Author: Amanda Cartey

  • A just leadership will lead to a just Ghana – President Mahama declares

    A just leadership will lead to a just Ghana – President Mahama declares

    His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has emphasized that only a just leadership can create a just Ghana.

    Deivering his peech at the National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer today, July 1 held at the forecourt of the State House, the president mentioned that the Office of the President is not a privilege for personal gain but a scred trust bestowed by the people and the responsibility to serve all especially the most vulnerable of us.

    “Even the office of the president, which even by the Grace of God I now hold, is not above the law. Leadership must be grounded in Justice, in honesty, and a reverence of God. If we want a just Ghana, we must be just in leadership, ” he told Ghanaians at the national cermony

    The government led members of the general public to observe the country’s maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving under the theme “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity.”

    The event included two separate services. The Christian service is taking place at the forecourt of the State House.

    This is being led by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences.

    The Muslim service will be held at the National Mosque in Kanda at 12:30pm and will be led by Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.

  • I’m the only Ghanaian gospel musician invited for FIFA Festival in USA – Empress Gifty

    I’m the only Ghanaian gospel musician invited for FIFA Festival in USA – Empress Gifty

    Award-winning gospel musician Empress Gifty Adorye has made history with an invitation to perform at the prestigious FIFA Festival in the United States.

    She becomes the only female Ghanaian artist acknowledged for the event abroad.

    Empress announced the news on her social media page on 29 June 2025, expressing her joy and gratitude to her late mother.

    “My light is on. I’m dancing because I’m the only Ghanaian gospel artist going for the FiFa Festival in USA. Agaga’s superstar. Noko spiritual,” she wrote.

    Empress Gifty’s participation in the global festival marks a major milestone for Ghanaian gospel music, highlighting her expanding reach on the internationational stage.

    She continues to break new ground and raise the bar within the gospel music scene with her vibrant performances and strong stage presence.

    The wife of Hopeson Adorye is hopeful that she will soon win a Grammy and BET award.

    This comes after she emerged as Traditional Gospel Song of the Year at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA’s) held on May 10 at the Grand Arena

    Empress Gifty posted a video expressing gratitude to her fans as well as her ambitions to win Grammy and BET awards.

    She also mentioned that she would appeal to the spirit of her late mother, Agaga, for protection in this regard.

    “I will visit Agaga and I will present the plaques to her so that she can also protect me from any evil plot against me. I won this award by merit. Very soon I will go to BET and Grammys,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the wife of Hopeson Adorye has hinted at the possibility of a joint album with award-winning musician Kuami Eugene.

    Watch the post below:

  • Delay questioned for deleting Amerado’s interviews from her YouTube channel

    Delay questioned for deleting Amerado’s interviews from her YouTube channel

    Television personality Deloris Frimpong Manso has been called out by rapper Amerado for deleting their interview from her YouTube channel.

    Amerado took to ‘X’ on May 30 seeking an explanation from Delay.

    His tweet read, “Your interviews with me are no more on your channel. How did we get here, @delayghana?”

    The question sparked widespread reaction from netizens, with many questioning why Amerado failed to consider a more private approach to address the issue after indicating in an interview that there is no bad blood between them.

    In response to the criticism, Amerado wrote on X, “LOL, emotional maturity? Do you think a public interview on a public platform is a private matter? If you can’t bear public information don’t even think of private.”

    Years ago, the Kumasi-based Ghanaian rapper clarified his relationship status with the award-winning TV show host and presenter, Delores Frimpong-Manso.

    Amerado and Delay, for the past five years, were rumoured to be having an amorous affair.

    The rumours were heightened in 2022 when Lyrical Joe threw shots at The Delay Show host during his beef with the ‘Obiaa Boa’ rapper.

    But reacting to the rumours for the umpteenth time, Amerado said there was nothing going on between himself and the media mogul sexually.

    Amerado, in his response to Berla Mundi on TV3 New Day, said Delay naturally adored him and supported his craft.

    He also debunked the assertion that the rumours were engineered to make him popular.

    “It was organic, It was natural. She likes me and she was willing to support my craft. There’s nothing like we did it for likes.”

    “I think it was more than that because Delay hardly opens up to people you get it and me being lucky to be closer to her means she forsaw the future. So I feel like what she did for me goes beyond liking someone and I reciprocated it.” he explained.

    On how they became friends, Amerado revealed that their friendship blossomed after his interview with the show host.

    “I went on the interview, and my story touched her heart; after that, we just became friends. You [Berla] and I could also become friends,” he maintained.

  • Nollywood actor Tom Njemnaze appeals for funds for prostate cancer treatment

    Nollywood actor Tom Njemnaze appeals for funds for prostate cancer treatment

    Veteran Nigerian actor, Tom Njemanze, is reportedly battling prostate cancer and seeks financial aid for his full recovery.

    This was confirmed by his junior colleague actor and producer Stanley Ajemba Chibueze, better known as Stanley Ontop.

    “Hello guys, one of our Nollywood legends is sick and in need of urgent surgery….. Sir Tom Njamanze has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he needs your support to undergo surgery. Nothing is too small, fams; help our legend live again,” he stated.

    Stanley Ontop’s fundraising appeal notably included vintage footage of Njemanze performing alongside both Nkem Owoh and Sam Loco Efe.

    Stanley’s emotional appeal has struck a chord across the Nollywood community and social media.

    While many have pledged to contribute their widow’s mite, others are calling on the Actors Guild of Nigeria to come to the actor’s aid.

    Content creator and stand-up comedian Aone De Comedian had earlier shared photos of the actor in a hospital bed, indicating that Njemanze had been sick, and a social group he belonged to had visited him.

    The photos he shared also showed heartbreaking footage of Tom Njemanze requiring oxygen support while receiving treatment through his veins.

    Tom Njemanze, born on December 9, 1939, represents a generation of actors who helped establish Nollywood’s foundation during its formative decades.

    Beyond his acting career, Njemanze was also known as a highlife musician, demonstrating the multi-talented nature that characterised many early Nigerian entertainment figures.

    His filmography includes notable productions such as Tokunboh (1999), Igbotic Love (2014), Hitler (2007), Brain Box, Pounds and Dollars, Twin Brothers, and Magic Cap. These films span different eras of Nollywood’s evolution, showcasing Njemanze’s adaptability and enduring presence in the industry.

    Perhaps most memorably, Njemanze established close working relationships with other Nollywood legends, including the late Sam Loco Efe, with whom he appeared in numerous productions.

  • Continue to rest in peace – Mr Ibu’s wife pens message on one-year anniversary

    Continue to rest in peace – Mr Ibu’s wife pens message on one-year anniversary

    Widow of the late Nigerian actor John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Stella Maris Okafor, has penned a message on social media in commemoration of her husband’s death a year ago.

    “One year you were laid to rest. We miss you so much. Continue to rest in peace, Amen,” she wrote on Instagram.

    Nollywood lost a legend when reports confirmed the passing of John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, in March last year.

    The 62-year-old actor, known for his comedic genius, passed away at Evercare Hospital after battling illness and undergoing multiple surgeries.

    Mr Ibu’s career in Nollywood was marked by unforgettable performances in films like “A Fool At 40,” “Police Recruit,” “Mr Ibu in London,” and “Issakaba.”

    His unique style and infectious humor endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure in Nigerian and international cinema. News of his death sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media, as fans mourned the loss of a true icon.

    The Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN) National President, Emeka Rollas, on Instagram commiserated with the bereaved family.

    “…Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Rollas’ post read.

    On December 17, 2023, the family of the 62-year-old actor disclosed further details regarding his inability to seek additional treatment abroad.

    In a statement, the family clarified that medical professionals had deemed him “Not Fit To Fly,” making it challenging to arrange his transfer for advanced medical care due to airlines refusing to transport him.

    The family elaborated that the root cause of the illness was not diabetes but rather a persistent clotting of blood in Mr. Ibu’s leg, stemming from diseased blood vessels, along with other health complications posing a significant risk to his life.

    The Enugu-born actor appeared in over 200 Nollywood films, including “Mr. Ibu” (2004), “Mr. Ibu and His Son,” “Coffin Producers,” “Husband Suppliers,” “International Players,” “Mr. Ibu in London” (2004), “Police Recruit” (2003), “9 Wives” (2005), “Ibu in Prison” (2006), and “Keziah” (2007).

    View the post below:

  • I left Lynx long before ‘Monica’ was released – Kuami Eugene

    I left Lynx long before ‘Monica’ was released – Kuami Eugene

    Ghanaian singer and songwriter Kuami Eugene has revealed that he parted ways with Lynx Entertainment record label long before the release of his hit song ‘Monica.’

    He made this known to Doreen Avio of Joy FM during an interview.

    “I wasn’t the first person to put it out there that I left Lynx. Richie did that actually, so after he announced that I’ve left Lynx Entertainment on his account, I had a lot of calls, but people didn’t know from ‘Monica’ time, we were in talks for exits a long time ago.”

    “When I had Monica playing, I was partially out of Lynx a long time, but I just didn’t want to come put it out there, and when I had Belinda, I was not even at Lynx at all.”

    He also revealed his decision to cut off his signature Afro hair to mark a fresh start in his music career following his exit from Lynx Entertainment.

    “I woke up one morning, and it had been a long time since I got signed to Lynx. I’ve been changing hairstyles from one hairstyle to another hairstyle, but I’ve not had a down cut for a very long time, for about six years. I’ll twist it, then I will do this, and I will unbraid it, leaving the afro. I changed it just to show a new look and the fact that it’s a new beginning for me from Lynx. It’s a transition from the Lynx boy to your family, sweet boy Kwami Eugene,” he said.

    The singer has further acknowledged public reactions to his exit from Lynx, citing A Plus and MC Portfolio, who have publicly praised his talent and potential.

    “A lot of people are happy. I remember A Plus said something that with Kwame’s talent, if he gets the chance to be on his own with the proper management, he’ll become a very big person one day,” he said.

    Kuami Eugene’s hit song “Monica” dropped on October 11, 2023, as part of his third studio album, Love and Chaos.

    In the aftermath of its release, “Monica” rose through the charts, topping local and global streaming platforms.

    In a conversation with Berla Mundi years ago, Kuami Eugene opened up about the inspiration behind the song.

    According to him, a lady fan he had never met in person constantly sent him alluring videos on Snapchat for an entire year.

    The artist described the experience as unexpected, sharing the unique connection between him and the admirer

    On Thursday, September 14, 2023, the artist dropped a brand-new song called “Fate” (Black Panther) along with an official music video.

    ‘Fate’ is an emotional Afrobeats tune that has the artiste reflecting on life and its struggles but resolves to remain steadfast in his pursuit of victory.

    The official music video for the song was shot and directed by Xbills Ebenezer, and it features a number of abstract scenes laced with impassioned expressions.

    ‘Fate’ will serve as a curtain-raiser for the ‘Love & Chaos’ album expected in October this year.

  • Noguchi reports 9 H1N1 cases at Anum SHS

    Noguchi reports 9 H1N1 cases at Anum SHS

    The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has confirmed the outbreak of H1N1 cases in Anum Senior High School in the Eastern Region.

    Nine samples from the school tested positive for the respiratory disease, also known as swine flu.

    Health authorities are reportedly monitoring suspected cases of an emerging outbreak at the Bonsu Secondary Technical School, where additional samples have been taken for testing.

    Months ago, residents of Avetakpo in the Ho West District were appealing for urgent medical assistance following the outbreak of a mysterious skin condition rapidly affecting the community.

    Thirty people, including adults and children, were affected in the community of just over 200 residents.

    Although health officials had earlier visited the area to evaluate the situation, locals are yet to receive support from them.

    Many in the community described the outbreak as serious, warning that the disease could spread even further if swift action is not taken.

    Parents, in particular, were growing increasingly concerned about the well-being of their children, while others expressed disappointment over the delayed response from health authorities.

    Some residents, speaking to Citi News, emphasized the worrying nature of the condition, especially given how quickly it appears to be spreading among the population.

    “It started some weeks ago with an itchy skin and I went to the hospital at Akrade and it went mild a little but it came back some few days ago, with some rashes on my hand and legs.”

    “I reported the incident to the headman and before we realized, some children in the community also developed the rashes on their skins,” said Rebecca Dawudu.

    Confirming the situation, Prosper Zateh, the community’s headman, joined residents in calling for immediate health intervention to contain the outbreak.

  • OSP collaborates with AngloGold Ashanti to tackle corruption in mining sector

    OSP collaborates with AngloGold Ashanti to tackle corruption in mining sector

    The office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has announced it partnership with AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) as part of efforts to fight corruption in the mining sector.

    This initiative, he said, was led by  Director for Strategy and Research at the OSP, Samuel Appiah Darko.

    “The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is stepping up efforts to reduce corruption in the mining sector.”

    “In a bid to push back against corruption, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) partnered with the Office to engage its stakeholders on the risks of engaging in corrupt acts within its operations in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region,” the OSP wrote on it X page Monday, June 30 2025.

    He shed light on the core responsibilities of the OSP, emphasizing its authority to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, as well as recover illicitly acquired assets linked to public officials, politicians, their relatives and players in the private sector.

    Following an invitation to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), selected journalists were trained on the legal frameworks and procedures surrounding the confiscation of assets linked to individuals suspected of corruption and other financial crimes.

    The session, organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption coalition (GACC) in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), forms part of a broader effort to engage the media as vital partners in advancing transparency and accountability in Ghana.

    Director of Asset Recovery and Management at the OSP, Albert Akurugu, took participants through the Office’s jurisdiction in asset recovery and management.

    This included the legal processes for identifying, freezing, and confiscating assets suspected to be linked to corruption.

    Article image 1

    Albert Akurugu explained the lawful steps the OSP is empowered to take under Ghanaian law.

    He clarified that it is not an unlawful act but a legitimate part of investigations—either to gather evidence or to preserve assets believed to be tainted.

    He further stressed the vital role journalists play in fighting corruption: “The media must raise public awareness, promote transparency, and hold institutions to account through accurate and responsible reporting.”

    The session brought together other state law enforcement bodies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), creating a shared platform for engaging the media on their complementary roles in combating financial crime.

    In 2023, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) complied with the ruling and order of the High Court, Accra, dated 31 August 2023, by unfreezing the frozen bank accounts and investments of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

    The OSP also returned the seized cash sums of Ms. Dapaah in the presence and assent of Ms. Dapaah and her lawyers.

