TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Applicants have until Dec 5 to update their details on portal – UG after release of WASSCE results

    Applicants have until Dec 5 to update their details on portal – UG after release of WASSCE results

    Following the release of the provisional 2025 WASSCE results, the University of Ghana (UG) has informed prospective applicants to check and update their records on its admission portal.

    After the WASSCE, some students buy admission forms before their WASSCE results are released. They apply using “awaiting results,” meaning they submit their details but leave the grades section blank.

    Consequently, following the release of the results, the University, in a statement dated November 29, which was signed by the institution’s Director of Academic Affairs, Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, has advised that they revisit the portal and upload and do a final check for accuracy, particularly of their full names and date of birth, before the formal admission process begins.

    The statement read, “Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, applicants for undergraduate admission to the University of Ghana (UG) are advised to log in again to the UG applications portal to: 1. Review the accuracy of entries, particularly: Full Name and Date of Birth; Examination records (Index Number, Exam Month, Exam Year)”.

    UG advised students to be guided in their selection of programmes so they do not choose options they don’t qualify for. It also added that admissions are still open for applicants who wish to apply.

    “Refer to the UG 2024/2025 entry cut-off aggregates for various programmes at https://admissions.ug.edu.gh/undergraduate/cut-off and make realistic choices. Please note that applications for 2025/2026 admissions are still open, and interested persons may purchase e-vouchers at designated banks or through the USSD code 8879# on all mobile telecommunication networks”, UG noted.

    Both existing and new applicants have until 5 pm on December 5 to complete their applications.

    “The application portal will be closed at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025”, the statement added.

    UG has a message for prospective applicats after the release of 2025 WASSCE results

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) released the provisional results of the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on Saturday, November 29.

    The results show that a massive surge in outright failure rates (Grade F9) across all four core subjects compared to the 2024 performance.

    According to the provisional results released by WAEC, the percentage of students who failed Social Studies increased steeply from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a 188% increase.

    The other core subjects, that is, Integrated Science and English Language, also saw a doubling of their previous failure rate.

    For Integrated Science, the failure rate increased by 8.93%; that is 2024 rate was 7.12% and in 2025 it increased to 16.05%.

    The failure rate for the English Language also rose from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025. Core Mathematics recorded the sharpest decline, with the proportion of candidates who failed rising from 6.10% in 2024 to an alarming 26.77% in 2025, more than four times higher.

    Consequently, only 48.73% of candidates achieved grades A1 to C6, a steep drop from the 66.86% recorded in 2024. In absolute terms, 209,068 candidates passed Core Maths, while 114,872 (26.77%) failed outright with an F9. Put simply, for every four students who sat for the exam, one failed Core Mathematics.

    The Core subjects are foundational: English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies are the backbone of Ghana’s education system. Failure in these means students lack the basic skills needed for higher education or employment.

    The failure of core subjects by candidates this year comes with several major concerns. Career opportunity-wise, social consequences and the impact it is likely to have on the country’s economy.

    Students with F9 grades or who failed in any of the core subjects now have their dreams of pursuing higher education, whether in Ghana or abroad, truncated. They will also be limited in securing many formal jobs, which will in turn create long-term barriers to social mobility.

    It goes a long way in terms of the effect it has on national development as well as a large cohort of underqualified youth weakens the skilled workforce, affecting productivity and innovation. High failure rates can lead to frustration, unemployment, and in some cases, social unrest. Also, if failure rates are concentrated in certain regions or schools, it highlights inequality in access to quality teaching and resources.

    Aside from these disturbing failures, WAEC’s data shows a massive crackdown on examination malpractice.

    The Ghana Examinations Committee approved severe sanctions against thousands of candidates and dozens of educational personnel.

    The subject results of 6,295 candidates have been cancelled over their smuggling of unauthorised materials like notes, textbooks, and printed material into the examination hall.

    Also, the entire results of 653 candidates have been cancelled for smuggling mobile phones into the examination hall, while the subject results of 908 candidates and the entire results of 158 candidates remain withheld pending investigations into various suspected offences.

    Results for candidates from 185 schools were withheld for alleged collusion.

    In addition, 35 persons, including 19 teachers, who compromised the integrity of the examination face legal and disciplinary action. Already, 19 of those individuals have been arraigned before the court and convicted to fines or prison terms.

    Before the exams, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned 2025 candidates sitting for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) against examination malpractice, threathening a twelve to fifteen-year jail term for culprits.

    This was announced by the Dormaa Central Municipal Public Relations Officer of the GES in the Bono Region, Nana Kumi Agyemang, during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency.

    According to him, offenders risk the cancellation of their entire examination, and he also said that offenders risk having their entire results cancelled or withheld.

    He also revealed that 2,179 candidates, comprising 1,075 males and 1,104 females, from four Senior High Schools (SHSs) are writing the exams in the Municipality. The schools include Christ Apostolic Church SHS, Dormaa SHS, Adehyeman SHS and Salvation Army SHS.

  • 2025 WASSCE results show a massive failure in almost all four core subjects

    2025 WASSCE results show a massive failure in almost all four core subjects

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) released the provisional results of the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) on Saturday, November 29.

    The results show a massive surge in outright failure rates (Grade F9) across all four core subjects compared to the 2024 performance.

    According to the provisional results released by WAEC, the percentage of students who failed Social Studies increased steeply from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a 188% increase.

    The other core subjects, that is, Integrated Science and English Language, also saw a doubling of their previous failure rate.

    For Integrated Science, the failure rate increased by  8.93%; that is 2024 rate was 7.12% and in 2025 it increased to 16.05%.

    The failure rate for the English Language also rose from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025. Core Mathematics recorded the sharpest decline, with the proportion of candidates who failed rising from 6.10% in 2024 to an alarming 26.77% in 2025, more than four times higher. 

    Consequently, only 48.73% of candidates achieved grades A1 to C6, a steep drop from the 66.86% recorded in 2024. In absolute terms, 209,068 candidates passed Core Maths, while 114,872 (26.77%) failed outright with an F9. Put simply, for every four students who sat for the exam, one failed Core Mathematics.

    The Core subjects are foundational: English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies are the backbone of Ghana’s education system. Failure in these means students lack the basic skills needed for higher education or employment.

    The failure of core subjects by candidates this year comes with several major concerns. Career opportunity-wise, social consequences and the impact it is likely to have on the country’s economy.

    Students with F9 grades or who failed in any of the core subjects now have their dreams of pursuing higher education, whether in Ghana or abroad, truncated. They will also be limited in securing many formal jobs, which will in turn create long-term barriers to social mobility.

    A large cohort of underqualified youth weakens the skilled workforce, affecting productivity and innovation. High failure rates can lead to frustration, unemployment, and in some cases, social unrest. Also, if failure rates are concentrated in certain regions or schools, it highlights inequality in access to quality teaching and resources.

    Aside from these disturbing failures, WAEC’s data shows a massive crackdown on examination malpractice.

    The Ghana Examinations Committee approved severe sanctions against thousands of candidates and dozens of educational personnel.

    The subject results of 6,295 candidates have been cancelled over their smuggling of unauthorised materials like notes, textbooks, and printed material into the examination hall.

    Also, the entire results of 653 candidates have been cancelled for smuggling mobile phones into the examination hall, while the subject results of 908 candidates and the entire results of 158 candidates remain withheld pending investigations into various suspected offences.

    Results for candidates from 185 schools were withheld for alleged collusion.

    In addition, 35 persons, including 19 teachers, who compromised the integrity of the examination face legal and disciplinary action. Already, 19 of those individuals have been arraigned before the court and convicted to fines or prison terms.

    Before the exams, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned 2025 candidates sitting for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) against examination malpractice, threathening a twelve to fifteen-year jail term for culprits.

    This was announced by the Dormaa Central Municipal Public Relations Officer of the GES in the Bono Region, Nana Kumi Agyemang, during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency.

    According to him, offenders risk the cancellation of their entire examination, and he also said that offenders risk having their entire results cancelled or withheld.

    He also revealed that 2,179 candidates, comprising 1,075 males and 1,104 females, from four Senior High Schools (SHSs) are writing the exams in the Municipality. The schools include Christ Apostolic Church SHS, Dormaa SHS, Adehyeman SHS and Salvation Army SHS.

    As part of the measures put in place to ensure compliance with exam rules, Nana Kumi also revealed that the police have been deployed to various centres to monitor the students. This is also to prevent the students from using AI to solve their questions.

    “A monitoring team has been deployed to ensure the successful conduct of the exams, while the police have also been engaged to maintain law and order. Mobile phone use at the centres has been banned, and invigilators and supervisors are strictly enforcing the directive.”

    “The candidates are also under strict supervision to prevent the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the examination,” Nana Agyemang added.

    He also warned candidates to stay away from sneaking prohibited materials like papers with answers of anything of that sort to the exam halls, urging them to face their papers with courage.

    “Candidates must avoid carrying prohibited materials into the examination halls. They should rather be confident and courageous in tackling their papers.”

    He also remarked on the rise in female participation:

    “The steady increase in the number of female candidates is encouraging. This can be attributed to government interventions such as the Free SHS policy, the distribution of free sanitary pads, and intensified education and counselling by girl-child education coordinators.”

    Before the examination council sent caution to the 2025 WASCE candidates, they had cancelled and withheld the subject results and entire results of some two thousand, two hundred and twenty-eight (2,228) candidates who sat for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    The Council made this known after revealing that it had released provisional results of candidates who sat for the BECE for School Candidates, 2025.

    Following the completion of investigations into several cases of irregularity detected during the conduct of the examination and marking of scripts, the 36th Meeting of the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee for the BECE, 2025, held on Friday, August 15, 2025, approved the cancellation of the subject results of 718 candidates and the entire results of 177 candidates.

    The committee also withheld the subject results of 1,240 candidates and the entire results of 93 candidates.

  • Asantehene to give verdict on Bawku conflic today after months of mediation

    Asantehene to give verdict on Bawku conflic today after months of mediation

    Overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, is set to give his judgment following months of mediation process of the long-standing Bawku conflict.

    As part of the mediation process, Otumfuo heard arguments, reviewed history, and consulted stakeholders; he will give a definitive judgment today, Monday, December 1, at the Manhyia Palace.

    Manhyia, on November 10, announced the verdict date in a statement. Ahead of a two-day mediation, work which formed a key part of his continuing work to bring the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups in Bawku together and resolve their long-running conflict.

    In April this year, President John Mahama tasked the Asantehene to resume mediation of the Bawku conflict with sessions scheduled for April 28 – May 1, 2025. 

    Manhyia confirmed the resumption in a statement on April 15. The Asantehene began by meeting both representatives from both factions between April 28 and 30 to reopen dialogue and set the stage for meaningful engagement.

    However, the sessions were postponed due to the complexity of the dispute in the locality. However, the mediation continued on May 13, where the Asantehene mentioned that the period had caused some relative peace in the area.  In June, the Asantehene was expected to meet with the Kusaug as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in Bawku.

    After June 2025, the mediation process did not immediately conclude. Instead, it entered a slower phase with calls for more government support, and eventually, the Asantehene set a final mediation date for late November and early December 2025.

    According to the Manhyia Palace, today’s session marks the culmination of extensive peace-building efforts.

    Bawku, which had remained relatively peaceful for a period, saw conflict erupt once more in late 2024. The resurgence of violence was largely sparked by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022, only to be exiled later when his enskinment was ruled illegal.

    His return to Bawku followed the withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him by a Kumasi High Court in October 2024, reigniting tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities.

    The renewed violence has resulted in deadly confrontations, including attacks on both civilians and security forces. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process has been met with widespread approval, with many hopeful that his leadership will play a critical role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled Bawku region.

    Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a distinguished security expert, has called for greater support for Otumfuo’s initiative, stressing the importance of embracing multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.

    Colonel Aboagye urged a more inclusive approach to the mediation, calling for the involvement of various national stakeholders such as diaspora leaders, youth advocates, and women’s peacebuilding networks.

    He believes that a broader, multi-dimensional strategy will result in a more sustainable and inclusive solution to the conflict.“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

    He also cautioned that traditional diplomatic efforts alone might not be enough to resolve the deep divisions that have fueled the protracted conflict.

    Meanwhile, the community of Binduri in the Upper East Region, along with surrounding districts, has recorded a series of murders in recent times, leaving residents in fear and panic.

    The victims were killed by unknown armed men, prompting the police to launch investigations to arrest the perpetrators. In a recent update, the Ghana Police Service has offered a one-million Ghana Cedis reward for information leading to the arrest of Mark Agingre, a native of Binduri who has been labeled the prime suspect in the ongoing killings.

    This announcement comes after a man, his wife, and their three children were murdered in Binduri, leaving another child in critical condition. The surviving child is currently receiving treatment at the Bolgatanga Government Hospital.

    Earlier, on October 27, an elderly man and his two children were also killed by unknown assailants. Preliminary police investigations have linked these incidents to Mark Agingre.

    The police have urged individuals with information on Mark Agingre’s whereabouts to contact 191, 18555, or report to the nearest police station.

    Authorities have assured the public that the prime suspect and all others involved in the gruesome murders will be brought to justice. Taking to Facebook on Saturday, November 8, the police wrote, “Suspect Mark Agingre, a native of Binduri, is wanted by the Police for his involvement in a series of brutal murders in the Binduri District and nearby communities in the Upper East Region.

    Suspect Agingre is wanted in connection with the murder of a man, his wife, and three children on 7th November 2025, which also left another child in critical condition at the Bolgatanga Government Hospital.”

    It added, “He is further suspected of the murder of an elderly man and his two children on 27th October 2025 at Binduri. Preliminary investigations indicate that he may be behind several other targeted killings.

    “A reward of One Million Ghana Cedis GH₵1,000,000.00 has been earmarked for anyone who is able to share relevant and credible information that will lead to the arrest of the suspect.

    The post concluded, “Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station or call 191, 18555 immediately. The Police assure the public that every effort is being made to track down the suspect and bring him to justice.”

    On Sunday, October 26, a shooting incident left three individuals dead and five others injured. Reports indicate that gunmen invaded the victims’ residence and shot them, including a five-year-old child who died instantly.

    George Bukari, Manager of Binduri-based Maxx Empire Radio and TV, is reported to have sustained injuries. The incident has been linked to the long-running Bawku conflict, where ethnic tensions have periodically sparked violence, making the area one of the most heavily monitored in northern Ghana.

    The government has, in several ways, sought to restore calm. In July, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) deployed soldiers to conflict-prone areas, including Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla.

    Four other individuals were killed in a daylight attack at the Garu District Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which also left several others injured on Monday, October 20.

    The deceased included a bystander, an NHIA staff member, a mentally unstable man, and Yahaya Bukari, headmaster of Garu D/A Junior High School.

    Eyewitnesses reported that four armed men on two motorbikes fired shots wildly upon arriving at the office.

    “Around 10 a.m., we heard gunshots. Initially, we thought it was coming from the rural bank area, but later we found out that the attackers had gone to the health insurance office,” a witness stated. Edward Ndebugri, former Presiding Member of the Garu District Assembly and current Assembly Member for Kugri, recounted that the gunmen targeted bystanders and fleeing residents.

    “There is a public school close to the health insurance office, and when the shooting started, the teachers and pupils began running helter-skelter. The gunmen chased them, and when one of the teachers fell, they shot him dead,” he added.

    The assailants reportedly left the NHIA office with nothing. In response, heavily armed police and military personnel patrolled key areas, including the District Health Insurance Office and the Presbyterian Hospital.

    “The whole town is in shock. This is the first time we are witnessing such an incident. People are living in fear, and we are pleading with the security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Assembly Member for Kugri appealed.

    In April, the Ghana Police Service directed all regional commands to implement immediate protective measures for police officers and their families in the Upper East Region, particularly in Bawku, Pusiga, and Sindi.

    The directive followed intelligence suggesting that unknown operatives, potentially linked to names such as “King Doormathin” and “Nectwart Ermonnel,” may be targeting police officers and their relatives.

    “Recent developments suggest that police officers and their families, whether indigenous or non-indigenous, have become potential targets,” the internal message stated.

    It instructed that all movements in these communities must be carried out under armoured escort and warned that strict compliance is non-negotiable.

    Although the identities and motives of the suspected individuals remain unclear, security analysts are actively investigating potential links to escalating unrest. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

    “We’re working to ensure safety in these communities, but cooperation from the public is vital,” a senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Independent Ghana.

  • IGP Yohonu is alive and well – Ghana Police deny death rumours

    IGP Yohonu is alive and well – Ghana Police deny death rumours

    The Ghana Police Service has rebuffed claims that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has passed away.

    News of his alleged death emerged online shortly after President John Dramani Mahama granted his two‑year retirement extension beyond his mandatory retirement age in late November.

    He earned this extension due to his justification on grounds of continuity, stability, and ongoing reforms within the Ghana Police Service.

    Following the rumours, the Ghana Police Service, in a swift response, took to their official X (formerly Twitter page) on November 30 and denied them, urging the public to disregard what it described as completely false, adding that IGP Yohonu is “alive and well”.

    “We wish to categorically state that these reports are false. The IGP is alive and well and going about his duties as expected. We urge our officers, family members, loved ones, and the general public to disregard these reports,” parts of the post read.

    The statement also cautioned individuals spreading the false information, describing the act as malicious and reckless.

    The Police warned that disinformation is an offence and that anyone found responsible will face the law.

    “We would like to caution persons behind these malicious, insensitive, and reckless claims to note that disinformation constitutes an offence and perpetrators will be brought to justice when identified”, the post continued.

    The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, on March 14, swore Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno into office as the 31st Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    With this appointment, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno becomes the 25th Ghanaian to lead the esteemed Ghana Police Service since independence.

    President John Mahama urged COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to ensure that the Ghana Police Service operates with integrity, fairness, and without undue influence.

    COP Yohuno’s appointment follows the replacement of former IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who served in the role since 2021. During his tenure, Dampare implemented several reforms aimed at enhancing public trust and improving security operations across the country.

    A few weeks after his appointment, the IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno reassigned two senior police officers, Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Lysander Asare, to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Judicial Protection Unit, respectively.

    These two officers were implicated in a leaked tape that detailed a plot to remove the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

    Their conduct during their subsequent appearance before the parliamentary committee that investigated the matter raised concerns about their professionalism within the Ghana Police Service.

