforms, to publicly back King Promise and criticize Stonebwoy’s achievementsfrom the past year.
The alleged threat and Baba Sadiq’s rants
As the online tension between the two went on, Baba Sadiq alleged that Stonebwoy had placed a call to his wife, threatening her to “keep him in check.”
Baba Sadiq expressed his displeasure, saying that Stonebwoy had disrespected his wife by involving her in their feud.
Further rants, allegations, and lawsuit
Baba Sadiq intensified his attacks, describing Stonebwoy’s public personality as a “facade” and alleging that the BHIM Nation boss was a “privately horrible and arrogant person.”
He also accused Stonebwoy of being a “violent abuser of women.”
In reaction to the accusations, Stonebwoy took legal action against Baba Sadiq, demanding GH¢3 million in compensation for defamation. Meanwhile, Baba Sadiq stood firm, showing no remorse for his comments or actions.
Dumelo family is mourning the passing of Engineer John William Kudzo Anato-Dumelo Snr., the father of Ghanaian actor and politician John Dumelo.He was 75 years old and leaves behind a legacy of love and care for his family.
In a touching post on social media, Dumelo’s wife expressed her sorrow, reflecting on the timing of her father-in-law’s death, which happened to fall on her birthday.
“Daddy why now? Why did you choose my birthday? Why didn’t you wait for Koo’s inauguration? Why? Why? Why? Why???????😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭,” she wrote, expressing her sorrow.
John Dumelo wrote a heartfelt tribute, remembering his final moments with his father. He shared that just hours before the sad news, they had a conversation about politics, life, farming, and business.
His father also gave him advice for his upcoming swearing-in ceremony. Sadly, shortly after their talk, Dumelo received the news that his father had stopped responding.
Despite rushing him to the hospital, he passed away.
“My best friend. My number one cheerleader. My pillar of support. You’ve left a void no one can fill. Rest well, Daddy,” Dumelo shared in his tribute, expressing gratitude for the role his father played in his life.
John Dumeloalso honored his father’s memory and reflected on the loss of his mother.
During this challenging time, the Dumelo family has received an overwhelming amount of love and sympathy from fans and friends as they grieve their loss.
Former captain of theBlack Stars, Asamoah Gyan, has strongly supported Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). He believes that Nyantakyi was removed due to sabotage and personal agendas within Ghanaian football.
During a heartfelt Instagram Live session on Thursday, Gyan expressed his concerns about the decline of football in Ghana since Nyantakyi’s departure. He praised Nyantakyi as a leader who focused on unity and growth in the sport.
“When Nyantakyi was the GFA president, look at where Ghana football was. Nyantakyi was never the kind of person who allowed internal bickering. He wouldn’t accept selfish agendas,” Gyan said.
According to Gyan, Nyantakyi’s refusal to bow to the demands of a “yesa massa” culture made him a target for those who sought to manipulate the system for personal gain.
“If someone came to him with selfish reasons, he wouldn’t accept it. That’s why they wanted him out. Since his removal as GFA president, have you seen what has become of Ghana football?” Gyan questioned, visibly emotional.
The former striker highlighted Nyantakyi’s achievements, including his rise to CAF Vice President, which positioned him as one of the most influential figures in African football. He argued that the former GFA president’s leadership brought stability and direction to Ghana football.
“Nyantakyi was leading us somewhere. He became CAF Vice President; one of the strongest people in African football. But because he wouldn’t entertain their selfish interests, they sabotaged him. They found a way to remove him from his role,” Gyan added.
Since Kwesi Nyantakyi left his position in 2018 due to accusations of wrongdoing, Asamoah Gyan believes that Ghanaian football has experienced a major decline. He blamed those who opposed Nyantakyi for putting their personal interests first, which has led to the current stagnation and lack of progress in the sport.
“People didn’t agree with how Nyantakyi was leading, but the truth is he was doing well. Look at where Ghana football was under his leadership, and look at it now. It’s clear who the problem was,” Gyan said.
Ghanaian actor and politicianJohn Dumelo is grieving the death of his father, Engineer John William Kudzo Anato-Dumelo Snr., who passed away at the age of 75.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Dumelo shared the last moments he spent with his father, recalling their conversation just hours before his death.
He revealed that they talked about various topics, including politics, life, farming, and business. His father also gave him guidance for his upcoming swearing-in ceremony.