    The satisfaction by the OSP of the order of the High Court terminated the proceedings of the seizure of the cash amounts from Ms. Dapaah commenced on 24 July 2023 and the freezing of her bank accounts and investments effected from 26 July 2023.

    The OSP was investigating Ms. Dapaah for suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses involving the ownership and source(s) of large amounts of money associated with her.

    This was after the reports emerged that the domestic help of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, had been dragged to court for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 euros, several million cedis, and personal effects of the former minister and her husband valued at thousands of Ghana cedis and dollars.

    Subsequent to the indicated ruling and order of the High Court and the compliance by the OSP with said ruling and order, the Special Prosecutor considered that he had reasonable grounds to suspect that the cash amounts seized from and returned to Ms. Dapaah were tainted property and it was necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent the concealment or loss of said cash amounts.

    Therefore, the Special Prosecutor again invoked his statutory power under section 32(1)(a) of Act 959 by directing the seizure from Ms. Dapaah of the cash amounts previously seized from her. Authorized officers of the OSP have seized said cash amounts from Ms. Dapaah.

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  • Former GIHOC boss secures GHS500k bail after arrest

    Former GIHOC boss secures GHS500k bail after arrest

    Former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has secured a bail of GHS500,000 with two sureties.

    He was arrested in connection with the alleged theft of vehicles belonging to the state company.

    On Monday, 30 June, Mr Jumah secured the bail after appearing at the CID headquarters, where he was being held for questioning.

    Per reports, he was picked up at his residence in Kumasi on Sunday, June 29.

    Maxwell Kofi Jumah was said to be in the custody of the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

    It is reported that security personnel in May attempted to retrieve state vehicles in his possession. The personnel were unable to, as Mr Jumah was not home.

    In reaction to the event, Mr. Jumah, in a Facebook post, wrote, “I hear the Mahama people want to come for the GIHOC car in my possession. Can someone tell them that the car is parked safely?”

    “They can come for it. They should also prepare to hand over my properties to me. It is more than the car. A whole lot more. Interesting times ahead.”

    Sources say Mr Jumah is being investigated for unauthorised sale of assets and vehicle acquisition during his tenure. According to reports, he sold company properties in Tema valued at over $700,000 without authorization.

    Maxwell Kofi Jumah was appointed to head GIHOC in 2017 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    In December 2024, the immediate past government directed all of its appointees to return state vehicles by January 3, 2025.

    The Ghana Police Service led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor has confirmed that police have so far recovered three of the vehicles linked to the case.

    “As of this afternoon, we have retrieved three of the vehicles in question,” she added.

    “He is cooperating with the investigation, and we will proceed based on the evidence gathered.”

    Watch the video below:

  • TGMA is the only event attracting major sponsorships in Ghana – Kojo Poku

    TGMA is the only event attracting major sponsorships in Ghana – Kojo Poku

    Executive Director of Big Ideaz Consult event company, Kojo Poku, has said that the only event in Ghana that attracts big sponsorships is the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), organized by Charterhouse.

    Speaking during a panel discussion on Joy FM, Kojo Poku made claims that Ghana has lost most of the big brands known for their heavy investment into concerts.

    Adding to that, the few who are left, he said, have scaled back on their investment in the events industry.

    “The biggest sponsorship anybody can get is what Charterhouse is getting for TGMA, because they have a long-term partnership,” he stated.

    Kojo Poku also mentioned that, “Over the last how many years we’ve lost all the big brands in Ghana. As we speak right now, there’s no brand in Ghana that even spends more than a million dollars the whole year on events.”

    Meanwhile, Talent and brand manager Bernard Kafui Sokpe, popularly known as Mista Meister, has vowed never to invest in organizing concerts in Ghana.

    His comment is a reaction to Executive Director of Big Ideaz Consult, Kojo Poku’s recent remarks on Joy FM that “We are all (every event organiser) in debt; people are chasing me and calling my phone every day because we do events hoping we get it back.”

    While Mista Meister did not mention a particular event he organized and made losses, he confirms that the venture is indeed not worth their time and effort.

    “Events in Ghana are not lucrative. Especially high-budget events like concerts etc. Even if you have Jesus Christ and the 12 disciples as headliners, the cost of setting up the event always out budgets ticketing revenue and sponsorships. Me mome dieeer never again!” he wrote.

    In contrast, renowned radio and TV presenter Mercury Quaye and YFM radio presenter, Kojo Manuel, have been complaining for a couple of years about how event organisers treat MCs in terms of compensation.

    Merqury Quaye called on event organizers to provide fairer compensation for MCs, while Kojo Manuel questioned why these organizers tend to undervalue the work of MCs as merely supplementary to the event.

    Kojo Manuel revealed instances where some event MCs were compensated with drinks and even women.

    “This is strictly a business unless you are telling me that you are giving me something that I value in return for it. No two ways,” he noted.

    Watch the interview below:

  • KOD posted gay South Africans’ photos to promote them – KOKA alleges

    KOD posted gay South Africans’ photos to promote them – KOKA alleges

    Media personality Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, has criticized Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Jubilee House, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD), for a post he shared on Facebook about some South African gay personalities.

    KOD shared a video of two men kissing, labeling it with the question ” “Who are they?”.

    KOKA, however, dismissed KOD’s post as a camouflage.

    “This is not interrogation, this is promotion,” KOKA said during an appearance on Movement TV on June 25, 2025.

    “You don’t work for the FBI. You’re not investigating anything. This was a subtle endorsement using your position and platform.”

    He has called on President John Mahama to immediately sack KOD, describing his actions as “shameful and embarrassing.”

    “KOD must be dismissed from Jubilee House,” he insisted.

    Days ago, two South African men, identified as Rue and Lue, stirred reactions on social media after sharing photos of themselves kissing under Ghana’s Independence Arch.

    They adorned themselves in matching red-themed outfits, as they were basking in each other’s love under one of Ghana’s symbolic national monuments.

    One of the men was light-skinned and the other was dark-skinned.

    Their kissing moment under the Independence Arch drew reactions from many social media users.

    While some social media users supported the couple’s stance on LGBTQ+ visibility, many others have expressed disappointment and outrage over the location they chose for their photos.

    They argue that the Independence Arch is not merely a site for tourism, but a powerful symbol that should be shielded from what they deem as “provocative” messages.

    Ningo-Prampram MP and Minister for Communications, Sam Nartey George, has strongly condemned the act, describing it as a blatant display of homosexuality and desecration of Ghana’s national symbols.

    “The disrespect of our national symbols is despicable to say the least,” he wrote on X, Thursday June 26 2025.

    Watch video below:

  • Women are ruining their sex lives with vibrators – Kwaku Manu

    Women are ruining their sex lives with vibrators – Kwaku Manu

    Kumawood actor Kwaku Manu has revealed that sex toys are gradually destroying the reproductive organs of women.

    “Those machines and devices that some women use to please themselves are destroying their vaginas. Right now, they can’t even be satisfied when they have intercourse with their partners,” he told Empress Gifty on United Showbiz.

    He further explained that some women, after using sex toys, especially vibrators, develop expectations about sexual pleasures that are difficult for their partners to meet.

    He noted that beyond ruining the sex life of these women, it is now a major threat to marital intimacy.

    “A man will do all the work, and the woman will say she’s not satisfied because he’s not vibrating like how her toys do. It’s destroying marriages,” he claimed.

    A couple of years ago, former Minister of Communications and Ablekuma West Member of Parliament Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, expressed concern regarding the anti-LGBT bill’s criminalization of sex toys.

    She said that heterosexual couples who use sex toys to improve their sex lives would unintentionally be impacted by the criminalization of sex toy use found in clause 3(c) of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.

    Clause 3(c) of the bill explicitly prohibits sexual intercourse between a man and an inanimate object or between a woman and an inanimate object.

    She emphasized that if the intention of the house is to criminalize sex toys, it should be explicitly stated that the bill is not solely directed at the LGBT community but applies to everyone.

    In the absence of such clarity, she has urged for the immediate removal of Clause 3(c).

    These remarks were made during the deliberation of the Anti-LGBT bill on the floor of Parliament.

     “And I think we raised this when the committee was considering it that the proposed amendment in 3(c) may create unintended consequences because sexual intercourse between a man and an inanimate object or between a woman and an inanimate object would necessarily include sexual intercourse with all manner of aids that couple use to enhance the sexual experience.”

    “And I’m not sure if that’s what the intention of this bill is. It would necessarily include sex toys and other aids that couples, heterosexual couples also use to enhance the sexual experience.

    “So if that is what the house intends then we have to be clear in our minds that we may be criminalising activities which may not necessarily be limited to only those LGBTQI community that the target of this bill is, but it may also be targeting straight couples who use sex enhancement tools to enhance the sexual experience.

    “So we need to be mindful of the unintended consequences of 3(c) could be  and I’ll propose that 3(c) be deleted from this amendment.”

    Disagreements emerged in Parliament regarding the appropriate punishment for individuals engaging in unnatural carnal knowledge within the LGBTQ+ community.

    The proposed bill seeks to criminalize such activities, prescribing a penalty of 3 to 5 years.

    However, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee suggested a prison term of up to 3 years without specifying a minimum sentence. The Chairman of the Committee clarified the reasoning behind this proposal on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

    “Most of the religious bodies were supporting the fact that they would give people who are prepared to go through reforms, the opportunity to go through. If we make a strict law that if you are found guilty, or you practice this, you don’t have an option. Mr. Speaker, we don’t have a community service that would have been more severe than giving the person a custodial sentence, because the society will look down upon you.”

    “But to caution you or to give you deserve imprisonment or imprisonment, if we leave it to the discretion of the judge, they are also members of this society, they are learned, and depending on the circumstances, that’s why I am comfortable if we give the upper limit without saying that the person must be imprisoned as a minimum requirement.”

    Sam George, one of the bill’s sponsors, stated that guidance on the amount of penalty units to be imposed on offenders would be essential in judging the severity of the appropriate punishment.

    “We should then get advice on what the minimum penalty or 750 units is concurrent with, is it three months or six months? So we have a lower limit also for custodial sentence,” he said on the floor.”

    But the Speaker interjected, saying that there was already a law on equivalence on penalty units and therefore “that will apply.”

    Following the discussions, the Speaker postponed the questions to the parliamentary drafters. Their task is to create a comprehensive document that accurately mirrors the intentions expressed by various legislators during the deliberations.

    Watch the video below:

  • I have given up organizing concerts in Ghana – Mista Meister

    I have given up organizing concerts in Ghana – Mista Meister

    Talent and brand manager Bernard Kafui Sokpe, popularly known as Mista Meister, has vowed never to invest in organizing concerts in Ghana.

    His comment is a reaction to Executive Director of Big Ideaz Consult, Kojo Poku’s recent remarks on Joy FM that “We are all (every event organiser) in debt, people are chasing me and calling my phone every day because we do events hoping we get it back.”

    While Mista Meister did not mention a particular event he organized and made losses, he confirms that the venture is indeed not worth their time and effort.

    “Events in Ghana are not lucrative. Especially high-budget events like concerts etc. Even if you have Jesus Christ and the 12 disciples as headliners, the cost of setting up the event always out budgets ticketing revenue and sponsorships. Me mome dieeer never again!” he wrote.

    In contrast, renowned radio and TV presenter Mercury Quaye and YFM radio presenter, Kojo Manuel, have been complaining for a couple of years about how event organisers treat MCs in terms of compensation.

    Merqury Quaye called on event organizers to provide fairer compensation for MCs, while Kojo Manuel questioned why these organizers tend to undervalue the work of MCs as merely supplementary to the event.

    Kojo Manuel revealed instances where some event MCs were compensated with drinks and even women.

    “This is strictly a business unless you are telling me that you are giving me something that I value in return for it. No two ways,” he noted.

    Kojo further highlighted that even media houses engage in business transactions with clients but are remunerated with airtime, which is a mutually agreed upon arrangement.

    “It’s an agreement but you don’t call me and tell me that I have ten bottles for you,” he pointed out.

    According to Kojo, this type of compensation is often encountered by MCs who primarily work in the party-oriented segment of the industry.

    “When I was coming up some of the things that I was offered to be paid with was my name being on the artwork alone. That was somebody’s way of trying to pay me.

    “Because nobody knew me and they were putting my name on the artwork. They would say ‘oh when you come in you will get free drinks. When you come in, I will introduce you to girls’,” he stated.

  • Court adjourns Sarkodie’s lawsuit against Ecobank to July 25

    Court adjourns Sarkodie’s lawsuit against Ecobank to July 25

    The Accra High Court has adjourned the hearing of Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie’s lawsuit against Ecobank Ghana PLC over what he describes as a misrepresentation of him in an anti-fraud campaign.

    3Music TV reported that the court has set July 25 to hear the case.

    The rap icon Sarkodie initiated legal action against Ecobank Ghana and a man bearing a striking resemblance to him.

    He accused the financial institution of exploiting his image without consent.

    According to court documents, Sarkodie contends that Ecobank featured his lookalike in an advertisement he considers misleading and damaging.

    He argued that the portrayal gave the public the impression he was affiliated with or endorsing the bank, despite being a brand ambassador for rival institution First Bank.

    Sarkodie’s legal team asserted that the misrepresentation did not only confuse consumers but also compromised existing commercial relationships and tarnished his brand value.

    Sarkodie is seeking the following from the court:

    • A permanent injunction restraining Ecobank from using his image, name, or any similar likeness in future advertisements.
    • Monetary compensation for the reputational harm and financial losses incurred.
    • An immediate removal of all promotional materials that feature his lookalike.

    His lawyers insist that the use of a lookalike, particularly of a high-profile figure with active endorsements, is unethical and a violation of publicity rights.

    Ecobank was served and given eight days to respond to the suit or face a possible default judgment.

  • Stormzy awarded honorary doctorate by Cambridge University

    Stormzy awarded honorary doctorate by Cambridge University

    British Ghanaian rapper and philanthropist Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, popularly known as Stormzy, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cambridge in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and his unwavering commitment to educational equity and social justice.

    Rapper Stomzy was among eight public figures to receive the honorary degree.

    The 31-year-old  launched a scholarship fund in 2018 which has been funding black UK students to study at the university.

