Rapper Ja Rule has reiterated that his long-running feud with fellow rapper 50 Cent and G-Unit affiliate Tony Yayo is unlikely to end anytime soon.
The tension between Ja Rule and 50 Cent has spanned more than two decades, with both artistes repeatedly exchanging jabs in interviews and across social media platforms.
Their rivalry has also played out musically, with each side releasing diss tracks aimed at the other.
While several high-profile hip hop disputes have eventually been resolved, Ja Rule, 49, has made clear that reconciliation is not on the table in this instance.
Speaking in an interview with TMZ on Tuesday, the New York rapper declared that he would “never” be on friendly terms with 50 Cent, 50, or Yayo, 47.
Before addressing the state of their relationship, he was questioned about his decision to apologise following a recent altercation involving Yayo and fellow rapper Uncle Murda aboard a Delta flight.
“I’m a grown man,” Ja Rule said in response to being asked why he apologized.
The interviewer further pressed him on whether he would consider a sit-down with 50 Cent and Yayo to resolve their issues.
“Never,” Ja Rule replied. “Here’s the reality, right? Sometimes in life, people have enemies, and that’s okay. You know what I’m saying? That’s okay to have enemies. Everybody can’t be friends.”
He added, “But what I’m saying is, we don’t also have to be at war. There’s room for us to be not friends and also not be at war.”
Expanding on his stance, Ja Rule said he has chosen to keep his distance from them.
“I don’t deal with that side. I don’t fck with them, they don’t fck with me,” he continued. “That’s fine. But I also don’t have to be at war. You know what I’m saying? I’m a grown man, I’m almost 50 years old. And so you know, we’re doing big things out here.”
In the aftermath of the Delta flight confrontation, Ja Rule issued a public apology addressing the incident.
“I’m not proud of my behavior, it’s goofy to me. I’m a grown man about to be a proud grandfather and I wish that video of me wasn’t out there either,” he said in the statement.
“I don’t like people taking me out of my character so for that I apologize to my wife, family, fans, business and investment partners. I want people to know at the end of the day I’m still a man and I’m going to stand my ground. I don’t start trouble,” he added.
American rapper 50 Cent’s career began with a string of bitter disputes that nearly took his life.
He reflected on this period of his life in response to a video Joe Budden posted about 50 Cent’s rise to fame and the disputes he encountered while embarking on a successful mixtape run.
“The ill shit is it’s true,” 50 wrote on Instagram. “I had beef with 3 different guys that had influence, real gangstas they all had crews that caught body’s running around putting in pain. I don’t know, I would just get mad, then say fuck them [n***as]. LOL we all gonna die one day!”
In the clip, Budden described 50 Cent as having, “the greatest run that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. And that will probably remain the same—that answer will never change.”
Budden continued, “I’m very aware of all the people that 50 Cent had beef with. He shouldn’t have beat any of it. They tried to kill 50 Cent for years. He should have died. He did not. He then had to deal with real live street beef with being blackballed. He shouldn’t have beat that. He shouldn’t have beat both of those things.
“He was on the greatest mixtape run that I had ever witnessed,” Budden explained. “Then he signs with [Eminem], [Dr.] Dre. They put out ‘In Da Club.’ It never went off. Never saw nothing like that. He delivered [an] album [Get Rich or Die Tryin’]—classic. I have never seen a n***a do what 50 was able to do and accomplish, and what he had to endure on his way. You’re not gonna beat it.”
50 Cent was shot nine times in 2000. He subsequently signed a publishing deal with Columbia Records while in the hospital before the label dropped him and he was “blackballed”—as Budden put it—by the music industry after his unreleased song “Ghetto Qu’ran” was leaked later in 2000.
He has been in a reflective mood. Over the weekend, 50 discussed his and Eminem’s success, comparing his album sales with the Detroit native and bragging that no one was better than the pair in the early 2000s, when they were both selling millions of copies of their albums.
Em’s The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show earned 1.78 million and 1.32 million in first-week sales, respectively. 50’s sophomore album, The Massacre, brought in 1.15 million, and his debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ sold 872,000 during its first week.
“The funny shit is only @eminem sold more then [sic] me. I made n****s so uncomfortable they don’t want to remember. LOL,” Fif wrote on IG.
Eric Dane, the actor widely known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after disclosing that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” reads a statement from his family.
The family noted that he spent his final days surrounded by friends, his devoted wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, “who were the center of his world”.
“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received,” it said.
The California-born actor revealed his ALS diagnosis last year and had in recent months used his platform to raise awareness about the disease, the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a rare degenerative condition that progressively weakens muscles by damaging nerve cells in the brain and spine, eventually affecting a person’s ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently.
Dane gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Dr Mark Sloan, popularly called ‘Dr McSteamy’, on Grey’s Anatomy. More recently, he played Cal Jacobs, the family patriarch in the hit HBO teen drama Euphoria.
His television credits also included roles as Jason Dean in Charmed and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship. He featured in films such as Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day and Burlesque.
Last summer, Dane spoke about his diagnosis in an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America, saying it made him “angry”.
“Because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young,” he told the programme.
“And now, you know, there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young”.
His father died by suicide when Dane was seven.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane made his television debut in 1993 on The Wonder Years.
Tributes have poured in from his colleagues. Kim Raver, who portrayed his on-screen wife in Grey’s Anatomy, said: “During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you.”
Kevin McKidd, who plays trauma surgeon Owen Hunt in the series, wrote “rest in peace buddy” on Instagram.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told Variety “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend.”
“Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift,” he said.
Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79.
The news was shared by Producer and friend of Keaton, Dori Rath, confirmed the actress’s death to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
The “People magazine,” citing a family spokesperson, reported that Keaton died in California on Saturday.
Producer and friend of Keaton, Dori Rath, also confirmed the actress’s death to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
Paying tribute, her First Wives Club co-star Bette Midler wrote on Instagram: “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me.”
Actor Ben Stiller also paid tribute on X, writing: “Diane Keaton. One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.”
Keaton, who was born in Los Angeles, shot to fame in the 1970s through her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather films.
She was also known for starring roles in films including Father of the Bride, First Wives Club and Annie Hall, which won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1978.
“She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was … oh, la, lala!”
Keaton, who was born in Los Angeles, shot to fame in the 1970s through her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather films.
For Annie Hall, Keaton also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Motion Picture and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Throughout her more than five-decade career, Keaton starred in dozens of other films including The Family Stone, Because I Said So, And So It Goes, as well as a number of other Woody Allen films, like Play It Again, Sam, Sleeper, Love and Death and Manhattan.
Keaton made her film debut in the 1970 romantic comedy Lovers and Other Strangers. Her most recent film was the 2024 comedy Summer Camp where she starred alongside Eugene Levy and Kathy Bates.
Keaton also directed several films, the first of which was a 1987 documentary, Heaven, chronicling people’s beliefs about the afterlife. Her 1995 film Unstrung Heroes – a comedy-drama starring Andie MacDowell, John Turturro and Michael Richards – was selected for Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard, which showcases unique stories by emerging directors.
Most recently, Keaton directed Hanging Up in 2000, a comedy-drama starring herself, Meg Ryan and Lisa Kudrow.
Both in her film roles and in her personal life, Keaton was known for her unique style, which often featured menswear and a wide-brimmed hat.
Keaton was nominated for three further Oscars – all in the best actress category – for her work in Something’s Gotta Give, Marvin’s Room and Reds.
She never married and had two adopted children – a daughter, Dexter, and a son, Duke.
In her 2011 autobiography, titled Then Again, Keaton wrote: “I have assessed my happiness ratio and this is the result. I am totally content whenever the ones I love are happy about something little, big, insignificant, whatever.
“I just don’t think anyone could possibly have the same wonderful, intense, compelling feelings that I have for this family of mine.”
Months ago, Ninety-eight-year-old legendary broadcaster, Mike Eghan, known for his famous television program, “The Mike Eghan Show” in the 1970’s also died.
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.
Ghanaian artiste manager, entertainment commentator, and graphic designer Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, widely known as Bullgod, has recounted circumstances that led to his arrest, claiming former President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo played a role in the incident and had him detained.
Speaking on Changes on Joy Prime, he explained that during a television appearance on the Menzgold controversy, he remarked that the former president might not complete his tenure due to the distress suffered by customers whose funds had been locked up.
He indicated that shortly after the interview, a police convoy apprehended him and he was taken into custody, an action he believes was carried out on the instructions of Akufo-Addo.
“I said he needed to pay the money before he finished his term if eno be so he no go finish his term; he go run away and boom they said I had threatened him. I went to one of the channels, I reach house and wanted to go buy some fufu. So, I was speaking to my PA and then I saw four wheel drives and boys are jumping out with bullet proofs with guns,” he told Roselyn Felli.
“I spent three days at the BNI Cells and was moved because they cannot prosecute me and handed me over to the police. When I was done with my interrogation with the police. They made sure I was put in the hardest cells you can ever find in Accra. Like where they put armed robbers, rapists, killers, etc. I was put in the SWAT cells for two days,” he added.
Bullgod further stated that the BNI facility was spacious and that he was kept there alone. He said the situation left him too frightened to sleep, as he felt the arrest was politically driven and feared for his safety at night, remaining awake throughout the three-day period.
He also mentioned that inmates are not fed by the police unless relatives or associates provide meals, noting that food brought in was usually shared among detainees.
He said his public profile shielded him from certain treatment typically meted out by leaders within the prison cells.
BullGod, has declared that the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is not worthy of his respect, citing personal grievances and the former leader’s conduct in office.
According to BullGod, Akufo-Addo’s actions before, during, and after the 2016 and 2020 elections, as well as his general attitude towards Ghanaians, have made it impossible for him to hold the former president in high regard.
“For me and him, my issue is personal,” he asserted in an interview on Hitz FM. “His campaign was mostly begging, and he had no real message. For someone like that, it is hard for me to respect him because he does not respect anyone. He doesn’t deserve it, and anyone who says otherwise must see things differently.”
BullGod also recalled how he was arrested by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), formerly BNI, in 2021 over comments he made about Akufo-Addo, an experience that reinforced his stance against the former president.
“I don’t understand why people say I’ve been insulting the former president. Those are not insults; those are opinions,” he insisted.
He further accused Akufo-Addo of disrespecting Ghanaians, particularly traditional leaders.
“In front of everyone, you tell a sitting chief of a community to get up before they can give you the respect you think you deserve? That is unacceptable,” BullGod argued. “For chiefs to gather and come meet you at your office, the office they put you in, and you treat them with such disregard?”
He also criticized Akufo-Addo’s remarks during his visit to flood victims in Akosombo, stating that such comments reinforced his lack of respect for him.
“For you to go to Akosombo when the flood happened and say, ‘I don’t know why I’m here; you didn’t vote for me,’ I can’t understand how we are supposed to respect such a person,” he stated.
According to BullGod, respect must be mutual, and a leader who does not show regard for the people cannot expect it in return.
“If you treat someone a certain way, the same will happen to you,” he added.
Expressing disappointment, he noted that Akufo-Addo, as a well-educated individual, should have exhibited better leadership qualities.
The former Chief Executive Officer of the now-collapsed Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM 1, has told the High Court that the Bank of Ghana provided guidance to his businesses regarding their structure and operations.
NAM 1 is currently facing trial over allegations that he used his companies to lure and defraud more than 16,000 people.
Taking the witness stand to present his defence, he responded to questions from his counsel, Paa Joy A. Boateng, during examination-in-chief concerning the registration and licensing status of Menzgold Ghana Limited.
He informed the court that the company was first incorporated as Menzbank Ghana Company Limited, with ambitions of becoming the first bullion bank in West Africa, and possibly across Africa.
According to NAM 1, the Central Bank at some point published a list of unlicensed microfinance institutions which included Menzbank.
“In response, Menzbank’s in-house counsel wrote to the BoG, citing the publication in the dailies and informing them that Menzbank was not a microfinance institution, requesting that our name be expunged from the list,” he said.
He stated that the Central Bank subsequently asked for documentation and invited him for a meeting.
“As a law-abiding entity, we submitted the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) licence and all other documentation they requested, which they acknowledged.
“Menzgold was subsequently given an opportunity in the meeting, chaired by Mr Amoh Awuah and other officers of the Central Bank, to adequately address the issues, which we did to the best of our ability,” NAM 1 said, explaining that the firm was still operating under the name Menzbank at the time.
He told the court that the issue of being listed as an unlicensed microfinance institution was resolved during the meeting, attributing the mix-up to the company’s name, which suggested it was a financial services provider.
NAM 1 testified that officials of the Central Bank recommended a minor modification to the company’s name.
“So more specifically, our team and that of the Central Bank collectively resolved that Menzbank with a ‘k’ would be changed to Menzbanc with a ‘c’ to ensure consistency, which is a cardinal element in business administration. So Menzbank was changed to Menzbanc on the advice of the BoG,” he said.
He further indicated that months later, the Central Bank organised another meeting to address public uncertainty about whether Menzbanc was a licensed financial institution.
“This was because the name ‘Menzbanc’ depicted a financial institution, and members of the public often called the Central Bank to enquire. Secondly, our gold jewellery products and tablets, which buyers could trade for extra value, gave the semblance of financial investment,” he explained.
NAM 1 said that after deliberations, the Central Bank directed that the sale of gold jewellery products be separated from gold trading activities to eliminate confusion.
“In effect, it was the Bank of Ghana that advised the setting up of Brew Marketing Consult,” NAM 1 said.
The court adjourned the matter to March 5, 2026, for the continuation of his evidence-in-chief.
Earlier this month, the High Court in Accra directed Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM 1, to file his witness statement by February 9, 2026, after dismissing a motion seeking a stay of proceedings in his criminal case involving alleged illegal gold trading through Menzgold Ghana Limited.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa following the withdrawal of the application, which had been filed on January 13, 2026.
NAM 1 is facing prosecution alongside other individuals and corporate entities in a multi-accused trial arising from the operations of Menzgold Ghana Limited.
During proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, his lawyer, Paa Joy Akuamoah Boateng, told the court that the motion for a stay had become ineffective after a related judicial review before the Supreme Court was discontinued.
He argued that the pending High Court motion had become “negatory” due to the withdrawal of the substantive application and asked the court to strike it out.
The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Watkins Adama, did not object, describing the withdrawal as a procedural step that did not prejudice the case.
The court noted that although an appeal against a summary of proceedings remains pending, it does not halt the trial.
In its ruling, Justice Owusu-Dapaa ordered that the trial “shall proceed” and directed NAM 1 to continue with his evidence-in-chief. The court also instructed him and the other accused to submit any proposed documentary evidence at least three days before the next hearing.
In his testimony, NAM 1 told the court that Menzgold Ghana Limited was incorporated under Ghanaian law to engage in gold mining, buying, value addition, and export.
He acknowledged that these activities required regulatory licences and stated that the company held the necessary approvals at the time of operation. He explained that obtaining such licences involved documentation, payment of statutory fees, and regulatory assessment.
NAM 1 added that the regulatory framework later changed when the role of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) shifted from licensing to national assay functions.
He further said that although Menzgold had incorporation and licensing documents, he could not access some of them after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shut down the company and law enforcement agencies sealed its offices.
According to the accused, this affected his ability to retrieve documents essential for his defence, a situation he noted could be verified by the relevant state institutions.
The court reiterated that NAM 1 must file his witness statement by February 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing proceedings.
Background
NAM 1, together with Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Ghana Limited, is facing 39 counts, including dealing in gold without authorisation, engaging in deposit-taking without a licence, inducement to invest, defrauding by false pretence, fraudulent breach of trust, and money laundering.
Prosecutors allege that between 2016 and 2018, the accused defrauded customers of GH¢340,835,650. He has denied all the charges and is currently on GH¢500 million bail with four sureties.
A private citizen, Perpetual L Akwadaa, has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to dismiss the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof Ransford Gyampo.
In a petition dated February 19, 2026, and sighted by GhanaWeb, Akwadaa called on the President to withdraw Prof Gyampo’s appointment, citing his alleged involvement in the BBC Africa Eye’s Sex-for-Grades Documentary.
She maintained that appointing Prof Gyampo to head a state institution compromises the credibility of public office and projects a negative message regarding the protection and dignity of women.
“In February 2025, Your Excellency appointed Prof Gyampo as the CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority. This appointment raised significant commentary about propriety stemming from Prof Gyampo’s involvement in a sexual harassment scandal that shocked the conscience of this nation.
“Admittedly, the core mandate of the Shippers Authority is commerce-facing, and maybe the Government did not consider how appointing someone of Prof Gyampo’s profile may adversely affect other sectors of our holistic development drive. However, appointing a person publicly associated with sexual harassment allegations to a position of influence sends a harmful signal to the vulnerable that, in Ghana, power shields misconduct. Notably, it discourages reporting, emboldens abusers, and undermines years of progress towards gender equality and safe schools and workplaces,” she wrote.
Akwadaa further contended that removing Prof Gyampo from office would demonstrate that individuals linked to sexual harassment allegations should not occupy positions of authority in the public sector.
She argued that such action would reinforce Ghana’s stated commitment to safeguarding women and girls, particularly under the 2025 Code of Conduct, which outlaws sexual harassment by public officials.
The BBC documentary, released in October 2019, formed part of an undercover investigation that spanned a year, during which four lecturers were secretly recorded. Journalists posed as prospective students to uncover alleged sexual misconduct at the University of Ghana and the University of Lagos.
Prof Gyampo and his colleague, Dr Paul Kwame Butakor, were subsequently cleared of wrongdoing by the University of Ghana following internal investigations into the matter.
Read the petition below:
The University of Ghana (UG) has suspended Professor Ransford Gyampo and Dr Paul Butakor for six months and four months respectively for their roles in a sexual harassment scandal which hit the university in October 2019.
The suspensions which are without pay take effect from January 1, 2020.
“In addition, Prof Gyampo and Dr Butakor are required to undergo appropriate training on the University of Ghana’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy as well as the Code of Conduct for Academic Staff of the University of Ghana,” a press statement signed and issued by the Director of Public Affairs of UG, Stella A Amoa on Monday [February 17, 2020] said.
“They will be required to receive a positive assessment after the training before resumption of their duties. They are also required to undergo annual assessment for a period of 5 years,” the statement added.
It said a Fact-Finding Committee chaired by Justice Vida Akoto-Bamfo, a retired Supreme Court Judge, which investigated allegations of misconduct against Prof Gyampo and Dr Butakor found that they had contravened the Code of Conduct for Academic Senior Members.
The Committee that looked into the case according to the statement recommended that the case be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for Senior Members which proferred the sanctions against the pair.
“Management has accepted the recommendations of the Senior Members’ Disciplinary Committee and has informed Prof. Gyampo and Dr Butakor accordingly”, the release stressed.
The statement further assured stakeholders that any acts of misconduct, sexual harassment or any other form of harassment will not be tolerated among students and employees of the university.
Background
Prof Gyampo and Dr Butakor were accused of soliciting sex in order to extend some advantages to female students in a documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
In the documentary produced by the BBC Africa Eye and published on Monday, October 7, 2019, the BBC reported that it has uncovered sexual harassment at the University of Lagos and the University of Ghana.
The BBC sent female undercover reporters to the campuses of the two universities where it reported that they were sexually harassed, propositioned and put under pressure by senior lecturers – all the while wearing secret cameras.
Following that, the two lecturers were interdicted by the university.
Below is a copy of the statement from the University of Ghana on the suspension;
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has warned that banks face growing vulnerabilities if they continue to depend heavily on net interest income as their primary source of earnings.
Speaking to chief executives and senior executives of commercial banks in Accra on February 18, 2026, Dr Asiama acknowledged that interest income remains fundamental to banking. He cautioned, however, that an imbalance in revenue structure could expose institutions to avoidable shocks.
“There is nothing inherently problematic about net interest income. However, a high dependence on it increases sensitivity to interest rate cycles and sovereign exposure dynamics.”
His remarks come as Ghana’s monetary landscape steadily returns to stability, a development that is narrowing spreads and pushing down yields on government securities — instruments that have traditionally delivered strong returns for banks.
Dr Asiama indicated that a stabilising rate environment is expected to squeeze profit margins, requiring financial institutions to reassess how they generate income.
“As margins compress in a normalizing rate environment, earnings resilience will increasingly depend on diversification, particularly through transactional banking, trade services, payments, treasury activities, and other fee-based income streams that are less balance-sheet intensive.”
The Governor’s comments reflect a broader regulatory direction aimed at reducing concentration risks, particularly those linked to sovereign instruments, while encouraging banks to build stronger non-interest revenue streams.
The meeting forms part of the central bank’s ongoing supervisory engagements designed to reinforce financial stability and position Ghana’s banking sector to withstand shifting macroeconomic conditions.
African banks are expected to experience their strongest loan growth by the end of 2026, driven by rising demand from businesses and individuals, as well as reduced government borrowing, according to UK-based Fitch Solutions.
The firm noted in its article “Sub-Saharan Africa Banking Key Themes For 2026: Banks Navigate Easing Cycles And Consolidation Trends” that “loan growth will accelerate across SSA’s largest banking sectors and the region will experience the strongest growth rate by year-end. This acceleration reflects pent-up demand, improving economic growth prospects and a reduction in government crowding out as fiscal consolidation efforts ramp up and sovereigns look for alternative sources of financing.”
In recent years, many banking sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa increased their holdings of government securities, attracted by high yields. In some markets, government bonds now account for 20-35% of bank assets, up from 10-15% before the pandemic.
As policy rates fall and bond yields decline, Fitch said banks will face pressure to redirect capital toward private-sector lending to maintain returns. “This transition will be positive for businesses and the economy as more credit becomes available to support growth initiatives,” the firm added.
The shift is expected to be particularly pronounced in markets where governments are pursuing fiscal consolidation, reducing domestic borrowing requirements. Across the region, central banks have also moved toward more accommodative monetary policy. Since February 2025, major central banks have either cut policy rates or held them steady, a trend Fitch expects to continue through 2026.
Ghanaian banks are set to benefit from the end of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the restoration of capital buffers. However, Fitch cautioned that a high level of non-performing loans, which stood at 9.5% in October 2025, may limit profitability going forward.
Fitch concluded that while loan growth is set to accelerate across most markets, banks will need to carefully manage risks associated with bad loans and capital allocation.
Last year, Fitch Solutions projected an annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to edge up from 5.8% in 2025 to 5.9% in 2026.