    The Parliamentary Committee said in its report that COP Alex George Mensah, Supt. George Lysander Asare and Supt. Emmanuel Eric Gyedi, misconducted themselves.

    According to the report, their conduct constituted a major offence under Police regulations and must be sanctioned in accordance with the Police disciplinary procedure.

    Sources suggested that some persons within the police service perceive the IGP’s recent move as a promotion rather than a punitive measure, as the new positions are considered highly sensitive.

    Per reports, this has sparked debate among officers, with many questioning whether it aligns with efforts to uphold discipline and ethical standards within the service.

    Section 17(d) of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350) states that: “It shall be misconduct for a police officer to engage in any activity outside his official duties which is likely to involve him in political controversy or to lead to his taking improper advantage of his position in the Police Service.

    Regulation 82(1) (c) of the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (C.I 76), which states that: “It is a major offence for an officer to engage in an activity outside official duties which is likely to “Involve the officer in political controversy or lead to the officer taking improper advantage of that officer’s position in the service.”

    A month he held a strategic meeting with former leaders of the Ghana Police Service to discuss measures for improving policing and security in the country.

    The engagement, which took place on April 2 at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, provided a platform for past and present police leadership to exchange insights on crime prevention, law enforcement reforms, and personnel welfare.

    Attended by several former IGPs, the discussion focused on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing stakeholder collaborations, and addressing challenges affecting national security.

    Members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) were also present, contributing to deliberations aimed at fostering sustainable improvements in the service.

    The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain regular consultations between past and present police leadership to ensure continued progress in law enforcement and public safety.

    Meanwhile, since he assumed office, he has made some significant contributions to the service, securing a landmark partnership with the New York Police Department (NYPD), described as one of the Service’s most significant accomplishments in recent years.

    Oversaw reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, particularly in response to cybercrime and violent crime.

  • 2025 WASSCE: Over 114k candidates obtained F9 in Core Maths – WAEC

    2025 WASSCE: Over 114k candidates obtained F9 in Core Maths – WAEC

    The provisional results of students who sat for the 2025 WASSCE have been released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

    The examination council released the results on Saturday night, November 29. The results have highlighted a growing concern in Ghana’s education sector. The results reveal a significant spike in outright failure rates (F9) across all four core subjects compared to 2024. Core Mathematics recorded the sharpest decline, with the proportion of candidates who failed rising from 6.10% in 2024 to an alarming 26.77% in 2025, more than four times higher.

    Consequently, only 48.73% of candidates achieved grades A1 to C6, a steep drop from the 66.86% recorded in 2024. In absolute terms, 209,068 candidates passed Core Maths, while 114,872 (26.77%) failed outright with an F9. Put simply, for every four students who sat for the exam, one failed Core Mathematics.

    The results have sparked several concerns, with experts expressing worry about possible frustration among some students who failed Core Maths and excelled in other subjects. Given that Core Mathematics is a core subject that one is mandated to pass to secure entry into most higher education opportunities, particularly in Ghana, the country is set for a looming crisis.

    Core maths is considered a foundation for careers like engineering, medicine, economics, ICT, finance, and science. A mass failure means a huge limitation for the pool of qualified candidates for these critical professions.

    Also, as Ghana’s economy is gearing towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills due to the evolving global workspace, high failure rates in Maths threaten the country’s ability to produce skilled graduates for modern industries.

    One of the concerns about failing Core Maths is the social consequence. These students mostly face limited career options, frustration, and unemployment risks.

    Also, another core subject which students failed was Social Studies. The percentage of students who failed Social Studies also saw a steep increase from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a 188% increase.

    The other core subjects, that is, Integrated Science and English Language, also saw a doubling of their previous failure rate.

    For Integrated Science, the failure rate increased by  8.93%; that is 2024 rate was 7.12% and in 2025 it increased to 16.05%.

    The failure rate for English Language also rose from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025.

    Aside from these disturbing failures, WAEC’s data shows a massive crackdown on examination malpractice.

    The Ghana Examinations Committee approved severe sanctions against thousands of candidates and dozens of educational personnel.

    The subject results of 6,295 candidates have been cancelled over their smuggling of unauthorised materials like notes, textbooks, and printed material into the examination hall.

    Also, the entire results of 653 candidates have been cancelled for smuggling mobile phones into the examination hall, while the subject results of 908 candidates and the entire results of 158 candidates remain withheld pending investigations into various suspected offences.

    Results for candidates from 185 schools were withheld for alleged collusion.

    In addition, 35 persons, including 19 teachers, who compromised the integrity of the examination face legal and disciplinary action. Already, 19 of those individuals have been arraigned before the court and convicted to fines or prison terms.

    Before the exams, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned 2025 candidates sitting for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) against examination malpractice, threathening a twelve to fifteen-year jail term for culprits.

    This was announced by the Dormaa Central Municipal Public Relations Officer of the GES in the Bono Region, Nana Kumi Agyemang, during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency.

    According to him, offenders risk the cancellation of their entire examination, and he also said that offenders risk having their entire results cancelled or withheld.

    He also revealed that 2,179 candidates, comprising 1,075 males and 1,104 females, from four Senior High Schools (SHSs) are writing the exams in the Municipality. The schools include Christ Apostolic Church SHS, Dormaa SHS, Adehyeman SHS and Salvation Army SHS.

    As part of the measures put in place to ensure compliance with exam rules, Nana Kumi also revealed that the police have been deployed to various centres to monitor the students. This is also to prevent the students from using AI to solve their questions.

    “A monitoring team has been deployed to ensure the successful conduct of the exams, while the police have also been engaged to maintain law and order. Mobile phone use at the centres has been banned, and invigilators and supervisors are strictly enforcing the directive.”

    “The candidates are also under strict supervision to prevent the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the examination,” Nana Agyemang added.

    He also warned candidates to stay away from sneaking prohibited materials like papers with answers of anything of that sort to the exam halls, urging them to face their papers with courage.

    “Candidates must avoid carrying prohibited materials into the examination halls. They should rather be confident and courageous in tackling their papers.”

    He also remarked on the rise in female participation:

    “The steady increase in the number of female candidates is encouraging. This can be attributed to government interventions such as the Free SHS policy, the distribution of free sanitary pads, and intensified education and counselling by girl-child education coordinators.”

    Before the examination council sent caution to the 2025 WASCE candidates, they had cancelled and withheld the subject results and entire results of some two thousand, two hundred and twenty-eight (2,228) candidates who sat for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    The Council made this known after revealing that it had released provisional results of candidates who sat for the BECE for School Candidates, 2025.

    Following the completion of investigations into several cases of irregularity detected during the conduct of the examination and marking of scripts, the 36th Meeting of the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee for the BECE, 2025, held on Friday, August 15, 2025, approved the cancellation of the subject results of 718 candidates and the entire results of 177 candidates.

    The committee also withheld the subject results of 1,240 candidates and the entire results of 93 candidates.

  • Dec 5 declared a statutory public holiday to celebrate farmers

    Dec 5 declared a statutory public holiday to celebrate farmers

    The Interior Ministry has declared Friday, December 5, a statutory public holiday. The announcement was made through an official statement dated Friday, November 28 and signed by the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.

     According to the statement, December 5th has been earmarked to celebrate farmers nationwide.

    It read, “The General Public is hereby informed that Friday, 5th December, 2025, which marks FARMERS DAY, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country”.

    In Ghana, Farmers’ Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of December to acknowledge and celebrate farmers across the country for their tremendous contributions to national development in terms of food security and economic growth.

     It is also observed as a statutory public holiday nationwide, where the nation dedicates the day to the farmers. Members of Parliament, both government and private workers, all stay away from work as a sign to join the nation in celebrating farmers in the country. 

    Consequently, Parliament announced it will not sit on that day, allowing MPs and citizens to join in honouring farmers.

    On the day of the celebration, a grand national durbar is held in a selected region, where outstanding farmers and fishers are awarded prizes ranging from cash rewards, farming equipment and tools, vehicles, and even houses. In some cases, awardees also receive sponsored trips to exciting destinations as part of efforts to celebrate their excellence in agriculture.

    Awards are given at district, regional, and national levels, with the national award being the most prestigious.

    This year’s theme, according to reports, is “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, Secure the Future.” The national event will be hosted in Ho, in the Volta Region.

    Mostly, these farmers are awarded for productivity, innovation, environmental sustainability, and contribution to community development.

    Last year, Nana Owusu Achiaw (Sekyere Central District, Ashanti Region) was adjudged the 2024 National Best Farmer award because of his success in mixed farming, combining crops, livestock, plantations, and agro‑forestry. His winning the award was also influenced by his adoption of climate‑smart, innovative practices. His farms created employment for 150–168 workers in Sekyere. He received GH¢1 million cash prize sponsored by ADB.

    Ernestina Osei Tutu from the Akwapim North Municipality in the Eastern Region was adjudged the National Best Female Farmer.

    Ms Tutu received a cash prize of GH¢200,000 sponsored by the government, as well as a standard tractor and accessories provided by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Also, for the female best farmer, she was also allowed to undergo a capacity building training and a study tour of the country.

    Meanwhile, July 1 has been reinstated as a statutory public holiday after Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, passed the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amends Act 601.

    This followed the assessment by the Committee on Defence and Interior, along with the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who deemed the bill urgent.

    While presenting the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the government had reviewed the number of public holidays in line with its earlier commitments to reform and streamline the holiday calendar.

    He emphasised that Republic Day holds great significance in Ghana’s history, which is why the government is reinstating it as a full public holiday.

    According to him, Ghana would continue to observe key holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1, Constitution Day on January 7, Independence Day on March 6, Good Friday and Easter Monday in March or April for Christians, Labour Day on May 1, and Republic Day on July 1.

    The bill was introduced to Parliament by Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka in his capacity as Interior Minister last week and was passed under a certificate of urgency after its first reading.

    In 2024, President John Dramani Mahama expressed regret over his predecessor, former President Akufo-Addo’s decision to abolish Republic Day as a public holiday, and pledged to reinstate it.

    He wrote on Facebook, “It is most regrettable that the current government has scrapped commemorating this important day as a public holiday. However, as we reflect on the significance of Republic Day, let us use this as a rallying call to rekindle the spirit of dedication and commitment that our forebears demonstrated. We must continue building a better, renewed Ghana, where opportunities are created for everyone to thrive.

    During his Thank You tour in the Western Region on February 5, President Mahama revealed not only does he plan to declare July 1 a statutory holiday, but also a day Ghanaians will gather and pray.

    This proposed day would provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on and appreciate the country’s achievements and progress.

    “We will have the opportunity as a nation soon to pray and give thanks to the Almighty God, as enjoined by the Holy Book that says, ‘In all things, give thanks,’” he stated.

    Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to support President John Dramani Mahama’s declaration of July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

    “All of us have to support this initiative. It is a worthwhile initiative that we have this one day where all of us come together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon us,” former President Akufo-Addo said.

    To facilitate a seamless observance, President Mahama has established a committee of religious leaders responsible for coordinating the event’s preparations.

  • Fmr First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings laid to rest 

    Fmr First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings laid to rest 

    Ghana held a burial service for the former First Lady, Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings.

    The event, which began around 7:30 am on the morning of Friday, November 28, at Independence Square, Accra, drew dignitaries from far and near.

    The funeral service commenced with the arrival of dignitaries, clergy, and the diplomatic corps. Tributes were delivered by members of the family, the current President, John Dramani Mahama, among other officials who were in attendance.

    As tributes were being read, officials, envoys, and politicians were acknowledged and allowed to file past the former First Lady’s national flag-draped casket, which had been set under a canopy in the middle of the funeral grounds.

    The National Democratic Party (NDP), in its tribute to their founder, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, described her as a “guiding light” who played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s vision and principles.

    According to a tribute by the party, the former stateswoman was full of confidence and consistently played her leadership role with dedication and clarity. The tribune further added that Nana Konadu “gave rise to a new era of female participation in politics and governance”.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) described her as a “torchbearer of empowerment and justice” whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

    Her grandchildren also praised her as a “Grandma who never stopped believing in us”, calling her their hero and one who never stopped giving, even when the world left her tired.

    In the tribute of President Mahama, which was delivered through his aide, Joyce Mogtari, he described her as a woman who was never afraid to stand alone when her conscience called her to do so.

    Following the laying of a wreath, the Ghana Armed Forces performed ceremonial honours and transported her remains to the Military Cemetery for burial.

    Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings was confirmed dead by the Presidency in a press statement on Thursday, October 23. She passed away at the age of 76.

    The cause of her death is yet to be made known. However, reports suggested that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday.

    Meanwhile, the Rawlings family and government representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding her passing at the time of this report.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specialising in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development.

    She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies. Before her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board and the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, as well as with several other organisations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed at promoting women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms.

    Through Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognised as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73.

    He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Mrs Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash.

    The deceased included Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

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

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

    The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S. as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • Over GHS 600k lost to online shopping fraud – CSA

    Over GHS 600k lost to online shopping fraud – CSA

    The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has revealed that over GHS 600,000 was lost by consumers to online shopping fraud between January and October this year. The national cybersecurity regulator announced this in a statement dated November 28, as the Black Friday shopping period approached, a time that usually sees a surge in online purchases.

    Black Friday always happens on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. This year’s event began on Friday, November 28. Given that Ghanaians often take advantage of the highly discounted prices offered on online shopping platforms, scammers also capitalise on the opportunity, resulting in a rise in fraud cases linked to the event.

    Consequently, CSA has warned the public to look out for online fraudsters to avoid being scammed.

    CSA also explained how scammers typically operate, luring victims with attractive offers that are often too good to be true. Once victims make payments for the supposed goods, the scammers block them.

    “Black Friday” marks a period in the shopping season where retailers offer significant discounts and promotions to buyers. The CSA anticipates a surge in online shopping scams and urges citizens to conduct due diligence when shopping online”, parts of the statement noted.

    The CSA, in a three-detailed breakdown, outlined the major tactics used by scammers, brand impersonation, fake online shops, and phishing schemes, to deceive and defraud unsuspecting online shoppers.

    Under Brand Impersonation, CSA explained that “Scammers mimic known brands on search engines such as Google and then use optimisation techniques to manipulate search results to list their contact information at the top. Unsuspecting victims, after engaging these scammers, make advance payments for products or services which they never receive. The scammers proceed to block their victims after receiving payments”.

    The institution also warned the public about “Fake Online Shops: Scammers create online profiles, especially on social media, to sell non-existent goods and services at too-good-to-be-true prices. After making advance payments to mobile money wallets of the scammers, which usually do not bear the names of the supposed shops, victims are blocked and do not receive what they paid for”.

    Another scheme these fraudsters adopt is making people disclose sensitive information about themselves, mostly the PIN of their credit/debit cards, among others. This is how they do it, according to CSA, the 

    “Scammers trick online shoppers into disclosing sensitive information such as credit/debit card information or account passwords by luring them via email, WhatsApp message, or SMS, to click on links that lead to legitimate-looking but fraudulent shopping sites”.

    To avoid falling victim to any of these schemes, CSA made three recommendations.

    Firstly, it warned customers to “Check via official websites or reliable sources to validate the contact details of shops/businesses rather than relying solely on search engine results. Additionally, check user reviews to verify the reputation of the contact, adding the need to “Limit shopping to reputable and well-known online stores and exercise caution with unfamiliar shopping sites. Be cautious of phone calls, emails or messages promising deals that seem too good to be true. Insist on payment after delivery and inspection of products”.

    The CSA has sent this caution to the general public to prevent Ghana from losing more revenue, given how much we’ve lost to online shopping fraud from January to October.

    “The CSA recorded a total of 266 cases of online shopping fraud from January to October 2025, with monetary losses of over GHS 600,000”, the statement added.

    Meanwhile, in mid-October, the CSA announced over GH¢19 million in losses to cybercrime between January and September this year. This marks a 17 per cent increase in cyber crimes compared to the same period last year.

    The Authority’s Head of Law Enforcement and Liaison at the CSA, Colonel George Eduah Bessi, made this revelation during a cybersecurity awareness webinar organised by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation.

    He expressed concern over the growing trend of online crimes in Ghana, highlighting the dangers it poses to the economy. Earlier in the year, the authority reported a steep rise in cybercrime, with a record 2,008 cyber incidents, marking a 52 per cent rise from 2024.

    He said online among the crimes, the most prevalent is online fraud, which makes up about 36% of the reported cases, including mobile money scams, fake investment schemes, phishing attacks, and cyber bullying, mostly targeted at women and children, represented 25 per cent of all reported incidents.

    Also, in a related development, Economic Adviser at the Office of the Vice President, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has recommended that the proposed passage of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, should be informed by consensus-building, bi-partisanship, and broad stakeholder engagement and not political expediency.

    Since cybersecurity affects the general public, the Professor believes that there is a need for extensive consultations with key stakeholders and experts in the digital sector.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 1, Professor Khalid cautioned that,

    “With such legislation, I will always call for bipartisan support,” he said. “The cybersecurity network in the country, including professionals, civil society organisations, and others whose work directly relates to this field, ought to be consulted to chart the way forward.”

    Among the about nine stages a bill goes through to become a law in Ghana, as stipulated by the dictates of the 1992 constitution, Professor Khalid noted that legislative drafting is often one of the most complex stages of lawmaking, emphasising that the language used in bills must accurately reflect their intended purpose.

    “Legislation can be a very challenging process, and drafting is often the hardest part. Sometimes the intent of a law is not clearly captured on paper, which is why it’s important to involve skilled drafters in the process,” he detailed.

  • Be alert – CSA warns of imminent online scams as Black Friday approaches

    Be alert – CSA warns of imminent online scams as Black Friday approaches

    Black Friday always happens on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. This year’s event took place on Friday, November 28. Given that Ghanaians often take advantage of the highly discounted prices offered on online shopping platforms, scammers also capitalise on the opportunity, resulting in a rise in fraud cases linked to the event.

    Consequently, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the national regulator responsible for overseeing all cybersecurity activities in the country, has warned the public to look out for online fraudsters to avoid being scammed.

    In a statement dated November 28, the CSA explained how scammers typically operate, luring victims with attractive offers that are often too good to be true. Once victims make payments for the supposed goods, the scammers block them.

    “Black Friday” marks a period in the shopping season where retailers offer significant discounts and promotions to buyers. The CSA anticipates a surge in online shopping scams and urges citizens to conduct due diligence when shopping online”, parts of the statement noted.