    This earned him a Doctorate in Laws degree in recognition of his initiation of a “transformative” scholarship programme.

    Vice-chancellor at the university, Prof Deborah Prentice, said, “Stormzy’s scholarship programme has had a transformative impact and we are proud to recognise his work with this degree.”

    Since the introduction of the fund, 56 undergraduates are reported to have benefited from full tuition and maintenance support, backed by his #Merky Foundation and HSBC UK.

    In the month of May this year, Movie star Juliet Ibrahim graduated from Berkeley College in the United States, proudly joining the Class of 2025 as a Bachelor’s degree holder in Marketing Communications.

    Celebrating her achievement, she took to Facebook yesterday to express her joy and gratitude as she reflected on the toil that led her to this moment.

    “From red carpets to research papers, late-night shoots to late-night study sessions… I DID IT!,” she wrote on Facebook, adding photos of herself beaming with joy and adorned in her graduation gown.

    She encouraged her fans that it is never too late to achieve any dream, despite juggling them with other demands of life.

    “This is your reminder: You’re never too old to reinvent yourself,” she added. “Cheers to new beginnings, bigger dreams, and breaking every limit.”

    Her fans did not hesitate to share in her joy as they flooded her comment session with congratulatory messages, cheering her on to keep advancing in her endeavours.

    Juliet Ibrahim is one of the outstanding actresses in Ghallywood and Nollywood.

    She is currently featuring in some new movies such as Where Love Ends,” “Ayele, saved by love,” “Deeper than pain,” among others.

  • President Mahama appoints 15 Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consul-Generals

    President Mahama appoints 15 Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consul-Generals

    Fifteen individuals will now take up roles as ambassadors, high commissioners, and consul-generals following their nomination by President John Dramani Mahama.

    This was announced by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, in a letter dated June 10, 2025.

    Among the nominees are Benjamin A. Quashie for the Republic of South Africa, Kojo Bonsu for the People’s Republic of China, Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe for the Kingdom of Spain, Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali for the United Arab Emirates, Hon. Captain George Kofi Nfojoh for the Togolese Republic, and Grace El Mahmoud Marabe for the United Arab Emirates–Dubai.

    The others are Prof. Ohene Adjei for the Federal Republic of Germany, Abdul Nasiru-Deen for the Republic of Turkey, Theresah Adjei-Mensah for the Czech Republic, Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso for India, Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, Ph.D., for Canada, Dr. Margaret Miewien Chebere for Denmark, Labik Joseph Yaani for Equatorial Guinea, Nii Amasah Namoale for the Federative Republic of Brazil, and Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo for the Republic of Senegal.

    The letter instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate all required procedures to ensure the nominees’ appointments are successfully processed.

    Profile of the 15 nominees

    Benjamin Kofi Quashie is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, founding the BKQ Foundation to support education, healthcare, and disability initiatives in the country. He chairs the NDC Council of Elders in South Africa and leads Allied Consortiums, demonstrating strong leadership in both political and business spheres. He is academically grounded with studies at the University of Ghana, LSE, and Robert Kennedy College; he brings a wealth of global insight to the diplomatic service.

    Kojo Bonsu is a seasoned public servant and businessman, having served as Kumasi’s Metropolitan Chief Executive (2013–2016) and as managing director of GOIL, where he led the company’s rebranding. He holds a diploma in Sports Business and Marketing through Adidas in Germany and speaks fluent French, giving him cross-cultural expertise. A former presidential aspirant for the NDC, Bonsu’s broad experience in governance, sports administration, and entrepreneurship positions him well for advancing Ghana-China relations

    Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe is a former model and a veteran actress who has appeared in over 50 films, notably Babina, Trinity, and Sala. She has won awards, including Golden Actress at the Golden Movie Awards. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from GIMPA (2023), following a first degree in Public Service and Governance (2021), demonstrating her academic commitment subsequent to a successful screen career. Known for her advocacy in women’s empowerment, education, and youth development, she brings a blend of cultural diplomacy and public engagement to her ambassadorial role.

    Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali is a distinguished figure in public service or business. Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali brings extensive experience in international relations and management. His career is expected to include leadership within commercial or diplomatic sectors relevant to Ghana–UAE ties. He is appointed to promote bilateral collaboration in trade, tourism, and investment between Ghana and the UAE.

    Capt. George Kofi Nfojoh is a respected Ghanaian politician who served as the member of parliament for the 4th parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana. He represented the National Democratic Congress of the Ho Central Constituency.  He was a captain and worked with the Public Relations Department of the Ghana Armed Forces. His career spans maritime or military roles, giving him insight into regional cooperation. He’ll be responsible for strengthening Ghana-Togo relations in areas of trade and regional diplomacy.

    Grace El Mahmoud Marabe brings a wealth of leadership experience both at home and abroad. She was voted Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2021 BlackExcellence Awards and named among the Top 10 Business Coaches by Herald Magazine in 2020. Her global engagement includes serving as a speaker at the 13th World Cancer Conference in Paris in 2019. From 2013 to 2016, she contributed to national policy as a Board Member of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Earlier, in 2008, she made history as an elected Virginia State Delegate for President Barack Obama.. 

    Professor Ohene Adjei is an esteemed academic who holds a senior faculty position in Ghana, with specialization likely in economics, science, or engineering. His scholarly work and leadership in higher education make him adept at promoting scientific, educational, and technological cooperation with Germany. His appointment reflects Ghana’s ambition to deepen ties in research and innovation.

    Abdul Nasiru‑Deen brings a professional background in diplomacy or international business. His skills and experience position him to foster stronger economic, cultural, and educational ties between Ghana and Turkey. His appointment is aligned with Ghana’s goals to diversify partnership in Eurasia.

    Theresah Adjei-Mensah is a seasoned diplomat and or an international relations expert. Her role will involve advancing Ghana–Czech interests in trade, tourism, and academic exchange. Her appointment signals Ghana’s growing outreach in Central Europe.

    Professor Obiri‑Danso is the former Vice‑Chancellor of KNUST, known for his expertise in biotechnology and higher education leadership. During his tenure, he enhanced KNUST’s research output and global linkages. His diplomatic role will emphasize educational partnerships, tech collaboration, and innovation between Ghana and India

    Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh is a seasoned development practitioner with advanced academic credentials and extensive public service experience. She has held leadership roles in academia or international NGOs, earning respect for her analytical and policy-making skills. Her appointment aims to deepen Ghana–Canada ties in education, migration, and diaspora engagement.

    Dr. Margaret Miewien Chebere is a public health specialist or international development expert with a Ph.D. and a strong record in project implementation. She has worked with development partners to enhance health systems and community resilience in Ghana. Her diplomat role will emphasize cooperation on health, climate change, and renewable energy.

    Labik Joseph Yaani is a senior Foreign Service officer with extensive experience in regional diplomacy. His expertise in West/Central African affairs positions him to manage relations with Equatorial Guinea. He is poised to advance Ghana’s interests in energy, regional security, and policy coordination.

    Nii Amasah Namoale has served as Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture and as an MP, bringing extensive experience in agriculture, trade, and policy development. He is credited with advancing agricultural modernization and rural development. His role in Brazil will focus on strengthening cooperation in agribusiness, biofuels, and technical exchange.

    Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo is a medical doctor and former health official or public health specialist with advanced qualifications. His work has involved strengthening Ghana’s health systems, health security, or disease control initiatives. His diplomatic appointment to Senegal reflects Ghana’s commitment to regional collaboration in health and development.

    Read the full statement below

  • President Mahama names Kalsoume Sinare as Ambassador to Spain

    President Mahama names Kalsoume Sinare as Ambassador to Spain

    Celebrated actress and filmmaker Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe has been nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to serve as Ghana’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain.

    Her nomination, part of a wider list of diplomatic appointments announced on June 21, 2025, was officially communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama.

    The latest diplomatic reshuffle includes 15 individuals selected to represent Ghana as ambassadors, high commissioners, and a consul-general designate in various countries.

    Sinare joins this group of high-profile appointees, bringing with her a distinguished career in the creative industry and a strong background in public advocacy.

    Known for her dynamic performances in iconic films like Out of Sight, Crossfire, Ties That Bind, and Trinity, Kalsoume Sinare became a staple of Ghanaian cinema in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

    Her powerful screen presence and ability to take on diverse roles earned her numerous awards, including accolades at the Ghana Movie Awards and recognition at the Golden Movie Awards Africa in 2021 for her longstanding contribution to the industry.

    Beyond her work in film, Sinare is also a producer and vocal advocate for social change, particularly in areas of gender empowerment, education, and youth development.

    She holds a diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, Legon, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Governance (2021) and a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy (2023) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

    At age 58, her appointment marks a continued effort by the Mahama administration to strengthen ties with key international partners.

    Spain remains an important ally to Ghana in sectors such as trade, tourism, renewable energy, and migration cooperation.

    Sinare is among several high-profile appointees named in this diplomatic shake-up, including Benjamin A. Quashie as High Commissioner to South Africa, former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu as ambassador to China, and Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso, former Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, as ambassador to India.

    All nominees are subject to the usual vetting and confirmation procedures before they officially take up their new assignments.

    Her nomination adds to the growing trend of prominent creatives being tapped to serve in governance roles under the Mahama administration.

  • Ghana has over 2 months fuel to supply – NPA boss reveals

    Ghana has over 2 months fuel to supply – NPA boss reveals

    Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Edudzi Tamakloe, has allayed fears of fuel shortages, stating that Ghana’s reserves are enough to last more than two months amid the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions.

     Mr. Tamakloe disclosed that Ghana currently holds over 200 million litres of petrol and more than 150 million litres of diesel, quantities he described as sufficient to stabilize the market in the medium term.

    “I can assure the good people of Ghana that currently, as we speak, we have enough stock or reserve to last us beyond two months. With all efforts, we are confident that we wouldn’t have any problem with supply disruptions at al” he said.

    He made these remarks amid growing concerns that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transport.

    Ghana introduced a new GH₵1 per litre fuel levy on June 3, 2025, under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act—commonly referred to as the “Dumsor Levy”—with plans to implement it on June it on june 9 but later postponed to June 16. 

    The surcharge was designed to address funding gaps and support debt repayment in the energy sector. 

    However, it was met with swift opposition from civil society groups and industry stakeholders, who condemned the lack of stakeholder engagement and the seemingly discretionary manner in which the levy was introduced.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced its suspension last week pending further review.

    Mr. Tamakloe has stated that government is monitoring global developments and will decide on the rollout date in consultation with stakeholders.

    “The government is always monitoring global events and will respond in the next foreseeable days. It doesn’t look like there has been any serious disruption… but there will be enough consultation with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, among others, before the rollout will come,” he explained.

    Meanwhile the Director of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Communications Department, Julie Kozack, had welcomed the implementation of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy that introduced a GHC1 fuel levy.

    At a press briefing, Julie Kozack noted that the country stands a better chance of addressing its energy sector crisis with the implementation of the levy.

    “On the fuel levy, what I can say is that this is a new measure that will help generate additional resources to tackle the challenges in Ghana’s energy sector, and it is also going to bolster Ghana’s ability to deliver on the fiscal objectives under the programme,” she said.

    Under the new levy:

    Motor Spirit (Super Petrol): from Ghc0.95 to Ghc1.95AGO/Diesel and Marine Gas Oil (Foreign): from Ghc0.93 to Ghc1.93Marine Gas Oil (Local): from Ghc0.03 to Ghc0.23Heavy Fuel Oil (Residual Fuel Oil – RFO): from Ghc0.04 to Ghc0.24Partially Refined Oil (Naphtha): from Ghc0.95 to Ghc1.95Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains unchanged at Ghc0.73

    Products lifted by a Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC) before June 16 will still be subject to the old levy rates.

    Any “cash-and-carry” transactions by PMMCs for which products are lifted on or after June 1, 2025, will be subject to the new rates.

    Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has defended government’s move despite opposition from some stakeholders in the energy sector.

    He noted that the timing of the introduction of the levy is apt as the cedi continues to appreciate against major trading currencies.

    The minister projects to generate revenue ranging between GH¢5 billion and GH¢6 billion to support the procurement of liquid fuel.

    Some stakeholders in the energy sector have expressed their displeasure over the approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by Parliament and its pending implementation.

    On the matter, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Dr Riverson Oppong Peprah,warned that the implementation of the levy could drive fuel prices higher, adding further strain on consumers and the downstream sector.

    “When fuel prices began to fall, it wasn’t because the cedi gained stability; rather, it was due to a drop in plant prices caused by the decline in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices. Only after that did the cedi stabilise and support the downward trend.”

    “As we speak today, plant prices are already rising again. So, I urge the government to reconsider this levy since there are other options,” he counselled.

  • Interior Ministry reveals GHS100k insurance for GNFS

    Interior Ministry reveals GHS100k insurance for GNFS

    Minister for Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has announced a GHC100,000.00 insurance package for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who sustain permanent injuries in the line of duty.

    He made this known during an address as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, at a passing-out ceremony of 1,658 recruits on June 20.  

    The sector minister explained that under the package, “GH₵50,000.00 will be paid to firefighters sustaining non-permanent injuries in the line of duty.”

    “GH₵100,000.00 will be awarded in cases of permanent disability in the line of duty. GH₵100,000.00 will be given in the event of a firefighter’s death on active duty. Even natural deaths while in service will attract a benefit of GH₵50,000.00,” he further added.

    He clarified that in the case of death in the line of duty, the family of the deceased officer will receive GH₵100,000.00.

    According to the sector minister, the introduction of this new insurance package for all GNFS personnel is aimed at boosting morale and ensuring financial security for officers injured or killed in their line of duty.

    “This is just the beginning. We are committed to improving welfare packages, logistics support, and working conditions for our gallant fire officers, whose sacrifices often go unnoticed,” he added.

    Prior to the minister’s insurance announcement, the GNFS bemoaned the absence of an insurance package that ensures its officers who get injured in the line of duty are catered for.

    The grand passing-out parade held at the Fire Academy and Training School in Jamestown, Accra, marks the successful completion of training by Course 55, comprising 1,658 recruits, made up of 843 men and 815 women who have now officially joined the frontlines of national emergency response.

    The sector minister commended the recruits for their resilience, dedication, and patriotism.