According to the UK-based firm, “We expect annual GDP to edge up from 5.8% this year to 5.9% in 2026 as easing price pressures lift private consumption, tempered by fiscal consolidation, slow credit pass-through and a firmer cedi.”
Fitch noted that the slight increase in growth is a result of easing price pressures boosting private consumption, even as fiscal tightening and slower credit pass-through limit the pace of expansion.
The firm’s November 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Outlook also highlighted robust economic performance this year, with Ghana recording a 6.3% year-on-year growth in the second quarter. This was up from a revised 5.7% in the same period in 2024 and was driven by household consumption, fixed investment, and a significant drop in inflation.
The services sector, encompassing finance, insurance, trade, and education, saw remarkable growth of 9.9% in the quarter compared to just 2% a year earlier, underscoring the sector’s contribution to the country’s economic resilience.
Fitch’s projection signals cautious optimism for Ghana’s economy as it balances fiscal discipline with measures to sustain private sector growth.
In November, Fitch Solutions projected that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) would lower its monetary policy rate to 16.50% by the end of 2026, driven by sustained currency stability and a continued drop in inflation.
At the 2026 PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Post-Budget Forum in Accra, Mike Kruiniger, an Assistant Director at Fitch Solutions, explained that Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook creates room for further monetary easing in the year ahead.
“Rates have remained elevated, but the Bank of Ghana launched a decisive easing cycle this summer, cutting by 650 basis points so far — the fastest monetary easing cycle globally this year,” he said.
According to him, inflation’s return to the central bank’s target range, combined with firm foreign exchange inflows and a stable currency, provides the basis for Fitch’s projection that the policy rate will ease to 16.50 percent by the end of 2026.
Ghana’s relatively stable cedi, easing inflation, and robust agricultural performance have earned the country an upgrade in growth by UK-based financial analytics firm, Fitch Solutions.
Fitch, in its September 2025 Monthly Outlook report, lifted its economic growth forecast for the country from 4.2% to 4.9%, citing signs of renewed macroeconomic stability driven by easing inflation, a relatively stable cedi, and resilient agricultural performance.
Highlighting the challenges the economy is still grappling with, such as tight fiscal consolidation, elevated interest rates, and stagnant oil output, the report said Ghana’s economy remains firmly on a recovery path.
The upgrade follows a strong performance in Ghana’s agricultural sector, which boosted the economy’s growth in the first quarter of the year. Between January and March, Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.3%, compared to 4.7% recorded during the same period last year.
Fitch believes this growth will continue into 2026, predicting the economy will expand by around 5.0%. This improvement is expected to come from lower inflation (prices rising more slowly), possible interest rate cuts, and more government spending as Ghana’s IMF-supported program comes to an end.
Former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP, Dominic Nitiwul, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as a dangerous leadership gap in Ghana’s security architecture following the absence of a substantive Defence Minister.
Speaking on the recent terrorist attack on Ghanaian tomato traders at Burkina Faso, Mr. Nitiwul argued that Ghana’s national security response had been weakened because the Defence Ministry remains without a substantive head at a critical moment.
“That is why I kept on calling that the President should have appointed a Defence Minister, because by this time the minister for defence should have been on the flight to Burkina Faso with his team,” he stated.
According to him, the responsibility of engaging Burkina Faso authorities and coordinating a military-level response does not fall within the mandate of the Interior Minister.
“This is not the job of the Interior Minister. He is my friend, but unfortunately, that is not his job. If he goes there, he will go and meet the Defence Minister. It is soldiers who are fighting the terrorists. It is not the Interior Minister’s job,” he stressed.
Mr. Nitiwul further explained that the Interior Ministry’s jurisdiction does not extend beyond Ghana’s borders, particularly in matters requiring military intelligence and cross-border defence coordination.
“Unfortunately, the Interior Minister’s job ends at Paga, the border. It doesn’t go beyond the border. It is the duty of the Minister for Defence with defence intelligence and national security to have gone, set up a team to have gone there, find out what happened, investigate, and make sure that they find out the circumstances that led to it, and also find out what is the best way to ensure that it does not happen again,” he added.
The former Defence Minister maintained that failure to appoint a substantive Defence Minister at such a time exposes Ghana’s security system to avoidable risks, especially as terrorism threats continue to affect parts of the Sahel region.
His comments add to the growing debate over Ghana’s preparedness and institutional coordination in responding to cross-border security threats.
Seven Ghanaian traders were killed in a terrorist attack in Titao on Sunday, February 15 and have already been laid to rest in northern Burkina Faso. The victims were burnt beyond recognition during the attack.
Earlier, the Minister for the Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, revealed that an investigation had been launched into the unfortunate incident, which also left three men injured, while one woman remains in critical condition.
But speaking to the media, the Minister disclosed that the victims were buried due to the state of decomposition of their bodies. According to the minister, the deceased were a part of a group of 18 Ghanaian tomato traders and truck drivers.
“The seven bodies have been burnt beyond recognition. As at yesterday, we agreed they had begun decomposing and had to be buried. So the Burkina Faso authorities told us [Ghanaians] that they would bury them at 10 a.m today. But our women who are not really injured can go and witness and take as many pictures as possible,” he added.
Additionally, the minister noted that “And the sad thing is that we lost seven of our men. Three of them got injured. One woman was critically injured, and others were not badly injured”.
Ghana and Burkina Faso has since shared a long border. Burkina Faso remains deeply affected by insurgent violence, with cross-border implications for neighboring countries like Ghana.
Northern Burkina Faso has faced persistent insecurity due to jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. Attacks often target military posts, civilians, and traders moving across borders, disrupting local economies and cross-border trade.
Burkina Faso remains deeply affected by insurgent violence, with cross-border implications for neighboring countries like Ghana. In 2025, Burkina Faso’s military government’s banned grain and cereal exports.
To demonstrate their commitment, Burkinabe authorities have agreed to lift restrictions on 23 trucks carrying beans that were previously seized. Additional shipments of cereals meant for Ghana are also expected to be released in the coming days.
Ghana, which depends on imports from Burkina Faso, had faced concerns over possible supply shortages and rising prices due to the ban.
However, after President Mahama’s diplomatic engagements in the AES region, Gbevlo-Lartey is confident that relations between both countries have been strengthened.
During an interview with Blessed Sogah on Connect Africa, he explained: “President Mahama has successfully addressed the situation, and further discussions between key stakeholders from both sides will ensure a concrete resolution. The issue is largely settled. For instance, 23 trucks that had been held up have been released, and the Burkinabe authorities have assured President Mahama that the remaining eight will also be let through shortly.”
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced plans to seek an international arrest warrant for a Russian national accused of non-consensually recording and disseminating intimate images of Ghanaian women on social media.
At a press conference on February 18, 2026, Sam George stated that his ministry is preparing, through the Cyber Security Authority, to present a docket to the Police Service and the Attorney-General for prosecution in absentia in “our courts.”
“…and the CID is working with us to escalate this to Interpol to issue an international arrest warrant for the gentleman. And so we’re leaving no stone unturned,” the Minister told journalists.
The move follows discussions between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, where the latter confirmed that Russian authorities have received reports of similar activities in other countries by an alleged Russian national believed to be a content creator.
Honourable Ablakwa indicated in a statement that the Russian Ambassador acknowledged “the violation of the privacy and dignity of the victims” and recognised the broader cybercrime implications of the incident.
However, Russia will not hand over its citizens to face prosecution elsewhere, regardless of existing international agreements, as Russian Constitution takes precedence over any extradition treaty.
Sam George, however, assured that the government will continue to explore diplomatic and legal channels and pursue the matter to its logical legal conclusion, despite Russia’s constitutional position.
Honourable Ablakwa has also assured Ghanaians that the Ministry would deploy all available international legal mechanisms to ensure accountability while maintaining diplomatic relations between both countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the general public of its commitment to leverage the cordial bilateral relations between Ghana and Russia to explore all international tools and remedies to ensure that justice is secured,” he said in a statement.
Samuel Nartey George has made public the passport information of the Russian national explaining that the decision is aimed at confirming the suspect’s identity and safeguarding women who have been wrongly portrayed.
Speaking on February 18, 2026, Sam George indicated that officials have secured the individual’s Russian passport.
“We have his passport, which we will be sharing with the media, his Russian passport,” he said.
“His first name is Vladislav and his last name is Liulkov. The passport with which he entered the country will be shared with the media so that his identity is made known,” he added.
Information contained in the travel document lists the man as Vladislav Aleksandrovich Liulkov, a citizen of the Russian Federation born on September 19, 1989. The passport further affirms his Russian nationality.
Sam George emphasised that preliminary findings suggest that a number of women whose photos were circulated online had no intimate involvement with the suspect.
“Let us be clear, not all the women he has publicised were engaged in an intimate encounter with him,” he stated.
The Ningo-Prampram MP noted that assessments conducted by cybersecurity personnel reveal that some interactions were limited, occurring briefly in public places without any indication of sexual conduct.
“Some of the cases that have come to us show that he barely met the women at malls, greeted them, and briefly engaged them,” Sam George explained.
“Cybersecurity checks indicate that in some instances there is no video of him with those ladies beyond the mall encounters,” he added.
Nonetheless, he alleged that the man presented the women online in a manner suggesting they had been involved in intimate relations with him.
“However, he splashed their images as though he had intimate encounters with all of these ladies. That is wrong, and such a person must be brought to face the full rigours of the law,” he said.
The legislator also urged the public to exercise understanding and sensitivity toward the affected women, highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken on some of them.
“That is why we are calling for empathy for these ladies. There are people who are genuinely innocent and have not had any intimacy with the said gentleman. But because he portrayed all of them as victims, it has been traumatising for many of them,” he added.
He indicated that the repercussions have been significant for certain individuals caught up in the matter.
The investigation is being pursued by the Ghana Police Service, with support from cybersecurity specialists, as authorities seek to determine the full extent of the alleged actions and ensure appropriate legal action is taken.
The Kayamata charm controversy saw a lady detailing her experience in a GhanaWeb exposé.
In the documentary aired on February 18, 2026, by Ghanaweb, the lady anonymously revealed that she purchased the blue eye ring charm after coming across a social media advertisement claiming it brings favour and good luck to its user.
“The only experience I’ve had was with a blue eye ring. I was on TikTok and Snapchat when I saw influencers advertising a brand that sells the whole Kayamata package. I saw someone talking about the blue eye ring, which gives good luck, favour, and drives away negative energy. So, I ordered one.” she said.
“When I was using it, I wasn’t really in a serious relationship. I was just talking to a guy, and he was cool. He used to spend on me. He would gift me money and tell me to use it for anything I wanted.”
“The vendor warned me that it was something spiritual, so I should make sure I wasn’t menstruating before wearing it. I wasn’t supposed to put it on during my period. At some point, I forgot to take it off.
“I got my menses, and it spoiled it. I told the vendor what happened, and she said I had ruined it, so I would have to buy another one,” she narrated.
Founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Nigel Gaisie, has narrated his encounters with ladies possessed by Kayamata, linking it to marine spirits and demonic forces.
Sharing the story in a GhanaWeb documentary aired on February 18, 2026, the outspoken preacher, a lady once approached him at church to confess her involvement with kayamata and revealed deep spiritual encounters connected to it.
“I’ve had an opportunity whereby one lady came to church, sensing and knowing the grace of God I have upon me, she had to actually come to me. She told me the genesis of the kayamata and she’s gone very deep that the spirit manifests itself every 12 midnight in her room. Within the space of 12 midnight to 4 a.m., the spirit physically manifests itself to them,” he said.
Nigel Gaisie added, “Kayamata is of the marine kingdom. We have different agents of the devil, such as the dwarfs and other kinds of demons. One of the greatest agents of the devil are the powers in the sea and in the powers of the sea, we have `Maame wata’. Maame wata have millions of demons and other agents of the devil, so that comes from the Queen of the Coast,” he claimed.
He added that breaking free from such practices often becomes challenging when the person involved is unwilling to abandon them.
“It becomes difficult if the person you’re delivering has not decided to accept the fact that they want to be delivered,” he shared.
Recounting a separate experience, he said he once tried to pray for a woman believed to be using kayamata to lure men, but she declined spiritual help.
“I wanted to pray for a lady who has used the kayamata to enthuse men, but she said no. She’s under a spell, but she’s not willing to let it go. You can pray for her as a man of God, but after that, any spirit of the devil that’s cast out, they don’t go and sleep,” he explained.
He continued, “They hang around and come back again. It depends on the person you’re delivering, whether the person is willing to let go or the person will go back.”
Nigel Gaisie also claimed that certain individuals engage in both physical and ritual practices to exert influence over others.
“Some people even inject their tongue and they put things on their tongue to induce people. They use a blade and some satanic instruments, so when they’re speaking, it will influence you not to have your own thoughts. These things are very true and they really exist,” he added.
They are aphrodisiacs, oils, herbs, potions, or other substances, and their sole function is to improve romantic relations or sex.
It is a combination of two Hausa words – ‘Kayan’ which means; property, or things, and ‘Mata’ which means women. Put together, the word literally means ‘women’s things’.
It appears to have existed for centuries and originated from Northern Nigeria.
Originally, it was used by these women for sexual pleasure, and served as enhancers, or aphrodisiacs, especially for young brides, but in recent times, it has become a really huge trend for women all over the world.
In Ghana, the trend has become very prevalent and these products are even advertised via the internet and on various social media platforms.
Patrons of these products have diverse interests, to attract men for money, sex, marriage, etc.
What some may not know is how the Kayan Mata (kayamata) is used by its clients.
In a post on media personality – Naa Ashorkor’s Facebook page, she indicates how some women with in-depth knowledge about how people use the Kayan Matan for their ‘victims’ shared this with her on her show; ‘Just us’.
According to her, she picked some pointers which include the fact that the Kayan Mata products are in 3 categories; vaginal upgrade, faithfulness, and libido boosting, and the third; favour and attraction potions.
Users of the potion need to talk to the oil and indicate exactly what they want from it and it happens.
“In order to activate the potion, you simply talk to the oil. For instance – “oil, please let me attract rich men who can buy me a car”. When you go out, the men will literally be falling over themselves for you. They can’t help it,” she wrote.
She however indicated that some men who called into the show also shared how the male variation referred to as ‘For girls’ is used by some men for similar interests.
“Interestingly, when I activated the phone lines to ask ladies to share their experiences, only men called! Apparently, Kayan mata is a variation of “For girls’ and the men have interesting stories about the potency of this potion. Scary! One guy said his friend used it to get his wife to accept his marriage proposal. So this woman is currently under a spell. Apparently, a lot of married people are under spells they are not aware of,” Naa Ashorkor narrated.
Naa Ashorkor also shared stories of how some users of these products suffered side effects or had experiences which didn’t go in their favour.
In one instance, a woman who tried using it to attract men ended up attracting mad men. In another, a woman who tried using it on another man who already had activated the ‘For girls’ potion ended up dying.
“A lady who bought and used attraction potion now attracts only “mad men” literally, in traffic, they approach her and try to touch her, they literally chase her around town, sometimes more than one at a time. When she complained to the vendor she bought it from, she told her to go to Benin to see the original seller. There is no other way to undo this charm,” she shared.
Adding, that “The side effects are dire. Sometimes you cannot break away from this spell or spirit even if you want to. My guest shared a story about a girl who used it on a man, the man apparently had more potent potions which killed her. She is dead oo”.
Criminologist and KNUST lecturer, Dr Jones Opoku Ware, says that holding a Russian national accused of committing a crime in Ghana accountable may be difficult because the two countries do not have an extradition treaty.
He explained that while Interpol helps countries share information internationally, it has limited authority in cases like this and cannot force the suspect’s return.
“We are looking at a foreign citizen who entered Ghana to commit a crime. If this person leaves the country, getting them back will be a very tall order because Ghana does not have any existing extradition agreements with Russia,” he told Joy FM’s Top Story.
The government has initiated efforts to bring back a foreign national allegedly involved in secretly filming and distributing intimate videos of Ghanaian women without their consent.
Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, said authorities are using both legal and diplomatic channels to ensure the suspect faces prosecution under Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.
Dr Opoku Ware, however, cautioned that without a formal treaty, the government’s recourse is largely limited to diplomatic engagement and requests to Russian officials. The situation becomes more complicated if the suspect has protections or connections under Russian law, he added.
“The government is exploring all possible options to ensure justice for the victims. At this point, we may have to appeal to the conscience of the Russian Republic to achieve some form of reparations or compensation,” the criminologist said.
“It’s a very complex issue. While the government will explore all avenues, securing justice will require careful diplomatic engagement and patience,” he added.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has cautioned the public against sharing, downloading, rebroadcasting, or profiting from a viral video allegedly recorded secretly by a Russian national involving several Ghanaian women.
Speaking at a press briefing together with officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Minister emphasised that distributing the footage is not only unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence under Ghana’s laws.
“Do not share, download, circulate, or monetise this illegal content. Doing so constitutes a criminal offence,” he cautioned.
Mr. George emphasised that the government is handling the issue with urgency and has already initiated steps to obtain crucial evidence.
“The Government has initiated steps to trace and secure relevant digital and financial evidence,” he revealed.
He also warned that the inquiry is not limited to the foreign national alleged to have made and circulated the videos.
“Any individual, including Ghanaian nationals, who has shared, rebroadcast, or redistributed the illegal material is also liable under our laws,” he said.
The matter concerns a foreign national who is alleged to have enticed Ghanaian women, secretly filmed intimate encounters without their consent, and then shared the videos online, reportedly for profit.
The Minister clarified that the issue is not about moral judgment or the personal decisions of consenting adults, but rather about illegal activity.
Earlier, Mr. George stated that the government has already begun legal proceedings and is working to extradite the suspect and prosecute him under Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.
Benjamin Madugu, Director of Communication, International Cooperation, and Strategic Partnership at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA Ghana), has condemned the actions of a Russian national linked to videos involving approximately 40 Ghanaian women.
Speaking in an interview with Sammy Kay Media on February 13, 2026, Madugu described the situation as unacceptable and a breach of Ghana’s cyber and privacy laws.
He emphasised that it is wrong for any foreign individual to enter Ghana and secretly record women in intimate situations, particularly with the intention of publishing such content online.
“It is unacceptable for a foreign national to come into our country and, for some reason, decide to record our ladies in the manner that he did. That is not acceptable, and it is condemnable. It is also an offence under the Cybersecurity Authority Act to record intimate images that both parties had agreed to capture at the time they were getting intimate and then leak those images online,” he said.
Madugu noted that the Authority is treating the matter with seriousness and will carry out the necessary investigations. He explained that the agency’s immediate priority is to determine the current location of the individual at the centre of the controversy.
“We want to find if the individual (Yaytseslav) is still within the jurisdiction. But if he has left, maybe he has not even gone back to Russia. Maybe he has gone to a different country and gone into hiding. But we will look into this matter and be sure about what the situation really is and what action ought to be taken,” he added.
He also warned the public against sharing the videos on social media, stressing that doing so is a criminal offence under Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.
“What we are urging is that if you are not the original person who recorded the video but choose to share it on your social media, that is also an offence under the Act, and it attracts not less than one year and not more than three years’ imprisonment.
“For those who think, ‘I’m not the one who recorded the video; the video is already out, and I’m only sharing it,’ if the affected individuals decide to make an official complaint to the Cybersecurity Authority, such persons can be brought to book,” he added.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has cautioned the public against sharing, downloading, rebroadcasting, or profiting from a viral video allegedly recorded secretly by a Russian national involving several Ghanaian women.
Speaking at a press briefing together with officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Minister emphasised that distributing the footage is not only unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence under Ghana’s laws.
“Do not share, download, circulate, or monetise this illegal content. Doing so constitutes a criminal offence,” he cautioned.
Mr. George emphasised that the government is handling the issue with urgency and has already initiated steps to obtain crucial evidence.
“The Government has initiated steps to trace and secure relevant digital and financial evidence,” he revealed.
He also warned that the inquiry is not limited to the foreign national alleged to have made and circulated the videos.
“Any individual, including Ghanaian nationals, who has shared, rebroadcast, or redistributed the illegal material is also liable under our laws,” he said.
The matter concerns a foreign national who is alleged to have enticed Ghanaian women, secretly filmed intimate encounters without their consent, and then shared the videos online, reportedly for profit.
The Minister clarified that the issue is not about moral judgment or the personal decisions of consenting adults, but rather about illegal activity.
Earlier, Mr. George stated that the government has already begun legal proceedings and is working to extradite the suspect and prosecute him under Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.
Benjamin Madugu, Director of Communication, International Cooperation, and Strategic Partnership at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA Ghana), has condemned the actions of a Russian national linked to videos involving approximately 40 Ghanaian women.
Speaking in an interview with Sammy Kay Media on February 13, 2026, Madugu described the situation as unacceptable and a breach of Ghana’s cyber and privacy laws.
He emphasised that it is wrong for any foreign individual to enter Ghana and secretly record women in intimate situations, particularly with the intention of publishing such content online.
“It is unacceptable for a foreign national to come into our country and, for some reason, decide to record our ladies in the manner that he did. That is not acceptable, and it is condemnable. It is also an offence under the Cybersecurity Authority Act to record intimate images that both parties had agreed to capture at the time they were getting intimate and then leak those images online,” he said.
Madugu noted that the Authority is treating the matter with seriousness and will carry out the necessary investigations. He explained that the agency’s immediate priority is to determine the current location of the individual at the centre of the controversy.
“We want to find if the individual (Yaytseslav) is still within the jurisdiction. But if he has left, maybe he has not even gone back to Russia. Maybe he has gone to a different country and gone into hiding. But we will look into this matter and be sure about what the situation really is and what action ought to be taken,” he added.
He also warned the public against sharing the videos on social media, stressing that doing so is a criminal offence under Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.
“What we are urging is that if you are not the original person who recorded the video but choose to share it on your social media, that is also an offence under the Act, and it attracts not less than one year and not more than three years’ imprisonment.
“For those who think, ‘I’m not the one who recorded the video; the video is already out, and I’m only sharing it,’ if the affected individuals decide to make an official complaint to the Cybersecurity Authority, such persons can be brought to book,” he added.
Background
A man known as Yaytseslav, who claims to be Russian, became a trending topic in Ghana after videos of his interactions with several Ghanaian women emerged online on February 12, 2026.
Many of the videos showed him in the Accra Mall area, interacting with female shoppers and acquaintances during public outings.
Reports indicate that he later invited some of the women to his apartment, recording their conversations and private encounters using Meta glasses—allegedly without their consent—before sharing the intimate content online.
