The Ghana Education Service has suspended Mr Mfon Richard Tibetor, a teacher at Okadjakrom Senior High School in the Oti Region, following misconduct involving a female student.
In a press release dated Ghana Education Service indictaed itt was awared of a troubling video circulating on social media that allegedly implicated the teacher
The Service condemned the act, describing it as “unacceptable, unethical, and a clear violation of the professional code of conduct for teachers.”
According to the statement, Mr Tibetor has been barred from accessing the school compound while innvestigations continue.
The Ghana Education Service reassured parents, guardians and the public that student welfare and protection remain its highest priorioty, emphasizing that any staff member guilty of misconduct that undermines dignity and saftety “will face the full rigours of the law in accordance with the GES Code of Conduct.”
The release further noted that the Ghana Education Service is dedicated to upholding discipline, professionalism and the safeguarding of children across all school nationwide.
Meanwhile, on Monday, September 30, the Ghana Education Service (GES) announced the removal of the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of KNUST Senior High School, Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo, from office over alleged misconduct.
He was seen in a viral video with a female student in a compromised position. In response, management of GES released a statement declaring their stance on the matter.
“Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr. Aidoo has already been removed from office, and prohibited from going to the school while thorough investigations are being carried out,” the statement read.
Speaking to the media, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, indicated that her ministry is working to ensure Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo is arrested in the coming days.
“The recent one is the report of the female student at KNUST with the assistant headmaster. Even though GES through the school dismissed him, we are collaborating with the police to effect the arrest of the perpetrator,” she added.
The GES assured the general public, stakeholders, parents, and students that due process will be followed, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Ghana Education Service.
The case involving the dismissed Assistant Headmaster and the female student comes at a time when many senior high school graduates, especially females, have declared their intention to live a promiscuous lifestyle after school.
Several viral videos that have surfaced also show some female Senior High School graduates announcing their intentions to date married men. Reacting to these videos, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) cautioned SHS graduates against posting indecent and irresponsible content on social media, warning that such actions could damage their future prospects.
In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday, September 25, the agency noted, “Irresponsible content can severely damage one’s academic, career, and professional prospects.”
Additionally, the Authority warned that such actions could pave the way for cyberbullying, harassment, grooming, and other forms of digital exploitation. “As Ghana continues to progress in its digital transformation, the CSA emphasises the importance of promoting positive digital citizenship among the youth.”
On the other hand, the Ministry for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has announced a decline in financial losses from cybercrime this year, despite rising online threats.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 edition of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) on Wednesday at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Auditorium, the sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed that from January to June 2025, the country recorded GHS 14.9 million in cybercrime-related losses, compared to GHS 23.3 million in the previous year.
According to the Minister, online scams, fraud, blackmail, and unauthorized access account for the majority of cybercrime-related financial losses in Ghana.
The Ministry of Education has announced plans to implement a subject-Specific Artificial Intelligence App in Senior High Schools to enhance the delivery of the new Senior High Schools curriculum, without compromising the ethical and cultural values of Ghana.
According to a statement shared on the Facebook page of the Ghana Education Service, the design of Apps, which aim to support over 68,000 teachers in delivering the new curriculum to over 1.4 million learners, was co-created by the Ghana Education Service (GES), the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the National Teaching Council (NTC), the National School Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) and the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) and Playlab Al with support from Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning (T-TEL) and Mastercard Foundation.
“Built on Ghana’s own curriculum materials, including teacher manuals, learner resources, and frameworks for national values, gender equality and social inclusion, the Subject-Specific-Apps are designed to help teachers plan lessons and develop assessments more efficiently while ensuring alignment with national standards,” a part of the statement indicated.
It further stated that the Subject-Specific Apps are being introduced through the weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions organized by GES in all 712 SHS.
Adding that, these sessions provide a platform for teachers to collaborate, test the tools, and provide feedback ensuring that Al supports teachers and does not replace their expertise.
The Ministry has therefore outlined a four-phase testing process to ensure the Subject-Specific Apps are effective and appropriate. This includes a Technical Accuracy Review to verify curriculum alignment, an Educational Quality Review to assess pedagogical soundness, a User Experience Review to pilot functionality in schools and a Regional Testing to evaluate readiness for nationwide implementation.
In 2023, the Ghana Education Service, under the leadership of former Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, launched a digital platform known as the Learning Passport as part of efforts to integrate technology into the country’s education system.
The initiative was designed for pupils from Basic 1 to 3 to enhance learning both in and outside the classroom. Through the Learning Passport, children could access their syllabus online with support from their teachers, while parents were given tools to monitor their progress step by step.
At the launch, some students demonstrated how the platform worked. Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu, described it as Ghana’s first digital initiative tailored to the needs of pupils at the basic level.
“You believe that in our homes, the 2 and 3-year-olds are chasing after phones because their cartoons are resting on our digital infrastructure. So they are already having a feeling for digital technologies. So we can take them out. We want to introduce them, and get them to play with it and then they grow up with it,” he said.
He emphasized that children were already exposed to digital devices at home, and the Learning Passport provided a structured way to channel this interest into meaningful learning.
The audience was guided through the sign-up process on the website, Ghana.learningpassport.org, which required basic parental information to ensure the platform was used safely under adult supervision. Parents could also track their children’s academic performance through the system’s analytics.
The official launch featured a symbolic moment where a pupil from Haatso Presby Basic School, Tracy, joined the minister to unveil the program.
Sharing her excitement about the initiative, she said, , “I am very happy to be here today for launching of the learning passport. Learning passport has really helped me and i recommend it to you.”.
Dr. Adutwum echoed her words, describing it as a great opportunity provided through collaboration with UNICEF.
“What better way to launch this program with recommendation from a student, the end user. Today I am excited to join Tracy in launching the Learning passport. Consider it duely launched by Tracy and the Minister for Education,” the former minister said.
The Learning Passport was developed by UNICEF and rolled out in Ghana through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS). The platform evolved from the President’s Special Initiative on Distance Learning (PSI-DL), established in 2002 to merge ICT with education.
At the time, Dr. Adutwum urged headteachers to embrace technology to strengthen teaching and improve cognitive skills, with the broader goal of producing a generation of critical thinkers capable of applying knowledge beyond memorization.
The Bono East Regional Police Command has arrested a man for operating an unlicensed clinic in his residence at Yeji Zongo in the Bono East Region
According to a release shared on the facebook page of the Ghana Police Service and signed by ASP Appiah Danquah, the suspect, identified as Hanson Osei, was arrested on 28th September 2025 after Police, acting on intelligence, proceeded to his residence where he had converted a chamber-and-hall room into a clinic.
The Police revealed that, during interrogation, “the suspect admitted that he had been operating the clinic for the past eleven (11) years without authorization from any recognized medical school or licensing authority”
Adding that, a search of the premises uncovered several used clinical items, including needles, malaria injection bottles, infusion rubber sachets, and other medical materials.
The Police therefore put Mr Hanson Osei before the Tuobodom District Court on 30th September, 2025.
He has since been remanded to reappear on 6th October, 2025.
Earlier in September, a man posing as a medical doctor at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) was reported to the police after arousing suspicions among hospital personnel.
The middle-aged individual, known as Williams Cyril Kohen, underwent questioning by hospital staff during their regular rounds, leading to the verification of their concerns.
Following this development, the suspect was handed over to the hospital’s police post, which subsequently transferred the case to the Central Police Command for further investigation.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Kwame Frimpong, conveyed that the institution had implemented security measures aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future.
“At KATH, it is very difficult for people to come and claim that they are doctors and start working there because that is not how the thing works. We have a team-based system where all the team members are known and also remember that it is a training institution so most of the time the people who join us are our former students and so it is a very close-knit community and the team members are known to each other. So you cannot just be part of the team out of the blue. And because patients are allocated to teams you cannot go to any patient when you are not part of the team.”
“Again, we have this electronic medical records system where every member of the medical staff has a password specific to them, and you have to use this system to attend to patients, to review the cases, and to give prescriptions for medicine to be dispensed. Once you don’t have the password because you are not a staff or member of the medical teams you cannot even attend to the patient,” he stated.
In 2019, the Medical and Dental Council arrested a suspected quack Doctor at Anyinam in the Eastern Region.
The suspect, Kankam Nkrumah, was caught red-handed at the consulting room of Yesukrom Medical Center Practicing Medicine without a license.
Information gathered by Starr News indicated that, the Investigative Unit of the Medical and Dental Council, led by the Administrative Manager, Bright Atsu Fuglo and Desmond Asamoah, on January 21, 2019, stormed the community to undertake its routine headcount of licensed practitioners, medical Doctors, Physician Assistants, and certified registered Anaesthetists at Anyinam.
Nonetheless, during the exercise, they noticed the suspect Nkrumah Kankam sitting in the consulting room, allegedly practicing medicine without a license.
He was questioned and subsequently arrested and handed over to the Anyinam Police.
The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the arrest to Starr News when contacted. He said the Police retrieved 15 patient folders and one stethoscope as exhibits while investigations continued.
Also, in 2023, six people in the Kumasi metropolis were arrested for dealing in fake herbal products.
Their arrest was carried out as a result of a collaboration between the Ashanti Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Police.
The swoop, which targeted dealers in unregistered herbal products, formed part of routine market surveillance conducted by the Authority to clamp down on perpetrators.
The culprits, who had been granted bail pending further investigations, include two community information centre operators and four herbal product dealers.
Mr. John Laryea Odai-Tettey, the Regional Head of FDA, speaking to the media after the exercise, said the Public Health Act, 2012 mandated the FDA to ensure food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemical substances, blood, blood products, and tobacco were wholesome for public consumption.
He said the Authority had the responsibility to ensure the safety and quality and standards of such products as prescribed by the Act.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that products under our regulation and being sold for public consumption and use are registered, and that is why we embark on market surveillance to check the safety of the products,” he noted.
He said beyond the registration of the regulated products, his outfit had the duty to keep an eye on the market to fish out persons producing sub-standard versions of registered products.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people do not go to accredited health facilities to seek healthcare, but rather patronise some of these products without verifying their safety,” he pointed out.
Mr Odai-Tettey said the activities of the perpetrators were inimical to public safety and called on the public to support the FDA to flush out such miscreants for the good of the general population.
He said doors of the FDA were opened to manufacturers of herbal and other regulated products to submit their products for scrutiny to ensure they were safe for public consumption.
He said failure by manufacturers to submit their products for verification amounted to the violation of the Act and cautioned that the FDA would go after such recalcitrant manufacturers in the interest of public health.
He advised the public to patronise products from registered and recognised dealers such as pharmacies and licensed over-the-counter chemical sellers for their own safety.
Wholesalers and retailers of herbal products must also ensure they purchase from licensed manufacturers in order not to be victims of the operations of the FDA, he stated.
Actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Temi Otedola, has revealed that she got married to singer and music executive, Mr Eazi because he is her favourite person.
She walked down the aisle in Iceland to say “I do” to the singer on August 8, 2025 in a simple but classy wedding ceremony.
In a conversation with BBC News Pidgin, Temi shared with joy that she has numerous reasons to have said “I do” to Mr Eazi.
“Too many…as she burst into laughter. First and foremost he is my best friend, that’s my person, And i think when you meet your persn you know, I cant imaging spending the rest of my life with anybody else. Heisthe person I am excited and can’t wait to spend everyday with and build our lives together and work through our ups and downs together, celeberate togtherband solve problems tiogwether. He is simply my person so we are just excited for what is to come,” the billionaire’s daughter shared.
Meanwhile, Temi Otedola, who is now Temi Ajibade, has commented on the upcoming release of her father’s book stating that the time has come for the world to glean from his father’s business experiences.
In an interview with the BBC, Temi said, “My dad has a wealth of wisdom and I’ve been very fortunate as his daughter that I’ve been able to, gleam and learn all of this information growing up with him,” she said
“But I believe he thought it was time that the public learn and understand his journey as an entrepreneur and as a businessman.”
Actress and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola has shared reason behind her decision to keep details of her life away from the public.
She and Mr Eazi maintained a low profile throughout their courtship, engagement, and marriage, only to surprise the public with the news of their union solemnization.
Temi shared in an interview with the BBC that, it’s not necessarily about privacy. “I think it’s more about owning your own narrative.”
According to her, there is power in living a quiet life as it gives one the power to control narratives.
“And there’s something about, you know, moving in silence that allows you to, to have certain control over things. It allows you to, yeah, to build the narrative you want,” Temi stated.
For her, it’s empowering to choose when and how to share personal details of life.
“And also you’re able to share when you feel you’re ready to share, when you want to share and share it in the way you want to share it.”
“So I think all of those things are kind of why I’ve always been someone to, to share, whether it’s a work project or personal news, I share it in my own time,” Temi Otedola shared..
Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, officially tied the knot with actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola Temi Otedola, in a private and intimate ceremony in Iceland after their near decade relationship.
News of their marriage ceremony emerged after Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi shared clips on his Instagram Story which captured the musician having a good time with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in Iceland.
The wedding was held at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík, with just a few friends and family in attendance.
Adorned with flowers and closed to the public, the venue reflected the couple’s enduring wish to keep their love story — and the details surrounding it — away from the public eye
The second daughte of the Nigerian millionaire was wore a sleek white satin gown with a square neckline, delicate straps, and a modest train. She paired it with minimal jewelry, just diamond studs and a simple bracelet with a soft and natural makeup, and her hair styled in a low, elegant chignon.
Her partner, Mr Eazi also rocked a crisp white shirt paired with a classic black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers. His look was clean, tailored, and understated, with no flashy accessories.
Mr Eazi first publicly confirmed his relationship with Temi Otedola in a 2017 Channel 4 News interview titled “Stories of My Life on African Instrumentals”.
In that conversation, he spoke about his music journey and casually acknowledged his relationship with Temi.
This was after rumours had began about their relationship following their chemistry in public and frequent appearances together.
Temi later confirmed the relationship herself, through her lifestyle blog and social media posts. Their bond became more visible when she featured Mr Eazi in her YouTube series.
Subsequently, Temi confirmed that they met at a DJ Cuppy event, which she had hosted for her sister.
It got official when the duo announced their engagement in April 2022, when the actress posted a 38-second video of the proposal on Instagram.
Social media buzzed after . Also in attendance were Temi’s sister, DJ and music producer Florence Otedola—popularly known as DJ Cuppy, their mother, Nana Otedola and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.
Following the emergence of their wedding photos and videos, the couple have received congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities across Africa, celebrating not only the love story between two stars but also the blending of music, film, and high-profile business worlds.
Profile of Temi
Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola was born on March 20, 1996, into one of Nigeria’s most prominent families. She is the youngest daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and his wife Nana Otedola. Her siblings include Tolani, a singer; DJ Cuppy, a DJ and music producer; and Fewa, her younger brother.
Temi spent much of her childhood in London, where she attended boarding school in Kent and later studied Art History at University College London.
In 2014, she launched her fashion and lifestyle blog JTO Fashion, which documents her travels, style, and beauty inspirations. The blog quickly gained popularity and helped establish her as a fashion influencer.
Temi made her acting debut in 2020 in the Nollywood film Citation, directed by Kunle Afolayan. She played the lead role of Moremi Oluwa, a university student navigating a sexual harassment case. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2021.
She later starred in The Man for the Job (2022) and is set to appear in Ms. Kanyin (2025), a supernatural thriller. Despite not attending formal acting school, Temi has been praised for her natural talent and screen presence.
Temi is also a podcaster, co-hosting How Far with her now-husband Mr Eazi, a Nigerian singer and entrepreneur.
In 2024, she became the first Nigerian Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris.
She currently lives between Lagos and London, balancing her work in fashion, film, and media.
Profile of Mr Eazi
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, professionally known as Mr Eazi, was born on July 19, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He grew up in Lagos in an entrepreneurial household—his father is a pilot and aviation consultant, and his mother ran a small business. From a young age, Mr Eazi was surrounded by music, often listening to records his father played during family breakfasts.
At age 16, he moved to Ghana to study Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). While at university, he founded Swagger Entertainment, a party and promotion company, and began dabbling in music. His first notable appearance was on the track My Life, which became popular on campus.
In 2013, he released his debut mixtape About to Blow, followed by Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos in 2017, which featured hits like Skin Tight and Leg Over. Mr Eazi pioneered a genre he calls Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions, which helped him stand out in the Afrobeats scene.
Beyond music, Mr Eazi is a savvy entrepreneur. He launched emPawa Africa, a talent incubator that has supported rising African artists like Joeboy. He’s also ventured into tech, e-commerce, and even gold mining. In 2022, he graduated from Harvard University, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted creative and businessman.
Mr Eazi is signed to Mad Decent and Universal Music Group, and his music has earned him awards including the Next Rated award at The Headies and recognition at the WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards.
Actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Temi Otedola, has revealed why she accepted to marry singer and music executive, Mr Eazi.
She walked down the aisle in Iceland to say “I do” to singer and music executive, Mr Eazi, on August 8, 2025 in a simple but classy wedding ceremony.
In a conversation with BBC News Pidgin, Temi shared with joy that she has numerous reasons to have said Ido Mr Eazi.
“Too many…as she burst into laughter. First and foremost he is my best friend, that’s my person, And i think when you meet your persn you know, I cant imaging spending the rest of my life with anybody else. Heisthe person I am excited and can’t wait to spend everyday with and build our lives together and work through our ups and downs together, celeberate togtherband solve problems tiogwether. He is simply my person so we are just excited for what is to come,” the billionaire’s daughter shared.
Meanwhile, Temi Otedola, who is now Temi Ajibade, has commented on the upcoming release of her father’s book stating that the time has come for the world to glean from his father’s business experiences.
In an interview with the BBC, Temi said, “My dad has a wealth of wisdom and I’ve been very fortunate as his daughter that I’ve been able to, gleam and learn all of this information growing up with him,” she said
“But I believe he thought it was time that the public learn and understand his journey as an entrepreneur and as a businessman.”
Actress and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola has shared reason behind her decision to keep details of her life away from the public.
She and Mr Eazi maintained a low profile throughout their courtship, engagement, and marriage, only to surprise the public with the news of their union solemnization.
Temi shared in an interview with the BBC that, it’s not necessarily about privacy. “I think it’s more about owning your own narrative.”
According to her, there is power in living a quiet life as it gives one the power to control narratives.
“And there’s something about, you know, moving in silence that allows you to, to have certain control over things. It allows you to, yeah, to build the narrative you want,” Temi stated.
For her, it’s empowering to choose when and how to share personal details of life.
“And also you’re able to share when you feel you’re ready to share, when you want to share and share it in the way you want to share it.”
“So I think all of those things are kind of why I’ve always been someone to, to share, whether it’s a work project or personal news, I share it in my own time,” Temi Otedola shared..
Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, officially tied the knot with actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola Temi Otedola, in a private and intimate ceremony in Iceland after their near decade relationship.
News of their marriage ceremony emerged after Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi shared clips on his Instagram Story which captured the musician having a good time with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in Iceland.
The wedding was held at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík, with just a few friends and family in attendance.
Adorned with flowers and closed to the public, the venue reflected the couple’s enduring wish to keep their love story — and the details surrounding it — away from the public eye
The second daughte of the Nigerian millionaire was wore a sleek white satin gown with a square neckline, delicate straps, and a modest train. She paired it with minimal jewelry, just diamond studs and a simple bracelet with a soft and natural makeup, and her hair styled in a low, elegant chignon.
Her partner, Mr Eazi also rocked a crisp white shirt paired with a classic black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers. His look was clean, tailored, and understated, with no flashy accessories.
Mr Eazi first publicly confirmed his relationship with Temi Otedola in a 2017 Channel 4 News interview titled “Stories of My Life on African Instrumentals”.
In that conversation, he spoke about his music journey and casually acknowledged his relationship with Temi.
This was after rumours had began about their relationship following their chemistry in public and frequent appearances together.
Temi later confirmed the relationship herself, through her lifestyle blog and social media posts. Their bond became more visible when she featured Mr Eazi in her YouTube series.
Subsequently, Temi confirmed that they met at a DJ Cuppy event, which she had hosted for her sister.
It got official when the duo announced their engagement in April 2022, when the actress posted a 38-second video of the proposal on Instagram.
Social media buzzed after . Also in attendance were Temi’s sister, DJ and music producer Florence Otedola—popularly known as DJ Cuppy, their mother, Nana Otedola and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.
Following the emergence of their wedding photos and videos, the couple have received congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities across Africa, celebrating not only the love story between two stars but also the blending of music, film, and high-profile business worlds.
Profile of Temi
Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola was born on March 20, 1996, into one of Nigeria’s most prominent families. She is the youngest daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and his wife Nana Otedola. Her siblings include Tolani, a singer; DJ Cuppy, a DJ and music producer; and Fewa, her younger brother.
Temi spent much of her childhood in London, where she attended boarding school in Kent and later studied Art History at University College London.
In 2014, she launched her fashion and lifestyle blog JTO Fashion, which documents her travels, style, and beauty inspirations. The blog quickly gained popularity and helped establish her as a fashion influencer.
Temi made her acting debut in 2020 in the Nollywood film Citation, directed by Kunle Afolayan. She played the lead role of Moremi Oluwa, a university student navigating a sexual harassment case. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2021.
She later starred in The Man for the Job (2022) and is set to appear in Ms. Kanyin (2025), a supernatural thriller. Despite not attending formal acting school, Temi has been praised for her natural talent and screen presence.
Temi is also a podcaster, co-hosting How Far with her now-husband Mr Eazi, a Nigerian singer and entrepreneur.
In 2024, she became the first Nigerian Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris.
She currently lives between Lagos and London, balancing her work in fashion, film, and media.
Profile of Mr Eazi
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, professionally known as Mr Eazi, was born on July 19, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He grew up in Lagos in an entrepreneurial household—his father is a pilot and aviation consultant, and his mother ran a small business. From a young age, Mr Eazi was surrounded by music, often listening to records his father played during family breakfasts.
At age 16, he moved to Ghana to study Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). While at university, he founded Swagger Entertainment, a party and promotion company, and began dabbling in music. His first notable appearance was on the track My Life, which became popular on campus.
In 2013, he released his debut mixtape About to Blow, followed by Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos in 2017, which featured hits like Skin Tight and Leg Over. Mr Eazi pioneered a genre he calls Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions, which helped him stand out in the Afrobeats scene.
Beyond music, Mr Eazi is a savvy entrepreneur. He launched emPawa Africa, a talent incubator that has supported rising African artists like Joeboy. He’s also ventured into tech, e-commerce, and even gold mining. In 2022, he graduated from Harvard University, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted creative and businessman.
Mr Eazi is signed to Mad Decent and Universal Music Group, and his music has earned him awards including the Next Rated award at The Headies and recognition at the WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards.
Ghanaian Singer, Dennis Nana Dwamena, popularly known as KiDi has revealed that the feedback he gets from people about his love life says that he is naturally not a romantic person.
According to the “Gyal Dem Sugar” singer in an interview on Hitz FM, he commits to having dialogues and effectively communication when the need be, however he does not do too much to come accross as a romantic individual.
“I am not romantic in real life. I don’t think I am. I don’t think that if you’re describing me, you put me as romantic. Like I am loving. I have love in my heart, but I am not that kind of guy who will come and stand by your window and be singing to you in the rain,” he said.
Responding to the question of “what do the ladies say about you regarding romantic or loving?”
KiDi stated that, “I’m emotionally mature in a way, like communication, like we can talk, can dialogue if there’s a problem, we can advise each other.
“I give really good advice, especially in a loving way, and a way to do it for it to touch the heart, for people to hear you without it becoming like conflict,” he added.
Ghanaian singer KiDi has revealed his current relationship status and intentions regarding marriage.
During an appearance on Joy Prime Time, he noted that he not in a committed relationship currently.
However, in due time, he will get married to his yet-to-be-found love of his life.
“KiDi is getting married, but we don’t know if it’s soon. It’s something I want one day, but I don’t know if I’m ready for it yet,” he shared candidly.
Responding to the question on how he handles advances from ladies in hisn music career.
The ‘Touch it” hitmaker said, “There’s no rule book on how to deal with these things; just grace and making sure that you’re disciplined,” he said.
He has also made it clear that a woman’s sexual history plays a significant role in whether or not he would consider her for marriage.
Speaking on the Rants, Bants and Confessions podcast, the “Likor” hitmaker stated that while he has no problem with a woman’s body count in a casual relationship, he thinks differently when it comes to a lifelong commitment.
“If we’re just having a good time, having fun, I don’t care. But if you’re someone I’m going to call mine, it matters,” he said.
KiDi explained that when he envisions a future with someone, her past matters to him—not just physically, but emotionally. He believes that multiple intimate connections could leave behind emotional baggage that might affect a committed relationship.
“I don’t want to walk into a space and see all the guys eyeing each other. I don’t want a woman who has given her body and soul to too many people, because when I meet you, I feel like I’m meeting a very degraded version of yourself,” he added.
His comments have stirred mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his perspective while others find it controversial.
Months ago, the award-winning artiste,came to terms with the narrative that life cannot be lived to meet the expections of every single human being.
He says he has learnt to detach himself from negativities online and the opinions of people as he advances in life.
Speaking on the“Talk No Dey Cook Rice podcast, the Afropop sensation acknowledged the emotional toll that coem with fame and social mediaa, but noted that he has learned to stay focused and unbothered by unecessary pressure.
“Once I began to understand that I’ll never please everybody, life became easier,” KiDi told host Derick Elorm Ashilevi.
“Even if I give someone 1 million, they’ll ask why it wasn’t 1 million, they’ll ask why it wasn’t 2 million. Some people are just unhappy, they hate themselves and project that onto others,” the musician stated.
The “Lomo Lomo” hitmaker, who recently bagged the Best Collaboration of the Year at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music (TGMA) for his song with Black Sherif, emphsized that many online critics are simply projecting their frustrations through the their trolls.
“There are people out there who will come onto social media and say something to you; it’s not personal… They woke up this morning, they’ve not eaten. You’ve come to put there that ‘hey stream my music’. He’ll come and say Look at this Kwasia, why will I stream your music’. It’s not personal. He’s angry inside about something that’s happening in his personal life. He’s just projecting it onto me.
“It’s not personal,” he added. “They’re angry about their own lives and take it out on you.”
KiDi recently shared that he has decided to stop wearing skinny trousers due to the unwanted attention his private area received
The Ghanaian singer explained that people frequently fixated on his lower body when he wore tight pants, even highlighting it in social media comments.
In a Pure FM interview, KiDi revealed, “People always paid attention to my loads anytime I wear skinny trousers. The attention is always down there. They will draw that place out and talk about it the whole time. That’s why I stopped wearing skinny trousers and now opt for the baggy type,” he disclosed.
He also mentioned that loose-fitting pants offer the added benefit of better airflow and comfort.
Despite the attention, KiDi expressed confidence in his body, stating, “I wear loose trousers now because it doesn’t highlight my goods anymore. It also enables fresh air to blow me down there.
“I like my body type and wouldn’t want to be anything else.”
His well-endowed physique has often drawn notice at events, particularly on red carpets, further contributing to his decision to favor more relaxed clothing.
Ghanaians traveling to the United States (U.S) have been advised by President John Dramani Mahama not to exceed the visa duration.
He warned that such practices undermine opportunities for others, and could reverse diplomatic gains with the United States.
While addressing newly commissioned Ambassadors and High Commissioners at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, October 1, the President clarified that the U.S. decision to lift visa restrictions on Ghana was the outcome of high-level negotiations that hinged on assurances to tackle the problem of visa overstays.
“Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration.”
“One of the key points in our negotiation with the U.S. authorities was our agreement to address the issue of overstayers who travel on student visas and others who travel as part of official government delegations,” President Mahama said.
The President reiterated that overstaying affects not just individuals but the wider Ghanaian traveling community.
“Those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back, because you affect everybody else,” he urged.
Last month, visa restrictions imposed on Ghanaian nationals by the United States (U.S.) were officially lifted by the U.S. government. This information was contained in a post on the U.S. Embassy in Ghana’s official X (formerly Twitter) page on Saturday, September 27.
Prior to this announcement, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had written on the X platform that “I am really pleased that months of high-level diplomatic negotiations has led to a successful outcome. I am really pleased that months of high-level diplomatic negotiations has led to a successful outcome”.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel, are now valid for up to five years with multiple entries, while F1 student visas are valid for up to four years with multiple entries. For F1 student visas, the Consular stated that the maximum validity has changed from a single entry with three months expiration to four years with multiple entries.
“The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that the maximum validity periods for all categories of nonimmigrant visas for Ghanaians have been restored to their previous lengths. The maximum validity allowed for the B1/B2 visitor visa is again five years, multiple entry. The maximum validity for the F1 student visa is again four years, multiple entry,” it indicated on X.
It will be recalled that the US imposed visa restrictions on Ghana and other countries in July this year. The affected countries were slapped with a maximum three-month single-entry visa and other limitations. In the specific case of Ghana, the Trump Administration said they were reacting to many years of visa overstays, mainly by students.
In July, the U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs limited the number of entries and duration given under non-immigrant visa classifications.
Ghanaian visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas covering business and tourism travel, will be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months. It emphasized that they can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry.
The guidelines were published under the U.S. Visa, which revealed that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.
It noted that the F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months.
Additionally, diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.
The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.
The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months.
All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
In reaction to the US’ new policy that affects Ghana and Nigeria, the Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, quizzed whether or not Ghana and Nigeria can retaliate.
“Given the scale and scope of the restrictions this time around now, citizen interest is likely to be much higher putting pressure on the government to openly discuss the measures it intends to take in response,” he noted while revealing how diplomatic channels resolved similar actions by the US in the past.
He called on the government to provide statistics on whether or not US citizens coming to Ghana do not get long-term, multiple-entry visas as often as Ghanaian citizens visiting the US do.
“Thus, they are trying to frame the issue as one of “reciprocity”. Something that, per policy, they ought to review regularly. Our governments should publish stats on this. Is it true or not?”
“The visa regimes of some other places Ghanaians like to visit, like Europe, China, and the Middle-East, are not any more liberal. Getting long-term, multiple-entry visas for these places has been quite hard. It may be hard to justify retaliation against the US when visa rules for other places seem just as tight or even tighter. Except, of course, that there is no rule that says that retaliation must be symmetrical,” he added.
The development comes at a time when U.S. President Donald J. Trump has imposed a fifteen percent (15%) ad valorem tariff on Ghana’s exports.
This means that Ghanaian goods shipped to the U.S. will be charged a 15% tax based on their price. Thus, a product at $100, would be $115 as a result of the $15 tariff. The U.S. government explains that the new development forms part of the efforts to protect its economy, as the country buys more goods from other countries than it sells to them.
According to the Executive Order, “These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m.” The policy is expected to reflect on Ghanaian goods entering the U.S. in the coming days, which will affect many countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar.
Also, countries such as South Africa and Libya face a 30 percent tariff, while Tunisia will face a 25 percent steeper duty. Meanwhile, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Ghana’s Trade Ministry are yet to react to the new tariff. The new tariff adjustment comes at a time when the Ghanaian government is implementing tax reforms to ensure the elimination of successive charges of taxation that increase the cost of goods and services.
Although the measure is premised on the principle of reciprocity, President Trump insisted in the executive order that the United States had been unfairly disadvantaged by trade barriers erected by other countries. This policy affects numerous Ghanaian exports, notably those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously allowed duty-free access to the U.S. market.
Ghanaian officials have criticized the move, arguing that the U.S. cannot claim the tariffs are to protect domestic industries. Ghana is not facing the issue in isolation; as such, the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are coordinating a collective response.
Some African nations, such as Lesotho, could face import duties of up to 50 percent. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to provide duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. market, remains in effect but faces new scrutiny in light of the latest U.S. trade policy shift.
In 2022, two-way trade between AGOA members and the US exceeded $46 billion, with $13.5 billion more in imports than exports. That year, AGOA recipients exported $30 billion worth of goods to the US, of which $10.2 billion were sold under the duty-free AGOA preference.
However, with AGOA’s framework set to expire in September, there are growing concerns that the Trump administration’s stance may hinder any renewal. The U.S. government in May announced a new 10% tariff on exports, but the then U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, insisted that the new global tariff adjustments could benefit Ghana, unlike other countries.
In an interview with Citi News on Monday, May 26, she explained that the 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. is in favor of Ghana, as the nation’s key exports, oil and gas, are not affected, as it is imposed on rival countries.