    Four exceptional recruits were honored for their outstanding performance during the course. Recruit Fireman Samuel Kenneth Ayibontey was named the Overall Best Recruit for excelling across all training modules. Recruit Fireman Anamfo Gerrard Adombila received the award for Best in Academics.

    Recruit Fireman Emmanuel Addo Ahunu was recognized as Best in Foot Drill. Recruit Firewoman Anita Awagah earned the Commandant’s Award for Best Conduct.

  • I worked hard, saved money to safeguard my life today – Lucky Mensah

    I worked hard, saved money to safeguard my life today – Lucky Mensah

    HighLife musician, Lucky Mensah has revealed that he is financially sound today because he failed to solely depend on fleeting fame and temporary gigs during his days.

    According to him strategic planning, hard work, and wise investments have set him apart from other entertainers who now complain about hunger due to a lack of shows and income.

    “I worked hard in the UK, saved money, and came back home to begin my building project. That was a turning point,” he shared.

    The musician stated that he has invested in in multiple businesses like a hotel, a residential apartment complex for rent, and a thriving transport business.

    Adding to that, he runs a bakery, owns an events center, and operates the Lucky Mensah Live Band and a recording studio.

    He also operates the LM Soccer Academy, which nurtures talented 10 to 17-year-old boys across Ghana.

    Several veteran Ghanaian musicians, including Edward Akwasi Boateng, Kwabena Kwabena, K.K. Kabobo, Naa Amanua of Wulomei, and others like Edem, have publicly shared their financial struggles despite past fame, citing issues such as poor royalty systems, lack of industry support, mismanagement by MUSIGA and GHAMRO, and failure to invest wisely during their peak years.

    Many are now battling health challenges or working small jobs just to survive.

    Some have been forced to publicly appeal for help, relying on donations from fans and fellow musicians.

    Without lasting solutions, the next generation of artists risks facing the same fate.

    Meanwhile, in 2017, the President of the  Ghana Actors’ Guild, Samuel Fiscian, disclosed that several Ghanaian actors are now jobless due to the decline in the promotion of local movies.

    “We are challenged by the influx of foreign productions and we acknowledge the fact that the taste of the Ghanaian has changed,” he said.

  • Accra’s “Garage” lounge to end operations by June 29

    Accra’s “Garage” lounge to end operations by June 29

    Garage, one of Accra’s top nightlife venues, is shutting down after five and a half years of great music, lively events, and lasting memories.

    This was made known via Instagram with  “End of an Era – Thank You Accra,” as title of their announcement made on June 20.

    “What started as a bold idea turned into a movement,” the post read. “A place where Accra came alive with music, flavor, culture, and unforgettable memories,” the post read.

    Although the Garage is closing, the team assured fans that this isn’t the end, but just an end to a chapter.

    “You made it what it was. This isn’t goodbye forever. Just the end of this chapter,” the statement said.

    Garage is, however, calling on all past patrons and those who danced, drank, and partied with them to come together one last time on Sunday, June 29, for a memorable farewell event.

    Garage is located in the bustling heart of East Legon.

    It has carved out a reputation as one of the go-to spots for nightlife in Accra.

    Over the years, they have made themselves known for cutting-edge music, which attracts a diverse crowd as well playing host to countless nights of dance, celebration, and community building.

    This development has left many loyal clients emotional, amidst unknown reasons for the closure.

    The Independent Ghana observed their comment section flooded with mixed reactions as some commended the club for its incredible run and impact on the city’s social scene.

    Others, on the other hand, expressed sadness and disappointment over its sudden end.

  • I don’t watch pirated content, I know how much it hurts – Shirley Frimpong Manso

    I don’t watch pirated content, I know how much it hurts – Shirley Frimpong Manso

    Ghanaian film producer Shirley Frimpong Manso has stated that she refuses every offer to watch pirated contents on any platform.

    According to her, she understands how much it hurts film producers to invest money into film production as well as the emotional toll that accompanies the process.

    “I want to kill all of them. I have a personal concern and I do not watch pirated stuff, I don’t care. People have said, oh, have you seen it? I said no. They said, oh, use this link and you can watch it. I never do because I know how much it hurts to spend,” she said on Hitz FM.

    The film producer highlighted that many people don’t fully understand or appreciate the behind-the-scenes sacrifices and heavy investment that go into making a film.

    Adding that it is not just about shooting a scene, but entails a complex and costly process.

    “Movie making is excruciating – the money – having to have 30, 40 plus people on set every day feeding them, it’s a lot. I don’t think people could have wrapped their head around the fact that even a 5 or a 10 day production, the people on set, we are feeding them, you’re buying breakfast, lunch, and dinner sometimes. It’s a whole thing, the investment, the emotional, the money aspect of it and stuff,” she said.

    To this end, Shirley Frimpong Manso expresses frustration towards dilly-dallying efforts by authorities in taking on culprits of piracy in the aftermath of clear evidence and proof of the criminal acts.

    “I don’t understand why we know who the culprits are and somehow they’re still out there doing it. This is something that we can’t warn and it’s a criminal offence.”

    “There’s evidence to what it is that they’re doing. I don’t understand why we’re babysitting this kind of thing,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the film producer had earlier vented her spleen on why the Ghanaian media was over-fixated on Tyler Perry’s movie titled ‘Straw’

    She indicated that if the attention given to Tyler’s new movie was accorded movies other Ghanaian film makers have done, they would have made some impact. 

    “Why are we talking about Tyler Perry’s movie when we could easily have that same attention come to Shirley Frimpong-Manso movie?” she asked. 

  • Dikan launches maiden HerPress fellowship program for female journalists

    Dikan launches maiden HerPress fellowship program for female journalists

    Dikan Center has introduced HerPress, a pioneering program aimed at empowering and equipping female journalists across Ghana.

    The launch, held at the center’s office in Osu, Accra on June 20, brought together an impressive mix of stakeholders, including media practitioners, government officials, international guests, and supporters of the initiative.

    Founder and Executive Director of Dikan Center, Paul Ninson, stated during the launch that the initiative marked the beginning of a powerful journey.

    “HerPress is about making sure women’s stories are told, their viewpoints shared widely, and their reporting talents recognized. By investing in these journalists, we are investing in Ghana’s future and strengthening our democracy,” he remarked.

    Paul Ninson, Founder and Executive Director of Dikan Center

    HerPress is committed to elevating the presence and influence of women in journalism by providing a rich learning experience that features hands-on training, personalized mentorship, and continuous career support.

    The program also seeks to promote gender balance in newsrooms and ensure women’s voices contribute meaningfully to national conversations.

    The 20 selected fellows at the event engaged in dynamic networking sessions and took part in an insightful panel discussion that delved into the obstacles and opportunities faced by women pursuing journalism.

    Some participants at the launch of the maiden HerPress fellowship

    Attendees included representatives from major media outlets, gender-focused NFOs, and public sector institutions working to promote equal opportunities for women.

    The initiative received major funding from the Australian High Commission.

    Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen‑Jones, underscored her country’s support for gender equity and praised HerPress as a partnership that will “transform journalism in Ghana by enabling women reporters to pursue their work without fear of harassment or discrimination.”

    She acknowledged the tough realities female journalists face and expressed confidence that HerPress will help create a safer, more inclusive media environment.

    Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen‑Jones

    Looking ahead, HerPress participants will take part in intensive practical workshops led by both Ghanaian and international media experts.

    The program will culminate in an annual HerPress Summit to celebrate alumni achievements and set new goals for gender‑balanced reporting.

    Paul Ninson wrapped up the launch by expressing gratitude to the Australian High Commission for their vital contribution and the affirmation of commitment to creating more opportunities for women journalists, especially in regions outside Accra.

    The Dikan Centre is calling on partners, media institutions and advocates of gender equality to come on board and support the HerPress initiative.

  • Video of John Dumelo as an actor at age 7 pops up on social media

    Video of John Dumelo as an actor at age 7 pops up on social media

    A throwback video featuring Ghanaian actor-turned-politician John Dumelo has made its way back onto social media, drawing widespread attention from online users.

    The clip, which began trending on June 21, 2025, showcases Dumelo’s early days in the film “Baby Thief,” where he portrayed a character named “Saka.”

    The movie was filmed in 1991 and premiered in 1992.

    In one part of the video, a young Dumelo is seen seated in a classroom with a classmate.

    Another touching moment shows him expressing to his teacher a desire to go to his father, even though lessons were still ongoing.

    The rediscovered footage has stirred admiration online with many commending Dumlo’s remarkable evolution from a child star to a respected figure in Ghana’s political space.

    Watch video below:

  • FBI must investigate Chris Waddle’s questionable wealth – KOKA

    FBI must investigate Chris Waddle’s questionable wealth – KOKA

    In the aftermath of recent FBI-led operations in Ghana involving suspected fraud, entertainment pundit Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, has pushed for an inquiry into Criss Waddle’s source of wealth.

    His concerns come on the back of Criss Waddle’s frequent display of large sums of money and luxurious vehicles on social media.

    In an interview spotted by The Independent Ghana on social media, KOKA intimated that since the musician criticized Akufo-Addo’s government over economic hardship, it is appropriate to investigate the legitimacy of his wealth too.

    “I am looking for the FBI to ask them to commerce an investigation on Criss Waddle because his source of revenue is questionable to me.”

    “Lately, when our girls are celebrating their birthday, you will see them posting their wish list on Snapchat because they don’t want to fry eggs anymore since there are people buying cars for them.”

    “The FBI should look for him, and also look for all the cars he has shipped into the country…Those who claim that they bought their Rolls-Royce from Acheke should also be investigated,” he added.

    A secret FBI operation has led to the arrest of Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, with possible extradition to the United States of America (U.S.A).

    Sources said he was “scooped up Rambo-style,” over his alleged involvement in fraudulent financial activities.

    Even though people have known him as a big player in the oil and gas business, rumors have it that he might have been involved in shady activities behind the scenes.

    Panic has reportedly gripped Accra’s elite social circles since the news broke.

    Some prominent figures allegedly involved in cryptocurrency, forex trading, and high-end real estate have also allegedly gone into hiding.

    Dada Joe Remix could stand trial and face significant legal consequences if convicted.

    Official details regarding his arrest and the nature of the charges are yet to be released.

    It will be recalled that in 2022, the Nigerian social media influencer, Ramon Abbas, who called himself Ray Hushpuppi and flaunted a lavish lifestyle supported by laundering millions of dollars was sentenced in Los Angeles to more than 11 years in federal prison.

    Ramon Abbas, 40, was also ordered by a federal judge to pay $1.7m in restitution to two fraud victims, according to a statement from the United States Department of Justice.

    Abbas was “one of the most prolific money launderers in the world,” Don Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, said in the statement.

    Prosecutors said Abbas and a Canadian man laundered money from various online crimes, including bank cyberheists and business email compromise, or BEC, a prolific crime in which crooks hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone they’re not, and fool victims into wiring money where it doesn’t belong.

    Abbas had more than two million Instagram followers before he was arrested in 2020 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

    His social media posts showed him living a life of luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars, and high-end clothes and watches.

    “I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path,” read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

    Watch video below:

  • I’m battling mental health due to torture by ex-wife – Riggie Zippy

    I’m battling mental health due to torture by ex-wife – Riggie Zippy

    UK-Ghanaian musician, Reginald Ainooson, popularly known as Reggie Zippy, has opened up about battling mental health issues due to ordeals he claims are being caused by his ex-wife, Edith Ward.

    In a video shared on social media, the musician is heard stating that he is currently on medication to cope daily with the prolonged torment of Edith after their divorce.

    “Listen to me, I’m telling you this, yeah. If anything should happen to me, I’m already battling mental health.”

    “If you think I’m lying, I can show you all my medications that I have to take every single day just so I can function as a normal human being,” the distraught singer expressed.

    He sent a message to his ex-wife in the video making her aware that her actions behind the scenes slowly destroying him.

    Painfully, he cannot fathom why he deserves that from his ex-wife.

    “You are killing me behind the scenes. What have I done to you? What have I done to you?” he questioned, visibly shaken.

    “Is it my fault that you are so ungrateful? Is it my fault that you didn’t realise you had a good man whom you didn’t treat well?” he added.

    The concerns raised by the musician, best known for his work as part of the duo Reggie ‘n’ Bollie, is not new to Ghanaians.

    However, this latest outcry is an indication of a more serious effect on his mental health, raising concerns among fans and industry colleagues.

    In 2024, the musician embarked on a fresh chapter in his life with a social media post sharing a heartwarming moment during Valentine’s Day.

    He introduced his new girlfriend, expressing gratitude for the joy she brings into his life, asserting, “Meet my beautiful valentine.

    “She is the reason why I was happy yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Babe, I am still getting used to your Bonnie and Clyde type of love,” the musician shared.

    Watch videos below:

  • A sticker will not give you victory if you are not prepared –  Prophet to defeated boxer

    A sticker will not give you victory if you are not prepared – Prophet to defeated boxer

    Popular man of God, Prophet Benjamin Fordjour, has stated that symbols of faith, protection or motivation (like a sticker or emblem) cannot guarantee success unless you put in real work and preparation.

    His comment comes on the back of a boxer who was defeated at a boxing event despite pasting a sticker of a man of God on his shorts.

    Reacting to the situation in an interview on Hitz FM on June 20, 2025, Prophet Fordjour stated that there are principles that one must add to faith to achieve results.

    “You think a sticker will give you strength to win when your real strength is in your character and preparation? Faith does not respond to irresponsibility. Just because you believe in God doesn’t mean you can ignore the details of preparation and discipline,” he stressed.

    The outspoken prophet further stated that true prayer is not just in words but in action.

    “You can pray by speaking, but it’s safer to pray by living right. The life you live after the prayer is what gives God a reason to bless you,” he said.

    On June 14, 2025, Joseph Sackey became the subject of social media discussion after losing his bout against Abdul Khan in the Battle of the Beast boxing event organized by the President’s son Sharaf Mahama in Bukom weeks ago.

    Joseph Sackey drew the attention of Ghanaians when his pair of blue shorts had a sticker bearing the image of Adom Kyei-Duah while boxing in the ring.

    He became the subject of social media discussion after losing his bout against Abdul Khan.

    Meanwhile, Adom Kyei-Duah has expressed interest in meeting the ‘defeated boxer’ in person.

    “I am pleading with you to inform him that I want to meet him God willing Sunday. I need that boy. On Sunday, I will invite him to stand by me on the pulpit,” he said.