President John Dramani Mahama has visited two survivors of the terrorist attack in Burkina Faso who are currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.
The visit took place on Wednesday, February 18. The victims were among Ghanaian tomato traders travelling in a truck that was ambushed by armed assailants. The attackers reportedly separated the men on board, killed them, and later set the vehicle on fire.
The President, accompanied by Julius Debrah, sympathised with the injured traders and assured them that the government would settle their medical bills.
The President, who had earlier undertaken an official assignment in Takoradi, proceeded directly to the hospital upon arrival to interact with the victims and obtain first-hand accounts of the incident.
Seven Ghanaians who lost their lives in the attack have since been laid to rest, while the survivors were safely evacuated and brought back home by the Ghana Armed Forces.
All of them are receiving counselling and the required psychological support, while those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical care.
A truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was attacked by terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso on Sunday, February 15. This was contained in a press release issued to media houses and signed by the Minister for the Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
“The Government of Ghana has received disturbing information from Burkina Faso of a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana, which was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao,” the release said.
According to the Ministry, Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso has already launched an investigation into the unfortunate incident.
“The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso is liaising with officials of Burkina Faso to visit the attack site for details and identification of Ghanaians caught in the attack,” the statement added. Parts of the Sahel region have recently experienced heightened terrorist attacks.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally broke away from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) due to diplomatic tensions after military takeovers and due to economic and social failures by past governments.
The military juntas of these countries are led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahmane Tchiani, respectively.
The trio accused the ECOWAS of failing to safeguard member states and deviating from founding principles and Pan-African spirit.
In response to these claims, ECOWAS revealed that it did not receive formal notice before their withdrawal; therefore, it called for a dialogue to address their concerns.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves,” it added.
President John Dramani Mahama extended invitations to the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to participate in the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which took place in Accra on April 22.
The invitation to the Sahelian states was part of Ghana’s broader efforts to rebuild relations and enhance cooperation for a stable and united West African region.
International Relations Analyst Dr. Yaw Gebe endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision, describing the gesture as a positive step toward regional reconciliation.
He, however, advised the ECOWAS to critically reflect on the underlying reasons behind the exit of the Sahel nations and emphasised the need for the bloc to adopt a more inclusive and problem-solving approach going forward.
“My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. The ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he said.
Despite the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, citizens from these countries will still be able to use their national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for travel within the region.
ECOWAS has assured that in the interest of regional cooperation and to prevent unnecessary disruptions, all relevant authorities within and outside the bloc’s member states should continue to recognize these travel documents until further notice.
Additionally, trade and economic activities involving these three nations will not face immediate restrictions. Goods and services from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will continue to receive the same treatment under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
Citizens from the affected countries will also retain their right to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment across ECOWAS states, ensuring that travel and cross-border activities remain unhindered.
Furthermore, officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger working within ECOWAS will be given full support and cooperation in carrying out their assignments.
These measures will remain in place as ECOWAS leaders work on defining the future relationship between the bloc and the three nations. A special structure has been put in place to facilitate discussions on the next steps.
The regional body emphasized that these transitional arrangements aim to maintain stability, minimize confusion, and support the people and businesses affected by the withdrawal.
Gospel music ensemble Alabaster Box has confirmed that its legal battle with rapper Medikal is still ongoing, following failed attempts to settle the matter privately.
Speaking to Hitz FM, the group said its legal team is actively pursuing the case after all efforts to reach an amicable resolution outside court did not succeed.
They explained that initial negotiations involved discussions through intermediaries, aiming to handle the dispute professionally. Both parties had agreed to engage neutral representatives, but the process broke down when lawyers became involved.
“Our intention was never to escalate tensions but to reach a fair resolution through mutual understanding,” the group said. “The first thing we did was call his people, and they brought in a middle person. We also brought our middle person, who happened to be a lawyer, and they ran away from that prospect. Even when we brought in the lawyer, it wasn’t like we were going to squeeze them. We were hoping to settle this properly.”
The group added that the court granted permission for substitute service after attempts to formally deliver legal documents to Medikal were unsuccessful. This allowed notices to be served via alternative methods, including public postings and digital platforms, following court procedures.
Alabaster Box said the matter now rests entirely with the judiciary, noting that any potential out-of-court resolution would require court oversight.
Expressing disappointment, the group lamented that early efforts at dialogue did not produce results despite their approach with professionalism and maturity. They remain confident that justice will be served.
At the time of filing this report, neither Medikal nor his representatives had commented on the group’s recent statement.
Nearly a week after signalling plans to pursue legal action against rapper Medikal, Ghanaian a cappella group Alabaster Box has filed a lawsuit against the ‘Omo Ada’ hitmaker, accusing him of using part of their song Akwaaba without consent.
The group had earlier alleged that Medikal incorporated portions of their song into his latest release, Welcome to Africa.
In a letter addressed to the rapper, the group indicated that the opening 10 seconds of “Welcome to Africa” is a reproduction of their original work.
They further argued that the title and lyrical composition of Medikal’s song suggest that it is influenced by Alabaster Box’s “Akwaaba.”
The group also claimed that Medikal’s extensive promotion and distribution of the song across major streaming platforms further aggravates the alleged infringement.
Through their lawyers, they demanded the immediate removal of “Welcome to Africa” from all digital and traditional media platforms.
They also called for a halt to all promotional activities, performances, or commercial dealings connected to the track, as well as the cancellation of agreements linked to its production and distribution.
Additionally, Alabaster Box requested that Medikal provide detailed accounts of revenue generated from the song and disclose all individuals or organisations involved in its promotion and distribution.
They warned that failure to comply with these demands would result in legal proceedings against the rapper.
According to a writ of summons signed by the group’s lawyer, Richard Nunekpeku, Medikal removed only the first 10 seconds of the song from YouTube, while versions containing the disputed material remain available on other streaming platforms, including Audiomack, Boomplay, Spotify, and Apple Music.
The writ says deleting the first ten seconds without even contacting us is disrespectful and an admission of guilt.
Alabaster Box is therefore seeking general damages for Medikal’s alleged copyright infringement in the amount of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵10 million).
They are also requesting exemplary damages totalling Five Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵5 million) for Medikal’s actions and for associating their brand with profane lyrics in his song – GHS5 million.
Founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Nigel Gaisie, has narrated his encounters with ladies possessed by Kayamata, linking it to marine spirits and demonic forces.
Sharing the story in a GhanaWeb documentary aired on February 18, 2026, the outspoken preacher, a lady once approached him at church to confess her involvement with kayamata and revealed deep spiritual encounters connected to it.
“I’ve had an opportunity whereby one lady came to church, sensing and knowing the grace of God I have upon me, she had to actually come to me. She told me the genesis of the kayamata and she’s gone very deep that the spirit manifests itself every 12 midnight in her room. Within the space of 12 midnight to 4 a.m., the spirit physically manifests itself to them,” he said.
Nigel Gaisie added, “Kayamata is of the marine kingdom. We have different agents of the devil, such as the dwarfs and other kinds of demons. One of the greatest agents of the devil are the powers in the sea and in the powers of the sea, we have `Maame wata’. Maame wata have millions of demons and other agents of the devil, so that comes from the Queen of the Coast,” he claimed.
He added that breaking free from such practices often becomes challenging when the person involved is unwilling to abandon them.
“It becomes difficult if the person you’re delivering has not decided to accept the fact that they want to be delivered,” he shared.
Recounting a separate experience, he said he once tried to pray for a woman believed to be using kayamata to lure men, but she declined spiritual help.
“I wanted to pray for a lady who has used the kayamata to enthuse men, but she said no. She’s under a spell, but she’s not willing to let it go. You can pray for her as a man of God, but after that, any spirit of the devil that’s cast out, they don’t go and sleep,” he explained.
He continued, “They hang around and come back again. It depends on the person you’re delivering, whether the person is willing to let go or the person will go back.”
Nigel Gaisie also claimed that certain individuals engage in both physical and ritual practices to exert influence over others.
“Some people even inject their tongue and they put things on their tongue to induce people. They use a blade and some satanic instruments, so when they’re speaking, it will influence you not to have your own thoughts. These things are very true and they really exist,” he added.
They are aphrodisiacs, oils, herbs, potions, or other substances, and their sole function is to improve romantic relations or sex.
It is a combination of two Hausa words – ‘Kayan’ which means; property, or things, and ‘Mata’ which means women. Put together, the word literally means ‘women’s things’.
It appears to have existed for centuries and originated from Northern Nigeria.
Originally, it was used by these women for sexual pleasure, and served as enhancers, or aphrodisiacs, especially for young brides, but in recent times, it has become a really huge trend for women all over the world.
In Ghana, the trend has become very prevalent and these products are even advertised via the internet and on various social media platforms.
Patrons of these products have diverse interests, to attract men for money, sex, marriage, etc.
What some may not know is how the Kayan Mata (kayamata) is used by its clients.
In a post on media personality – Naa Ashorkor’s Facebook page, she indicates how some women with in-depth knowledge about how people use the Kayan Matan for their ‘victims’ shared this with her on her show; ‘Just us’.
According to her, she picked some pointers which include the fact that the Kayan Mata products are in 3 categories; vaginal upgrade, faithfulness, and libido boosting, and the third; favour and attraction potions.
Users of the potion need to talk to the oil and indicate exactly what they want from it and it happens.
“In order to activate the potion, you simply talk to the oil. For instance – “oil, please let me attract rich men who can buy me a car”. When you go out, the men will literally be falling over themselves for you. They can’t help it,” she wrote.
She however indicated that some men who called into the show also shared how the male variation referred to as ‘For girls’ is used by some men for similar interests.
“Interestingly, when I activated the phone lines to ask ladies to share their experiences, only men called! Apparently, Kayan mata is a variation of “For girls’ and the men have interesting stories about the potency of this potion. Scary! One guy said his friend used it to get his wife to accept his marriage proposal. So this woman is currently under a spell. Apparently, a lot of married people are under spells they are not aware of,” Naa Ashorkor narrated.
Naa Ashorkor also shared stories of how some users of these products suffered side effects or had experiences which didn’t go in their favour.
In one instance, a woman who tried using it to attract men ended up attracting mad men. In another, a woman who tried using it on another man who already had activated the ‘For girls’ potion ended up dying.
“A lady who bought and used attraction potion now attracts only “mad men” literally, in traffic, they approach her and try to touch her, they literally chase her around town, sometimes more than one at a time. When she complained to the vendor she bought it from, she told her to go to Benin to see the original seller. There is no other way to undo this charm,” she shared.
Adding, that “The side effects are dire. Sometimes you cannot break away from this spell or spirit even if you want to. My guest shared a story about a girl who used it on a man, the man apparently had more potent potions which killed her. She is dead oo”.
The family of late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba has dismissed reports that a planned Celebration of Life event in Accra has been halted by a court injunction.
The clarification follows claims that the Accra High Court had granted Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, head of the Lumba family, leave to file an injunction against Akosua Serwaa and others organising what has been described as a “second funeral” for the music icon. The development was earlier confirmed by Dominic Kwadwo Osei of Baba Jamal & Associates.
However, Ernestina Fosu, elder sister of the late musician, has refuted the claims, insisting that no court order has been issued to stop the ceremony.
“It has come to our attention that some individuals, including certain social media commentators and comedians, are spreading claims that the upcoming Celebration of Life, even in Accra, has been halted due to a possible injunction,” she stated.
“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that this is false. There is no injunction stopping the event. The Celebration of Life of Daddy Lumba will proceed as planned,” she added.
The dispute stems from disagreements over arrangements for events being organised in honour of the late Highlife star, with differing factions reportedly pursuing separate memorial plans.
Gospel artiste and confidant of the late Highlife great, Daddy Lumba, Evangelist Papa Shee, has revealed intentions to hold a ‘celebration of life’ event to honour the celebrated musician.
In a video that has gained widespread attention online, Papa Shee stated that the programme is scheduled for March 28 and 29, 2026, in Accra.
He clarified that the occasion is meant to honour and celebrate Daddy Lumba’s life and contributions rather than serve as a funeral.
He indicated that the arrangement and information about the programme were relayed by the late musician’s family.
“His wife, Akosua Serwaa, will definitely be there. The family will also be at the funeral. But the venue this time will be in Accra, the date will be on the 28th and 29th of March 2026. It will be a celebration of the life of Daddy Lumba. That is the information from the family; the exact venue has not been disclosed yet,” he said.
Papa Shee further invited the public to attend, urging admirers, sympathisers, and loved ones to join in commemorating the legend.
He also thanked individuals who showed support to Akosua Serwaa, especially those who received her at the airport earlier in January.
Papa Shee said the demonstration of kindness and unity would remain unforgettable.
“Everyone is duly invited. We would like to appreciate the supporters of Akosua Serwaa, especially those who came to welcome her at the airport. The love they showed her will never be forgotten, especially after the name tarnishing she has received over the years,” he added.
The planned event follows the contentious funeral rites of the Highlife icon, held on December 13, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, months after his death in July 2025. The ceremony drew large crowds of fans, relatives, and dignitaries who gathered to honour his impact.
Akosua Serwaa, who is legally married to Daddy Lumba, did not attend the funeral, which came amid a public legal dispute involving the musician’s two wives.
She maintained that her legal marriage entitled her to be recognised as Daddy Lumba’s sole wife.
The disagreement was later settled by a Kumasi High Court, which directed that both women be acknowledged.
Despite having thirty-three albums to his name before his passing, the Ghanaian highlife legend, according to his former manager, Ernest Toah Akonor, still has songs that were never released.
During a media engagement on the sidelines of Daddy Lumba’s one-week observance, held on Saturday, August 30, at Independence Square, Mr. Akonor hinted that these songs could be released on his birthday this month, September 29, which would have been his 61st.
According to the former manager and old friend of Lumba, despite having several unreleased tracks, about six of them were fully worked on and mastered, while the others were still in the works.
“…But before he passed, he had done six songs that were complete, and I know where they are. We should be expecting it maybe on his birthday, which would have been his 61st on September 29. So maybe that will be when the first song will be released,” Akonor disclosed.
Despite the hint of a release of one of these songs on his birthday, Mr. Akonor, however, noted that it would not be an easy process given the current misunderstanding and tensions within the family of the late musician.
“Well, this is, I thought, it has legal implications because we need to deal with families and children. So we have to go through that legal list before we can come out and say that we are releasing. But we wish that by that time we’ll be able to go through all that because already there’s too much tension, as you can see.
“So, people have taken sides, as you would expect. People have taken sides, belonging to one faction or the other. All these things have to be ironed out so that it will pave the way for the release of the song,” he said.
Lumba always wanted to produce the best for his consumers, according to Mr. Akonor. While efforts will be made to release some of the said songs, they will have to be done in a way he would have done it, citing that Lumba was known for recording his songs in Ghana; however, the mastering of the tracks was mostly done by an engineer in Germany who passed some years before the legend’s passing some weeks ago.
“He records here (Ghana), but he masters it in Germany. Unfortunately, the guy doing the mastering for him also passed away some years ago.”
The former manager also recommended that, the music of Lumba and his persona as a musician be studied, stating that “I said it before somewhere that the man is a moving institution. Okay. People must study his music. As of today, we’re now beginning to understand some of the lyrics he wrote
“I’ve told you that he is an institution. So we must have some kind of a museum or something where his works can be showcased and get value for them for generations. And there are several songs that I know he has written that have not come out, and it will be a platform to begin to launch some of these things as time goes on,” he added.
Meanwhile, Daddy Lumba’s one-week observation was held at Independence Square on Saturday, August 30th. Originally scheduled to be held at the University of Ghana Stadium, it had to be moved due to the ban on drumming and noise-making in the La Traditional Area which had effected a 25-day ban.
According to the Council, the University of Ghana Stadium falls within its jurisdiction, and currently, a ban on drumming and noise-making is in effect, hence the need for a reconsideration of the venue, cancellation or postponement.
The Council noted that, while they acknowledge the legend’s impact, it shall not compromise the traditions, as during this sacred period their leader, Niimei, would have visited the spiritual realm and noises that jeopardise the spiritual order shall not be accepted.
“…On behalf of Niimei and the good people of La, the La Homowo Planning Committee wishes to first express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the entire nation for the loss of such a towering international music icon whose legacy remains undeniable.
“However, the Council wishes to firmly remind the general public that, effective Monday, 11th August 2025, a ban on noisemaking came into force across the entire La Traditional Area stretching from the main La township to Maalejor on the Dodowa road and Ayi Mensah at the foot of the Aburi mountains. Aside from the general noisemaking, this ban also strictly prohibits funerals and all funeral-related activities of any kind.
“During this sacred period, Niimei would have entered the spiritual realm, and as such, no activity that contravenes the cultural and spiritual order will be tolerated.” Any such planned activity must be postponed, rescheduled, or cancelled outright,” the Council noted in a statement.
The iconic musician passed away at age 60 on the morning of Saturday, July 26, while receiving treatment at the Bank Hospital in Accra, following a short illness, as announced by the family through their lawyer.
Though some government officials visited earlier following his passing, while President Mahama also mourned the musician publicly in a heartfelt tribute, on Sunday, July 27, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In his message, President Mahama described Daddy Lumba as a “national treasure” whose music provided the “soundtrack to our lives”.
While President Mahama expressed his condolences to the family and Ghana as well as fans beyond Ghana, he paid no visit to Lumba’s residence, seemingly waiting for an official notification from the family.
On Monday, 25 August, the family paid a courtesy call on Chief of Staff Julius Debrah at the Jubilee House to observe traditional protocol and formally communicate the news.
Discussions on the funeral arrangements and possible state support to honour the late music icon were held.
During the discussion, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, noted that, if money could save a life, maybe a try would have been given, citing that “If money could save a life, we would have found a way. This is not just a loss for the family but for the entire nation.”
Mr Debrah eulogised the musician for his soul-lifting songs, which resonate with many, including himself and the president.
“The President loved Daddy Lumba’s songs. When he sits in his car and sings along, you’d be amazed — so this is a great loss to us all,” assuring the family that “We can’t say we won’t honour him, especially considering how well he honoured Ghana with his music,” Julius Debrah noted.
Since the news of his passing, scores of Ghanaians have poured in tributes to honour his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.
A book of condolence was been opened in honour of the late highlife legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, the family of the musician has announced.
In an official statement issued on July 27 by his lawyers, Baba Jamal & Associates, on behalf of the bereaved family, the family invited all well-wishers, friends, fans, and family to sign the condolence book, which will be available at Daddy Lumba’s private residence in East Legon.
He died at 60 leaving behind thirty-three (33) albums to his name.
He is celebrated as one of Ghana’s greatest Highlife musicians with a career spanning more than three decades.
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 Centre.
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, travelled 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.
The management of Ghanaian singer Efya has addressed circulating claims about her supposed marriage to Nigerian musician Tomi Thomas, which was reportedly held in a private event in Accra on Valentine’s Day.
In an exclusive interview with Adom FM, her team stated that the gathering was a traditional knocking ceremony involving close relatives and friends, stressing that it was not a wedding.
“The whole thing was not supposed to come out. So, I am wondering why someone would share the videos. Do you know how many people do knocking and nothing happens after? So why would people call it marriage? Because the family is not done, there will even be pressure,” management stated.
It was reported that Efya got married to Nigerian Hip Hop and R&B musician Tomi Thomas.
It was a private ceremony held on February 14, 2026.
The singer became the centre of online discussions after videos of her private wedding surfaced on social media.
The videos also revealed that the singer was heavily pregnant, and that may have necessitated her plan to marry secretly.
Efya was seen in a white gown, happily jamming to her colleagues’ R2Bees’ performances.
In the videos that made rounds online, she appeared confidently displaying her baby bump while dressed in an elegant, custom-made wedding gown.
Notable figures including Hajia4Real, King Promise, and R2Bees were also reported to have attended the ceremony.
In 2024, Ghanaian musician Bisa K-dei took a significant step in his personal life by getting married.
The renowned artist, known for his soulful melodies, has followed in the footsteps of many industry colleagues, embracing the journey of marriage with his partner.
Bisa K-dei’s wedding was a private and intimate affair, with close friends and family coming together to witness the union of the music icon and his now-spouse.
The ceremony exuded warmth and joy, reflecting the couple’s deep commitment to each other.
Congratulations and well-wishes poured in from fans and fellow artists, with the music community expressing their happiness for the artist and sending heartfelt messages of blessings and joy to the newlyweds.
Kimathi Rawlings, the son of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, has tied the knot in a blissful wedding ceremony attended by family, friends, and dignitaries.
A video sighted by The Independent Ghana on social media shows Mr Kimani clad in an alluring white agbada outfit alongside his bride.
The couple was seen sharing pleasantries with invited guests and family members in the aftermath of the church wedding service.
A short while later, the couple hit the dance floor to KiDi’s popular song “Odo” with Kimathi drawing attention as he showcased some impressive dance moves.
About Kimathi Rawlings
Kimathi Rawlings the youngest of four children born to Jerry John Rawlings and Nana Konadu Ageman, was born in Accra, Ghana during the 1980s. He was named by his father in honour of Dedan Kimathi, a remnowned Keyan freedom fighter known for defending his people and challenging the moral conduct of leaders.
His siblings include Zanator Agyeman-Rawlings, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament, along with Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings and Amina Rawlings.
Kimathi began his early education in Accra, attending Morning Star School and North Ridge Lyceum.
He was named by his father after a Kenyan freedom fighter called Dedan Kimathi who lived and defended the rights of his people and consistently questioned the integrity of his leaders.
He is the last born of his four siblings: Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings (MP), Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings and Amina Rawlings.
Kimathi began his early education in Accra at the Morning Star School and North Ridge Lyceum.
He continued his education in England, UK at the Millfield School where he performed exceptionally well across all subjects.
Driven by strong interest in Science, business and law, he pirsued higher education at Aston Unversity in Birmingham, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business.
His LinkedIn profile, indicates that he obtained certifications from MDT International, including training in Negotiation Skills for the Oil & Gas Industry in 2012 & Introduction to Oil and Gas Production in 2013.
With over a decade of experience, Kimathi has built a career as a Commercial Advisor and Negotiator in oil and gas sector.
Kimathi Rawlings is also well-versed in areas such as Analytical Skills, Upstream Marketing, Hydrocarbon Accounting, Risk Management, and Corporate Finance.
Since 2010, he has been serving with Eni, an Oil and Gas conglomerate headquartered in Rome Italy as their Commercial and portfolio advisor.