Sadly, just after their conversation, Dumelo received the heartbreaking news that his father had lost consciousness.
Despite attempts to get him to the hospital quickly, his father passed away.
Dumelo expressed gratitude to his father for being a pillar of support, calling him his “best friend” and “number one cheerleader.” He also paid tribute to his father’s legacy and sent heartfelt regards to his late mother.
Organizers of the Ghana Victory Concert have announced that Stonebwoy will no longer be performing at the event, despite prior plans. They explained the decision was due to concerns from grassroots members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In their statement, they apologized to NDC supporters for the oversight and expressed regret over the decision, also offering an apology to Stonebwoy and his team for the unfortunate situation.
The Ghana Victory Concert was meant to celebrate the success of the 2024 elections and promote peace and unity. However, Stonebwoy’s removal from the lineup has sparked debate online, with some questioning if the event is politically motivated.
In a surprise move, Stonebwoy has been removed from the National Democratic Congress' victory concert lineup following objections from the party's grassroots members, who had expressed concerns about his inclusion. pic.twitter.com/4L5rH3CgVL
Some people have even suggested that his exclusion is linked to his perceived support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the election period.
Others speculate that the decision may be tied to his alleged refusal to perform at NDC rallies, suggesting that this might have influenced his omission from the victory celebrations.
Neither Stonebwoy nor the NDC has officially commented on the development, leaving many to await clarification on the reasons behind the decision.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’smanager, has taken responsibility for the club’s poor form this season. Despite winning the Premier League title for the last four years and six of the past seven, City are now 14 points behind Liverpool.
Their 2-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday was only their second win in 14 matches. Guardiola admitted that this current struggle is the worst phase of his successful managerial career, which includes successful stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
“There are many, many things [involved in being a manager] and I missed something – something I am not doing well,” said Guardiola, who has been at the club for nine seasons.
“In the end, when you lose a lot of games it is an incredible responsibility for the manager to take. There is something the team needs and confidence and I was not able to do it.
“The call is on me first, it’s not the players. They naturally drop a little bit and that is normal. It happened a little bit last season as well.”
City have had slow starts to seasons before – and trailed the leaders by six points or more in each of the past four title-winning campaigns – but they have never been this bad.
“With this consistency [of results] I should have found it, and that is why we’re in this position,” Guardiola said.
“I blame [myself]. It’s not to say, ‘oh how nice is Pep’ – it’s the truth. I lead that group of players and I could not lift them. This is the reality.”
City have suffered many injuries this season – including toBallon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri – which Guardiola has repeatedly highlighted.
“We were the only unbeaten team in Europe [until 30 October] and top of the league, but immediately we went down, for injuries, many things we’ve talked about,” he said.
“But, even with that, I should have found a way to get better results.”
The champions host West Ham at 15:00 GMT on Saturday.
Former manager ofShatta Wale, Bullgod, has praised the artist and his team for being invited to perform at the 2024 Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Concert in Jamaica.
He expressed pride in Shatta Wale’s performance, highlighting it as a significant achievement. Bullgod noted that this was particularly special for Shatta Wale, as he has long admired Vybz Kartel and aspired to connect with him.
The concert was described as a meaningful milestone for the Ghanaian musician.
Bullgod discussed Shatta Wale’s performance during an interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show expressing his admiration for Shatta Wale’s energy and the significance of his appearance at the Freedom Street Concert.
Bullgod highlighted how the event showcased Shatta Wale’s talent on an international stage, making it a proud moment for Ghana.
“It was part of the dream. Shatta has always admired Vybz Kartel, and even before I met him, I saw what he was doing; I’m a big reggae and dancehall fan. When you look at where he’s going with his craft, you can see the inspiration behind it,” he said.
When Bullgod started working with Shatta Wale, he encouraged the team to strive for a career path similar to Vybz Kartel’s. Although their partnership ended unexpectedly, Bullgod expressed pride in Shatta Wale’s current team for helping him achieve this vision.
He acknowledged their efforts in reaching the goal, even though he is no longer part of the artist’s journey.
“We saw the dream at the time and recognised where the influence and inspiration were coming from. So, to witness this full circle moment in our lifetime, we are proud of the team Shatta Wale is with now, who made sure this dream became a reality.