    According to Adom Kyei-Duah, his invitation is intended to send a strong message to critics who question the authenticity of his ministry.

    “The reason why I am inviting him is that I want people to know that I have been called by God. I don’t know him but after seeing his video, I fell in love with him,” he added.

    Watch video below:

  • Juliet Ibrahim makes history as  first female President of WIFT Ghana

    Juliet Ibrahim makes history as first female President of WIFT Ghana

    Movie star Juliet Ibrahim, has made history as first ever female President of Women in Film and Television Ghana (WIFT Ghana).

    The actress made this known in a Facebook post with an expression of gratitude and a celebration of what she describes as a personal achievement.

    “I’m deeply honored to share that I have been appointed as the first-ever President of Women in Film and Television Ghana (WIFT Ghana) @wiftghana—a monumental step forward for our creative community,” she wrote.

    She adds that the opportunity to serve as a woman is pivotal in promoting the agenda of empowering and encouraging women across the globe to pursue and achieve their goals.

    “This milestone is not just a personal achievement, but a powerful moment for all women across Ghana’s and Africa’s film, TV, and digital media industries, who continue to break barriers, amplify stories, and reshape narratives both in front of and behind the camera.”

    Juliet Ibraghi said WIFT Ghana is now officially part of a worldwide network called Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI)and is also connected to WIFT Africa, which is the regional body.

    “WIFT Ghana proudly joins the global network of Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) and is affiliated with WIFT Africa—strengthening our ties across continents while staying rooted in our local mission: to empower women, create opportunities, and champion inclusion and visibility.”

    About WIFT

    Women in Film & Television (WIFT) is a global network of non-profit membership chapters made up of more than 40 Women in Film chapters worldwide and over 10,000 members. It is dedicated to advancing the professional development and achievements of women working across all areas of film, television, and other screen-based media.
    Founded in 1973 in Los Angeles by Tichi Wilkerson Kassel, the organisation expanded rapidly and held its first Women in Film and Television International World Summit in New York City in September 1997.

    About WIFT Ghana

    WIFT Ghana is a local chapter of Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), committed to empowering Ghanaian women in film, television, and screen-media-related fields. The chapter aims to achieve this through networking, capacity building, and mentorship.

    Meanwhile in the month of May this year, Juliet graduated from Berkeley College in the United States, proudly joining the Class of 2025 as a Bachelor’s degree holder in Marketing Communications.

    Celebrating her achievement, she took to Facebook yesterday to express her joy and gratitude as she reflected on the toil that led her to this moment.

    “From red carpets to research papers, late-night shoots to late-night study sessions… I DID IT!,” she wrote on Facebook, adding photos of herself beaming with joy and adorned in her graduation gown.

    She encouraged her fans that it is never too late to achieve any dream, despite juggling them with other demands of life.

    “This is your reminder: You’re never too old to reinvent yourself,” she added. “Cheers to new beginnings, bigger dreams, and breaking every limit.”

    Her fans did not hesitate to share in her joy as they flooded her comment session with congratulatory messages, cheering her on to keep advancing in her endeavours.

    Juliet Ibrahim is one of the outstanding actresses in Ghallywood and Nollywood.

    She is currently featuring in some new movies such as Where Love Ends,” “Ayele, saved by love,” “Deeper than pain,” among others.

    She has been an adbvocate for education, women empoerment and mental health awarness.

    Read post below:

  • Petrol now selling at GHS10.27 as OMCs slash prices again

    Petrol now selling at GHS10.27 as OMCs slash prices again

    Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have once again reduced prices of petroleum products at the pumps. Fuel prices have now dropped for the second time this week under the current pricing window for June.

    Leading the trend, Star Oil announced on June 19, 2025, that it had slashed its petrol price from GHS10.99 per litre to GHS10.80. Diesel prices at the same outlets have also been cut, moving from GHS12.77 to GHS12.13 per litre.

    Looking ahead, Allied Oil has indicated it will implement further reductions beginning June 20. Earlier this month, on June 16, Allied was selling petrol at GHS10.97 per litre, but the new price stands at GHS10.75.

    Joining the trend, Zen Petroleum has also reduced its petrol price to GHS10.75. Reports indicate that the reduction in petrol prices is being driven by heightened competition among major OMCs, sparking a price war in the sector.

    Introduced in 2015, the government’s Price Deregulation Policy aimed to encourage competition and help bring prices down, beyond global oil market dynamics.

    Meanwhile, some OMCs have hinted that pump prices could increase from July 1, 2025, if the conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East continues.

    Since tensions escalated in the region, crude oil prices have surged from $66 to about $76 per barrel.

    Despite this, some industry insiders argue that if the Ghanaian cedi strengthens further in the coming days, it could help absorb the projected 5 percent or more rise in crude prices.

    So far, petroleum prices have seen over six reductions this year, with industry data attributing much of the decline to the cedi’s appreciation.

    The escalating missile exchanges between Israel and Iran are contributing to rising global crude oil prices, posing a potential threat to Ghana’s fuel costs and overall economic stability.

    President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministers for Finance and Energy, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and John Abdulai Jinapor, respectively, to closely monitor the unfolding conflict between Israel and Iran and provide proactive measures to safeguard the country’s recent economic gains from external shocks.

    However, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has assured that the escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel will not affect the oil market.

    Speaking to the media, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COMAC, Dr. Riverson Oppong, noted that when prices go up or down in the world market, it takes some time before those changes are seen in local prices.

    A week-old air war escalated with no sign yet of an exit strategy from either side as Israel bombed nuclear targets in Iran on Thursday and Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel after hitting an Israeli hospital overnight.

    The White House said President Trump would make a decision as to whether the United States will join the war or not in the next two weeks.

    “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.

  • Ghanaian investors protest alleged harassment by Nigeria Police, EFCC

    Ghanaian investors protest alleged harassment by Nigeria Police, EFCC

    A group of Ghanaian investors and concerned citizens on Wednesday, June 18, gathered outside the Nigerian High Commission in Accra to protest what they described as “systematic harassment, intimidation, and violation of our fundamental rights” by the Nigeria Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “Our businesses are being hounded at every turn,” the lead developer of the River Park Estate project in Abuja, said Kojo Mensah.

    The protesters raised concerns about ongoing rights violations, including frequent arrests without justification, recurring police invitations, and pressure from both the police and the EFCC.

    “We’ve been arrested arbitrarily, summoned without cause, and subjected to endless interrogations, yet the very complaints we cooperated to resolve back in 2012 remain buried in some dusty file,” Mensah added.

    Chanting and holding placards that read “Hands Off Ghanaian Investors!” and “Tinubu, Mahama: Intervene Now!”, the demonstrators called for the immediate removal of Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

    They accused him of deliberately targeting Ghanaian-owned enterprises in Nigeria. The protestors appealed for high-level intervention:

    “We demand that President Bola Tinubu and President John Mahama use every diplomatic channel to stop this injustice.”

    The demonstration coincided with the filing of a legal suit by Jonah Capital and several co-applicants at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case lists the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the EFCC as respondents.

    The plaintiffs are asking the court for a permanent injunction to stop the agencies from interfering further in the River Park Estate issue.

    They are also demanding the immediate release of a long-overdue Special Investigation Panel (SIP) report and N200 million in compensation for alleged violations of their constitutional rights.

    According to the claimants, the suit is intended not only to seek justice but to defend the security of foreign investments in Nigeria and discourage what they see as government-enabled intimidation of law-abiding investors.

    The amended writ claims that although the SIP concluded its inquiry and submitted its findings to the Inspector General, the report has never been shared with the affected parties despite several formal requests.

    The suit further alleges that a top officer within the Inspector General’s Monitoring Unit has independently reopened the case, seemingly to reverse the SIP’s exoneration of the companies involved.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, the Commissioner of Police of the FCT, Ajao Saka Adewale, the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters, DCP Akin Fakorede; and others from continuous violation and obstruction in connection with the River Park Estate dispute.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a ruling on an ex parte motion on Wednesday, ordered the parties before him not to take any action that would foist a “fait accompli” on the court in the matter.

    The judge fixed June 26 for the commencement of the hearing on the land dispute.

  • Kintampo Court jails 4 over 2025 BECE malpractices, others remanded

    Kintampo Court jails 4 over 2025 BECE malpractices, others remanded

    Four persons have each been handed a 30-day prison sentence by the Kintampo Circuit Court in the Bono East Region for their involvement in examination malpractices during the recent Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    Presiding Judge Lily Amoah Kankan issued the ruling on Tuesday, June 17. Two others were fined, while three were remanded into police custody for further investigation.

    Diana Tii, a teacher at Krabonso D/A School, was caught distributing photocopied materials to candidates in the exam hall. In addition to her 30-day sentence, she signed a two-year bond to be of good behaviour.

    Sylvester, also a teacher, was found to have aided one Diana, a candidate, in sneaking the photocopies into the exam hall. He received the same 30-day sentence.

    Paul Busi, a student of Kintampo College of Health, was caught with computing questions on his phone. After pleading guilty with remorse, he was fined 100 penalty units, equivalent to GHS1,200.

    Edmond Merrato Boi, a teacher at Just Love International School in Kintampo, was caught solving computing questions at the school’s dining hall.

    He pleaded guilty with explanation and was sentenced to 30 days in prison with hard labour. Samuel Waabero, an administrator at the same school, was also caught solving computing questions in the dining hall.

    He received the same sentence after pleading guilty with explanation. Three other suspects are to reappear in court on July 2, 2025.

    Belinda Yaa Adjeiwaa, a fashion designer from Techiman, was found with photocopied answers to the Computing Paper 2. She has been remanded into police custody.

    Haruna Mohammed, a teacher at Kintampo SHS, was caught with a mobile phone containing Social Studies questions during the exam. He is also on remand.

    Sadique Abubakar, another teacher, was caught with answers to the Computing Paper 1 Objective Test. He was granted court bail of GHS10,000 with two sureties and is expected back in court on the same date.

    Proprietor of The Big Six Educational Complex located at Meduma in the Kwabre East Municipality, Afoakwa Sarpong, has been apprehended over an alleged case of assault by imprisonment.

    On Monday, June 17, the Educational Director for Kwabre East Municipal, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, accompanied by Ms. Mavis Okyere Anane, Public Relations Officer of the Education Directorate, effected the arrest of Mr. Afoakwa Sarpong. 

    The arrest stems from a disturbing incident that occurred on 16th June during the just-ended Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). 

    Mr. Sarpong is said to have unlawfully prevented two Junior High School (JHS) candidates, whose names have been withheld, from writing the Mathematics paper, citing their failure to pay registration fees.

    Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect confined the two candidates in a separate room at the examination centre and released them only after the examination had concluded. He has been handed over to the Mamponteng District Police Command.

    A total of 603,328 candidates participated in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) that began on Wednesday, June 11, and ended on Wednesday, June 18.

    The candidates, comprising 297,250 males and 306,078 females, were from 20,395 schools.

    Ahead of the exams, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, entreated the candidates to remain focused and stay away from exam malpractices.

    Barely 72 hours after the commencement of the exams, the West African Examination Council announced that 10 individuals had been caught engaging in exam malpractice.

    “These 10 culprits have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Their actions are criminal under WAEC law, and the police will now work to prosecute them in court.”

    “There was one supervisor who had a mobile phone. He had taken smart shots of the questions and posted them on social media. In addition, six other invigilators were found with mobile phones containing pictures of the examination questions,” Head of Public Affairs John Kapi told JoyNews.

    The number of candidates that registered for this year’s BECE (SC) is 5.99% higher than the 2024 entry figure. 

    Overall, 569,236 candidates participated in the 2024 BECE, comprising 282,703 boys and 286,533 girls from 19,505 schools.

    Special accommodations were provided for 59 visually impaired candidates, 263 with hearing impairments, and 161 others requiring specific assistance.

    The exam took place at 2,123 centres nationwide, though 3,845 candidates were marked as absent.

    The BECE for Private Candidates had 1,390 participants, 750 males and 640 females, taking the exam at 15 centres across the country’s regional capitals. Among them, 57 candidates did not show up for the exam.

    Some 33 school candidates and 3 private candidates had their results withheld due to investigations into possible irregularities. WAEC also flagged subject results from 149 schools, pending further investigations into reported malpractices.

    Following thorough investigations, the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee, at its 35th meeting on October 16, 2024, decided to nullify the subject results for 377 school candidates and 3 private candidates.

    Also, two teachers were arrested in Jachie Pramso, Ashanti Region, over alleged examination malpractice, following the earlier arrest of three teachers and two residents in Bekwai.

  • GHC225 delinquency and infraction fee not new, I am enforcing old laws – DVLA boss

    GHC225 delinquency and infraction fee not new, I am enforcing old laws – DVLA boss

    Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has stated that fees charged for road traffic infractions and delinquency is an implementation of an existing law, not a new initiative by his administration.

    “These have been there since 2012. It is not my doing. Just that the level of enforcement then wasn’t as efficient as it is now,” he told Joy FM on the Super Morning Show.

    Mr Kotey explained that there were only six compliance officers working across the entire Greater Accra Region when he assumed office. This made it extremely difficult to enforce the laws effectively.

    “… Some regions don’t even have compliance at all. But we are supposed to ensure compliance. What will six compliance officers do for the whole of Greater Accra?” he asked.

    Addressing the challenge, Mr Kotey said he initiated a policy to boost the number of officers across the country. “So I made it a policy that I give each station 10 compliance officers. Based on the area they operate in, they know where they will go and stand and ensure compliance,” he explained.

    The DVLA is asserting that the enforcement process is what has made the public more aware of the infractions and delinquency fees now. Hence, delinquency and infraction fees are not news, but enforcement has improved.

    “So I am sure it is because I have equipped the compliance officers; that is why the public is now getting to know about this. But it’s been there for a very long time. I didn’t bring that,” he said.

    Mr Kotey further pointed out that these charges are backed by law and approved by Parliament. “It is part of the L.I. [Legislative Instrument]. And coming into office, Parliament has not amended any L.I. for me. The first L.I. we sent to Parliament is the commercialisation of motorcycles, so I have not even amended any L.I. when it comes to this,” he said.

    “These are fees approved by Parliament, and you can check the Traffic Regulation Act. So it is not my doing. I never implemented these. It’s been there already; it’s just that I have equipped my compliance officers to be more efficient and present on the road,” he added.