    The CSA, in a three-detailed breakdown, outlined the major tactics used by scammers, brand impersonation, fake online shops, and phishing schemes, to deceive and defraud unsuspecting online shoppers.

    Under Brand Impersonation, CSA explained that “Scammers mimic known brands on search engines such as Google and then use optimisation techniques to manipulate search results to list their contact information at the top. Unsuspecting victims, after engaging these scammers, make advance payments for products or services which they never receive. The scammers proceed to block their victims after receiving payments”.

    The institution also warned the public about “Fake Online Shops: Scammers create online profiles, especially on social media, to sell non-existent goods and services at too-good-to-be-true prices. After making advance payments to mobile money wallets of the scammers, which usually do not bear the names of the supposed shops, victims are blocked and do not receive what they paid for”.

    Another scheme these fraudsters adopt is making people disclose sensitive information about themselves, mostly the PIN of their credit/debit cards, among others. This is how they do it, according to CSA, the 

    “Scammers trick online shoppers into disclosing sensitive information such as credit/debit card information or account passwords by luring them via email, WhatsApp message, or SMS, to click on links that lead to legitimate-looking but fraudulent shopping sites”.

    To avoid falling victim to any of these schemes, CSA made three recommendations.

    Firstly, it warned customers to “Check via official websites or reliable sources to validate the contact details of shops/businesses rather than relying solely on search engine results. Additionally, check user reviews to verify the reputation of the contact, adding the need to “Limit shopping to reputable and well-known online stores and exercise caution with unfamiliar shopping sites. Be cautious of phone calls, emails or messages promising deals that seem too good to be true. Insist on payment after delivery and inspection of products”.

    The CSA has sent this caution to the general public to prevent Ghana from losing more revenue, given how much we’ve lost to online shopping fraud from January to October.

    “The CSA recorded a total of 266 cases of online shopping fraud from January to October 2025, with monetary losses of over GHS 600,000”, the statement added.

    It also admonished members of the public to reach them on their hotline when they suspect any fraudulent act.

    “The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and receiving guidance/clarification on suspected scams. Contact us via Call or text at 292, WhatsApp at 0501603111, or Email-report@csa.gov.gh”, the statement read.

    Meanwhile, in mid-October, the CSA announced over GH¢19 million in losses to cybercrime between January and September this year. This marks a 17 per cent increase in cyber crimes compared to the same period last year.

    The Authority’s Head of Law Enforcement and Liaison at the CSA, Colonel George Eduah Bessi, made this revelation during a cybersecurity awareness webinar organised by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation.

    He expressed concern over the growing trend of online crimes in Ghana, highlighting the dangers it poses to the economy. Earlier in the year, the authority reported a steep rise in cybercrime, with a record 2,008 cyber incidents, marking a 52 per cent rise from 2024.

    He said online among the crimes, the most prevalent is online fraud, which makes up about 36% of the reported cases, including mobile money scams, fake investment schemes, phishing attacks, and cyber bullying, mostly targeted at women and children, represented 25 per cent of all reported incidents.

    Also, in a related development, Economic Adviser at the Office of the Vice President, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has recommended that the proposed passage of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, should be informed by consensus-building, bi-partisanship, and broad stakeholder engagement and not political expediency.

    Since cybersecurity affects the general public, the Professor believes that there is a need for extensive consultations with key stakeholders and experts in the digital sector.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 1, Professor Khalid cautioned that,

    “With such legislation, I will always call for bipartisan support,” he said. “The cybersecurity network in the country, including professionals, civil society organisations, and others whose work directly relates to this field, ought to be consulted to chart the way forward.”

    Among the about nine stages a bill goes through to become a law in Ghana, as stipulated by the dictates of the 1992 constitution, Professor Khalid noted that legislative drafting is often one of the most complex stages of lawmaking, emphasising that the language used in bills must accurately reflect their intended purpose.

    “Legislation can be a very challenging process, and drafting is often the hardest part. Sometimes the intent of a law is not clearly captured on paper, which is why it’s important to involve skilled drafters in the process,” he detailed.

  • Recall all the tables and install content filters – EduWatch to GES on SHS tablets and pornography

    Recall all the tables and install content filters – EduWatch to GES on SHS tablets and pornography

    The Akufo-Addo-led administration distributed about 83,000 tablets to Senior High School (SHS) students under its flagship digital learning initiative. The goal is to modernise teaching and learning in second-cycle schools, improve digital literacy, and provide access to electronic textbooks to reduce delays in textbook supply.

    However, these tech devices have now become items of distraction and an aid in accessing pornography instead of academic materials. This was revealed by the incumbent Education Minister, Harunna Iddrisu, on the floor of Parliament.

    He said, “My attention this morning, Mr Speaker, was drawn to the fact that many of the devices are not customised and the students are using them for other purposes, including pornography, which is not acceptable.”

    In reaction to this, education think-tanks Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to retrieve the tablets from the students and equip them with proper safety controls before giving them back to them.

    Project Management Specialist at Eduwatch, Kofi Nkansah Sarkodie, during a media engagement on Friday, November 28, recommended that the devices be recalled to their respective schools for proper management and the installation of UNESCO-approved safety features.

    The UNESCO-approved safety features refer to digital safeguards and content controls that align with UNESCO’s global standards for safe, inclusive, and responsible use of technology in education.

    “Those tablets have already been procured and distributed. We recommend that GES retrieve them and ensure that the safety measures are fully implemented. Retrieval can be done at the school level, and the necessary safeguards must be deployed. The devices are intended for academic purposes only, to support students’ learning, and not for any other activity,” Sarkodie said.

    EduWatch stressed that retrieving and reconfiguring the tablets is essential to protect students from inappropriate content and to ensure the devices fulfil their intended educational function.

    According to reports, out of 1.3 million tablets procured, about 980,000 had been distributed, but many were not properly locked. This lack of restrictions allowed students to use them for non-academic purposes, including accessing pornographic content.

    The Minister emphasised that the tablets were intended as part of the Free SHS Smart Schools Project, which is an extension of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy was launched to digitise the Free SHS program by providing tablets preloaded with curriculum materials and building “smart schools” to modernise teaching and learning.

    Education Minister  Haruna Iddrisu also rebuffed claims that the government did not allocate a budget for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.

    During the Finance Minister’s budget presentation on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, November 13, he mentioned that the Free SHS will be funded through GetFund, as about a billion cedis has been allocated to the Education support fund.

    Mr Iddrisu, on Wednesday, November 19, at a press conference held in Accra, where the Minister provided clarity on the education sector allocations in the 2026 Budget, explained that the misconceptions surrounding the Free SHS allocation are practically impossible.

    “The Ghana Education Fund has been allocated 9.9 billion, including 4.2 billion earmarked for Free Senior High School and free TVET infrastructure and services. I’ve heard commentaries suggesting that there is no allocation for Free SHS. That is not practically possible,” he explained.

    There were claims from the Minority in Parliament and some civil society groups that the government did not make a direct budgetary allocation for the Free SHS programme in the 2026 Budget. The Minority Caucus argued that while the government highlighted GSLIP and infrastructure expansion, it failed to earmark explicit funds for Free SHS in 2026. They claimed this omission suggested the government was outsourcing Free SHS financing to donor support rather than sustaining it with domestic resources.

    The Minister said, “The budget is always done for and on behalf of the President of the Republic, which was his first budget. When the GETFund formula gets to Parliament, you will see the actual numbers,” the Minister added.

    He stated that President John Mahama, in the 2025 Budget Statement, outlined a significant policy shift, moving the financing of Free SHS from petroleum revenue to GETFund.

    “From 2018 to 2024, Free SHS was largely financed from the country’s petroleum revenue. The shift now is that GETFund will provide the financing. When the GETFund formula gets to Parliament, you will see the actual numbers,” he said.

    The Minister added that the allocation will also cover student feeding and support the rollout of free tertiary education for persons with disability, effective 2026. The policy forms part of the government’s Inclusive Education Policy.

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

  • Six GIS officers suspended after verbally assaulting superior officer

    Six GIS officers suspended after verbally assaulting superior officer

    The misconduct of six Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officers has called for their interdiction.

    This comes after the service charged the officers for gross misconduct after a video of them surfaced online, which captured them verbally abusing a superior officer who was travelling in a commercial vehicle and identified himself as a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DC01).

    In an official statement dated November 28 and signed by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Barbara Sam (DSI), the service described the officers’ conduct as a “lack of civility and one that was supbar” their standards.

    The statement read, “The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has interdicted six officers for gross misconduct following the circulation of a viral video on social media in which the officers were seen verbally assaulting a superior officer. The Superior officer, who had identified himself as a Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI), was at the time travelling as a passenger on a commercial vehicle.

    The incident occurred on 25th November 2025 at the Offinso Inland Checkpoint, where the officers were on duty. The behaviour captured in the video, marked by verbal assault, lack of civility, and open disrespect toward a superior officer, falls far below the standards expected of personnel of the Service”. 

    GIS condemned that, given their unflinching upholding of standards of professionalism and respect for civilians, the actions of the officers cannot be overlooked and will be treated with swift and decisive sanctions.

    “Such conduct is unacceptable, particularly given the Service’s continuous emphasis on professionalism and decorum in the handling of travellers and the execution of official duties. Their actions constitute a clear breach of the Ghana Immigration Service’s “Code of Conduct” and cannot be tolerated, the statement added. 

    The Service apologised for any embarrassment caused to the public and assured citizens of its commitment to upholding high standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability.

    “The Service regrets any inconvenience and embarrassment caused to the general public and wishes to reassure the citizenry of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of its mandate, adding that “Further updates will be provided upon the conclusion of investigations”.

    In a somewhat related development, the Ghana Armed Forces arrested an off-duty soldier who was caught on CCTV assaulting a pharmacy attendant and a woman in the pharmacy.

    The incident, which occurred at Burma Camp in Accra, came to light on Wednesday. In the widely circulated video footage, the tall, dark-complexioned, angry man was seen slapping the pharmacist and also hitting the female customer with several blows to her head after she attempted to record the incident.

    The abuser, whose name has been given as Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Mensah Williams of the Ghana Air Force, despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, continued the assault.

    Consequently, the military police arrested Mensah Williams the morning after the video made waves online garnering the discontent of netizens.

    The police announced his arrest in a formal statement after videos of his arrest emerged on social media.

    According to reports, the assaulted lady is the daughter of the former Provost Marshal of the Military Police. The Provost is essentially a senior military officer responsible for law enforcement, discipline, and security within the armed forces. He coordinates and oversees all investigations into crimes involving military personnel.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has condemned the act, assuring “the general public that it will not condone any acts of assault on civilians and will not shield any soldier engaged in such.”

    In recent years, Ghana has recorded several assaults by security personnel, particularly those affiliated with the military. Earlier this month, residents of Bawku in the Upper East Region recounted terrifying encounters with military personnel, accusing them of using guns, stones, and metal objects to assault civilians during a late-night operation.

    On the night of Tuesday, March 18, heavily armed soldiers reportedly stormed homes in Bawku, conducting forced searches and physically assaulting residents. This military action is said to have been triggered by the fatal shooting of a Ghana Armed Forces officer on Monday, March 17. Reports indicate that the officer was ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen while walking on foot.

    In July, the statue of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, was allegedly destroyed by some members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) during a confrontation with locals in Bawku, Upper East Region.

    The statue, which was erected in 2024 in honour of the Zugraan (Overlord) of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II—a culturally revered figure in Bawku—served as a strong emblem of tradition and communal pride.

    The reconstruction of the statue is expected to begin in the coming days following a directive from His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama. Then Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, in collaboration with other security agencies, was tasked with overseeing the process as well as restoring calm in the area.

    This information was made known by the then Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, at a durbar with all ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Burma Camp on Wednesday, July 17.

    “To assure that His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), remains committed to bringing an end to decades-old conflict.

    “To address the recent happenings, the National Security Coordinator, myself, the Minister for the Interior, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the IGP have all been tasked to play coordinated but differentiated roles to ensure that peace and calm are restored immediately, and this includes the restoration of the statue of the Zugraan of the Kusasis Traditional Area,” he added.

    The recent altercation in Bawku has reportedly led to the deaths of five locals. On Tuesday, July 15, some Members of Parliament in the Upper East area called for the prosecution of the soldiers involved and compensation for the victims.

  • Presidential jets: It’s all verbal acrobatics

    Presidential jets: It’s all verbal acrobatics

    Has anyone noticed how holy, wise and caring the NPP and NDC become when they are in opposition? Suddenly, they have all the answers. Constitutional experts had them in mind when they said that “in Parliament, the Opposition criticises everything and proposes nothing.”

    But our situation in Ghana is worse. The opposition becomes holier-than-thou. It is always from opposition parties that we hear the expression, “profligate expenditure”.

    On October 2, 2021, the National Democratic Congress, through its Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, said as follows: “I want to submit very forcefully that the decision by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia NPP government to buy a new presidential jet is a misplaced priority and will amount to a waste of the public purse if allowed.”

    He was reacting to the NPP government’s decision to procure a new presidential jet.        

    But Mr Sammy Gyamfi would hear none of this. “If President Akufo-Addo and Bawumia cared about the sufferings of Ghanaians, they would not even think of buying a presidential jet at this time.”

    Fast forward to November 13, 2025. The NDC is in power. Its Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in presenting the 2026 Budget in Parliament, announced that the government “will, beginning in 2026, commence procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft and one medium-range aircraft to strengthen the operational efficiency of the Ghana Air Force. “

    In reaction, hear the language of the NPP Minority. Through Reverend John Ntim Fourdjour, MP for Assin South, the NPP described it “as a misplaced priority at a time of economic hardship.” The NPP said the decision “reflects insensitivity to the prevailing economic challenges.”

    Back to September 2021. To a disclosure by the then MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the President’s travel to Germany with a private jet cost $14,000 per hour, the then NPP Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, said the existing jet was not fit for purpose.

    “NO PRESIDENT CAN SHOWER IN THIS AIRCRAFT,” he said, adding, HE CANNOT MOVE FROM THIS AIRCRAFT STRAIGHT INTO A MEETING”

    A worse insult was to come. Even as the then Defence Minister spoke of the presidential jet not being in functional use, news broke that the Falcon jet had been lent to Liberian President George Oppong Weah for his trips outside Liberia.

    As a journalist, Yours Truly sincerely hoped that this disclosure would be denied. It wasn’t. All that the then NPP government said was that “it is a normal practice for countries to lend their aircraft to other Heads of State”.

    In 2008, Kufuor bought the Falcon 900, which was delivered in 2010 when he was no longer the President. In 2021, NDC’s President Mills inaugurated the new aircraft and flew in it. In justification, the Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa explained that the NDC did not oppose the purchase of the aircraft but did not support the idea of buying two aircraft at a time.

    Sounds familiar? Sounds like an expression you heard from NPP Parliamentarians this week?

    Away from Presidential jets and all their hoo-haws, I have other worries. In tough times, African nations are at their most vulnerable because coup plotters are on the prowl. Every unguarded utterance seems to be an invitation to groups of desperadoes with access to arms to begin plotting.

    That is why I want to plead with our civilian politicians, especially Parliamentarians, to pipe down on some of their rhetoric.

    A case in point is the reaction of Minority Leader Afenyo Markin to the ruling by a Tamale High Court, which this week ordered a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election.

    To slam the “kangaroo judicial system Ghana now has” shows an adult who could not control his emotions.  

    The Tamale High Court on Monday, November 24, 2025, ordered a complete rerun of the December 7, 2024, Kpandai parliamentary election within 30 days. The ruling followed a petition by an NDC candidate challenging the victory of the NPP candidate.

    Afenyo Markin criticised the judiciary for what he described as “actions and inactions that serve the interests of their paymasters”. My question to him is: can judges, as humans, not err? Must every error amount to “serving the interests of paymasters”?

    I remind Afenyo that there are seniors of his who were confronted with worse legal provocations but remained calm. One is Akufo-Addo. The former President, in his reaction to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the 2012 election petition, which he lost, simply said, “While I disagree with the court’s decision, I accept it” That was statesmanship. That was maturity.

    If that example is too far off to be recalled, Afenyo Markin should listen to a playback of the reaction of Speaker Bagbin in his (Afenyo’s) suit at the Supreme Court in 2014.

    Afenyo describes the Tamale judge as doing the bidding of a “paymaster”. The question is, was Justice Torkonoo doing the bidding of a “paymaster” when she empanelled the Supreme Court within two hours to hear his (Afenyo Markin’s) suit? All Alban Bagbin did was file an application asking the Supreme Court to overturn its decision.

    Meanwhile, on October 18, 2024, hear the words of Afenyo-Markin (then the Majority Leader) after the Supreme Court ruling against the Speaker. He challenged the Minority in Parliament to “pursue a legal course if they believe they have a solid case regarding the recent parliamentary dispute.”

    Easier said.

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

  • President Mahama describes Guinea-Bissau military takeover as reckless attack on voters’ will

    President Mahama describes Guinea-Bissau military takeover as reckless attack on voters’ will

    Guinea-Bissau has become the sixth (6th) country to join the junta states in West Africa after the military announced a takeover on November 26, just a day before their election results were set to be announced.

    In reaction to this, the Ghanaian government, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the act, describing it as a direct assault on democratic governance and a disruption of the electoral process.

    The opening of the statement reads: “The Government of the Republic of Ghana strongly and unequivocally condemns the coup d’état carried out by elements of the military in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. This unconstitutional usurpation of authority represents a direct assault on democratic governance and disrupts the electoral process that followed the peaceful conduct of presidential and legislative elections on 23 November 2025.”

    According to observer missions, Guinea-Bissau had peaceful elections, and citizens awaited the declaration of their choice, but their expectations were thwarted by an unexpected military takeover.

    The Ghanaian government lamented that this takeover has marred the democratic trajectory of the country, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

    “The Government of Ghana views this development with profound concern and expresses deep dissatisfaction at the brazen attempt to overturn the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau. The action has dangerously interrupted the democratic trajectory of the nation and obstructed the anticipated announcement of the election results scheduled for 27th November, 2025. Ghana calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and urges all actors to respect the democratic process. Any grievances arising from the elections must be addressed solely through peaceful, transparent, and legally recognised mechanisms,” the government noted.

    The Ghanaian government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, currently plays a mediating and unifying role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure peace, promote democracy, and respond to coups in West Africa.