Everyone is happy, trust me. Whether we are with him or not, it’s a dream we started, and we’re glad it happened,” he remarked.
Bullgod also shared his joy in being part of Vybz Kartel’s triumphant return, particularly after the artist’s 13 years of imprisonment.
He further revealed that the idea for Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert originally came from himself, Kendrick Yehowada, and Vybz Kartel. However, the concept was put on hold after the Jamaican artist’s unfortunate arrest.
Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Azumah Djietro, has announced that the Ninth Parliament will officially convene immediately after the dissolution of theEighth Parliament.
The first session is scheduled for 12:05 am on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
During this meeting, members will elect a new Speaker of Parliament and two deputies. Additionally, the newly elected MPs and Speaker will be sworn into office during the session.
The 2025 mini-budget has already been approved by Parliament to support the incoming government.
Later in the day, the current administration will formally transfer power to John Mahama‘s incoming government.
NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has criticized the progress of the Agenda 111 hospital projects initiated byPresident Nana Akufo-Addo.
In a Facebook post on January 4, 2025, he pointed out that none of the hospitals are operational, despite substantial resources being invested.
He also noted that an additional $1.4 billion is required to complete them.
His comments came after President Akufo-Addo highlighted Agenda 111 as a key healthcare initiative during his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025.
The Agenda 111 project, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to build 111 hospitals, including regional and psychiatric facilities, to address healthcare challenges in Ghana.
While some progress has been made, the initiative remains incomplete as President Nana Akufo-Addo’s term concludes in three days.
President Akufo-Addo has encouraged incoming President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize finishing the projects, expressing hope that their completion would greatly improve healthcare services across the country.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah pointed out that none of the Agenda 111 hospitals are operational, emphasizing that this reflects flaws in planning and execution during President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
He argued that despite the significant resources invested, the initiative’s goals remain unachieved, highlighting the need for better oversight and strategic implementation.
“None of the Agenda 111 hospitals is functioning. Uncompleted! US$1.4billion needed to complete.”
The Agenda 111 programme, while ambitious, has faced challenges ranging from funding shortfalls to delays in construction.
Former GFA Vice-President George Afriyie has expressed his determination to seek government intervention if Kurt Okrakuattempts to serve a third term as GFA President.
Reports suggest that the Executive Council of the GFA is considering revising its statutes to permit Okraku’s re-election for another term.
In the 2023 elections, Okraku was the sole candidate after Afriyie was disqualified by the Election Committee, a decision later upheld by the Appeals Committee.
In response to reports of Okraku potentially seeking another term, Afriyie made it clear that he would take action.
Speaking on Asempa FM, he stated, “You’ve won, you are ruling, you are the President of the FA, things are not going on well, that is not my fault.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RMg5aAP3mo
Afriyie went on to express his desire to seeOkraku succeed, stating, “I really want to help him [Kurt] succeed. I am more than prepared for him to finish his term but he should forget about the proposed amendments of our statutes to go [for] a third term.
“The biggest spender of the GFA is the government of Ghana. I will personally write a petition to the government of Ghana. The government has a say,” he added.
Kurt Okraku became GFA President in 2019, following the dissolution of the Normalisation Committee, which was established after Kwesi Nyantakyi resigned amid corruption allegations exposed by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Okraku’s leadership has drawn criticism, particularly over the poor performance of Ghana’s national teams.
The Black Stars exited at the group stage in the last two Africa Cup of Nations and failed to qualify for the upcoming tournament in Morocco—marking the first time in 20 years that Ghana won’t compete in the event.
Ghanaian rapper Okyeame Kwamehas shared insights about his decision to move away from organized Christianity and focus on personal spirituality. He described this transformation as a significant part of his growth.
In an interview on DJ Slim’s podcast, he explained how his experiences and studies influenced this change.
Okyeame Kwame noted the role of history, particularly how religion was introduced to Africa, in shaping his perspective and inspiring his journey toward a more individualized spiritual path.
“Religion, as it was brought to us, was never about connecting us to God. It was about control and exploitation.
Once you see that truth, it becomes hard to look at it the same way,” he stated.
Okyeame Kwame, a Ghanaian rapper, recently spoke about his shift from organized Christianity to a more personal spiritual journey. He described this change as a crucial part of his personal growth.
In a conversation on DJ Slim’s podcast, he shared how his life experiences and research motivated the transition.