    The Compliance and Enforcement Unit of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has released a list of delinquency fees for various vehicle-and license-related infractions under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), with each offense attracting a fine of GHC225.00.

    Vehicle roadworthiness violations include altered vehicle body, rickety general body, torn or dirty seats, faulty seat belts, defective lighting or electrical systems, faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, expired stickers, smoky exhaust emissions, overloaded seating capacity, defaced or obscured number plates, fake customized plates, possession of fake documents such as VRC, Form A, Form C, or stickers, wrong use or expired DV/DP plates, fake vehicle registration, weak suspension, defective steering system, broken or missing driving mirrors or windshields, faulty wiper blades, missing bumper reflectors or wheel nuts, and the use of stylish plates or tinted front glass.

    Licence-related infractions include possession of a fake or expired driver’s licence, driving with the wrong class of licence or without a licence, failure to use prescribed glasses, use of expired or invalid Ghanaian or international permits, misuse of driver or learner permits, possession of fake or expired learner permits, driving as a learner without an instructor, instructor violations such as operating without a licence, handling multiple students, absence of a learner plate or instructor tag, affiliation with unapproved driving schools, unauthorized amendments without proper verification, using expired receipts for abandoned services, and lack of retro reflectors, warning triangle, or fire extinguisher.

    Meanwhile, Mr Neequaye Kotey, has announced that his outfit is preparing to roll out a new number plate system embedded with smart chips to enhance vehicle tracking and eliminate unregistered cars on Ghana’s roads.

    He told Joy FM on Thursday, June 19, that the move is part of efforts to modernise DVLA operations and clamp down on vehicles that enter the country without paying the appropriate duties, often using fake or cloned number plates.

    “We are changing the whole number plate system. We want to bring in plastic with a chip embedded in it. And that is what we are trying to put in place to do away with the ‘Togo cars’,” he explained.

    According to Mr Kotey, the new chip-enabled number plates will make it easier for security agencies to identify vehicles in real time.“When someone goes to do something bad and the person is running away, it is just about a gun they’ll use to shoot the number plate, and they’ll get every piece of information about the car,” he explained. “From wherever they are, the police or the compliance officer will just shoot a gun at the number plate, and it gives you all the information about the car,” he said.

  • Students were equipped to answer questions on King Paluta’s ‘Aseda’ song – WAEC

    Students were equipped to answer questions on King Paluta’s ‘Aseda’ song – WAEC

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has stated that language was never a barrier for students who wrote their BECE exams answering question on King Paluta’s Aseda song, composed in the Twi dialect.

    The student were made to answer the question, “King Paluta, whose real name is Thomas Adjei Wireko, is a Ghanaian musician known for combining traditional rhythms, storytelling and modern hip-hop beats in his music. One of his most popular songs, Aseda, carries deep messages that address important issues in the Ghanaian society. Identify two of these issues?” the question read. 

    This led a section of Ghanaians to raise concerns that some students may struggle to answer the question if they are unable to understand the message in the song.

    WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, explained that the students were prepared to expect to answer the question.

     “Language wouldn’t have been a barrier because teachers would have guided the students through it. In fact, the materials are provided to them ahead of time, giving them the opportunity to interpret and understand the content properly before the exam,” Kapi said. 

    He added that the inclusion of songs in exams is part of the Creative Arts and Music syllabus.

     “The issue about this, especially this aspect of the syllabus, is to have the candidates studied more like you study poetry or comprehension. The music is supposed to send a message or to bring something to the society. And so it is something that the candidates are supposed to have studied and then they should be able to, you know, put it in their own words and maybe tell the world what they have learned from this kind of music,” he stated.

    A total of 603,328 candidates participated in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) today, Wednesday, 11 June.

    Ahead of the exams, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, entreated the candidates to remain focused and stay away from exam malpractices.

    Barely 72 hours after the commencement of the exams, the West African Examination Council announced that 10 individuals had been caught engaging in exam malpractice.

    “These 10 culprits have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Their actions are criminal under WAEC law, and the police will now work to prosecute them in court.”

    “There was one supervisor who had a mobile phone. He had taken smart shots of the questions and posted them on social media. In addition, six other invigilators were found with mobile phones containing pictures of the examination questions,” Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, told JoyNews.

    During the period, several candidates sustained injuries due to accidents, and a life was lost. Eight BECE candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A JHS in the Northern Region were involved in a road accident on their way to write Tuesday’s paper (June 12) at the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) examination centre in the Sagnarigu Municipality.

    A supervisor accompanying the candidates, Mr Abdulai Mohammed, recounted that the accident happened after the tricycle’s steering reportedly locked, causing the rider to lose control and crash into the motorbike.

    “We got another means to carry them to the Tamale West Hospital, but because of the ongoing strike, it took a while before they managed to get two nurses and one doctor to attend to them.”

    “When we got to the centre, they had finished the first paper, and the students were coming out. We isolated our students so they could write, but unfortunately, they were denied,” Mr Mohammed explained.

    The candidates, comprising 297,250 males and 306,078 females, were from 20,395 schools.

    This year examination exercise was brought to completion on June 18.

    Ahead of the exams, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, entreated the candidates to remain focused and stay away from exam malpractices.

    Barely 72 hours after the commencement of the exams, the West African Examination Council announced that 10 individuals had been caught engaging in exam malpractice.

    “These 10 culprits have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Their actions are criminal under WAEC law, and the police will now work to prosecute them in court.”

    “There was one supervisor who had a mobile phone. He had taken smart shots of the questions and posted them on social media. In addition, six other invigilators were found with mobile phones containing pictures of the examination questions,” Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, told JoyNews.

    During the period, several candidates sustained injuries due to accidents, and a life was lost. Eight BECE candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A JHS in the Northern Region were involved in a road accident on their way to write Tuesday’s paper (June 12) at the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) examination centre in the Sagnarigu Municipality.

    A supervisor accompanying the candidates, Mr Abdulai Mohammed, recounted that the accident happened after the tricycle’s steering reportedly locked, causing the rider to lose control and crash into the motorbike.

    “We got another means to carry them to the Tamale West Hospital, but because of the ongoing strike, it took a while before they managed to get two nurses and one doctor to attend to them.”

    “When we got to the centre, they had finished the first paper, and the students were coming out. We isolated our students so they could write, but unfortunately, they were denied,” Mr Mohammed explained.

  • Diana Hamilton set to slay the runway in her DH by DH fashion showcase

    Diana Hamilton set to slay the runway in her DH by DH fashion showcase

    Multiple award-winning gospel musician Diana Hamilton is gearing up to model her clothing line, DH by DH, for the very first time.

    The “Adom (Grace) and Mo Ne Yo,” hitmaker, is headlining a new fashion exhibition titled The Vibranium Dream Runway to showcase her clothing brand.

     Diana Hamilton herself will grace the runway wearing pieces from her latest DH by DH collection.

    The event will be streamed live on Instagram via the official DH by DH and Diana Hamilton pages at 9 pm Eastern Time (EST), allowing fans across the globe to witness this historic moment.

    DH by DH is a fashion label that was launched in 2020, blending contemporary style with traditional African aesthetics

    It has gained popularity for it sharp tailoring and emphasis on grace and modesty.

    The gospel singer once responded to criticism about her choice of wearing wigs, asserting her right to personal expression.

    In an interaction with a listener, who questioned her stance on wigs and makeup, Hamilton was asked, “Men of God say makeup is not good, wigs are not good, and so on. Do you agree with them? Because I know your hair is not your natural hair.”

    In response, the award-winning artist replied, “Please ask him if he or she is wearing natural clothes?” She further added, “Tell him the wig I have on is for me; I bought it with my money.”

    Diana Hamilton has been bestowed with a traditional title in the Oti Region.

    In a video posted on Instagram on January 29, 2025, she announced her enstoolment as the ‘Nkosuohenmaa’ of Dodo-Tamale.

    The footage captured a significant moment where pastors prayed over her following the ceremony.

    During her visit to the region, Diana is also set to inaugurate a newly built five-unit classroom block, reinforcing her dedication to improving local communities.

    Following the news, many fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating this remarkable milestone in her journey.

  • Trolling behind ghost accounts is lack of boldness – MzGee

    Trolling behind ghost accounts is lack of boldness – MzGee

    Ghanaian media personality MzGee has described individuals who hide behind ghost accounts to troll people on social media as those who lack the courage to be bold.

    Her comments come on the back of an attack on social media after she shared a video of herself in a joyous mood.

    On her Gee O’clock show, the broadcaster questioned the courage of trolls who lack the guts to confront people with their real identities.

    “If you want to do drama, let’s do drama face-to-face. Don’t hide. If you’re going to be disrespectful, be bold enough to come with your real name and picture,” the broadcaster shared.

    “If you’re bold enough to go and insult people, come with your real face. Let’s see who we’re dealing with,” she stated. “Why do you go and create ghost accounts to talk trash? Me—who am I in the scheme of affairs—that you’d create a whole ghost account just to come and insult me?”

    MzGee condemned the practice as harmful, pointing out that anonymous accounts often encourage others the confidence to join in and spread insults online.

    She has also opened up about how women can sometimes be insensitive to their fellow women, particularly in the workplace.

    She recalled a moment early in her career when her commitment to chasing exclusive stories was downplayed by a colleague simply because she had no children.

    “I used to hop. Wherever there was an event, you’d find me there. Even if you didn’t invite me, I’d show up because I wanted to get exclusives,” she said on her Gee O’clock show.

    “One day, a colleague said, ‘Gee, you don’t have a child, so you’re all over the place. If you had a child, you wouldn’t have had the time to be roaming and scouting for news.’”

    MzGee described the remark as more than just a passing comment, noting that such statements could deeply hurt, especially if someone was quietly dealing with fertility struggles. She questioned how a woman advocating for empowerment could make such a comment to another woman.

    She further pointed out that women are often the ones behind body-shaming comments, sharing that she had personally suffered such attacks—mostly from other women.

    “I am a victim of body shaming, and it mainly came from women. I even had to write on my Facebook page that the rate at which women confidently body shame women is alarming. It gives men the pleasure to do same,” she noted.

    MzGee emphasized the need for a change in how women relate to each other, calling for kindness, grace, and respect.

    “I get excited when women are excelling… but the things women do to women!” she exclaimed. “You’ll see people who cannot go a day without makeup come and say ‘look at her face without makeup’… and it’s mostly women writing those ill, nasty comments.”

    She stressed that if women treated each other better, it would set a stronger standard that discourages men from disrespecting women.

    MzGee began her media journey in 2005 at Eagle FM while studying at Cape Coast Technical University.

    She later worked with Skyy TV, Pravda Radio, and TV3, before rising through the ranks in the media industry. In 2023, she joined Despite Media as the host of UTV’s United Showbiz.

  • Accident survival reminds me that life is truly a gift – Efe Grace

    Accident survival reminds me that life is truly a gift – Efe Grace

    Ghanaian gospel musician Efe Grace has expressed his gratitude to God for saving her from a deadly accident, which reminded her to appreciate the gift of life.

    She shared a video on her social media page showing the damaged state of her vehicle after the accident.

    She asserts that the accident could have ended her life but for the mercy of God.

    She wrote on Instagram, “I’m just here to say thank you, Jesus! Didn’t even know why this song kept coming to me, and just within 14 hours after ministration, this happens!! 

    “Today, l’m reminded that life is truly a gift and I just want to take a moment to publicly thank God.”  

    “I survived what could’ve been a fatal accident, and I know it was only by the mercy and grace of God.”

    “What the enemy meant for evil, God turned into a testimony. I’m still here, not by luck, but by divine protection. Thank You, Lord, for sparing my life. I will never stop giving You the Glory.”

  • Music is strictly the source of my wealth, not fraud – Shatta to critics

    Music is strictly the source of my wealth, not fraud – Shatta to critics

    Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has firmly stated that his music is his only source of wealth and not fraud.

    His comment comes in response to a section of Ghanaians associating him with fraud following the arrest of one of his close associates known as Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng, also known as Kofi Boat.

    “You people are watching my life, and anytime there is an issue in Ghana, you like to drag me into it.”

    “You guys are making a mistake with my name. I am a very clean boy. Just because your artiste, your industry favourite, cannot pull the kind of things I can pull, you assume I am into fraud. You are free to tell people I am into fraud.

    “One thing the white people coming here do is that they research. They are not stupid. They saw my Rolls-Royce and knew how I acquired the funds to purchase it. It’s music money. It’s not fraud; it’s hard work and dedication. So don’t make a mistake,” he said in a video spotted by The Independent Ghana on X.

    A secret FBI operation led to the arrest of Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, with possible extradition to the United States of America (U.S.A).

    Sources say he was “scooped up Rambo-style,” over his alleged involvement in fraudulent financial activities.

    Even though people have known him as a big player in the oil and gas business, rumors have it that he might have been involved in shady activities behind the scenes.

    Panic has reportedly gripped Accra’s elite social circles since the news broke.

    Some prominent figures allegedly involved in cryptocurrency, forex trading, and high-end real estate have also allegedly gone into hiding.

    Dada Joe Remix could stand trial and face significant legal consequences if convicted.

    Official details regarding his arrest and the nature of the charges are yet to be released.

    It will be recalled that in 2022, the Nigerian social media influencer, Ramon Abbas, who called himself Ray Hushpuppi and flaunted a lavish lifestyle supported by laundering millions of dollars was sentenced in Los Angeles to more than 11 years in federal prison.

    Ramon Abbas, 40, was also ordered by a federal judge to pay $1.7m in restitution to two fraud victims, according to a statement from the United States Department of Justice.

    Abbas was “one of the most prolific money launderers in the world,” Don Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, said in the statement.

    Prosecutors said Abbas and a Canadian man laundered money from various online crimes, including bank cyberheists and business email compromise, or BEC, a prolific crime in which crooks hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone they’re not, and fool victims into wiring money where it doesn’t belong.

    Abbas had more than two million Instagram followers before he was arrested in 2020 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

    His social media posts showed him living a life of luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars, and high-end clothes and watches.

    “I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path,” read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

  • OLAFM is the only media house I’ll accept for interviews – Showboy

    OLAFM is the only media house I’ll accept for interviews – Showboy

    Ghanaian musician Sam Sarfo, better known as Showboy, has stated that he will not grant interviews with any media house apart of OLAFM.