“There were 10% applied globally, which the new US administration has taken, that may in the short term [be] to Ghana’s advantage, vis-à-vis its competitors. Oil and gas, which is being [a] major exporter to the US, is not subject to the tariff. If Ghana faces a 10% tariff, Bangladesh and Vietnam face 47% and 63%,” she said.
According to her, Ghana is currently in a better position in the U.S. market as compared to 60 countries that are facing a much higher rate of the 10% imposed tax. “There were 60 countries where tariffs were much higher than 10%, which may be an advantage for Ghana in the near term. I hope that Ghana will be the one making that point to the American legislature when it expires at the end of September [2025],” she added.
Virginia Palmer therefore urged the country’s leadership to seize the advantage to persuade the U.S. government to renew a trade benefit before its expiry in September this year. She emphasized that Ghana remains a valued partner. Trade analysts, on the other hand, suggest the U.S. is unintentionally nudging African countries toward deeper engagement with China.
In July, The U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs limited the number of entries and duration given under non-immigrant visa classifications.
Ghanaian visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas—covering business and tourism travel—will be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months. They can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry. The updated guidelines, published under the U.S. Visa, reveal that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.
F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months. Diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.
The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.
The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months. All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked reports that it is responsible for the United States government’s revision of the reciprocity schedule for a considerable number of African countries, including Ghana.
The ministry noted that, consistent with bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request. “Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to limited validity of their passports,” a statement released by the Ministry read.
Besides the maximum five-year multiple visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry 6-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year visas based on various considerations. From January 2025 to date, 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C., and New York. Out of this, 28,626 are multiple-entry visas to Ghana.
The statement further indicated that “The official statistics clearly demonstrate that, contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders, consistent with our bilateral arrangements.”
Management of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has announced that Ghanaian seafarers are losing their jobs due to new Seafarer Identity Documentation and visa restrictions.
According to the Authority, Ghanaian seafarers are in high demand worldwide, but recent restrictions, including U.S. visa policies and Brazil’s insistence on updated identification, have cut short some contracts and discouraged recruitment.
At a brief ceremony held to host the Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, during her official tour, the Director General of the Authority, Naval Capt. Kamal-Deen Ali (Retired) underscored the harsh impact of the restriction while lauding the government for resolving the U.S. Visa issue.
“When the US Visa restriction was introduced, most of our seafarers were now losing their jobs. Either their contracts were being terminated or their ability to renew was becoming a challenge. You must have a Visa for major countries when you are being employed as a seafarer and US is one of the major countries. In the case of crew ships as many as over 50% of crew ships will definitely dock in the United States several times in a year so when you are a seafarer on board then you must have a visa.”
“The maritime sector is international. Luckily for us in Ghana our seafarers are counted as one of the best in the world. We rank in the first five.” Capt. Rtd Kamal Deen noted.
Since Brazil is one of the countries with a high docking record of shipping lines, Capt. Rtd Kamal Deen is hopeful that a resolution will soon be reached regarding the Brazil situation.
“For the Brazil situation it has to do with a special card that comes with a chip. It is part of global requirement but we are yet to migrate unto that system as a country. So, we’d appreciate a waiver which will allow other identification documents while the country works to migrate to that platform.”
Monitoring and coordinating inland and offshore maritime activities has become increasingly costly, given the extensive oversight responsibilities of the Authority as mandated by the Ghana Maritime Authority Act, 2002.
The Authority has therefore called on the government for support to ensure effective maritime control and regulation.
“In the long term, we believe that we’d need government support especially in the area of clearing tree stumps in our in-land waters, which often causes accidents and the mapping of inland water areas.”
Meanwhile, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Deputy Minister for Transport, has pledged her full support to the Authority and commitment to continuous engagement.
The visit by Deputy Minister forms part of efforts to familiarize herself with agencies under her ministry.
Some of the core duties of the Ghana Maritime Authority include Maritime Safety & Security, Seafarer regulation and certification to ensure compliance with global standards marine pollution control, just to list a few.
The Authority said it will continue to enhance collaboration with other maritime bodies such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, the Ghana Navy, Volta River Authority and others to improve Ghana’s maritime industry.
It will be recalled that the US imposed visa restrictions on Ghana and other countries in July this year. The affected countries were slapped with a maximum three-month single-entry visa and other limitations. In the specific case of Ghana, the Trump Administration said they were reacting to many years of visa overstays, mainly by students.
In July, the U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs limited the number of entries and duration given under non-immigrant visa classifications.
Ghanaian visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas covering business and tourism travel, will be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months. It emphasized that they can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry.
The guidelines were published under the U.S. Visa, which revealed that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.
It noted that the F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months.
Additionally, diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.
The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.
The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months.
All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
In reaction to the US’ new policy that affects Ghana and Nigeria, the Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, quizzed whether or not Ghana and Nigeria can retaliate.
“Given the scale and scope of the restrictions this time around now, citizen interest is likely to be much higher putting pressure on the government to openly discuss the measures it intends to take in response,” he noted while revealing how diplomatic channels resolved similar actions by the US in the past.
He called on the government to provide statistics on whether or not US citizens coming to Ghana do not get long-term, multiple-entry visas as often as Ghanaian citizens visiting the US do.
“Thus, they are trying to frame the issue as one of “reciprocity”. Something that, per policy, they ought to review regularly. Our governments should publish stats on this. Is it true or not?”
“The visa regimes of some other places Ghanaians like to visit, like Europe, China, and the Middle-East, are not any more liberal. Getting long-term, multiple-entry visas for these places has been quite hard. It may be hard to justify retaliation against the US when visa rules for other places seem just as tight or even tighter. Except, of course, that there is no rule that says that retaliation must be symmetrical,” he added.
The development comes at a time when U.S. President Donald J. Trump has imposed a fifteen percent (15%) ad valorem tariff on Ghana’s exports.
This means that Ghanaian goods shipped to the U.S. will be charged a 15% tax based on their price. Thus, a product at $100, would be $115 as a result of the $15 tariff. The U.S. government explains that the new development forms part of the efforts to protect its economy, as the country buys more goods from other countries than it sells to them.
According to the Executive Order, “These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m.” The policy is expected to reflect on Ghanaian goods entering the U.S. in the coming days, which will affect many countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar.
Also, countries such as South Africa and Libya face a 30 percent tariff, while Tunisia will face a 25 percent steeper duty. Meanwhile, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Ghana’s Trade Ministry are yet to react to the new tariff. The new tariff adjustment comes at a time when the Ghanaian government is implementing tax reforms to ensure the elimination of successive charges of taxation that increase the cost of goods and services.
Although the measure is premised on the principle of reciprocity, President Trump insisted in the executive order that the United States had been unfairly disadvantaged by trade barriers erected by other countries. This policy affects numerous Ghanaian exports, notably those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously allowed duty-free access to the U.S. market.
Ghanaian officials have criticized the move, arguing that the U.S. cannot claim the tariffs are to protect domestic industries. Ghana is not facing the issue in isolation; as such, the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are coordinating a collective response.
Some African nations, such as Lesotho, could face import duties of up to 50 percent. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to provide duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. market, remains in effect but faces new scrutiny in light of the latest U.S. trade policy shift.
In 2022, two-way trade between AGOA members and the US exceeded $46 billion, with $13.5 billion more in imports than exports. That year, AGOA recipients exported $30 billion worth of goods to the US, of which $10.2 billion were sold under the duty-free AGOA preference.
However, with AGOA’s framework set to expire in September, there are growing concerns that the Trump administration’s stance may hinder any renewal. The U.S. government in May announced a new 10% tariff on exports, but the then U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, insisted that the new global tariff adjustments could benefit Ghana, unlike other countries.
In an interview with Citi News on Monday, May 26, she explained that the 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. is in favor of Ghana, as the nation’s key exports, oil and gas, are not affected, as it is imposed on rival countries.
“There were 10% applied globally, which the new US administration has taken, that may in the short term [be] to Ghana’s advantage, vis-à-vis its competitors. Oil and gas, which is being [a] major exporter to the US, is not subject to the tariff. If Ghana faces a 10% tariff, Bangladesh and Vietnam face 47% and 63%,” she said.
According to her, Ghana is currently in a better position in the U.S. market as compared to 60 countries that are facing a much higher rate of the 10% imposed tax. “There were 60 countries where tariffs were much higher than 10%, which may be an advantage for Ghana in the near term. I hope that Ghana will be the one making that point to the American legislature when it expires at the end of September [2025],” she added.
Virginia Palmer therefore urged the country’s leadership to seize the advantage to persuade the U.S. government to renew a trade benefit before its expiry in September this year. She emphasized that Ghana remains a valued partner. Trade analysts, on the other hand, suggest the U.S. is unintentionally nudging African countries toward deeper engagement with China.
In July, The U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs limited the number of entries and duration given under non-immigrant visa classifications.
Ghanaian visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas—covering business and tourism travel—will be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months. They can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry. The updated guidelines, published under the U.S. Visa, reveal that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.
F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months. Diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.
The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.
The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months. All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked reports that it is responsible for the United States government’s revision of the reciprocity schedule for a considerable number of African countries, including Ghana.
The ministry noted that, consistent with bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request. “Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to limited validity of their passports,” a statement released by the Ministry read.
Besides the maximum five-year multiple visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry 6-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year visas based on various considerations. From January 2025 to date, 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C., and New York. Out of this, 28,626 are multiple-entry visas to Ghana.
The statement further indicated that “The official statistics clearly demonstrate that, contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders, consistent with our bilateral arrangements.”
Actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Temi Otedola, who is now Temi Ajibade, has stated that the time has come for the world to glean from his father’s business experiences through the release of his new book.
In an interview with the BBC, Temi said, “My dad has a wealth of wisdom and I’ve been very fortunate as his daughter that I’ve been able to, gleam and learn all of this information growing up with him,” she said
“But I believe he thought it was time that the public learn and understand his journey as an entrepreneur and as a businessman.”
Actress and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola has shared reason behind her decision to keep details of her life away from the public.
She and Mr Eazi maintained a low profile throughout their courtship, engagement, and marriage, only to surprise the public with the news of their union solemnization.
Temi shared in an interview with the BBC that, it’s not necessarily about privacy. “I think it’s more about owning your own narrative.”
According to her, there is power in living a quiet life as it gives one the power to control narratives.
“And there’s something about, you know, moving in silence that allows you to, to have certain control over things. It allows you to, yeah, to build the narrative you want,” Temi stated.
For her, it’s empowering to choose when and how to share personal details of life.
“And also you’re able to share when you feel you’re ready to share, when you want to share and share it in the way you want to share it.”
“So I think all of those things are kind of why I’ve always been someone to, to share, whether it’s a work project or personal news, I share it in my own time,” Temi Otedola shared..
Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, officially tied the knot with actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola Temi Otedola, in a private and intimate ceremony in Iceland after their near decade relationship.
News of their marriage ceremony emerged after Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi shared clips on his Instagram Story which captured the musician having a good time with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in Iceland.
The wedding was held at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík, with just a few friends and family in attendance.
Adorned with flowers and closed to the public, the venue reflected the couple’s enduring wish to keep their love story — and the details surrounding it — away from the public eye
The second daughte of the Nigerian millionaire was wore a sleek white satin gown with a square neckline, delicate straps, and a modest train. She paired it with minimal jewelry, just diamond studs and a simple bracelet with a soft and natural makeup, and her hair styled in a low, elegant chignon.
Her partner, Mr Eazi also rocked a crisp white shirt paired with a classic black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers. His look was clean, tailored, and understated, with no flashy accessories.
Mr Eazi first publicly confirmed his relationship with Temi Otedola in a 2017 Channel 4 News interview titled “Stories of My Life on African Instrumentals”.
In that conversation, he spoke about his music journey and casually acknowledged his relationship with Temi.
This was after rumours had began about their relationship following their chemistry in public and frequent appearances together.
Temi later confirmed the relationship herself, through her lifestyle blog and social media posts. Their bond became more visible when she featured Mr Eazi in her YouTube series.
Subsequently, Temi confirmed that they met at a DJ Cuppy event, which she had hosted for her sister.
It got official when the duo announced their engagement in April 2022, when the actress posted a 38-second video of the proposal on Instagram.
Social media buzzed after . Also in attendance were Temi’s sister, DJ and music producer Florence Otedola—popularly known as DJ Cuppy, their mother, Nana Otedola and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.
Following the emergence of their wedding photos and videos, the couple have received congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities across Africa, celebrating not only the love story between two stars but also the blending of music, film, and high-profile business worlds.
Profile of Temi
Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola was born on March 20, 1996, into one of Nigeria’s most prominent families. She is the youngest daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and his wife Nana Otedola. Her siblings include Tolani, a singer; DJ Cuppy, a DJ and music producer; and Fewa, her younger brother.
Temi spent much of her childhood in London, where she attended boarding school in Kent and later studied Art History at University College London.
In 2014, she launched her fashion and lifestyle blog JTO Fashion, which documents her travels, style, and beauty inspirations. The blog quickly gained popularity and helped establish her as a fashion influencer.
Temi made her acting debut in 2020 in the Nollywood film Citation, directed by Kunle Afolayan. She played the lead role of Moremi Oluwa, a university student navigating a sexual harassment case. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2021.
She later starred in The Man for the Job (2022) and is set to appear in Ms. Kanyin (2025), a supernatural thriller. Despite not attending formal acting school, Temi has been praised for her natural talent and screen presence.
Temi is also a podcaster, co-hosting How Far with her now-husband Mr Eazi, a Nigerian singer and entrepreneur.
In 2024, she became the first Nigerian Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris.
She currently lives between Lagos and London, balancing her work in fashion, film, and media.
Profile of Mr Eazi
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, professionally known as Mr Eazi, was born on July 19, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He grew up in Lagos in an entrepreneurial household—his father is a pilot and aviation consultant, and his mother ran a small business. From a young age, Mr Eazi was surrounded by music, often listening to records his father played during family breakfasts.
At age 16, he moved to Ghana to study Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). While at university, he founded Swagger Entertainment, a party and promotion company, and began dabbling in music. His first notable appearance was on the track My Life, which became popular on campus.
In 2013, he released his debut mixtape About to Blow, followed by Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos in 2017, which featured hits like Skin Tight and Leg Over. Mr Eazi pioneered a genre he calls Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions, which helped him stand out in the Afrobeats scene.
Beyond music, Mr Eazi is a savvy entrepreneur. He launched emPawa Africa, a talent incubator that has supported rising African artists like Joeboy. He’s also ventured into tech, e-commerce, and even gold mining. In 2022, he graduated from Harvard University, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted creative and businessman.
Mr Eazi is signed to Mad Decent and Universal Music Group, and his music has earned him awards including the Next Rated award at The Headies and recognition at the WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards.
Actress and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola has shared reason behind her decision to keep details of her life away from the public.
She and Mr Eazi maintained a low profile throughout their courtship, engagement, and marriage, only to surprise the public with the news of their union solemnization.
Temi shared in an interview with the BBC that, it’s not necessarily about privacy. “I think it’s more about owning your own narrative.”
According to her, there is power in living a quiet life as it gives one the power to control narratives.
“And there’s something about, you know, moving in silence that allows you to, to have certain control over things. It allows you to, yeah, to build the narrative you want,” Temi stated.
For her, it’s empowering to choose when and how to share personal details of life.
“And also you’re able to share when you feel you’re ready to share, when you want to share and share it in the way you want to share it.”
“So I think all of those things are kind of why I’ve always been someone to, to share, whether it’s a work project or personal news, I share it in my own time,” Temi Otedola shared..
Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, officially tied the knot with actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola Temi Otedola, in a private and intimate ceremony in Iceland after their near decade relationship.
News of their marriage ceremony emerged after Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi shared clips on his Instagram Story which captured the musician having a good time with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in Iceland.
The wedding was held at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík, with just a few friends and family in attendance.
Adorned with flowers and closed to the public, the venue reflected the couple’s enduring wish to keep their love story — and the details surrounding it — away from the public eye
The second daughte of the Nigerian millionaire was wore a sleek white satin gown with a square neckline, delicate straps, and a modest train. She paired it with minimal jewelry, just diamond studs and a simple bracelet with a soft and natural makeup, and her hair styled in a low, elegant chignon.
Her partner, Mr Eazi also rocked a crisp white shirt paired with a classic black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers. His look was clean, tailored, and understated, with no flashy accessories.
Mr Eazi first publicly confirmed his relationship with Temi Otedola in a 2017 Channel 4 News interview titled “Stories of My Life on African Instrumentals”.
In that conversation, he spoke about his music journey and casually acknowledged his relationship with Temi.
This was after rumours had began about their relationship following their chemistry in public and frequent appearances together.
Temi later confirmed the relationship herself, through her lifestyle blog and social media posts. Their bond became more visible when she featured Mr Eazi in her YouTube series.
Subsequently, Temi confirmed that they met at a DJ Cuppy event, which she had hosted for her sister.
It got official when the duo announced their engagement in April 2022, when the actress posted a 38-second video of the proposal on Instagram.
Social media buzzed after . Also in attendance were Temi’s sister, DJ and music producer Florence Otedola—popularly known as DJ Cuppy, their mother, Nana Otedola and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.
Following the emergence of their wedding photos and videos, the couple have received congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities across Africa, celebrating not only the love story between two stars but also the blending of music, film, and high-profile business worlds.
Profile of Temi
Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola was born on March 20, 1996, into one of Nigeria’s most prominent families. She is the youngest daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and his wife Nana Otedola. Her siblings include Tolani, a singer; DJ Cuppy, a DJ and music producer; and Fewa, her younger brother.
Temi spent much of her childhood in London, where she attended boarding school in Kent and later studied Art History at University College London.
In 2014, she launched her fashion and lifestyle blog JTO Fashion, which documents her travels, style, and beauty inspirations. The blog quickly gained popularity and helped establish her as a fashion influencer.
Temi made her acting debut in 2020 in the Nollywood film Citation, directed by Kunle Afolayan. She played the lead role of Moremi Oluwa, a university student navigating a sexual harassment case. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2021.
She later starred in The Man for the Job (2022) and is set to appear in Ms. Kanyin (2025), a supernatural thriller. Despite not attending formal acting school, Temi has been praised for her natural talent and screen presence.
Temi is also a podcaster, co-hosting How Far with her now-husband Mr Eazi, a Nigerian singer and entrepreneur.
In 2024, she became the first Nigerian Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris.
She currently lives between Lagos and London, balancing her work in fashion, film, and media.
Profile of Mr Eazi
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, professionally known as Mr Eazi, was born on July 19, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He grew up in Lagos in an entrepreneurial household—his father is a pilot and aviation consultant, and his mother ran a small business. From a young age, Mr Eazi was surrounded by music, often listening to records his father played during family breakfasts.
At age 16, he moved to Ghana to study Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). While at university, he founded Swagger Entertainment, a party and promotion company, and began dabbling in music. His first notable appearance was on the track My Life, which became popular on campus.
In 2013, he released his debut mixtape About to Blow, followed by Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos in 2017, which featured hits like Skin Tight and Leg Over. Mr Eazi pioneered a genre he calls Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions, which helped him stand out in the Afrobeats scene.
Beyond music, Mr Eazi is a savvy entrepreneur. He launched emPawa Africa, a talent incubator that has supported rising African artists like Joeboy. He’s also ventured into tech, e-commerce, and even gold mining. In 2022, he graduated from Harvard University, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted creative and businessman.
Mr Eazi is signed to Mad Decent and Universal Music Group, and his music has earned him awards including the Next Rated award at The Headies and recognition at the WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards.
Ghanaian Rapper Obrafour has lauded Sarkodie for his respectful conduct towards his seniors in the music industry.
“It is unmatched, I’ve not seen some before. I am not saying this to praise him, but I love him for his work rate. However, I don’t know if it is like that till date. When I met him, he used to record a song a day and that is why he has a massive catalogue.”
“He is very respectful, and that is a trait I am yet to see in other colleagues of his,” he told Code Micky.
Sarkodie thrilled fans with a unique, exciting entry at his just-ended Rapperholic concert in Kumasi over the weekend.
Despite the delays in the commencement time of the concert, his legendary entrance to the stage melted any possible disappointment or anger.
It began with a poetic prelude where the poet praised Sarkodie as one whose glory cannot be boxed or hidden, a reference to his kingship, his heritage as the son of the Ashanti Kingdom, highlighting his well-known title “Landlord”, positioning not just a rapper, but a voice of heritage.
The speaker invoked the spirit of Kumasi and the Ashanti Kingdom, framing Sarkodie’s homecoming as a symbolic return to the source of his strength. One of the lines of the poet was her praise for Sarkodie as one who “ does not just rhyme, but remembers. He does not just perform, he preserves,” she delivered her rich culture and praise-loaded poem for Sarkodie, with the Ashanti Flag projected on the huge LED screens behind her.
As the poem ended, Sarkodie’s nickname “Obidi” blazed across the stage in flaming letters, followed by a glowing crown that hovered above, symbolising his reign in Ghanaian rap.
Following the grand display before the ‘landlord’s’ appearance on stage, it began to rain; however, the downpour didn’t dampen the fans’ energy, and they stayed put until Sarkodie appeared.
He finally showed, opening the stage with his “Original” song in which he addresses critics, cementing his reputation as a pioneer and not a product of hype. His journey through the rap journey with a line in the song which says, “I didn’t come to fit in, I came to stand out.”
He was surprised on stage by dancehall artist Shatta Wale, whose appearance was welcomed with loud and explosive cheers by fans. The duo performed their decade-old song “Megye Wo Girl”.
Sarkodie playfully shoved Shatta Wale as he joined him on stage, and their chemistry was electrifying, making it a highlight of the night.
Then followed Sarkodie’s performance with legendary rapper Obrafour. The landlord had to pause the high-energy flow to introduce Obrafour, calling him “the reason I rap”. As a sign of respect, he knelt before Obrafour on stage, a deeply emotional moment that drew cheers and chants of “legend, legend!” from the crowd. They performed a remix of “Oye Ohene”.
Kweku Flick joined Sarkodie on stage while they performed their song “Yɛbɛyɛ Fine”, which translates to “We’ll be fine” in Twi. They both moved in sync with dancers dressed in streetwear fused with traditional prints.
The current Kumasi star, King Paluta, thrilled fans with their “Africa We Dey” song. Sarkodie opened with a verse on unity and struggle, then passed the mic to Paluta, who unleashed rapid-fire Twi bars.
Other artists that showed up at the concert were Medikal, who did a solo performance marked with a playful moment chasing Shatta Wale on stage.
Efya, Gyakie, Kofi Kinaata, Olive The Boy, Donzy, Oseikrom SikaniJay Bahd, Ypee, Beeztrap KOTM, Skyface SDW, Kwesi Amewuga, Lalid, Kofi Jamar, among other acts. Some fans were also invited on stage to freestyle live.
About Rapperholic 2025
The concert was held on Saturday, 27, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. When the stadium was announced as the venue to host the concert, concerns were raised by football enthusiasts and stakeholders about the authority approving the concert to be held at the stadium when Ghana is preparing for an international match. Ghana has a mixed history when it comes to the quality of our pitches, with rare cases of consistent maintenance often from hosting football, concerts, and rallies. Lack of pitch covers, among others.
The Baba Yara pitch is undergoing renovations to meet CAF and FIFA standards, including turf upgrades and drainage improvements.
Hence, to address these concerns, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.
Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he said during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.
“We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.
Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.
“The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.
When did Rapperholic start
The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.
Sarkodie visits Otumfuor
Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:
“They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.”
Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.
Ghanaian singer KiDi has revealed his current relationship status and intentions regarding marriage.
During an appearance on Joy Prime Time, he noted that he not in a committed relationship currently.
However, in due time, he will get married to his yet-to-be-found love of his life.
“KiDi is getting married, but we don’t know if it’s soon. It’s something I want one day, but I don’t know if I’m ready for it yet,” he shared candidly.
Responding to the question on how he handles advances from ladies in hisn music career.
The ‘Touch it” hitmaker said, “There’s no rule book on how to deal with these things; just grace and making sure that you’re disciplined,” he said.
He has also made it clear that a woman’s sexual history plays a significant role in whether or not he would consider her for marriage.
Speaking on the Rants, Bants and Confessions podcast, the “Likor” hitmaker stated that while he has no problem with a woman’s body count in a casual relationship, he thinks differently when it comes to a lifelong commitment.
“If we’re just having a good time, having fun, I don’t care. But if you’re someone I’m going to call mine, it matters,” he said.
KiDi explained that when he envisions a future with someone, her past matters to him—not just physically, but emotionally. He believes that multiple intimate connections could leave behind emotional baggage that might affect a committed relationship.
“I don’t want to walk into a space and see all the guys eyeing each other. I don’t want a woman who has given her body and soul to too many people, because when I meet you, I feel like I’m meeting a very degraded version of yourself,” he added.
His comments have stirred mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his perspective while others find it controversial.
Months ago, the award-winning artiste,came to terms with the narrative that life cannot be lived to meet the expections of every single human being.
He says he has learnt to detach himself from negativities online and the opinions of people as he advances in life.
Speaking on the“Talk No Dey Cook Rice podcast, the Afropop sensation acknowledged the emotional toll that coem with fame and social mediaa, but noted that he has learned to stay focused and unbothered by unecessary pressure.
“Once I began to understand that I’ll never please everybody, life became easier,” KiDi told host Derick Elorm Ashilevi.
“Even if I give someone 1 million, they’ll ask why it wasn’t 1 million, they’ll ask why it wasn’t 2 million. Some people are just unhappy, they hate themselves and project that onto others,” the musician stated.
The “Lomo Lomo” hitmaker, who recently bagged the Best Collaboration of the Year at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music (TGMA) for his song with Black Sherif, emphsized that many online critics are simply projecting their frustrations through the their trolls.
“There are people out there who will come onto social media and say something to you; it’s not personal… They woke up this morning, they’ve not eaten. You’ve come to put there that ‘hey stream my music’. He’ll come and say Look at this Kwasia, why will I stream your music’. It’s not personal. He’s angry inside about something that’s happening in his personal life. He’s just projecting it onto me.
“It’s not personal,” he added. “They’re angry about their own lives and take it out on you.”
KiDi recently shared that he has decided to stop wearing skinny trousers due to the unwanted attention his private area received
The Ghanaian singer explained that people frequently fixated on his lower body when he wore tight pants, even highlighting it in social media comments.
In a Pure FM interview, KiDi revealed, “People always paid attention to my loads anytime I wear skinny trousers. The attention is always down there. They will draw that place out and talk about it the whole time. That’s why I stopped wearing skinny trousers and now opt for the baggy type,” he disclosed.
He also mentioned that loose-fitting pants offer the added benefit of better airflow and comfort.
Despite the attention, KiDi expressed confidence in his body, stating, “I wear loose trousers now because it doesn’t highlight my goods anymore. It also enables fresh air to blow me down there.
“I like my body type and wouldn’t want to be anything else.”
His well-endowed physique has often drawn notice at events, particularly on red carpets, further contributing to his decision to favor more relaxed clothing.
Hours after the announcement that Ghanaians will now enjoy between 33% and 50% more value on the DStv packages, Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, took to social media to express gratitude to Ghanaians and MultiChoice Africa.
“Thanks for your patience, Ghana. Thanks for your cooperation, @DStv_Ghana and @DStv. We have all won, together. For God and Country.”
The standoff between MultiChoice Africa and the Ministry of Communications has ended following the groundbreaking development.
Addressing the media on Monday, September 29, the sector Minister disclosed that MultiChoice Africa declared its intention to introduce the “unprecedented increased value offer” for Ghanaian consumers.
According to him, Ghanaians will now enjoy between 33% and 50% more value on the DStv packages they purchase. Thus, DStv is giving subscribers more channels and benefits without them paying extra.
“MultiChoice Africa has committed to an unprecedented increase in value offered only in Ghana, which will result in Ghanaian DStv subscribers getting more services for less. “Depending on the DStv package or bouquet you use, subscribers will get between 33% to 50% more value,” the Minister stated.
Customers on the Paddy bouquet will be upgraded to Access, those already on the Access package will enjoy the Family package, and those on the Family package will be upgraded to Compact. Compact subscribers will be promoted to Compact Plus, and those on Compact Plus will enjoy the Premium bouquet package.
He announced after receiving a report from the committee tasked with reviewing subscription packages with MultiChoice.
The committee included representatives from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the National Communications Authority, MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa, which was chaired by the Communications Minister himself.
The prolonged back-and-forth between the two parties revolves around Sam George’s calls for a reduction in DStv subscription packages for Ghanaian customers. Sam George had earlier instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcast of DStv should Multichoice fail to reduce prices of its packages.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, September 5, Sam George noted that the government has established a joint committee with MultiChoice Ghana to reach a final agreement on how its prices will be adjusted to ensure Ghanaian customers pay less.
“We have taken an immediate step to put together a committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the regulator, NCA, Multichoice Ghana, and Multichoice Africa. I will personally chair the committee. Let us be clear, they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction, and they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe that as a minister, we do not need 30 days,” he said.
On Wednesday, September 24, the National Communications Authority (NCA) announced a 7-day extension window for the stakeholder committee set up to review DSTV’s pricing model in Ghana to present their report by September 29. The committee is expected to present its report on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Originally scheduled to present its final report by September 22, the committee requested an extension, which was granted by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George.
In a statement released by the NCA, it announced that “Whilst the Committee has made significant progress, it has requested an extension of one week to complete its work, which extension has been granted by the Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.
Consequently, the outcome of the Committee’s work is expected to be presented by 29th September, 2025”.
It continued that “the Stakeholder committee established to evaluate DStv pricing in Ghana commenced work on 8th September 2025, to address the following: a. Achieve a shared understanding of DStv pricing for Ghana and structured, mutually acceptable and commercially viable measures to address the Minister’s concerns around the pricing of the DStv service.
Establish an acceptable roadmap to curb cross-border piracy of DStv decoders/service from Nigeria to Ghana”. On September 7, the NCA announced that it will have a meeting with MultiChoice Ghana (the company that runs DStv) over the satellite television provider’s pricing model in Ghana on Monday, September 8.
The governing body of the electronic communications and broadcasting sectors in Ghana announced this in an official statement dated September 7 and titled “Update on DSTV Pricing in Ghana”.
It revealed that MultiChoice has responded to its mandate to suspend its operations in Ghana and has expressed its readiness to review its pricing and collaborate with the Committee set by Sam Nartey George.
“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has received from Multichoice Ghana its response to the notice of intention to suspend their authorisation and request for their pricing model…The first meeting of the Stakeholder Committee shall be held on Monday, 8th September 2025. The Authority shall provide further updates on this matter in due course,” NCA revealed in the statement.
The paid-TV company denied some claims made by the Communications Minister about its readiness to cut prices for Ghanaian consumers.
In a responsive statement titled “MultiChoice sets the record straight on DStv pricing” and shared on Friday, September 5, MultiChoice announced its readiness to cooperate with the Working Committee established by the Communications Ministry to find a solution to the discussion concerning the reduction of DSTV fees for the Ghanaian populace.
However, it objected to claims by the Minister that their outfit is ready for a price reduction. “We have noted the statement made by the Minister for Communications Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. We continue to engage with the Minister in a bid to find an amicable solution that is beneficial for all parties involved, but does not jeopardise the viability of the DStv service.
“We will fully participate in the established Working Committee. However, we wish to clarify that MultiChoice Group has not agreed to a price reduction”, the statement explained. The said Committee, according to Sam George, will be chaired by him to ensure transparency and fairness. Consequently, NCA engaged MultiChoice on the statement for clarity.
“…While the Authority reviews their submission, there have been further engagements with Multichoice Ghana regarding its public statement dated 5th September 2025”, the statement continued adding that following the engagements,
“…the following clarifications have been obtained: 1. Multichoice Ghana agrees with the directive from the Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations for the establishment of a Stakeholder Committee to evaluate DSTV pricing in Ghana, and that they intend to fully participate in this work. 2. The outcome of the Stakeholder Committee would be determined at the end of its work. 3. MultiChoice has confirmed that it will respect due process and the laws of Ghana and its people”.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Sam George highlighted his commitment to protecting the interests of Ghanaians without compromise. He affirmed that he would not allow any form of disrespect to consumers from any company.