He also reflected on Africa’s history with religion, emphasizing its introduction to the continent as a significant factor that reshaped his beliefs and guided him toward exploring spirituality on his own terms.
“When you read words like those, you realize that religion wasn’t introduced to liberate us; it was meant to enslave us mentally,” he explained.
Okyeame Kwameshared that learning about how religion was introduced to Africa and used as a tool for control deeply unsettled him, leading him to rethink his faith.
Over time, he moved away from traditional religious practices and began exploring spirituality in a broader sense. This shift, he explained, has been a gradual process, allowing him to develop a more personal and meaningful connection to his beliefs.
“I’m now an omnist. explaining his belief in the validity of all religions while remaining open to questioning and learning from each.
He added, “Every belief system has a foundation, and I’m on a journey to explore them all. If something resonates with my truth, I embrace it.”
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyanrecently took to social media to share the struggles he has faced due to his straightforward personality and refusal to conform.
While addressing the Kantamanto fire incident, Gyan shifted focus to discuss how staying genuine has often led to disrespect and criticism.
He compared his experiences to those of musician Shatta Wale, highlighting similarities in how both have dealt with hatred while staying true to their authentic selves.
Asamoah Gyan explained that his humility is often misinterpreted as a weakness, even by individuals, including some accomplished legends, whom he has surpassed in achievements.
He emphasized that he does not hesitate to call out such behavior, even if it results in being perceived as disrespectful.
Gyan likened this approach to Shatta Wale’s, noting that both share a tendency to stand their ground and address issues directly when their values are challenged.
“I’ve achieved more than some of my colleagues, but when I see them, I respect them. Because I respect them, they try to disrespect me and take me for granted. But when they do, I quickly let them know that they cannot try that with me. I make them aware that I have achieved more than them, and it’s out of respect that I obey them,” Gyan explained.
He continued, “That is how Shatta Wale is. When Shatta Wale sees Reggie Rockstone and other legends, he will bow down. It doesn’t mean he is stupid. But when those legends step on his toes, he will insult them to remind them of their place. That guy, watch his life and watch mine. It’s a natural gift.”
Asamoah Gyanfurther emphasised his belief that he has always been “the chosen one,” receiving opportunities amidst millions of others.
“From my infancy, I’ve always been favoured and chosen for opportunities. You can ask around. It’s a gift that no one can take away from me. I always stand out. Out of thousands, and millions, I’m often the chosen one. That’s how Shatta Wale is. Sometimes, I get shocked by these personal traits,” he stated.
The former Black Stars captain then recounted how years ago, after the success of Shatta Wale’s “Bandana” track, the artiste was blacklisted by the music industry because he refused to conform and remained true to himself.
“When he released ‘Bandana,’ it blew up and he was happy. But fast forward a year or two, I saw Nii Armah (Shatta Wale) on the streets looking dirty and unkempt. According to the facts I gathered, at that time, Shatta Wale didn’t comply with the industry’s expectations. He is a real person. You can’t tell him what to do, so people in the industry wanted to control him. Because he didn’t allow that, they cut his music off from the mainstream media and sabotaged him to the point where he went broke,” Asamoah Gyan said.
He added, “He was from a rich home but decided to go on the streets. I was coming back from training when I saw him, and I parked and cried. My classmate, who after the ‘Bandana’ hit was looking like that, I was hurt. So, I stopped in front of Blue Lagoon, where he stayed with his friends, and interacted with him. I asked what happened, and he said, ‘Life happened.’”
A famous Nigerian highlife musician,Dr. Arube Otor, is planning to marry three women on January 19 in Delta State.
A flyer shared on social media shows Dr. Arube in matching outfits with his brides: Oghenekome, Ewoma, and Oghenekaro, all from Delta.
His foster son, Emperor Efih (Oscar), shared details of the upcoming wedding.
According to Efih, the wedding will take place as announced, though the initial plan to wed four women was altered after one of the brides-to-be withdrew for personal reasons.
Explaining the rationale behind Arube’s decision, Efih said, “Arube married two women about 20 years ago. One divorced him, leaving him with just one wife. To cut costs, he decided to marry four women this year. Along the way, one pulled out,” said as quoted by Nigeria’s PUNCH.
Efih also highlighted Arube’s legacy in the Delta music scene. “He is a music legend in Delta. He sings Isoko highlife. He has been in the music scene for over 30 years.