    Consequently, the government demanded that the safety and security of the deployed ECOWAS Election Observation Mission in Guinea-Bissau be ensured and that its members be granted passage out of the country without delay. It also pledged its support for ECOWAS and the African Union to work together in their mandate to bring a resolution and return the country to democratic rule.

    “The Government of Ghana further demands that the security and fundamental rights of all citizens and foreign nationals be safeguarded. Particular emphasis is placed on the protection of officials of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission currently deployed in Guinea-Bissau, whose safety and secure passage must be guaranteed without delay.

    “Ghana appeals to the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, exercise maximum restraint, and avoid actions that may escalate tensions. The Government of Ghana reaffirms its full support for ECOWAS and the African Union in their coordinated response to the situation, in accordance with regional and continental protocols on democracy, good governance, and constitutional rule,” the statement added.

    According to the Africa Policy Research Institution, ECOWAS focuses on regional integration, peace, security, and democracy, while the African Union (AU) provides continental leadership, mediation, and coordination with global partners. Together, they work to prevent coups, resolve conflicts, promote trade, and strengthen governance.

    Guinea-Bissau’s coup adds to the many others that have happened in the last four years in West Africa. In 2020, the military took over after ousting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in Mali. In September 2021, the military removed President Alpha Condé in Guinea. A year later, two coups happened in Burkina Faso, which remains under military rule under Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Niger also, in July 2023, saw a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Chad went under military rule in April 2021 after the death of President Idriss Déby. Though Chad is in Central Africa, it is often grouped with the West African “coup belt.”

    After a military takeover, ECOWAS mostly suspends the country. Although Guinea remains suspended due to a military coup in 2021, it has not formally withdrawn from the bloc.

    However, following their takeovers, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025. The three military-led countries released a joint statement accusing ECOWAS of betraying its founding principles and becoming a threat to member states and their populations. They cited what they described as the imposition of “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions” following their respective coups. These sanctions included economic restrictions and diplomatic isolation, which the juntas argued worsened insecurity and economic hardship in their countries.

    The trio also called ECOWAS ‘puppets’ of foreign powers, particularly Western nations, criticizing the bloc for failing to support their efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability.

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

    Traoré’s overthrow made him the youngest head of state in the world at the time. He ousted Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, another military leader who had seized power eight months earlier using similar means. Traoré attributed his takeover to Damiba’s failure to curb jihadist violence and restore security across the country. Since taking office, he has made significant changes in the administration that have attracted global attention.

    He nationalised gold mines and created a state-owned mining company, SOPAMIB, which now controls several formerly foreign-owned assets. He approved the construction of Burkina Faso’s first gold refinery, capable of processing 400 kg of gold daily, creating thousands of jobs. He also cut ministers’ salaries by 30% and increased civil servants’ wages by 50%.

    Despite this, he has rejected loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. His administration launched low-cost housing, agricultural modernization, and road infrastructure projects, including a new airport. He expelled French troops and media, pivoting Burkina Faso’s foreign policy toward Russia, Turkey, and fellow Sahelian juntas in Mali and Niger, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

    About ECOWAS

    ECOWAS is a regional political and economic union established on May 28, 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos. The purpose of the bloc is to promote economic integration, peace, and development among West African countries. Currently, the bloc has 12 active member states, including Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Guinea.

  • NHIA to raise service tariffs by 120% after stakeholders’ approval

    NHIA to raise service tariffs by 120% after stakeholders’ approval

    One of the ways the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) seeks to ease the financial burden on citizens, ensure equal access to healthcare, and reduce illegal fees is by proposing a 120 per cent increase in service tariffs, pending approval from its Board and the Minister of Health.

    This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, November 26. According to Dr. Bampoe, the proposed tariff increase, if approved, would help reduce the extra charges patients pay at hospitals for medical care and services.

    He explained that the proposed increase was planned in consultation with a group of independent experts mandated to review tariffs under Sections 33 and 34 of the National Health Insurance Act, which require annual revisions of both medicines and service tariffs.

    “Regarding the 120% tariff increase: this is proposed after comprehensive work by a group of experts. The law requires an annual review of service and medicine tariffs (Sections 33 and 34). Although the review was delayed, the proposal is now ready and will go to our board and the Minister of Health for approval. Once approved, it will be implemented. This is partly to address the problem of illegal fees at hospitals, ensuring health providers are paid realistic tariffs so patients no longer have to pay out-of-pocket,” he said.

    As the “cash manager” of Ghana’s health insurance system, Dr. Bampoe explained that the NHIA is mandated to collect funds, set tariffs, and pay hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies for services provided to insured patients. However, he noted that the Authority plans to move beyond this traditional role and become more of a “strategic health purchasing provider.”

    “But the NHS is more like a spending entity; we do not generate money on our own. So, we are a spending entity. One of the things we’re trying to do is move away from being a claims payment mechanism to a strategic health purchasing provider, which means that we are able to dictate health outcomes because of the financial muscle that the government provides us with.

    We’re able to determine the prices of medicines, the prices of services, and even go on the global stage and provide a platform to discuss what kind of health outcomes we want, as you saw with the ACRA Health Sovereignty Summit that happened on August 5. So it’s an interesting time, and His Excellency the President, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Health have given us the tools to be able to deliver on this mandate,” he said, citing the government’s commitment to ensuring that his outfit can deliver on its mandate.

    As part of its vision to move from just paying claims to becoming a “strategic health purchasing provider,” Dr. Bampoe highlighted that the NHIA also seeks to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under three distinct pillars. Lauding the NHIA for its success in granting health coverage, he revealed that out of over 35 million Ghanaians, the Authority has provided coverage for about 20 million.

    “So essentially, the health insurance scheme was set up in 2003 (Act 650) and amended in 2012 (Act 852), and its primary purpose was to pay claims. But now what we are looking at is getting universal health coverage for all Ghanaians. Universal health coverage has three pillars: population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection. I am proud to say that we are at 20 million in population coverage, which is unprecedented.”

    He noted that while the medicines tariff review has already been completed, the service tariff review, initiated in 2022, took longer due to its comprehensive nature. “There are two types of reviews that we need to do, but this was a really comprehensive one, so I think they could not finish on time, and so it is now that they have finished,” he explained.

    Dr. Bampoe stressed that implementation now depends solely on statutory approvals. “Now it has to go to the Board for them to look at it and give their view on it. It has to go to the Minister of Health to give his assent, and then we will implement it if they all think it is okay,” he stated.

    The NHIA CEO applauded the government for removing the cap on NHIA funds.

    “Regarding funding, we are dependent on the importance the government places on healthcare. I’m proud of His Excellency the President, the Finance Minister, and the Minister of Health because the capping act (Act 947 of 2019) has put a limit on funds coming to the NHIA. The President removed that cap, giving us an extra 3.4–3.5 billion cedis for healthcare.

    We are trying to do three things: shift mindsets in government and across the country to see healthcare as important for development. Healthy people are more productive. Focus on areas where we get the best results, such as Mahama Cares and Free Primary Healthcare. If 40%+ of people are affected by non-communicable diseases, it makes sense to prevent them. Preventive actions include health promotion and screenings. For example, catching prostate cancer early with a PSA test is more cost-effective than treating stage 4 disease. Shift realities. At the Global Fund and UN, programs were comprehensive but expensive. We now aim for solutions that fit our reality, whether that’s a Rolls-Royce, a Toyota VIT, or even a motorbike; the key is to deliver,” he detailed.

    In a related development, the NHIA in early July disbursed an amount of GH¢267.67 million as claims to health facilities across the country.

    The disbursement became possible following approval by Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare-Bampoe. The total payments made by the NHIA in the past seven months stand at over GH¢1.5 billion.

    Out of the total amount, public health facilities received GH¢120,700,932.62, which constitutes 45 percent of the total.

    Private health facilities have been paid GH¢100,210,906.44, representing 37 percent of the total amount, while mission health facilities have been allotted GH¢446,761,808.96, which makes up 17 percent of the total funds.

  • Liverpool suffer thrashing 1-4 defeat to Ducth’s PSV

    Liverpool suffer thrashing 1-4 defeat to Ducth’s PSV

    For a once-rugged club like Liverpool, the results from their game with PSV show that the defending champions are experiencing their worst form since 1953.

    The Reds lost 1-4 to the Netherlands side with PSV notching their first goal in just six (6) minutes into the game when Virgil van Dijk needlessly stuck his arm in the air in an attempt to claim a foul, but instead gave away a penalty for handball, which Ivan Perisic calmly slotted home.

    However, 10 minutes later, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai equalised with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box, putting both teams at the same level.

    After the first half, Guus Til’s strike put PSV in the lead when he took advantage of a defensive error, finishing clinically. And Couhaib Driouech scored a brace for PSV in the 73rd minute and stoppage time, respectively. This moved them up to 15th in the standings, sealing their first victory over an English side since beating Tottenham in the 2008 Europa League

    Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, has already been struggling in the league, losing two matches in a row by three goals. But in the Champions League, results had been better, which gave him some relief.

    Liverpool had won 3 out of 4 Champions League games, including a big win over Real Madrid, so things were looking good for them in this competition. However, after this game, Arne Slot’s tactical prowess is being questioned on how he intends to fix the club’s deteriorating form.

     According to reports, PSV dominated Liverpool at Anfield; their defeat adds a layer of loss to their records after losing 8 of their last 12 games in all competitions.

    Liverpool dropped to 13th and will need to improve quickly, but the pressure is on in a fierce battle for a top-eight place.

    Several concerns have been expressed by pundits over the once unbeatable “Reds” form.

    Liverpool defender Andy Robertson admitted this week he had been “in bits” over Jota’s passing in the build-up to Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark, which sealed their qualification for next year’s World Cup.

    The 31-year-old’s emotional interview has prompted discussion over how much Liverpool’s disappointing run of results should be attributed to the effects of grief.

    While the head coach, Arne Slot, has acknowledged the possible impact of the death of a forward (attacker), he insists that that is not the reason for his team’s current form. According to him, it is “impossible to measure” the impact of Diogo Jota’s death on his team, but he insists he would never want the tragedy to be used as an excuse for the club’s recent poor form.

    Responding to questions about whether his team has been judged fairly concerning their dip in form to Jota’s death, Slot said, “We are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes not fair. But I saw the interview live, and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal. It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse”.

    He reiterated, “I don’t know. What I do know is that we miss the player, that is 100% sure, and we miss the person, but I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse.”

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the club is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of Diogo Jota, admitting that while the team deeply misses the forward on and off the pitch, his family is facing a far greater pain than anyone at the club.

    “At this moment in time, I always think about how it must feel for his wife and his children. Because it is so, so, so much harder for them than it is for us. But that we will miss the player and the person is completely clear. Now we play Nottingham Forest, last season there we were 1-0 down, and it only took him [Jota] one minute to score the equaliser. So now I am talking about the player that we miss for sure. That we also miss him as a person is also clear,” he noted.

    They suffered a 2-3 loss, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

    Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s troubled spell was a “big concern”.

    He believes that the duo have signed a contract extension with the club, but their posture this season does not reflect that of good leadership, one that is in charge, citing that as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

    “This is a time when the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah they’ve signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season. I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else,” he said.

    On his part, the team is clearly having a hard time overcoming their struggles, as they never anticipated such results, which have now placed them seventh in the Premier League table. He has called on the leadership of Liverpool to treat the team’s current form with urgency

    The Reds have lost four consecutive Premier League matches and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    “No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he added.

    “I might be wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

  • Ex-Eleven Wonders coach Nii Odartey Lamptey confirms poor player treatment at club

    Ex-Eleven Wonders coach Nii Odartey Lamptey confirms poor player treatment at club

    A former head coach of Eleven Wonders, Nii Odartey Lamptey, has confirmed the immediate past coach’s claims about the poor and unfair treatment meted out to players by the Ghana Premier League club.

    Earlier, the immediate past coach of Eleven Wonders, J.E. Sarpong, quit the club ahead of Matchday 11, just 20 days after he took over from Nii Odartey Lamptey as head coach on November 2, following a three-game winless streak. Wonders remain the only winless team in the Ghana Premier League and sit at the bottom of the table.

    Affirming J.E.Sarpong’s claims, Mr Odartey Lamptey mentioned that after months of quitting the club, some he still take care of some of the Eleven Wonders players.

    Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, he revealed that some players reach out to him almost every day due to how he used to treat and relate with them.

    “Eleven Wonders players talk to me every day because of what I was doing for them before I left. I am still doing that. It is sad, but what can you do?” he said.

    He added that he does not blame Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku or the Executive Council for the club’s struggles.

    “You look at what they are going through, and they still have to go and play games. I will never blame Kurt Okraku and the Executive Council of the GFA for what is happening at the club. I have a lot of evidence of what is happening at the club, but I am happy that J.E. Sarpong is out talking about what is happening at the club,” he mentioned.

    He continued, “I am no longer the head coach of the club, but some of the players come to my house to eat, and I give them transportation as well. I feel very emotional about what has happened.”

    Nii Odartey Lamptey coached Eleven Wonders from the start of the 2025/26 season around August until October 30; however, following a poor run of form, poor player treatment and other administrative lapses, he quit. During his stint as coach, Eleven Wonders didn’t want any of the nine matches which were overseen by Odartey. 

    Eleven Wonders, who remain at the bottom of the league with just three points, will be looking for their first win of the season when they host Dreams FC in their Matchday 12 clash this weekend.

    Meanwhile, the immediate past coach, during a media engagement made other claims about the club’s state and the challenges they are currently facing.

    Admitting that his performance risks a relegation status for the club, he said he didn’t want to be linked to it when the’unfortunate’happens hence his early exit.

    However, he named some other factors that have contributed to his exit, citing the poor treatment of players, which he believes has had a huge impact on their performance.

    “Personally, I did not want a situation where it would be said that I was the one in charge when the team got relegated from the Premier League, so I had to decide to leave. Players are not paid well and are not fed well. Sometimes, the players can go three days without eating”.  J. E. Sarpong made these remarks on November 24, 2025, during an interview on Asempa FM.

    He also lamented the poor transportation system of the club, revealing that, “They have a poor transportation plan. The players are sometimes forced to use public transport, ‘trotro’, which is not good for the players. The challenges of the club are down to administrative lapses, and so you cannot entirely blame the players for the current situation. 

    His resignation is described as the shortest ever tenure for a Premier League coach in Ghana, and in Eleven Wonders’ history is the shortest managerial spell the club has ever recorded. Previous coaches, even when results were poor, typically lasted several months before leaving or being dismissed.

    In a related development, Juventus parted ways with their coach, Igor Tudor, just seven months into their deal. Their deal, which was expected to expire in June 2028, was abruptly truncated on Monday, October 27, after their eight-game winless streak.

    The club announced Tudor’s dismissal after they played Lazio on Sunday, October 26. This left them eighth on the Serie A table.

    “The club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers,” Juventus announced in a social media post.

    Juventus added that Massimiliano Brambilla will take charge of the side for their Serie A fixture against Udinese on Wednesday (17:30 GMT).

    “Massimo Brambilla will take temporary charge of the first team”, they continued.

    The Old Lady is six points behind league leaders Napoli, and has failed to win in their last five league matches. Juventus are 25th in the Champions League group stage table, having lost once and drawn twice in their opening three matches.

    This comes barely a week after This comes after the club parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days when his contract was expected to expire in June next year.

    Following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, the hierarchy bid him farewell just seventeen minutes after.

    Taking his place, the club announced a former player, Dyche as the new boss in a formal statement shared on their website by their communications department. They mentioned him to be the one to take charge of their match against FC Porto on Thursday, with a contract that runs until 2027.

    “Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos. The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

    He will be working with former teammates Ian Woan and Steve Ston.

    “ Dyche will be joined by his experienced coaching team of Ian Woan and Steve Stone, both former Nottingham Forest players who together made more than 400 appearances for the Reds during the 1990s”, the statement read.

  • Wesley Girls High School & the Muslim girl: A national conversation on rights, faith, and institutional apartheid

    Wesley Girls High School & the Muslim girl: A national conversation on rights, faith, and institutional apartheid

    For years, the debate surrounding Wesley Girls High School and the rights of Muslim students has simmered quietly beneath Ghana’s public discourse. Today, it can no longer be ignored. What is happening at Wesley Girls is not simply a matter of “school rules” or “institutional tradition.” It is a deeper, more troubling issue that borders on religious discrimination and, in plain terms, an educational form of apartheid.

    Muslims in Ghana have never demanded that Wesley Girls become an Islamic school. They have never insisted that the school abandon its Christian foundation or Methodist heritage. What Muslim students and parents have consistently asked for is simple and constitutional: allow Muslim girls to practice the basic elements of their faith without being penalised or silenced.

    Yet Wesley Girls remains firmly resistant, insisting on rules that deliberately restrict Muslim girls from fasting, freely praying, and practising essential parts of Islam. These are not matters of convenience. They are obligations of faith.

    This is what makes the issue so painful. The Core Problem: It Is Not About Discipline, It Is About Targeted Exclusion

    Muslim parents are not rejecting discipline. They are not encouraging rebellion. They are not demanding special treatment.

    They are insisting on the right of their daughters to practice their religion, a right enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which guarantees freedom of religion and protects every citizen from religious discrimination.

    The argument that “it is a Christian school” does not override the Constitution. Ghana’s laws do not allow any educational institution, mission-based or public, to suppress a student’s religious obligations.

    When Wesley Girls restricts only Muslim practices while leaving Christian activities untouched, that is institutionalised segregation. That is discriminatory. And yes, that is apartheid, because it creates two classes of students: those free to practice their faith and those who are not.

    Taxpayer Funding: A Public School Cannot Practice Religious Exclusion

    Wesley Girls is not a private Christian school owned and operated by the Methodist Church alone.

    It is a public school funded by the taxes of all Ghanaians, and this includes Muslim taxpayers.

    Muslim parents contribute to: Teacher salaries, Utility bills, Feeding grants, Infrastructure development and Government subventions.

    Therefore, the idea that a publicly funded institution can use Christian rules to silence Muslim religious practice is not only unjust, but it is also constitutionally baseless.

    Public funds must guarantee public fairness. Dr Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Saana’s Position: A Call for Justice, Dialogue, and Reform.