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that cocoa price reductions affect him personally, citing his experience as a cocoa farmer while stressing the need for policies that reflect farmers’ realities.
Speaking at the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition on Tuesday, February 17, the President said he understands the economic challenges confronting cocoa farmers, particularly amid fluctuations in global cocoa prices and ongoing changes within the sector.
His remarks come in the wake of controversial reforms in the cocoa industry, where the farmgate price was reduced from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag to align with movements on the international market.
“Nana Kwebu Ewusi gave me 50 acres of land, and I planted cocoa on the 50 acres, so I am a cocoa farmer. So when the price is reduced by the government, it affects me too. I want to be able to empathise with farmers so that when we take any policy decision, we know that it has an effect on farmers and we feel it ourselves,” he said.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, depends heavily on cocoa as a major source of foreign exchange and livelihoods for more than 800,000 farming households. The sector also supports millions of people through transportation, processing, and other related economic activities.
The cocoa industry has recently experienced major global price swings. Prices rose to record highs of over $10,000 per tonne in 2024 before declining following improved production forecasts and market adjustments. These changes have created uncertainty for both farmers and policymakers.
President Mahama stressed that decisions on cocoa pricing and reforms must take into account the conditions farmers face, since their earnings depend largely on producer prices announced annually by the Ghana Cocoa Board.
He noted that policies affecting cocoa farmers directly influence rural incomes, access to education, and household welfare, adding that reforms must focus on sustainability, fairness, and long-term sector growth.
The summit, organised with support from the Ghana Tree Crops Authority, seeks to attract investment into major tree crops such as cocoa, cashew, rubber, coconut, and oil palm as part of efforts to diversify Ghana’s agricultural sector and increase value addition.
President Mahama reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the cocoa industry through better pricing systems, increased productivity, and measures aimed at ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
He added that aligning policies with the lived experiences of farmers will be key to protecting the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector and maintaining its competitiveness on the global market.
President John Mahama has unveiled major reforms that will have Ghana buying its cocoa with local currency and ending the export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, signaling a bold move toward greater economic independence.
At the conclusion of his high-level side event, “Accra Reset’s Addis Reckoning,” held alongside the 39th African Union Assembly of Heads of State, President Mahama outlined urgent measures aimed at freeing Ghana’s cocoa industry from long-standing reliance on restrictive foreign financing.
“One of the key decisions we’ve made is to stop accepting foreign funding for the purchase of our cocoa. We are going to raise domestic bonds. We have enough Cedis in Ghana to pay for our cocoa,” President Mahama declared, outlining a radical departure from decades-old practices.
The President explained that Ghana’s cocoa crisis highlighted long-standing problems in the system. When the government set the cocoa price while international cocoa was $7,200 per ton and the Ghana Cedi was 11.5 to the dollar, changes in the market caused big losses as prices dropped to $4,200 and the Cedi strengthened to 10.7 per dollar.
President Mahama also pointed out that relying on foreign funding has limited Ghana’s ability to add value to its cocoa.
“You know what the collateral for the funding is? Our own cocoa beans. You collateralise the beans with the financier, buy them, ship them, and they pay you the international market price,” he explained.
“You know the interesting part? We have the capacity to process 400,000 tons of those beans in Ghana, but because they are collateralised, we cannot even allocate them to local processors. We must ship all the beans outside.”
Under the new arrangement, Ghana will raise domestic bonds in Ghana Cedis to purchase cocoa directly from farmers, eliminating the need to pledge the beans as collateral. This will immediately unlock 400,000 tons of cocoa beans for local processors, creating thousands of jobs and retaining significantly more value within Ghana’s economy.
President Mahama went further, setting an ambitious yet firm deadline to end the export of unprocessed minerals from Ghana.
“I say by 2030, there won’t be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana. You’re not going to ship raw manganese ore out of Ghana. You’re not going to ship raw bauxite ore out of Ghana. You’re not going to ship raw iron ore out of Ghana. You must process all that locally,” he stated emphatically.
The announcement represents what President Mahama says is a comprehensive application of the Accra Reset philosophy, his continental initiative aimed at scaling up development across Africa by asserting sovereignty over natural resources and building domestic processing capacity.
The President framed his bold moves in the context of mounting pressure from Africa’s youthful population, which is increasingly desperate for economic opportunities.
“That is the only way we can provide opportunities for our young people. Our young people are less patient than our generation. They want to see that progress and prosperity today,” he said.
He connected the urgency of implementation directly to the migration crisis: “That is why Accra Reset needs that urgency to stop our young people from braving the dangers of the Sahara and the Mediterranean as they try to reach Europe in search of opportunity.”
Acknowledging that continental transformation requires immediate action rather than endless planning, President Mahama endorsed a proposal for rapid implementation through willing partners.
“We come with the decisions. We agree. We do the frameworks. What is missing is urgency and implementation. We take time. And we behave like time is waiting for us,” he said, channelling concerns raised during the discussion.
“That is why Accra Reset is a good idea. But let’s implement urgently. If parts of the continent are not ready, let’s form a coalition of the willing to move this as quickly as possible. And let all the others follow and join.”
The Accra Reset initiative, introduced by President Mahama, aims to reshape Africa’s economic ties with the rest of the world, focusing on processing resources locally, building industries, and taking control of the continent’s natural wealth to boost prosperity for Africa’s 1.4 billion people.
Ghana’s statements in Addis Ababa show that the country plans to set an example, putting real actions in place that other African nations can follow as part of a wider movement across the continent.
“From Addis, we must stop talking and start implementing,” President Mahama concluded, crystallising the theme of the gathering he dubbed “the Addis reckoning.”
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has announced that the Komenda Sugar Factory has lost access to electricity and water services because of unpaid utility bills.
She delivered the update while addressing Parliament of Ghana on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during a briefing on the condition of the Komenda Sugar Factory.
“The factory has been disconnected from the national grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana and water supply by Ghana Water Company Limited due to unpaid bills. Added to the poor state of the equipment, the facility has accumulated significant debt,” She stated.
Operations at the Komenda Sugar Factory have stalled, with the facility failing to produce sugar and deteriorating six years after it was commissioned.
The lawmaker indicated that the plant is weighed down by heavy debt, which has worsened long-standing technical and operational problems and halted its activities.
She noted that the factory cannot function at full capacity because its machinery and equipment have serious defects and have not undergone refurbishment since the plant was completed in 2016.
“Technical and operational deficiencies have prevented the factory from running at full capacity. The machinery and equipment of the factory have not been refurbished since construction in 2016. Equipment generators and motors need maintenance, and the boiler top coil needs replacement to bring the factory back to life,” she told Parliament.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare also stated that the facility had been cut off from the national power supply by the Electricity Company of Ghana and from water supply by the Ghana Water Company Limited as a result of outstanding bills.
Aside from utility and infrastructure difficulties, the Minister identified shortage of raw materials as another major factor delaying the factory’s revival.
She explained that the farming communities expected to supply sugarcane have withdrawn participation, mainly due to weak institutional backing and unclear procurement systems.
“The farming community which was expected to anchor the raw material supply remains disengaged due to lack of institutional support and unclear procurement channels,” she noted.
Outlining government’s intervention plans, Mrs Ofosu-Adjare disclosed that the Ministry of Trade and Industry has prioritised securing a transactional advisor to reorganise and present the factory to private investors.
“The ministry has prioritised the engagement of a transactional advisor to package the factory and secure a strategic investor to operationalise the factory and farms in the 2026 budget,” she said.
The Komenda Sugar Factory, which was launched as a major industrial initiative under Ghana’s industrialisation programme, was designed to reduce dependence on imported sugar and generate employment opportunities in the Central Region.
Nonetheless, continuous operational challenges have left the plant mostly inactive, leading to renewed demands for a lasting recovery plan centred on private sector participation and stronger links between farming and factory operations.
The Sugarcane Farmers Association of Ghana has urged the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, to take swift and decisive steps to revive the long-dormant Komenda Sugar Factory.
In a statement issued on May 4 2025, the Association voiced deep disappointment with the Ministry’s recent response to their concerns, describing it as “unconvincing” and lacking a sense of urgency.
The farmers urged the current NDC administration, led by President John Mahama, to avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous NPP government, which they accuse of making repeated promises but failing to get the factory operational.
They stressed that reviving the factory is critical not only for their livelihoods but also for boosting local industry and reducing sugar imports.
“We campaigned and voted for John Mahama because we believed he could revive this factory to improve our livelihoods,” the Association stated.
The Association expressed concern that two months after the Minister’s visit to the Komenda Sugar Factory, no visible progress has been made, and the facility was not even mentioned in the 2025 national budget.
They are calling on the government to urgently constitute a board of directors for the factory, emphasizing the need for competent leadership and the inclusion of a representative from the farming community.
“We are ready to feed the factory with sugarcane. All we need is government commitment,” they said.
Speaking on Yɛn Nsempa, the morning show on Onua FM hosted by Nana Yaa Brefo Danso, Secretary of the Association, Nana Joshua Kingsley Mensah, reiterated the frustrations of the farmers. “We feel deceived. After the Minister’s visit in February, we expected action. But there’s nothing happening on the ground,” he said.
He added, “The livelihoods of hundreds of sugarcane farmers depend on the revival of this factory. We are ready to work, but the silence from the government side is worrying.”
Nana Joshua also stressed the need for farmers to be included in the decision-making process. “We are not just suppliers—we are stakeholders. Our representation on the factory board is non-negotiable.”
Ghana’s urban water supply system is facing serious financial and operational pressure, with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) struggling with a growing supply gap, heavy debt, and large volumes of treated water being lost before reaching consumers, a new situational analysis has revealed.
The February 2026 report, which combines data from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and GWL’s tariff proposals, indicates that the company currently produces about 945,275 cubic metres of water daily. This falls short of the national urban demand of 1.19 million cubic metres, leaving a deficit of 244,725 cubic metres each day, representing 21% of total demand.
The shortage has forced several urban communities across Ghana’s 16 regions to depend on irregular water supply and rationing schedules, affecting households, businesses, and critical public services.
A key concern highlighted in the report is the high level of non-revenue water, which refers to water produced but not billed due to leakages, theft, illegal connections, and faulty meters.
According to the analysis, 52.2% of water produced in 2024 was either lost or unaccounted for, far above the regulator’s benchmark of 45%.
The losses are largely linked to ageing pipelines, some over 50 years old, burst transmission lines, illegal connections, and meter tampering. Additional losses come from unbilled water use by some public institutions and illegal suction pumps connected directly to distribution lines.
GWL is also facing significant financial challenges. The company currently holds on-lent loans totalling GH¢14.63 billion, equivalent to nearly one-quarter of its revenue. Each month, the utility spends approximately GH¢38.94 million on debt servicing, representing 22.76% of its monthly income and limiting funds available for maintenance, infrastructure expansion, and system upgrades.
Most of the loans were contracted in foreign currencies such as US dollars and euros through government arrangements, exposing the company to exchange rate fluctuations.
The report also highlights declining payment compliance by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Payment rates from government institutions dropped sharply from 92.53% in 2022 to 18.40% in 2024, creating a substantial revenue shortfall.
Many public institutions reportedly cite the absence of budget allocations for water bills, while enforcement measures remain difficult due to the sensitive nature of disconnecting water supply to state facilities.
Illegal small-scale mining, widely known as galamsey, has been identified as a major environmental threat to Ghana’s water supply. The report notes that more than 11 water treatment plants have been affected by mining pollution, particularly those drawing water from the Birim, Pra, Bonsa, Offin, and Black Volta rivers.
The pollution has increased water treatment costs, forced temporary plant shutdowns, reduced production capacity, and created long-term risks to water quality and public health.
Much of Ghana’s water infrastructure is outdated, with several systems dating back to the colonial era. Current system utilisation stands at about 60% of installed capacity.
Energy costs also remain a major challenge, with electricity accounting for about 50% of water production costs and 27% of total operational expenses. This makes the utility highly vulnerable to changes in electricity tariffs and power supply interruptions.
Despite these challenges, the report notes that the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi, which strengthened by about 24% against the US dollar between the end of 2024 and February 2026, has helped reduce foreign debt servicing costs and lowered the price of imported chemicals and equipment.
However, the analysis cautions that this improvement does not address deeper structural problems such as ageing infrastructure, high water losses, and weak revenue mobilisation.
GWL currently serves 986,078 active customers across 86 water systems nationwide, making it the country’s sole provider of urban water supply.
Experts warn that without urgent reforms, including tariff adjustments, infrastructure rehabilitation, improved billing systems, and stronger action against illegal mining, Ghana’s urban water security could face worsening shortages in the coming years.
The report concludes that while recent economic gains provide an opportunity for reform, long-term structural changes will be critical to ensuring a stable water supply for Ghana’s expanding urban population.
The U.S. Embassy, Accra has disclosed that over 1,000 appointment slots for non-immigrant visas are now open with immediate effect.
Officials stated that many B1/B2 visa interview slots, which cover business and tourist travel, are currently accessible and urged applicants to make use of the opportunity.
The availability is expected to allow travellers to secure interview dates within the coming week.
In a notice posted on Facebook on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the embassy encouraged individuals intending to apply for visas to the United States to schedule their interviews promptly.
“There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours,” the notice said.
The decision is part of wider preparations by the United States to support increased travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico and Canada.
Individuals who already have interview dates scheduled later in the year have also been encouraged to reschedule for earlier slots where possible.
“Book a new appointment – or move up one scheduled for later in the year – we want to interview you now!” the Embassy added.
Prospective applicants have been directed to visit the embassy’s official visa portal for further details on eligibility requirements and application procedures.
The announcement is expected to reduce anxiety among travellers who have faced extended waiting periods for interview appointments in recent months.
The Embassy reported a significant surge in the number of Ghanaians applying for visas to the US, which exceeded the increased resources allocated for faster processing.
Despite acknowledging that increased travel between the two countries will strengthen people-to-people ties, the US mission is facing challenges due to the tripling of visa applications since 2019, resulting in a growing backlog.
These comments came at a time when the US Embassy was preparing to transition all visa applications to a new system, which commenced on August 16 2024.
During a roundtable discussion at the US Embassy in Accra, American Consul General Elliot Fertik highlighted that the high demand was flattering for the US, as it suggested a strong interest among Ghanaians in visiting the United States temporarily.
“I’ve said before that if you look at the number of people who paid the visa application fee in 2019 before the pandemic and compare it to the number of people who did so in 2023, the number in 2023 is triple what it was in 2019. So certainly, we hope this new system will provide some additional enhancements and will be more efficient” Mr Fertik noted.
He added “We’re seeing it’s not just non-immigrant visas on the immigrant visa side. Diversity visa. Again, the numbers are through the roof. And, you know, we want to encourage as much legitimate travel between the United States and Ghana as we can. It is incredibly important to us. We want to encourage qualified students to study in the United States. And that’s why, as I said, that’s why we’ve had to bring more resources to doing interviews. Unfortunately, the demand is outstripping even the increased resources we’ve had and we’re going to continue increasing our resources”.
The U.S. Embassy, Accra transitioned to a new visa services provider on August 26, 2024, causing the previous provider’s website and services to become unavailable after August 16, 2024.
From August 16 to August 26, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Accra’s visa services provider was inaccessible as the transition to a new provider took effect. During that period, applicants could not schedule, cancel, or modify visa appointments, but existing non-immigrant visa appointments were still honoured.
Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS) announced interviews for 2025/2026 Commonwealth Applicants also took place on Monday, 8 December 2025 as well as Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
According to a letter signed by the registrar of scholarships, Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei, the interview starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Conference Room of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat.
“The Ghana Scholarship’s Secretariat (GSS) wishes to inform all applicants of the review of applications for the Commonwealth Scholarship tenable in the United Kingdom for 2025/2026 Academic year and is in the process of inviting applicants to attend an interview which will be a crucial step in assessing the suitability of applicants for the scholarship. The interview is scheduled for Monday 8th & Tuesday 9th December, 2025 at 9.30 a.m. at the Conference Room of the Secretariat,” the letter read.
The letter also urged applicants who applied online but failed to submit hard copies of their applications to the secretariat to come along with the documents and other relevant academic certificates as indicated in “our earlier advertisement in the national daily (Ghanaian Times).”
It added that all services offered by the Secretariat are free, urging applicants to beware of fraudsters.
The U.S. Embassy encourages all applicants to take necessary actions before the transition to avoid any disruptions in their visa application process.
Ghana’s reliance on food imports has been flagged as a growing national security concern following reports of attacks on Ghanaian traders sourcing tomatoes from Burkina Faso.
Security consultant and professor at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Kwesi Aning, has warned that the country’s continued dependence on external food supply exposes traders and the wider economy to heightened security risks, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
The development comes after Ghanaian traders travelling to neighbouring countries to purchase tomatoes reportedly faced violent attacks, raising fresh concerns about cross-border trade safety and Ghana’s local agricultural production capacity.
Prof. Aning stressed that Ghana must urgently re-evaluate its food production strategies and prioritise sustainable, locally driven agricultural policies to reduce reliance on imports and safeguard national security.
“We need to bring practical implementable policies that have impactful ends back to people’s lives. It doesn’t cost money or it shouldn’t cost too much money. But we are interested in fancy huge projects that eventually fail. We’ve got to learn to start to feed ourselves. Security is going to be a problem because if you look at the demographics, let me come back in 2030 years we may be around 70 million and with this attitude I would guarantee food insecurity will be our biggest challenge” he told Joy News in a phone-in interview
A truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was attacked by terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso on Sunday, February, 15. This was contained in a press release issued to media houses and signed by the Minister for the Interior and National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
“The Government of Ghana has received disturbing information from Burkina Faso of a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana, which was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao,” the release said.
According to the Ministry, Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso has already launched an investigation into the unfortunate incident.
“The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso is liaising with officials of Burkina Faso to visit the attack site for details and identification of Ghanaians caught in the attack,” the statement added.
Parts of the Sahel region have recently experienced heightened terrorist attacks.Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally broke away from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) due to diplomatic tensions after military takeovers and due to economic and social failures by past governments.
The military juntas of these countries are led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahmane Tchiani, respectively.
The trio accused the ECOWAS of failing to safeguard member states and deviating from founding principles and Pan-African spirit.In response to these claims, ECOWAS revealed that it did not receive formal notice before their withdrawal; therefore, it called for a dialogue to address their concerns.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves,” it added.
President John Dramani Mahama extended invitations to the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to participate in the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which took place in Accra on April 22.
The invitation to the Sahelian states was part of Ghana’s broader efforts to rebuild relations and enhance cooperation for a stable and united West African region.
International Relations Analyst Dr. Yaw Gebe endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision, describing the gesture as a positive step toward regional reconciliation.
He, however, advised the ECOWAS to critically reflect on the underlying reasons behind the exit of the Sahel nations and emphasised the need for the bloc to adopt a more inclusive and problem-solving approach going forward.“My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. The ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he said.
Despite the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, citizens from these countries will still be able to use their national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for travel within the region.
ECOWAS has assured that in the interest of regional cooperation and to prevent unnecessary disruptions, all relevant authorities within and outside the bloc’s member states should continue to recognize these travel documents until further notice.
Additionally, trade and economic activities involving these three nations will not face immediate restrictions. Goods and services from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will continue to receive the same treatment under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
Citizens from the affected countries will also retain their right to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment across ECOWAS states, ensuring that travel and cross-border activities remain unhindered.
Furthermore, officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger working within ECOWAS will be given full support and cooperation in carrying out their assignments.
These measures will remain in place as ECOWAS leaders work on defining the future relationship between the bloc and the three nations. A special structure has been put in place to facilitate discussions on the next steps.
The regional body emphasized that these transitional arrangements aim to maintain stability, minimize confusion, and support the people and businesses affected by the withdrawal.
Grammy Award-winning artist Eve and internationally recognised photography duo Twinsdntbeg have been named headline speakers for the 2026 edition of the Warwick Africa Summit at the University of Warwick.
Taking place on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026, the Summit will mark its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade as one of the UK’s leading student-led platforms dedicated to Africa and its global diaspora.
This year’s theme, “Mti ukiwa umeungana hauvunjiki”, meaning “A bundle of sticks is unbreakable”, reflects the Summit’s focus on unity, collective strength, and cross-sector collaboration in shaping Africa’s future.
Over the past decade, the Warwick Africa Summit has convened students, academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives to engage in forward-looking discussions on leadership, innovation, culture, and development across the continent and the diaspora.
Eve brings global influence across music, business, philanthropy and entertainment, while Twinsdntbeg are recognised internationally for their distinctive visual storytelling centred on African and diasporic narratives. Their participation signals the Summit’s continued commitment to elevating creative leadership alongside policy and academic dialogue.
Further information and registration details are available at: https://www.warwicksu.com/venues-events/events/26485/27858/
The Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has declared the termination of all incomplete public land deals carried out between 2017 and 2024 that did not comply with required procedures, while unveiling wide-ranging reforms intended to improve accountability, openness, and cost-effectiveness in managing state lands.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister described the decision as “a critical milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of public lands, which are held in trust for the people of Ghana.”
Presidential directive and committee assessment
He indicated that on January 10, 2025, John Dramani Mahama instructed the Lands Commission to suspend all processes connected to leasing and handling transactions involving public lands.
He explained that the directive was introduced to protect state lands from misuse, restore order within land management systems, and ensure that such transactions “deliver value for money to the State.”
Following the directive, a committee led by the Deputy Minister was established on June 5, 2025, to examine public land leases under the Government’s Resetting Agenda.
The committee reviewed 8,160 lease applications that were either completed or initiated between 2017 and 2024 across all sixteen regions. These included:
4,176 Direct Allocations
2,799 Regularizations
19 Direct Allocations relating to State Bungalows
108 Land Swap or Public-Private Partnership arrangements
795 Subsequent Transactions
263 Fresh Allocations
The review revealed that a number of these allocations did not fully comply with the Lands Commission’s internal procedures, thereby undermining transparency and exposing the system to potential abuse.
Immediate Cancellations and Case-by-Case Reviews
Cabinet has approved the Committee’s recommendations and directed their immediate implementation. The Minister announced that:
All uncompleted transactions within the reviewed categories have been cancelled, and affected applicants will be formally notified.
Completed transactions will undergo case-by-case review, and any allocation processed without full compliance will be cancelled.
All uncompleted regularisation applications remain suspended pending a comprehensive review and standardisation of procedures.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” he clarified, “a transaction will be treated as completed where a formal offer has been issued and accepted by the applicant.”