According to Efih, the wedding will take place as announced, though the initial plan to wed four women was altered after one of the brides-to-be withdrew for personal reasons.
Explaining the rationale behind Arube’s decision, Efih said, “Arube married two women about 20 years ago. One divorced him, leaving him with just one wife. To cut costs, he decided to marry four women this year. Along the way, one pulled out,” said as quoted by Nigeria’s PUNCH.
Efih also highlighted Arube’s legacy in the Delta music scene. “He is a music legend in Delta. He sings Isoko highlife. He has been in the music scene for over 30 years.
Dr. Arube Otor started his career as a driver while also pursuing music. He initially played in a band with others, but after they split up, he formed his own dance band called Arube about 12 years ago. Since then, he has released over 10 albums.
On January 2, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, introduced her new lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, on her newly created Instagram account. The show, set to launch on January 15, will be available on Netflix. At 43, Meghan embarks on this personal project as both the host and executive producer.
In a post, Meghan shared the trailer for her upcoming show, captioning it: “I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it.
Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support — and fun! As ever, Meghan.”
Meghan filmed her new show in Montecito, California, where she’s seen engaging in various activities like cooking, managing a beehive, arranging flowers, and hosting friends and guests, including her husband, Prince Harry.
“I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it,” she says in the clip, which is set to The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You Believe in Magic.” “Surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.”
“We’re not in the pursuit of perfection, we’re in the pursuit of joy,” she says elsewhere in the trailer. “Love is in the details.”
In a release shared with PEOPLE, Netflix describes the show as an “inspiring series, produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, that reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old.” Meghan Markle and Mindy Kaling in Netflix’s ‘With Love, Meghan’.
The statement continues, “Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.”
The 8-episode series, with each installment running 33 minutes, brings together a lineup of Meghan’s closest friends. Among them are her longtime makeup artist Daniel Martin and photographer Delfina Blaquier, wife of polo star Nacho Figueras, a close friend of Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle and Mindy Kaling in Netflix’s ‘With Love, Meghan’. PHOTO: Courtesy of Netflix
The series also features actress-producer Mindy Kaling, Tracy Robbins (wife of Paramount CEO Brian Robbins), veteran literary agent and Godmothers Bookstore co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai, former Suits star Abigail Spencer, and Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms.
Adding a culinary flair to the series are renowned chefs and restaurateurs Roy Choi and Ramon Velazquez, along with farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters, who share their expertise and passion for food.
Directed by Michael Steed (Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown) and helmed by showrunner Leah Hariton (Selena + Chef), the series is a collaboration between Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Productions and The Intellectual Property Corporation, a division of Sony Pictures Television.
With Love, Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex’s first solo hosting project for Netflix, offering an intimate and personal look into her world.
This follows Meghan and Harry’s five-part docuseries Polo, which premiered in December but struggled to find traction on Netflix’s top 10 charts.
At UTV’s ‘Day with the Stars’ event, popular Ghanaian actor and TV host Akrobeto, alongside renowned broadcasterNana Aba Anamoah, presented the news for the day.
Their unique pairing sparked immense excitement, drawing attention to their contrasting news presentation style.
Akrobeto is known for his comic role as the ‘Real News’ presenter and his humorous struggles with English, often entertaining viewers with mispronunciations and misspellings.
In contrast, Nana Aba Anamoah, known for her mastery of the English language, was paired with Akrobeto to create a lively news segment.
From start to finish, the two provided a captivating show, full of rib-cracking moments.
The audience was treated to numerous instances where Nana Aba couldn’t help but “freak out” over Akrobeto’s unique approach to the English language, constantly correcting him with a mix of laughter and disbelief.
Their delivery, more comedic than serious, had everyone laughing instead of focusing on the news. Akrobeto managed a few correct spellings, but his mistakes were much more frequent. Every time he got something right, Nana Aba would applaud and hug him.
The two had great chemistry, and their playful interactions turned what would have been a typical news segment into a comedy show, keeping the audience entertained throughout.
During the ‘Day with the Stars’ event at UTV on January 1, 2025, Nana Aba struggled with Twi pronunciations, which allowed Akrobeto to take the opportunity to correct her. The event brought together several popular Ghanaian celebrities, who took on the role of broadcasters on live TV, bringing energy and excitement.