“If MultiChoice has objected to price cuts as they earlier agreed to, then the proposed shutdown of their services in Ghana would hold as earlier communicated”.
“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If MultiChoice is not interested, as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated.
He reiterated that “DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action”.
The Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament stressed that Ghana is ready to partner with international firms, but only in full respect of the country’s laws and consumer protection.
“No company is above the law. When MultiChoice is ready to discuss a price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table. Until then, there is nothing for us to meet over. The NCA Ghana would carry out enforcement. Ghana is open for businesses that respect our laws and institutions,” he stressed.
The statement follows Communications Minister Sam George’s claims in an earlier press briefing held yesterday, Friday, September 5, that the satellite television provider has agreed to a price reduction.During the briefing, he also revealed that, following their agreement to reduce prices, they have asked for thirty days to conclude discussions and arrive at a final decision.
But Sam George outrightly declared that the 30-day window is too much, hence they have just fourteen days to reach a decision. With the 14-day window, MultiChoice has until September 21 to arrive at a solution.
“Let us be clear they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction, and they want us to discuss the level of reduction. I believe that as a minister, we do not need 30 days. 14 days is enough for us to reach this decision, inclusive of weekends,” the Minister said.Engaging the public on Friday, September 5, as part of the Government Accountability Series, the minister noted that he received a 9-page document from Multichoice on July 21 over its inability to reduce its subscription fees.
Earlier, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, announced that should Multichoice fail to reduce the prices of its subscription services, the DStv broadcast license will be suspended nationwide, effective August 7, 2025.
Engaging the public yesterday as part of the Government Accountability Series, the minister noted that he received a 9-page document from Multichoice on July 21 over its inability to reduce its subscription fees.
The company cited depreciation of the cedi in past years, despite the recent cedi appreciation, as the reason for its inability to reduce prices. Sam George noted that it is unacceptable for Nigerians to be paying less for the same packages offered to Ghanaians at higher costs when the naira has depreciated at an accelerating rate against the cedi.
As such, he has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the broadcast of DStv should Multichoice fail to reduce prices of its packages.
“Their reasons included that the cedi had depreciated in the preceding eight years by 240%, and they claimed that my request for a reduction based on the appreciation of the cedi was unfounded because, in their words, the appreciation of the Ghana cedi over the last 6 months has been a fluke which could not be sustainable.
“As Minister, my fidelity is to the Ghanaian people. I have to act in the interest of the Ghanaian people, and I believe the Ghanaian people have been fleeced and exploited for too long. I wrote back to the NCA on Monday and directed the NCA in that letter to suspend the broadcasting license of DStv effective 7th of August 2025, if they fail to effect a reduction in their bundle prices.
“I can’t as a minister serving the Ghanaian people, continue to watch what can be best described as plain stealing happening to the Ghanaian people. In my letter to them, I gave them scenarios from seven markets that DSTV is operating in. The same content in the premium bouquet that is offered to Ghanaians for the $83 equivalent is offered to Nigerians for the $29 equivalent.
“How can anyone explain this price disparity to me? Enough of the mistreatment of the Ghanaian consumer. In Nigeria, in the same timeframe, they say the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by 240%, and the Nigerian naira has depreciated by 409%. If Nigerians are paying the equivalent of $29, DSTV must charge the same here in Ghana,” he said.
Thanks for your patience, Ghana. Thanks for your cooperation, @DStv_Ghana and @DStv.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced the removal of the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of KNUST Senior High School Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo from office over an alleged misconduct.
He was spotted in a viral video with a female student in a compromised position.
In response, management of GES released a statement declaring their stance on the matter.
“Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr. Aidoo has already been removed from office, and prohibited from going to the school while thorough investigations are being carried out.,” the statement read.
The GES assured the general public, stakeholders, parents, and students that due process will be followed, and the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the code of conduct of the Ghana Education Service.
Months ago, the Ghana Education Service (GES) directed school authorities to ensure that practical fees for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE ) received from students are refunded effective Monday, July 28.
A press statement dated, Monday, July 28, indicated that teachers and school heads who fail to adhere to the directive shall face severe sanctions.
“The Government of Ghana has released full funding to cover the costs of the 2025 WASSCE practical examinations, including required materials and resources.
Management policies with concern that some Heads have engaged in the collection of monies from Candidates/Parents/Guardians for these same practicals. The Heads involved are therefore directed to; refund any monies collected from students in respect of WASSCE practicals,” parts of the statement read.
It instructed that school authorities ensure that the refund process is properly documented and official receipts are issued to acknowledge repayment.
GES added that regional Directors should be notified once the monies are refunded, emphazing, “Compliance with this directive will reduce the financial burden on students and parents and ensure that no learner is excluded from participation over lack of money”.
“Failure to comply will be considered a serious breach of official instructions and may attract administrative sanctions. Regional Directors are by this letter requested to share this information with all Heads of schools through their respective Municipal/Metro/District Directors of Education,” it stated.
On Saturday, July 27, the Ghana Education Service announced the release of funds to cater for the 2025 WASSCE practical examinations for all Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) across the country.
An amount of GH¢15,849,920 has been released, according to reports. In its statement issued and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, the funds are expected to provide all necessary materials and supplies for their practical exams.
“ The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) announces that funds have been released to all Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across the country to cover the fees for the 2025 WASSCE practicals.
“This payment ensures that all practical examinations scheduled for the 2025 WASSCE are fully supported, including the provision of the required materials and other essential resources,” the Service noted.
Additionally, the Service explained that the move is intended to shield guardians as well as parents from extra cost and also create a conducive environment in ensuring that students excel in the upcoming exams.
“With the release of the funds, GES seeks to facilitate a smooth and well-cordinated examination process that enables students to focus on their academic work, while relieving parents and guardians of any such financial burden,” it stated.
The GES cautioned school authorities against diverting the funds from its intended purpose, warning that any misappropriation will attract strict sanctions in accordance with existing financial regulations and disciplinary procedures.
“Regional, district and school authorities are, therefore, strongly urged to ensure the due application of the funds for their intended purpose to guarantee efficiency and accountability. Management will continue to monitor the utilisation processes to ensure compliance and to maintain high standards in the administration of the examination.
“The Ghana Education Service appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders in advancing quality education and remains dedicated to creating an enabling environment for the success of all students,” part of the release read.
The 2025 WASSCE is scheduled to take place from August 4 to September 19.
Meanwhile, a leading public policy and consumer advocacy think tank, CUTS International, Accra, has opposed the system where Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and WASSCE candidates pay to access their results.
Per a statement released in Accra on Monday, July 7, the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, described the practice as unfair and costly.
He has therefore called on the Education Ministry to shoulder the cost of providing candidates with access to their results.
“In many parts of the world, exam bodies do not charge students to access their results. In our local universities, student can access their results free of charge, as is the case in every jurisdiction. This is a basic right that should not come at a cost to students or their families,” Mr. Adomako said.
Initially, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) printed and distributed physical results slips to schools; however, it adapted to the digital platform to make the process seamless.
Candidates now pay between GHS 15 and GHS 25 to view their results.But according to the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, the Ministry must learn from other African countries that do not charge for results.
“Going digital was supposed to make things easier and more affordable. But instead, candidates are now forced to pay out of pocket for a service that should be free. In countries like South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, and Zambia, students access their results online without paying any fee. Why should Ghana be different?.
“WAEC is not the only body that runs examinations. Students who sit for ACCA, SAT, TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, and even our own national service postings access their results or placements online for free. The same should apply here,” Mr. Adomako stressed.
Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako also criticised the requirement for students to pay to access their Senior High School placement results through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), describing it as an added financial burden.According to him, “Accessing exam results or computerised placement into SHS should not be a luxury or a source of revenue. It should be a basic service as it pertains in other jurisdictions.
While the GES continues its efforts to alleviate financial pressures on students and parents nationwide, other challenges, particularly in conflict-prone areas, pose serious threats to access to education and student safety.Currently, Nkwanta and its surrounding towns are experiencing a protracted conflict involving the Akyode, Adele, and Chala communities.
The conflict has escalated in recent years, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of property. A curfew was placed on the area by the government.The violent incidents that were recorded on June 26 and 27 affected three students.
Two female students of Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS) were recently hit by gunshots while en route to school.A male student was also killed by a stray bullet while seated in his classroom during mock examinations.SHS schools in Nkwanta South have been shut down until further notice.
In response, the police service has captured some eight individuals for their roles in recent clashes in Nkwanta that have taken the lives of students.Currently, there is a total ban on all persons in the Nkwanta Township and its environs in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons.Any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted.
The government continues to urge chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area.But the GES has insisted that final-year Senior High School (SHS) students in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region will participate in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) despite chaos in the area.Speaking to the media on Monday, June 30, the Head of Public Relations at GES, Daniel Fenyi, indicated that the Service is in discussions with stakeholders to ensure candidates are not affected regardless of the risk.
“Three Senior High Schools (SHS) will be writing the WASSCE, but definitely, if the conflict persists, that means they wouldn’t be able to write in Nkwanta township. So meetings are ongoing, and we hope to finalize our discussions as soon as possible to come out with the modalities on when, how, and where our children can write the WASSCE.”
According to him, one of the measures is to ensure students write the exams in the safest environment possible.”But the assurance they can get from us is that they won’t miss the WASSCE. We are putting in place every measure to ensure they write the WASSCE with their colleagues.”
“The assurance they can get from us as the Ghana Education Service is that they won’t miss the WASSCE. We are putting in place every measure to ensure that they write the WASSCE with their colleagues all across the country, and we are making sure that the conflict goes beyond them so they can’t be punished for what they didn’t cause. So I can assure them that they will not miss this examination,” he said.
Prophet Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Kumchacha, has passionately questioned the authority of persons who habitually condemn brother Sammy’s conduct.
“Those of you condemning Sammy, it is just balderdash… But why condemn and judge someone as if he or she has committed a grave offence?” he argued.
“There are many people who are doing worse in their homes. But they will condemn him as if he were rejected by God. It is not your position to judge someone. Otherwise, you are a wicked person yourself.”
“Those people judging him and condemning him, maybe what they do in private is worse… nobody is perfect. The only one who can judge is God,” he said.
Broda Sammy recently came under fire for bringing a “heavily endowed” woman on stage and performing secular songs at Daddy Lumba’s one-week funeral observance.
However, addressing the backlash directly, Prophet Kumchacha questioned the moral authority of individuals passing judgement on Broda Sammy, implying that many of the critics are not in a position to condemn him.
Earlier this year, Kumchacha and Nana Romeo engaged in a heated argument on live tv during a discussion that nearly escalated into a physical confrontation.
Tensions flared when Nana Romeo dismissed Prophet Kumchacha’s claim of being the first to learn about Kofi Adomah’s eye injury.
The disagreement intensified as Nana Romeo criticized Kumchacha for disrespecting Vim Lady, who had publicly disclosed details of Kofi’s plight.
Kumchacha, in turn, defended his stance, accusing Nana Romeo of hypocrisy. He alleged that Nana Romeo had previously called for Captain Smart’s arrest following comments linked to violence in Obuasi, where protests over mining operations resulted in several deaths.
“You are a hypocrite. When Captain Smart urged the youth of Obuasi to attack the mining company, you were one of the first to demand his arrest,” Kumchacha said.
The fiery exchange took another turn when Kumchacha cited other incidents, accusing Nana Romeo of speaking on issues without adequate information.
“When Bishop Salifu’s issue came up, you said I didn’t know anything about it, yet I spoke as if I were the spokesperson. But when Akua Donkor passed away, you acted like the family asked you to represent them,” Kumchacha added.
Nana Romeo, however, stood firm, advising Kumchacha to refrain from presenting himself as a journalist and commenting on every issue. “I am beginning to lose respect for you because you don’t respect yourself,” he retorted.
The confrontation reached its peak when Kumchacha stood up, grabbed Nana Romeo by the shirt, and issued a warning.
“Your career will end. If you play with me, I will beat you if you dare me. When there’s an issue, you speak with authority, yet you don’t have the facts,” Kumchacha threatened.
The exchange has since sparked widespread reactions, with viewers expressing mixed opinions about the incident.
In a separate event, Kumchacha addressed Oboy Siki’s assertion that all those who accompanied Afia Pokua to apologize at Manhyia are not wise.
Kumchacha, along with several staff members from Onua TV, visited Manhyia to express their regrets over Afia Pokua’s remarks concerning Otumfuo, but their apology was rejected by the elders.
Oboy Siki remarked that everyone who accompanied Afia Pokua to seek forgiveness from the elders for her critical comments about Otumfuo was lacking in wisdom.
But in an interview, Prophet Kumchacha lashed out at Oboy Siki, referencing their long-standing rivalry and his determination to put the actor in his place.
“If Oboy Siki were my father, I’d rather take medication and die. This is the same Oboy Siki who wakes up each day sporting a different hair color. His stomach resembles a toilet overflowing with animals, and he looks as crooked as a bent truck for carrying timber, like a crooked car carrying sand,” Kumchacha angrily expressed.
Speaking on a different matter last year, Kumchacha stirred debate by endorsing polygamy.
He argued that having multiple wives is not a sin and that there is no explicit biblical prohibition against it.
According to Prophet Kumchacha, the only New Testament advice regarding marriage comes from Paul, who recommended monogamy but did not mandate it.
On September 14, 2024, during the United Showbiz program on UTV, Prophet Kumchacha asserted that having multiple wives could potentially contribute to a longer life by alleviating some of the challenges associated with a single partner.
“Marriage involves many issues, so I always encourage men to marry multiple women if they want to live long. At least two or three women. If God blesses me to be wealthy like Kwame Despite or Ofori Sarpong, I will do so. I am a prophet, but I challenge any pastor to quote a single verse from Genesis to Revelation that says marrying multiple women will send you to hell. It is not in the Bible.”
“In 1 Timothy, Paul was advising about marriage, but I can choose to accept it or not. The same Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:34 and onwards that women should not be allowed to preach in church, but today, that is not the practice in most churches,” he stated.
He emphasized that no scripture explicitly condemns polygamy, challenging other pastors to provide a verse that asserts marrying multiple women is a sin.
He also cited that interpretations of Biblical teachings, such as those in 1 Corinthians 14:34, vary among churches today.
Despite his views, many religious leaders disagree, arguing that his stance contradicts traditional Biblical teachings.
Last year, she was under detention amidst investigations into the sale of unapproved medical products by the FDA.
The development followed allegations of her involvement in running a fraudulent company.
The controversy escalated after her ex-husband, Medikal, disclosed that he funded Fella’s cosmetic surgeries in Nigeria and Turkey.
These surgeries were then used to promote slimming tea and waist training products, creating a misleading impression about their effectiveness.
In response, a wave of public outrage led to calls for a boycott of Fella’s products, with many questioning if the FDA had indeed authorized their sale.
As the situation unfolded, reports suggested that Fella’s detention was related to the ongoing FDA probe.
Additionally, several other products allegedly seized during the investigation
She took to Instagram to silence her critics by showcasing the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) certification for her flat tummy product, ‘Simply Snatched St Tea’.
Amidst the turmoil stemming from her ex-husband Medikal’s alarming revelations about their marital issues, numerous details about Fella’s personal life and business ventures have come to light. Medikal accused Fella of undergoing surgery to achieve a flat tummy, allegedly to promote her slim tea product.
In response to Medikal’s claims, many Ghanaians mocked Fella on social media, questioning the authenticity of her brand and business. The controversy also raised concerns about the credibility of the FDA’s involvement in this matter.
Some netizens went as far as to label the slim tea business as fake, tarnishing Fella Makafui’s brand.
However, Fella has set the record straight by presenting the FDA certification for her product, effectively silencing her detractors.
AMG Showboy criticized Medikal for publicly disclosing details about Fella Makafui’s cosmetic surgeries, which ultimately damaged her business of selling and endorsing slimming and buttock enlargement products.
The former U.S. ex-convict deemed Medikal’s actions against his ex-wife and the mother of his child as immature.
Medikal made several shocking revelations about his ex-partner during his numerous tirades against her.
He claimed to have spent significant amounts of money on Fella’s cosmetic surgeries, revealing that while she promoted slimming and body enhancement products, she was actually undergoing surgery to achieve similar results.
His revelations led to backlash and Fella’s arrest by the FDA for selling unauthorized products.
Showboy criticized Medikal’s actions, stating that he made a serious mistake.
Watch the video below for more details.
On the other hand, Fella Makafui declared a significant transformation in her life, stating that she is no longer the person she once was.
In a candid social media post, the actress reflected on her personal growth, revealing that her mindset and priorities have shifted. She emphasized that she no longer entertains drama, gossip, or friendships that do not add value to her life.
“My energy has been different. I’m not the same person I used to be, and I don’t want to be the same person I used to be. My tolerance level is LOW. So I don’t want to be around anyone I can’t learn from or grow with,” she wrote.
Fella explained that she has entered a phase of intentional self-improvement, focusing on healing and success while actively distancing herself from negativity. According to her, she is manifesting a peaceful life and is determined to protect her space.
“I just want to enjoy my peace, my space, and literally block out all the bs. I’ve been manifesting, finding comfort in my elevation, and I love it here,” she added.
Her declaration signals a turning point in her journey, one where she is making deliberate choices about the people and energy she allows into her life. She noted that she is cutting ties with individuals who do not align with her new outlook, reinforcing her commitment to growth and fulfillment.
Fella Makafui’s message suggested a strong resolve to evolve, shedding old patterns and embracing a version of herself that prioritizes peace, progress, and purpose.
Across the globe, the biggest names in music; Beyoncé, Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran, and others, have transitioned from indoor arenas to massive stadiums.
The reason is simple: their fan bases are massive, and stadiums provide the space to accommodate 60,000 or more fans at once, something most auditoriums can’t offer.
In cities like London, Madrid, or New York, stadium concerts are routine. These venues are purpose-built or upgraded to handle both football matches and large-scale concerts without major disruptions.
Five ‘crazy’ moments from Sarkodie’s Rapperholic 2025 in Kumasi
The Ghanaian reality
In Ghana, the story is very different. Hosting non-sporting events at national stadiums comes with strict regulations that can limit attendance and the overall quality of production.
While it’s true that these stadiums were initially built for football, the global trend is clear: modern stadiums are now multipurpose.
From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to Wembley and the Santiago Bernabéu, international venues are increasingly designed or retrofitted to accommodate both sports and entertainment. These upgrades generate millions in additional revenue by opening doors to concerts, festivals, and even corporate events.
The dilemma of protecting the pitch
In Ghana, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has remained cautious, concerned about damage to the pitch during concerts.
The backlash after Stonebwoy’s BHIM Concert in December 2023 remains fresh.
The event, held at a fully packed Accra Sports Stadium, was a landmark in Stonebwoy’s career. Yet, it left the pitch badly damaged, with significant portions of the grass destroyed.
The sporting community expressed outrage, questioning whether short-term entertainment revenue was worth the long-term cost to football infrastructure.
Rapperholic 2025: Massive crowds defy heavy rains for Kumasi’s biggest night in music
Sarkodie’s Baba Yara setback
Fast forward to September 27, 2025, when Sarkodie staged his Rapperholic concert at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium, the concert featured Shatta Wale, Medikal, Efya, Kofi Kinaata, the Asaaka Boys, Lasmid, and more.
However, just days before the event, on September 24, NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah announced on social media that Sarkodie would be restricted from using the pitch.
The statement sparked confusion, with many fans assuming the event had been canceled. In reality, Sarkodie was granted access to only a quarter of the stadium, with the condition that nothing touches the grass.
Despite heavy rain and logistical hurdles, the turnout was remarkable. Still, industry observers argue that if Sarkodie had been granted full use of the stadium, the event might have gone down as the biggest paid concert in Ghana’s history.
How the world does it
So, how do stadiums in other countries host major events without damaging their pitches?
The answer lies in innovation.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, for example, features a retractable pitch, the first of its kind in the UK. The natural grass used for Premier League matches can be rolled back to reveal an artificial surface underneath, ideal for concerts and non-sporting events.
While that level of infrastructure may be out of reach for Ghana in the short term, more practical solutions exist.
Most international stadiums use pitch covering systems—temporary protective panels placed over the grass. These allow stages to be mounted and fans to stand on the pitch without harming the turf. It’s standard practice elsewhere but still missing in Ghana.
Why has Ghana delayed?
The pressing question remains: Why hasn’t Ghana adopted such systems?
A pitch cover is not a luxury, it’s a basic tool for balancing the needs of sports and entertainment.
With local football attendance in decline, stadium concerts offer a crucial revenue stream. Moreover, big-name artistes have the potential to draw international fans.
Imagine the buzz if Vybz Kartel, who has already expressed interest in performing in Ghana, headlined a packed show at the Accra Sports Stadium under the right conditions.
A ray of hope
There is some good news. On September 25, 2025, it was reported that the NSA had received two pitch cover panel samples for testing at the Accra Sports Stadium.
A technical team has been assigned to evaluate and approve one for purchase. If successful, this could mark a major turning point for live entertainment in Ghana.
Soon, local artistes may no longer have to choose between staging world-class concerts and preserving football pitches. The two can, and should, coexist.
Source: GhanaWeb
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
Angel Asiamah, husband of the embattled preacher, Nana Agadaa, has shared an update of his wife’s state in prison.
Nana Agradaa is spending 15 years in prison which commenced in July for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.
According Angel Asiamah, he visited his wife over the week and he can confidently say she is doing perfectly well.
“I went to see my wife, Mrs Asiamah. This week I went to her and she gave me a bible quote. Based on our chat and how she looked, things are going very well. Do you understand? When I say things are going well, I know what I am saying.”
He added, “When something is yours, it looks more beautiful to you than everyone else. So as Agradaa is my wife, if I say she’s doing well and living well, then that’s exactly how she is.” he told members of the Heaven Way Champions International Ministry on September 28, 2025.
Agradaa was officially transferred to the Nsawam Female Prison on Saturday, 5 July, just two days after she was sentenced by Judge Evelyn E. Asamoah at the Accra Circuit Court ‘10’ on Thursday, 3 July 2025.
The Circuit Court in Accra delivered its sentence after it confirmed that she is not pregnant.
In 2022, she was accused of luring her victims through claims that she possessed spiritual powers to double their money.
Initially admitting guilt to charges including fraudulent advertising and obtaining money under false pretenses, she spent two weeks in remand before being granted bail of GH₵150,000 with three sureties, one requiring justification.
She tricked members of the Godsway International Heaven Church into handing over their cash during a night vigil service at her church in Weija, Accra.
However, in a statement made after the verdict, Pastor Asiamah claimed that the sentencing was rooted in complaints from church members following an all-night service held three years ago.
According to him, the allegations of fraud stemmed from the offertory collected during that service.
Nana Agradaa’s legal team has already described her sentence as “excessive,” noting that the amount in question was only GH¢540.
They have vowed to file an appeal on Monday, claiming the punishment is more about who Agradaa is than what she is alleged to have done.
Nana Agradaa is going to spend 15 years in prison for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.
The Circuit Court in Accra delivered its sentence after it confirmed that she is not pregnant.
In 2022, she was accused of luring her victims through claims that she possessed spiritual powers to double their money.
Initially admitting guilt to charges including fraudulent advertising and obtaining money under false pretenses, she spent two weeks in remand before being granted bail of GH₵150,000 with three sureties, one requiring justification.
She tricked members of the Godsway International Heaven Church into handing over their cash during a night vigil service at her church in Weija, Accra.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian gospel musician Gifty Oppong Adorye, known in showbiz as Empress Gifty, dragged Evangelist Mama Pat, popularly known as Agradaa, to court for defaming her.
In a video targeting Empress Gifty’s husband, Hopeson Adorye, Agradaa extended her attacks to the singer, accusing her of engaging in bestiality and unfaithful activities.
According to Gifty, other bloggers have leveraged Agradaa’s statement to spread false narratives about her.
This has affected the “Watch Me” singer and her family, as their children are being ridiculed by friends in school.
In addition to the negative impact of Agradaa’s conduct, lawyers of Empress Gifty say her trip abroad slated for August has been jeopardized.
The words used by Agradaa are interpreted to mean the following:
a) The plaintiff is promiscuous and a prostitute.
b) The plaintiff is a zoophile who flirts with dogs to earn her money to cater for her husband.
c) The plaintiff is an adulterous or an unchaste wife who has extramarital affairs with other men, and most of her paramours are pastors.
d) Pastors who invite the Plaintiff to their programs have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before the Plaintiff mounts the pulpit to sing.
e) The plaintiff is an imbecile.
Consequently, Empress Gifty is claiming the sum of twenty million Ghana Cedis for damages for slander.
She is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendant, along with associates, agents, and anyone acting on her behalf, from making further publications of the same or similar defamatory statements.
Meanwhile, Angel Asiamah, husband of the embattled founder of Heaven Way Christian International Ministry, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, has pleaded with Ghanaians to forgive his wife, who is currently serving a 15-year jail term.
While addressing the church on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Angel Asiamah knelt before the congregation in a heartfelt plea, declaring,
“I plead with you all, God has forgiven her of all sins. Please forgive her, too. I have knelt here before God. I believe wherever she is, the Spirit of God has spoken with her. I plead with all she has offended to forgive her, we appeal to John Dramani Mahama, the First Lady, and the Vice President to forgive her,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged the United Nations to begin a “serious recalibration” to revamp its systems and set a worldwide reset plan that aligns with today’s realities.
While addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, President Mahama, the UN must also restructure to meet the demands of the 21st century, just as Ghana has done through its reset initiatives.
“Our Constitution limits leaders to two four-year terms. In January, I was sworn in for a second term, which is non-consecutive with the first. Faced with rising inflation, a huge debt burden, and low morale amongst our citizens, my new administration embarked on an ambitious programme of comprehensive transformation. We refer to this process of recalibration as our reset agenda,” he said.
He drew attention to Ghana’s progress on the economic fronts, highlighting a sharp decline in inflation, a stronger cedi recognized globally by Bloomberg, improved creditworthiness, and a rebound in public confidence.
“Madam President, I believe that, in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda,” he declared.
The Presidency officially announced President John Dramani Mahama’s departure for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York through a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman and Minister in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Saturday, September 21.
The statement announced that the President lead a high-level delegation and was scheduled to deliver his address to the Assembly on Thursday, September 25. During his speech, he called for reforms to the UN Security Council and global financial architecture, emphasising the need to embrace gender equality to achieve global development.
Find his full speech below:
Madam President,Mr Secretary-General, Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen:
At this 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, I would like to speak about Africa’s role in the future of the organisation. However, it is impossible to do that without first considering the collective role that Africa played in its founding, which was small and relatively insignificant.
Of the 51 Member States involved in the founding of the United Nations in 1945, only four were African: Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, and South Africa.
It is important to point out that the United Nations came into being in the aftermath of World War 2 because of the inability of its precursor, the League of Nations, to avert a large-scale global conflict, which had been its guiding purpose when it was founded in 1920 on the heels of World War 1.
Out of the 42 founding member states of the League of Nations, only three were African: Liberia, the Union of South Africa, and Ethiopia. Egypt joined later in 1937. Africa’s overall participation in the organisation’s founding was minimal and relatively unimportant.
That’s because, before all the other talks and meetings, representatives from a group of 14 nations gathered in Berlin for a series of discussions that began in 1884, which led to the partition and formal colonisation of the continent—also called the Scramble for Africa.
It has famously been written that “past is prologue.” Well, in the past, the majority of the 54 nations that now comprise Africa were never offered a seat at the table where plans for a new World Order were being drawn.
But, Madam President,
As fate would have it, the tables have turned, and Africa’s role in the authorship of whatever is yet to come for this world will be huge, and it will be consequential.
According to this organisation’s own projections, by the year 2050, more than 25% of the world’s population is expected to come from the African continent. Additionally, by 2050, one- third of all young people, aged 15 to 24, will be residing on the African continent.
So, you see, the future is African.
Allow me to say this once again, a little louder for the people in the back. The future is African!
Already today, Africa is a catalyst for human potential and development, as well as for economic reform and ecological stability. Africa is a catalyst for systemic change. If this reality—which is fact-based and straightforward—seems provocative or unsettling, perhaps it’s because you’re viewing it through the lens of centuries of racism, colonialism, imperialism, and the resulting implicit bias.
Maybe you’re unaware of the resilience of African nations or their remarkable ability to make a strong comeback, just when you think it’s safe to discount them.
That’s what is happening right now in Ghana. Our Constitution limits leaders to two four-year terms. In January, I was sworn in for a second term, which, I should add, is non-consecutive with the first. Our currency, the Ghana cedi, was rapidly depreciating.
Faced with rising inflation, a huge debt burden, and low morale amongst our citizens, my new administration quickly embarked on an ambitious programme of comprehensive transformation designed to restructure Ghana’s economic foundation and enhance our competitive standing globally. We refer to this process of recalibration as our reset agenda.
In just eight months, we have achieved a significant reduction in inflation, from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% in August 2025, restoring price stability for our citizens. Additionally, the Ghana cedi has appreciated considerably against other currencies, with Bloomberg reporting it as the best-performing currency in the world at one point.
Our improved sovereign credit rating reflects increasing investor confidence. Our 24-Hour Economy Initiative promises to transform our economy. There is a renewed willingness among the people to trust that their elected officials have Ghana’s interests at heart and that we are progressing together.
Madam President,
I believe that, in honour of this milestone celebration, the United Nations should also embark on a process of serious recalibration and establish its own reset agenda. Since the organisation’s founding, the number of UN Member Nations has nearly quadrupled. And, quite frankly, it is not the same world that it was back then.
I mentioned earlier that I began my second non-consecutive term as president this past January. My first term ended in January 2017. In that span of time, the world had changed with such ferocity, my first days in office felt as though I’d just awakened from a Rip Van Winkle-style slumber. That was after only eight years; imagine, then, what it would be like after eighty years.
In 1945, the sun had not yet set on the largest empire in history; the most common mode of international travel was by sea; the personal computer had not been invented, let alone made portable; and television, a new convenience, was still in its infancy, albeit in black and white.
Relations between the US and the Soviet Union were turning frosty, with Winston Churchill declaring that “an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.”
Eighty years on, in today’s world, 100,000 commercial flights take off and land every day; libraries have been digitised so that volumes of literature can exist on a device small enough to fit inside your pocket. This is a world of cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence, social media, the Internet, and its dark, hidden dungeon —the dark web—all of which carry a potential threat to global peace and security.
Climate change is real, and we are fighting a losing battle against the loss of the Maldives and other island nations to the rising sea level, Timbuktu to desertification, and the Amazon Rainforest to global warming and deforestation.
Madam President,
The UN founding charter is outdated when it comes to representation. The most powerful post- World War 2 nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world. And yet, the first sentence in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN charter declares that “The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members.”
If this were truly the case, a continent as large as Africa with its numerous UN Member states would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council. Furthermore, veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute.
There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute veto to serve its own interests in a conflict.
In 1995, during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, Nelson Mandela stood in this very spot. He said, “The United Nations has to reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures. It should truly reflect the diversity of our universe and ensure equity among the nations in the exercise of power within the system of international relations. In general, and the Security Council in particular.”
Thirty years later, we African leaders are still making the same request: for a permanent seat on the Security Council, with the power of veto. So, today, Madam President, I stand here in this exact spot, asking: if not now, then when?
We demand not only a reform of the Security Council, but also a reset of the global financial architecture, which is currently rigged against Africa. Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions.
While I am making requests, I would like to call for the removal of the blockade on Cuba. As Dr Kwame Nkrumah, our nation’s founder, famously said, “We seek to be friends of all and enemies to none.” The Cuban people shed their blood on African soil in the fight against apartheid. Indeed, Cuba has been, and continues to be, a faithful friend to Africa.
You see, the very fact that I can stand here and ask these things, and the fact that all nations can ostensibly gather here to address critical global issues, air grievances, and express concerns—that is what makes the survival of this organisation so important.
In every old city or village, you will find a town square, a courtyard, or a plaza that once served as a gathering place for the citizens and their leaders. Meetings and celebrations were held there, as were trials and elections. They were spaces that brought people together and held them as a community. Sadly, time and technology have eroded those spaces.
Madam President,
In many ways, the United Nations is the proverbial town square of our modern global village. And it has never been more critical for us to protect this one space that brings and holds the world’s nations together as a community.