Both completed and uncompleted application lists will be published region-by-region, beginning with Greater Accra, on the Ministry and Lands Commission websites.
Completed transactions under review will be assessed against clear benchmarks, including statutory compliance, value for money, conformity with planning requirements, and enhanced disclosure to prevent misuse of corporate structures.
“These measures are not intended to unfairly disadvantage anyone,” the Minister emphasised, adding that affected applicants will be allowed to reapply under the new regime.
Major Reforms Introduced
The Minister outlined six major reform pillars.
Revision of Public Land Application Form (Form 5)
A key finding was the inconsistent application of Form 5 across regions, resulting in discretionary practices. The Ministry has revised Form 5 to serve as the single mandatory application instrument nationwide. It will be published online and made accessible for electronic submission.
Overhaul of Internal Allocation Processes
The Ministry has also reviewed the Lands Commission’s internal procedures to eliminate inconsistencies and strengthen internal checks.
Under the revised framework, “no public land will be allocated by the Lands Commission without the prior written approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.” The move, he explained, reinforces ministerial oversight and adds a safeguard against unauthorised allocations.
Legislative Backing
To prevent a return to past practices, the revised application form and internal processes will be incorporated into a draft Land Regulation currently under review.
New 70% Premium Framework
One of the most significant changes relates to land valuation.
The Minister revealed that premiums for public land leases had historically ranged between 1% and 30% of market value, significantly undervaluing state assets.
Under the new framework, “a minimum of 70 per cent of the assessed market value of public land will be payable upfront as a premium, with the remaining 30 per cent structured over the tenure of the lease as ground rent.”
He further reminded State Institutions, pursuant to Section 235(4) of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), that allocations confer only user rights and do not permit transactions without prior written ministerial approval.
Publication of Market Value Data
To enhance transparency, the Ministry and Lands Commission will compile and publish reliable market value data for defined land clusters nationwide.
The data will serve as a reference for assessing premiums and ensuring objective, predictable decision-making.
Public Land Protection Task Force
A Public Land Protection Task Force will be established during the reform transition period.
The Task Force will operate within the framework of the Constitution, the Lands Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767), the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), and applicable criminal laws. It will comprise personnel from:
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources
The Lands Commission
The Ghana Police Service and allied security services
Its mandate will include preventing encroachment, halting unauthorised developments, and protecting public lands under review.
Ban Lifted, Activities Resume Under New Rules
The Minister also clarified that the temporary ban on Lands Commission services — including leasing, processing, and regularisation of public lands — has now been lifted.
“All activities may resume immediately, but strictly in accordance with the new reforms and procedures announced today,” he said, stressing that every transaction must adhere to transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principles.
Government Commitment to Public Interest
In his concluding remarks, the Minister underscored that public lands are “vested in the President in trust for the people of Ghana to be administered in the public interest.”
“They are meant to serve national development objectives, support public infrastructure, and promote equitable access to land. It is therefore our solemn responsibility to safeguard these lands from mismanagement, misuse, and unauthorised disposals.”
He further announced that the Ministry has secured 100% retention of the Lands Commission’s Internally Generated Funds, with 67% earmarked to fund the Land Bank and Digitalisation Project. “This initiative will serve as a catalyst to restore public confidence and ensure that public lands are managed transparently, responsibly, and for the benefit of present and future generations,” he stated.
With the new premium framework, legislative backing, enhanced oversight, and enforcement mechanisms, the Minister signalled a decisive shift in how public lands will be managed going forward — anchored on discipline, transparency, and national value.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has halted the acceptance of fresh applications for certain gold purchasing licences with immediate effect as part of reforms aimed at reinforcing the country’s gold trade structure.
In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, the Board indicated that the suspension applies to applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 buying licences, along with the Self-Financing Aggregator Licence.
The Board noted that the decision is part of wider efforts to upgrade and streamline gold trading operations in Ghana.
“The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the immediate suspension of applications for specific categories of gold buying licences as part of a strategic reform process aimed at strengthening and modernising Ghana’s gold buying regime,” the statement said.
GoldBod, however, stated that applications for the Aggregator Licence will continue to be accepted despite the suspension.
The Board further assured that all licence requests submitted before the directive will still undergo review.
“GoldBod wishes to assure all stakeholders that applications already submitted prior to this announcement will continue to be processed,” it said.
The Board explained that the reforms are designed to promote openness, reinforce regulatory compliance, and improve tracking processes within the country’s gold trading industry, while maximising national gains from gold resources.
GoldBod also stated that additional information regarding the updated licensing structure and reform initiatives will be communicated later.
In January this year, GoldBod partnered with the Gold Coast Refinery to enhance Ghana’s gold processing capacity.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi at the signing ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, indicated that the agreement will significantly enhance the implementation of a track-and-trace system across the gold sector.
Adding that instead of raw gold, Ghana’s daily gold exports, estimated at one tonne will now be refined to the highest industry standard of 99.9 per cent purity before shipment.
“This development marks a major milestone in Ghana’s gold trade and will help maximise national benefits from our mineral resources,” Mr Gyamfi said.
He further highlighted the economic benefits, noting, “The millions of dollars we pay as refinery charges to refineries in Dubai, Switzerland, India, Hong Kong, and other foreign countries will now stay in our banking sector. That money will now stay in our economy.”
On job creation, he added, “What this agreement also means is that we are creating more direct and indirect jobs, particularly because Gold Coast Refinery has committed to operating 24/7 in line with the government’s 24-hour policy.”
This major step was taken towards deepening value addition within Ghana’s gold sector to reduce Ghana’s long-standing reliance on exporting raw gold.
This practice has historically led to significant revenue losses that could otherwise be captured through domestic refining and downstream processing.
GoldBod explained that the partnership will strengthen local gold processing so Ghana can fully benefit from its status as Africa’s top gold producer.
A technical, independent report recently presented to GoldBod by economists from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Festus Ebo Turkson, Professor Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako and economist, Peter Junior Dotse has indicated that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports rose by 39.4 tons, increasing from 63.6 tons in 2024 to 103 tons in 2025.
According to the report, GoldBod has mitigated the rate at which gold was being smuggled out of Ghana; now, trading is done officially through the right channels, leading to an increase in the amount of forex coming into the country. The benefits to the economy are much bigger than the trading losses reported by the Bank of Ghana.
The report explains that each ton of gold is worth about US$96.5 million. Based on this value, the gold that was brought into the formal system is worth about US$3.8 billion in foreign currency.
This means the benefits are 18 times bigger than the US$214 million loss reported by the Bank of Ghana. In fact, the report says that formalising just 2.2 tons of gold would be enough to cover that loss.
Prof. Festus Ebo Turkson, one of the report’s authors, emphasised that “GoldBod converts illicit gold flows into formal FX, strengthens Ghana’s external position, and supports macroeconomic stability. Evidence shows it is a high-return policy intervention for the economy.”
The study also reveals that GoldBod’s initiatives reduced reliance on costly external borrowing. ASM exports facilitated by GoldBod in 2025 generated US$10.8 billion in FX inflows. Had Ghana borrowed equivalent funds externally at interest rates of 7–10%, it would have incurred annual interest costs of US$756 million to US$1.08 billion.
Even considering only the reduction in smuggling, the avoided annual interest costs range from US$266–380 million, creating a recurring economic benefit.
Beyond financial gains, the report highlights broader macroeconomic effects:
Strengthened international reserves (≈ US$11–12 billion), exchange-rate stabilisation, reduced domestic cost of external debt (≈ GHS 6.2 billion), lower import bill valuation (≈ GHS 50.6 billion for Jan–Oct 2025), disinflation through reduced exchange-rate pass-through.
The report also clarified that the reported losses by the MF in GoldBod’s trading activities were merely an accounting effect and not a cash deficit or loss. GoldBod purchases gold at near-retail exchange rates to deter smuggling, while FX inflows are recorded at the interbank rate. True economic costs are estimated at just 2.5% of the gold value.
According to the report, GoldBod should be seen as a policy tool for macroeconomic stabilisation rather than a profit-driven entity. Recommendations include sustaining price competitiveness to prevent smuggling, improving transparency in BoG reporting, gradually reducing policy costs, and strengthening governance and oversight.
Ghana’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) gold export saw an exponential growth in 2025 from 2024, with approximately US$6.2 billion, a surge of nearly 135%, reflecting the sharpest year-on-year growth within the period.
This was announced in an infographic shared by Gold Board (GoldBod) on its official X (formerly Twitter) page.
According to the data shared, ASM gold export earnings rose from US$2.8 billion in 2018 to US$10.8 billion in 2025, representing an increase of about US$8.0 billion, or roughly 286%. The infographic also provided a year-on-year breakdown of exports, along with remarks on the exported commodity, stressing that the data covers exports made through official channels over the past seven years.
Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports stood at 75.7 tons valued at US$2.8 billion in 2018, despite a nationwide ban on small-scale mining, indicating strong underground or regulated output.
Exports declined to 53.4 tons worth US$2.2 billion in 2019 and further to 39.3 tons valued at US$2.0 billion in 2020, reflecting continued enforcement of mining restrictions and possible COVID-19 disruptions. In 2021, exports collapsed sharply to just 3.4 tons valued at US$185 million following the introduction of a 3% withholding tax on unprocessed ASM gold, which discouraged official exports.
Volumes recovered in 2022 to 22 tons worth US$1.1 billion after the tax was reduced to 1.5%, with growth continuing in 2023 when exports rose to 37.4 tons valued at US$2.1 billion. A major jump was recorded in 2024, with exports increasing to 63.6 tons valued at US$4.6 billion, driven by improved formalisation and high global gold prices.
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana has acknowledged reports circulating in the Ghanaian media concerning the alleged involvement of a man believed to be a citizen of Russia in the non-consensual recording and circulation of intimate encounters with some women.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana has taken note of the reports in the Ghanaian media on the alleged involvement of a supposedly Russian citizen engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded and circulated those acts without consent,” the Embassy wrote on Facebook.
Director of Communication, International Cooperation and Strategic Partnership at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA Ghana), Benjamin Madugu, has strongly criticised the conduct of an alleged Russian national connected to videos involving nearly 40 Ghanaian women.
Madugu made the remarks during an interview with Sammy Kay Media on February 13, 2026, where he described the incident as deeply troubling and contrary to Ghana’s cyber and privacy protection laws.
He stated that it is inappropriate for any foreign national to visit Ghana and secretly film women in private or intimate situations, particularly when the recordings are intended for online distribution.
“It is unacceptable for a foreign national to come into our country and, for some reason, decide to record our ladies in the manner that he did. That is not acceptable, and it is condemnable. It is also an offence under the Cybersecurity Authority Act to record intimate images that both parties had agreed to capture at the time they were getting intimate and then leak those images online,” he said.
Madugu disclosed that the Authority has begun treating the matter with urgency and will undertake investigations to establish key facts. He indicated that determining the whereabouts of the suspect remains a priority for the agency.
“We want to find if the individual (Yaytseslav) is still within the jurisdiction. But if he has left, maybe he has not even gone back to Russia. Maybe he has gone to a different country and gone into hiding. But we will look into this matter and be sure about what the situation really is and what action ought to be taken,” he said.
He also warned members of the public against reposting or circulating the videos on social media platforms, stressing that such actions equally breach Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.
“What we are urging is that if you are not the original person who recorded the video but choose to share it on your social media, that is also an offence under the Act, and it attracts not less than one year and not more than three years’ imprisonment.
“For those who think, ‘I’m not the one who recorded the video; the video is already out, and I’m only sharing it,’ if the affected individuals decide to make an official complaint to the Cybersecurity Authority, such persons can be brought to book,” he added.
The controversy emerged after a man identified as Yaytseslav, who claims to be Russian, became a trending topic in Ghana when videos of his encounters with several women surfaced online on February 12, 2026.
Some of the videos reportedly showed him around the Accra Mall, where he was seen engaging female shoppers and individuals he met during public outings.
Reports indicate that he allegedly invited some of the women to his residence and recorded conversations and private encounters using Meta glasses without their consent before sharing the content online.
Music, love, and celebration filled the air at the Palms Convention Hall over the weekend as patrons gathered for Vitamilk Love Night: Aso @20, one of the season’s highly anticipated Valentine’s events.
Hosted at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the concert celebrated romance while commemorating the 20-year milestone of Kwabena Kwabena’s breakthrough song Aso, which helped cement his legacy in Ghana’s music space.
Emerging artistes opened the show with energetic performances that warmed up the audience ahead of the headline act. Kwabena Kwabena’s entrance was met with loud cheers as he delivered a series of classic hits that stirred both excitement and nostalgia among patrons.
The night reached another high point when guest performers such as R2Bees, Stonebwoy, King Promise, D-Black, and Cina Soul thrilled fans with performances of their popular songs.
Kwabena Kwabena also drew attention with his appearance in the iconic Ghanaian fugu, a traditional outfit that has recently sparked public debate.
He later paused during the performance to reflect on the significance of the Aso @20 celebration, recounting his musical journey and expressing gratitude to fans for their continued support throughout his career.
Whenever Valentine’s Day comes around, people often think of expressing love, exchanging romantic gifts, heart-shaped symbols, and dressing in shades of red or pink.
In recent times, Ghanaian society has marked the day as a National Chocolate Day celebration.
But what exactly is the story behind this day?
The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to 268–270 AD in the Roman Empire, during the short reign of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. A Christian martyr, St. Valentine, lived and served as a priest during this period.
Historical accounts suggest that St. Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies for Christian couples, defying the Emperor’s decree that prohibited marriage.
Claudius had banned young men from marrying, believing that unmarried men made better soldiers since they had no wives or families to worry about when called to war.
Eventually, St. Valentine was arrested by Roman soldiers and imprisoned while awaiting execution.
During his imprisonment, he grew close to the jailer’s daughter and, according to legend, healed her blindness through prayer. On the day of his execution, St. Valentine left her a farewell note signed “from your Valentine”, a gesture that inspired the tradition of sending love notes and flowers on Valentine’s Day.
St. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD, and buried near the Via Flaminia. Couples who had been married by him began commemorating his sacrifice, and over time, the day became associated with love and romance.
By the 18th century in England and France, Valentine’s Day had evolved into an occasion for couples to express affection through gifts, flowers, and greeting cards.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as one of the most iconic events dedicated to love. As February 14 approaches, while you share love with your special ones, remember the man whose courage and compassion gave birth to this tradition.
Stonebwoy and Kwabena Kwabena performed Aso II together at the Vitamilk Love Night (ASO @20 Edition) 🎶🔥 The crowd erupted with excitement as the two stars shared the stage, delivering a powerful moment to celebrate 20 years of ASO on Valentine’s Day. ❤️✨ #entertainment#valentinesday#love#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp#ghananews
Ghanaian musician Bisa K-dei took a significant step in his personal life by getting married.
The renowned artist, known for his soulful melodies, has followed in the footsteps of many industry colleagues, embracing the journey of marriage with his partner.
Bisa K-dei’s wedding was a private and intimate affair, with close friends and family coming together to witness the union of the music icon and his now-spouse.
The ceremony exuded warmth and joy, reflecting the couple’s deep commitment to each other.
Congratulations and well-wishes poured in from fans and fellow artists, with the music community expressing their happiness for the artist and sending heartfelt messages of blessings and joy to the newlyweds.
Veteran actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has opened up about trust in her marriage, stating that her husband showed no insecurity after an admirer gifted her a car.
She said on Naija FM, “Women have admirers,” she explained. “Me, who is married, I know how many people have gifted me things, women and men. They’ll just see me and say, ‘Omotola, I’m sending you this.’ They’ve gifted me a car before.”
Responding to the question of whether she attempted to return the gift, Omotola confidently said, “No, why would I return the car?”
She attributed the ease with which such situations are managed to her husband’s self-assurance, noting that he is exceptionally secure in himself.
“Think about it, how would you marry an Omosexy if you’re not secure?” she quipped.
However, the actress rejected suggestions that women do not lead in Nollywood, maintaining that women form the real backbone of the industry.
“Women are the ones who hold Nollywood,” she said, stressing that many female actors are not just performers but also business owners, influencers, producers, and entrepreneurs.
She explained that many actresses she is familiar with operate several businesses in addition to acting, while others also hold full-time jobs.
Last year on social media, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde celebrated two special milestones—her husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde’s birthday and their 29th wedding anniversary.
To mark the occasion, she shared a heartfelt video capturing a tender moment between them.
In the clip, Captain Ekeinde showered her with praises, affectionately calling her Nigeria’s hottest.
Omotola, filled with love and gratitude, wrote a touching tribute to her husband, referring to him as “Big Kohuna” and “HoneyBoy.”
Reflecting on their nearly three decades together, she expressed pride in calling Captain Ekeinde her own, describing him as a humble, joyful, and honorable man.
She also appreciated the years of support, laughter, and peace they have shared, looking forward to many more to come.
Her post has since attracted a wave of congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities, who admire the couple’s enduring love and commitment.
In 2024, she s “Omosexy,” celebrated her 46th birthday today, February 7, 2024, with joy and gratitude.The celebrated actress shared a heartwarming snapshot from her recent birthday photoshoot on Instagram, accompanied by a thoughtful caption expressing her excitement.
In her post, Omotola reflected on the unpredictable nature of life, stating, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill. But time and chance happen to them all. Thank you, Lord for +1.”
The actress received an outpouring of congratulations and well-wishes from fans, followers, and fellow celebrities.Actor Chidi Mokeme showered her with praise, saying, “Oh My Goodness!!! Who let this goddess out of the fortress? O’Sexy! Happy Birthday My Love. Keep blazing the trails. Have Fun and Enjoy Ur Moments Queen.”
Other celebrities, including Osas Ighodaro, Chizzy Alicia, and Adesua Etomi, joined in the birthday celebrations with heartfelt messages.
Leading up to her special day, Omotola had been sharing her excitement on social media. On February 4, 2024, she posted a humorous video, exclaiming, “The way I’m looking at Everyone Acting like they Don’t know my Birthday is on the Moses Crossing, 7th of FEBRUARY!!! It’s Aquarius Season! Who’s got Gifts for meh!”
In 2023, Omotola shared the secret of the success of her marriage in an interview with Potpourri and some other news outlets.
Omotola has been married to Captain Matthew Ekeinde for 27 years, having been married at the age of 18. Unlike many of her colleagues who could not hold together in a marriage, Omotola’s has become a model from which many entertainers could borrow a leaf.
She preaches tolerance, submission, and understanding, adding that the greatest mistake a woman can make is to claim equality with her man.
“A woman must know her place and submit to her husband. The greatest mistake a woman can make is wanting to stand shoulder to shoulder with her man. When you show submission your man will respect and adore you for it, she echoes.
Omotola also gave a picture of the understanding that exists between her and her husband, which to many African couples and parents would have seemed inappropriate.
“I always tell people that women are stronger than men, psychologically. Let me tell you something more, my husband is actually the one who goes to the market. I don’t go to the market because I can’t. Because of my status, I can’t. But my husband didn’t say you know traditionally, a man is not supposed to go to the market, I’m not gonna go, no. My husband actually goes to the market, she has revealed much to the disbelief and outrage of so many.
“Earlier in my career, I used to go with him but I’d stay in the car, because our cars are tinted, so I’d stay in the car. But then, one time we went to Tejuosho and someone found out I was in the car. It became a major security risk, so he said don’t ever go with me again. He goes and he has fun and he comes back home, and I do the cooking, so you see we strengthen each other,” she had added.
Omotola had also confessed that not many men would have been able to stand her personality, adding she probably wouldn’t have married if she had not been so lucky to have had somebody like Captain Ekeinde.
She said, “ I don’t think there is a man that can handle me apart from my husband. Not because I am a bad person, it is because I have a very strong personality. I can understand why a lot of female artists find it very difficult to find the right person. When you achieve some kind of success, you become really confused as to who really loves you for who you are. It’s not really easy, you know, so it is very hard finding those people who really love you. If you are not a very grounded person ,you too can contribute in some kind of way to your own problems and so I might have contributed to my own problems.”
“Of course, many men have walked the altar with actresses and oftentimes have found out it is not the heaven it promised to be. The time spent away from home on locations is just too much for some spouses to bear. And so is the limelight that comes with all forms of temptations and vices of life. “
When Omotola was asked if her husband had ever complained about her career, it was another revelation moulded in love and understanding.
“No. Never. When I met him I was already an actress. I wasn’t a big star then, if anything, he was the one even encouraging me. To be honest with you, he’s my biggest movie fan. I don’t even watch most of my own movies, he’s the one who buys and watches them. There’s no one movie of mine he has not bought or watched. He doesn’t just watch them, he frames the posters. Most of the posters he framed them in wood and they are all over the house. The posters are framed into wood,” she told Potpourri in an interview.
Interestingly, the mother of four is fondly called by all as Omosexy. But few know the origin of the name. It is another product of long years of love and romance as the actress also revealed in another past interview.
Eighty-eight persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Accra have received working tools and financial support worth GHS313,919.40 from the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, as part of efforts to promote inclusion and economic empowerment.
The items distributed included thirty-eight 200-litre Nasco deep freezers, one showcase refrigerator, three fufu blending machines, five industrial sewing machines, one industrial knitting machine with GH¢300 each, three gas popcorn machines with 6kg gas cylinders and GHS500 each, one 2000W high-pressure washer, one electric wheelchair, one pair of hearing aids, and one laptop.
Addressing the gathering at the presentation held on Friday ahead of the Valentine’s Day celebration, the Mayor said disability was not anyone’s choice and that all people were created equal, adding that physical or sensory challenges did not make anyone less human.
The Mayor recounted a recent personal experience involving his bodyguard, Gideon Lamptey, popularly known as ‘Adodo’, who is hearing and speech impaired, noting that engaging him had reinforced his belief that persons with disabilities only required understanding and the right support systems to perform effectively.
Additionally, 32 beneficiaries received financial support of GH¢3,000 each to help expand or start small businesses, while one beneficiary received GH¢3,000 as educational support.
The beneficiaries comprised 46 physically challenged persons, 11 visually impaired persons, 10 hearing impaired persons, six persons with cerebral palsy, four persons with Down syndrome, two persons with epilepsy, two mentally challenged persons, two persons with multiple disabilities, three intellectually challenged persons, one person with autism, and one person with a learning disability.
The intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities and enhance their ability to earn sustainable livelihoods within the metropolis.