Celebrities like Salinko, LilWin, Piesie Esther, OB Amponsah, Diana Asamoah, Lady Prempeh, and Brother Sammy participated in the fun-filled day, entertaining viewers with their performances.
The Koforidua Divisional Policeare looking into the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl at Aberewa Nkwanta, in the Eastern Region.
The girl drowned in a swimming pool at the Tonyx Hotel on Sunday, while staying with her father and five siblings.
Although she wasn’t swimming, she was by the poolside taking pictures with other children.
The exact details of how the incident occurred are still under investigation.
Sadly, the girl was found at the bottom of the pool after her family realized she was missing while getting ready to leave.
She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead.The hotel management has promised to cooperate with the police and is expected to release a statement about the incident.
Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL)has announced the closure of the Bonsa Headworks treatment plant, which provides 75% of clean water to Tarkwa and nearby areas.
The closure is due to severe pollution in the Bonsa River, caused by illegal mining (galamsey), which has made it impossible to extract and treat water from the river.
Efforts to reduce the pollution’s impact have not worked, leading to the closure of the plant.
GWCL has promised that the Bonsa River is being monitored for improvements in water quality, and the plant will reopen once the conditions are suitable for water treatment.
The company assured residents that they would receive regular updates on the situation and emphasized their dedication to resolving the issue, ensuring the water supply is restored assoon as possible.
Former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke has suggested that Ghana’s Mohammed Kuduscould be the perfect replacement for Bukayo Saka, who was injured during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on December 21, 2024.
Saka, who limped off in the first half and was seen leaving on crutches, may be out for several weeks, leaving a gap in the team that Clarke believes Kudus could fill effectively.
With Raheem Sterling also injured after a training mishap, Arsenal now faces a shortage in their wing positions.
Adrian Clarke has suggested that the club should target Mohammed Kudus as a potential replacement for Bukayo Saka, who is expected to be out for some time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NVpr2wvLqQ
Clarke believes Kudus could be the ideal player to step in and help fill the gap left by the injured players.
Speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, Clarke said, “Kudus is a player Arsenal have shown long-term interest in. He’s an ideal replacement for Bukayo Saka and can contribute up front as well.
He’s a brilliant dribbler and a wonderful ball carrier. Could Arsenal test West Ham’s resolve with a bid this month?”
Since joining West Ham,24-year-old Kudus has made 61 appearances and scored 17 goals. His strong performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, all eager to secure his signature.
Member of the Ghanaian music group Keche, Joshua, has reacted toKing Paluta‘s recent remarks.
During an interview on the Delay Show, King Paluta declared that he would not be working with Keche in the future due to the criticisms he has received from them.
“I’m done with them. For them to not appreciate me despite what I did for them, giving you a verse for free, no! Imagine I buy a phone for you upon your request; you ask for airtime the next day, and I say I don’t have the means; then you go about telling people I’m wicked? How?” he queried.
In a recent interview with ZionFelix, Keche Joshua responded to King Paluta’s comments, stating that they will no longer collaborate with him, as it seems to be Paluta’s wish.
He also expressed disappointment, calling Paluta’s remarks during the Delay Show disrespectful.
“He said he won’t collaborate with us again, so we’ve heard. It’s nothing, he can go. We haven’t done anything to him. I was surprised by what he said in the Delay interview, it was disrespectful.
“The team told me not to speak about it, and it’s fine. He claimed he was sick, yet he was posting other people’s songs,” Keche Joshua said.
Background
One would recall that in August 2024, Keche Joshua took to social media to criticise King Paluta for failing to promote their song, “My Father,” after their collaboration.
Keche Joshua expressed confusion over why King Paluta shared songs from other artists but not theirs.Keche Andrewalso shared his frustration, revealing that Paluta had refused to shoot a music video with them, citing illness.
While Joshua apologized for his earlier harsh words, he reiterated his disappointment over Paluta’s actions.
A serious crash occurred at Gomoa Otsew on theWinneba-Cape Coast highway, involving three vehicles: a Sprinter Benz bus, a Honda Pilot 4×4, and a Kia truck carrying pineapples.
The accident happened when the Honda Pilot tried to overtake the truck but collided head-on with the bus. Two people are feared dead, and many others were injured.
Authorities are investigating the cause, and emergency responders have taken the injured to the hospital.