The Internet, social media platforms, and Artificial Intelligence offer us the illusion of connectivity, when in fact they reinforce isolation by using algorithms that ensure we do not receive new ideas and perspectives, but rather more of the same. We are served alternative facts and manipulated images, making it easier to disseminate disinformation and sow seeds of division.
These are dangerous times. Our world is currently experiencing a rise in nationalism and economic instability. There is a general breakdown of multilateralism; various acts of aggression have been committed against the sovereignty of others, and nations are attempting to circumvent the very safeguards put in place to prevent large-scale global conflict.
These conditions are all too similar to the ones that led to the League of Nations’ failure in fulfilling its mandate. The denial of visas to President Abbas and the Palestinian delegation sets a bad precedent and should be deeply worrying to all member nations.
Ghana recognised the state of Palestine in 1988 and supported a two-state solution to the conflict.
Contrary to the claims of some, a two-state solution would not be a reward for Hamas but, rather, a reprieve for the hundreds of thousands of innocent people who have been facing collective punishment and forced starvation for no reason other than the fact that they are Palestinian.
For nearly two years, and for the fear of reprisal, we here in this General Assembly have been playing hide-and-seek with language to find the right words to help us avoid or excuse what we all know is taking place there.
But here’s the thing, it doesn’t matter what you call it: if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, well then… It must be a duck. The crimes in Gaza must stop.
Madam President,
I want to draw particular attention to the conflict in Sudan, which this body has described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Twelve million people have had to flee their homes.
When we speak of migration, we refer to the 12 million new refugees, whom we, as a global community, should be willing to assist in much the same way that many member nations readily assisted new refugees from Ukraine.
Let’s dispense with euphemisms and dog-whistles and speak frankly. It’s not a mystery that when leaders of Western nations complain of their migration problems, they are often referring to immigrants from the Global South.
Many of those migrants are climate refugees. Interestingly, the Global North emits 75% more greenhouse gases than the Global South. However, the effects of climate change are more severe in the Global South because we lack the resources to address them effectively.
So, when the desert encroaches and our villages and towns become unlivable, we are forced to flee.
Warsan Shire, a Somali-British poet born in Kenya to Somalian refugee parents, was London’s first Youth Poet Laureate. She writes in her poem titled “Home”.
You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land No one burns their palms
under trains beneath carriages
No one spends days and nights in the stomach of a truck feeding on newspaper unless the miles travelled mean something more than a journey.
Madam President,
We cannot normalise cruelty. We cannot normalise hatred.
We cannot normalise xenophobia and racism.
If we are going to tell a story, let’s not tell it slant. Let’s tell all the truth.
When we speak of migrants, we speak of Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, a judge on the US District Court for the Central District of California. She is the first Black female judge on any of California’s four federal district courts. She was born in America to immigrant parents from Ghana.
We speak of Peter Bossman, a medical doctor born in Ghana who moved to the town of Piran in Slovenia in the 1980s. He later became the first Black mayor of Piran, the first Black mayor in Slovenia, and in the whole of Eastern Europe.
We speak of T-Michael, the iconic Ghanaian-Norwegian artist and designer, and the late Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who was born in Ghana but spent his adulthood in various places in America and Europe.
These are people who have brought great distinction to the countries that they call home. Just as the migrants and the children of migrants before them did. These are not invaders or criminals.
Madam President,
The slave trade must be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity. As African Champion on reparations, Ghana intends to introduce a motion in this August body to that effect.
More than twelve and a half million Africans were forcibly taken against their will and transported to create wealth for the powerful Western nations.
We must demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonisation of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources, as well as the looting of artefacts and other items of cultural heritage that have yet to be returned in total. We recognise the value of our land and the value of our lives.
As did our coloniser, as well as the governments that happily paid reparations to former slave owners as compensation for the loss of their “property”—that “property” for which compensation was paid referred to enslaved people who had been freed.
Madam President,
An increasingly insecure world is witnessing upward spending on defence budgets of bilateral partners and steep cuts in Official Development Assistance. Since July 2024, there has been a 40% drop in humanitarian aid to Africa.
In this era of global uncertainty, Africa must exercise sovereignty over its natural resources to raise the necessary funds to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
The days of parceling out vast concession areas to foreign interests for exploitation must come to an end. We will continue to welcome foreign investment, but we must negotiate better for a bigger share of the natural resources that belong to us.
We are tired of the continued image of poverty-stricken, disease-ridden rural communities, living at the periphery of huge foreign-controlled natural resource concession areas. We are tired of having people extract the most they can from us and, in return, offer us the very least by way of respect, consideration, and dignity.
We are tired of not being represented in ways that reveal the richness and complexity of our history or acknowledge all that we have overcome to arrive here, in this liminal space of untold possibilities.
Allow me to echo the Indian-American writer, Arundhati Roy, who wrote: “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”
I want to add that for the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls. To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential.
In closing, Madam President,
I would like to congratulate you on your election to preside over this historic 80th General Assembly, and on being the fifth woman to hold this distinction.
I would also like to congratulate Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on being the first woman Vice President of Ghana. Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend.
Words matter, but issues of representation matter even more, which is why Ghana looks forward to the appointment of a woman as Secretary General of this organisation in the future.
Net-zero energy transition by 2070 will require an investment of more than $500 billion. To raise the needed funds, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition says it will introduce tax incentives for renewable energy projects and streamline regulations to attract private sector investment.
Speaking at the West Africa Green Economy Roundtable 2025, the acting chief director of the ministry, Solomon Ajetti, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing resilient measures to drive the transition agenda.
“If you look at Ghana’s green transition, the cost to get to net zero as per the document is over 500 billion US dollars. It is not going to come from the government alone, and therefore it’s going to be private-sector-led. That is why there has to be collaboration between the public and private sectors. That collaboration is always needed,” he explained.
Chairman of the Prison Service Council, Apostle Alexander Nanakum Labi, highlighted the importance of faith-based organizations, including the church, in promoting advocacy for the energy transition and supporting the fight against illegal mining.
“The church has a lot to do. We have to really engage, work very hard, and speak to the conscience of the people, especially those who come to church and those who go to the mosque. We consider about 98%. So if we all believe in the God who created the universe, we can’t sit alone and see the environment destroyed each generation. The church has a major role to play,” he emphasized.
Director of Pent Media Center, Pastor Dr. Phelix Deakluche, also stressed the need for strong multi-stakeholder collaboration to design practical solutions towards building a green economy.
“As a Pent Media Center, it’s imperative that we organize what we call the West African Green Economy Roundtable discussion so that we can bring together academia, captains of industry, the clergy, and other stakeholders and environmental advocates to sit at the same table and decide how best this issue of green economy will become a reality,” he stated.
Meanwhile in February this year, the Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, held a crucial meeting with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and other key stakeholders to strategize on ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply.
This came on the back of threats against power suppliers and ballooning debts that continue to plague the sector.
Discussions held at the Ministry of Energy on Monday, February 24, focused on identifying long-term solutions to Ghana’s power sector challenges. Representatives from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), and other power-generating entities participated in the engagement, to assess the sector’s pressing issues.
Key concerns raised included fuel supply limitations, financial constraints affecting power producers, and the need for improved infrastructure maintenance. Participants also explored measures to enhance efficiency and prevent extended power disruptions.
Minister Jinapor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with industry players to stabilize electricity supply, emphasizing that collective action is crucial for strengthening power generation and distribution across the country.
“Ensuring a stable and reliable power supply remains a priority, and we will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to address the challenges affecting the sector,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to implement immediate measures to mitigate power disruptions while working on long-term reforms.
The minister assured the public that regular updates would be provided as efforts to resolve the power supply challenges progress.
Moreover Ghana’s energy sector is burdened with significant debt, which has escalated to over $3 billion as of January 2025. This debt includes financial obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which stood at $1.2 billion as of October 2024.
The country has been experiencing frequent power outages and load shedding, commonly referred to as “dumsor.” This has been a major issue, affecting both residential and industrial sectors.
Ghana’s electricity is generated from a mix of hydro, thermal, and renewable energy sources. However, the country has lost 10% of its total electricity generation capacity. The current peak demand has surged to 3,618 MW, significantly exceeding the available capacity of 3,251 MW.
The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.
Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations, Frank Otchere, made this known at GRIDCo headquarters in Tema on Thursday, September 25
Mr Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when they attempt to access some areas.
“Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.
He adds that the galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure.
He appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert the potential collapse of towers.
Meanwhile, The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced the government’s new strategy as part of efforts to eradicate illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in the country.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 16, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the government will, in the coming days, the government will deploy soldiers to permanently guard 44 galamsey hotspots, including waterbodies.
“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence,” he added.
The government’s recent move is a response to mounting calls for the declaration of a state of emergency on galamsey.
Meanwhile, the FixTheCountry movement will embark on vigil and march sessions on Sunday, September 21, and Monday, September 22, respectively, at Revolution Square in Accra, in response to illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, in the country.
This information was disclosed by the group’s convenor, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, September 15.“On Sunday 21st September, we will have a vigil at the Revolution Square, and on Monday 22nd (a holiday), there will be a march, calling attention to the urgency of our environmental crisis,” he wrote.
In his post he stressed that the solution to end the menace requires collective efforts, hence, he called on all and sundry to participate in the upcoming protest.
“The responsibility to protect and preserve the environment is by divine assignment, ours as a people,” he wrote, adding that the issue transcends electoral politics.Our responsibility to end galamsey does not end at elections. Nor does it begin after our party loses one. This is bigger than petty politics,” he emphasised.
Illegal mining activities continue to retrogress the country’s development, as they lead to the loss of lives, destruction of properties and the environment, and water bodies, among others.For years, the country’s efforts to nip the canker in the bud have not yielded the needed results.
Among measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of river guards. The river guards are selected from communities most affected by illegal mining, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the local landscape and challenges.
Govt’s efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities
The government has rolled out an official order requiring all machinery used in mining operations to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August.
A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, July 15, states that the state will go ahead to confiscate unregistered mining equipment after the deadline.
“The Government, as part of efforts to reform the mining sector in the country, requires that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by 1st August 2025. Equipment that remains unregistered after this deadline will be confiscated by the State,” the Ministry stated on its website.
Mr Mubarak has empowered the Ghana Police Service and DVLA to begin strict enforcement of the new rule from August 2. “The Ghana Police Service and DVLA have been directed to enforce this directive from 2nd August 2025 onward rigorously. The general public, especially those who use mining machinery, is advised to take note and comply with the directive,” he wrote.
The Ministry reiterates its resolve to maintain national peace through effective internal security and law enforcement.
Meanwhile, a similar directive came in months ago, where excavator owners and operators were asked to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) within two weeks or risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Kotey announced that the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team commenced a nationwide enforcement after the deadline, arresting and impounding excavators being used at mining sites or for commercial purposes without proper documentation.
“This exercise will help identify every excavator that enters the country and trace how it is being used. The goal is to ensure we can monitor and hold people accountable,” Mr. Kotey said.
The directive fell in line with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates the registration of all motor vehicles and trailers, including farm and heavy-duty equipment.
Despite the law, the DVLA found many unregistered excavators operating in mining areas, some of which have been used in illegal activities.
Mr. Kotey emphasized that the DVLA, with its 34 offices nationwide, could register all excavators and farm machinery within two weeks and was ready to strictly enforce the directive.
“Excavators in the hands of illegal miners have worsened the destruction of our environment. This is why we must act,” Mr Kotey said.
To further control the situation, the DVLA, in collaboration with key agencies like the Minerals Commission, National Security, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), commenced tagging all newly imported excavators.
In addition to tagging new imports, the Minerals Commission was tasked with leading a team to tag all excavators already in the country. Legal small-scale mining sites have also been geo-fenced, with their site coordinates integrated into the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking software for better oversight.
The move is part of the government’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining. Three months ago, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the rollout of a system to monitor excavator imports and usage, involving port tagging and digital tracking in partnership with several state agencies.
According to the sector minister. The third most valuable item imported into this country is excavators, and it is worth GHC6.2 billion.
Crack down on illegal mining activities
In April, a total of 47 individuals were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests in the Western Region. This followed a special four-day intelligence-led operation that commenced on April 17, within the Samreboi enclave.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. The Police indicated that a significant amount of equipment and materials believed to have been used for the mining operations were retrieved.
These include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Rav4 vehicle, four pump-action guns, one single-barreled gun, fifty-four live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.
Prosecution began for the arrested suspects. On Tuesday, 41 of them were arraigned, with 29 remanded into Police custody to reappear before the court on April 30, 2025. Twelve others were also remanded to return to court on May 2, 2025.
The remaining seven were put before the court on April 23, 2025.Two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment.
The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force. The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved a single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three water-pumping machines.
The task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects—Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra—were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.
One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene. All exhibits were secured in police custody.
Some 12 accused persons standing trial for engaging in illegal mining activities at Tumetu near Princess Town in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have been remanded into prison custody. While 10 of the accused persons were arrested at a palm plantation, two were arrested at the Elluabo Chavene Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) plantation.
This was due to a coordinated police intelligence-led operation within the Ahanta West Municipality. The accused persons are Lord Yankey, Caleb Adu Kwaw, Stephen Agyei, Ebenezer Barnes, Mathew Somagevi, Paa Grant, Bashiru Kaviru, Joseph Borney, Aminu Issah, Kofi Sogah, Albert Normah, and Robert Mensah.
Four water pumping machines, one tricycle with registration number M-20-WR 1045, and two motorbikes were retrieved from the sites, according to the police.
All twelve accused persons admitted to the offence during police interrogations. They were subsequently put before the Takoradi Harbour Area Circuit Court ‘A’, and were remanded into prison custody at Sekondi and reappeared before the court on Tuesday, July 8.
Also, fifteen individuals are in police custody for engaging in illegal mining activities at Manso Adubia. They were arrested following a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom.
The suspects include Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu, (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), and Abdul Malik Seidu (22).
The others are Dauda Tahiru (23), Sampson Grace (21), Boolangkpuo Freda (24), Arima Hagar (26), Kwarteng Vasco (30), and Kwame Adutwum (24).
Two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, one water pumping machine, two power generators, one vulcanizing machine, and one Apsonic motorbike were seized from the site.
Grammy-winning rapper Cardi-B has revealed that the process to divorce her estranged husband, Offset has stalled because of his demands from her, such as money and properties.
During a livestream on X spaces on Monday, the 32-year-old confidently stated that she will not succumb to those demands.
“The only reason why I’m still married is because somebody wants me to pay for their taxes,” the Grammy-winning rapper stated without mentioning Offset’s name. “Y’all wanna know the tea? The only way I can get out of my marriage is if I pay for somebody else’s taxes, even though I pay for my own, and give them one of my properties. I’mma fight for that. This is no love shit. I’m not gonna stop living my life,” Cardi B stated.
It is alleged that Cardi B spilled the tea over backlash from netizens because she has already moved on with another man, Stefon Diggs and is expecting a baby with him.
In 2023, Cardi B responded to public accusations of adultery made by her husband, Offset. The situation garnered attention as both parties navigate the challenges within their relationship.
Offset stated in an Instagram post uploaded on his official Instagram account that his wife slept with a man behind his back.
“My wife fcked a nigga on me gang yall nigga know how I come,” Offset said.
Cardi B fashioned a song out of her answer on Twitter, implying that her husband was accusing her of the same thing he does.
The couple’s relationship has been rocky in the past, with multiple public breakups and reconciliations.
Cardi B had stated that if she ever divorced her spouse, she would write hit songs about the event. She further stated that if they divorced, she would marry another wealthy man.
Cardi B went on to advise her fans not to lend their ears to Offset’s words. She emphasized that he was attempting to shift blame onto her for actions he knew he was guilty of. Urging her followers not to pay attention to Offset’s words, she dismissed him as a mere “country man.”
She asserted her identity as Cardi B and reminded everyone that she was not just anybody.
Cardi B confidently stated that if she were involved with anyone intimately, she would make it known, highlighting her refusal to engage in clandestine amorous affairs.
In her words:
“You can’t accuse me of the things you know you are guilty of and I see that it’s easy for you to blame everything on me.
“Don’t pay attention to that country man you all.
“Come on now, I’m Cardi B and I think motherfuckers forget I’m Cardi B. If I was giving out my body to anybody, it would be out. I’m not just anybody.”
Netizens have reacted to the incident, with many expressing sympathy for Cardi B and condemning her husband’s actions.
Others said Offset can’t handle everything he throws at her and that he should be more understanding of his wife’s career.
authentik_fitwears said: “She said she’s gon upgrade dude.”
callmedamy said: “Let the divorce begins.”
captain__linda said: “Did I hear her say upgrade.”
ndukauba_anthonia commented: “So he can’t work it out with her? Seek counselling, maybe he’s gained extra weight or maybe doesn’t know better ways of satisfying her…”
king_mayorblack reacted: “Man had a taste of his medicine.”
iam_veekee_ reacted: “Most Nigerian men deserves a character like cardi B.”
evelyn_ xX said: “Pray for your wife. Be a good husband.”
worha sonia said: “The day offset married Cardi B he married both gold and thorn, he should pick which one he wants to live with.”
In 2023, Cardi B announced she had broken up with her spouse, rapper Offset.
She revealed in an Instagram Live that she had been dropping hints that she and her partner are no longer together on social media.
“I’ve been single for a minute now, but I have been afraid to like… not afraid, I just don’t know how to tell the world. But I feel like today has been a sign,” she said. “The last time I got on Live, I kind of wanted to tell you guys. But I didn’t know how to tell you, so I changed my mind. But it has been like this for a minute now. I just took it as a sign.”
The “sign” she was referring to was some online messiness in which Offset’s name was part of an allegation of infidelity that he has denied on social media.
“I don’t think it’s true, I don’t care to find out,” Cardi B said of the chatter.
It seems like she would prefer to concentrate on the future.
“I want to start 2024, like, fresh, open,” she said during the IG Live. “I don’t know. I’m curious for a new life, for a new beginning. And yeah, I’m excited.”
In October 2017, the pair publicly announced their engagement when he proposed to her onstage. Subsequently, it was disclosed that they had privately tied the knot in his hometown of Atlanta in September of the same year.
Together, they share a daughter named Kulture, aged 5, and a son named Wave, aged 2.
Cardi B. and Offset have experienced multiple separations in the past, notably in 2018 when he made a grand gesture by crashing her performance at the Rolling Loud Festival in Los Angeles to plead for her reconciliation.
The couple’s first child, RZA Athelston Mayers, was born on May 13, 2022.
During her performance at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime in Phoenix, Rihanna pulled down the zipper of her jacket to show off her expanding baby bump, announcing to the world that she is expecting a second child.
Ahead of the baby’s coming, the celebrity couple A$AP Rocky and Rihanna made headlines when they confirmed they were expecting their third child during the 2025 Met Gala in New York.
The iconic singer and beauty mogul, 37, revealed her baby bump while posing for cameras on the red carpet, elegantly dressed and glowing with joy.
Holding her growing belly with pride, Rihanna closed out the arrivals at fashion’s biggest night, making a grand entrance that sparked excitement among fans and media alike.
Her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, confirmed the news while walking the red carpet. He graciously thanked reporters who congratulated them and hinted at the reveal by saying, “It is time to just show the people what we were cooking up.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he added. “I’m glad everybody’s happy for us because we’re definitely happy.”
The couple, who already share two sons, are known for turning high-profile appearances into moments of personal celebration. Rihanna previously debuted her first pregnancy in a Harlem photoshoot in 2022 and surprised the world with news of her second during her Super Bowl halftime show performance in 2023.
This year’s Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked a significant occasion in the fashion calendar, with A$AP Rocky serving as one of the co-chairs. The event celebrated Black menswear and style innovation, and the couple’s appearance added a personal, heartfelt highlight to the night.
Rihanna’s third pregnancy reveal continues her trend of blending iconic fashion moments with major life announcements—solidifying her reputation for rewriting the rules on celebrity culture and maternity style.
In April last year, Nigerian comedian and skit maker Sabinus became a father, announcing the arrival of his newborn baby during an Instagram live session on Thursday, April 4.
Sabinus, who was then on a tour in the UK for shows and other engagements, shared the joyful news of his wife Ciana’s delivery.The couple welcomed their first child, although Sabinus didn’t disclose the baby’s gender during the announcement.
The comedian was visibly elated as he cradled his newborn, marking a significant milestone in his personal life.Sabinus and Ciana had tied the knot in a private ceremony early in 2023, with the comedian previously crediting his wife for inspiring his career growth.
In past interactions with fans, Sabinus revealed that Ciana played a pivotal role in his professional journey, encouraging him to relocate from Port Harcourt to Lagos to pursue his dreams in stand-up comedy.
Nigerian actor Emeka Ike and his family rejoiced as they welcomed a new member into their fold.
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, the actor shared the delightful news of the birth of his baby girl, whom he named Chidera Comfort Thando Ike.This timely occasion coincides with the veteran actor’s birthday, making it a double blessing for the Ike family.
Emeka Ike honoured his late mother by giving his daughter the name Chidera Comfort Thando Ike. His late mother, Comfort Okwuchi Ike, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 90.
In a heartfelt message, Emeka expressed his gratitude to God for filling the void left by his mother’s passing with the arrival of his newborn daughter.
The actor also extended his thanks to his wife for her strength and perseverance during the birthing process, acknowledging the profound experience and joy of welcoming their child into the world. Emeka Ike shared his joy on social media, posting pictures and videos of the memorable moments with his family and their precious new addition.
Emeka Ike’s message on social media read, “ITS A DOUBLE BLESSING FOR ONE LOSS…Happy BIRTHDAY to me and WELCOME to baby, Chidera COMFORT Thando Ike. The good LORD has filled the huge vacuum that Mama COMFORT Okwuchi Ike left behind, with another COMFORT Chidera T Ike. My family and I are COMFORTED and can’t ask for any better, this solemn time. Thank you to my beautiful wife for taking the pains, of this wonderful gift.”
In Ghana, Ghanaian actress and socialite Rosemond Brown, widely known as Akuapem Poloo, joyfully announced the birth of her second child in March this year.
Taking to Instagram on March 17, 2025, the actress shared stunning images of her baby bump, clad in an elegant all-white outfit, to mark the special occasion. She accompanied the post with a heartfelt message, expressing her deep gratitude to God.
“In His own time, He makes everything beautiful. God, I’m grateful,” she wrote.
One of the touching images featured her first child, proudly holding a placard that read, “Promoted to Big Brother,” capturing the excitement of the growing family.
The news sparked an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities across Ghana and Nigeria, celebrating this new chapter in Akuapem Poloo’s life.
The New Patriotic Party has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, over what it describes as state-sponsored harassment of political opponents and the return of the culture of silence.
According to a statement shared by the leadership of the party on September 23, the NPP said the petition was meant to draw attention to the increasing spate of state-sponsored harassment of political opponents, particularly members of the party, culminating in the gradual return of the dreaded culture of silence.
Below are the concerns raised in the petition by the NPP:
“Since the assumption of office of the John Mahama administration on January 7, 2025, the nation’s traditional and social media space has been replete with stories of politically motivated harassments and intimidation of members of the opposition as well as the suppressing of dissenting voices in the country including journalists and social media activists who are critical of the government.”
“Regrettably, these acts of intimidation and harassment are being carried out by the police and other security agencies who are working under the instruction of the NDC government. In other words, the John Mahama administration has become extremely intolerant of dissent and is bent on using state institutions including the Judiciary, National Security, EOCO, NIB, and the police to clamp down on all critical voices in the country. Ghana is witnessing a gradual return of the dreaded culture of silence and the era of criminal libel despite the repeal of the criminal libel law, which signaled the nation’s bold declaration in decriminalizing speech.”
“This development is not only disturbing but also represents a monumental betrayal of the very democratic principles upon which Ghana was founded. State institutions are being weaponized not in the fight against galamsey or to fight the growing insecurity situation in parts of the country such as Bawku, Gbeniyiri, Nkwanta, etc. Rather, these institutions of State are being used to settle personal scores, intimidate and harass political opponents and clamp down on free speech.”
“Today, the police and national security operatives are more interested in arresting and persecuting social media activists such as “Facebookers” and “Tiktokers” for allegedly insulting public officials and making or posting disparaging remarks about government officials than fighting insecurity in the country. Even in the so-called application of the law, the police are being selective, arresting only perceived members of the NPP whilst pretending not to see nor hear members of the NDC who engage in similar or worse conduct.”
“We make mention of the unlawful arrest and detention of an NPP social media activist by name, Daniel Adomako alias “Sir-Obama Pokuase” whom the police, in a statement, claimed, was to assist them investigate a matter following a post he made on his Facebook page. How do you arrest and detain somebody you claim is assisting you in an investigation? We have also witnessed the arrest of veteran journalist Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, alongside Agyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare (Journalist, Wontumi TV), Gordon Asare Bediako ((Journalist, Wontumi TV), Alfred Ababio (Adenta Kumi), Mohammed Amadou Zakou and several pro-opposition TikTokers, including FanteComedy, Yayra Adiw (North Tongu NPP Women Organizer), Priscilla Duah Birago, and Charity Dede Tetteh (who were arrested at Nhyiaso, Kumasi and were transferred to Accra and detained for 96 hours before being arraigned before court), among others.”
“The most striking example is the recent Rambo-style arrest and detention of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe ‘Abronye’ by the police for allegedly insulting and making false claims against the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu. Meanwhile, the law is that, if any Ghanaian, including the IGP feels defamed or falsely accused, his remedy in law is by way of civil suit such as defamation and not criminal prosecution. An IGP should not be abusing his office to settle personal scores with the very people he is supposed to protect.”
“Criminalization of speech has no place in a democracy, and certainly not when this country went through the painstaking process of repealing the criminal and seditious libel law in 2001. We cannot take one step forward and two steps backwards.”
“Beyond the increasing criminalization of speech and clamping down on dissent, we are witnessing series of state-sponsored thuggery in the forms of midnight or dawn-raids of the residences of some of the immediate past government officials including the former governor of the Bank of Ghana and former Finance Minister by supposed operatives of National Security and the National Investigative Bureau(BNI) some of whom engage in theft when they embark on these raids at the homes of the former government officials.”
“Even more concerning is the consistent flouting by the Security Agencies of the Constitution of Ghana particularly Article 14 on the grant of bail to persons arrested or detained. The Constitution requires that such persons be brought before court within 48 hours or be released either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions as may be necessary to ensure they appear at a later date for trial. Thus, an accused person who is not tried within reasonable time is entitled to bail irrespective of the nature of the offense.”
“But today, NPP members who are arrested are being detained for over 48 hours in flagrant disregard of their human rights. When the lawyers for these accused persons request for bail from the security agencies, they are slapped with onerous bail conditions that are virtually impracticable to meet, effectively denying them bail as in the case of our Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Womtumi), and former Buffer Stock CEO, Mr. Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba and his wife who were slapped with GH¢ 50 million and GH¢ 80 million bail conditions respectively. Similar treatment has been meted out to others beyond the NPP, including Mr. Percival Kofi Akpaloo, leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana, and Mr. Charles Nii Armah (Shatta Wale), both of whom were subjected to bail conditions of GH¢10 million.”
“Furthermore, it is imperative to highlight the cases involving Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta and Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid at the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which depict a classic example of political persecution. In addition, this same OSP also arrested ace journalist, Mr. Paul Adom-Otchere under very bizarre circumstances. These instances collectively underscore the abuse of power and the weaponization of state agencies to intimidate and harass political opponents.”
“Meanwhile, the law in Ghana per Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offenses Procedure Act, (Act 30) and the Supreme Court decision in Okoe v The Republic; Martin Kpebu v AG (No.2); as well as the Frank Benneh case, is that bail should not be withheld merely as a punishment and that bail conditions must not be unreasonable or onerous so as to amount to constructive refusal to grant it. This is anchored on the constitutional principle enshrined in Article 19(2)(c) that a person accused of committing an offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, under this John Mahama administration, such persons are rather presumed guilty until they prove their innocence. We say this playout during the arrest of Chairman Wontumi, Adu Boahen, Abdul Wahab Hannan and many others who are perceived to be members of the NPP.”
“The Judiciary which is supposed to be the last vanguard of rule of law has also, sadly, been captured by the Executive particularly after the unlawful removal of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Araba Torkonoo. Judges fear to dispense justice according to the law because they fear that they may also suffer the same fate as Justice Torkonoo. Judges are now telling us that we are all not equal before the law and are quoting dictators like Idi Amin of Uganda to justify the unlawful detention of citizens in a democracy. How pathetic!”
“There is a Ghana for NDC members and there is another Ghana for members of the opposition. In the NDC Ghana, when the police effect arrests, nobody gets to see the suspects being arrested; the suspects are not handcuffed; the suspects are not remanded; the suspects are granted bail by the police within 24 hours. But, in the NPP Ghana, persons accused of committing even misdemeanor offenses, are arrested in Rambo-style, bundled up into police vehicles like notorious international terrorists. They are presumed guilty until they prove their innocence. When they appeal for bail, they are slapped with unreasonable bail conditions in order to keep them in detention even before they are tried.”
“It would be recalled that we formally petitioned the Ghana police through the IGP on 3rd September with a complaint of criminal conduct by National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Awudu Sofo Azorka alias Chairman Azorka and the NDC’s Constituency Communications Officer for Abuakwa North, Abdul Wahab Amadu, against officers of the NPP including Members of Parliament during the Akwatia by-election held on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025. They physically assaulted the NPP 3rd National Vice Chairman and threatened the lives of the Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin; the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh and the NPP National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye. Till date, the police are yet to take any decisive action on our petition despite the incontrovertible evidence we submitted to them.”
OUR DEMANDS: 1) President Mahama and the NDC government should put an immediate stop to the ongoing political harassment and persecution of our members.
2) There should be an immediate stop on the continuous criminalization of speech,attacks on press freedom and the suppressing of dissenting voices in the country.
The intimidation and victimization of journalists and social media activists such as ‘facebookers’ and ‘tiktoker’ who are critical of the government must end now.
3) The police should act on our petition and provide an update on the so-called arrest of Chairman Azorka including details of his charges, bail conditions, and the date of court hearings.
4) We demand that the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies immediately put an end to the Rambo styled midnight arrests of opposition members.
5) We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the NDC Constituency Communications Officer for Abuakwa North, Abdul Wahab Amadu, for threatening the lives of our leaders.
6) We demand immediate cessation of the continuous weaponization of state institutions against perceived political opponents of the government
7) We call on the judiciary to rise to the occasion as the true vanguard of the rule of law. The fundamental law of Ghana provides that all citizens are equal before the law and must be treated fairly. The equality before the law principle applies in full force whether you are an IGP or an Abronye and we expect our judges to be bold and stand up against Executive interference in dispensing justice.
8) We call on all peace-loving Ghanaians and defenders of democracy, particularly CSOs, the media, as well as traditional and religious leaders, to join us in fighting this growing state-sponsored tyranny and political persecution happening in the country.
The NPP concluded by indicating that they remain resolute in their commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect the constitutional and human rights of citizens, and restore public trust in our democratic institutions.
Data from the Upper East Regional Health Directorate suggest that mental health conditions account for over 2,000 outpatient visits annually.
Over 2,000 mental health cases, 27 suicide deaths recorded between 2023, 2025 in Upper East Region
The most worrying situation according to the directorates is suicide deaths, where in 2023, 7 deaths were recorded, 13 in 2024 and 7 in the first quarter of 2025 and attempted suicide from 2023 to 2025 were 269 cases.
The District Health Management Information System (DHIMS), in the Upper East Region also recorded 210 depression cases in 2023, 137 in 2024 and 108 cases in the first quarter of 2025.
Between 2023 and the first quarter of 2025, a total of 509 cases of mental disorders due to alcohol use, 557 cases of psychoactive substance use disorders, and 270 cases of bipolar disorders were recorded. In the region.
The Upper East Region continues to grapple with major gaps in mental health service delivery, largely due to the absence of a state-owned psychiatric facility and the limited number of trained professionals, most of whom are concentrated in district hospitals. These challenges mean many mental health cases either go untreated or are poorly managed, while stigma and cultural misconceptions still portray mental illness as curses.
To help address the situation, Public Health at Your Doorstep (Healing Wheels), an initiative founded by public health nurse and Mandela Washington Fellow, Gifty Atampugbire, is training nurses across the region in basic mental health care. The project, supported by the United States Government, is aimed at equipping frontline health workers with the skills to provide quality mental health services in the absence of state-owned facilities.