Mid last year, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Camfed Ghana to support young women and persons living with disabilities across the country.
At the signing ceremony, YEA Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to creating equal and meaningful opportunities for all.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the YEA-GIZ partnership that trains and employs persons with disabilities in fashion, and announced the soon-to-be-launched Catfish Farming Program tailored for persons with disabilities.
“This partnership is yet another stride in building a Ghana that leaves no one behind,” the YEA stated in a post.
The government on May 29, officially commissioned the Make Fashion Inclusive Training Centre after following its launch on September 16, 2024.
The centre, located in Kumasi, has been designed to empower and equip persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing skills training, business development support, and others.
The initiative, led by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in partnership with the German Development Corporation, under the broader vision of Invest for Ghana, aims to create sustainable employment opportunities for PWDs in Ghana’s fashion industry.
Invest for Ghana is an initiative aimed at attracting foreign and local investments to boost Ghana’s economy. It focuses on job creation, industrial growth, and infrastructure development, particularly in sectors like agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and manufacturing.
Speaking during the commissioning, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, highlighted the government’s commitment towards disability inclusion for national development. Basintale revealed that the hub would not only be trained in fashion designing but other crafts as well.
He said, “The YEA is proud to be part of this journey that is your journey. As we open the doors of this hub today, we are opening the doors to independence, creativity, and economic opportunity for at least 100 persons living with disabilities to be trained not only in fashion design. But also be trained in embroidery, beading, and millinery works, and they will also be equipped with tools to build your businesses to employ others and to transform your community.”The government would also launch another programme that will train about three hundred PWDs in catfish farming, equipped with over 400 fingerlings to begin a trade.
“And just to confess, in the next two to three weeks, a new project will be launched from tailoring jobs held, where we would train about 300 persons with disabilities, equipping them with 500 fingerlings of catfish and setting them in the backyard of their houses to sell…” he added.
The launch saw the presence of Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo; GIZ; and other partners of the initiative, as well as local fashion entrepreneurs and PWD beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the Mahama-led government, since assuming office, has implemented several programs to help reduce unemployment in the country and empower the youth as well.
Recently, YEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Fire Service to recruit 5,000 young Ghanaians as fire assistants across the country.
Also, the government launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), which is aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical, employable skills. It is expected to train 100,000 youth annually across all 261 districts in Ghana. The government has allocated GH¢300 million to cover training costs and monthly stipends for participants.
President John Mahama has unveiled major reforms that will have Ghana buying its cocoa with local currency and ending the export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, signaling a bold move toward greater economic independence.
At the conclusion of his high-level side event, “Accra Reset’s Addis Reckoning,” held alongside the 39th African Union Assembly of Heads of State, President Mahama outlined urgent measures aimed at freeing Ghana’s cocoa industry from long-standing reliance on restrictive foreign financing.
“One of the key decisions we’ve made is to stop accepting foreign funding for the purchase of our cocoa. We are going to raise domestic bonds. We have enough Cedis in Ghana to pay for our cocoa,” President Mahama declared, outlining a radical departure from decades-old practices.
The President explained that Ghana’s cocoa crisis highlighted long-standing problems in the system. When the government set the cocoa price while international cocoa was $7,200 per ton and the Ghana Cedi was 11.5 to the dollar, changes in the market caused big losses as prices dropped to $4,200 and the Cedi strengthened to 10.7 per dollar.
President Mahama also pointed out that relying on foreign funding has limited Ghana’s ability to add value to its cocoa.
“You know what the collateral for the funding is? Our own cocoa beans. You collateralise the beans with the financier, buy them, ship them, and they pay you the international market price,” he explained.
“You know the interesting part? We have the capacity to process 400,000 tons of those beans in Ghana, but because they are collateralised, we cannot even allocate them to local processors. We must ship all the beans outside.”
Under the new arrangement, Ghana will raise domestic bonds in Ghana Cedis to purchase cocoa directly from farmers, eliminating the need to pledge the beans as collateral. This will immediately unlock 400,000 tons of cocoa beans for local processors, creating thousands of jobs and retaining significantly more value within Ghana’s economy.
President Mahama went further, setting an ambitious yet firm deadline to end the export of unprocessed minerals from Ghana.
“I say by 2030, there won’t be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana. You’re not going to ship raw manganese ore out of Ghana. You’re not going to ship raw bauxite ore out of Ghana. You’re not going to ship raw iron ore out of Ghana. You must process all that locally,” he stated emphatically.
The announcement represents what President Mahama says is a comprehensive application of the Accra Reset philosophy, his continental initiative aimed at scaling up development across Africa by asserting sovereignty over natural resources and building domestic processing capacity.
The President framed his bold moves in the context of mounting pressure from Africa’s youthful population, which is increasingly desperate for economic opportunities.
“That is the only way we can provide opportunities for our young people. Our young people are less patient than our generation. They want to see that progress and prosperity today,” he said.
He connected the urgency of implementation directly to the migration crisis: “That is why Accra Reset needs that urgency to stop our young people from braving the dangers of the Sahara and the Mediterranean as they try to reach Europe in search of opportunity.”
Acknowledging that continental transformation requires immediate action rather than endless planning, President Mahama endorsed a proposal for rapid implementation through willing partners.
“We come with the decisions. We agree. We do the frameworks. What is missing is urgency and implementation. We take time. And we behave like time is waiting for us,” he said, channelling concerns raised during the discussion.
“That is why Accra Reset is a good idea. But let’s implement urgently. If parts of the continent are not ready, let’s form a coalition of the willing to move this as quickly as possible. And let all the others follow and join.”
The Accra Reset initiative, introduced by President Mahama, aims to reshape Africa’s economic ties with the rest of the world, focusing on processing resources locally, building industries, and taking control of the continent’s natural wealth to boost prosperity for Africa’s 1.4 billion people.
Ghana’s statements in Addis Ababa show that the country plans to set an example, putting real actions in place that other African nations can follow as part of a wider movement across the continent.
“From Addis, we must stop talking and start implementing,” President Mahama concluded, crystallising the theme of the gathering he dubbed “the Addis reckoning.”
Automobile Dealers Union of Ghana (ADUG) has reduced car prices by 15% following exchange rate stability and the removal of the COVID-19 levy.
This was announced in a statement signed by its President, Eric Kwaku Boateng, who indicated that the move was influenced by the Union’s long-standing promise to Ghanaians that any meaningful stabilisation of the exchange rate would translate into fairer vehicle pricing rather than excess profiteering.
The Union also stated that its members have acted in good faith and with a strong sense of national responsibility.
“The Automobile Dealers Union of Ghana (ADUG) wishes to formally inform the general public that, in line with our earlier commitment, members of the Union have reduced vehicle prices by an average of 15% following the relative stabilization of the Ghana cedi against the US Dollar, as well as the abolition of Covid-19 levy,” a part of the statement read.
It expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for their patience, trust, and confidence in the organized automobile trade, while reaffirming its resolve to always act in the best interest of consumers and the national economy.
Over the past months, the cost of vehicles in Ghana has been significantly impacted by exchange rate volatility, high import duties, shipping costs, and global supply chain pressures.
In November 2025, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government honoured it promise of scrapping COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy introduced during the pandemic era.
Introduced on 31 March 2021 under Act 1068 during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the levy applied a 1% charge on the supply of goods and services in Ghana, excluding certain items. and on imports of goods and services. According to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the levy was intended to help the government raise funds to fight the pandemic and support recovery efforts.
However, presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 11, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed that the government has abolished the levy with immediate effect.
Also, the Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill 2025, expected to make Ghana’s tax system more equitable, transparent, and business-friendly, received parliamentary approval as members of Parliament (MPs) gave the nod on Wednesday, November 26.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin noted that businesses will be burdened with financial challenges as the VAT Bill will affect their operations. Reacting to Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem defended that the approved Bill will instead will simplify compliance.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 11, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson hinted that the government had completed the design of a modernised Ghana Value Added Tax (VAT) system fit for the country’s economic transformation agenda.
He mentioned, “As the new VAT reforms will do the following, we will abolish the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, Mr Speaker; we will abolish the decoupling of GetFund and National Insurance Levies from the VAT tax base. The current VAT rate will be reduced from 21.9% to 20%.
“In the 2025 budget, in the mid-year fiscal policy review, government made a firm promise to reform Ghana’s Value Added Tax (VAT) system to make it fairer, simpler, and more efficient. We pledged to remove distortions, address the cascading effects inherited in the VAT system, strengthen compliance, and create a tax regime that supports both businesses and fiscal stability. These distortions have negatively impacted overall welfare, increasing the deadweight loss in the economy and reducing VAT compliance.
“Today, Mr Speaker, I am proud to report to this House that we have finally delivered on that promise. After months of detailed analysis and broad consultations with stakeholders, we have completed the design of a modernised VAT system fit for Ghana’s economic transformation agenda. Government is therefore submitting to this House today, for approval, a bold package of VAT reforms that will make our tax system more equitable, transparent, and business-friendly.
“The new VAT reforms will do the following: we will abolish the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy. We will abolish the decoupling of GetFund and National Insurance Levies from the VAT tax base. We will abolish VAT on the recognition of minerals. We will reduce the effective VAT rate from 21.9% to 20%. We will raise the VAT registration threshold from GH₵200,000 to GH₵750,000.
“We will extend VAT zero rating on the supply of local manufacturing textiles to 2028. Mr Speaker, for emphasis, we promised to abolish the COVID Levy, and with the support of this House, I am proud to say that today, the COVID Levy is accordingly abolished. By abolishing the COVID-19 Levy, the government is putting GH₵3.7 billion in the pockets of individuals and businesses in 2026 alone”.
An online controversy involving a man who claims to be Russian and goes by the name Yaytseslav has dominated discussions among Ghanaian social media users, especially on X, between February 12 and 13, 2026.
The individual has drawn widespread backlash after videos emerged showing his interactions with multiple Ghanaian women.
Footage circulating on various social media platforms frequently shows him at the Accra Mall, where he approaches shoppers, mainly women, initiates conversations, and records the encounters.
Posts and shared videos suggest he allegedly convinces some of the women he meets to exchange contact details and, in some cases, persuades them to visit his apartment afterwards.
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Reports indicate that these encounters, beginning from their first meeting to moments in private spaces, are recorded and packaged as content for his viewers.
The alleged Russian content creator operates active TikTok and YouTube accounts, where he uploads recap-style videos highlighting these interactions.
Social media users allege that approximately 40 videos featuring Ghanaian women are available across these platforms.
In addition to his public content, he is reportedly running a private subscription-based Telegram channel. Access to the platform is said to cost about 400 Russian Rubles, approximately $5 monthly.
Subscribers are reportedly able to watch extended footage that is restricted on YouTube, including recordings from his apartment and details of his meetings with the women.
One video that has sparked intense criticism features a woman identified as Angela, whom he allegedly met at the mall. She is later seen at his apartment covered in a large towel, a scene that many online users have described as troubling.
The development has triggered strong public reactions, with many raising concerns about privacy, consent, and the monetisation of such interactions. Some social media users have urged the Ghana Police Service to intervene.
“Bro Ghanaian women are very cheap. Ghana Police need to step in and deal with this Russian man immediately,” one netizen wrote.
“The Russian guy nu it’s not only Ghanaian women o he has done to many Russian women, South Africa, Americans, Nigerians and so many others o. The guy is definitely up to something,” another user indicated.
“A foreigner took advantage of and recorded intimate conversations and acts with unassuming women and has released these sensitive images and footages and Ghanaian men are on this app framing it as he’s exposing how cheap women are. The journey is long wallahi,” another user wrote.
Apparently this Russian guy didn’t start his dealings in Ghana but started from other African countries.
Those ladies are not stupid. Most ladies give in easily if they like a guy, and it happens in every country. The same ladies may not make it easy for other guys. The Russian guy is just stupid for posting it online to disgrace them. If the ladies were not aware he was posting it…
The Russian guy nu it’s not only Ghanaian women o he has done to many Russian women, South Africa, Americans, Nigerians and so many others o The guy is definitely up to something 😂😂
A foreigner took advantage of and recorded intimate conversations and acts with unassuming women and has released these sensitive images and footages and Ghanaian men are on this app framing it as he’s exposing how cheap women are. The journey is long wallahi
I always say Ghanaian men make it easy for you to stay celibate. Where is the appeal? Look at their takes on issues surrounding women. If I could close the legs of other women so they don’t open it for them i surely will. https://t.co/pbrj2fIs9d
this is a privacy violation and exploitation issue, not a “ghanaian men vs women” agenda. the man who recorded and leaked those videos should be condemned. at the same time, adults must take responsibility for their choices. reducing this to gender blame is intellectually… https://t.co/JDGsJj22Ri
no woman is cheap, so don’t judge ghanaian women based on that russian guy’s tactics. i’m just surprised how he barely says much, just a couple of compliments and suddenly you’re in his apartment. ei!
Yo, that Russian guy’s content is crazy. All the women in the videos I’ve seen didn’t even think twice just because he’s white. I don’t understand how some women think. you let your guard down just like that to a stranger? Now you’ve been recorded, how do you explain this.
This whole situation with the trending Russian guy using smart glasses to secretly film women is deeply disturbing. I’m seeing videos of how he approaches strangers, and by evening some of these women are already at his hotel or apartment. There are also claims he’s allegedly… pic.twitter.com/eimYe8bmM6
The One-Week Observation for gospel icon Yaw Sarpong is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at Asuofua Park in Kumasi.
Yaw Sarpong’s passing was announced by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, on January 20, 2026, throwing the Asomafo family and the broader gospel fraternity into profound grief.
Supporters of the group are also mourning the recent death of Maame Tiwa, a devoted member whose loss deeply affected the group just weeks earlier.
The event will commemorate Yaw Sarpong’s life and enduring influence, highlighting his impact on Ghana’s gospel music scene. As the founder and leader of Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he helped define Akan gospel with a unique style characterised by strong theological messaging, well-trained vocal delivery, and carefully structured choral arrangements.
The group’s songs, widely recognised for blending spiritual richness with musical excellence, shaped church choir performances across the country and raised the benchmark for gospel presentations and choir leadership. Popular tracks including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa remain widely used in worship and Christian events throughout Ghana.
His passing follows closely on the death of Maame Tiwa, a prominent member of the Asomafo group, whose loss shook the gospel music community about a month ago.
Yaw Sarpong had been unwell for several years and had reduced his public appearances while undergoing treatment.
He is widely recognised as a towering figure in Ghana’s gospel music landscape, having led Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo to national prominence. The group played a significant role in shaping contemporary Akan gospel music, earning respect for its rich lyrical depth and disciplined, doctrine-based musical style.
Throughout his career, Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo released several well-known gospel songs, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa, which remain popular in churches across the country.
In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Maame Tiwaa also passed away some weeks ago.
According to reports by UTV, the veteran singer died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. She is said to have passed on after a brief illness, although the exact cause of her sudden death has not yet been disclosed.
Maame Tiwaa was widely admired for her long-standing collaboration with Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo Band, a partnership that earned her a revered place in Ghana’s gospel music community.
After four decades in the industry, she recently earned her first nomination at the 3Music Awards 2021, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Known for her distinctive and angelic voice, Maame Tiwaa featured in several popular songs, including Tenabea Foforo, Yen Nka Nkyere Yen Agya, Sumenaso, and other well-loved gospel hits.
Since news of her passing broke, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, with many expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Yaw Sarpong and the entire Asomafo family.
The musician’s family has not yet released an official statement. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Veteran actor, director and cultural advocate William Addo, widely known by his stage name Akpatse, is dead.
According to reports, he died on November 22, 2025, after years of battling severe health complications.
Veteran actor William “Akpatse” Addo, was loved for his roles on GTV’s Thursday Theatre. His comic talent and stage presence, became a household name in Ghanaian theatre and television.
Akpatse was a trained scholar, holding a degree in Drama from the University of Ghana and a master’s in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds.
He held important roles in the arts, including Director at the National Theatre and Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture, and taught many of Ghana’s top actors as a university lecturer.
In recent years, he battled serious health problems, including vision loss from glaucoma and cataracts.
His Funeral arrangements will however, be announced soon.
Last year, renowned Ghanaian actor, Vincent McCauley, famous for his role in the beloved 90s television series “Things We Do For Love,” passed away.
The news of his demise was confirmed by his colleague actor and friend, Adjetey Annang.
Known as Max in the TV series, Vincent McCauley is reported to have died on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Vincent McCauley’s notable roles also include appearances in movies such as “Games People Play,” “Fortune Island,” “Office Palava,” “Living With Trisha: House of Secrets,” and “The Idiot and I.”
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in from various sources.
Adjetey Annan, also known as Pusher, a rival to Max in the 90s series, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Rivals on set ‘Pusher & Max’ since 1999 but cool guys off set. Thank you for being a part of the family and paying your dues very well. Rest in perfect peace brother🙏 Our deepest condolences to the family.”
Numerous other celebrities have taken to social media to share their condolences.
R.I.P to a Ghanaian screen legend Vincent McCauley💔 pic.twitter.com/6fiS1Jnqtc— Silverbird Cinemas Ghana (@SilverbirdGhana) January 18, 2024
In February this year, celebrated actor Mawuli Semevo died after a fire accident.
The 63-year-old veteran actor’s unfortunate incident happened on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after suffering burns.
On February 8, 2025, Judith Addison of Beyond Burns International, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing advocacy and support for burn survivors, reported that Mawuli was in critical condition.
“Beyond Burns International got an SOS that something unfortunate has happened. We came here today, and veteran actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in a severe fire accident. I came here to see him, and his life is hanging in the balance,” Judith said in the video report posted on their social media pages.
According to her, Mawuli was sleeping in his house when it caught fire.
“He has suffered burns up to 44% of his body. He has respiratory injuries and cannot breathe properly. This is very serious. From his head to his legs. Everywhere caught fire, and he has lost all his hair,” she further stated.
The report was later corroborated by actors such as Ken Fiati and Edinam Atatsi.
Mawuli Semevo is known for his immaculate acting skills both on stage and in movies.
He has played roles in movies such as ‘ Harvest at 17’, ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Escape of Love’, ‘Like Cotton Twines’ and ‘The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.’
Months ago in Nigeria, renowned Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Dr. Columbus Irosanga, sadly departed.
Actress Hilda Dokubo announced the news on her Instagram account on Thursday.
In her heartfelt message, she wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood.”
She continued, “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”
Originating from Okrika in Rivers State, Dr. Irosanga became a household name for his compelling performances as chief priests in Nollywood films.
He is especially remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of “Igbudu” in the 2001 hit film, Isakaba.
His extraordinary acting skills garnered him numerous prestigious awards, such as Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Beyond his film career, Dr. Irosanga was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring many budding actors.
He is survived by his spouse and children, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. His passing represents a profound loss to both the academic and entertainment sectors in Nigeria.
Guinness World Records has marked Valentine’s Day by celebrating a couple’s unique achievement for exchanging the highest number of kisses in 30 seconds.
Joshua Saunders and his partner, Jenny, set the record last year after completing the challenge within half a minute. The achievement gained renewed attention after the records body shared the moment on X as part of this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations.
A short video accompanying the post captured the couple exchanging rapid kisses during their record attempt. The clip has since circulated widely online, drawing attention as a playful display of affection and friendly competition.
Sharing the video, Guinness World Records wrote: “Happy Valentine’s Day! Last year, Joshua Saunders set a record for the most kisses in 30 seconds by a pair with his partner, Jenny.”
The post attracted thousands of reactions from social media users, with many commending the couple’s enthusiasm and congratulating them on their achievement.
The recognition forms part of global Valentine’s Day celebrations, highlighting the creative ways couples express and celebrate love.
Whenever Valentine’s Day comes around, people often think of expressing love, exchanging romantic gifts, heart-shaped symbols, and dressing in shades of red or pink.
In recent times, Ghanaian society has marked the day as a National Chocolate Day celebration.
But what exactly is the story behind this day?
The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to 268–270 AD in the Roman Empire, during the short reign of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. A Christian martyr, St. Valentine, lived and served as a priest during this period.
Historical accounts suggest that St. Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies for Christian couples, defying the Emperor’s decree that prohibited marriage.
Claudius had banned young men from marrying, believing that unmarried men made better soldiers since they had no wives or families to worry about when called to war.
Eventually, St. Valentine was arrested by Roman soldiers and imprisoned while awaiting execution.
During his imprisonment, he grew close to the jailer’s daughter and, according to legend, healed her blindness through prayer. On the day of his execution, St. Valentine left her a farewell note signed “from your Valentine”, a gesture that inspired the tradition of sending love notes and flowers on Valentine’s Day.
St. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD, and buried near the Via Flaminia. Couples who had been married by him began commemorating his sacrifice, and over time, the day became associated with love and romance.
By the 18th century in England and France, Valentine’s Day had evolved into an occasion for couples to express affection through gifts, flowers, and greeting cards.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as one of the most iconic events dedicated to love. As February 14 approaches, while you share love with your special ones, remember the man whose courage and compassion gave birth to this tradition.
As the red-and-white bunting goes up across Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, the annual last-minute scramble for the perfect Valentine’s Day gesture between lovers begins.
For some, the preparation began at the beginning of February, as soon as their pockets were filled with their monthly salaries after Detty December swallowed every note and coin in their bank accounts and MoMo wallets.
In 2026, the Ghanaian romantic landscape has shifted away from generic imports toward high-end, locally crafted experiences and artisanal luxury.
The taste for foreign goods has gradually dwindled, with many embracing homegrown pleasure moments on the back of a boost in local attractions and hidden gems unveiled to the world.
Whether you are navigating the chic boutiques of East Legon or planning a quiet evening at home, these five gift ideas promise to transform the fourteenth of February into an unforgettable celebration of love.
1. The ‘Gold’ of Ghana: Artisanal luxury chocolates
Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer and the leader in premium cocoa, but the real romance lies in our recent “Bean-to-Bar” revolution. Forget the mass-produced bars; this year is all about handcrafted, luxury confectionery.
Brands like 57 Chocolate, Moments, Bioko, and customised sensual chocolates that melt the heart by Cocobytes offer elegantly packaged gift boxes.
Look for collections featuring Adinkra-themed chocolates, where symbols like Akoma (the heart) are embossed directly onto the cocoa, representing deep-seated love and patience or go for customised chocolates with the photo of your lover, carefully delivered by Cocobytes.
High-end retailers such as Shoprite or Palace, and speciality boutiques in Labone or Chocolate Mall in Dzorwulu, can do the trick.