    Dr Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Saana, a respected Islamic scholar and public health expert, has spoken extensively on this issue not with hostility, but with deep intellectual clarity. He has engaged pastors, Christian leaders, and fellow citizens, emphasising that Muslim children are not asking for privilege, but for their rightful place within Ghana’s educational space.

    He has pointed out clearly that religious coexistence does not mean one faith suppresses another. It means mutual respect. It means allowing every Ghanaian child to uphold their God-given identity.

    A National Wake-Up Call

    This issue goes beyond Wesley Girls.

    It forces Ghana to confront a bigger question:

    Can a publicly funded institution continue to suppress the religious expression of a minority group under the guise of “tradition”?

    The answer, legally, morally, and logically, is no.

    Schools cannot claim excellence while practising exclusion. They cannot preach discipline while enforcing discrimination. And they cannot use public money to maintain structures that undermine constitutional rights.

    The Way Forward

    A modern, democratic, religiously diverse Ghana demands policies that uphold the dignity of every child. The solution is simple:

    Allow Muslim girls to fast with parental and medical support. Provide a supervised space for prayers, as done in other top schools. Review outdated internal rules that contradict national law. Encourage respectful dialogue between religious leaders and school authorities. This is not about destroying the Methodist identity of the school. It is about aligning the school with the values of the Republic.

    In Conclusion

    Wesley Girls’ High School is a respected institution. But respect cannot shield it from accountability. No Ghanaian child should have to choose between education and faith, especially in a nation that prides itself on peace, tolerance, and unity. It is time for every public school, especially those with mission backgrounds, to rise above silent segregation and embrace genuine equality.

    Anything less is not discipline. It is apartheid in uniform.

    Signed,

    Dr Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Saana,

    Member Health Advisory Committee – NDC

    Member Religious Committee – NDC

    Greater Accra Regional Director of Health – NDC

    Wednesday, 26th November

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

  • We are going by FIFA’s directives to settle debt owed René Hiddink – Hearts of Oak

    We are going by FIFA’s directives to settle debt owed René Hiddink – Hearts of Oak

    Ghana’s Premier League club, Hearts of Oak, says it is following directives given to it by FIFA to settle the debt owed to its former technical director, René Hiddink.

    It all started when Hearts of Oak signed a three-year deal with the Dutch football coach in July. However, before he could exhaust a year, the club sacked him in the eighth month, March 2024.

    According to reports, no official letter was issued to Rene to annul his appointment, but he was simply told by word of mouth that his time with the club had come to an end.

    The reasons behind his abrupt dismissal haven’t been made public; however, it is reported that it was as a result of Hearts of Oak not publicly disclosing a specific reason. The aftermath, however, suggests serious internal conflict. 

    Visibly dissatisfied with how the club dealt with him, Rene filed a formal complaint with FIFA in mid-2024 for wrongful termination. Hiddink’s lawyer, David Winnie, slammed the club for acting “dishonestly and sneakily” by rushing player registrations before the ban took effect on August 22. Consequently, he sent a petition to FIFA and had a FIFA rule in his favour.

    Hearts, however, missed the ninety-day (90) payment deadline to settle the $150,000 owed to Rene.

    In a statement dated August 21, FIFA ordered the club to pay Rene what is due him since it has refused to comply with his previous directive “in the matter ref. no. FPSD-17518 (the Decision)”.

    “We refer to the above-mentioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-17518 (the Decision).

    In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, Accra Hearts of Oak S/C (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Rene Hiddink,” excerpts of the statement read.

    Consequently, FIFA barred Hearts of Oak from engaging in any transfer deals, both internationally and locally, for the next three windows: Window 1 (August 2025 – January 2026), Window 2 (JanWindow 2 (January 2026 – August 2026), and Window 3 (August 2026 – January 2027).

    Communications Director of Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo, in an update on the case, noted that, despite the former technical director’s decision to take the case to a Ghanaian court to seek resolution, his outfit is following FIFA’s directives to settle the debt owed him.

    “René Hiddink has taken our debt case to a Ghanaian court despite the FIFA ruling, but Hearts of Oak is complying with FIFA directives to settle the outstanding debt owed to him,” he said on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    He emphasised that the club has no intention of avoiding its obligations.

    “Hearts of Oak aren’t reluctant to settle our debt with René Hiddink,” Opare Addo added. 

    The Phobians are enduring a mixed campaign in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League and currently sit sixth on the table with 18 points from 11 matches.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) early August released the full fixture list for the 2025/26 Premier League season.

    This allows fans and teams to know what to expect in the upcoming season.

    Under a 34-matchday timetable, the 18 teams in the league will each play every other team twice, once at home and once away, to ensure fairness and balance.

    Defending champions Gold Stars FC will start the season with a title defence fixture against Bechem United at the Duns Park in Bibiani, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of top-flight football in Ghana.

    According to the timetable, Asante Kotoko was scheduled to clash with Berekum Chelsea in their opening encounter, while Hearts of Oak will start the campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Hohoe United.

    Match Day 1 also features intriguing away assignments for former champions: Medeama SC visit Young Apostles, while FC Samartex make a trip to face Vision FC.

    Premier League returnees Swedru All Blacks FC and Eleven Wonders FC begin their campaigns on the road, visiting Nations FC and Basake Holy Stars, respectively. Heart of Lions, last season’s runners-up, will host Dreams FC in their first fixture, while Karela United will entertain Aduana FC.

    The first leg of the iconic clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC is scheduled for Match Day 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the reverse fixture set for Match Day 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    On Match Day 9, Nations FC will play against Asante Kotoko at home and visit the Porcupine Warriors’ home for a return leg in Kumasi for Match Day 26 in the Ashanti Derby.

    Hohoe United will host Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 17, before making the trip to Kpando for the reverse fixture on the final day of the Premier League, Match Day 34, marking the return of the Volta derby after several years.

    A string of Brong Ahafo regional battles is set to heat the calendar.

    Young Apostles will face Bechem United on Match Day 5, Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 7, and Aduana FC on Match Day 16. Return fixtures are set for Match Days 22, 24, and 33, respectively. Aduana FC are also scheduled for a match against Bechem United on Match Day 9 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 11.

    Bechem United is scheduled to lock horns with Eleven Wonders on Match Day 14 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 17. Eleven Wonders will travel to Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 16 for a clash at the Golden City Park.

    Medeama SC will host FC Samartex on Match Day 6, with the reverse fixture scheduled for Match Day 23. On Match Day 15, Medeama will welcome Basake Holy Stars, before travelling for the return leg on Match Day 32. Meanwhile, FC Samartex will face Basake Holy Stars away on Match Day 14, with the return leg of the Western Derby set for Match Day 31.

    The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin on September 12, 2025 and end on the weekend of May 23/24, 2026.

    The eight-month schedule is in alignment with the 23rd FIFA World Cup 2026, slated for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

    The FIFA World Cup will start about seventeen days after the  2025/26 Ghana Premier League season ends.

    This helps ensure that all elite domestic competitions end before the beginning of the global showpiece.

    With the 31st Ordinary Session of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Congress, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Football Association has confirmed that the Premier League will start as planned and finish in May 2026, following FIFA’s official calendar.

    Matches will mostly be played on weekends, while midweek games will be used to make up for any matches that were postponed—just like in the 2024/25 season.

  • 2026 World Cup grouping: Ghana placed in Pot 4 for group stage draw

    2026 World Cup grouping: Ghana placed in Pot 4 for group stage draw

    FIFA has released its seeding details for the 2026 World Cup, announcing the pot allocations for the upcoming draw set for 5 December, Washington, DC.

    Seeding is a way of organising teams so that the strongest sides don’t all end up in the same group.

    Teams are then placed into pots (Pot 1, Pot 2, Pot 3, Pot 4) according to their ranking and qualification status.

    The football governing body announced this in an official statement on Tuesday, November 25, which revealed that Ghana has been placed in Pot 4, a pot earmarked for the lowest-ranked African teams to have qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament.

    The Black Stars join Jordan, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, the four UEFA play-off winners, and the two FIFA Play-Off Tournament qualifiers in Pot 4.

    Other African representatives occupy higher posts. Morocco and Senegal are in Pot 2, while Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa form part of Pot 3.

    Based on the draw procedures, Ghana are likely to face a top-ranked nation from Pot 1 such as Spain, Argentina or England, alongside a Pot 2 team like Croatia, Japan or old foes Uruguay, depending on how the draw unfolds.

    Ghana qualified for the World Cup after finishing its Group I campaign with 25 points. They topped a zone that included Mali, Madagascar, Chad, the Central African Republic and Comoros.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • US govt announces 200–300% fee hike for foreign tourists visiting national parks

    US govt announces 200–300% fee hike for foreign tourists visiting national parks

    The Donald Trump administration has announced a new development in tourist visits to national parks in the USA.

    In an official statement signed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and released on Tuesday, November 25, the Department of the Interior emphasised that the policy was part of President Trump’s “America First” efforts to ensure U.S. taxpayers continue to enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute more.

    Before this new directive, which is set to take effect in 2026, non‑U.S. visitors typically pay the same as Americans, i.e., $35 per car or $20 per person, and $80 for an annual pass. The new surcharge will make visits far more expensive for foreign tourists.

    International visitors will now need to pay $100 (£76) on top of existing fees to access 11 of the most popular sites, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Everglades.

    “These policies ensure that US taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.

    Aside from the hike in fees for international visitors, the Trump administration would launch an upgraded online booking system and better access for motorcyclists across the parks.

    In its announcement, the department also noted eight resident-only, “patriotic fee-free” days for 2026, including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans’ Day.

    The hike in fees forms part of the US government’s efforts to generate revenue to cater for the conservation and maintenance of the tourist sites, to cut Park Service allocation administration efforts to 

    US national parks have seen record numbers of tourists in recent years, with upwards of 331 million visitors in 2024 – an increase of at least 6 million compared to the year before.

    The country’s most visited parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

    The new hike marks about 200-500% compared to the old prices that were usually charged non-US citizens when they visit these national parks.

    Initially, the annual pass was $80, and a walk-in person entry was $15–$20 per person and $30–$35 per vehicle entry. However, effective next year, 2026 annual pass will shoot to up to $250 and $115–$120 per person and per vehicle entry will be pegged at $130–$135.

    Aside from the new $100 surcharge for foreign tourists at U.S. national parks, the Trump administration in 2025 introduced sweeping immigration and refugee policy changes that directly affect non‑U.S. citizens and migrants. These include tightened asylum rules, expanded border enforcement, restrictions on humanitarian parole, and higher barriers for work visas and refugee resettlement.

    Meanwhile, the Trump Administration’s immigration policies have affected several Ghanaians and other nationals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Vinicius Jr unwilling to renew contract until relations with Xabi improve – Reports

    Vinicius Jr unwilling to renew contract until relations with Xabi improve – Reports

    Contract renewal talks with Real Madrid have stalled following the club’s star winger  Vinicius Junior’s decision to resolve strained relations with head coach Xabi Alonso, according to reports.

    Since Xabi’s takeover from Carlo Ancelotti in May this year, there have been reports of strained relations between him and the Brazilian prodigy. According to reports, the genesis of their deteriorating relationship began on July 9, during Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup semi-final.

    Alonso had initially planned to bench Vinicius for that match, only starting him after an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a late change. Even then, Vinicius was deployed on the right wing rather than his preferred left side, a decision he reportedly took issue with.

    Since then, Vinicius has completed just five of Real Madrid’s 17 matches across all competitions and has started four games from the bench, including their weekend’s 2–2 draw against Elche.

    On October 26, Vinícius Jr. threw a strop during his substitution in the 72minute of the El Clásico. The substitution, which clearly infuriated the Brazilian prodigy, made him walk off the pitch, pass by the bench, including coach Xabi Alonso, and head straight for the tunnel while the match was still going on.

    Vinícius’ actions have reportedly strained his relationship with Xabi, as some reports suggest that while passing by Alonso, he muttered, “Always me”. I’m leaving the team; it’s better if I leave”.

    Following the incident, Vini later apologised to fans and the club, mentioning the names of people but excluding that of Xabi, who was the centre of the misunderstanding.

    IN late October, it is reported that Vini personally told Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez during a private meeting that renewing his contract with the club as it stands now “wouldn’t make any sense” due to the state of his relationship with Xabi.

    He feels Xabi has been unfair to him since taking over. However, the coach has on several occasions denied strained relations with the winger, explaining in multiple press conferences that squad rotation is vital and insisting there is “no issue” with them.

    Vini’s actions at the El-Classico are mostly penalised; however, it emerged that the club doesn’t intend to punish him, a narrative which was later confirmed by Xabi himself.

    Speaking during a press conference on October 31, about a week after the Classico incident, Xabi downplayed the incident, saying, “the matter is now closed, no punishment ”, highlighting the player’s “valuable, positive” apology.

    Xabi revealed that, on Wednesday,” two days’ rest, we had a meeting with everyone,” Alonso said in a news conference on Friday.

    He commended the Brazilian’s sincerity and passion in how he handled the situation.

    “Vini did well; he was impeccable. He spoke from the heart with sincerity. I was very satisfied, and for me, from that moment, the matter is closed.”

    Alonso denied that he was surprised or disappointed that Vinícius’ apology didn’t mention him by name.

    “For me, it was a very valuable, positive statement. Vini showed his honesty; he spoke from the heart, what this club means to him. For me, what’s most important is what he said to his teammates, the fans and the club. I’m very satisfied, and since Wednesday, the subject is closed, and we’re thinking about what’s next.

    I was satisfied, and since Wednesday it’s closed,” Alonso said. “We’ve trained well, Vini is fine. We’re all in the same boat, rowing in the same direction… We have a game tomorrow, which is the most important thing,” Alonso said.

    Addressing speculations of stalled contract renewal talks with Real Madrid being a distraction for Vinicius, whose time with the club expires in 2027, Alonso insisted that “…he looks very focused. The other day [against Barça] he played a very good game, and against Juventus too, and against Getafe, and we hope for the same tomorrow.”

    Responding to how he handles such situations, he stressed the need to recognise his role as a leader and the importance of emotional intelligence.

    “It’s important to be authentic, having a sincere, direct relationship,” Alonso said when asked how he managed situations like this. Knowing your role, and always thinking about what’s best for the team … It’s about having a good relationship, with respect, but knowing that not everyone is the same. That’s where you need to have emotional intelligence.”

    One blow for Madrid after the Clásico win was an injury for captain Dani Carvajal, who had only just returned after a long absence.

    “On Monday morning, it was a surprise to get the call from the doctor,” Alonso said. “We’ll miss him for sure. He’s very important in the day-to-day. It could be seven, eight weeks, but I’m not a doctor.”

    Meanwhile, following his fiery outburst, some people defended him while others slammed him for his actions.

    Tony Kros, his former teammate, defended his actions during his podcast, saying, “When you play an exceptional game, especially in a match like this, you’re not happy to be taken off”. Others also cautioned him to check his emotions, criticising his behaviour as “disrespectful” and warned it could “negatively impact his prestige at Real Madrid”

    Vinícius Júnior has lost his cool on the pitch on several occasions. On September 24 this year, Vini clashed with Levante captain Unai Elgezabal during a Real Madrid match after a foul on Kylian Mbappé led to a penalty.

    According to reports, while Mbappe prepared to take the penalty spot, Vinícius reportedly spoke to Elgezabal and placed a hand on his neck. Infuriated by whatever Vini said, Elgezabal reacted angrily and later accused Vinícius of showing “a lack of respect”, saying, “Enough is enough.

  • Mpox: Ghana Health Service announces 11 new cases, urges public to stay alert

    Mpox: Ghana Health Service announces 11 new cases, urges public to stay alert

    Ghana has recorded 11 new cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) infections, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported in its latest update.

    These new cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in Ghana to 880, with no deaths recorded so far since the last three. The health regulator noted this in its report following the previous update on October 14, when 22 new infections were recorded, pushing the total to 735 at the time.

    The GHS has intensified its response through workshops on typical Mpox presentations, wound care, home isolation procedures, and psychosocial support in eight selected regions.

    These sessions are being held for staff at ART sites, STI clinics, and other facilities to improve detection and case management. Public education has also increased. Weekly social media updates are ongoing, along with a multilingual telephone poll to assess public awareness of Mpox prevention messages.

    As of mid-October, more than 14,490 people, representing 73.9 per cent of the target group, had been vaccinated. Most of the vaccinated individuals were between twenty and thirty-nine years old.

    On August 28, 21 new cases brought the total to 467, while on August 25, the Service reported 22 cases, which pushed the cumulative figure at the time to 446.

    On August 20, 15 new cases were recorded, bringing the number at the time to 424. Currently, there is no patient on admission. As of August 14, 409 total cases had been confirmed after 37 new cases were recorded.

    According to earlier reports, 26 new cases of infection were confirmed on August 11, increasing the total to 372, compared to 346 cases reported on August 7. However, the national death toll stands at two.

    Unfortunately, all 16 regions have recorded cases of the disease so far. The rising number of cases continues to raise concerns. In the meantime, the country can breathe a sigh of relief as 33,600 vaccines have been secured by the Health Ministry to strengthen Ghana’s fight against the monkeypox (Mpox) virus. “This is another milestone in safeguarding the health and well-being of our citizens,” the ministry said in a Facebook post.

    Months ago, the Ministry of Health received a significant boost in its fight against the ongoing Mpox outbreak following the donation of essential medical supplies and public health materials from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    During a brief ceremony held at the Ministry, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s public health response and acknowledged the country’s commendable leadership in managing the outbreak. The donation, valued at USD 36,700, includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers, 780 GeneXpert cartridges to improve diagnostic capacity, and 9,000 risk communication posters along with 40 pull-up banners to support community sensitisation efforts.

    The PPE will help strengthen infection prevention and control, while the GeneXpert cartridges are expected to facilitate rapid and accurate testing, particularly at decentralised levels. The risk communication materials are aimed at promoting public awareness and behavioural change.

    The Minister for Health, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who received the items on behalf of the government, thanked the WHO for its continued support. He indicated that Ghana is keen to adopt vaccines as part of its response strategy and called on the WHO to expedite assistance in that regard. He also encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene practices and to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, or skin rashes.

    He noted that the Ministry remains committed to strengthening public health systems and working closely with partners to contain the outbreak and protect the health of all Ghanaians.

    Health officials explained that Mpox primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. The Ghana Health Service is urging the public to avoid close interactions with symptomatic individuals, maintain regular handwashing with soap and water, avoid touching the face frequently, and use masks when caring for patients.