So far, training sessions have been rolled out in several districts with growing participation from health professionals. The number of trainees has increased from 50 to 250, a development Mrs. Atampugbire attributes to the strong support of the U.S. government and the commitment of local stakeholders.
“In all five northern regions, we do not have a single state-owned psychiatric hospital. Yet, the first point of contact for most patients is usually a nurse or a midwife, who often lack the basic skills to handle mental health cases,” she explained in an interview with 3News.
“While we wait for such a facility, why not build the capacity of nurses? I submitted a proposal, and the U.S. government funded it, providing consultants to help train on a critical aspect of mental health – mental health first aid.”
According to her, the training empowers nurses to recognize early warning signs of mental health or substance-use challenges, engage patients in relevant conversations, offer immediate support, and provide referrals to specialists when necessary.
Despite the progress, Mrs. Atampugbire expressed frustration over the difficulties of mobilizing resources for mental health interventions. “We can no longer look away. Rising cases of alcohol and substance abuse are destroying our young people and weakening our national workforce. This is why I brought the training to the people of the Upper East Region, where there is no state-level facility. We thank the U.S. Department of State and our partners for the support, but I call on government and regional leaders to invest in mental health because it is a neglected yet pressing public health issue,” she urged.
Her call is timely, as the Ghana Mental Health Authority recently reported a 40 percent increase in suicide deaths nationwide in 2024, with 475 attempts recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.
Felicia Mason-Edwards, Director of Mental Health Peer Support at Texas Health and Human Services, who traveled to Ghana to support the training, described the initiative as “an investment in dignity and the right to accessible mental health care.”
She stressed that equipping every health worker, from CHPS compounds to regional hospitals, ensures individuals in crisis find safe, nonjudgmental support at their first point of contact.
The program has also changed the perspectives of local health workers. Atanga Henrietta, a senior nursing officer at Talensi District, admitted that before the training, many health staff and families were hesitant to interact with mentally ill persons, often resorting to chaining or isolating them.
“This program has opened my eyes to better ways of engaging and supporting them. I now understand the right approach is to get closer and provide care, not push them away,” she reflected.
Currently, nurses and other frontline workers in nine districts and municipalities are benefitting from the training, which aims to bridge the treatment gap, reduce stigma, and strengthen mental health support systems in the Upper East Region.
Petitions against Deputy Director of Communications Ernest Owusu Bempah have been referred to the New Patriotic Party’s National Council for consideration.
This was announced in a statement released by on Tuesday September 24 after the party said it received several petitions from members demanding his removal from office over a conduct of “grave concern”
“The Party reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding discipline, safeguarding its values, and ensuring that all matters are handled with fairness and transparency” the statement signed by the general secretary Justin Kodua indicated.
On the issue of removal petitions, the former Chief Justice Getrude Torkornoo has faced a similar challenge.
The Chief Justice was earlier suspended by President Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, after a prima facie case was established, following separate petitions calling for her removal.
A series of petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.
The group alleged she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.
A series of petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana. The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.
The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.
Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained.
However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.
A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.
Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by a senior police officer, describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.
In July, an application for review regarding an ‘abuse of court processes’ by the embattled Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, was dismissed by the Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court.
The court presided over by Justice Amoako on Thursday, July 31, revealed that several claims, such as illegal composition of the committee and wrongful conduct of adversarial proceedings, were already before the Supreme Court.
Justice Amoako argued that relitigating these issues would result in duplication of litigation and abuse of court processes. As such, such claims were dismissed.
The judge also dismissed reliefs such as an order of certiorari to quash the committee’s proceedings and nullify its sittings on the basis that the Chief Justice did not receive a fair hearing, on jurisdictional grounds.
The judicial review application filed on June 9 this year sought nine reliefs, which included a series of declarations that the Article 146 committee set up to probe her removal from office had acted unlawfully.
She wanted the court to prevent the committee from proceeding with its work without providing her with authenticated copies of the petitions seeking her removal and the subsequent responses.
The Chief Justice notes that the president’s purported prima facie determination contained no reasons or justification and was entirely devoid of the elements of judicial or quasi-judicial reasoning expected under the Constitution.
As the proceedings of the Article 146 committee are to be held in-camera in accordance with Article 146(8) of the Constitution, the court noted that it could not inquire into matters raised by the suspended Chief Justice.
In response, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo proceeded to the ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja, Nigeria, seeking compensation worth $10 million over her suspension from office by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
This forms part of 10 reliefs being requested. The Chief Justice’s recent suit follows several unsuccessful cases at the Supreme Court this year after her suspension.
The suspended Chief Justice wants the court to ensure she continues to enjoy the paraphernalia and entitlements of her office as the Chief Justice of Ghana pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The measures are;“That the Republic of Ghana suspend the disciplinary/ removal from office as Chief Justice process against the Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the complaint on the merits.”
“That Ghana refrains from taking any other measures that may harm the rights claimed by the Applicant and /or aggravate or extend the dispute submitted to the Court, or compromise the implementation of any decision that the Court may render.”
“Given the urgency of the situation, the Applicant respectfully requests the Court to hold a hearing on this request as soon as possible, and that the President of the Court ask Ghana to act in order to allow any order that the Court may issue on the Request for Assignment of Precautionary Measures to have its appropriate effect.”
The other reliefs are as follows;
“A declaration that the panel instituted by the Respondent (Ghana) to investigate and determine the allegations of misconduct against the Applicant was not constituted to guarantee its independence and impartiality and as such has violated the Applicant’s human right to fair hearing guaranteed by Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“A declaration that the purported suspension of the Applicant as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana by the President of the Respondent State on 22 April 2025, constitutes a violation of her human right to fair equitable and satisfactory conditions guaranteed by Article 15 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“A declaration that the purported suspension of the Applicant as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana by the President of the Respondent State on 22 April 2025 has exposed her to public ridicule and odium locally and internationally and the said act constitutes a violation of her human right to dignity guaranteed by Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“A declaration that by subjecting the Applicant to an illegal and unfair investigation and trial since April 2025, the Respondent has inflicted injuries on her professional standing and image, thereby ‘exposing her and her family to immeasurable public ridicule.”
“An order to the Respondent Republic to act immediately to prescribe the rule of procedure to govern the investigation of allegations of misconduct against the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana in conformity with the right to fair hearing guaranteed by the Constitution of Ghana and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
“An order directing the Respondent to immediately lift the suspension and restore the Applicant to full office until the conclusion of fair constitutional proceedings.”
“An order restraining the Respondent from continuing with the purported inquiry for the removal of the Applicant as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana in its current form, until it conforms to fair hearing guarantees.”
“An award of USD 10 million as compensation for moral and reputational damages suffered by the Applicant as a result of her illegal suspension and unfair investigation, and lastly, “Any other relief(s) as the Honourable Court deems just.”
The suspended Chief Justice wants the court to ensure she continues to enjoy the paraphernalia and entitlements of her office as the Chief Justice of Ghana pending the hearing and determination of the case. The applicant has also requested the ECOWAS Court to assign four precautionary measures to the country.Meanwhile, the government’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted claims made by Justice Torkornoo, noting that the Chief Justice’s suspension aligns with the constitution.
On Thursday, August 14, the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association called for the immediate reinstatement of Ghana’s Chief Justice by President John Dramani Mahama and the Executive arm of government.
“Immediately and without delay, reinstate the Chief Justice of Ghana to her Office. consistent with both the hitherto strong attachment to the rule of law demonstrated by Ghana and also, the constitutional duties incumbent upon them.
“And afford the Chief justice due and fair process in the investigation and determination of the disciplinary matters brought against her, including but not limited to full and transparent access to that process by her legal representatives,” the group demanded in a joint statement issued on August 14.
Additionally, the group asked the government for a proper and impartial investigation of the disciplinary charges against her, with her lawyers given full and transparent access to the proceedings.
Also both groups demanded the establishment of transparent procedural rules to guide the disciplinary process, including a definite timeframe within which the investigative committee must conclude its work and communicate its decision.
However, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has emphasised that his outfit can only intervene after the committee concludes its work and submits a report to President John Dramani Mahama.“The suspension will, therefore, remain in effect until the inquiry committee completes its work and submits its report, to which His Excellency, the President will adhere,” he said.
Rapper Sarkodie has revealed that he could not afford a thing when he went shopping with Memphis and Dembélé.
Ousmane Dembélé is a 2025 Ballon d’Or winner while Memphis Depay is a Dutch-Ghanaian star.
In an interview on Lawson TV, the rapper explained that during one of their meetups in New York, Depay showed up with PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé and the three of them decided to go shopping
“Memphis is a very close friend of mine; he’s like a brother. We actually have a song together that hasn’t been released yet. During our meetup, he was accompanied by Dembélé. We went shopping together in New York.”
“I realized how much the two football stars were spending, which made me decide not to pick up anything in the store. With people like them, it’s best to have a conversation and leave the place quickly,” Sarkodie said.
Kumawood Actor,Yaw Adu, popularly known as Sumsum Ahuofe leveled some damning accusations at multiple award-winning Rapper, Sarkodie of being stingy and arrogant.
Sumsum made these allegations in an interview with Kofi Adoma on Kofi TV.
According to the comic Actor,he had an unpleasant encounter with Sarkodie when he tried exchanging pleasantries with the latter but he was reluctant to talk to him or even shake his outstretched hand.
He disclosed that, Dancehall Artistes,Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale are more easy-going.
Responding to this, Sarkodie insisted that his reluctance to give money isn’t out of selfishness.
Speaking on the +444 Podcast, which aired on X on February 26, 2025, Sarkodie revealed that some relatives and acquaintances take offense when he declines their financial requests, even if he believes they are unwarranted.
He clarified that his decision to offer financial assistance is based on necessity rather than obligation, emphasizing that he only provides support when he deems it genuinely justified.
“I’ll see what I can do” – Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie jokingly on how he tells people no, when they ask him for money.He however cleared it up that he’s straight with his no, to an extent where some people are offended by it. pic.twitter.com/pBirHzxoCW— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) February 26, 2025
I always say, ‘I will see what I can do’ when people ask me for money. I am very straightforward about that. My family keeps telling me that my ‘no’ is so firm that they feel offended. You can ask me for a thousand dollars, and I would say no, but you can ask for fifteen, and I will send it. It depends on what you say and what you need the money for. If I can’t help, of course, I will tell you I can’t do it, he added.
Sarkodie also shared how he lost a friendship due to his refusal to offer financial help.
“If someone is mad at you because of that, it means they were not meant to be in your life. There was an incident way back when I had no money. I was just starting my career, and after earning a little, I spent my last money on myself.
I had nothing left, but I knew I could go to the bank later. Then, a guy walked in and asked for money because he wanted to travel. I told him I didn’t have any, but he refused to believe me. Since then, we have not been on talking terms”, he recounted.
Nigerian comedian Sabinus has sparked a dynamic debate with his recent video, where he delves into the unexpected virtues of adopting a stingy approach to life.
In a departure from conventional narratives, Sabinus shares how saying ‘no’ to the demands of others has remarkably improved his overall well-being.
According to him, embracing this mindset has not only left him feeling fresher but also contributed to a healthier lifestyle.
This unconventional perspective on personal finance and self-care challenges the common notion that generosity is always a virtue.
Sabinus suggests that setting boundaries on one’s generosity can be a form of self-preservation, fostering a healthier and more balanced life.
While his message has sparked diverse reactions, with some critics expressing concern about discouraging potential support for others, Sabinus stands by his belief that prioritizing personal boundaries can lead to overall well-being.
Taking a humorous turn, Sabinus revisited incidents from 2022, addressing rumors about the value of his house, estimated at 100 million Naira.
He playfully debunked those rumors, highlighting the economic situation and emphasizing his modest lifestyle.
Additionally, he reflected on an incident where he replaced his Benz with a new white Mercedes Benz GLE after an accident.
This experience prompts him to advocate for insurance, using his platform to stress the importance of safeguarding one’s properties.
Nigerian Superstar Davido has officially secured a place in the Recording Academy as a Grammy voting member.
He joins the team responsible for vetting entries, nominating and ultimately selecting Grammy winners.
Davido’s induction was announced in a video shared on Instagram by The Academy on Tuesday
The Academy, which organizes the prestigious Grammy Awards will hold its 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Pastor Nana Yaw Boakye of Royalhouse Chapel International, popularly known as MOGmusic, a Ghanaian gospel musician, also achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the Recording Academy in 2023.
MOGmusic’s admission into the Recording Academy makes him the first Ghanaian gospel artist from Ghana to receive this honor. His application was approved by the Grammy Board, granting him membership into the esteemed organization.
Upon receiving the news, MOGmusic expressed his elation, describing it as a dream come true.
This is the pinnacle every musician wishes to get to,” he said. “I am glad to be putting Ghana on the map once again.”
He further noted that his admission into the academy is motivation for him to do more as a gospel musician.
MOGmusic has taken his music career to new heights with the release of his latest album, ‘Koinonia Phase II.’
This follows the success of his previous album, ‘Koinonia Phase I,’ which garnered international acclaim with hit songs like “Grace,” “Mala,” “Your Presence,” “Almighty God,” “Choral Praise,” “Glory to the Lamb,” and “There’s Power.”
The highly anticipated new album features eight tracks and includes collaborations with esteemed gospel musicians such as Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Kojo Frimpong, Ps Shadrack Mensah Kwesi, Joey Saff, and Kobby Salm.
The songs on the album include “Nyankopong,” “Glorious,” “Holy Chant,” “We Cry Yahweh” featuring Pastor Kojo Frimpong, “Be Lifted Medley” featuring Donnie McClurkin, “Covenant Keeper,” “Yesu” featuring Joey Saff and Kobby Salm, and “African Praise” featuring Ps Shadrack Mensah Kwesi.
MOGmusic, a two-time winner of the VGMA Male Vocal Performance category, has gained global recognition for his soul-stirring music.
His notable tracks, including the award-winning “Be Lifted,” “Elohim,” and “Living God,” have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the gospel music industry.
Highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Kwame Yeboah, has recently become a member of the Recording Academy of the Grammy Awards, further solidifying his international recognition.
This news follows closely after gospel musician MOGMusic also shared his invitation to join the Academy.
Previous Ghanaian musicians who have been members of the Recording Academy include Rocky Dawuni, Stonebwoy, and Wiyaala.
“I am honoured to be a Member of this years @recordingacademy.
I’ll be joining an amazing team of professional Musicians, Artists and Creators to serve and to celebrate music in all its creative form.
Thank you for your support and looking forward to contributing with this new opportunity,” Kwame wrote on his Facebook page.
Kwame Yeboah, a talented musician hailing from Ghana, is renowned for his skills as a guitarist, keyboardist, producer, and recording engineer.
As the leader of the Ohia Beyeya Band, he has collaborated with acclaimed artistes like Stevie Wonder, Shaggy, and Ms Dynamite.
In Ghana, he has also collaborated with notable names such as Kojo Antwi, Becca, and Osibisa. Kwame Yeboah’s impressive portfolio speaks to his versatility and the caliber of his musical prowess.
On a different matter regarding the Grammy Awards, Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata has addressed his stance on the pursuit of GRAMMY awards, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication over mere ambition.
In an interview with Nana Romeo on Accra FM on May 16, 2024, Kinaata explained why he doesn’t often talk about winning GRAMMYs, unlike many of his peers.
“It’s not like I don’t want GRAMMYs. It’s not won by words; it’s rather won by your works. We all play shows abroad… It’s a process. There’s more work to be done at home before we aim for such an award,” he said.
Kinaata’s comments highlight his belief in tangible accomplishments and consistent effort as the true path to achieving such recognition.
He urged the music community to continue working hard, stating, “A lot of musicians are playing shows; let’s keep working. Those who are ripe for GRAMMYs, we will support them, those who are not there yet, we shall get there.”
The GRAMMY Awards, presented by the Recording Academy since 1959, are one of the most prestigious accolades in the music industry, recognizing artistic and technical excellence across various genres and categories.
Winners are selected by voting members of the Recording Academy, comprising musicians, producers, and other industry professionals.
Popular Social media influencer, Ama Burland, has revealed that her fake nude leaks almost sent her to the grave.
According to her, she could not bear the notion that the incident made her a huge disappointment to her mother.
In addition to this, Ama Burland told “Headless Youtuber” in an interview that she was unprepared for public scrutiny.
“I wanted to take my life that day when it was trending. I felt like I had disappointed her. Like, why does this have to happen to me? I didn’t want to face my mother. She had brought me to school, and this is what I had brought home,” she shared.
Last year, Henry Fitz, a former lover of media personality, Serwaa Amihere, together with two others, have been dragged to court by The Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Henry, officially known as Henry Amponsah, noted that some unscrupulous individuals who are out to get Serwaa might have leaked the video after she misplaced her phone.
But court documents reveal that the three individuals did demand an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else Serwaa’s nude videos would be posted.
On the 3rd of December 2023, Serwaa Amihere’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had her nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
Serwaa is said to have sent the money, yet still, the group went ahead and posted nude pictures of the media personality on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Edem was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave same to Candylove which she subsequently gave same number to Henry and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend Henry to face the law.
In 2024, a video made rounds on social media platform X, indicating that a Ghanaian who arrived in the UK had been arrested by security authorities who accused him of engaging in sexual activities with a minor.
He allegedly sex-chatted and sent his nudes to a 14-year-old girl.
In a video shared by X user, @eddie_wrt, the suspect could be heard saying “we have just been talking about friendship.”
He clarified that he does not sleep with his friends and does not ask for sexual favours.
But a female investigator who interrogated him accused him of being a liar.
The Ghanaian then replied, “I am really sorry.”
Also, businessman Henry Fitz posted damaging content on his social media accounts following a court summons from the state over his alleged involvement in the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image involving his former lover, Serwaa Amihere.
In one of his posts on Snapchat, Fitz claimed that Nana Aba Anamoah, a friend of Serwaa Amihere, sent a nude video to a friend of his, Stone, to get money to pay her rent.
According to Henry, this video was sent a lustrum ago and got possession of the video because Stone sent it to him.
Reiterating his innocence after being accused of leaking the romantic video involving Serwaa, he noted that if he was behind such an act, he would also leak the said video of Nana Aba.
He also alleged that Nana Aba tried to set him up with Sandra Ankobea, another individual, just to get him to buy her a fridge, betraying Serwaa in the process.
“You Nana Aba, I heard you the who doesn’t want to accept the fact that a video of your goddaughter has leaked. Where was your loyalty when you tried to linked me up with the closest pal of you and Serwah (Sandra Ankobea).
“Even she asked me not to come and confess to you at the point of orgasm, I didn’t even hv my first orgasm with u after that, yet, I came to prove to you my loyalty. U Nana Aba, even when u sent a video of you licking ur books to….I still got it.
“I’ll take it from the top. Nana Aba, I have all chats of you and I from almost 5 years ago, posting chats with your number to confirm it’s actually you is not offences. I am not leaking any videos as well
“But I’m willing to prove you are not the best of friend to Serwaa and your hunger for money is worse than that of a blackmailer,” portions of the posts read.
Henry, together with two others, have been dragged to court by the Republic over the non-consensual sharing of an intimate image.
In a writ sighted by The Independent Ghana, Henry Fitz’s actions and those of Edem Saviour Ketti and Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio are contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (ACT29) and Section 67(1) (2) of Cybersecurity Act 2020 Act 1038.
Last week, a video of Serwaa Amihere and Henry Fitz lying in bed and kissing emerged online. Many X users criticised Serwaa Amihere and later, Henry Fitz denied leaking the video as alleged by some media houses.
Brief facts of the current case in court.
The complainant in this case, Serwaa Amihere, is a media personality residing at Tse Addo, Accra. Al Edem Saviour Ketti is a filmmaker residing at Adjiringanor, Accra.
A2 Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio is a trader residing Achimota Kingsby Accra. A3 Henry Amponsah @ Henry Fitz now at large.
On the 3rd of December 2023, the complainant’s makeup artist, Colleen Nyin Affel-Som called to inform her that someone had texted her demanding an amount of GHC5,000.00 with the pretext that he had the complainant’s nude pictures.
The said amount should be sent to the MTN mobile money account number →0558247205, which bears the name Edem Saviour Ketti.
On the 2nd of April 2024, another MTN number, 0555252660, called and demanded an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to be sent within a minute, or else he would post the nude videos of the complainant, and he succeeded in taking the ransom still went ahead and posted the nude pictures of the complainant on social media handles.
On the 3rd of April 2024, the complainant filed a complaint with the police, and upon surveillance mounted, Al was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu.
During investigations, he admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said MTN mobile money account number 0558247205, and gave the same to A2 which she subsequently gave the same number to A3 and since he has been using the said number till date.
Efforts are underway to apprehend A3 to face the law.
Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has told parents that the government cannot guarantee their children’s placement in preferred senior high schools without competitive grades.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, September 23, Mr. Asare explained that the country has more than enough space to absorb the 590,000 candidates who sat for this year’s BECE. However, one major challenge with the placement system is the perception that parents and students have an absolute right to choose schools. In reality, such rights are relative within a merit-based system.
He added that gaining admission into competitive institutions like Labone SHS requires strong grades, particularly for sought-after courses such as science. His comment comes against the backdrop of growing frustration among parents over the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) placement exercise.
“So parents should understand that it is not possible for any government to serve them with the choice of their school for their wards. The only way we can ensure equitable access to second-cycle schools is to ensure that all schools, regardless of their categories, are patronised by parents.”
“So, your chance of going there is not a matter of choosing but also making a competitive grade with respect to the course you are choosing, whether you want to be a day student or not. These two things determine the extent of competition,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, has emphasized that multiple factors influence how students are assigned to specific Senior High Schools (SHSs).
According to an official statement signed and issued by the Deputy Minister on Saturday, August 30, the Ministry noted that the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), which designates SHS graduates to various schools, considers the aggregate and raw scores of students, the availability of vacancies in schools, and the popularity of specific programmes.
The statement further clarified that the Ministry does not demand or accept rewards from parents or guardians to guarantee students’ placement in schools of their choice, contrary to speculation.
“The Ministry confirms that this information is not only false but also maliciously misleading. The placement is based on a combination of factors, including aggregate and raw scores, availability of vacancies in the various schools and programmes of study. Limited vacancies and high competition can affect placement. The Ministry unequivocally states that no form of payment or inducement is required or solicited from parents, guardians, or their representatives for the purpose of securing placement.
“All interactions with the Ministry and Ghana Education Service (GES) officials are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The public is advised to be cautious and report any cases of extortion or bribery attempts related to student placements. Stakeholders are encouraged to report miscreants to the nearest police station,” parts of the statement read.
The Ministry’s clarification was a rebuttal to claims that the placement system depends solely on a rigid score system to place students in Senior High Schools. The Ministry has described such claims as misleading and inaccurate.
According to information released by the Ghana Education Service (GES), the 2025/2026 academic year officially commences on September 17.
After placement, students are expected to report to their schools and begin classes between October 18 and October 20, 2025.
SHS 3 students will reopen on October 11, 2025, and remain in school until February 27, 2026, covering 18 weeks. They will return on March 13, 2026, for a 14-week session ending June 21, 2026, ahead of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), scheduled for April 20 to June 20, 2026.
SHS 1 and 2 students will start their first session on October 18, 2025, and break on February 27, 2026, after 17 weeks. They will resume on May 4, 2026, for a 16-week session ending August 21, 2026, marking the close of the academic year.
The Transitional Calendar refers to a temporary academic schedule designed to bridge the gap between the old double-track system and the new single-track system. Under this calendar, first-year students will also report on October 18, 2025, and stay until January 30, 2026, before proceeding on a short break.
Their second term will then begin on March 16 and run until June 12, 2026, with additional breaks, including four weeks of off-site learning to help manage overcrowding in school facilities.
Second-year students in transitional schools will reopen on January 5, 2026, and vacate on May 18, 2026, with five weeks of online learning. They will then resume later in September for the final stretch of the academic year.
Final-year students in transitional schools will begin on October 27, 2025, for a 14-week session before the Christmas break, resuming in February for an 18-week preparation period before sitting for the WASSCE.
GES also highlighted some significant breaks in the new timetable. The Christmas break will begin on December 20, 2025, and end on January 4, 2026. Vacation for SHS 3 students is slated for February 27 to March 1, 2026, while SHS 1 and 2 students will break from August 21 to August 23, 2026.
GES has also proposed September 11, 2026, as the start date for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In an unrelated development, sixty (60) private schools have been included under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Junior High School (JHS) graduates will be admitted into these private schools, which fall under Category E in the school selection process.
These schools will be accepting applications starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. The new development aligns with the government’s efforts to ease congestion in public SHSs and promote quality education across the country.
In a press release issued on Sunday, July 20, by the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) and signed by its National Executive Director, Oberto Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, the council described the initiative as a historic and progressive move.
“This progressive move marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s educational transformation journey. It underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive, collaborative education delivery and reaffirms the important role of private schools in advancing national development goals,” part of the release read.
The council further called on other private schools yet to be listed to remain patient, prepared, and compliant with regulatory standards.
In May, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak announced that the inclusion forms part of a broader plan to scale up capacity and gradually end the double-track system.
“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring on board private senior high schools in the delivery of the Free SHS programme. Meetings have been held, engagements have been done, and we are very certain that with the diligence we expect from our side…” he noted.
The double-track system was introduced in 2018 by the erstwhile government to accommodate the surge in student enrollment due to the Free SHS policy, addressing overcrowding in public schools.
Under this system, students were divided into two groups: Green Track and Gold Track, attending school in shifts, with one track in session while the other was on break.
The anticipated extension of the Free SHS policy, according to the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, is a fulfillment of the government’s manifesto promise. He added that it is a step to ensure eligible students gain admission without delays.
“We believe strongly that in fulfilling this manifesto campaign promise, this is going to serve as an artery in helping us bring an end to the double-track system,” the deputy minister said.
According to him, the Education Ministry has received encouraging feedback from private schools, many of which have expressed readiness to meet the standards and requirements of the Free SHS framework. “…and the eagerness of the private schools to participate, the private schools will deliver in their participation,” he assured.
He added that this collaboration would not only help expand capacity but also ensure a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities across the country.
Ghana’s annual food import bill, which amounts to $3.5 billion, could rise further if the government fails to take decisive action against illegal mining.
This warning comes from a new study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Pure Earth, which has revealed extensive contamination of mercury, arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals across artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas.
In response, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Bismark Nortey, cautioned that the cost of food imports may increase significantly if farmlands and water resources continue to be degraded.
“I urge all ministries and government agencies responsible to use this report as a benchmark to protect our farmers. If the situation continues and farmers are forced to abandon production, the impact on our nation will be catastrophic. The current amount we spend on food imports, which we have already complained about, could escalate even more if nothing is done, especially as Ghanaian consumers become increasingly cautious about the safety of locally produced food,” he told Citi Business News.
The year-long study, titled Mercury and Other Heavy Metals Impact Assessment, was conducted between August 2024 and September 2025 by Pure Earth in collaboration with the EPA. It examined soil, water, air, fish, and food crops across six regions: Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western, Western North, and Savannah.
Earlier this year, when Ghana’s annual food import bill stood at about $2 billion, the PFAG called on the government to make strategic investments in the agricultural sector to reduce the country’s growing dependence on imports.
The association stressed that Ghana has the capacity to produce a significant portion of its imported food items locally if the right policies and support systems are implemented. Acting Executive Director of PFAG, Bismark Nortey, emphasized the urgent need for policy interventions to boost productivity and lower the cost of food production.
Speaking to Citi Business News, he noted that the high cost of agricultural inputs and services is a major contributor to food price inflation in the country.
“Currently, one of the major causes of the high cost of food is the fact that we are spending so much on production. We are spending so much on the cost of input and agricultural services. These are because these things are so high. If the government can find a mechanism to either subsidize or reduce the prices of these inputs, then we can produce at low cost, and that will translate into high productivity,” he said.
Mr. Nortey further highlighted the pressing need for greater access to mechanized farming to replace the outdated reliance on manual labor.
“If you go to a lot of farming districts, they have no access to mechanization, so we are still using the hoe and cutlass, which is not helping,” he stated.
He stressed that with targeted investments in smallholder farming, infrastructure, and all-year-round agricultural production, Ghana could significantly reduce its food imports and strengthen food security.
“If we are able to invest in agriculture, we are able to invest in smallholder farming and infrastructure, I am sure the kind of monies that we spend on importing the food we have the capacity to produce…we are one step away from reducing our dependence on that food import,” he added.
The PFAG maintained that prioritizing agriculture through policy reforms and financial support would not only reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported food but also create jobs, enhance food security, and strengthen the local economy.
In 2024, the Association issued a grave warning about a looming generational food and nutrition crisis if urgent action was not taken against illegal mining. It called on the government to impose a ban on these activities to safeguard the environment, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure food security.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 10, PFAG highlighted the severe impacts of illegal mining on Ghana’s agriculture. Over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have been lost to these activities, while vital water bodies and irrigation facilities have been polluted, making it difficult to sustain agricultural production.
The Association noted that the cocoa sector and food crop production have been particularly affected, with farmers struggling to access clean water and fertile soil. PFAG warned that if these challenges are not addressed, they could lead to a catastrophic generational food crisis.
“Failure to act now will have devastating consequences for future generations,” PFAG stressed, adding that they support an immediate ban on illegal mining. They also encouraged farmers to back national efforts to end these harmful practices.
Major rivers, including the Bonsa and Pra, have suffered severe pollution from toxic chemicals used in mining operations. Additionally, forest reserves such as Tano Nimiri have been irreversibly damaged. Health unions, alarmed by the widespread environmental destruction, have echoed PFAG’s call for a ban as a critical measure to prevent further harm.
Under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Inspections and Compliance Division of the Minerals Commission is responsible for conducting mine inspections and ensuring adherence to mining laws. The Act also requires that licensed miners operate strictly within legal parameters.
However, PFAG pointed out that regulatory institutions have struggled to enforce these laws effectively, with some mining companies continuing operations in violation of regulations. The EPA, mandated to integrate environmental policy and planning to ensure long-term sustainability, has not been able to adequately curb illegal mining.
In a related development, several unions, led by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and supported by groups such as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and the Health Services Workers Union of Ghana (TUC), have called for a ban on small-scale mining. They cite serious environmental degradation and public health concerns tied to illegal mining as reasons for their demand.
Ghana is set to host an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission for its 5th program review, commencing Monday, September 29. The review, which is the penultimate one, will assess Ghana’s performance under the IMF program following the successful completion of its 4th review earlier this year. The final review is scheduled for April 2026, ahead of the programme’s conclusion in May.
According to Joy Business, the review will be based on Ghana’s economic data up to June 2025. Key areas of discussion include inflation performance, sustainability of reserve build-up, audit of arrears, the recapitalisation needs of weak private sector banks, and state-owned banks such as NIB. This review has become necessary to alleviate fears among market analysts that Ghana may struggle to maintain fiscal discipline at the end of the programme.
Development partners have therefore urged Ghana to adopt measures that will help stabilize the economy after the IMF program ends in May 2026. Fiscal policy shortfalls, particularly in the context of an appreciated currency, will also be reviewed, with adjustments needed to achieve the 1.5% of GDP primary surplus target. Other issues include arrears in the NHIL, GETFund, and Road Fund, as well as shortfalls in social spending.
In July, the IMF announced that five banks, including the National Investment Bank (NIB), were struggling to meet their recapitalisation requirements. This was revealed in the IMF’s July 2025 Country Report, which presented details of Ghana’s Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility. The report also included assessments of Ghana’s banking sector, fiscal performance, and debt sustainability.
“…a few banks (including one state-owned) are materially behind on their recapitalisation schedule due to slow progress against shareholder capital commitments, higher NPLs, and/or delayed booking of credit impairments and required provisioning identified under the BoG’s 2023 asset quality assessments,” parts of the report revealed.
Recapitalisation requirements refer to the minimum amount of money (capital) a bank must maintain to remain financially stable and avoid collapse even when incurring losses. The report further noted that banks still struggling with recapitalisation requirements are under intensified monitoring by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and subject to corrective measures aimed at accelerating their recapitalisation plans to achieve a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 13% by the end of March 2025.
“Parliamentary approval and implementation of the World Bank-funded segment of the GFSF could help some banks achieve CAR targets by end-2025, provided that they secure capital injections sufficient to reach capital levels eligible for access,” the Fund projected.