2. Bespoke Heritage: Personalised Kente and Smock accessories
For a gift that feels deeply personal and culturally resonant, contemporary Ghanaian fashion accessories are the ultimate power gift.
Instead of a traditional full cloth, opt for modern pieces like Kente-bound luxury journals, silk-lined smock (fugu) ties, or bespoke laptop sleeves.
It combines the prestige of Ghanaian heritage with everyday functionality, ensuring your lover thinks of you throughout their professional day.
3. The Great Escape: A romantic retreat to the Volta Lake
If your love language is quality time, trading the humidity and bustling, stressful aura in the capital for the cool breezes of Akosombo or the Volta Region is a classic move that never fails.
The Royal Senchi, Bridgeview Resort, or The Peninsula Resort offer breathtaking views that rival any international destination.
A private sunset boat cruise under the Adomi Bridge provides the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt conversation—or even a life-changing question.
The 2026 wellness trend is all about glow-up kits using indigenous ingredients. Ghana’s organic beauty sector is now a global leader in ethical luxury.
Build a hamper featuring R&R Luxury’s Glow Oil, Nokware Skincare’s shea-based butter, or Hamamat’s raw golden shea.
Include a hand-woven sapɔ (exfoliating sponge) and liquid black soap for an authentic spa experience at home.
5. The Ultimate Intimacy: A private chef dining experience
With popular restaurants in Osu, East Legon and Cantonments usually overbooked, many are choosing the exclusivity of their own dining rooms.
Hire a professional private chef to curate a Gourmet Ghanaian fusion menu.
Imagine Jollof Arancini starters, followed by Grilled Tilapia and a dessert of Hibiscus-infused (Sobolo) Poached Pears.
It offers a level of privacy and personalisation that even the finest five-star hotel cannot replicate.
A fuel tanker explosion has destroyed multiple vehicles along the Nsawam-Accra highway in the early hours of Saturday, February 14, 2026, causing heavy traffic congestion on the busy stretch.
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred after the tanker was involved in a collision, which caused the vehicle to catch fire.
Thick black smoke was seen rising from the scene, sparking fear among motorists and residents in nearby communities.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly and are working to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to other vehicles and properties. Emergency responders have since cordoned off the affected section of the road as firefighting operations continue.
No casualties have been confirmed so far. However, emergency teams are still assessing the situation and searching the area to ensure that no victims are trapped.
The incident has caused significant traffic disruption along the Nsawam-Accra route, which serves as a major link between the Eastern Region and Accra.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when approaching the area and to use alternative routes while firefighting and vehicle recovery operations continue. Police personnel are also at the scene managing traffic and ensuring the safety of road users.
Meanwhile, Eastern South Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi, has warned the public against stealing fuel from tankers involved in road accidents.
The warning comes after a fatal fuel tanker explosion was reported at Ntoaso on the Accra–Nsawam Highway in the Eastern Region, which killed three people and damaged property.
According to a report by 3News.com, Suhum Fire Service Public Relations Officer ADO1 Akonoh Opare Ohene Daniel explained that the blast occurred when residents tried to steal fuel from the overturned tanker.
“The residents in this area were siphoning the fuel, leading to the explosion. Traffic had already built up, and a female motorist who was trapped behind was burnt too.This is wrong. Residents along highways must stop engaging in such illegal activities,” he stated.
He therefore urged the public to refrain from such dangerous and illegal acts and allow experts to manage accident scenes at all times.
The 3News.com report added that Eyewitnesses revealed that the incident happened around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, when a fuel tanker heading toward Kumasi reportedly overturned along the shoulder of the busy highway.
Several residents and motorcycle riders rushed to the scene to steal fuel from the overturned vehicle.
The situation quickly turned deadly when the tanker ignited, causing an explosion that claimed the lives of two men and one woman.
The blast also destroyed around five vehicles caught in traffic, including motorcycles believed to belong to the victims. Passengers and bystanders fled as flames spread across the area.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and National Ambulance Service responded swiftly.
Several individuals who sustained life-threatening injuries were rescued and taken to Nsawam Government Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Suhum Government Hospital morgue.
Eastern South Regional Police Commander DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi stated that police officers would remain at the scene to manage traffic while Fire Service personnel continue efforts to extinguish the flames.
Holders of the Ghanaian passport have been assured of additional visa waiver agreements expected to take effect between March and May 2026, a move aimed at expanding international travel opportunities for citizens.
The assurance was given by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, after signing a visa-free travel agreement with Zambia weeks ago, on the sidelines of the ongoing AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 12.
“Expect more visa waiver agreements this year. Even within the month of March, you’ll be hearing some good news. April, some good news. May, there’ll be some good news. Expect more,” he told journalists.
The travel arrangements cover a combination of full visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival access, and electronic visa (E-visa) options.
Countries offering visa-free access include Bahamas – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Bangladesh – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Barbados – 180 days visa-free stay allowed, Belize, Benin – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, British Virgin Islands, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia – 30 days, Cape Verde Islands – 90 days visa-free stay allowed (Requirement to register online 5 days before arrival), Cook Islands, Cote d’Ivoire – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Dominica – 180 days visa-free stay allowed, eSwatini – 30 days visa-free stay allowed, Fiji – 4 months visa-free stay allowed, Grenada – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Guinea – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Guinea-Bissau – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Guyana – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Haiti – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Jamaica – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Kenya – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Kiribati – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Liberia, Malawi – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Maldives – Free VOA, Mali, Mauritius – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Micronesia – 30 days visa-free stay allowed, Niger, Nigeria, Palau Islands – Free VOA, Philippines – 30 days visa-free stay allowed, Rwanda – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Samoa – 60 days visa-free stay allowed, Senegal – 90 days visa-free stay allowed.
Other destinations providing similar travel privileges include South Africa – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Tanzania – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Uganda – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Vanuatu – 120 days visa-free stay allowed, Zimbabwe – 90 days visa-free stay allowed, Zambia – Visa On Arrival, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Iran, Jordan, Macao (SAR China), Maldives, Namibia, Nicaragua, Palau Islands, Samoa, Somalia, St. Lucia, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu – E-Visa, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Botswana, Bolivia, Cameroon, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritania, Moldova, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, São Tomé and Príncipe, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Mr Ablakwa stressed that the government is determined to enhance the global standing of the national travel document.
“We want the Ghanaian passport to be the most valued passport in Africa and one of the most valued anywhere in the world. And we are on course. We are very much on course,” he stated.
He praised officials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for their role in advancing negotiations and urged them to sustain their efforts.
“I’m excited about the progress we are making, and I want to congratulate the team of diplomats I work with who are helping me in the negotiations and who are in the advance team doing a lot of heavy lifting as we negotiate with all of these countries. And I’m really excited about what we are achieving with visa waivers since I became foreign minister,” he noted.
The Minister also highlighted improvements in the security features of Ghana’s new passport.
“Remember that the passport itself, many people do not know that it is now probably the most secure in terms of the security features we have. It’s now fully chip-embedded, no longer biometric, and we are ahead of so many countries,” Mr Ablakwa stressed.
Visa waiver arrangements allow citizens to enter participating countries without undergoing the often lengthy and expensive process of applying for a visa before travel.
For businesses in Ghana, the policy is expected to simplify entry into foreign markets and strengthen cross-border trade. The tourism sector is also anticipated to benefit, as reciprocal visa arrangements could attract more visitors into the country, supporting growth in hospitality, aviation, and related industries.
Ghana and Zambia no longer require visas for travel between the two countries following a historic visa waiver agreement .
The move, announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit to Zambia, is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between the two African countries.
Narrating the events that preceded the agreement, Mr Ablakwa explained that he was in contact with the Chief Director, who was chairing a technical committee meeting.
He reminded her of the presidential directive, but there was initially some confusion because Ghana has three types of passports, diplomatic, service, and ordinary—while they only had two, Diplomatic and then the ordinary passport.
Ablakwa said he stressed that the directive came from the president, leaving the Zambian government with no choice but to agree to the deal.
“If you want our president to be here and you want his wishes to be granted, then you have to make sure that we reach this deal. And at 11: 30pm last night, they reached out to their president, and he said if it is my brother’s wish, I am going to grant you. So we have the visa-waver agreement,” Ablakwa announced.
Adding that, “this will bring the number to fifteen visa waiver agreements since President Mahama was sworn into office.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced that INTERPOL has removed the Red Notice issued against former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, while legal processes to secure his return to Ghana remain ongoing.
In a statement released on February 13, 2026, the OSP explained that the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files ordered the deletion of the notice after reviewing circumstances surrounding its issuance and subsequent developments in the case.
According to the OSP, the Commission cited concerns relating to political neutrality and notice processing rules. It noted that the situation at the time the Red Notice was issued was influenced by intense public and political commentary about the investigation and extradition process.
“The Commission directed the deletion of the notice under INTERPOL’s rules on political neutrality and notice processing, citing contextual factors at the time of issuance, including ‘polarized political statements from members of current and former administrations about the conduct of the investigation,’ as well as public controversy surrounding prosecutorial and extradition processes,” the statement said.
The Commission also took into account acknowledgements by senior officials at the Ministry of Justice that extradition could not be pursued at the time because the case was still at an early procedural stage.
The OSP further indicated that later developments made the Red Notice unnecessary. These included confirmation of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s location, cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and law enforcement officials in the United States, and the commencement of extradition processes following his arrest on January 6, 2026.
Despite the removal of the international alert, the OSP stressed that efforts to prosecute the case remain active. It disclosed that summons issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court of Justice, Accra have been forwarded to authorities in the United States to compel Mr. Ofori-Atta to appear in court to answer multiple criminal charges.
The anti-corruption body emphasised that it continues to pursue the case through established legal and diplomatic channels.
The OSP reiterated its commitment to carrying out its mandate strictly in accordance with the law, adding that it remains focused on ensuring due process and the fair and impartial prosecution of corruption and corruption-related offences.
In June last year, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) refused the legal team of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s request for a virtual session for a probe into allegations of financial loss to the state.
Ken Ofori-Atta was expected to appear before the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) today; however, that was not possible as sources reported deterioration in his health.
His legal team is said to have formally communicated the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline scheduled surgical procedures.
The OSP, in reaction to the request during an engagement with the press today, declared Mr Ofori-Atta a wanted person again and issued an Interpol Red Notice for failing to appear before the OSP after assuring the office of his presence.
According to the OSP, the lawyers of Mr Ofori-Atta say their client is expected to undergo a medical procedure for cancer later this month.
It noted the failure of the former minister to inform the OSP of changes in medical procedure that were to have happened in March of this year.
“He has failed to show any medical report that shows he is a medical risk.”
“We want him physically, and we insist on it,” the OSP said, while noting that Mr Ofori-Atta cannot indicate the mode of investigation.
“His conduct is totally unacceptable. We will no longer tolerate him.”
In February, the OSP declared Ofori-Atta wanted for causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, which include the following:
Contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority for the stated objective of the enhancement of revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resource value chain.
Termination of a distribution, loss reduction, and associated network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xhao Chen Technology BXC.
Procurement of contractors and materials and activities and payments in respect of the National Cathedral project
Activities and payments in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiative to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchases and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 304 5 CDI Ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
Payments out of and utilization of the tax refund account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Later, the legal representatives of the former finance minister informed the OSP that their client is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States and is unable to honor an invitation for questioning.
Ofori-Atta then assured the OSP of its commitment to appearing for questioning on a fixed date, which influenced the OSP’s decision to temporarily take his name off the list in March.
However, the office stressed that he is legally obligated to show up on June 2. Failure to do so, an Interpol Red Notice would be issued and extradition proceedings would be initiated in any country where he may be located.
Ken Ofori-Atta then took legal steps to block the OSP from re-declaring him wanted. His lawsuit argues that the agency’s actions are baseless and unjustified.
Ofori-Atta has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and corruption, insisting that he has been cooperating with investigators through his legal representatives.
In his court filing, he contends that the OSP’s actions have inflicted serious harm on his reputation and personal life. He is seeking a legal injunction to prevent further declarations against him until the case is fully resolved.
The Human Rights Court has adjourned to June 18 for a ruling on the motion filed by the former Finance Minister, seeking to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted, among other reliefs.
INTERPOL Red Notice
A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.
INTERPOL cannot compel the law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice.
Each member country decides what legal value it gives to a Red Notice and the authority of their law enforcement officers to make arrests.
A new producer price for cocoa has been announced by government with the aim of stabilising the sector and supporting farmers.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, while addressing the Press on Thursday, February 12, explained that the decision was influenced by prevailing circumstances within the international cocoa trade.
“As a result of that, the PPRC thereby announces that effective today, Thursday 12th February 2026, the new producer price for the remainder of the 2025–2026 crop season will now be 41,392 Ghana Cedis per ton and 2,587 Ghana Cedis per bag,” he said.
The new price approved by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) will take effect from Today Thursday, February 12, with the revised price translating to GH¢2,587 per bag.
This development comes in the aftermath of an emergency Cabinet meeting convened by President John Dramani Mahama On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 to address thousands of cocoa farmers across the country who have been left unpaid for months, with some struggling to afford even basic meals.
The Finance Minister disclosed that the Government has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to commence immediate payment to all affected cocoa farmers who are owed money
The Finance Minister revealed that the Cabinet has approved comprehensive reforms to guarantee fair prices to cocoa farmers, secure the financial viability of the cocoa sector, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“To bring relief to unpaid cocoa farmers, Cabinet has accordingly directed the Ghana Cocoa Board to commence immediate payment of all affected cocoa farmers,” he added.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is dealing with about 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa that remain unsold at the ports, while Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) are owed roughly GH¢2.04 billion ($185 million) by the regulator.
Several farmers have gone without payment since November 2025, compelling many to cut down on meals, pull their children out of school, and neglect routine farm upkeep. The situation has further escalated, with reports indicating that some farmers have held purchasing clerks over unpaid cocoa transactions.
The delays in payment have been attributed to several issues, including the loss of international financial support, a disparity between Ghana’s farmgate pricing and the sharp drop in global cocoa prices, as well as inherited forward sales agreements signed when prices were significantly lower.
Under the planned reforms, the government intends to submit a new Cocoa Board bill to Parliament aimed at introducing an automatic system for adjusting producer prices.
The draft legislation seeks to synchronise cocoa producer prices with global market price trends, currency exchange fluctuations, and other essential indicators.
Importantly, the proposed bill will ensure that cocoa farmers receive no less than 70% of the gross FOB (Free on Board) price.
“Cabinet has therefore decided on the following reforms to guarantee a fair price to the cocoa farmer, secure the financial viability of the cocoa sector, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry,” Dr Ato Forson stated.
In May 2025, COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey expressed deep concern over the limited results achieved from a major cocoa rehabilitation initiative, despite the significant financial investment it received.
He revealed that although $263 million was borrowed to restore 156,000 hectares of cocoa farms damaged by disease, only 40,000 hectares had been rehabilitated when he took over leadership.
“If we had successfully done this 156,000 hectares, it would have contributed up to 200,000 tonnes to our production; we took all this money, and all we have to show is just 40,000 hectares completed,” he said, speaking to farmers in Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.
The rehabilitation program was introduced after nearly 40 percent of cocoa farms were found to be infected, prompting urgent intervention by COCOBOD’s previous administration—a move Dr. Abbey said was well-intentioned.
However, he added that the project later received an additional GHS700 million, and he questioned how the funds were applied, given the modest progress achieved. He disclosed that the matter is now under scrutiny by the relevant investigative institutions.
“There are agencies responsible for the investigation of these things. I am saddened by what has happened because it was the golden opportunity to turn things around in the sector,” he noted.
To reverse the trend and bolster production, Dr. Abbey said COCOBOD was focused on rehabilitating 21,000 hectares of abandoned cocoa farms at the time.
He affirmed his personal commitment to seeing it through, stating, “We have left some in the bush, and that is what I am trying to go and work on them and be able to hand them over so we can add them to the productive stock of farms we have.”He also mentioned that the new management inherited road contracts worth GHS21 billion and debt of GHS4.4 billion, posing additional challenges to the sector’s recovery.
Popular American streamer and content creator Darren Watkins Jr., widely known as IShowSpeed, has described his visit to Kenya as the most memorable moment from his recent tour of Africa, highlighting the overwhelming turnout and reception he received from fans in the East African country.
Reflecting on his experiences across the continent, the online personality recounted the massive crowd that gathered to watch him livestream and interact with fans in Kenya.
He expressed amazement at the scale of support he witnessed, noting that the experience left a lasting impression on him.
“My one single favorite memory, that’s a broad question because so much happened, but I would say my Kenya visit was crazy. The number of people who came out was unbelievable. I think it was maybe around 30,000 people from the city just to watch me stream and be part of the experience. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people before. Just to think that I could pull that many in Africa… I was astonished,” he said.
IShowSpeed’s African tour attracted thousands of fans across several countries, with many young followers turning up to engage with the digital star known for his energetic livestreams, gaming content, and spontaneous public interactions.
His visit to Kenya particularly generated widespread excitement on social media, with videos showing large crowds escorting and cheering him on as he moved through the city.
The streamer’s growing popularity across Africa reflects the increasing influence of digital creators on global youth culture, as well as the strong connection between African audiences and international online personalities.
His tour also sparked conversations about the continent’s vibrant fan base and its growing role in shaping global entertainment trends.
IShowSpeed says his Kenya trip was his favourite livestream on his African tour. pic.twitter.com/AALgftBQLN
Popular Ghanaian YouTuber and digital storyteller Wode Maya shed light on what truly happened behind the scenes during IShowSpeed’s widely discussed trip to Ghana.
In an interview with Bola Ray on GHOne TV, he said the viral clips circulating online captured only a fraction of the full experience.
Wode Maya explained that the visit came with major logistical challenges, noting that problems began shortly after they arrived in Akropong. Within minutes, a massive crowd had formed, effectively bringing the area to a halt. He said the sudden influx of people made it difficult to control movement and maintain their plans.
He admitted to being particularly disappointed that details of IShowSpeed’s itinerary had circulated prematurely.
“I wasn’t happy that information about his movements got out early,” he said, explaining that the leaks undermined several carefully planned surprises. Some of the streamer’s ideas were designed to shock and delight audiences, but once the public already knew what to expect, the impact was lost. As a result, a number of activities had to be called off.
It has emerged that American streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed could not visit all the places arranged for is tour in Ghana.
In an interview on Okay FM on January 27, 2026, the deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana, said IShowSpeed was supposed to visit five (5) more places before ending his tour in Ghana.
Unfortunately, limited time and the large crowds following him altered the plan.
“He was supposed to see Reggie Rockstone and go to the Despite Automobile Museum. However, how things worked out yesterday, he couldn’t visit some of the planned places. Republic Bar, Osu Night Market, Goldbod Jewellery, etc. They were all part of the itinerary, but he couldn’t visit them all,” he said.
Ghana attracted global attention on January 26, 2026, following the arrival of international streamer and content creator Daren Jason Watkins, popularly known as IShowSpeed, as part of his tour of the African continent.
During the visit, the content creator travelled to Akropong in the Eastern Region, where traditional authorities received him with an Akan naming ceremony.
The ceremony exposed the streamer to traditional cultural practices, after which he was given the local name Barima Kofi Akuffo.
Following the naming rite, IShowSpeed boarded a private helicopter that transported him from Akropong to Burma Camp in Accra before proceeding to the Independence Square for scheduled activities.
The brief helicopter journey from Akropong to Accra became the most tracked flight globally on Flightradar24.
Reports indicate that flight 9GAFW AS50 ranked first on the platform on January 26, 2026, with more than 3,000 people monitoring the flight while following the livestream.
The visit, which generated significant public interest, featured several activities, including car stunt displays, a massage session at the shea butter museum, an interaction with the daughter of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, a boxing experience in Bukom, a backflip at Black Star Square, and a visit to the Asenema Waterfall.
If you want this tightened further or adjusted to match a news release style, I can refine it
When American livestreamer iShowSpeed announced plans for an African tour, early reactions from his online audience pointed to Ghana as one of the safest destinations on the continent.
By January 25, 2026, the streamer arrived in Ghana after visiting several other African countries.
The visit has sparked debate over the tangible image or economic benefits Ghana stands to gain and whether the impact is mutually beneficial or largely one-sided.
At face value, the question appears reasonable, particularly around why the arrival of a 21-year-old American streamer has generated significant public interest.
Understanding the scale of his influence provides some clarity. iShowSpeed has more than 50 million subscribers on YouTube, a figure that surpasses Ghana’s population of just over 30 million.
In effect, his digital reach exceeds the total number of people living in the country.
His livestreams often attract more than 200,000 concurrent viewers, with previous broadcasts recording even higher peaks.
This level of exposure mirrors the audience size governments typically pursue through expensive tourism campaigns, cultural diplomacy, and international branding efforts.
The tour also challenges traditional tourism promotion models. A single content creator with global reach can achieve in weeks what formal strategies may take years to deliver.
Unlike state-led marketing campaigns, his streams are not packaged as advertisements, making them appear spontaneous and authentic to viewers.
Although Speed holds no official tourism ambassador role, his content has
Goldbod Jewellery Limited has cautioned the public against engaging with any investment scheme or platform claiming to operate under its name, warning that such activities are fraudulent.
In a public notice, the company stated that it has not authorised or partnered with any entity operating under the name “Gold Investment Opportunity” or any similar initiative. The company urged the public to treat such claims as deceptive and report them to the appropriate authorities.
“Goldbod Jewellery Limited wishes to inform the general public that we are not affiliated with, connected to, aware of any scheme or platform described as “Gold Investment Opportunity” operating in our name. Any such representation should be treated as fraudulent and reported to the appropriate authorities.”
The company clarified that its only approved gold investment product is the Gold Tablet, which is available in 1 gram, 5 grams, 10 grams, and 31 grams.
“Goldbod Jewellery’s only recognized gold investment product is our Gold Tablet, available in 1 gram, 5 grams, 10 grams, and 31 grams. We do not operate any other investment packages, online trading platforms, or third party gold schemes.”
Goldbod Jewellery further advised customers to purchase its Gold Tablets exclusively from its official showrooms or through its verified contact channels. The designated outlets include its Accra Showroom located at Diamond House on Kinbu Road, Osu Showroom at the Oxford Street Main Junction, East Legon Showroom at Tele Avenue, Tema Showroom at Community 11 near Hospital Road, Spintex Showroom at Marina Mall, Kumasi Showroom at Ampram Arcade in Adum, and the Prempeh Showroom.