    The Service added that it is closely monitoring the outbreak, conducting contact tracing, and strengthening public education with the support of regional health directorates.

    Following the detection of 20 new infections as of Wednesday, July 30, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Monday, July 27, reported the unfortunate demise of one of the individuals who had contracted the disease. Since Ghana recorded its first Mpox case in June 2022, with five cases, this marks the first time any infected person has succumbed to the disease.

    In its regular updates, the Ghana Health Service noted that as of July 22, 23 new cases were recorded, pushing the total confirmed cases to 257 at the time. Ghana’s confirmed Mpox cases rose to 234 following the detection of 16 new cases as of July 18. The number of cases stood at 218 after 21 new infections were detected as of July 14. The Service reported 197 confirmed cases after 11 new infections were recorded as of July 11.

    While revealing this information, the Service described the trend as a gradual yet manageable increase and called for sustained public vigilance. The country has seen a slight uptick in infections; however, health officials maintain that the overall situation remains under control. Although many cases are mild, early medical care is crucial to avoid complications.

    In light of the growing Mpox cases, the GHS is boosting nationwide information campaigns to ensure citizens remain aware and cautious. Preventive actions such as avoiding direct contact with sick individuals, practicing proper hygiene, and promptly seeking care when symptoms appear are being emphasised. Officials stress the importance of swift case detection and notification, with field teams and community health workers diligently monitoring developments.

    The public is being encouraged to stay alert, adhere to health precautions, and contribute to collective efforts to stop the virus from spreading. The government is also engaging international organisations for assistance in procuring vaccines to help curb the rising number of cases.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) in Ghana has provided laboratory PCR reagents to enhance the country’s diagnostic capacity.

  • Ghana’s reserve hit $11.41bn, enough to pay for about 5 months of the country’s imports – BoG

    Ghana’s reserve hit $11.41bn, enough to pay for about 5 months of the country’s imports – BoG

    Ghana’s import landscape is set for a smooth transition, prices are set to be more stable, and the economy more predictable for both businesses and consumers, as the Bank of Ghana (BoG) announces an increase in the country’s reserves. 

    Speaking at the opening of the 127th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the BoG was held on Monday, 24 November, Governor of the financial institution, Dr Johnson Asiama, announced that the country’s reserve has hit a significant US$11.41 billion, representing about US$560 million increase in just one month.

    This means that Ghana’s reserves have increased by about 44.1% between November 2024 and November 2025.

    According to the BoG governor, the reserve is enough to cover 4.8 months of imports, signalling the development as a strong sign of improving economic stability and positioning the country against external shocks. 

    “Our gross reserves have now exceeded US$11 billion, giving us about 4.8 months of import cover.  We are confident that by the end of the year, we will reach the five-month mark,” Dr Asiama stated.

    The Governor stressed that the significant increase in the reserves was far from accidental and is due to the government’s intentional policy actions aimed at strengthening the cedi and improving Ghana’s balance of payments position.

    “These gains are not accidental. They are the result of sustained efforts to stabilise the currency, manage liquidity, and improve our external sector performance,” he stressed.

    Dr Asiama added that the MPC will continue to monitor economic indicators closely to ensure the momentum is maintained.

    “We remain committed to safeguarding macroeconomic stability and providing guidance that supports growth while protecting the resilience we are building,” he said.

    The ongoing MPC meeting is expected to assess recent economic trends and announce key policy decisions in the coming days.

    Also, speaking at the launch of the 60th anniversary of the Ghana Cedi in Accra on Tuesday, October 28, which was held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Dr Asiama, highlighted that coordinated and difficult policy measures have yielded tangible results for the country

    “Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and Her Excellency the Vice President, and through coordinated, difficult but necessary policy actions, I am happy to say that Ghana has turned a decisive corner, and indeed the evidence is compelling. 

    Currently, Ghana’s inflation stands at 8% as of October, marking the tenth consecutive month of decline and aligning with the Bank of Ghana’s target range.

    The BoG Governor at the same launch of the cedi event cited key indicators of the country’s improved economic position. He noted that headline inflation, which has been a major concern in recent years, stood at 9.4 percent as of September 2025, with expectations that it will fall even further by the end of the year.

    “Headline inflation now at 9.4% as of September 2025, and we expect it to end the year even further lower”, he continued, adding that the cedi, which was ranked as one of the worst-performing currencies in 2022 under the Akufo-Addo-led administration, has seen significant appreciation by 37% under the current government, serving as evidence of the positive impact of the fiscal policies implemented.

    The national currency, the cedi, Dr Asiama said, has also strengthened significantly, appreciating by 37 percent as of October 17.

    “The cedi has appreciated by 37% as of October 17, and according to the World Bank, it is the best-performing currency in sub-Saharan Africa for the first eight months of 2025. As of November 2022, the Cedi depreciated by over 50% becoming the World’s worst-performing currency in the world according to a Bloomberg report. Headline inflation spiralled to 54.1% and food inflation soared to an alarming 59.7% year-on-year in December 2022, distorting household budgets, shrinking incomes, and feeding public anxiety.

    “These were not just numbers; they were lived experiences. They meant rising transport fares, shrinking working capital, unaffordable school meals, and sleepless nights for small business owners and salary earners alike. But they were not the end of our story,” he added.

    Dr Asiamah also announced a year-long programme of nationwide activities designed to educate, engage, and celebrate the Cedi’s history, resilience, and role in Ghana’s economic journey.

    He said, “As we officially launch the Cedi@60 anniversary, allow me to share a preview of what lies ahead. This celebration will not be confined to this hall. Over the next 12 months, we will embark on a nationwide and inclusive programme of activities, including:

    “Currency exhibitions that tell the story of our monetary journey, from pounds to pessewas, from coins to QR codes, public lectures and school tours to engage students, professionals, and communities on the importance of monetary sovereignty. Diaspora engagements, highlighting the role of remittances and international trust in supporting the Cedi’s strength. And special publications and legacy projects to ensure this milestone leaves a lasting educational footprint,” he continued.

    Meanwhile, not only has the country’s forex reserves seen a significant increase, but also its revenue in gold trading (small scale).

    Ghana GoldBoard (GoldBod) in mid-October reported a significant revenue accrued from small-scale gold export between January and October 15.

    The sector earned US$8 billion in foreign exchange within ten months, according to data from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

    The data also reported that small-scale miners exported 81,719.23 kilograms of gold during the period, valued at US$8.06 billion. This marks a sharp increase from US$4.61 billion recorded in 2024 and nearly quadruples the US$2.19 billion achieved in 2023.

    Also, the data shows that gold export increased by 29% between 2024 and 2025, thus from 63,647 kilograms to 81,719 kilograms. When compared to 2023, GoldBod’s earnings have grown more than threefold.

    The data highlights a consistent upward trend in both gold volume and export value over the three years, reflecting improved regulation, transparency, and compliance within Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

    The data also showed a robust month-on-month growth in the second quarter of the year, with a revenue of US$1.17 billion recorded in May, US$957.9 million in June, and US$897.6 million in April.

    The country’s official gold buying and distribution authority has linked its significant gains to its partnership with PMMC and strengthened oversight of small-scale gold exports and other related gold-purchasing and regulations. The GoldBod-PMMC collaboration has proved efficient since mid-April 2025, when the former began operations, absorbing the functions of the latter.

  • Antoine Semenyo still on Man Utd radar as club eye him in January move

    Antoine Semenyo still on Man Utd radar as club eye him in January move

    Even though Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has stated that his focus is on his current club, AFC Bournemouth and not other clubs or links to them.

    However, the new development surrounding his future with the English club is that Manchester United has emerged as the frontrunner to sign the Ghanaian prodigy.

    In late October, The Telegraph reported that Bournemouth reportedly rejected £50 million offers from both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for Semenyo during the summer transfer window.  However, the Old Trafford hierarchy appears to have not given up on the chase; they are back with hopes of signing Semnyo this winter, with suggestions that they could have an edge over rival clubs also pursuing the 25-year-old forward. 

    Semenyo’s impressive form has attracted interest from several clubs. Antoine’s form has been consistent even during international games. Last season, he scored six goals in nine appearances and provided three assists. His only contender this season has been Man City’s Erling Haaland, who has a higher goal record ahead of Semenyo.

    The forward’s contract at Bournemouth includes a £65 million release clause, which has further fueled transfer talk. Semenyo signed a new deal over the summer with the clause in place.

    Manchester United could offer Semenyo the No. 9 shirt, left vacant following Rasmus Hojlund’s loan move to Napoli. However, he remains a target for other top clubs, including struggling Liverpool, and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring his situation.

    Semenyo missed Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with West Ham due to injury, but is expected to return for their upcoming match against Sunderland.

    Addressing these links, during an interview with Sky Sports, which was aired on October 30,  Antione mentioned that he has seen the reports, but denied the purported links, saying he is enjoying his stay at Bournemouth.

    “I don’t think about it too much,” he said. “I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I’m not oblivious, but I try to keep focused. I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals, and whatever happens in the future happens,” he noted.

    Semenyo explained that he was convinced to stay after being encouraged by the club’s vision and summer recruitment.

    “When they all left in the summer, there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager’s got something up his sleeve this year.

    “How we finished off the season last year was so good, and we could continue, especially with the players we’ve brought in as well. I wasn’t too sure at the start, but we’ve kicked on like a house on fire. I’m glad I committed to staying here because I’m enjoying every moment,” he added.

    In an interview with Sky Sports aired on 4th November, Semenyo revealed his ambitious goal target for the season in the Premier League.

    During an interview with Sky Sports, he revealed that, each campaign, he writes a goal target he seeks to achieve by year’s end. This year, he wants to attain 15 goals, having notched 11 Premier League goals last year and eight in the previous year (2023). Antoine highlighted his commitment to constant self-improvement.

    “Every year, I write my goals, what I want to achieve.“I always want to do better than what I’ve done in previous seasons. I set a challenge for myself this year, and I really want to push myself. I think I am a good finisher. Fifteen goals would be great,” he told Sky Sports.

    He continued, “I can help the team in many ways, and credit to the manager [Andoni Iraola] and all the players, they’ve been so helpful”.

    Despite interest from top clubs in Europe, he decided to stay at the Vitality Stadium, signing a new long-term contract that included a pay rise. His contract with Bournemouth’s expiry was set for 2026; however, in July, he extended his contract until 2030.

    Meanwhile, Semenyo was recently subjected to racism during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.

    During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man passed some offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked that the man repeat what he said; he did and even threw gum at him.

    He immediately reported it to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute. Subsequently, he was seen out of the stadium by the police and held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to the Merseyside Police on Monday.

    He has, however, been granted bail on the following conditions that, not attend any regulated football match in the UK and be prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

  • Revised pronouns in statutes not to promote LGBTQ+ activities – UG management

    Revised pronouns in statutes not to promote LGBTQ+ activities – UG management

    The University of Ghana (UG) has denied allegations levelled against it by private legal practitioner Moses Foh-Amoaning over its revised statutes.

    During an appearance on Accra-based radio station Onua FM’s ‘Y3n Nsempa’ programme on Friday, November 21, Mr Foh-Amoaning alleged that the University of Ghana’s management had “amended its statutes to admit LGBT+ activities. 

    The legal practitioner mentioned that his organisation, the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, had formally written to the University of Ghana about the alleged statute changes, but had not bothered to give them a response, citing that “We are not going to accept this. We wrote a letter to her, and she has not responded to the letter.”

    The institution’s hierarchy, in a statement, described the claims made by Mr Amoaning as “false, misleading and defamatory.”

    “The University wishes to state emphatically and without ambiguity that the allegations made by Mr Foh-Amoaning are entirely false, misleading and defamatory”, parts of the statement noted.

    According to  UG, “The University’s recent review of its Statutes (2024) was conducted strictly in accordance with the governance procedures prescribed by national laws and University regulations, and we wish to state as follows: The University of Ghana operates strictly within the legal and regulatory framework of the Republic of Ghana. The revised Statutes of the University do not depart from national law, nor do the statutes introduce any provision that endorses, promotes, or “admits” LGBT+ activities as alleged.”

    The UG continued that it updated its Statutes to use gender-neutral language (“they/their”) instead of repeatedly writing “he or she,” which is a normal, widely accepted modern English practice, not a promotion of LGBT+ activities. 

    “The changes in the Statutes merely involved replacing gender specific pronouns such as “he”, “him”, “she” or “her” with gender-neutral terms such as “they” and “their”, and additional linguistic adjustments made to represent both male and female to eliminate the need to continuously state he or she/him or her etc. in the Statutes. The revisions are consistent with developments in the English language over the past two decades, where the singular “they/their/them” has become widely accepted in reputable academic, legal and religious texts”, UG added.

    It also noted that “The University received a letter dated 24th October 2025, following an earlier correspondence in which the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values sought clarification on the University’s position regarding gender specific pronouns used in its Statutes. The Registrar, on behalf of the University, in a letter dated 10 ^ (th) November 2025, responded to the enquiry, explaining the University’s position, as stated in the points above.

    In reaction to Mr Amoaning’s letter, which he claimed has not been responded to, the school management explained that it has responded, condemning his attack on the Vice Chancellor’s personality.

    Mr Amoaning stated that “the Vice-Chancellor, who is a woman who goes to church, and her council, have changed the university’s statutes to admit transgender and LGBT+ activities.”

    “ UG received a letter from the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values seeking clarification. UG responded formally on 10 November, emphasising its core commitments: transformative student experiences, impactful research, high ethical standards, and a safe, lawful environment. UG condemns Mr Foh-Amoaning for attacking the Vice-Chancellor personally. They say his comments are disrespectful and made in bad faith. No Vice-Chancellor can unilaterally change University Statutes”.

    President John Dramani Mahama has confidently stated that he will sign the anti-LBGTQ bill once it is successfully approved by parliament.

    During a courtesy visit by the Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday, November 18, at Jubilee House, the president mentioned all the factors that must come into play for him to assent to the bill.

    “I believe that we have no questions or equivocations about what we believe. I believe that we are completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your belief. We agree with the Speaker to relay the bill and let Parliament debate it. And if any amendments or adjustments need to be made, if the people’s representatives in Parliament endorse the bill, vote on it, and pass it, and it comes to me as president, I will sign it,” President Mahama said.

    The controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LBGTQ bill, has been reintroduced in Parliament, according to Assin South MP, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.

    In an interview with The Independent Ghana on Thursday, February 27, Ntim Fordjour urged President John Dramani Mahama to sign the bill into law if Parliament approves it again.

    He emphasised that the legislation reflects Ghanaian cultural values and called for swift action to ensure its implementation.

    The bill, which aims to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and criminalise their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was previously passed by the 8th Parliament. However, it did not receive Presidential assent under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

    President John Dramani Mahama has declared that the Anti-LBGTQ+ Bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, is no longer active, as it expired with the previous Parliament’s session.

    Speaking during a meeting with clergy, Mahama clarified the bill’s current status, explaining, “As far as I know, the bill did not get to the President for assent. And so the convention is that all bills that are not assented to before the expiration of the life of Parliament expired, and so that Bill is effectively dead; it has expired.”

    He underscored the importance of reinitiating discussions on the bill, suggesting a collaborative review process. “I do think that we should have a conversation on it again, so that all of us, if we decide to move that bill forward, move forward with a consensus,” Mahama stated.

    Proposing a shift in the bill’s sponsorship, the former president argued that it should no longer be introduced as a private member’s bill but rather receive formal government backing. “I don’t know what the promoters of the bill want to do, but we should have a conversation about it again… probably it shouldn’t be a private members’ bill. It should be a government bill with government behind it after consultation with all the stakeholders to see how to move this forward,” he noted.

    Before his return to office, Mahama had already expressed a cautious approach toward the bill, emphasising the need for a constitutional review. Speaking with BBC Africa on December 4, he elaborated: “It is not an anti-LBGTQI Bill; it is a Family Values Bill. It was approved unanimously by our Parliament. [LGBTQI] is against our African culture, it is against our religious faith, but I think we must look at the Bill, and the president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament, or alternatively he must send it to the Council of State and get the Council of State’s advice.”

    When asked if he would sign the bill into law if elected, Mahama responded cautiously, stating, “It depends on what is in the Bill.” He emphasised that any decision would be based on a thorough examination of the bill’s content and legal compliance. “That is what I would have done,” he affirmed.

  • SEC cautions public, flags 33 TV stations for airing suspected ‘money-doubling’ scams

    SEC cautions public, flags 33 TV stations for airing suspected ‘money-doubling’ scams

    The Ghana Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public against falling for rising money-doubling schemes in the country.

    These schemes, according to SEC, are being aired by some television stations, and these thirty-three stations have been flagged by the regulator. The regulator shared this in a statement, where it warned that these schemes have been designed to lure the public into giving money for higher returns at little to no risk.

    Consequently, it has warned that these activities being advertised have not been approved by its outfit, hence the need for members of the public to stay away.

    “The Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana, hereinafter referred to as the “SEC”, is mandated

    to regulate and promote the growth and development of an efficient, fair and transparent securities

    market in which investors, and the integrity of the market are protected. The SEC wishes to put the General Public on notice about the rise in suspected fraudulent investment schemes (also termed ‘money doubling’ schemes) being advertised on some television channels in the country. These schemes are fraudulent schemes designed to get members of the public to give money for higher returns at little or no risk.

    “By this Notice, the SEC hereby informs the public that it has not approved, authorised or licensed any

    of the schemes being advertised on these television channels. The SEC therefore draws the attention of

    the General Public to these fraudulent activities and advises the Public to be vigilant and to desist from

    investing in their unlicensed products,” parts of the statement read.

    issued a strong warning to the public after identifying 33 television stations airing suspected fraudulent “money-doubling” investment schemes across the country.

    In a public notice, the Commission said these schemes promise unusually high returns at little or no risk — a classic tactic used to deceive unsuspecting Ghanaians. It stressed that none of the operations being advertised have been approved or licensed to carry out investment activities in Ghana.

    “The SEC hereby informs the public that it has not approved, authorised or licensed any of the schemes being advertised on these television channels,” the regulator said, urging viewers to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams.

    According to the Commission, operators of these schemes are in breach of Section 144(1) of the Securities Industry Act and Section 294(1)(b) of the Companies Act, which prohibit unlicensed public invitations and advertisements for securities-related products. Those involved could face criminal prosecution.