The IMF further emphasized that “stepped-up efforts to improve the crisis management and resolution framework, enhance financial-sector safety nets, and address legacy issues at the specialised deposit-taking institutions are also important.”
According to the reports, about 13 banks that faced capital deficits following the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) introduced by the previous government have now met their requirements, with some even exceeding their recapitalisation thresholds as of the end of 2024.
The IMF noted that these banks are performing well and remain on track due to increased profits and support from the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), which was set up in August 2023 under the Akufo-Addo-led administration to assist financial institutions impacted by the DDEP.
It also added that these banks are likely to reach the required safety level of 13% CAR on their own without additional support by the end of 2025.
“The Bank of Ghana has implemented risk containment measures to support banking system stability. It appropriately intensified monitoring and escalated measures at weak, undercapitalised banks to promote timely recapitalisation. The Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF), established in August 2023, has provided targeted support to banks, contributing to improved profitability and recapitalisation progress,” the report noted.
The IMF further stated that the government is working to support struggling banks as part of efforts to strengthen financial stability.
“The authorities have taken intensified actions to address undercapitalised banks. Looking ahead, further strengthening financial sector stability requires fully implementing the plan to strengthen NIB, finalising the reform strategy to support state-owned banks’ viability and sustainability, and developing contingency plans to address weak banks that fail to recapitalise,” the report stated.
Earlier reports indicated that 15 out of 21 banks had recorded losses due to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has since announced the government’s decision to recapitalise the National Investment Bank (NIB), Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), and Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG).
Full details of this comprehensive recapitalisation plan will be unveiled during the upcoming mid-year review, Dr. Forson noted in a post on X on July 9.
In May last year, the previous government earmarked GH¢2.3 billion for the recapitalisation of the National Investment Bank (NIB).
“As part of the implementation of the Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), Cabinet has approved the plan for restructuring and recapitalisation of the National Investment Bank (NIB),” the former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam said.
The recapitalisation plan involved a programmed equity injection of about GH¢2.3 billion over a year, with the first tranche of GH¢400 million expected to be transferred to NIB before the end of May last year. This initiative was considered critical to strengthening governance structures, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving risk management to ensure the financial viability of NIB.
Popular Ghanaian musician, Abubakar Ahmed popularly known as Blakk Rasta, has opened about how, despite the quality of his music, it has not rewarded him financially as he expects.
According to him, he has rubbed shoulders with world leaders through his music, but his finances do not show for it.
In a church encounter with Prophet Samuel Kakande in the East African nation of Uganda, Blakk Rasta shared his long-standing concern.
“I have met some of the biggest presidents in the world. Like Barack Obama, I performed for him when he came to Ghana. In fact, I made the song that brought him to Ghana. I met with Robert Mugabe at his 92nd anniversary… He invited me to perform for him. ”
“I know I do very good music; I have about 13 albums to my name but it doesn’t give me the money that I expect,” he lamented to the pastor.
Ghanaian reggae artist Blakk Rasta received instant healing from leg pains after an encounter with Ugandan church leader, Prophet Samuel Kakande.
During the service, the musician also disclosed to the prophet that although he has produced 13 reggae albums, the financial returns… pic.twitter.com/jsreapEuUb
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Francisca Gawuga, popularly known as Sista Afia, appears to express regret over pursuing music.
Sista Afia admitted that she sometimes questions her decision because she doesn’t seem to see her sacrifices and investments paying off.
“Since I released ‘Jeje,’ was when I realised that I may never be a favourite in the industry. I’ve invested so much effort and funded everything with my own money. If I had saved that money, I would have likely achieved more by now. It’s frustrating because I put my heart and soul into each project, even spending my last penny on a music video, because you don’t know which song might blow,” she said on the Delay Show.
According to her, she sometimes reflects that her struggles in music aren’t just about talents or efforts but about the perception people carry about her.
“Many thoughts cross my mind. Sometimes, I wonder if my background is a factor; it seems people tend to prefer artists who come from the slums, those who were once unknown and then became popular. Some people say, ‘Afia comes from abroad, so why is she trying to make music here?’” she explained.
Months ago, she voiced her frustration over the lack of recognition for her relentless efforts in the music industry. Despite dedicating herself fully to her craft, she feels overlooked compared to her male counterparts.
Speaking in an interview with DJ Slim, the ‘Weather’ hitmaker shared how deeply invested she is in her music career, revealing that she barely gets any rest due to her demanding schedule.
“I mean, I’ll speak for myself—I can’t speak for everyone—but I’ll speak for myself. I work tirelessly; I work more than everyone, especially Adey grind waaa, and I need this thing. I’m somebody that needs it; it’s like without music, there’s no Sista Afia,” she said.
She emphasized that her commitment to music is undeniable, yet the industry seems to disregard her contributions.
“I don’t sleep; I sleep like three hours, almost four, then I’m back to business. I hardly sleep. Right now, I feel like it’s time to talk. It’s so sad that people don’t really see the work you put in, and that hurts me,” she added.
Sista Afia, known for her powerful vocals and versatility in blending highlife, Afrobeat, and dancehall, has performed on various major platforms. However, she believes that female artistes, regardless of their talent and work ethic, often struggle to receive the acknowledgment they deserve.
Her comments highlight a broader issue within the Ghanaian music industry, where female musicians frequently face challenges in gaining visibility despite their hard work and dedication.
Ghanaian female musicians are not making the needed impact on the continent due to lack of resources.
Nigerian female artistes have over the past years dominated the Africa music circles with the likes Tiwa Savage, Simi, Yemi Alade, Sinach, among others making a significant impact across the globe, only a few The multiple award-winning had said earlier on this year that Some Ghanaian female artistes including their male counterparts have been unable to hit the top list of various African music charts.
In an interview with GNA Entertainment, she said the Nigerian music setting is well resourced, helping them thrive with the works in Africa and beyond.
“Ghanaian female musicians are doing what they can at the moment. When it comes to vocal delivery, songwriting, and stage performances, Ghana has me, Efya, Freda Rhymez, and more to boast of.
“The thing is, the Nigerians have the resources which include investors, connections, support and music exposure than Ghanaian musicians,” she said.
However, the “Weather” hitmaker was highly optimistic about how Ghanaian female artistes can match up with their counterparts in other countries in the near future.
“We are progressing each and every day. Recently my new song with Victor AD is one of the biggest songs in Nigeria and Cameroon. I had a call from one top international musician who wants to remix his song with me.
“We are getting there gradually just that the pace is a bit slow. But as the saying goes, slowly but sure. We will get there and we hope we (female musicians) get that positive support from the media and everyone,” she said.
Sista Afia who is undoubtedly Ghana’s hottest female singer at the moment and she is set to release another banger with Stonebwoy, as they were recently spotted in the studios.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Sista Afia said that if she had not chosen to pursue music, she would have been married by now with children.
When asked about her life as a celebrity during a discussion of the celebrity lifestyle section of Neat FM’s entertainment program, sister Afia responded, “If I wasn’t a musician I would have been married by now, if I was in your position I would have been married,” she stressed referring to a fellow panelist.
“…of course, I wish I would have been married with kids by now,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Sista Afia is out with a new song titled ‘Carry Go.’
The track is her first official single and release for the year 2023. It was produced by one of Ghana’s talented producers, Abochi
The song discusses her romantic life and lays out her goals.
She emphasizes the enjoyable aspects of relationships, the quality time she can spend with a partner, and the importance of money at this time.
Award-winning filmmaker Leila Djansi has stressed that filmmakers cannot thrive as both filmmakers and film distributors.
She encouraged filmmakers to tell employ the services of professional distributors and include the as part of their entire project.
“In Ghana, filmmakers are forced to play both creator and distributor.That’s unsustainable. Your job is to make the film. Get someone else to sell it. Collaborate. Build distribution networks across West Africa, into the diaspora, and then let streamers become an option, not a lifeline,” she said in a post sighted by MyNewsGh.
Djansi explained that from the script stage, filmmakers must think about their marketing and distribution strategy, ie, Cinema → TV → SVOD → AVOD/FAST, which ensures the film earns over the years, not just once.”
The renowned Ghanaian filmmaker sparked debate among industry players, questioning whether they will continue making excuses for the state of Ghana’s film industry or take action to improve it.
“Good and bad can coexist in anything. But at what point do we stop excusing the bad and start fixing it?” she asked in a Facebook post, calling for a shift from complacency to progress.
Djansi criticized the industry’s reluctance to embrace constructive criticism, urging filmmakers to compare their work with productions from other African countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa.
“Take two of your most recent critically acclaimed films from the previous three years and compare them to two from Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa. Look at them side by side and ask yourself if we are actually gaining any momentum,” she challenged.
She lamented that since Azali’s Oscar submission in 2018, Ghana’s subsequent entries have not been up to standard.
“In 2018, we got Azali for the Oscars, and since then, every single submission has been a joke. A literal joke. Some of the films would convince you to burn your Ghana card,” she stated.
Djansi stressed that the problem is not a lack of talent but an unwillingness to elevate the industry through hard work and innovation.
Sharing a personal experience, she recalled how a Creative Artists Agency (CAA) agent once critiqued her storytelling approach. Instead of dismissing the feedback, she took it as an opportunity to grow.
“What he actually said to me was, ‘Go take risks with your storytelling.’ I grew up,” she revealed.
She urged filmmakers to stop dismissing criticism as hate or jealousy and instead use it as a tool for improvement.
“Stop enduring mediocrity, please. Instead of these knee-jerk reactions, instead of acting like people just want to hate, forget the who and the how and actually listen. Sit with the criticism. Use it to rise,” Djansi advised.
With her bold remarks, Djansi hopes to ignite a mindset shift in the Ghanaian film industry, pushing creatives to move beyond excuses and take the necessary steps to compete on the global stage.
On a seperate matter, Leila asserted that YouTube will soon become a thing of the past due to saturation by filmmakers.
She further argued that a government-backed film fund would be wasted if movies are only released on YouTube.
She added that piracy also undermines the platform’s viability for film distribution.
“Personally, I don’t believe the film fund. I really don’t. I think it is premature because there is no distribution. If you give the film fund how are they gonna [make profit].”
People think that we are just gonna put it on YouTube. I’m sorry YouTube is gonna collapse very soon. There is so much congestion on YouTube and they are always changing their policies. So if you go in now a I think it is seriously over-saturated. If you over-saturate it, they’re gonna reduce the earning. So how much are you gonna earn if you just put your film on YouTube,” she said.
Meanwhile, James Gardiner, a leading Ghanaian actor, recently discussed the crucial role social media, particularly YouTube, plays in boosting the Ghanaian film industry.
In an interview with media figure Doreen Avio, the star of ‘Taste of Sin’ pointed out that many are not fully harnessing the potential of these digital platforms.
Gardiner emphasized that YouTube remains underutilized, despite its potential for significant impact.
He noted that individual productions can amass millions of views, potentially translating into considerable earnings.
“YouTube is a goldmine that’s being overlooked. The fact that just one of our productions can hit around 29 million views indicates that African films are resonating widely,” he said.
While acknowledging the importance of major streaming services like Netflix, Gardiner stressed the value of concentrating efforts on YouTube.
He shared insights from his recent experiences in Nigeria, highlighting how Nigerian TV stations swiftly adopt and popularize films from YouTube, further amplifying their reach.
“Work is thriving in Nigeria, and it’s not just Ghanaian audiences that are engaged. In fact, Nigerian platforms quickly pick up new releases from YouTube, often within 20 to 30 minutes, which boosts viewership numbers,” Gardiner observed.
Despite the hurdles the Ghanaian film industry faces, Gardiner remains hopeful about its future.
He believes that with a positive outlook and persistent effort, the industry is poised for continued growth and success.
Popular Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri recently shared her insights on why she chose YouTube as the platform to showcase her movies.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, she highlighted YouTube’s significance as a major income source for independent filmmakers and content creators, emphasizing its pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods within the industry.
Kadiri emphasized that YouTube has become indispensable, stating that without it, many individuals, not just filmmakers, would face financial hardships. She underscored the platform’s contribution to feeding people by providing opportunities for filmmakers to monetize their content effectively.
Reflecting on her journey into YouTube, Kadiri revealed her frustration with the constraints of traditional production processes, which motivated her to seek a space where she could freely express her creativity. She discussed her desire to explore and implement innovative ideas without excessive regulations, noting that YouTube offered the flexibility she craved.
Despite encountering skepticism and discouragement from others, Kadiri viewed YouTube as a platform for reaching a broader audience and honing her skills. Her decision to venture into YouTube was fueled by a passion for storytelling and a determination to overcome challenges, even if it meant learning from initial setbacks.
Kadiri’s experience on YouTube has been marked by the production of several films, each contributing to her growth as a filmmaker and entrepreneur. Her journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of film distribution and the opportunities that digital platforms like YouTube offer to aspiring creators.
The surge and mass production of AI-generated content on YouTube has prompted the video-sharing platform to announce a review and update of its monetisation policy under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
The YouTube Partner Program is how creators earn money from their content.
In a formal statement shared on July 7 on YouTube’s Support page- a platform where the company shares updates and announcements- it spelt out modifications concerning content and its monetisation policy.
“We’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today,” parts of the statement read.
According to the statement, effective July 15, content would now be subjected to strict scrutiny, and those found as repetitive with no intention to educate or entertain would be demonetised.
“On July 15, 2025, we’re updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitive content. This update better reflects what inauthentic content looks like today”, it continued.
Also, content that has been created with heavy use of AI with little to no human effort would be demonetised.
“AI-assisted content is acceptable, but only if it includes considerable human input. Content created with little to no human effort may not be eligible for monetisation.”
The regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has entreated players in the creative industry to hook young people on Ghanaian content now, so that as they grow and attain wealth, they will choose to support and invest in it rather than foreign alternatives.
At the maiden National Film Dialogue, held at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme “Accelerating Industry Development,” the minister called for the creation of free local content for young audiences.
“As we also work on generating revenue, one key thing that has come up is that we need to invest. Most of the young ones, especially those in SHS and below, are losing touch with our local content, and that is one area we should emphasise,” Dr Amoakohene said.
He added, “At that level, we can offer it to them for free so that they become addicted to local content. Once they get to the university, where they can pay the 20 or 50 cedis, we can reach them there, because by then, they are already hooked.”
Meanwhile, the Board of the National Film Authority (NFA) has set its sights on rallying at least 1% of Ghanaians behind efforts to rejuvenate the local film landscape.
In its first sitting on August 19, the board prioritized strengthening film distribution and exhibition.
“Our priority is to restore confidence in the Ghanaian film industry by ensuring that local content reaches audiences effectively. Distribution and exhibition are the lifeblood of the industry, and we are determined to create opportunities that make Ghanaian films accessible to every citizen while positioning Ghana as a film hub in Africa,” Mr. Quashigah stated.
The discussion also highlighted the Authority’s responsibility to assure both domestic and international partners of its commitment to regulation, industry development, and global collaboration.
It underscored the National Film Authority’s role in maintaining trust among stakeholders through firm regulation, steady industry growth, and partnerships with international players.
The meeting further emphasized the Authority must demonstrate reliability to local and global partners by focusing on regulation, development and cross-border collaboration.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has disclosed that his outfit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Fosu, is taking steps to address piracy concerns in the country.
He explains that while his ministry is responsible for licensing, the Ministry of Government Communications works closely with the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Film Authority (NFA) over piracy concerns.
However, he has joined Mr Kwakye Ofusu to engage the appriprioate authorities in handling arising concerns of piracy and copyright.
“We’ve taken critical steps, and Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu met with the National Film Authority and the NMC. We had a joint stakeholder meeting where we discussed this issue, and we are beginning to come up with the framework that is going to guide the broadcast of material and protection of intellectual property rights,” Sam George told the media during a press briefing held on August 1 as part of the Government Accountability Series to update the public on the progress of his ministry and the communications sector.
The Honourable minister further stated that he has given a 30-day ultimatum to the National Media Commission (NMC) to take action on piracy and copyright concerns.
According to him, the law does not permit the Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation ministry to tackle such concerns, and the National Media Commission(responsible for piracy concerns) had also said they are incapacitated of taking necessary action despite concerns raised.
He updated the public on the progress of his ministry and the communications sector, where Sam George said, he has put a system in place to help the National Media Commission take action against those involved in piracy and copyright violations.
“Let me just state that I am writing officially to the National Media Commission and that letter is to give the National Media Commission a 30-day mandate to take advantage of a resource that the National Communications Authority (which is under my ministry) has put at their disposal, the Broadcast Monitoring Centre.”
“The National Media Commission has always complained that they don’t have capacity. We have built capacity as the National Communications Authority, but because by law we don’t deal with content, we have made that available to the National Media Commission. We record and store for at least 90days, every single broadcast in this country, both radio and TV. It comes at a huge expense to us at the NCA,” he told the media.
Ghanaian filmmaker and actress Xandy Kamel has accused Fast TV of airing her newly released movie “Unseen Beauty” without permission.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress in tears expressed anger and deep frustration at the Ghanaian TV station.
According to her, Fast TV stole the movie within two days after she uploaded it on YouTube.
“Why are some Ghanaians like this? You’ve managed to raise money to open a TV station, yet you’re saying you don’t have funds to buy content for it? I released a movie just two days ago and haven’t even made $10 from it, but Fast TV is pirating my film without my permission.”
“I’m struggling to find anyone to help promote it. I’ve shared it with some bloggers to assist in promoting the movie, but none have taken the opportunity to help,” she stated in the video while shedding tears.
Also, Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has called out Ghanaian TV station, Blazing TV, for airing her movie titled ” The Firstborn” without authorization.
She took to Instagram on July 19, 2025, to express her displeasure with screenshots proving her claim.
“How is this even okay? Blazing TV in Ghana is airing my movie The Firstborn, without my consent. How does this even make sense? How? I am speechless at the audacity of it all,” she wrote beneath her Instagram post.
Mercy Johnson adds to several Nigerian actresses who have been calling out Ghanaian media houses and television stations for airing their movies wiithout authorization.
Several Nigerian filmmakers, including Ruth Kadiri, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omoni Oboli, have recently raised concerns about Ghanaian television stations airing their films without permission, drawing considerable attention online.
In a show of solidarity, some Ghanaian filmmakers have spoken out against the illegal broadcast of copyrighted material, urging stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws.
Their support has amplified the call for reform and accountability within Ghana’s media industry.
This article focuses on three Ghanaian filmmakers who have openly condemned the piracy of Nigerian films by local TV stations.
Juliet Ibrahim
Actress, author, and producer Juliet Ibrahim condemned the actions of the Ghanaian media houses involved in pirating Nigeria movies.
In her a post shared on her Instagram page, she expressed both outrage and deep disappointment.
“This is not a Nigerian issue; it is an African issue, and as a Ghanaian, I am ashamed that our local media houses are playing a central role in such unethical and illegal activities,” she wrote.
Juliet Ibrahim also took the opportunity to remind the public that piracy doesn’t just affect the filmmaker, but the entire ecosystem of professionals behind the scenes.
“Piracy is a crime. Exploiting someone’s hard-earned intellectual property is theft. It undermines years of investment, creativity, and the livelihoods of everyone involved in production,” she added.
She urged authorities to act swiftly and put in place regulatory measures that can protect the African film industry from further exploitation.
“Please step in immediately. We need robust action, regulation, and enforcement to protect content creators and restore the dignity of our film industry.”
Martha Ankomah
Martha Ankomah also added her voice to the growing chorus of creatives who have spoken about the piracy act.
Responding to Omoni Oboli’s Instagram post, Martha Ankomah said:
“I totally agree with you. You really have to take them on this time. They do that all the time and it’s so frustrating.”
Salma Mumin
Actress and entrepreneur Salma Mumin also spoke out against the situation.
She emphasised that filmmakers have the right to own and protect their work.
“I’m a Ghanaian actress but this is a big No! This is your intellectual property and you have every right to take immediate action. They know this is wrong!!!”
Meanwhile, the National Film Authority had earlier issued a letter to television stations warning them that if they air movies without proper authorization, their licenses will be revoked.
However, upon researching this matter, I discovered that the NFA is not even the institution responsible for revoking licenses,” she said.
But MC Yeboah criticizes the authorities for handling the movie piracy challenge with caution letters, describing it as a method that is no longer effective.
Mc Yeboah asserts that releasing a press statement against piracy offenders does not amount to punitive action that can deter culprits.
“Producers invest millions of cedis in making their movies, only for others to take these movies, air them on their platforms without permission, and profit from them.
Meanwhile, the institutions responsible for addressing piracy just issue letters, to avoid appearing inactive,” she said.
Wendy Shay’s mother, Obaapa Kaakyire Addo has told critics of her daughter’s fashion sense that the singer is a decent girl off the stage.
According to her, Wendy’s choice of clothes differs from what she wears behind the stage because the stage comes with its own demands.
Due to this reality, she has advised persons who imitate her daughter’s fashion sense to follow wisely.
“My daughter is not into nudity. She wears what she wears on stage because the craft demands it. However, after the stage, she is a decent girl, so I will urge young ladies to rather focus on the real Wendy Shay after the stage and learn from that rather than learn from what she wears on stage,” she stated.
She expressed pride in Wendy Shay’s achievement in the industry, indicating that she has fulfilled her dream.
In a similar instance, the father of Ghanaian actress and musician Yaa Jackson responded to the continuous public scrutiny over the social life of her daughter.
A section of Ghanaians asserted that her social lifestyle does not align with the cultural expectations of a young Ghanaian woman.
Responding to this, her father, Jackson K. Bentum, told SeanCity TV in an interview that, “She’s over 18 now. There’s little I can do to control her choices.”
Yaa Jackson’s father believes that all her daughter is putting up in the public eye is meant to contribute to building a solid brand for herself.
“It’s part of the branding. It’s the business of entertainment,” he emphasised.
Contrary to Yaa Jackson’s social reputation, Mr Bentum revealed that his daughter has become a different person behind the scenes ever since she assumed the role of a mother.
“Even when we’re on set, she no longer agrees to wear those revealing outfits. Motherhood has changed her a lot,” Mr. Bentum shared.
She slammed critics who condemn her style of dressing.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Yaa Jackson noted that she is not perturbed by the opinions of people, adding that she doesn’t dress to express anyone.
“Oh, the comments! I’m not worried about what people say about my style. Fashion is subjective, and I’m all about being true to myself. If people love it, great! If not, that’s okay too.
“I won’t change for someone else’s idea of style. Besides, on an ordinary day, you will not see Yaa Jackson dressed like that,” she stated.
Yaa Jackson rose to fame as an actress and is now balancing her career between acting and music.
According to her, music allows her to express her emotions and ideas than acting does.
“Honestly, I love both music and acting. I think they’re both forms of storytelling, just in different ways. Right now, I’m leaning more towards music because it allows me to express myself in a personal and raw way. However, I will continue to explore both passions,” she added.
Meanwhile, her father, Jackson K. Bentum, has responded to ongoing public scrutiny over the social life of his daughter.
A section of Ghanaians has asserted that her social lifestyle does not align with the cultural expectations of a young Ghanaian woman.
According to him, “She’s over 18 now. There’s little I can do to control her choices.”
Yaa Jackson’s father believes that all her daughter is putting up in the public eye is meant to contribute to building a solid brand for herself.
“It’s part of the branding. It’s the business of entertainment,” he emphasised.
Contrary to Yaa Jackson’s social reputation, Mr Bentum revealed that his daughter has become a different person behind the scenes ever since she assumed the role of a mother.
“Even when we’re on set, she no longer agrees to wear those revealing outfits. Motherhood has changed her a lot,” Mr. Bentum shared.
Meanwhile, Yaa Jackson Konadu had disclosed in 2023 that she was five months into her pregnancy before she knew she was carrying a child.
On the account of Yaa, “it was too late” when news of her pregnancy was announced to her.
Speaking in an interview with Zionfelix, she noted that she could have taken good care of herself if only she had discovered her pregnancy in the first trimester.
“It got to a time where I lost my appetite and became weak. I went to check at the hospital but then, it was too late. It was after five months that I found out I was pregnant…had I known earlier, I could have taken much care of myself.
“I never abort my pregnancy. I won’t harm that innocent baby…I was ready for anything. I have been with my man for almost two years but we’ve been friends since 2016,” she said.
The mother of several years added that she performed shows without raising eyebrows, adding that she kept posting on social media until 7 months into her pregnancy.
“I was playing shows until my 7th month. My belly wasn’t protruding; I kept on posting on social media.”
Fast-rising Cameroonean star Sabrina has released her highly anticipated new album titled “FREELY.”
The album was released last week on the heels of the success of her earlier singles, “Alone and Faraway”, both of which feature prominently on the album.
FREELY is a carefully curated piece that showcases Sabrina’s versatility and her ability to fuse Afrobeat, R&B and pop influencers into a rejuvenating sound packed in 12 tracks.
Sabrina’s knack for playful yet infectious melodies is reflected in her songs like Agility, Saint Tropez featuring Martins and Paparazzi.
She is known for her sultry voice, fluid rhythms and bold lyrical style carving a niche for herself as on of the most exciting young talents on the African music scene.
In April this year, Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif officially unveiled his highly anticipated second studio album, Iron Boy, following the monumental success of his debut, The Villain I Never Was.
Inspired by the legendary Highlife musician Amakye Dede, Iron Boy captures Black Sherif’s signature storytelling, genre-blending sound, and deep emotional themes. Spanning 15 tracks, the album took listeners on a journey through resilience, self-discovery, ambition, and personal growth, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s most dynamic artists.
With a seamless fusion of Highlife, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, and soul-stirring melodies, Iron Boy presented Black Sherif as an unstoppable force in the global music scene. The album embodied a range of emotions, from unwavering optimism to moments of introspection, showcasing his evolution both as an artist and as an individual.
“IRON BOY is where peak optimism and anxiety meet the notion of perseverance and stealth, all coming together to build a self-supporting frame,” Black Sherif shared. “Somewhere along the line, I got obsessed with my aspirations of getting the people to not see me past an art maker who got noticed. I couldn’t make it happen, so I let it be.
A sudden need to feel grounded came to shake up my whole frame, and so, I plan to build harmony between every line of my thinking,” he added.
“This album is for everyone finding their way, embracing their truth, and pushing against the odds.”
As an artist renowned for his raw authenticity, Black Sherif continues to push musical boundaries, merging Ghana’s rich sonic traditions with modern global influences. The release of Iron Boy follows two visually stunning trailers directed by Ghanaian creative powerhouse David Nicol Sey of North Productions, further heightening anticipation among fans and music lovers worldwide.
Global Impact and Tour
To celebrate the release, Black Sherif embarked on a headline tour across the United States, which commenced on April 4 in Washington, D.C. The tour included sold-out stops in New York, Los Angeles, and other major cities before moving to Europe in May.
Hailing from Konongo, a small town in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Black Sherif—born Mohammed Ismail Sharif Kwaku Frimpong—has defied the odds to become one of Ghana’s most influential artists. His breakthrough singles “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon” catapulted him into the limelight in 2021, followed by the global success of “Kwaku The Traveller” in 2022.
His rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2024, Black Sherif was named to Rolling Stone’s Future 25, performed at SXSW for Rolling Stone Live, and spoke about African music’s diversity in an exclusive feature. He has graced the stages of major festivals like Afro Nation Miami, Pharrell’s Something in the Water, and the Wireless Festival UK. His headline concert at New York’s Palladium Times Square marked another career milestone, and his music has been featured by NPR, The Fader, Complex, and The New York Times.
Beyond his solo work, Black Sherif has collaborated on notable projects, including “Wotowoto Seasoning” with Odumodublavk, “Lomo Lomo” with KiDi, and “Jesus Christ 2” with AratheJay.
With Iron Boy, Black Sherif once again cements his place as a global voice in contemporary African music, delivering an album that is as deeply personal as it is universally resonant.
Ghanaian twin duo DopeNation officially released a 17-track GhanaPiono album on July 10, 2025
The album represented the duo’s third studio project, showcasing their skill as sonic architects.
They crafted every sound on the album from scratch, reflecting a true testament to their artistry and innovation.
DopeNation’s new album was packed with catchy beats, smooth rhythms, and strong vocals that make a listener want to dance.
It has been more than just good music as it highlighted African creativity, teamwork with strong artists from other countries and freedom to express self.
The album showed how far DopeNation has come and marked a fresh chapter for them.
They produced all 17 songs themselves, using them to proudly showcase African talent, creativity, and growth in today’s music world.
As a result of their creativity, the duo lit up the stage at Obomeng with an electrifying performance that proved why they were the perfect headliners for the Adom Kwahu Easter Mega Bash.
Being the main act for the night, the award-winning twins brought unmatched energy, thrilling the crowd with their signature blend of rap and Afrobeat.
The performance was nothing short of unforgettable — the kind of show people will still be talking about in years to come.
From popular tracks like Eish, Zanku, to Gboza, the pair had the audience fully engaged and dancing all night.
After building excitement with their hits, they performed their anthem Zormizor, and the crowd’s reaction said it all — DopeNation continues to stand out as one of Ghana’s best live performers.
Their coordination on stage was flawless, mixing choreography with lively interaction. At one point, they even handed the mic to fans, who impressively rapped their lyrics word-for-word.
DopeNation didn’t just perform; they owned the night.
Late music star, Emmanuel Harris Brefo, popularly known as Dada KD, has finally been laid to rest.
Scores of Ghanaians gathered at the forecourt of the State House to observe the funeral rites.
However, his mortal remains were taken to Agona Asamang in the Ashanti Region on September 20 where his burial service and thanksgiving service were held on Sunday September 21.
Hundreds of mourners including musicians, politicians, businessmen, traditional leaders, government officials and citizens were present to sympathize with the family.
In honour of the 54-year-old singer, tributes poured out from families and loved ones.
Dada KD’s untimely death came just days before his scheduled trip to the UK to perform at the ‘Celebrating Hiplife & Highlife Legends’ event on May 25, at the Dominion Centre in London.
Circumstances leading to his death are yet to be made public; however, his close friend, Accra FM’s mid-morning show host Nana Romeo, mentioned that a day before his passing, he had accompanied Dada KD to the UK embassy to start his visa process, after which the legend was very excited.
However, on the morning of May 16, the day set for the finalisation, of his UK visa process, Dada KD’s manager walked in on him, and he was struggling to speak.
He was quickly rushed to Gbawe Government Hospital, but after a few hours under medical care, doctors pronounced him dead.
His death has come as a huge blow to Ghanaians and many others beyond the region.
On social media, fans and fellow musicians have begun pouring in tributes. Gospel singer Empress Gifty posted, “Dada KD,” in a heartfelt tribute.
Dada KD’s most memorable songs include Fatia Fata Nkrumah, Tekyere Ma, Ene Menye, Wosuro a Wondi, and Honey Love. His legacy as a Highlife icon continues to inspire generations.
Dada K.D’s one week observation was planned by his family and Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)
In late May, the family met with MUSIGA to finalize preparations for a befitting one-week celebration in his honour.
The memorial event took place on June 21 at the East Legon Executive Club.
Nana Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, the former Vice President of MUSIGA, who led the delegation, noted that all necessary preparations for the event were well underway at the time.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to MUSIGA for their unwavering support during this difficult time.
“We are grateful to MUSIGA for their unwavering support during this difficult time. Their commitment to honouring Dada K.D’s legacy means a lot to us”, he said, urging the public to respect the family while they mourn the death of their brother and relative.
“As we mourn, we urge the public to refrain from sensationalising the circumstances surrounding his passing. Let’s ensure he receives a dignified and befitting burial.”
MUSIGA President Bessa Simons reflected on his personal relationship with Dada K.D, which began in the early 2000s after they met in Germany. “Dada K.D was a fine gentleman—affable, humble, and immensely talented.
Dada KD’s funeral isn’t the only one that is set to hold at the state house in the next few days and months.
Highlife legend , Daddy Lumba’s funeral is also reported to be held at the forecourt of the statehouse. His manager expressed optimism in that regard. The news came as a shock to Ghanaians and even the international community, given the legend’s influence over the years.
The news of Daddy Lumba’s passing hit the world in the early hours of Saturday. Initially, when news of his passing emerged, a journalist of Hitz FM, Andy Dosty, came to deny it, noting that Daddy Lumba was alive. However, barely three hours later, Daddy Lumba (DL) FM released an official statement signed by the legend’s lawyer, confirming his demise.