    He acknowledges the media house as a support system to his music career, along with a few others he did not mention.

    “I will always go where I’m cherished the most. I don’t want to be invited to any platform unless it’s OLAFM or a few others that genuinely support me,” he stated.

    He has also made it known that his music does not thrive on promotions by media houses like Adom Tv, YFM, and Okay FM.

    “I run my own media house. I promote my music myself whenever I release something new, and I mind my business,” he said.

    The musician shared a sobering message with the youth, urging them not to be misled by the flashy lifestyle he portrays on social media, particularly on Snapchat.

    In an emotional interview on Neat FM, Showboy confessed to the poor life choices he made and the deep regret he feels for the path he took, despite what may appear glamorous online.

    “They use me to advise kids at home. Don’t be like Showboy; it won’t help you because I didn’t live a good life. It is God who has blessed me and given me a second chance. Do not follow me and think that my lifestyle is beautiful; I don’t sleep at night,” he said candidly.

    The former AMG Business co-founder admitted that although he presents a flashy image online, the reality behind the scenes is far from the picture he paints for his followers.

    He stressed that the social media image many admire is a façade and a misleading representation of his life.

    “Music and this lifestyle are nothing, and do not watch me wrongly and think I am happy. If you watch me on Snapchat, you know I don’t even sleep. This is not what I want, but I don’t have a choice,” Showboy revealed.

    Reflecting on his past, Showboy explained how he had the opportunity to build a better future while living in America, but chose the wrong path. He regretted not listening to his mother’s advice to pursue education, which ultimately led him to make choices that landed him in prison.

    “I had the chance to live in America and do better for myself. My mom told me to go to school, but I didn’t listen and I chose the criminal side of life, a fast life that took me to prison,” he recalled.

    Though he is now trying to rebuild his life through music, Showboy admitted that his future feels uncertain. The pressures of his current life have led him to a dark place, with the rapper sharing his struggles with mental health.

    “Now I am here trying to do music, and if the music doesn’t go well, it’s suicide I will be going to commit,” he confessed, opening up about the mental toll his situation has taken on him.

    Showboy also revealed his desire to completely change his career, appearance, and life choices. He expressed regret over his signature dreadlocks and even spoke of a dream to return to school and become a lawyer.

    “Left to me alone, I would have shaved my entire hair. This dreadlocks I don’t even like, and if I have a new job, I would shave my entire hair,” he said. “I want to go back to school, I want to be a lawyer. If you are watching me, I don’t want to be like this. I want to be in a suit and tie in parliament. I want to do something better.”

    Through this candid revelation, Showboy hopes to steer young people away from making the same mistakes he made, emphasizing the importance of making wise life choices and not following the false narratives seen on social media.

  • A reality show by Ghanaians will do well with  good production team -Fantana

    A reality show by Ghanaians will do well with good production team -Fantana

    Ghanaian musician, Fantana has stated that its about time Ghanaians own a reality show.

    She made this known in an interview with Star FM, while discussing her feature in the popular reality series, Young, Famous & African.

     “I think it’s about time Ghanaians had their reality show. It would do well if the right team and production are involved. And of course, it would be even better if I were in it.” she told the media.

    Questions were raised by the host about just how personal reality shows can become — and whether they end up causing actual tension off-screen.

    Fantana shared that, “I’ve had issues with people during the show, but we always find a way to settle things by the end of the season. If I’m wrong, I always apologize. That’s how I deal with conflict.”

    Netflix’s Young, Famous & African star Fantana looked beautiful in the before and after makeup transformational video that is trending on Instagram.

    The pretty daughter of Ghanaian politician and member of parliament for Jomoro constituency Dorcas Affo-Toffey wore a stylish lace gown to a private event.

    Some social media users have applauded the talented makeup artist for making Fantana stand out at the event with her flawless makeup look.

  • Davido’s manager marries girlfriend  Leona Adesanya

    Davido’s manager marries girlfriend Leona Adesanya

    Davido’s manager, Asa Asika, has wed his lover, Leona Adesanya, in a glamorous UK church wedding.

    The ceremony was held on June 17, 2025, and attended by close friends

    Not only was Davido present, but he also played the role of a groomsman at the event.

    Asa also appeared in a classic black suit, and Leona in a graceful white gown, as they exchanged vows.

    The couple were smiled and walking down the aisle while loved ones cheered them on.

    Davido, visibly moved, described the moment as a “true celebration of love and loyalty,” highlighting his bond with Asa and his support for the new chapter in his manager’s life.

    In a 202 interview on Joey Akan’s Afrobeat Intelligence Podcast, Asa Asika shared how his journey with Davido began.

    He said he doesnt even remember the first time they met as they were just teenagers at the time.

    Asa was schooling at Whitesands, and Davido was at British Internationational School (BIS).

    Some students moved between the two schools, so they had mutual friends.

    “There was this guy called David who made music,” Asa recalled.

    Eventually, their mutual friends encouraged them to work together.

    Davido was already passionate about music, and Asa had some experience managing artists.

    He had work with singer YQ, who was signed to Storm360, a record label owned by Asa’s uncle, Obi Asika.

    Their friends could see that a collaboration made sense.

    At that time, though, Davido wasn’t thinking of becoming an artist.

    He just wanted to produce music and run a record label.

    But things changed in the year 2010 when Davido reached out to Asa and said he was ready to try singing.

    Asa was working on his first on his first song, Back When, which he finished in Nigeria and featured rapper Naeto C — Asa’s cousin — on it. That moment marked Asa Asika’s first real step into artist management. He was only 20 years old and became Davido’s manager.

    Together, they built the foundation for HKN Music, Davido’s first record label. Under Asa’s guidance, Davido dropped hits like Back When and Dami Duro, which quickly made him one of the biggest names in Nigerian music.

    Watch video below:

  • 2025 BECE ends today

    2025 BECE ends today

    The 603,328 candidates in Junior High Schools (JHS) who began writing this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) on Wednesday, 11 June, bring it to completion today, June 18.

    The candidates from 20,395 schools comprised 297,250 males and 306,078 females. Pregnant girls, lactating mothers, and prison inmates all participated in this year’s exams.

    Ahead of the exams, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, entreated the candidates to remain focused and stay away from exam malpractices.

    Barely 72 hours after the commencement of the exams, the West African Examination Council announced that 10 individuals had been caught engaging in exam malpractice.

    “These 10 culprits have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Their actions are criminal under WAEC law, and the police will now work to prosecute them in court.”

    “There was one supervisor who had a mobile phone. He had taken smart shots of the questions and posted them on social media. In addition, six other invigilators were found with mobile phones containing pictures of the examination questions,” Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, told JoyNews.

    During the period, several candidates sustained injuries due to accidents, and a life was lost. Eight BECE candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A JHS in the Northern Region were involved in a road accident on their way to write Tuesday’s paper (June 12) at the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) examination centre in the Sagnarigu Municipality.

    A supervisor accompanying the candidates, Mr Abdulai Mohammed, recounted that the accident happened after the tricycle’s steering reportedly locked, causing the rider to lose control and crash into the motorbike.

    “We got another means to carry them to the Tamale West Hospital, but because of the ongoing strike, it took a while before they managed to get two nurses and one doctor to attend to them.”

    “When we got to the centre, they had finished the first paper, and the students were coming out. We isolated our students so they could write, but unfortunately, they were denied,” Mr Mohammed explained.

    Assin South District Education Director, Isaac Opoku, confirmed the demise of a 14-year-old Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate, Awudu Gariba, who was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Assin Fosu Polyclinic on Friday, June 13.

    The Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School student, according to reports, showed unrest last Thursday at the exam hall and was rushed to the Adiembra CHPS compound but was denied medical care as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) was still in motion.

    Two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates of Big Six International School, located at Meduma in the Ashanti Region were also denied the chance to write their Mathematics paper after being locked in a room by their headmaster over unpaid school fees.

    According to reports, the headmaster issued a directive barring the students from participating in the exams unless their outstanding fees were settled. After the students defied the order and attempted to proceed to the exam centre, they were locked in a room on the school premises, causing them to miss the Mathematics paper.

    Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Onyina-Akyeampong Akwasi Gyamfi, has taken a strong stance against the detention of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates by the headmaster of their school.

    He has formally reported this incident to the police and “expects the individual responsible to face the consequences of his actions.” “It’s alarming to learn that a similar situation arose at this school last year, and I’m committed to pursuing this case vigorously,” Mr Gyamfi assured.

    The number of candidates that registered for this year’s BECE (SC) is 5.99% higher than the 2024 entry figure. 

    Overall, 569,236 candidates participated in the 2024 BECE, comprising 282,703 boys and 286,533 girls from 19,505 schools. Special accommodations were provided for 59 visually impaired candidates, 263 with hearing impairments, and 161 others requiring specific assistance.

    The exam took place at 2,123 centres nationwide, though 3,845 candidates were marked as absent. The BECE for Private Candidates had 1,390 participants, 750 males and 640 females, taking the exam at 15 centres across the country’s regional capitals. Among them, 57 candidates did not show up for the exam.

    Some 33 school candidates and 3 private candidates had their results withheld due to investigations into possible irregularities. WAEC also flagged subject results from 149 schools, pending further investigations into reported malpractices.

    Following thorough investigations, the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee, at its 35th meeting on October 16, 2024, decided to nullify the subject results for 377 school candidates and 3 private candidates.

    Also, two teachers were arrested in Jachie Pramso, Ashanti Region, over alleged examination malpractice, following the earlier arrest of three teachers and two residents in Bekwai.

    To avert the cancellation of results and legal issues, WAEC has urged this year’s candidates and teachers to avoid engaging in exam malpractices.

  • PUFA-Ghana commends GRNMA for suspending strike

    PUFA-Ghana commends GRNMA for suspending strike

    The Private Universities Founders Association of Ghana (PUFA-Ghana) has expressed deep appreciation to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for suspending its recent nationwide strike.

    PUFA-Ghana describes the decision as a mark of maturity and dedication to dialogue.

    In a statement signed by President of PUFA-Ghana and Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College, Dr Paul Fynn, GRNMA’s action reflects their commitment to peaceful engagement and the well-being of the Ghanaian public.

    “We fully appreciate the conditions of service challenges faced by members of the GRNMA and wish to express our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the strike,” the statement read.

    PUFA-Ghana also extended gratitude to the government and other stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, for engaging with GRNMA leadership to resolve the issue.

    It emphasized that while grievances are valid, no strike action should ever cost a Ghanaian life, especially when critical services like maternal and emergency care are at stake.

    The association, which describes itself as non-partisan and development-driven, called for a range of long term interventions to prevent future strikes in the health sector.

    Among the key recommendations are that;

    • There should be a constant Health Sector Consultative forum between the Ministry of Health, Union leaders and healthcare administrators to pre-emptively address 3grievances early before they become
      aggravated.
    • PUFA appeals to the Government to consider publicly declaring a stay in the court processes concerning the strike, in recognition of the bGRNMA suspension of the strike and as a sign of goodwill.
    • Predictable and timely processes and procedures for salary negotiations, working condition reviews and other urgent matters in
      consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General’s Department and labour.
    • Strengthen the health workers’ welfare programs to attract and retain health workers and volunteers, if any.
    • To strengthen the oversight bodies to monitor the implementation of agreed arrangements and to foster stakeholder engagement and
      accountability.
    • Develop and implement appropriate incentives for private sector participation in health care delivery, subject to proper checks and balances.

    PUFA-Ghana pledged its readiness to support the development of these interventions with professional input and reiterated its commitment to working with the government, health sector unions, and other stakeholders in safeguarding public health.

    Read full statement below:

  • Gov’t to boost prison-based ventures for self-reliant correctional economy

    Gov’t to boost prison-based ventures for self-reliant correctional economy

    Minister for Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming the Prisons Service into a modern correctional facility that focuses on rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration.

    Speaking at the passing-out parade of Recruit Course 125 at Ankaful Prison Officers’ Training School in the Central Region, the minister pointed out that correctional facilities must become centers of reform and not just detention.

    The minister stated, “It is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in national security and human capital. When we empower an inmate with employable skills, we reduce the opportunity for that inmate to re-offend. Rehabilitation and reformation do not occur in isolation but must be linked to purposeful activity.”

    To give practical effect to this policy, Honourable Muntaka announced that the government will scale up support for prison-based ventures, such as carpentry, tailoring, agriculture, and industrial operations, including bottled water production, which will be central to a sustainable, self-reliant correctional economy.

    The minister also directed all institutions under the Ministry of Interior to prioritize the purchase of bottled water and toilet rolls produced by the Ghana Prisons Service.

    This, he said, will not only reduce the financial burden on the state but also generate revenue and promote inmates’ productivity.

    He reassured the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service of the government’s unwavering support, emphasizing that their commitment goes beyond improving logistics and infrastructure to reforming the very foundation of correctional practice in Ghana.

    Honourable Muntaka urged the new officers to serve with integrity, compassion, and professionalism, and assured them that their actions would reflect the high standards of the Service and the trust the nation has placed in them.

    Stakeholders have expressed concerns over congestion in Ghana’s prisons, as well as the treatment meted out to inmates. The quality of food and a healthy environment have been a challenge for the Prisons Service.

    Former Member of Parliament for Tano North constituency, Honourable Freda Prempeh raised concerns over the persistent congestion in Ghana’s prisons, despite longstanding discussions about reforms aimed at decongesting facilities and improving conditions for inmates.

    The former legislator, who previously served as a prison officer, noted inadequate budgetary allocations, low feeding rates for inmates, a growing remand population, poor healthcare delivery, unsanitary conditions, and the absence of reformation, learning, and vocational training facilities.

    In addition, she pointed to poor working conditions for prison staff, a lack of decent accommodation for personnel, and slow judicial processes that prolong the stay of remand prisoners. The former legislator also expressed concern over the absence of an electronic national database to track and manage inmate records effectively.

    To address these challenges, she proposed the construction of prison hospitals and clinics in every region with an inmate population of 1,000 or more. She stressed that these facilities should be equipped with adequate staffing and logistics to deliver quality healthcare to inmates.

    While advocating for long-term infrastructure development, she also recommended that existing prison infirmaries be adequately resourced in the interim. 

    She called for the Ghana Prisons Service to be supported with logistics to take over the transportation of remand prisoners to court, a responsibility that could help expedite trials and ease overcrowding.