    “Furthermore, the SEC wishes to caution those involved in these nefarious activities, reference to sections 144 (1) of the Securities Industry Act as amended and 294(1) (b) of the Companies Act, that it is a criminal offence to engage in public invitations and advertisements on securities-related products and services without a license or recourse to the SEC”, the statement continued.

    Section 144(1) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929) prohibits unlicensed public invitations for investment services and section 294(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) bars unregistered entities from inviting the public to invest.

    As part of measures to crack down on these scams, the SEC has urged the public to “call its toll-free line number 0800100065 or main-line number 0302768970-2 or send an email to info@sec.gov.gh to confirm the licensing status of any firm or group of people offering products or services relating to investments in the Capital Market”.

    Among the TV stations that have been flagged are Advice TV, Adwumpa TV, Akyedie TV, Diamond TV, VIP TV, XTV, and Happy TV, among other stations.

    Find all the 33 stations in the table below:

     

    In mid-June, the National Communications Authority (NCA) ordered a total of 62 FM broadcasting stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements.

    The non-compliant stations violated Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations.

    Asaase Radio and Wontumi Radio were among the affected stations. Founder of Asaase Radio, Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, revealed that his outfit was supposed to renew its licence in October last year but only did so in December.

    Asaase Radio was set to commemorate its 5th anniversary on Saturday, June 14. “Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. The General Manager informs me that it’s because the station was delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October, but only done in December 2024,” Gabby Otchere-Darko wrote on X.

    Per a statement issued by NCA, this action follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, mandating the authority to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to violate the regulations in the recent audit conducted to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.

    The NCA has thus commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against the defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases. The categorisation of infractions under the first phase includes 28 stations operating with expired authorisations. Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting, but have persisted in their illegality. This represents a violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act. 2008 (Act 775).

    The NCA noted that it acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development; however, it is imperative that all authorisation holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their authorisations. The NCA warned that failure to comply with its recent directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM broadcasting with grave consequences for their authorisations.

    In early August, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, revealed that a majority of the radio stations that were provided amnesty to meet regulatory requirements after being shut down have begun regularising their paperwork.

    Providing an update to the public as part of the Government Accountability Series on August 1, the minister revealed that 58 out of the 64 radio stations are correcting their wrongs.

    “About five weeks ago, the ministry issued a directive to the NCA to shut down 64 radio stations. The President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, intervened and requested amnesty, which we granted, a 30-day amnesty. Of the 64 radio stations, 58 of them have written to the NCA and started the process of regularising their paperwork,” he said.

    He, however, noted that the 64 stations were just the first batch of the radio stations that were not complying with the laws.

    “However, you’d recall that I indicated that the total number of radio stations in default was 210. The 64 was just not one phase. We expect that the public sensitisation with the first batch of 64 would have compelled the others to have taken steps to rectify their anomaly.”

    As such, the sector minister noted that “for all those who have failed to take any step, there will be no further public announcement on it. There will be simple enforcement to protect the public resource.”

  • J.E. Sarpong cites unfed players, poor transport as reasons for quitting Eleven Wonders

    J.E. Sarpong cites unfed players, poor transport as reasons for quitting Eleven Wonders

    Immediate past coach of  Eleven Wonders, J. E. Sarpong, quit the club ahead of Matchday 11, just 20 days after he took over from Nii Odartey Lamptey as head coach on November 2, after a three-game winless streak.

    Wonders remain the only winless team in the Ghana Premier League and sit bottom of the table.

    Admitting that his performance risks a relegation status for the club, he said he doesn’t want to be linked to it when the’unfortunate’happens hence his early exit.

    However, he has named some other factors that have contributed to his exit, citing the poor treatment of players, which he believes has had a huge impact on their performance.

    “Personally, I did not want a situation where it would be said that I was the one in charge when the team got relegated from the Premier League, so I had to decide to leave. Players are not paid well and are not fed well. Sometimes, the players can go three days without eating”. J. E. Sarpong made these remarks on November 24, 2025, during an interview on Asempa FM.

    He also lamented the poor transportation system of the club, revealing that, “They have a poor transportation plan. The players are sometimes forced to use public transport, ‘trotro’, which is not good for the players. The challenges of the club are down to administrative lapses, and so you cannot entirely blame the players for the current situation”.Wonders will face Dreams FC in their Matchday 12 game on Monday, December 1.

    Managerless Wonders will face Dreams FC in their Matchday 12 game on Monday, December 1.

    His resignation is described as the shortest ever tenure for a Premier League coach in Ghana, and in Eleven Wonders’ history is the shortest managerial spell the club has ever recorded. Previous coaches, even when results were poor, typically lasted several months before leaving or being dismissed.

    In a related development, Juventus parted ways with their coach, Igor Tudor, just seven months into their deal. Their deal, which was expected to expire in June 2028, was abruptly truncated on Monday, October 27, after their eight-game winless streak.

    The club announced Tudor’s dismissal after they played Lazio on Sunday, October 26. This left them eighth on the Serie A table.

    “The club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers,” Juventus announced in a social media post.

    Juventus added that Massimiliano Brambilla will take charge of the side for their Serie A fixture against Udinese on Wednesday (17:30 GMT).

    “Massimo Brambilla will take temporary charge of the first team”, they continued.

    The Old Lady are six points behind leaders Napoli, and have failed to win in their last five league matches. Juventus are 25th in the Champions League group stage table, having lost once and drawn twice in their opening three matches.

    This comes barely a week after This comes after the club parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days when his contract was expected to expire in June next year.

    Following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, the hierarchy bid him farewell just seventeen minutes after.

    Taking his place, the club announced a former player, Dyche as the new boss in a formal statement shared on their website by their communications department. They mentioned him to be the one to take charge of their match against FC Porto on Thursday, with a contract that runs until 2027.

    “Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos. The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

    He will be working with former teammates Ian Woan and Steve Ston.

    “ Dyche will be joined by his experienced coaching team of Ian Woan and Steve Stone, both former Nottingham Forest players who together made more than 400 appearances for the Reds during the 1990s”, the statement read.

    Forest is confident of Sean Dyche’s tactical prowess and leadership skills to see the club to its next level, citing that “the appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions”.

    “A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter. Having managed more than 330 Premier League matches in his career to date, Dyche has built teams defined by defensive organisation, resilience, and strength from set pieces, qualities that align closely with the current squad’s attributes and the Club’s footballing identity,” the statement mentioned.

    It continued that, “As a former Forest youth player who lives locally, Dyche also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters. With his character, tactical acumen and man-management skills, his appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions”.

    Postecoglu did not win any of his eight games in charge – drawing two and losing six – after he was brought in to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked just three matches into the campaign.

    Forest are 18th in the league table after one win in eight games during what has been a difficult start to the season.

    “It’s a mess, isn’t it?” said BBC Sport football pundit Chris Sutton on the Monday Night Club before Dyche’s appointment was confirmed.

    “If Dyche gets over the line, it is an admission that they got it wrong with Ange Postecoglou and are thinking about survival.

    “Dyche has always managed clubs where it has been a struggle. He bucked the trend at Burnley and got the best out of the players he had and proved himself to be a competent manager. At Everton, he took over a team in trouble and stabilised the club. He had points deductions to contend with. Forest wants to stay in the league, so it seems a sensible appointment. They won’t go down, they have too many good players.”

  • Boxing in Ghana is now safe – Sports Minister

    Boxing in Ghana is now safe – Sports Minister

    Professional boxing was suspended in Ghana in September following the death of rising boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, which exposed dangerous gaps in medical safety, governance, and athlete protection. A few months later, it was announced that the sport could resume.

    Speaking at the just-ended SWAG Golden Jubilee Awards, Sports Minister Kofi Adams mentioned that Ghana’s boxing landscape is now safe following deliberate reforms in medical safety, officiating, and insurance, restoring confidence in a sport shaken by tragedy.

    The Minister said: “Ghanaian boxing is safer, medically compliant, and back in business.”

    He explained that following the unfortunate deaths of two young boxers earlier this year, the government immediately reset regulatory standards. “We introduced stricter medical protocols, compulsory insurance, and tightened oversight of officiating.”

    He revealed that, following the reforms, the sport has seen an increase in licensed promotions. “We have seen increased promotions, improved athlete safety, and stronger confidence from boxers and managers,” highlighting the need to safeguard the lives of boxers and not make the sport a gamble with human lives.

    He stressed the need for discipline and accountability. “Boxing must not gamble with human lives. We will not compromise safety under any circumstances,” he cautioned.

    The Minister praised promoters, coaches, and gyms for embracing the reforms. “These measures were necessary, and I am proud that the boxing community stood up to the challenge and accepted that safety must come first.”

    The National Sports Authority (NSA) lifted the ban on professional boxing in Ghana on Thursday, November 6.

    The Authority had placed a ban on boxing and all other boxing-related activities on September 24, following the death of rising boxer Ernest Akushey aka “Bahubali” on Tuesday, September 23.

    Consequently, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, announced during an appearance on Ultimate FM that no professional bout would be held until investigations into Bahubali’s death were finalised.

    After a month and a week into the ban, the NSA issued a statement that “The National Sports Authority (NSA) is pleased to announce that the suspension on professional boxing in Ghana is set to be lifted officially on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, following successful consultations with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) overseeing the sport’s normalization process.”

    This follows a successful approval of enhanced medical, safety, insurance, and administrative protocols to ensure the sport’s normalization and restore its heritage and reputation.

    “The IMC has reported significant progress in addressing the key issues that led to the suspension, particularly the strengthening of medical and safety protocols, as well as improvements in governance and administrative structures. This marks a major step toward restoring Ghana’s illustrious and proud boxing heritage,” parts of the statement read.

    The NSA commended the IMC, athletes, and industry stakeholders for their cooperation and patience throughout the sport’s normalization period.

    “The NSA commends the IMC, athletes, boxing stakeholders, and the entire sporting community for their patience, diligence, and cooperation during this period of reform. The Authority looks forward to a vibrant return of professional boxing and also encourages local as well as foreign promoters and investors to bring international bouts and collaborations to Ghana under these enhanced standards,” the statement added.

    However, the sports governing agency listed six key reforms (core pillars) that form the foundation of the new professional boxing framework in Ghana.

    “In the coming days and weeks, there will be education and regular engagements to roll out new exciting partnerships aimed at uplifting the general well-being of Ghanaian boxers and the sport’s brand. The core pillars include published medical and safety manuals, codes, and regulations, a functional interim medical commission, a centralised medical database, an approved insurance framework, a sustainable medical support system, and certified ringside and medical staff,” NSA said.

    Meanwhile, the NSA boss also questioned why Akushey had been allowed to engage in multiple bouts in the last 12 to 24 months.

    “Ernest Akushey is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12-24 months, which shouldn’t have happened,” he added.

    Some reports suggest that doctors confirmed Akushey died from internal bleeding and malaria.

    According to reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup, Ernest Akushey passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after he was rushed to the LEKMA hospital following complaints of undisclosed symptoms on Monday.

    The symptoms worsened, and around 2 a.m. the following day he was confirmed dead.

    Bahubali’s death came barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

    Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.

    According to reports, the bout appeared to favor Akushey’s opponent, who dominated from the beginning until he clinched victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).

    Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.

    Many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused internal injuries, which may have contributed to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.

    A video trending on social media after Akushey’s death captures former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey talking to Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey after the bout with Dickson. He advised that it was about time Akushey made a decision, as he wasn’t fit enough to continue in the sport, warning him of imminent health problems.

    “Bahubali, it’s about time that you made a decision. I have told you to stop boxing. The reason I told you that is because I know you feed from boxing. I don’t know when you started fighting, but up to where you have gotten to now. But you need to make a decision and know what you’re doing because those small punches in the games, and you’re falling. You’re going to many wars, and you might not realize the effects today, but in the future, when you grow,” he warned.

  • Jerome Boateng joins Barcelona for coaching internship after Bayern Munich cancel plans

    Jerome Boateng joins Barcelona for coaching internship after Bayern Munich cancel plans

    Former Germany defender Jerome Boateng is currently training with Barcelona as he seeks to complete his coaching internship as part of the requirements to secure a coaching license.

    The former forward of Austrian side LASK announced his retirement from football in about two months ago saying he feels ready to stop playing, not because he has to. Following this, he has begun a journey to attain practical coaching skills as he eyes a coaching role after his professional football career.

    He joins Barcelona after his internship with his former club, Bayern was abruptly terminated even before he could start following fan protests over his legal history of domestic abuse of his former wife and other partners.

    Barcelona officially acknowledged Boateng’s presence via their social media channels, posting a video of his arrival with the message: “Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Jerome Boateng!” The Catalan club have opened their doors to the 2014 World Cup winner to allow him to observe training sessions under Flick, whom he worked with successfully during treble-winning campaigns at Bayern and with the Germany national team.

    A Report from Sport.es indicates that Boateng is expected to spend several days using the club’s facilities as he navigates the next steps in his post-playing career. 

    About Boateng’s terminated internship with Bayern

    This comes after the club announced the revocation of the former player’s opportunity to intern, following protests from fans over Jerome’s conviction on July 19, 2024, by a Munich regional court of premeditated bodily harm against his former partner during a violent altercation during a Caribbean vacation in 2018. 

    Jerome’s ex-partner, the mother of his children, accused him of throwing a lamp at her, which missed, after which he followed with a small box that injured her arm.

    Consequently, following head coach Vincent Kompany’s announcement of having Boateng join the German champions for “an internship for a few weeks” during a press conference in September, after Jerome’s official announcement of his retirement from football, fans have brutally protested, particularly on Saturday, October 19, 2025, during Bayern’s home match against Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

    Some fans in the Südkurve (South Stand) displayed a large banner reading: “Whoever gives the offender space shares his guilt, f*** off, Boateng!”. One banner displayed by ultras read: “Draw the line against misogynistic violence”, while another stated: “No place for villains in our club, no more space for Boateng,” alongside explicit chants telling the former defender to leave. Consequently, Bayern management made the decision to halt the internship programme for their former player in response to the hostile reaction.

    In July 2024, a Munich court issued a final ruling in a long-running case concerning assault against his ex-partner and mother of his twin daughters, Sherin Senler.

    The protests were part of a broader backlash, including an online petition and widespread criticism on social media.

    Kompany, during a post-match interview, was asked about the club’s decision regarding the former player’s internship offer, but dodged the question. 

    He said, “Nice try. Let’s first talk about the game. Only the sporting side is important today.” However, Bayern later released a statement announcing that the offer to intern with the club had been suspended temporarily.

    he statement read: “In a constructive exchange between FC Bayern and Jerome Boateng this week, it was decided that Jerome Boateng will not intern at FC Bayern. Jerome feels very connected to FC Bayern and does not want FC Bayern to suffer damage due to the current controversial discussion surrounding his person.”

    The club’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, speaking during a media engagement, described Jerome’s case as“a complicated” one, citing the need to grant people in such cases rehabilitation.

    “I believe that every person is entitled to rehabilitation. The verdict should be considered in its entirety. Again, we have no employment relationship with Jerome. Jerome has been a long-time player with us and has won many titles with us. And if there is an agreement for him to watch some training sessions, as is the case as a coach, then that’s absolutely fine,” he said.

    Jerome, on the other hand, took to his official Instagram page, where he expressed his appreciation to the club, Kompany and the fans as well. He mentioned he had decided to focus and getting a coaching licences and other important matters.

    It read: “Dear FC Bayern, dear Vincent: after the recent discussions about my person, I have decided to focus on my subjects – the A license, RYZR, and Arena2. That’s currently my focus, and your full focus should solely be on the pitch – and the goal of continuing this impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins.

    “I’m very grateful to the club’s management and to you, dear Vincent, for the trust and the opportunity to be a part of it. I wholeheartedly wish… that you achieve your big goals by the end of the season. I also want to sincerely thank the many fans for the numerous messages and their support.”

    In addition to playing over 200 games for Bayern, Boateng also represented Hertha Berlin, Hamburg and Manchester City, and made 76 appearances for Germany, with whom he won the 2014 World Cup.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s Thomas Partey is currently embroiled in a legal tussle regarding sexual misconduct.

    The Ghanaian international’s legal woes just four days after he departed from Arsenal. He is currently facing six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. These charges have been levelled against him by three different women.

    In one of the charges, Complainant 1 claims that, between April and May 2021, Partey penetrated her anally during what began as consensual vaginal intercourse, without her consent. She further claims that between April and June 2021, Partey engaged her in anal sex on on at least four separate occasions without her consent.

    Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, after she refused to engage in sexual activity, Partey raped her vaginally. She also claims that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex. A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally.

    Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey lay on top of her, attempted to kiss her, and touched her over her clothes without her consent.

    However, the player has denied all the allegations levelled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.

    The statement issued by Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, noted:“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

    The lawyer noted that as legal proceedings are ongoing, her client will not make any further comment on the matter. Under UK law, rape and sexual assault are prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which sets out clear definitions and penalties for these crimes. 

    Rape is defined as intentional penile penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person without their consent and without a reasonable belief that they consent.

  • Defend Media Freedom: Ghana cannot afford a return to criminal libel through the back door

    Defend Media Freedom: Ghana cannot afford a return to criminal libel through the back door

    Ghana has long prided itself on its reputation as a beacon of democracy and press freedom in Africa. The repeal of the Criminal Libel Law in 2001 was a defining moment that affirmed the country’s commitment to free expression and the protection of journalists. Yet recent actions by the Ghana Police Service suggest a worrying drift back toward a regime the nation fought hard to abolish.

    The arrest of blogger Samuel Amadotor of Dklassgh.net on Thursday, November 20, is the latest example of this creeping trend. He was picked up after former NCA board chair, Okatakye Boakye Danquah Ababio II, filed a complaint accusing him of publishing fabricated allegations. According to a statement from the CID, Amadotor “admitted” to circulating the information and claimed he was contracted by another individual to do so. He was in police custody for days before being granted bail after an arraignment.

    But it is not the case itself that alarms media freedom advocates – it is the broader pattern. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has expressed strong concern about the police’s increasing involvement in speech-related matters that are traditionally handled through civil litigation. In a Facebook comment, he questioned why officers continue to arrest and detain individuals for allegedly publishing “false news” about private citizens or public officials. His concern is rooted in a simple but profound question: “The police will now be arresting, detaining and taking people to court for defamation on behalf of individuals?”