A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family confirmed that the music veteran passed on July 26, after a short illness.
He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.
The statement reads: “With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness.”
“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience.”
The bereaved family has respectfully requested privacy as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.
Also the eight fallen gallants who died in the crash’s memorial service will also be held there.
On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the eight individuals who lost their lives.
Books of condolence will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO, from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August 2025.
President John Mahama has assured the bereaved families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.
He made this known after acknowledging that “as we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important.”
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash, the president revealed. The president further informed Ghanaians that “the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved.”
The president has called on all and sundry to stand united in this difficult time.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.
The helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and is being described by the government as a national tragedy.
Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Minister, MP and the other six, including the pilots serving in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), were en route for a state assignment. In the early hours of Wednesday, the GAF announced that the helicopter carrying the deceased had gone off their radar.
Hours later, reports of a crash were announced until the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah officially confirmed their demise in a press conference at the Jubilee House in the afternoon.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah directed that all flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice as the country mourns the death of the 8 individuals following the crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
He revealed the identities of the deceased individuals after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.
The Ghana Armed Forces has informed the general public that it has commenced investigations into the unfortunate incident.
President Mahama, who is said to be deeply shaken by the news, expressed his profound sorrow and pledged that the state would honour the memory and service of the departed. “This is not just a loss to the families, but a loss to the nation,” the President said in a brief remark shared through his communications team.
Following the death of these statemen, several tributes have poured in, some from the general public, members of the Minority and even beyond Ghana.
Media Personality Nana Aba Anamoah has expressed concern over Nana Ama McBrown’s exclusion from the list of personalities who were given diplomatic passports.
According to her, Nana Ama McBrown wields a certain power in the diaspora that positions her to earn such privileges.
Sharing her opinion on UTV’s United Showbiz, Nana Aba Anamoah stated, “My pick would have been Nana Ama McBrown easily because Nana Ama wields a certain power in the diaspora. For Ghanaians abroad, she is loved across the world in the Ghanaian communities, and you cannot underestimate her impact.”
“So I think there should have been a representation from that sector, the local language speakers. So it does not look like only those who speak English…There should be local language representation, like Wiyaala, so it does not look too elitist.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has granted diplomatic passports to five distinguished individuals.
They are Dentaa, Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, Anita Erskine, and Ibrahim Mahama.
These individuals were recognized at the Media launch of the Diaspora Summit 2025 based on their contributions in promoting Ghana and Africa’s image on global stages.
The Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborated to organize the event.
According to the ministry, the event is aimed at empowering cultural ambassadors whose global demand and influence can strengthen trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and soft power diplomacy
Meanwhile, A total of 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C., and New York from January 2025 to date.
Out of this, 28,626 are multiple-entry visas to Ghana.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this information known while debunking reports that it is responsible for the United States government’s revision of the reciprocity schedule for a considerable number of African countries, including Ghana, reducing the B1/B2 visa validity from 5 years multiple entry to 3 months single entry.
Ghanaian visa applicants can no longer access the 5-year visa and multiple-entry.
It was reported that the Foreign Ministry had also limited the number of entries and duration given to US passport holders, hence the reciprocity by the US government.
However, in a statement, the Ministry refuted this claim, noting that consistent with bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request.
“Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to limited validity of their passports,” the statement read.
Besides the maximum five-year multiple visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry 6-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, and four-year visas based on various considerations.
The statement further indicated that “The official statistics clearly demonstrate that contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders, consistent with our bilateral arrangements.”
The Foreign Ministry noted that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States.
The US’ decision has sparked concerns, and the Ministry has acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical and family purposes inconvenienced.
The Ministry has expressed its firm solidarity with all thoseGhana recognizes the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime.
While the Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely and considers its options, it remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the US Government.
“We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.
Government has stated that it will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations in the mutual interest of both countries.
The updated guidelines, published under the U.S. Visa, reveal that Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country for Ghana also affect student visa applicants.
F-1 visa holders, who are typically enrolled in full-time academic programmes in the U.S., will now be issued visas that allow for only one entry and expire after three months.
Diplomats and government officials will, however, continue to receive multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 24 to 60 months.
The K1 visa, issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen intending to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States, and the K2 visa, provided to the unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old) of a K1 visa holder, are single-entry visas that will be valid for 6 months.
The K3 visa, for the foreign-citizen spouse of a US citizen, and the K4 visa, for their unmarried dependent child (under 21 years old), are multiple-entry visas that will be valid for 24 months.
All other visa applicants, including those applying for B-class visas, which cover business and tourism travel, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to upgrade the Ghana Card into an electronic wallet, allowing holders to use it not only as a national ID but also for digital financial transactions.
Executive Secretary of the NIA, Yayra Korku Deku shared the news with Joy News’ James Avedzi, where he intimated that the initiative will help the authority generate revenue to support its activities. He is optimistic this will optimise the operations of the authority.
“What it means is that you can put money on your Ghana card and use it to do transactions. That is to pay for anything that you do. And we are hoping that that one will generate a huge sum of money for us,” she stated.
Adding that the e-wallet initiative will be a significant move that will reshape the NIA’s operations while boosting electronic money transfers in Ghana.
He noted that several financial institutions are eager to partner with the NIA to ensure the initiative succeeds
As of May this years, a total number of 648,862 Ghana cards printed by the National Identification Authority (NIA) were yet to be collected by their respective holders.
The NIA made this known on its Facebook platform when it released recent data on the national identification registration exercise as of May 9.
Per the data, a total of 18,713,474 individuals have been enrolled onto the National Identification System.
So far, some 18,197,477 Ghana cards have been printed, whereas 17,548,615 cards have been issued.
The NIA is urging individuals who are yet to claim their Ghana Cards to do so.
“Still Haven’t Collected Your Ghana Card? Thousands of cards are ready and waiting! Check. Collect. Be Identified.”
“Visit your nearest NIA District Office today, we’re Open and Operational!” the NIA stated.
Last month, the Ghana Revenue Authority responded to claims that it had been disconnected from the National Identification Authority (NIA)’s Identity Verification System (IVS).
The NIA disconnected GRA from its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 due to the GRA’s failure to settle a GH₵376 million debt.
In a statement released on August 5, 2025, the GRA clarified that the current administration seemed to have inherited a legacy debt due to some services rendered to the GRA by the NIA prior to 2025.
However, “from the GRA’s present assessment, there were no regulatory and governance approvals for the transaction that created the purported debt. GRA’s principles of transparency, compliance and governance protocols do not permit enforcement of transactions that do not meet regulatory requirements, particularly as demanded by the reset vision of the President and the Government,” the statement read.
The authority further clarified that added GRA’s principles of transparency, compliance and governance protocols do not permit enforcement of transactions that do not meet regulatory requirements, particularly as demanded by the reset vision of the President and the Government,” the statement indicated.
Nonetheless, discussions are currently ongoing between high officials of the two agencies to resolve the issue.
“There are current high-level discussions between the two agencies in resolving the issues particularly where GRA has identified some procedural breaches and cannot affirm the existence of a service agreement between the parties,” a part of the statement read.
The IVS platform is a critical digital infrastructure that aids with public and private institutions to instantly verify the identity of individuals using the Ghana Card database.
This function is vital for a wide range of services, including revenue mobilisation, passport issuance, banking, and healthcare access.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has blocked the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from using its identity verification system over the Authority’s GH₵376 million debt owed to them.
The National Identification Authority officially announced the disconnection of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform during an interview with JoyNews during their midday news.
During the interview, the Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, Williams Aumman Dallas, stated that the NIA will restrict GRA’s access to their identity verification platform due to the Authority’s failure to settle the financial obligations to the NIA. He noted that GRA has not made any financial commitments to the NIA over the last three years.
“Effective 1st August, we have restricted them — we’ve cut them off, we’ve unplugged them from our identity verification platform. For over three years, their financial obligations to the National Identification Authority have not been fulfilled,” Williams Aumman Dallas stated.
The NIA explained that before the disconnection, the GRA was using its system to register taxpayers for Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), now rebranded as Ghana Card numbers, in line with government policy. The government had earlier directed GRA and other institutions to cease issuing separate ID cards and instead integrate the use of the Ghana Card and the NIA database into their operations.
GRA began integrating NIA data into its systems around 2021, when the two agencies started harmonising databases. By September 30, 2021, over 14.7 million individuals had already been migrated from the NIA database to GRA’s systems. To assist the GRA, the NIA had provided bulk biometric data to enable them to perform identity matching with client records. However, the GRA was never fully onboarded onto the NIA’s system via the standard API integration.
With no payments forthcoming and no signs of commitment to resolve the matter, the NIA has taken further steps by writing to the Data Protection Commission for approval to access GRA servers and delete the data previously provided.
“The data belongs to us,” the spokesperson stressed. “Once we retrieve it, we will know we have no further obligations to them,” he fumed.
“Our contact centre is inundated with calls from people asking for help to clear their goods. But from where we stand, there’s nothing we can do. The authority must fulfil its financial obligations. Once that is done, we can reconnect them and resume normal business,” he added.
While GRA has not responded to NIA’s gesture, the impact of the move has already started being felt by many importers and exporters. They have been left stranded, as they are unable to clear goods at the country’s ports.
This is because the NIA’s Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform is essential for verifying individuals’ identities using the Ghana Card database, which is a critical step in customs clearance and tax-related processes.
Without access to the IVS, GRA cannot confirm the identities of traders, which means goods cannot be processed or released. This has resulted in frozen operations at key clearance points, a situation that the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has described as a disaster. He said that many of his members have been directly affected by this action.
Williams Aumman Dallas contends that “the verification platform needs to be maintained, and we need money.” In a press conference held on the morning of August 5 at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra, Ghana, Mr Dallas announced the current financial constraints the NIA is facing due to the heavy debt from various public institutions.
“Let me state that there are institutions that are owing us. These are public institutions, and I’ve been advised not to mention names. So I will not mention names, but it is honestly affecting our operations as an authority,” Dallas said.
He further went on to charge all indebted public institutions to fulfil their financial obligations without delay or risk facing the same fate as GRa is currently facing. “And so by this press briefing, we are appealing to these public institutions to fulfil their financial obligations owed to us so that we can maximise our operations. Failure to fulfil their financial obligations; we will be left with no other choice but to deny them the services,” he stated.
The NIA’s financial woes have been a recurring issue. The authority, which operates on a semi-commercial basis, generates revenue from providing identity verification services and the issuance of Ghana Cards.
However, a significant portion of its operational budget is often tied up in delayed payments from government agencies. In 2024, the NIA reported an estimated debt of over GH₵ 150 million from various government entities, a figure that has likely grown.
The continuous debt has hampered the NIA’s ability to maintain its systems, expand its services, and even pay staff salaries on time. Meanwhile, a total number of 648,862 Ghana cards printed by the National Identification Authority (NIA) are yet to be collected by their respective holders.
The NIA made this known on its Facebook platform when it released recent data on the national identification registration exercise as of May 9. Per the data, a total of 18,713,474 individuals have been enrolled onto the National Identification System. So far, some 18,197,477 Ghana cards have been printed, whereas 17,548,615 cards have been issued.
The NIA is urging individuals who have yet to claim their Ghana Cards to do so. “Still Haven’t Collected Your Ghana Card? Thousands of cards are ready and waiting! Check. Collect. Be Identified. Visit your nearest NIA District Office today, we’re Open and Operational!” the NIA stated.
President John Mahama has stressed the need for countries to abide by international trade regulations and not impose unilateral tariffs, cautioning that such actions threaten global prosperity.
He made the point at the Jubilee house after receiving the credentials of the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, referencing Ghana’s own encounter with U.S. export tariffs.
“We live in an increasingly changing world, and the world trade rules-based system is being upended by unilateral tariffs by various countries on others. Ghana, for instance, had the AGOA, which was zero-rated for exports into the United States. Today, we’ve been slapped with 15%. But it’s not only us; many other countries have suffered a worse fate than us. But we do believe that with regards to trade and tariffs, we must play by the rules. And it affects world prosperity when countries just decide unilaterally to impose tariffs on each other,” ” President Mahama said.
Updating the envoy on Ghana’s economic state, the president said, “Ghana is coming out of an economic crisis. We defaulted on our debts, and we went through a quite difficult debt restructuring exercise. Happily, we are coming back. The economy is stabilising. Inflation is coming down.”
“The currency is appreciating in value and being relatively stable. And we’re maintaining fiscal discipline that ensures that the economy is well managed. Aside from that, we’re also resetting our governance and introducing more accountability.”
Though the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, is new, he committed to closer engagement with Ghana on all fronts, including defence and security.
“I also see a very strong development in the partnership between the Republic of Ghana and the EU. I see our privileged position as a donor to the government, but also as a trading partner, as an investor.”
“I see these very important partnerships in security and defence, and most recently also in forest legislation enforcement, which all constitute platforms to further deepen our relationship,” Mr Skinnebach said.
He further underscored Ghana’s strong position on international issues.
“It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Ghana has been steadfast on the territorial integrity of Ukraine towards Russian aggression. That is very important to us in Europe.”
Later, President Mahama received the new UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg. The President noted that Ghana is working with ECOWAS and international partners to respond to violent extremism in the Sahel.
“We’ve developed a process of rapprochement with the AES countries, even though they have determined to break away from the regional sub-body. I think that there must be continuous engagement with them, because the threat they face is a common threat to our whole sub-region, not to them alone.
“The situation in those countries is quite grave, and we believe that Ghana, working with ECOWAS and the international community, must see how we can resolve the issue of violent extremism,” President Mahama said.
“We rely on cooperation with the UK. Already we have support in terms of training, technical expertise, and intelligence sharing, and we hope that will continue.”
The UK High Commissioner assured that security will remain central to Britain’s partnership with Ghana.
“The second priority is very much on security. The world really has changed… conflicts we never imagined are happening again in Europe, and what is happening in the region here is also very different,” Mr Rogg said.
“Over time, our partnership on security has evolved. That has to do with countering terrorism, with training, with intelligence, with equipment. But it also goes beyond that to threats we both face, such as illicit financial flows and the drugs trade. Security, just as growth, are quite broad and encompassing priorities we will work with your government on.”
Meanwhile the President has lamented the United States (U.S) President Donald Trump’s refusal to allow the U.S Congress authority on tariff matters.
Speaking during his first presidential media encounter of his second term in office, he noted that the power to set tariffs lies significantly with the U.S Congress; however, President Donald Trump oversteps the boundaries.
“The power to impose tariffs is that of Congress, but in this case, the US president [Donald Trump] always pushes the limit,” President Mahama said.
According to him, African countries are under pressure due to the United States (U.S) President Donald Trump’s interest in quick deals rather than a long-term partnership. President Mahama stated that the U.S President’s recent trade policies have resulted in the “technical” collapse of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
He mentioned that “Countries like Africa enjoyed zero tariffs in the US because we were in the developing world. It was a concession that the US gave. In comes President Trump. He has a more transactional mindset.
“He says the US has been taken for granted for a long time so even countries like Ghana in Africa, he slapped a 15% tariff on us from a zero tariff”.
AGOA was established to give certain African countries special trade access to the U.S. market. It was enacted on May 18, 2000 by the 106th United States Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
Although AGOA was initially set to expire in 2008, the U.S. has extended it multiple times, with the current extension running through 2025.
But President Mahama has emphasized that its renewal is uncertain following President Donald Trump’s steep tariff on goods exported to the U.S by African exporters.
“AGOA is technically dead. It was due for renegotiation in September, but there is no way with this 15% tariff, AGOA is going to be renewed. We are just watching carefully,” he added.
On Friday, July 31, imposes a fifteen percent (15%) ad valorem tariff on Ghana’s exports. This means that Ghanaian goods shipped to the U.S. will be charged a 15% tax based on their price.Thus, a product at $100, would be $115 as a result of the $15 tariff.
The U.S. government explains that the new development forms part of the efforts to protect its economy, as the country buys more goods from other countries than it sells to them.
According to the Executive Order, “These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m.”
The policy is expected to impact Ghanaian goods entering the U.S. in the coming days, affecting many countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar.
Also, countries such as South Africa and Libya face a 30 percent tariff, while Tunisia will face a 25 percent steeper duty. Meanwhile, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Ghana’s Trade Ministry are yet to react to the new tariff.
The new tariff adjustment comes at a time when the Ghanaian government is implementing tax reforms to ensure the elimination of successive charges of taxation that increase the cost of goods and services.
Although the measure is premised on the principle of reciprocity, President Trump insisted in the executive order that the United States had been unfairly disadvantaged by trade barriers erected by other countries.
This policy affects numerous Ghanaian exports, notably those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously allowed duty-free access to the U.S. market.
Ghanaian officials have criticized the move, arguing that the U.S. cannot claim the tariffs are to protect domestic industries. Ghana is not facing the issue in isolation; as such, the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are coordinating a collective response.
Some African nations, such as Lesotho, could face import duties of up to 50 percent. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to provide duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. market, remains in effect but faces new scrutiny in light of the latest U.S. trade policy shift.
In 2022, two-way trade between AGOA members and the US exceeded $46 billion, with $13.5 billion more in imports than exports. That year, AGOA recipients exported $30 billion worth of goods to the US, of which $10.2 billion were sold under the duty-free AGOA preference.
However, with AGOA’s framework set to expire in September, there are growing concerns that the Trump administration’s stance may hinder any renewal.
The U.S. government in May announced a new 10% tariff on exports, but the then U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, insisted that the new global tariff adjustments could benefit Ghana, unlike other countries.
In an interview with Citi News on Monday, May 26, she explained that the 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. is in favor of Ghana, as the nation’s key exports, oil and gas, are not affected, as it is imposed on rival countries.
“There were 10% applied globally, which the new US administration has taken, that may in the short term [be] to Ghana’s advantage, vis-à-vis its competitors. Oil and gas, which is being [a] major exporter to the US, is not subject to the tariff. If Ghana faces a 10% tariff, Bangladesh and Vietnam face 47% and 63%,” she said.
According to her, Ghana is currently in a better position in the U.S. market as compared to 60 countries that are facing a much higher rate of the 10% imposed tax.
“There were 60 countries where tariffs were much higher than 10%, which may be an advantage for Ghana in the near term. I hope that Ghana will be the one making that point to the American legislature when it expires at the end of September [2025],” she added.
Virginia Palmer therefore urged the country’s leadership to seize the advantage to persuade the U.S. government to renew a trade benefit before its expiry in September this year. She emphasized that Ghana remains a valued partner.
Trade analysts, on the other hand, suggest the U.S. is unintentionally nudging African countries toward deeper engagement with China.
The National Film Authority (NFA), has announced plans to roll out a national award scheme designed for the Ghana Ghanaian film industry.
Chairman of the Authority, Ivan Quashigah, told Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz segment he is aware of the prevalence of private film awards, however, a state-led initiative will offer a broader recognition and help elevate the sector.
“It’s important that we have an award programme as part of our agenda to push interest in Ghanaian films. Award shows provide recognition in the industry. When we are able to put that together, it throws some light on the winners as well as the whole industry. So it is important that we have something like that. There are a couple of them that are there but we need to have a national one,” he said.
His comment came on the back of NFA’s maiden national dialogue on Wednesday, September 16, 2025, at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana.
The dialogue had filmmakers from across the country in attendance.
Among the initiatives outlined by the Authority were plans to reach 1% of Ghana’s population through film distribution, launch “cinema on wheels,” establish film clubs in schools, dub films into French and local languages, integrate film and tourism, introduce “cinema in the park,” and develop regional cinema partnerships.
The newly sworn-in Board of the National Film Authority (NFA) has set its sights on rallying at least 1% of Ghanaians behind efforts to rejuvenate the local film landscape.
In its first sitting on August 19, the board prioritized strengthening film distribution and exhibition.
“Our priority is to restore confidence in the Ghanaian film industry by ensuring that local content reaches audiences effectively. Distribution and exhibition are the lifeblood of the industry, and we are determined to create opportunities that make Ghanaian films accessible to every citizen while positioning Ghana as a film hub in Africa,” Mr. Quashigah stated.
The discussion also highlighted the Authority’s responsibility to assure both domestic and international partners of its commitment to regulation, industry development, and global collaboration.
It underscored the National Film Authority’s role in maintaining trust among stakeholders through firm regulation, steady industry growth, and partnerships with international players.
The meeting further emphasized the Authority must demonstrate reliability to local and global partners by focusing on regulation, development and cross-border collaboration.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has disclosed that his outfit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Fosu, is taking steps to address piracy concerns in the country.
He explains that while his ministry is responsible for licensing, the Ministry of Government Communications works closely with the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Film Authority (NFA) over piracy concerns.
However, he has joined Mr Kwakye Ofusu to engage the appriprioate authorities in handling arising concerns of piracy and copyright.
“We’ve taken critical steps, and Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu met with the National Film Authority and the NMC. We had a joint stakeholder meeting where we discussed this issue, and we are beginning to come up with the framework that is going to guide the broadcast of material and protection of intellectual property rights,” Sam George told the media during a press briefing held on August 1 as part of the Government Accountability Series to update the public on the progress of his ministry and the communications sector.
The Honourable minister further stated that he has given a 30-day ultimatum to the National Media Commission (NMC) to take action on piracy and copyright concerns.
According to him, the law does not permit the Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation ministry to tackle such concerns, and the National Media Commission(responsible for piracy concerns) had also said they are incapacitated of taking necessary action despite concerns raised.
He updated the public on the progress of his ministry and the communications sector, where Sam George said, he has put a system in place to help the National Media Commission take action against those involved in piracy and copyright violations.
“Let me just state that I am writing officially to the National Media Commission and that letter is to give the National Media Commission a 30-day mandate to take advantage of a resource that the National Communications Authority (which is under my ministry) has put at their disposal, the Broadcast Monitoring Centre.”
“The National Media Commission has always complained that they don’t have capacity. We have built capacity as the National Communications Authority, but because by law we don’t deal with content, we have made that available to the National Media Commission. We record and store for at least 90days, every single broadcast in this country, both radio and TV. It comes at a huge expense to us at the NCA,” he told the media.
Ghanaian filmmaker and actress Xandy Kamel has accused Fast TV of airing her newly released movie “Unseen Beauty” without permission.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, the actress in tears expressed anger and deep frustration at the Ghanaian TV station.
According to her, Fast TV stole the movie within two days after she uploaded it on YouTube.
“Why are some Ghanaians like this? You’ve managed to raise money to open a TV station, yet you’re saying you don’t have funds to buy content for it? I released a movie just two days ago and haven’t even made $10 from it, but Fast TV is pirating my film without my permission.”
“I’m struggling to find anyone to help promote it. I’ve shared it with some bloggers to assist in promoting the movie, but none have taken the opportunity to help,” she stated in the video while shedding tears.
Also, Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has called out Ghanaian TV station, Blazing TV, for airing her movie titled ” The Firstborn” without authorization.
She took to Instagram on July 19, 2025, to express her displeasure with screenshots proving her claim.
“How is this even okay? Blazing TV in Ghana is airing my movie The Firstborn, without my consent. How does this even make sense? How? I am speechless at the audacity of it all,” she wrote beneath her Instagram post.
Mercy Johnson adds to several Nigerian actresses who have been calling out Ghanaian media houses and television stations for airing their movies wiithout authorization.
Several Nigerian filmmakers, including Ruth Kadiri, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omoni Oboli, have recently raised concerns about Ghanaian television stations airing their films without permission, drawing considerable attention online.
In a show of solidarity, some Ghanaian filmmakers have spoken out against the illegal broadcast of copyrighted material, urging stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws.
Their support has amplified the call for reform and accountability within Ghana’s media industry.
This article focuses on three Ghanaian filmmakers who have openly condemned the piracy of Nigerian films by local TV stations.
Juliet Ibrahim
Actress, author, and producer Juliet Ibrahim condemned the actions of the Ghanaian media houses involved in pirating Nigeria movies.
In her a post shared on her Instagram page, she expressed both outrage and deep disappointment.
“This is not a Nigerian issue; it is an African issue, and as a Ghanaian, I am ashamed that our local media houses are playing a central role in such unethical and illegal activities,” she wrote.
Juliet Ibrahim also took the opportunity to remind the public that piracy doesn’t just affect the filmmaker, but the entire ecosystem of professionals behind the scenes.
“Piracy is a crime. Exploiting someone’s hard-earned intellectual property is theft. It undermines years of investment, creativity, and the livelihoods of everyone involved in production,” she added.
She urged authorities to act swiftly and put in place regulatory measures that can protect the African film industry from further exploitation.
“Please step in immediately. We need robust action, regulation, and enforcement to protect content creators and restore the dignity of our film industry.”
Martha Ankomah
Martha Ankomah also added her voice to the growing chorus of creatives who have spoken about the piracy act.
Responding to Omoni Oboli’s Instagram post, Martha Ankomah said:
“I totally agree with you. You really have to take them on this time. They do that all the time and it’s so frustrating.”
Salma Mumin
Actress and entrepreneur Salma Mumin also spoke out against the situation.
She emphasised that filmmakers have the right to own and protect their work.
“I’m a Ghanaian actress but this is a big No! This is your intellectual property and you have every right to take immediate action. They know this is wrong!!!”
Meanwhile, the National Film Authority had earlier issued a letter to television stations warning them that if they air movies without proper authorization, their licenses will be revoked.
However, upon researching this matter, I discovered that the NFA is not even the institution responsible for revoking licenses,” she said.
But MC Yeboah criticizes the authorities for handling the movie piracy challenge with caution letters, describing it as a method that is no longer effective.
Mc Yeboah asserts that releasing a press statement against piracy offenders does not amount to punitive action that can deter culprits.
“Producers invest millions of cedis in making their movies, only for others to take these movies, air them on their platforms without permission, and profit from them.
Meanwhile, the institutions responsible for addressing piracy just issue letters, to avoid appearing inactive,” she said.
A couple of months ago, Ghanaian rapper, Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal also indicated that his relationship with singer, Eazzy is not an industry-driven-affair but a connection that commenced on Instagram.
Medikal acknowledged that his connection with another musician in the industry may have created the impression that he is quick to get along with ladies in that circle but that is not the case for him.
“It’s not like I go in for people I am in the same field with. We met on Instagram. I proposed to her and she accepted,” he clarified.
A few days ago, Medikal confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship with singer Eazzy.
His confirmation ended months of swirling rumors and fan speculation following their public appearances at different locations and times, which suggested they are now lovebirds.
The pair have been spotted enjoying cosy moments together, from club appearances to intimate car rides, to posing for seemingly loved-up couple pictures, sparking rumours of a budding romance.
Confirming the rumors on Hitz FM, Medikal quizzed Andy Dosty, “Eazzy First Lady?, adding that, “That’s my woman”.
Andy probed further for explanation as to what Medikal meant by “my woman,” and he responded by singing “My woman, my everything / My woman oh oh, I go fit buy you anything,” a hit song by Patoranking, featuring Wande Coal.
“She’s my girlfriend now… my babe, my rib,” adding that he is going to marry her a grand wedding soon.
“Will I marry her? Yes. Hard. Very, very soon. Definitely. I don’t know how to hide things. I’m open with my life… I hope she will be my last stop. I don’t believe in polygamy,” he said.
Andy Dosty further went on to ask Medikal why he hadn’t collaborated musically with Eazzy, especially since he had done so with his previous partners like Fella Makafui and Sister Deborah.
He intends to take a different turn with Eazzy unlike he did with his former partners, whom he featured in songs. He explained that, though he loves to involve his partners in his business or what he does, this time around he would like to do things differently.
He however confirmed they both have projects together but that is not the focus currently, but what matters is how “they feel about each other”. According to the ‘Omo Ada’ hitmaker, he is not one who hides his relationships hence once he starts making romantic post or other things on his social media platforms, people can easily make meanings out of them.
Recounting how they met, Medikal revealed that, it all started on Instagram. Where he initiated contact, after which she eventually said yes.
Medikal has since declined to comment on whether his romance with Eazzy began before his marriage with Fella Makafui ended.
It would be recalled that Medikal tied the knot with Fella in a beautiful and simple ceremony in March 2020. The ceremony held at Odekye Gardens in East Legon saw the friends and family, including celebrities like Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale and singer Sista Afia in attendance.
The couple announced the welcome of their daughter, Island Frimpong, and celebrated their one-year anniversary in 2021.
Before the wedding in 2020, Medikal drove with Shatta Wale to go and plead for a second chance with Fella after a fallout which nearly caused their seperation.
Shatta Wale after speaking with Fella, went on his knees to drive home his pleas. “I dey beg give Medikal,” the singer was heard saying.
A supposed fan who was present at the scene also knelt down, saying, if Shatta Wale is kneeling down, then it is prudent that they all have to follow suit. This gesture earned him a $100 note from his idol.
The dancehall artist apology came days after Medikal went public to apologise to Fella to forgive him and to accept his apology.
“Somebody tell Fella I’m sorry, I know say people go bore me but I still go fight for love, Chuck Norris I still love you, you’re my baby,” Medikal had said in his new song El Chapo.
In a previous video that surfaced in an earlier week, the AMG crew visited Fella’s wine shop but were sent away by the Yolo Actress.
However, barely 5 years into the marriage, they announced their separation in March 2024, revealing that they’d be co-parenting.
The two had a tumultuos start, as the ex of Medikal, Sister Derby used to throw subtle jabs at Fella suggesting she was a man snatcher.
Sister Derby did release a song called “Talk to Your Boyfriend” featuring Enam, where she seemingly took shots at Fella Makafui. Some of the lyrics include:
“Na wo nim s3 he dey plus me / Nanso you want minus me / Then we get plus multiply, But you take adwenfi come divide.”
“Match wei wo one outcome p3 / Ebi b3 y3 wo ama w’aka how come p33 / Otwea, koo kyea meko / Kakalika love spray, m’ato”.
Her song suggested that, Fella knew very well Medikal was with her but she mischieviously caused a divide.She then went on to warn her to expect a betrayal from Medikal, just as he had done with her, he will do same with her saying, “the match they are playing has just a single outcome, Fella will be served the same pill she was served and she’d wonder and say how come”? she sang in Twi.
Fella Makafui also released a song called “Over” where she jabbed Sister Derby, with lyrics like, “If it’s yours, come collect”.
Meanwhile, Medikal’s recent song ‘Shoulder’ featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap is making waves in Ghana and beyond with a catchy dance style.
It has gained momentum on leading platforms like YouTube Ghana, Audiomack, and Spotify, with fans praising the chemistry and top-shelf visuals by Yaw Skyface.
However, he was threathened with a lawsuit by DJ Azonto for infriengement after use “Ala Woyo” in his track.
According to Azonto, he owns the catchphrase and Medikal is supposed to pay him for adopting it.
He released a statement with a tall list of unrealsitic demands including three Rolls Royce, a diplomatic passport for his mother among other benefits for his three daughters.
Medikal in reaction to this, took to his social media platform, X and wrote “Killa ntua” a popular phrase which suggests he has nothing to give him.
Celebrated Ghanaian playwright, Dr Mohammed Ben Abdullah, is dead.
His son, Abdul Muiz Abass, announced on FaceBook on Friday, after his father’s death on Thursday.
According to the post, he wrote, “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return). With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, I announce the passing of my beloved father, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Abdallah, who returned to his Maker yesterday. A man of wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith, he served his people, his family, and his country with honour and grace,” the post read.
In line with Islamic rites Jumu’ah prayers will be offered to Dr Mohammed Ben Abdullah and laid to rest today in Kumasi.
About Dr Mohammed Ben Abdullah
He was born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi and trained as a teacher. He studied at the University of Ghana, Legon.
He further earned an MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Georgia in 1976 and a PHD in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980.
Meanwhile, a legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kojo Fosu, passed away months ago.
A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family confirmed that the music veteran passed on July 26, after a short illness.
He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.
The statement reads: “With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness.”
“Daddy Lumba was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose music touched countless lives. His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience.”
The bereaved family has respectfully requested privacy as they navigate this profound grief. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.
Profile of the late veteran musician
Daddy Lumba was renowned for his incredible talent as a singer, composer, songwriter, recording artist, and producer.
With an illustrious career that has spanned over three decades, Daddy Lumba was widely regarded as the greatest and most influential musician in Ghanaian history.