Two people are believed to have died in the crash, while others sustained injuries.
The Apam District Fire Service Commander, DO2 Anthony Kwesi Rhule, suggested that the accident might have been avoided if the driver of the Honda Pilot had been more patient while overtaking.
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)has released GH¢270 million to healthcare providers to cover claims submitted and verified up until October 2024, along with part of November 2024.
In a statement issued on January 3, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the NHIA Chief Executive, confirmed that the payments were made within the three-month reimbursement period.
The NHIA has no outstanding claims to address at this time.
“This latest payment brings the total amount released by the NHIA over the past four months to over GH¢1.2 billion, reinforcing the Authority’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare providers and ensuring the sustainability of the NHIS.”
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye encouraged healthcare facilities under the NHIA to submit their claims on time, as claims should not exceed 90 days.
Along with the current payment of GH¢270 million, the NHIA made significant previous payments, including GH¢200 million on December 1, 2024, and over GH¢335 million on October 9, 2024.
In September 2024, GH¢402 million was released for June and July claims. These payments highlight the NHIA’s commitmentto meeting its financial obligations and improving healthcare for Ghanaians.
Deputy Minister Ekow Vincent Assafuah has claimed that the January 2, 2025,Kantamanto market fire was politically motivated. He suspects the involvement of Quaicoo, also called Oboy, a polling agent for the opposition NDC, based on his own investigation.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Assafuah alleged that Oboy had made remarks hinting at the fire both before and after the recent elections.
“Based on my investigation, you will realize that those who set the market on fire did it in such a way that it would be very difficult for anyone, including Fire Service personnel, to salvage any of the items being burnt.
I have already written to the Ghana Police Service. There is this young man at Kantamanto called Quaicoo, aka Oboy.
He was a polling station agent for the NDC in Odododiodoo. This gentleman, before and after the elections, gave signals, and in his own words, as narrated to me, said, ‘As for Kantamanto, we will all lose it.’ These have been some of his words to friends and other people at Kantamanto.”
He continued, “Anybody who knows Kantamanto will tell you that these are people who live as one community. This is a man whose wife divorced him a few weeks ago, and because the financial support from his wife is no longer coming, he is now being supported financially by some people at Kantamanto. But due to politicking…”
The lawmaker added, “For the purposes of protecting the identity of the person who provided this information, I will keep their name confidential. A woman at Kantamanto told me that on Wednesday around 11 p.m., she saw this man passing by, and not long after, the market was in flames.
So clearly, based on the narration from this woman and corroborating accounts from friends of this man named Quaicoo, aka Oboy, I am convinced that this incident was politically motivated.”
A major fire broke out atKantamanto market early Thursday, January 2, 2024, destroying many shops and properties. Firefighters arrived with 13 tenders to control the blaze, which caused significant damage.
Video footage captured thick smoke filling the market as flames spread. According to Ghana National Fire Service PRO Alex King Nartey, there were no injuries or fatalities. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the full extent of the losses.
President Akufo-Addo will deliver his final State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025, before the 8th Parliament is dissolved.
As required by the 1992 Constitution, this speech will be the President’s final update on the country’s condition before he leaves office.
The 8th Parliament of Ghana will be officially dissolved on Monday, January 6, 2025.
On January 2, Members of Parliament approved a budget of GH₵68.1 billion for the first quarter of 2025.
The funds will cover essential areas of the economy from January to March.
The new government, led by John Mahama, plans to allocate GH₵16.5 billion for employee compensation, GH₵3.1 billion for goods and services, and GH₵20.7 billion for interest payments on loans, as outlined in the 2025 mini-budget.
Other planned expenditures for the first quarter of 2025 include GH₵45.5 million for subsidies, GH₵9.2 billion for grants to government agencies, and GH₵234.7 million for social benefits.
Additional government spending is projected at GH₵5.3 billion, bringing the total for the period to GH₵64.5 billion.
The government plans to allocate GH₵2.35 billion for clearing arrears and GH₵1.28 billion for debt repayment.
Reflecting on his accident in 2024, he highlighted how important it is for drivers to check their car lights before driving to ensure safety.
Kuami Eugene made this statement on January 2, 2025, during an interview on Property FM in Cape Coast, Ghana.
“I will plead with everyone that whenever you decide to go out, first and foremost, check your car’s lights.