    Braimah argues that the police are overstepping their mandate. Issues of defamation, misinformation, or reputational harm are civil matters with clear legal remedies. Yet the police behave as though civil law has ceased to exist, intervening in disputes that should be resolved in court between private parties. He warns that this posture is legally questionable and reminiscent of an era Ghana has deliberately moved away from. Even under the now-repealed Criminal Libel Law, such heavy-handed actions would have been considered excessive.

    The danger in what is happening is not only the arrests themselves, but the normalisation of a mindset that suggests the state must police speech and punish those who offend powerful individuals. If every false or offensive statement leads to an arrest, Ghana risks sliding into an environment where journalists self-censor, bloggers retreat from public conversations, citizens become afraid to express opinions, and law enforcement becomes a tool for silencing criticism. That is how democracies erode—not through dramatic announcements, but through subtle institutional shifts that slowly expand state power over speech.

    Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and recognises the essential role of the press in holding the powerful accountable. Free speech includes the right to share information, express opinions, and even make mistakes without the threat of criminal detention. When the police treat civil grievances as criminal offences, they undermine these constitutional protections and distort the purpose of law enforcement.

    The arrest of Amadotor forms part of a growing pattern that raises fundamental questions about the future of media freedom in Ghana. Who decides what constitutes “false news”? Should the police be empowered to determine the truthfulness of publications? Are we witnessing the quiet reintroduction of criminal libel through the back door? And what becomes of public discourse if journalists and citizens cannot speak freely without fear?



    These questions cannot be ignored. Around the world, media repression often begins with small, seemingly isolated cases – an arrest here, an interrogation there – until silence becomes the path of least resistance. Ghana must not wait until it is too late to recognise the warning signs.

    Defending media freedom is not merely about protecting journalists or bloggers. It is about safeguarding the democratic space that allows citizens to participate, question, hold power to account, and demand better governance. When speech becomes a crime, democracy becomes fragile.

    As the Amadotor case moves through the courts, the government and the Ghana Police Service must be reminded that any attempt – direct or indirect – to reintroduce criminal sanctions for speech will be fiercely resisted. Ghana has travelled too far down the path of democratic progress to turn back now. The message must be clear and unwavering: Defend media freedom. Reject the return of criminal libel. Protect the right to speak without fear.

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

  • Arne Slot insists Diogo Jota’s death is not an excuse for Liverpool’s form

    Liverpool has had an inconsistent form this season. As the defending champions, several concerns have been expressed by pundits over the once unbeatable “Reds” having lost their last five matches out of the 11 matches played so far. 

    In their last five matches, Liverpool lost 3–0 to Manchester City, beat Real Madrid 1–0, defeated Aston Villa 2–0, suffered a 3–0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, and were edged 3–2 by Brentford.

    Liverpool defender Andy Robertson admitted this week he had been “in bits” over Jota’s passing in the build-up to Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark, which sealed their qualification for next year’s World Cup.

    The 31-year-old’s emotional interview has prompted discussion over how much Liverpool’s disappointing run of results should be attributed to the effects of grief.

    While the head coach, Arne Slot, has acknowledged the possible impact of the death of a forward (attacker), he insists that that is not the reason for his team’s current form. According to him, it is “impossible to measure” the impact of Diogo Jota’s death on his team, but he insists he would never want the tragedy to be used as an excuse for the club’s recent poor form.

    Responding to questions about whether his team has been judged fairly concerning their dip in form to Jota’s death, Slot said, “We are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes not fair. But I saw the interview live, and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal. It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse”.

    He reiterated, “I don’t know. What I do know is that we miss the player, that is 100% sure, and we miss the person, but I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse.”

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the club is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of Diogo Jota, admitting that while the team deeply misses the forward on and off the pitch, his family is facing a far greater pain than anyone at the club.

    “At this moment in time, I always think about how it must feel for his wife and his children. Because it is so, so, so much harder for them than it is for us. But that we will miss the player and the person is completely clear. Now we play Nottingham Forest, last season there we were 1-0 down and it only took him [Jota] one minute to score the equaliser. So now I am talking about the player that we miss for sure. That we also miss him as a person is also clear,” he noted.

    Arne Slot, however, gave a list of players who are likely to either miss or feature in the Premier League champions.

    “Andy Robertson didn’t train yet, but he will be with us today. Alisson [Becker] trained last week and this wee,k so he will be able to play tomorrow if things work out well today. If he’s ready to play, he will start. But we do have some issues after the international break, unfortunately. Conor Bradley is not able to play and Florian Wirtz is not able to play. That’s far from ideal,” Slot said.

    In their last match against Brentford, they suffered a 2-3 loss, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

    Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s troubled spell was a “big concern”.

    He believes that the duo have signed a contract extension with the club, but their posture this season does not reflect that of good leadership, one that is in charge, citing that as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

    “This is a time when the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah they’ve signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season. I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else,” he said.

    On his part, the team is clearly having a hard time overcoming their struggles, as they never anticipated such results, which have now placed them seventh in the Premier League table. He has called on the leadership of Liverpool to treat the team’s current form with urgency

    The Reds have lost four consecutive Premier League matches and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    “No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he added.

    “I might be wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

  • GES to settle unpaid salaries to over 62,000 teachers after Finance Ministry’s clearance

    GES to settle unpaid salaries to over 62,000 teachers after Finance Ministry’s clearance

    Some teachers are set to get some financial relief after several months of working without a salary. In a press statement dated 16th October, the Ghana Education Service (GES) announced that it has received financial clearance to pay the salaries of 6,249 teachers recruited in 2024.

    These teachers had been working after their postings but hadn’t been placed on the government’s payroll, hence they were not receiving salaries for their services.

    However, after the Finance Ministry cleared that they can be paid, the education regulator announced that they can start receiving salaries. In Ghana’s public sector, recruits cannot be paid until the Ministry of Finance issues financial clearance.

    Consequently, GES, in the statement, noted that “This approval allows the Ghana Education Service to complete all necessary processes to ensure the staff receive their salaries. Although this financial clearance expires on 31st December 2025, Management of GES will ensure that all staff are placed on the mechanised payroll in time for November 2025 payments.”

    The Service expressed appreciation to its staff for their dedication and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the timely and accurate disbursement of salaries.

    According to reports, these 6,249 newly recruited teachers mark the last set of recruits that have been cleared to receive a salary.

    The Education Minister in mid-October announced that the government will absorb six thousand two hundred teachers into the education system and settle all arrears owed them.

    This announcement came after a group of concerned and aggrieved teachers who had worked for months without salary petitioned the office of the Education Minister, he said.

    Addressing the petition, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, during a pre-event briefing and regional stakeholder meeting on October 13 ahead of the ADEA Triennale 2025 launch later this month, revealed that the government has earmarked about one million cedis for the payment of teachers’ salaries. He also urged them to give their best to promote academic excellence across the country’s educational institutions.

    “A few weeks ago, my Chief Director and I received a petition from some teachers who were unhappy with the government over their delayed salaries. They have worked for several months without pay. I’m happy to announce that Cabinet has given approval for the 6,200 teachers to be absorbed, and the process will begin in due course. They will receive their staff IDs, and as I assured them, they will also get their back pay.

    “But having demonstrated goodwill by doing this, we expect something in return — that they remain committed and dedicated to academic work,” the Minister highlighted.

    He revealed that the government has approved one million dollars to absorb the teachers and a category of health workers.

    “So, those 6,200 teachers, I think I can speak for both ministries in this matter, the Cabinet has given the Minister of Finance approval to vary the budget and spend about GH₵1.1 billion to absorb a category of health workers and teachers,” the Minister noted.

    The Tamale South Constituency MP also revealed steps the government is taking to deal with the confusion that comes with the school placement system. Three hundred and ninety-three thousand (393,000) candidates passed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in 2025, making them eligible to enter Senior High School as the country’s education system demands.

    Due to the long-standing prestige attached to fewer than 100 top-tier Category A and B schools, the 76,000 vacancies available in these institutions cannot accommodate the large number of students who prefer them, creating intense pressure on the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

    Consequently, Haruna Iddrisu announced plans to promote fairness and improve access for all qualified candidates starting next year, 2026, by re-categorising some second-cycle schools, a move which has received the President’s approval.

    “When it comes to Category A, B, and C schools, every parent understandably wants their child in a Category A school. But in the past month, we haven’t expanded infrastructure in any Category A school to make that possible. My thinking, to ensure equity, is that from 2026 onwards, after consultations and discussions with the President, and with his support and blessing, we will convert at least 10 Category C schools to Category B schools, and 10 Category B schools to Category A schools,” the Minister said.

    The re-categorisation will, however, be backed by improved infrastructure facilities in the respective schools to promote a serene academic atmosphere.

    “This will be backed by infrastructure improvements, additional classroom blocks, dormitories for students, and quality enhancements through better teaching and learning materials and aids,” Mr Haruna continued.

    The Education Ministry has announced a transition from prepaid to postpaid meters across all government senior high schools nationwide.

    This was announced by the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, during a speech at the 63rd Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in Sunyani, held on Wednesday, October 8.

    The move comes following complaints from headteachers over the unreliability of prepaid meters and the challenges that disrupted power flow causes to academic work.

    Ahead of the Minister’s announcement, CHASS National President, Alhaji Yakub A.B. Abubakar, highlighted some of the challenges faced by these headteachers, citing electricity supply disruptions due to prepaid meters.

    In response, the Minister said, “….And I’m happy to announce that, first January 2026, all CHASS schools will be on post-paid meters. My colleague Hon Jinapor asked me to convey to you that it is possible and that all CHASS schools will be moved to postpaid so that you will not continue to endure the embarrassment of lights being off,” the Minister disclosed.

    Over the years, government-assisted Senior High Schools (SHS) have complained about interruptions in power supply due to the use of prepaid meters in the respective schools. Prepaid electricity meters work on a “pay-as-you-go” system, where users buy power in advance and consume only what they’ve paid for.

    Consequently, schools had to buy electricity upfront and later seek reimbursement from the Ministry of Education, creating cash flow problems, especially when government funds were delayed.

    Headmasters emphasised that power interruptions affected students’ ability to study, especially during exam preparation periods.

  • Govt did not snub Free SHS in budget allocation; programme to be funded through GETFund – Education Minister

    Govt did not snub Free SHS in budget allocation; programme to be funded through GETFund – Education Minister

    Education Minister  Haruna Iddrisu has rebuffed claims that the government did not allocate a budget for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme. 

    During the Finance Minister’s budget presentation on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, November 13, he mentioned that the Free SHS will be funded through GetFund as about a billion cedis has been allocated to the Education support fund.

    Mr Iddrisu, on Wednesday, November 19, at a press conference held in Accra, where the Minister provided clarity on the education sector allocations in the 2026 Budget, explained that the misconceptions surrounding the Free SHS allocation are practically impossible.

    “The Ghana Education Fund has been allocated 9.9 billion, including 4.2 billion earmarked for Free Senior High School and free TVET infrastructure and services. I’ve heard commentaries suggesting that there is no allocation for Free SHS. That is not practically possible,” he explained.

    There were claims from the Minority in Parliament and some civil society groups that the government did not make a direct budgetary allocation for the Free SHS programme in the 2026 Budget. The Minority Caucus argued that while the government highlighted GSLIP and infrastructure expansion, it failed to earmark explicit funds for Free SHS in 2026. They claimed this omission suggested the government was outsourcing Free SHS financing to donor support rather than sustaining it with domestic resources.

    The Minister said, “The budget is always done for and on behalf of the President of the Republic, which was his first budget. When the GETFund formula gets to Parliament, you will see the actual numbers,” the Minister added.

    He stated that President John Mahama, in the 2025 Budget Statement, outlined a significant policy shift, moving the financing of Free SHS from petroleum revenue to GETFund.

    “From 2018 to 2024, Free SHS was largely financed from the country’s petroleum revenue. The shift now is that GETFund will provide the financing. When the GETFund formula gets to Parliament, you will see the actual numbers,” he said.

    The Minister added that the allocation will also cover student feeding and support the rollout of free tertiary education for persons with disability.

    He noted that the Student Loan Trust Fund and the soon-to-be-established Ghana Scholarship Authority will collaborate on disbursement processes to ensure the initiative is effectively implemented.

    The Free Senior High School policy was introduced in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo-led government to make secondary education accessible to all eligible students without financial barriers.

    The policy was aimed at helping students who struggled to pay tuition, boarding, and other school-related expenses. However, the policy came with its challenges, such as overcrowding and congestion in schools, pressure on infrastructure and facilities, and increased pressure on teachers.

    This increased the number of enrollments in the senior high schools that were listed under the Free SHS policy. About 3.5 million students have benefited from the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program since its launch.

    The immediate-past government revealed that it had spent over GH¢12 billion on the implementation of the Free SHS policy since its inception. Meanwhile, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged a reassessment of Ghana’s Free SHS initiative, recommending that households with sufficient means contribute financially so that government support can be directed toward students in real need.

    During a meeting with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the Asantehene suggested a shared funding model, akin to previous arrangements where financial aid was granted to bright but disadvantaged students, while those with the ability to pay covered their own expenses.

    “Those who can afford to pay, let’s have a second look at the policy. If someone can afford it, let’s allow them to pay. In the old times, when you passed, the bursary would look for good but needy students and award them scholarships, and those who could afford to pay did so.”

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has recognised the positive impact of the Free SHS policy but stressed the importance of a national discussion to tackle its shortcomings and secure its future.

    “This Free SHS we are talking about, although we have implemented it, if we have a dialogue and find out that it will result in students coming home now and then because there is no food, then it is not fit for purpose.”

    He also pointed out several pressing concerns affecting secondary schools, including overcrowded dormitories, a lack of well-equipped science and ICT laboratories, irregular food supplies, and insufficient school buses.

    “Our dormitories are overcrowded and lack science and ICT labs. Sometimes, PTA makes contributions to support. The lack of school buses and the shortage of food should all be looked at. Let us implement it well so that students will stay in school and have enough to eat.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ablakwa, however, denied these claims, stating that,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A Trailblazer in Malaria Research and African Scientific Leadership

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

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

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

    Global Recognition of African Excellence

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

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

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

    A Milestone for WACCBIP and the University of Ghana

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

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

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

    A Global Call to Support African Science

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The BBC has contacted the US State Department for comment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The BBC has contacted the US State Department for comment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Let’s save NPP – Prof Frimpong-Boateng writes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    30,000 abusive online posts flagged this year – FIFA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Also, Atalanta forward Kamaldeen Sulemana backed Otto Addo saying , 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    GAF decentralises Accra recruitment screening, announces 8 sub-centres

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Resumption-GAFDownload

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

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

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

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

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

    How did the stampede happen?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How did the stampede happened ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In response to this, late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah revealed that the jet had been grounded in France for repairs and due to the unavailability of a critical component — the turbofan — which had become severely rusted and required urgent replacement.

    He said, “Ghana’s presidential jet, if I am to summarize, is an aircraft that is almost 15 years old that has massive multifocal corrosion, including very important parts of the machine.”

    “These defects, we are trying to fix them, but they keep identifying new defects as they fix them. And one serious aspect of the identification is that, when they realised that the turbofan was heavily corroded and it required replacement, the company did not have a readily available spare,” he noted.

    He also highlighted the challenges of accessing certain spare parts in the coming months or years, given the rapid advancement of technology and the fact that aircraft manufacturers rarely produce many components for older jets like Ghana’s Falcon.

    “Normally, like all technologies over time, when you do not have many of that in circulation, companies do not produce many of such spares. But after a series of negotiations, a spare was received, and that has been installed successfully. And no one can predict, going forward, if other spares also get dysfunctional, whether we are going to be able to have others for replacement,” the Defence Minister added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In response to this, late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah revealed that the jet had been grounded in France for repairs and due to the unavailability of a critical component — the turbofan — which had become severely rusted and required urgent replacement.

    He said, “Ghana’s presidential jet, if I am to summarize, is an aircraft that is almost 15 years old that has massive multifocal corrosion, including very important parts of the machine.”

    “These defects, we are trying to fix them, but they keep identifying new defects as they fix them. And one serious aspect of the identification is that, when they realised that the turbofan was heavily corroded and it required replacement, the company did not have a readily available spare,” he noted.

    He also highlighted the challenges of accessing certain spare parts in the coming months or years, given the rapid advancement of technology and the fact that aircraft manufacturers rarely produce many components for older jets like Ghana’s Falcon.

    “Normally, like all technologies over time, when you do not have many of that in circulation, companies do not produce many of such spares. But after a series of negotiations, a spare was received, and that has been installed successfully. And no one can predict, going forward, if other spares also get dysfunctional, whether we are going to be able to have others for replacement,” the Defence Minister added.

    The document, which states the detailed status report of the Falcon 900EX, indicates that technicians discovered severe corrosion in the aircraft’s left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) feeder tanks, as well as the centre wing tanks. Corrosion and damage were also found on Engine No. 2’s air intake plug receptacle and turbofan, which had to be completely replaced, along with intermittent tripping of the starter-generator on Engine No. 2.

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

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

    According to the Defence Minister, the delays the jet has faced at the workshop are a “worrying pattern” and indicate “an ageing presidential jet.”

    When the jet was flown for repairs in 2020–2021, it saw no delays. In 2022–2023, it was delayed by 2.5 months. Fast forward to 2024, it saw another 2 months, and in 2025, it has been delayed for four months and counting, with hopes of its return now pinned on July.

    Meanwhile, a security analyst, Emmanuel Kotin, did not mince words when he spoke about Ghana’s presidential jet on TV3’s The KeyPoints on Saturday, July 12.

    He said, “Six years ago, I described it as a flying coffin. That is what it is. Let’s put politics aside; let’s treat this as a national emergency.”

    Given Ghana’s status as a sovereign and independent country, Kotin believes, “Nobody would advise the president to use the jet. We need an aircraft befitting our status as a sovereign country.”

    While some netizens have advised purchasing a new jet, others have accused the government of wanting to exploit Ghanaians to buy a new jet for their own comfort and selfish gains.

    The Defence Minister has highlighted the need to treat the state of the jet as a national and security issue rather than a partisan one, citing that “…this is an air asset of the Air Force that carries not just the President, not just the Executive, but sometimes the Legislature, sometimes other arms of government, and sometimes other institutions.”