Many artists in Ghana, including Ofori Amponsah, Sarkodie, Kuami Eugene, Paa Solo of Sibo Brothers, Oheneba Kissi, KiDi, and others, consider him their major inspiration in the music industry.
Daddy Lumba was born 60 years ago to Mr. Johnson Kwadwo Fosuh and Madam Comfort Gyamfi, also known as Ama Saah, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Both of his parents were teachers, and he was the second of three siblings.
His educational journey began in Nsuta Kyebi, and he completed junior high school at Suame Methodist, Kumasi in 1979. Subsequently, he attended Adu Gyamfi Senior High School in Jamasi, but later transferred to Juaben Senior High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1984.
Daddy Lumba’s music career took off in the early 80s when he formed the Nkwanta Wesley Singers, gaining fame at the Anokye Krom Cultural Center.
During his time at Juaben Senior High School, he led the school choir and composed the song “Lumba Lumba,” dedicated to the freedom fighters in South Africa. This song’s popularity earned him the nickname “Daddy Lumba”, which later became his stage name. He also formed the Lumba Brothers band during his school days, which included his girlfriend at the time, Theresa.
After completing school, Daddy Lumba, with the help of his high school sweetheart Theresa Abebrese, traveled to Germany. There, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, and they formed another Lumba Brothers group, recording their debut album, “Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom,” in 1986. Financial constraints delayed the album’s release until 1989, and eventually, the duo split.
Daddy Lumba then launched his solo career and released his debut solo album, “Obi Ate Meso Buo,” in 1990. The album received immense popularity and critical acclaim, featuring classics like the title track and “Theresa,” dedicated to his ex-lover. He has since released 33 albums, including notable ones like “Sika Asem,” “Aben Wo Ha,” “Wo Ho Kyere,” “Awosoo,” “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Ahenfo Kyiniye.” His latest project, “Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo,” was released in December 2022, reuniting him with longtime collaborator Kweku Mensah.
In addition to his own success, Daddy Lumba is renowned for nurturing the careers of budding artists who went on to become legends in their own right.
Some of these artists include Felix Owusu, for whom he produced the debut album “Vida” in 1992, Afia Ampofowaa, Kwabena Sunkwa, Ofori Amponsah with the “Woho Kyere” album in 1999, Selina Orleans, Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Borax, Ateaa Tina, and many others.
His contributions to Ghanaian music and the support he provides to upcoming talents have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the country’s music industry.
With his passion, talent, and dedication to the craft, Daddy Lumba continues to be a role model for aspiring musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the rich musical landscape of Ghana.
Ninety-eight-year-old legendary broadcaster, Mike Eghan, known for his famous television program, “The Mike Eghan Show” in the 1970’s is dead.
A source close to the family announced his passing on June 5 to the media.
Among the pioneering hosts of electronic media and show business, Mr Eghan was referred to as “The Magnificent Emperor.”
His programme, “The Mike Eghan Show” became widely known for its catchy phrase, “Welcome, welcome welcome to the show,” which was rebranded as his signature tune and was loved in every Ghanaian household.
His 60-year career started as a disc jockey. He proceeded to be a radio presenter and eventually became a television host.
Mr Eghan hosted programmes for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation as well as the BBC World Service, London.
He autographed a book titled “The Emperor’s Story, from the Centre of the World” in 2019, long before his retirement, cataloging his life, work, and impact in the media terrain.
The late Mr Eghan worked as an Entertainment Manager with the Volta River Authority, returned to London to work with the BBC, before returning home to revive the Mike Eghan Show.
He was a regular co-host of Radio Dance Time with David Larbi on the only radio station in Ghana at the time, Radio Ghana.
During his five-year stint with the British Broadcasting Corporation between 1965 and 1970, after which he returned home to join the commercial service of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC 2, the legend made a seismic impact with his innovative style of presenting musical programmes on radio known as disc jockeying.
He became a popular household name among the likes of Joe Larty and Eddie Faakye.
In 1971, he once again proved his brilliance when he served as a master of ceremonies for his historic “Soul to Soul’ court at Black Star Square, which brought together top American performers and Ghanaian artists.
Later in life, the ninety-eight-year-old legendary broadcaster moved to venture into the hotel business.
Chief Executive Officer of Zara Boutique, Richard Brown, popularly known as Osebo, has narrated how humility opened the door for him to travel abroad.
Due to financial constraints, he became a school dropout and pushing trucks thereafter became his source of income.
According to him, he met a man who would always seek his services but refused to pay for them but Osebo said he never held it against him.
Speaking to Irene Adubea Aning on The Career Trail programme on Joy Learning TV, Osebo recalled that one day, the man handed him money and invited him to his village. When he got to his house, they welcomed him, offered him a chair, and water. Then the man came back with a brown envelope. Inside it was a passport. He told him it could take him to Germany or Italy and said he had never seen a young man(Osebo) so God-fearing and respectful.
Fast forward, Osebo said he arrived in Italy and, fortunately, he secured a job with a Nigerian Company .
“The work was tough. I went house to house, ringing bells, getting people’s attention. Some didn’t buy anything at first, only offering a small contribution. But within minutes, my pocket would be full. The sun was scorching, but I didn’t feel it; I was enjoying seeing money and knowing I could help my family,” he narrated.
He added that he exceeded the expectations of his employer, who trusted him with more work, and he still made progress with the business.
The Career Trail New Edition aired its 14th episode last week, , exploring Osebo’s early life and challenges. The next part of his story, showing how he turned his experiences abroad into a thriving fashion business in Ghana, will air on Saturday, September 20, at 4 p.m. on Joy Learning and 6:30 p.m. on Joy News.
On a separate occasion, the Zaraman urged young people to prioritize smart thinking over mere hard work if they aspire to attain financial success. According to him, intelligence and strategy play a more crucial role in wealth creation than physical effort alone.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Stella Dziedzorm at the 40th birthday celebration of business mogul and serial investor Richard Nii-Armah Quaye, Osebo emphasized that success requires a combination of effort and intelligence.
“Have you seen any rich man who is foolish before? You need to get a brain. If you don’t have sense, you won’t get money. So, you need to have sense before you think about how to get money. You need to use your brain to get money,” he said.
Osebo acknowledged the popular notion of working hard but stressed that strategic thinking is what truly sets successful people apart. He noted that many young people are unwilling to endure the level of hardship and sacrifice that self-made entrepreneurs like Quaye have faced.
“You can’t just be like him. I’ve listened to one of his interviews. This guy has really suffered. And what he went through, most of the young guys today will not go through. Even when you ask them to do it, they won’t do it. So, it’s not easy to be like him,” he remarked.
He encouraged the youth to embrace a mindset that combines resilience with innovative thinking, stating that wealth is not solely a product of labor but also of intelligence.
“Not too much hard work, but then you can use your brain and get money. So, if you want to be like him (Quaye), trust me, it’s not going to be easy. You can be more than him, but you need to use your brain,” he advised.
Osebo’s remarks add to the growing conversation about redefining the path to financial success, urging young people to focus on strategic planning, innovation, and perseverance in their pursuit of wealth.
In 2024, rumours swirled that the boutique owner had been struggling with a serious illness for several months and had even undergone surgery in Italy.
This information was revealed by his close friend, Afia Schwarzenegger, during a live social media session with fans.
Before his rumoured health challenges, there had been various prophecies about attempts on his life.
The last time Osebo appeared online was approximately five months ago, when he became visibly emotional during an Instagram Live, openly weeping as he spoke to his followers.
Now, upon his return, Osebo received a warm welcome from friends, family, and supporters at Kotoka International Airport.
The CEO of Zara247 had been on hiatus since the launch of his ‘Osebo Collection’ in January, which was graced by prominent guests, including Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, various politicians, and other members of the East Legon Executive Club.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that Ghana is anticipating the arrival of forty (40) West African deportees from the United States of America.
Speaking to Channel One TV on Wednesday, September 17, Mr Ablakwa noted, “I can reveal to you that we’re expecting another 40 in the next few days. We vet them before they come”.
This revelation follows criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who accused the government of accepting 14 deportees without Parliamentary approval. Ablakwa, however, clarified that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S., which does not require Parliamentary ratification, necessitated the arrangement.
Opposition Member of Parliament (MPs) have argued that President Mahama’s deal with the U.S. was never ratified and therefore unlawful. The Minority cited Article 75 of Ghana’s Constitution, which dictates that an international agreement must be approved by Parliament.
They pointed to previous Supreme Court rulings, such as the one involving the Gitmo 2 detainees, as precedent for why executive-only agreements are unconstitutional.
“The deal should have been brought to Parliament. It’s the same President Mahama who entered into a deal for the relocation of the Gitmo 2 to Ghana. What’s in it for our beloved country, Ghana?” NPP MP for Abirem, Charles Owiredu, wrote.
The opposition also accused Mahama of hiding behind the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement, describing it as misleading. They argued that those protocols apply to voluntary travel, not forced deportations orchestrated by non-member states like the U.S.
“Accepting forced deportations orchestrated by non-ECOWAS states contradicts the spirit of regional integration protocols designed for voluntary movement,” stated the Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
But the Foreign Affairs Minister has explained that the decision was driven primarily by humanitarian concerns after observing the harsh treatment of deportees abroad.
“We didn’t agree to this because we agree with President Trump’s immigration policies. We’re not doing the U.S. a favour. We’re doing our fellow Africans a favour; we’re offering them refuge, hope, and we want them to come back home and be comfortable.
“We solidarised with them when we saw those images, the arrests, the violation of their rights, and their being detained against their will. It was purely on a humanitarian basis; we did not take any financial benefits. We’re doing this because we want to continue to position Ghana as the Mecca for Africans,” Ablakwa stressed.
Responding to whether the deportees will remain in Ghana, Honourable Ablakwa said, “So the choice is theirs really. For 90 days, if they want to stay here, they can stay. But so far all of them have indicated that they want to go back after some time, and we have been facilitating that.”
At the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, September 15, Ablakwa clarified that Ghana’s agreement with the United States to accept some West African deportees was not motivated by financial or material gain.
“It is important to state that Ghana has not received any money, compensation or any material benefit in relation to this understanding. Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian grounds and principle,” he said.
On Wednesday, September 10, the first batch of West African nationals arrived in Ghana following their deportation from the U.S. During a media encounter at the Jubilee House, President John Dramani Mahama said that the batch consisted of 14 individuals, mostly Nigerians, along with one Gambian national.
“We were approached by the U.S. to accept third-country nationals who were being removed, and we agreed that West African nationals could be accommodated, since all our fellow West Africans do not require a visa to enter Ghana. So, if they travel from the U.S. to Accra, entry is not an issue. Bringing our West African colleagues back is therefore acceptable,” President Mahama explained.
Mahama did not explicitly detail the deal of Ghana serving as a transit hub for West African nationals deported from the U.S. A federal judge, Judge Tanya Chutkan, has expressed concern that the arrangement suggested complicity on the part of the Ghanaian government in the deportation process.
Judge Chutkan granted an emergency hearing after lawyers for the deportees argued that their clients expected to be returned to Nigeria and Gambia, and feared torture or persecution if sent home. She instructed the Trump administration to submit a report outlining measures to prevent Ghana from returning the deportees to their home countries.
According to her, concerns about their safety were not speculative but “real enough that the United States government agrees they shouldn’t be sent back to their home country.”
Judge Chutkan described the arrangement as appearing to have been designed by U.S. officials “to make an end run” around legal requirements barring the government from deporting migrants to situations of danger. The deportations, she noted, form part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy of relocating migrants to “third countries” to expedite removals and pressure undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S.
It later emerged, following a lawsuit filed on Friday, September 12, by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, that five of the nationals deported to Ghana had U.S. legal protections preventing deportation to their home countries. One of them, a bisexual man, was already sent to Gambia and is reportedly in hiding.
The others were held in an open-air facility managed by the Ghanaian military, which was described as having squalid conditions. The complaint alleged that the migrants were taken from a Louisiana detention facility, shackled, and flown on a U.S. military aircraft without being told their destination. Some were reportedly restrained in straitjackets for 16 hours.
The U.S. Department of Justice, responding to Judge Chutkan’s request, argued that it no longer had custody of the migrants and therefore the court lacked authority to interfere in matters of diplomacy. They cited a Supreme Court ruling allowing deportations to third countries.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin rejected the claim that straitjackets were used during the flight, but declined to comment on allegations of circumventing immigration law.
In January 2016, President Mahama welcomed two Yemeni nationals, Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammed Salih Al-Dhuby, who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay for about 15 years. They were linked to Al-Qaeda activities, and their transfer to Ghana formed part of a bilateral agreement with the U.S.
The Mahama government explained that the move was a humanitarian gesture and that the two men would stay in Ghana for two years. However, the deal was never submitted to Parliament as required by the Constitution. In June 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that the Gitmo 2 agreement was unconstitutional, ordering the government to present it to Parliament within three months or return the detainees to the U.S.
The Bank of Ghana has released the latest Summary of Economic and Financial Data reflecting an amount of GHS354.1 billion recorded in Mobile Money Transactions for the month of August .
Comparing the figure to the GHS355.4 billion recorded in the month of June, there is a slight dip in what the month of August recorded.
Nonetheless, the data underscores the progressive dominance of mobile money payments in the country’s financial ecosystem.
The number of transactions climbed to 831 million in August, up from 778 million in July, reflecting the steady rise in the use of digital payment channels.
Registered mobile money accounts also grew to 77.7 million, with 25.1 million active accounts, highlighting progress in financial inclusion across Ghana.
Industry analysts say that although the overall value of transactions eased marginally, the consistent growth in transaction volumes and active users demonstrates deepening trust in mobile money for everyday payments, remittances, and business transactions.
In the first two months of the year, the mobile money industry saw a strong start with transactions hitting GH₵649.2 billion.
This marked a significant 64.68% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when mobile money transactions totaled GHS394.2 billion.
Data from the Bank of Ghana reveals that mobile money transactions in January 2025 amounted to GHS333 billion. However, the figure dropped slightly to GHS316.2 billion in February 2025.
The surge in transactions comes despite the presence of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), which was scrapped by the new government last week. Analysts predict that with the levy removed, mobile money transactions could see further growth, strengthening Ghana’s financial technology ecosystem.
Meanwhile, mobile money usage continues to expand, with the number of registered accounts rising to 74.1 million, up from 66.9 million in early 2024. Despite this growth, only 411,000 out of 896,000 registered agents were actively processing transactions.
In 2024, Ghana recorded an all-time high of GHS3.0192 trillion in mobile money transactions, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 57.90%.
Earlier this year, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) clarified that MTN Ghana’s MobileMoney Limited has not been authorised to facilitate cross-border transactions with MTN Nigeria.
Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, the Central Bank emphasized that no such license has been issued for international money transfers between the two subsidiaries.
In a statement addressing developments in Ghana’s fintech sector, the BoG explained that while MTN MoMo lacks approval for cross-border transactions, another regulated initiative is being piloted under its supervision. The initiative, BrijX—a B2B Currency Swap Platform developed by Brij Fintech Ghana—has been approved for testing within the BoG’s regulatory sandbox framework.
“Bank of Ghana has taken note of media publications suggesting that MTN Ghana has been licensed to conduct cross-border transactions with MTN in Nigeria. The Bank hereby states that MobileMoney Limited, providers of MoMo from MTN, has not been licensed or authorised to conduct cross-border transactions,” the statement read.
Unlike traditional remittance services, BrijX operates as a digital marketplace, allowing direct currency swaps between the Ghanaian Cedi and the Nigerian Naira without the need for forex transactions or the physical movement of funds. The platform integrates with banks, mobile money providers, and other licensed Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to enable seamless currency exchanges.
The BoG noted that BrijX, which commenced live testing in February 2025, initially involves MTN MoMo users and will soon be extended to G-Money customers. The pilot is subject to stringent regulatory controls, including transaction limits, restricted participation, a defined testing period, and strict adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.
Following the pilot phase, the BoG was to evaluate BrijX’s performance to determine its compliance with Ghana’s financial regulations and its potential for wider adoption.
Reaffirming its commitment to secure and efficient financial services, the BoG assured stakeholders that it remains dedicated to fostering innovation while maintaining strong consumer protection measures.
General Secretary of the Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana, Evans Otumfuo, has revealed that the introduction of the electronic transaction levy (E-Levy) led to the collapse of nearly 17,000 mobile money businesses nationwide.
In an interview with the media on Wednesday, Otumfuo stated that excessive taxation drained the working capital of many agents, ultimately forcing them out of business.
Following an internal survey, the association discovered that numerous agents shut down their operations due to repeated deductions on transactions, whether conducted through banks or among fellow agents.
“Momo agents at one point were subjected to various forms of levy deductions. We lost our working capital. It hasn’t been in the interest of our business so far. We received the cancellation of the E-Levy as good news, and we really look forward to its implementation,” he said.
Former President Akufo-Addo signed the E-Levy Bill into law on March 31, 2022. Subsequently, the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) was introduced to Ghanaians by the Finance Ministry on May 1, 2022.
Initially, the levy was set at 1.75% on all electronic transactions, including mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances. However, due to public opposition and concerns about its impact on low-income earners and small businesses, the rate was later reduced to 1%.
Its implementation faced significant public opposition, as many Ghanaians raised concerns about the financial burden it imposed. The levy was widely regarded as an additional strain on citizens, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
However, in a recent development, the current Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the abolition of the E-Levy as part of the 2025 budget to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians and support economic recovery.
This decision has been welcomed by many Ghanaians, who view it as a much-needed relief from the financial strain caused by the levy.
Director of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, Kwame Oppong, has raised concerns over the rising cases of mobile money fraud.
He explained that fraudsters are coming up with new ways to scam both mobile money vendors and users.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the new leaders of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group, Oppong pointed out that Ghana’s mobile money regulations have been recognized as the best in the world, which is a big boost for the fintech industry.
However, he emphasized the importance of protecting this sector from fraud.
Since mobile money was introduced in Ghana, it has made sending and receiving money much easier. But with this convenience has come the problem of fraud, with both vendors and customers becoming victims.
To raise awareness and protect people in the industry, the Mobile Money Advocacy Group was formed. Over the past eight years, the group has traveled across all 16 regions of the country to educate the public and mobile money operators about fraud.
Despite some progress, fraud continues to be a challenge as scammers keep finding new tricks. To further strengthen the fight against fraud, the Mobile Money Advocacy Group has elected new executives who will lead the group for the next four years.
Kwame Oppong assured that mobile money is benefiting the country and needs protection from fraudsters.
Edward Ofori Agyemang, the new president of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group, shared that the group is working closely with the police to ensure the safety of mobile money vendors.
He also provided security tips on how to protect mobile money accounts from scammers.
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has launched the “Operation All Must Pay” initiative to facilitate the retrieval of outstanding debts owed by customers across the nation as well as prosecute offenders involved in illegal connection.
The exercise, which will come to a close on September 30 after its begun on September 9 targets residential, commercial, industrial and government institutions such as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
A statement released by the Electricity Company of Ghana states, “The exercise will include Bill distribution, Streetlight & SHEP meter capturing & reporting. This exercise will be monitored by special teams who will apprehend and prosecute customers who have connected electricity illegally, or attempt to interfere with the exercise, or undertake illegal self-reconnection after disconnection.”
ECG further advised customers with arrears to pay their bills immediately to avoid disconnection, and payment of reconnection fees.
It added that customers who are unable to access their bills should visit the nearest ECG Office for assistance.
Customers have been entreated to use their regular channels including the ECG Mobile App to pay their bills.
Persons who do not have the App have been directed to download it from Google Play Store, or call the ECG contact centre on 0302611611/Social Media handles, for assistance.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians risk paying significantly more for power consumed if the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) approves a recent proposal submitted by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to the power distribution company’s proposal for the 2025–2029 tariff period, the company is pushing for a massive 225% hike in its distribution service charge, citing currency depreciation and rising operational costs.
As part of the ECG’s request, the current charge Distribution Service Charge (DSC) of 19 pesewas should be raised to nearly 62 pesewas per kilowatt-hour. The adjustment, if approved, will be implemented in October this year.
“The PURC will undertake the major adjustment in the 4th quarter of 2025 to reflect capacity charges, additional liquid fuel usage and additional capex. The current charge is below industry benchmarks, cedi depreciation has reduced its value. US$408m spent on network upgrades and smart meters,” parts of ECG’s petition read.
As a result, the more electricity consumers use, the greater the additional cost they will bear under the proposed increase. For instance, a household consuming 150 kWh monthly would pay an additional charge of GHS64, while a residence using 100 kWh per month would pay about GHS43 more in distribution charges.
ECG has emphasised that the adjustment has long been overdue, noting that in 2022 it proposed 39.95 pesewas, but only 19.04 pesewas was approved.
According to ECG, it has invested $48 million in network upgrades and smart metering systems to enhance power reliability, reduce outages, and align tariffs with international industry standards, yet these efforts have not yielded the expected cost recovery.Furthermore, ECG has projected an annual revenue of GHS9.5 billion between 2025 and 2029 if the new charges are approved. The proceeds, according to the utility company, would be allocated to cover operational costs, depreciation of assets, staff salaries, and the recovery of recent capital expenditures.
In the meantime, the onus lies on the PURC to carefully review the request, assess whether the increase is justified, and determine how the cost will be distributed. In July this year, electricity tariffs increased by 2.45% across board with no increase on water tariffs.
The adjustments according to PURC, was carried out in line with the Commission’s Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism, tracks and incorporates movements in key factors which are beyond the control of the Utility ServiceProviders (USPs), namely the exchange rate between the US$ and the Ghana Cedi, domestic inflation rate, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel, mainly natural gas.
According to the Commission, the factors it took into consideration before concluding the hike in tariffs include the exchange rate, inflation rate, price of natural gas, electricity generation mix, outstanding debt of GHC488 million carried over from the previous three quarters.
The others are reserve capacity for grid stability and reliability, as well as inclusion of 27% of the cost of alternative fuels such as Distillate Fuel Oil (DFO), Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and Light Crude Oil (LCO).
The Commission expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support as it continues to implement the Quarterly Tariff Reviews per its Rate Setting Guidelines to address changes in operational conditions of the service providers.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga justified the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) decision to increase electricity tariffs. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 27, the Majority Leader noted that there is a need for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to be able to settle its growing debt.
“You all know that the whole of last year and before that, there was an effort to prevent the PURC from adjusting the tariffs. So that whole period, there was no adjustment, and you know very well that bills were accruing; payments have to be made.ECG is accumulating huge [debt] and it has to be paid, so who is supposed to pay? Is it not the consumer?” he questioned.
According to him, failure to address ECG’s indebtedness would render the company powerless in supplying power to its consumers.
“And if you are not adjusting the tariffs to enable ECG to pay, ECG is going to collapse. They are no longer able to buy the input needed to keep the generators on, and we are going to have a power outage; the bills have to be paid.”
“The bill has to be paid. So if PURC is doing its work, I do not think there is a basis for saying that because we have improved the economy, it doesn’t mean that the debt at ECG will just be whisked away. The bill has to be paid partly by consumers,” he asserted.
Renowned social commentator and author Reno Omokri has stated that a bride-to-be’s father should get his father ready to pay for the wedding if her partner kneels to propose marriage to her.
According to him, the act of kneeling to propose to a woman is a culture borrowed from Europe and its practice is completed when the lady’s father pays for the wedding.
Thus, African women who insist their partner kneel before proposing to them must prepare their parents to finance their wedding.
“A man kneeling to propose to a girl is a cultural practice that some Black Africans borrowed from Europe. It is not our culture,” he wrote. “But if you must borrow, then borrow completely. The kneeling is just half of the borrowing. Please fact-check me: In Europe, the bride’s father also pays for the wedding.”
Meanwhile Nollywood actor Peter Edichie has kicked against the ide of Nigerian men getting down on their knees to ask women to marry them.
In a video circulated on social media, the over 72 year old actor could be heard saying,
“Any young man who gets on his knees to propose to a girl, is not just an idiot, he’s a bloody fool, a compound buffoon”.
The revered actor said in the video that the act is a relocation of the foreign that translate to women taking over the family.
“We are trying to copy white people, right? I believe in the sacrosanctity of our culture, the essence and the core of our culture,” he said.
“The white man kneels down to propose to a girl, you know what it means? The girl takes over the family. This is why whenever you disagree with your wife overseas, you are kicked out and the wife takes the house. As a young man, you should be in charge of your destiny. Kneeling down for a woman makes you a fool”.
The Lion Heart star also said he does not believe that practice signifies love or civilisation.
“I have lived with my wife for 51 years, nobody has come to say ‘please stop beating this woman’. Is it hatred that united us?” he asked his interviewer.
The actor joked that men who insist on going on their knees to pop the question, risk being kicked out of the house by their wives.
“Kneel down before your wife and I’ll sympathise with you when she takes over the home,” he said.
This is not the first time the actor has fueled controversy over comments pertaining to marriage and relationships.
Similar comments were made in Igbo language by Peter years ago, where he said, “A marriage is recognised when a woman offers her future husband wine on her knees, signifying his authority. Therefore, the wife should kneel before her husband and not the other way round.”
He is married to his childhood sweetheart, Josephine and they are blessed with six children. They have been married for more than 51 years and their union is said to be the longest in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
They were both broadcasters and parents to six children. Their sons, Linc and Yul, are both in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
On the contrary, Ghanaian socialite and actress Andrea Owus popularly known as Efia Odo expressed her disapproval of women who take the initiative to propose to men.
She labelled it as an embarrassing and senseless act by ladies.
The budding singer and influencer questioned the rationale behind women kneeling down to propose and pondered whether the act also implies they would bear the expenses of the wedding.
Odo highlighted the traditional social norms in Africa, emphasizing that it has historically been the man’s role to kneel down and propose love and marriage to a woman.
However, she acknowledged that modern trends appear to be challenging these traditional gender roles.
“Women stop proposing to men, stop proposing to men, what is that, it’s embarrassing, does it mean you will pay the wedding bills, it’s stupidity,” Efia Odo stated.
Efia was a U.S.-based assistant nurse who relocated to Ghana.
She was born on the 18th of July 1993 and hails from Juaben in the Ashanti region of Ghana and is currently pursuing her passion in acting.
A man from South Africa was in the trends on social media following a tremendous effort to prove his love for his lady.
The 57-year-old, identified as Joseph Kagiso Ndlovu, literally went the extra mile to prove his love by running a 90km (56 miles) marathon to propose to a woman named Prudence.
He was shown in a photo holding a banner asking Prudence to marry him as he approached the finish line of the marathon.
“Prudence, will you marry me? Run 90k for you,” read the banner. Local media and online users have been having a field day talking about the lengths to which the man had to go to woo his lover.
Mr Ndlovu told the BBC on Monday that Prudence, who was at the race to support him, said yes
He said they have been dating since the beginning of this year and plan to get married sometime next year
Earlier, it was not clear she had accepted the proposal and some people online had been egging her on to just accept the proposal.
“As a country, we deserve the answer to the proposal. Cameraman please seek out Prudence. We are invested now” another tweep said.
Highlife and Afrobeat singer, Sista Afia could not hold back her tears when she opened about her struggles as a musician.
According to her, she has invested so much into music but all of it is yielding to nothing.
During an appearance on the Delay Show, the host, Deloris Frimpong Manso pointed to the fact she seems to be downplayed in the entertainment industry despite her collaborations with big artistes in Ghana and extensive airplays.
“Your songs are nice; you’re literally featuring all the big stars. Your songs are everywhere, but people pretend they do not know you,” Delay observed.
Responding to this, Sister Afia became emotional as she could not agree more.
Her voice faded on the show as she grabbed a tissue to clean her tears.
“It’s really true. I’ve really worked. I’ve invested a lot. If I had saved that amount, I’m sure I’d have been bigger than this. It hurts because when you’re doing well and you’re so committed that you’d even invest your last penny,” the Afrobeat singer emotionally shared.
Sista Afia further revealed that she has been told that the cause of her woes originates from her background.
“Sometimes, people say it’s because I returned from abroad and that people want artists who have come from slums, because they relate with their stories better,” she said.
The singer has asserted that her fans have proven to love her but her progress has been withheld by industry players.
“For the audience, they don’t ignore me. I see the love whenever I perform. The challenge is more from the industry; it doesn’t always give you that respect. But the audience supports me so much that I hardly step out because I don’t want to be mobbed by fans,” she added.
In 2023, renowned Ghanaian songstress, Adina, expressed her concerns about the lack of support for female musicians in the industry. She emphasized that female artists encounter unique challenges that could be alleviated with the right kind of support.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Adina underscored the importance of industry stakeholders taking proactive steps to establish a support system that assists women in meeting industry standards and attaining their goals.
“We should all be intentional. That is the only way we can help our female acts grow. If we see them making the effort to climb the ladder, we should support them to go up the rungs so they won’t feel left out.
“It is just a way of boosting their creativity and helping them to reach a wider community,” she said.
Adina emphasized that supporting female artists is vital for promoting growth and diversity within the music industry. She called upon industry leaders, policymakers, and organizations to offer resources, mentorship, and opportunities that can empower female artists to flourish in the industry.
Months ago, she voiced her frustration over the lack of recognition for her relentless efforts in the music industry. Despite dedicating herself fully to her craft, she feels overlooked compared to her male counterparts.
Speaking in an interview with DJ Slim, the ‘Weather’ hitmaker shared how deeply invested she is in her music career, revealing that she barely gets any rest due to her demanding schedule.
“I mean, I’ll speak for myself—I can’t speak for everyone—but I’ll speak for myself. I work tirelessly; I work more than everyone, especially Adey grind waaa, and I need this thing. I’m somebody that needs it; it’s like without music, there’s no Sista Afia,” she said.
She emphasized that her commitment to music is undeniable, yet the industry seems to disregard her contributions.
“I don’t sleep; I sleep like three hours, almost four, then I’m back to business. I hardly sleep. Right now, I feel like it’s time to talk. It’s so sad that people don’t really see the work you put in, and that hurts me,” she added.
Sista Afia, known for her powerful vocals and versatility in blending highlife, Afrobeat, and dancehall, has performed on various major platforms. However, she believes that female artistes, regardless of their talent and work ethic, often struggle to receive the acknowledgment they deserve.
Her comments highlight a broader issue within the Ghanaian music industry, where female musicians frequently face challenges in gaining visibility despite their hard work and dedication.
Ghanaian female musicians are not making the needed impact on the continent due to lack of resources.
Nigerian female artistes have over the past years dominated the Africa music circles with the likes Tiwa Savage, Simi, Yemi Alade, Sinach, among others making a significant impact across the globe, only a few The multiple award-winning had said earlier on this year that Some Ghanaian female artistes including their male counterparts have been unable to hit the top list of various African music charts.
In an interview with GNA Entertainment, she said the Nigerian music setting is well resourced, helping them thrive with the works in Africa and beyond.
“Ghanaian female musicians are doing what they can at the moment. When it comes to vocal delivery, songwriting, and stage performances, Ghana has me, Efya, Freda Rhymez, and more to boast of.
“The thing is, the Nigerians have the resources which include investors, connections, support and music exposure than Ghanaian musicians,” she said.
However, the “Weather” hitmaker was highly optimistic about how Ghanaian female artistes can match up with their counterparts in other countries in the near future.
“We are progressing each and every day. Recently my new song with Victor AD is one of the biggest songs in Nigeria and Cameroon. I had a call from one top international musician who wants to remix his song with me.
“We are getting there gradually just that the pace is a bit slow. But as the saying goes, slowly but sure. We will get there and we hope we (female musicians) get that positive support from the media and everyone,” she said.
Sista Afia who is undoubtedly Ghana’s hottest female singer at the moment and she is set to release another banger with Stonebwoy, as they were recently spotted in the studios.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Sista Afia said that if she had not chosen to pursue music, she would have been married by now with children.
When asked about her life as a celebrity during a discussion of the celebrity lifestyle section of Neat FM’s entertainment program, sister Afia responded, “If I wasn’t a musician I would have been married by now, if I was in your position I would have been married,” she stressed referring to a fellow panelist.
“…of course, I wish I would have been married with kids by now,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Sista Afia is out with a new song titled ‘Carry Go.’
The track is her first official single and release for the year 2023. It was produced by one of Ghana’s talented producers, Abochi
The song discusses her romantic life and lays out her goals.
She emphasizes the enjoyable aspects of relationships, the quality time she can spend with a partner, and the importance of money at this time.