Because we don’t have streetlights on many of our roads at night, if your car’s lights aren’t working, you’re facing a serious problem,” he stated.
He further emphasised, “It is very sad that there are no visible streetlights on our roads at night. So, if you’re a driver, I urge you to check your lights before hitting the road.”
Kuami Eugene also reminded drivers, particularly the careless ones, to prioritise their safety and well-being.
“Think about your life. If you see someone over-speeding, tell them to slow down, after all, you’re not traveling to heaven,” he stated.
Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam on Thursday, January 2, presented the first-quarter budget for 2025.
The outgoing government has requested 68.1 billion cedis to fund its operations until the new administration, led by John Mahama, presents the main budget for 2025. This temporary budget will cover public sector salaries, necessary payments, critical infrastructure maintenance, and social programs.
Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah Amoako referred the document to the Budget and Finance Committees for detailed review. The committees are tasked with scrutinizing the figures and policies before reporting back to the House for debate and approval.
The mini-budget is essential for the Ghanaian government to address economic challenges and set the country on a path toward sustainable growth and development.
Initially scheduled for presentation on December 19, 2024, the budget was delayed primarily due to a disagreement between the then minority NDC and majority NPP in Parliament over some outstanding government business, notably some request for tax waivers.
Additionally, the Finance Minister’s failure to appear on the originally scheduled date led to further postponements, pushing the presentation to yesterday.
Rihanna kicked off 2025by sharing that she remained sober throughout the entire year of 2024.
In an Instagram video shared on January 1, the 36-year-old singer celebrated with friends as they counted down to the New Year. In the clip, she mentioned her decision to abstain from alcohol during the previous year..
“Y’all, I didn’t drink all year! I didn’t drink all year,” she said in the video which was captioned: “New Year, New Me.”
In another Instagram video, Rihanna showcased her Fenty Hair shampoo. She humorously demonstrated its use by washing a hair extension alongside a friend, adding a playful touch to the tutorial.
“You owe me a new bottle! For one stinkin’ track!” she stated. The music star captioned the video: “De Dirt!!! We walking into 2025 CLEANSED baby! 1 track at a time! Also tell @mdollas11 stay out my bathroom!”
Rihanna celebrated the New Year in New York City with her partner, A$AP Rocky, and their two sons, 2-year-old RZA and 1-year-old Riot. In an October interview with PEOPLE, she shared her preference for wearing comfortable and practical outfits to keep up with her busy life as a mom.
“Anything that’s cozy, anything that’s stretchy, anything that’s easy to bend down and pick my kids up in. Those are the things I look for,” she said. “Things that don’t scratch me, don’t scratch them. We’ve got a lot of work to do in a day of the life of a mom.”
A$AP Rocky has also lauded Rihanna’s dedication and efforts as a parent, describing her as a “great mom” who he is proud to share a family with.
As the new year begins, Rihanna looksforward to achieving greater milestones in her career. Staying committed to her sobriety, the Fenty entrepreneur plans to maintain a balance between her professional ambitions and spending quality time with her family in 2025.
Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho,has expressed his support for President-elect John Mahama’s vision of resetting Ghana, which emphasizes the importance of hard work and prayer.
Mahama has often highlighted these two values as key pillars for the country’s future governance.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on January 1, 2024, Anyidoho echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the late President John Atta Mills’ leadership style, which was also strongly rooted in hard work and prayer.
He believes in the power of prayer and endorses Mahama’s approach for the nation’s success.
“I saw President Mills work hard and also depend on his belief in God through fervent prayers. He personally prayed before and after every Cabinet meeting.
I personally believe in prayers. If we are resetting to the days of fervent prayer and hard work, great yes. Ghana, First praying,” he stated.
During his 2024 election campaign, John Mahama promised that, if elected, he would declare a ‘National Day of Prayer’ to seek divine guidance for his leadership.
Since his victory, Mahama has reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing that prayer will play a key role in his governance moving forward.
In his New Year message,Mahama pledged, “This is the time we need to engage in fervent prayers more than we did during the campaign, for God to grant us the strength and wisdom to implement measures that will make Ghana a better place to live.
All I will say is that it is finished; God has already done it.
“We will work tirelessly to correct the outgoing administration’s many wrongs, tackle corruption with dogged determination, and reduce excessive government expenditures.”