    The former MP further suggested the construction of separate detention centers to house remand prisoners and convicts separately, a move he believes will aid ongoing decongestion efforts. She also proposed that inmates nearing the end of their sentences be transitioned into halfway houses, community restitution programs, and work-release centers.

    Government officials have initiated talks on the possible relocation of the Kumasi Central Prisons as part of a broader strategy to tackle congestion in both the correctional facility and the city of Kumasi.

    Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has disclosed that although the proposal has not yet been formally presented to President Mahama, preliminary engagements are ongoing.

    The Kumasi Central Prisons, originally built to accommodate 500 inmates, is currently housing more than 1,700, placing immense strain on both infrastructure and personnel.

  • Hail your man if he’s striving to become successful – Wendy Shay tells ladies

    Hail your man if he’s striving to become successful – Wendy Shay tells ladies

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

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

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

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

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

    During an appearance on UTV’s ‘UCook With Empress Gifty’, Wendy Shay revealed that the emotional pain from her breakup led to the creation of the popular track.

    She emphasized that heartbreak is a universal experience, affecting both celebrities and ordinary people alike.

    When asked about the breakup, Wendy Shay humorously remarked that ending the relationship was one of the best decisions she ever made, expressing her happiness and contentment.

    She explained that her busy schedule and dynamic lifestyle might have contributed to the split, advising those with demanding careers to find a balance to maintain their relationships.

    “Relationships require hard work and attention,” she noted. “Without balance, all your efforts can go to waste.”

    Currently, Wendy Shay is single and enjoying her freedom, focusing on herself and her career. She proudly shared that ‘Survivor’ has gained significant popularity in South Africa, becoming one of the biggest Ghanaian songs there.

    Released in 2022, ‘Survivor’ was produced by MOG Beatz, with its official music video directed by Prince Dovlo.

    See the post below:

  • Current performance of the dollar gives me peace – Agya Koo Nimo

    Current performance of the dollar gives me peace – Agya Koo Nimo

    Renowned highlife maestro, Agya Koo Nimo, has stated that he feels calm in his old age now because of the current value of the dollar.

    Responding to the question of what gives him peace lately, Agya Nimo told Kafui Dey in an interview that, “I’ll say the dollar, the way the dollar is coming down is good.”

    According to him, he is at peace because the appreciation of the cedi has helped strengthen the economy and made life sustainable for Ghanaians.

    “We are all with it. It should even come down more,” he said.

    Since the start of 2025, the cedi has appreciated by roughly 40–50% against the US dollar, one of the best‑performing currencies globally in 2025.

    It strengthened from around GHS15/USD in January to about GHS10–GHS10.30 by mid‑June.

    This appreciation has helped ease inflation, leading to cheaper imports and fuel as well as an increased purchasing power.

    Meanwhile, Ghanaian highlife artiste, Kuami Eugene, has disclosed that he is losing value on the US dollars he has saved because the cedi is appreciating.

    He jovially took to social media to cry out to the President, urging him to slow down the cedi’s appreciation.

    “We beg Pres. John Mahama for slow down small , my dollar reserves all dey go waste,” he wrote.

    Similarly, renowned Kumawood actor Kwaku Manu expressed excitement over the recent appreciation of the cedi.

    According to the actor, this will affect several travelers, including himself; however, the strengthening of the Ghana cedi is ultimately good news for Ghanaian traders.

    He praised President John Mahama for his hard work in less than a year since he came into power.

    “One thing I want to say is that if we put politics aside, President John Mahama is really working since he came back to power. He is really working hard. Whenever I travel abroad, I normally return to Ghana to change some dollars I get over here. Since I came here, I have always checked the dollar”.

    “I know it will affect me when I come back home, but I am happy. I am happy because if you are in Ghana and if you want to buy a ticket to China, the USA, or other countries, you will struggle. Since the dollar has come down, it will help many travelers, especially the traders,” he said in a video he shared on Instagram.

    Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, continues its upward momentum on the interbank market, registering notable gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar.

    As of Friday, May 26, the average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business showed the US dollar buying at GHS10.39 and selling at GHS10.40.

    The British pound is buying at GHS14.09 and selling at GHS14.11. The euro is currently being bought at GHS11.82 and sold at GHS11.83.

    He has also appealed to President John Mahama to pass a law that prohibits citizens from hurling insults at prominent persons such as the president, Asantehene, and others in the country.

    He asserts that such individuals at least deserve a one-year jail term to serve as a deterrent to others who exhibit such bad manners online.

  • Ghana is full of informal groups with no unifying vision – SamDakus 

    Ghana is full of informal groups with no unifying vision – SamDakus 

    Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker, Samuel Darko, popularly known as SamDakus, has argued that what is often referred to as the creative industry is fragmented with no unified authority in place to manage, streamline or enforce standards across key areas such as film production, distribution, and screening.

     He pointed out that groups like the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) and the Actors Guild are simply fragmented bodies operating in silos, with no overarching system or policy direction.

    During an engagement with SeanCity TV’s  Ruthy Mummy DeNelson,  the filmmaker stated, “An industry is built on structure, governance, funding systems, and standards. But in Ghana, all we see are informal groups with no unifying vision.”

    The filmmaker has concluded that; “There’s no movie industry in Ghana. What we have here are just mere associations. Nothing is structured, nothing is regulated,”

    SamDakus was the visionary for the once-thriving Kumawood Awards, but were abruptly halted.

    According to him, the Kumawood Awards were suspended due to a lack of sponsorship and support from his own people within the Kumawood film space, particularly in Kumasi.

    “I didn’t stop the awards because I wanted to. I had to suspend it because there was no money, no sponsorship. But what broke me the most was the zero support from the very people I was organizing it for,” SamDakus shared.

    Popular Kumawood actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, known in the entertainment industry as LilWin, also opened up about the financial struggles of Ghana’s film industry, revealing that many filmmakers are forced to fund their productions due to a lack of investors.

    In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, LilWin emphasized that the film sector is grappling with financial constraints, which has left actors and producers with no choice but to invest their own resources to keep the industry alive.

    “At the moment, our industry is struggling mainly due to a lack of investment. This has forced some of us to finance our own film productions,” he stated.

    Despite these challenges, LilWin encouraged his colleagues to take control of their careers by exploring filmmaking and directing rather than relying solely on acting opportunities.

    “I encourage my colleagues to take action because you can’t sit idle, waiting for a producer to give you a role. If you have what it takes, create your own movie,” he advised.

    Having personally experienced the burden of self-financing, LilWin noted that all his projects have been executed without external financial support.

    “Today, I can proudly say that all my movies and TV productions were financed solely by me, without any external backing. So you can imagine the quality I could achieve if I had an investor supporting me,” he added.

  • Zagazaa Empire signs US-based gospel musician Paappa Yawson

    Zagazaa Empire signs US-based gospel musician Paappa Yawson

    US-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Paapa Yawson, known in private life as Enoch Ansah, is steadily gaining global recognition with his distinctive sound and inspirational message.

    Currently signed to the renowned Zagazaa Empire Records, one of Africa’s leading music labels, he poised to elevate his career to new levels.

    Paappa Yawson, who has carved a niche for himself in the urban gospel space, is widely celebrated for his hit single “Nsu Mma Me”, which continues to receive significant airplay and attention across multiple platforms.

    Additionally, Paappa Yawson has teamed up with none other than Kofi Kinaata, popularly known as the “King of the West,” for what is being described as a masterpiece in the making.

    The collaboration is expected to fuse lyrical depth with spiritual inspiration—hallmarks of both artists.

    Paappa was nominated for four prestigious awards at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards USA.

    The announcement was made on April 15, 2023, and it has since created a buzz in the Ghanaian music scene.

    Paappa Yawson is a versatile artist who has been making waves in the music industry for a while now.

    He has consistently released hit songs that have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. His unique style of music, which blends the modern SDA style, has garnered a lot of attention and praise from music lovers.

    The Ghana Music Awards USA is an annual event that celebrates the best of Ghanaian music and recognizes the contributions of artists, producers, and other stakeholders in the industry. This year’s edition promises to be a spectacular event, as some of the biggest names in Ghanaian music have been nominated for various awards.

    Paappa Yawson’s nominations were in the following categories: Best Gospel Song, Best Gospel Video, Best Collaboration, and New Artist of the Year. These nominations were a testament to his talent and hard work, and they came at a time when he was poised to take his music to the next level.

    The Best Collaboration nomination was his collaboration with the popular Ghanaian heavyweight gospel musicians Obaapa Christy, Mark Anim Yirenkyi and Great Ampong on the song “Mmobroni Dua” off his One Day EP.

    The track has been a massive hit since its release and has earned Paappa Yawson a lot of recognition and praise.

  • Report uncovers $11.4bn loss due to gold export gap in Ghana

    Report uncovers $11.4bn loss due to gold export gap in Ghana

    A new investigation by Swissaid has uncovered massive financial losses in Ghana’s gold sector, revealing that billions of dollars are slipping through the cracks due to widespread smuggling.

    The gold, mostly mined by small-scale operators, is being illegally moved out of the county with much of it ending up in Dubai without going through official export channels.

    According to the report made public on June 11, 2025, a staggering gap of 229 metric tons worth an amount of $11.4 billion between what Ghana reports as gold exports and what importing countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, record over five years.

    According to the findings, a large amount of this gold is being hand-carried or shipped as undeclared cargo on flights into Dubai, taking advantage of lax rules that do not require gold brought in by individuals to be declared.

    The head of the Sahel Programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, who studies artisanal mining and regional insurgencies, said;

    “This is just the tip of the iceberg. Hand-carried gold does not have to be declared in Dubai. Informal gold is mostly brought in on flights,” the foundation said.

    The smuggling routes often run through neigthbouring countries like togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali, exploting weak border controls before the gold makes it way to UAE.

    A top official of Ghana’s Mineral Commission admitted the issue, describing it as a “notorious fact.”

    Yet, the Ministry of Finance has remained silent, offering no response to inquiries about the growing losses.

    The problem appears to have worsened after Ghana introduced a 3% witholding tax in 2019, aimed at regulating smale-scale exports.

    Instead of helping, the tax pushed many miners to go underground causing kegal exports.

    Instead of helping people to follow rules, the tax pushed many miners to hide their gold trade and smuggle it out of the country.

    In response, the government lowered the tax to 1.5% in 2022 and eventually removed it altogether in March 2024.

    This move, led by then Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, led to a boost in officially recorded exports this year.

    Swissaid’s report estimates that in 2023 alone, around 34 metric tons of gold went unreported—an amount almost equal to all the officially declared production by artisanal miners.

  • Excuse ‘sick’ Stephen Ntim from party politics and active office duty – Family to NPP

    Excuse ‘sick’ Stephen Ntim from party politics and active office duty – Family to NPP

    The family of the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Stephen Ntim, has stated that it is imperative that their relative take a temporary break from his duties due to health-related concerns.

    A letter from his family dated June 16 to the leadership of the NPP indicated that Mr Ntim has received medical advice to take a hiatus from any activity that could impede his recovery.

    According to the family, they deem it appropriate at this point to protect the health and well-being of Mr Ntim by letting him step back from his responsibilities, including chairing upcoming party meetings, following his many contributions to the party.

    “…in compliance with his professional medical advice and in cognizance of his demanding office, we, the family members, do hereby request that Mr. Ntim be temporarily excused, not only from active office duty, but also from outright party politics until further notice,” the letter indicated.

    Mr. Stephen Ntim has been dedicated to the party for decades, rising through the ranks from 1st National Deputy Chairman to his distinguished service as the current National Chairman.

    His family emphasized that although the condition has not been officially disclosed, it is widely known that Mr Ntim is unwell and needs time off for medical attention and monitoring.

    The NPP is, however, yet to issue an official response regarding the temporary absence of their chairman.

    Last month, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced that Mr Stephen Ayensu Ntim had temporarily stepped aside from the party’s nationwide ‘Thank You Tour.’

    In a press release issued on Thursday, May 1, by the NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, the party clarified that Mr Ntim’s absence was due to “other equally important commitments” and assured that he will rejoin the tour in due course.

    The statement emphasised that the chairman “remains fully committed to the tour” and dismissed any suggestions that he may be abandoning the exercise.

    The NPP’s tour, aimed at expressing gratitude to its grassroots support base, had not gone without scrutiny.

    It is unknown the exact illness Mr Ntim is currently battling.

    Read letter below:

  • Event organizers don’t profit from ticket sales but from exhibitions – Latif Abubakar

    Event organizers don’t profit from ticket sales but from exhibitions – Latif Abubakar

    Renowned Ghanaian playwright Latif Abubakar has stated that revenue from the sale of tickets is not enough to cover the cost of production.

    “I always say tickets are insignificant to the cost of a production. The amount we charge for tickets is very small. You can’t depend on ticket sales to produce your events,” he told Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z on June 14, 2025.

    He shared a strategy he uses, besides ticket sales, to raise enough funds to support his events.

    “I create a portfolio of exhibitions where companies exhibit their wares and pay me,” he noted.

    Latif has advised organisers to endeavor to seek alternative funding sources such as sponsorships, partnerships, and investor support, stressing the importance of building a diversified income strategy.

    Latif Abubakar is also the CEO of Globe Production, who successfully staged a production titled ‘Ghana Must Go,’ on May 27th at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    For the many people in the audience, this was the first time they were seeing a stage play that focused on Ghana’s culture and the need to grow as a nation.

    Sharing his inspiration behind the production, Latif said;

    “Two years ago, a diplomat asked if there was a script that captured the essence of Ghana—its people, culture, investment opportunities, and tourist attractions. When I replied ‘no,’ it sparked a creative journey that led to ‘Ghana Must Go,” he explained.

    Latif Abubakar highlighted that the play aimed not only to entertain but also to edcate all while celeberating Ghana’s cultural wealth and core values.

    He also acknowledged the steady progress of Ghana’s theatre industry but estimated that its’ currently operating ast just 35% of it full potential.

    The playwright believes that stronger media backing could raise the profile of theatre in Ghana and encourage more people to engage with this important art form.

    Actor Adjetey Anang, who plays a key role in the production, expressed deep appreciation to the audience for their support.

    He stressed the importance of supporting playwrights to help advance Ghana’s theatre industry and secure its future growth.