“Members of the public are advised to purchase Goldbod Jewellery Gold Tablets only from our official showrooms at Accra Showroom (Diamond House, Kinbu Road), Osu Showroom (Oxford Street, Main Junction), East Legon Showroom (Tele Avenue), Tema Showroom (Community 11, Hospital Road), Spintex Showroom (Marina Mall, Kumasi Showroom (Ampram Arcade, Adum) and Prempeh Showroom or through our website at jewellery@goldbod.gov.gh or contact us on 055 810 005 or 0551 522 233. We do not sell through third parties, agents, or audiovisual platforms.”
The company encouraged the public to remain vigilant and verify all transactions to avoid falling victim to fraudsters impersonating the brand.
Please be guided accordingly and report any suspicious activity claiming to represent Goldbod Jewellery.
Unlicensed jewellery manufacturers, gold fabricators and gold refineries operating in the country were given a February 2 ultimatum to regularize their operations.
According to a press statement issued by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) on Wednesday, January 28, emphasised that “Engaging in these activities without a valid GoldBod licence constitutes an offence and punishable under Act 1140.”
The statement further added that “in light of the above, a team of GoldBod inspectors would be deployed from Monday, February 2, 2026 to ensure that only duly persons engage in jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication and gold refining businesses in Ghana”.
Last year, GoldBod directed all existing jewellery manufacturers, fabricators and gold refineries to regularise their operations by 31st December, 2025.
“On October 22, 2025, the GoldBod issued a press statement which indicated that all existing jewellery manufacturers, fabricators and gold refineries were required to regularize their operations latest by 31st December 2025.”
As of Wednesday, January 28, about nine of the unlicensed companies have complied with the instructions of the GoldBod. These include Sourcechain Enterprise, Shepaj Limited Company, Koshuuz Enterprise, M.J. Jewellery Limited Company, Mahmoud’s Jewellery Limited, Agyaba Jewellery, and Gold Casting. The others are Goldlovers GH Limited, Wappahs Jewellery, Mahalaxmi Ghana Limited, and Sahara Jewellery Limited Company.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is the sole authority with exclusive right to buy, sell, weigh, grade, assay, value, and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana.
The Ghana Gold Board functions under the oversight and supervision of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Ghana. It is a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament (ACT 1140) in the year 2025 to oversee, regulate, and undertake the buying, selling, assaying, refining, exporting, and other related activities in respect of Gold and other Precious Minerals in Ghana.
The GoldBod, per section 78 of ACT 1140, took over the rights, obligations, assets, liabilities, and workforce of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited, which is an offshoot of the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board.
In 1963, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was established and charged with the responsibility of purchasing and marketing Ghana’s diamonds. In 1965, by a Legislative Instrument (LI) 401, the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board was incorporated as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).
Upon the promulgation of the diamonds decree (NRCD 32) in 1972, LI 916 was enacted to change the company’s name to Diamond Marketing Corporation.
In 1989, PNDC Law 219 was enacted to yet again change the Company’s name to the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation with enhanced functions to grade, assay, value gold, diamonds and other precious minerals of the country.
In the year 2000, the Corporation was converted by the Statutory Corporations Conversion to Companies Act (ACT 461) to a Limited Liability Company to operate under the Ghana Companies Code Act (ACT 179) 1963, as Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) Limited, with the same functions. In the year 2016, the PMMC was appointed the national assayer by the government of Ghana.
To strengthen industry regulation and optimise national benefits, the Ghana GoldBod was established on 2 April 2025 by the government of Ghana to restructure and streamline the precious mineral trading sector of Ghana.
The GoldBod initiative is a product of extensive stakeholder consultations and aims at maximising foreign exchange inflows, gold reserve accumulation and value addition for sustainable growth and transformation.
On July 7, a task force was inaugurated with a special mandate with specific powers as police officers to wage war against smuggling and all forms of illegal gold trading activities in the country.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, this will save the government from any leakages in revenue mobilisation in the sector, helping to generate and invest revenue for economic development.
“(This will) help the state combat and defeat the phenomenon of gold smuggling, the canker of illegal gold trading, and price disruptions that deprive the state of the needed revenue, profit, and the needed forex for our economy and the development of our country.
He thus cautioned traders to secure the appropriate licence to engage in any form of gold trading in the country, saying, “But for those who are hell bent on trading illegally without the licenses, we are serving notice that we are coming after you,” he announced.
Earlier, the GoldBod CEO on June 5 also warned that persons who trade without licenses would be prosecuted, adding that his outfit takes no bribes before the said licenses are issued. During a meeting with the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers, Mr Gyamfi stated that “I don’t take or demand bribes before I issue a license.”
The acting CEO noted that the process for registering has been made seamless and is devoid of corruption. “We have removed the human interface element, and so there is no corruption, bribery, inducements, or favouritism. It is a very transparent and competitive process, and once you qualify, you get the license,” he added.
Lauding his outfit’s results-oriented reforms and initiatives since his takeover as CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, during a media engagement, revealed that GoldBod has exceeded the $5 billion mark in gold export value for the first half of 2025, surpassing the $4.6 billion recorded for the entire year of 2024.
He expressed optimism that GoldBod would hit the 60-tonne export mark by the end of July 2025, driven by stronger compliance, improved oversight, and the streamlined licensing regime under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
“In the whole of 2024, gold exports stood at 66 tons with an export value of $4.6 billion. We have done only six months, and yet we have crossed the $4.6 billion. We have gone beyond $5 billion, and in terms of volumes, we have done 50 tons and over, and we are optimistic that by the end of next month, we will have hit 60 tons,” he said.
People on social media are praising choreographer Charm La’Donna following her work on Bad Bunny’s NFL Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on Sunday.
“Let’s applaud @CharmLadonna for the choreography she brings to the Super Bowl! Benito Bowl, Beyoncé’s Christmas Halftime Show, The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl… all brought to life through her incredible choreography,” Karen Civil wrote on X, celebrating La’Donna’s successes in some of the most epic halftime performances.
Indeed, La’Donna has a remarkable resume, besides choreographing three Super Bowl halftime shows, including Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar (2025), and The Weeknd (2021), as well as Beyoncé’s “Beyoncé Bowl.”
Being on other bigger stages and tours, La’Donna has also worked with musicians such as Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Shakira, Pharrell Williams, and Megan Trainor.
Most recently, she became the fourth Black woman in history to be recognized in the choreography category at the Emmys, joining Debbie Allen, Chloé Arnold, and Fatima Robinson, her mentor.
“The first thing I say is that I’m blessed and grateful. I’m still in shock. It’s an honor just to be acknowledged on this type of platform. It’s definitely a dream come true,” she said of the nod last year.
The Compton, California, native started as a dancer before rising to her current level as an award-winning choreographer and creative director.
Born Charmaine La’Donna Jordan, she began dance training at age 3 and even choreographed and performed a solo at kindergarten graduation.
Raised by her mom and grandma, La’Donna honed her skills in local recreation center dance classes before entering studios. She had her formal education at Regina’s School of the Arts and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.
As young as 10 years old, she was cast in a video by Robinson, who would become her mentor. Seven years later, Madonna hired her as a dancer while she was still in high school. And while still dancing professionally, La’Donna received a bachelor’s degree in world arts and cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles.
“Fatima [Robinson] kept me working,” she said to Essence. “I used my tour money and the money I was making with Fatima to pay for UCLA at the time. So yeah, I was broke but I grew up poor. It wasn’t new.”
“I didn’t work at Starbucks to pay my way through school. I was a choreographer on the schedule of artists and moving around and trying to figure it out. By the grace of God, I got through it.”
La’Donna always knew she wanted to be in the arts. “I wanted to choreograph, I wanted to perform, I wanted to be in front of the camera as much as possible. Choreography and dance is the door that opened it all up for me.”
Today, she believes that she is more than just a choreographer as she also sees herself as “a storyteller, tastemaker and soon-to-be-director.”
“I call myself a hybrid. I have trained in many different styles, art forms of dance, and I feel like all of the styles that I’ve been able to study are blended well and put out through me,” she said to USA Today. “So I take my experiences, I look at the world, and I’m able to blend it in my body, and God allowed me to move and put it out.”
Before the Emmy nomination, La’Donna won best choreography at MTV’s Video Music Awards, 2024, for her work on Dua Lipa’s “Houdini.” The following year, she was nominated for the same category for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video.
She now seeks to start directing while expanding her work into TV and film and mentoring other dancers.
The 37-year-old believes that what sets her apart from other dancers and choreographers is the trust she builds with the artists she works with.
“I do work with very different artists, and I think for me, the key is doing my best to understand the person. I always say none of my artists could look the same because they’re different. They’re different people. And when you get to know them, you understand that, which is why I think the trust is there,” she told Springhill in 2025.
“The ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ was my first time working with Beyoncé, and it was just a beyond amazing experience for me,” she said to USA Today that same year. “I’m so grateful and blessed to be able to work with amazing artists across the board — Beyoncé and Kendrick included. I feel like every project that I work on has some impact on me.”
A countrywide public opinion survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) indicates that President John Dramani Mahama continues to receive notable backing from citizens one year after returning to office, with 68% of Ghanaians expressing satisfaction with his performance.
The poll, conducted in December 2025 and involving more than 1,000 respondents from every region in the country, found that 22% of participants were dissatisfied with the President’s performance, while 10% said they had no view.
In a press statement issued on February 11, 2026, the IEA explained that the approval rating points to sustained public confidence in President Mahama’s leadership, even as the country grapples with several economic and social difficulties.
“Public support for President John Mahama is high, with a 68% job approval rating,” the report stated.
The findings also revealed strong public anxiety over the escalating cost of living. About 71% of respondents said they are highly worried about the prices of food and other essential goods, while 20% indicated moderate concern.
In total, 91% of those surveyed acknowledged some degree of worry about increasing prices, underscoring the financial strain many households continue to experience.
The survey ranked unemployment as the country’s most urgent challenge, with 46% of respondents identifying it as their primary concern. Illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey, followed with 30%, signalling persistent public unease about environmental destruction and contamination of water bodies.
Meanwhile, corruption and the overall economic situation were cited by 9% and 8% of respondents, respectively, as the nation’s most critical issues.
President Mahama was sworn into office on January 7, 2025, at a time when citizens held strong expectations after the country endured economic difficulties marked by heavy debt, a weakening currency, rising inflation, and job losses.
The IEA observed that although several major economic indicators are showing signs of improvement, the country still faces considerable social and economic hurdles.
The institute added that while many Ghanaians remain optimistic about President Mahama’s leadership, they are also mindful of the urgent economic and structural challenges that demand attention.
Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has applauded government’s performance to date.
In a Facebook post on Monday, May 5, she wrote “so far, so great” expressing her optimism over the positive developments under President Mahama’s administration.
Reflecting on the government’s initial progress, Mogtari pointed to the President’s 57% popular vote and the ongoing approval ratings as strong indicators of the administration’s success.
“I have been closely following the approval ratings of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, and like many Ghanaians, I am confident that we are on the right track,” she wrote, highlighting the tangible progress made during the first 120 days of Mahama’s second term.
Central to her post was an announcement about the forthcoming launch of a new Code of Conduct and Ethics.
“Today, President Mahama takes a bold step forward. He will formally launch the Code of Conduct and Ethics, which is a framework that will be binding on all public office holders, government officials, politically exposed persons, and their close associates,” Mogtari said.
She emphasized that the framework, which applies to all public office holders, government officials, politically exposed persons, and their close associates, is specifically designed to eliminate conflicts of interest and strengthen accountability in governance.
She also explained that one of the central provisions of the new policy is a ban on political appointees and their associates acquiring state assets.
“At the heart of this policy is a ban on political appointees and their close associates from acquiring state assets,” she emphasized.
According to Mogtari, the launch of the Code of Conduct sends a clear and powerful message, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on conflicts of interest.
President John Dramani Mahama, in a national address marking the completion of his government’s first 120 days, reaffirmed his commitment to the pledges made under his 120-day contract with Ghanaians.
He assured citizens that his administration is taking urgent and sincere steps to deliver meaningful reforms.He emphasized the seriousness with which he approaches his promises: “I take my promises seriously. My word is my bond!”
He highlighted a range of bold measures already underway, describing them as essential building blocks for a national transformation agenda he calls “Resetting Ghana.”
“From forming a lean government and establishing a robust code of conduct to taking decisive steps to scrap burdensome taxes, initiating inquiries into past wrongdoings, launching major job creation programmes, tackling illegal mining, reviving our environment, promoting our tourism and export sectors, streamlining scholarships, supporting vulnerable populations, and holding our security agencies accountable – the foundation for ‘Resetting Ghana’ and ‘Building the Ghana we want together’ is being laid with speed and determination,” he said.
Mahama made it clear that these interventions are not for show or political gain, but signal a real departure from business as usual in governance.
“These actions are not merely checkboxes on a list; they signify a fundamental shift in how government operates – with transparency, accountability, efficiency, and a profound sense of urgency for the well-being of every Ghanaian,” he stated.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has ordered a thorough investigation into sanitary pads distributed under last year’s government Free Sanitary Pad Initiative following quality concerns.
The Minister revealed to journalists on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, that the Consumer Protection Agency has raised concerns that have influenced the decision to assess the products supplied to schools across the country.
“I have asked a team of auditors to go around the schools and do an audit of the quality of some of the sanitary pads that were supplied, because I received concerns from the Consumer Protection Agency of Ghana as to some poor quality of some of the sanitary pads that were supplied last year,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that he is examining the findings of the assessment and will subsequently guide the government on the next steps to take.
“I’m now evaluating the report of the assessment and I would advise government whether, how to deal with it into the future,” he added.
The Minister stressed that firms granted contracts under the initiative are expected to meet required standards and supply products of acceptable quality.
“But essentially, we want any company that wins a bid to be mindful of standards, minimum standards, that they produce quality and they don’t produce things that can embarrass government, embarrass the user and embarrass the student,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the welfare of students, cautioning that substandard products will not be tolerated.
“So we are particular about the concerns that have been raised about the quality of the sanitary pads that are supplied and there will be zero tolerance for poor quality sanitary pads,” Mr. Iddrisu stressed.
In October last year, the Ghana Education Service (GES) provided over 6.6 million sanitary pads to schoolgirls in all 16 regions, as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure girls do not miss school during their periods.
The program, announced in a statement on Saturday, October 11, coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child, observed worldwide under the theme, “The Girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of the crisis.”
GES explained that the initiative was designed to support the welfare and dignity of adolescent girls while addressing challenges that hinder girls’ education, particularly those related to menstrual hygiene.
“This initiative is in fulfilment of the government of Ghana’s promise to provide free sanitary pads to all schoolgirls, from basic to second cycle levels, on a monthly basis throughout their school life,” the statement said.
The service highlighted that the distribution demonstrated the government’s wider commitment to enhancing menstrual health, promoting gender equality in education, and safeguarding the confidence and well-being of adolescent girls.
The statement also reaffirmed GES’s ongoing support for girls nationwide, emphasizing their dedication to creating an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every learner.
GES expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its role in implementing the initiative, describing it as a “life-changing intervention” that will enable girls to remain focused on their studies and fully benefit from educational opportunities.
Read the full statement below
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang commissioned Softcare’s new sanitary pads production line, as the company expanded its reach across West Africa and parts of Asia.
At the commissioning ceremony on Monday, 15th December 2025, she commended Softcare for evolving from a necessity-driven idea into a nationally recognized manufacturer, creating thousands of jobs and producing high-quality sanitary pads that proudly carry the “Made in Ghana” label.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Company, describing the firm as a strategic domestic player within Ghana’s industrial reset agenda.
“The government of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to the systematic transformation of Ghana’s economy.”
“The Ghana Framework for Industrialisation and Transformation is a key mechanism in this effort, and today’s commissioning demonstrates that the strategy is yielding tangible results. The partnership with Softcare shows what is possible when a responsive private sector aligns with a stable and supportive policy environment,” she stated.
The Vice President praised the company’s sustained growth over the past 15 years, noting that it exemplifies how a capable private sector can thrive within a predictable and business-friendly policy environment.
With the additional production lines, Softcare is positioned to meet local demand while increasing exports. The Vice President noted that sanitary pads have been classified as a high-potential product under the Accelerated Export Development Programme to broaden Ghana’s export base.
She stressed the need for Africa to move beyond the export of raw materials, arguing that value addition and processing are essential to expanding the continent’s share of global trade. “This is how we create sustainable employment, build local ownership, and anchor development on capital and technology that support long-term transformation,” she noted.
The Vice President commended Softcare’s social investments in education and healthcare and said the company stands to benefit from opportunities under the Free Sanitary Pads Programme.
Chairman of Softcare, Mr Y. C. Shen, commended the government’s policy approach, describing it as a key driver of Ghana’s economic progress.
He noted that Softcare’s activities are closely aligned with the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, adding that the new production line will improve operational efficiency and create more jobs locally.
Mr Shen said Softcare, as Africa’s leading manufacturer of sanitary pads and baby diapers, was pleased to support the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, which advances education, gender equity and public health outcomes.
He called on regulators and industry players to sustain a fair and transparent business environment, stressing that such conditions are essential for attracting investment and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Softcare’s journey began in 2009 with the trading of hygiene products. Over the years, it has grown into a leading multinational hygiene products company, engaged in the development, manufacturing and sale of baby and feminine hygiene products, including diapers, sanitary pads and wet wipes, with a focus on fast-growing emerging markets in Africa and Latin America.
In Ghana, Softcare entered the market in 2009 with the launch of its baby diapers, marking its first foray into Africa. Since then, Softcare Ghana has maintained a leading position in both the baby diaper and sanitary pads segments, contributing to Ghana’s industrialisation drive, strengthening national standards and positioning the country as a manufacturing hub in West Africa.
The company has also sustained a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. In 2025, it rolled out several initiatives, including a Mother’s Day donation event at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and a nationwide road safety education campaign.
Following the launch of Ghana’s Free Sanitary Pads Programme in April 2025, Softcare joined the initiative as a major local supplier, supporting efforts to provide free sanitary pads to more than two million schoolgirls in public basic and secondary schools.
Through this intervention, the company aims to address period poverty, reduce school absenteeism and promote menstrual hygiene and dignity nationwide.
These efforts have earned Softcare significant national recognition. In 2023, the company secured membership of the National Technical Committee on Medical Devices under the Ghana Standards Authority.
In 2024, it was ranked first in the manufacturing sector at the 21st edition of the Ghana Club 100 Awards by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. In 2025, Softcare received multiple honours at the Ghana–West Africa Business Excellence Awards, including Consumer Products Company of the Year, Overall Best Industrial Company of the Year, and Best Corporate Social Responsibility Company of the Year at the Association of Ghana Industries and Quality Awards.
Softcare says it remains committed to working closely with government to ensure its products meet the highest standards of safety, quality and sustainability, while maintaining deep engagement with local communities through impactful and responsible corporate citizenship.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that Cabinet has agreed on urgent interventions to fast-track payments to cocoa farmers nationwide.
He indicated that the approval followed prolonged Cabinet meeting on Tuesday February to tackle the sector’s liquidity challenges.
Speaking to the press after the emergency Cabinet session, Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the reforms are designed to achieve substantial growth in domestic cocoa processing.
“We have just concluded a lengthy cabinet meeting, which was an emergency session that discussed the cocoa sector and matters arising there. And at the end of the emergency session, decisive measures have been agreed upon regarding expedited payments of cocoa farmers, regarding the implementation of the most drastic reforms in the cocoa sector,” the Minister stated.
The urgent intervention follows months of delayed payments to farmers who supplied cocoa beans since November 2025, with COCOBOD reportedly owing Licensed Buying Companies more than GH¢10 billion.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu indicated that COCOBOD will undergo broad restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening transparency, and ensuring better sector management.
The Minister for Finance is scheduled to address the nation at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, where he is expected to present the detailed implementation strategy and financial plan for the reforms.
The worsening crisis at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) prompted President John Dramani Mahama to convene an emergency Cabinet meeting today, Wednesday, February 11, to address the challenges facing the sector.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed this development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 10.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) faces several challenges, with the Ghanaian cocoa fraternity and cocoa farmers repeatedly calling on the government to settle months of unpaid arrears.
According to the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the GH¢32 billion in arrears the sector is experiencing is the result of indiscriminate contract awards by the previous administration.
These contracts were awarded during the tenure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) without proper checks or budget allocations to fund them. He disclosed that despite these challenges, COCOBOD’s financial pressures have not eased, as its weakened balance sheet prevents it from meeting its obligations.
“When COCOBOD awards a contract, they have to pay the contractors, not the Finance Ministry. The previous government awarded contracts anyhow, without any sources to pay for these contracts. The COCOBOD CEO inherited GH¢32 billion worth of arrears. He cannot pay it in one year because he doesn’t have the resources. COCOBOD cannot go out and borrow because of its balance sheet, so how is it supposed to pay that?,” he added.
In May 2025, COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey expressed deep concern over the limited results achieved from a major cocoa rehabilitation initiative, despite the significant financial investment it received.
He revealed that although $263 million was borrowed to restore 156,000 hectares of cocoa farms damaged by disease, only 40,000 hectares had been rehabilitated when he took over leadership.
“If we had successfully done this 156,000 hectares, it would have contributed up to 200,000 tonnes to our production; we took all this money, and all we have to show is just 40,000 hectares completed,” he said, speaking to farmers in Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.
The rehabilitation program was introduced after nearly 40 percent of cocoa farms were found to be infected, prompting urgent intervention by COCOBOD’s previous administration—a move Dr. Abbey said was well-intentioned.
However, he added that the project later received an additional GHS700 million, and he questioned how the funds were applied, given the modest progress achieved. He disclosed that the matter is now under scrutiny by the relevant investigative institutions.
“There are agencies responsible for the investigation of these things. I am saddened by what has happened because it was the golden opportunity to turn things around in the sector,” he noted.
To reverse the trend and bolster production, Dr. Abbey said COCOBOD is currently focused on rehabilitating 21,000 hectares of abandoned cocoa farms.
He affirmed his personal commitment to seeing it through, stating, “We have left some in the bush, and that is what I am trying to go and work on them and be able to hand them over so we can add them to the productive stock of farms we have.”He also mentioned that the new management inherited road contracts worth GHS21 billion and debt of GHS4.4 billion, posing additional challenges to the sector’s recovery.
Meanwhile, cocoa farmers will earn an extra GH₵400 per 64kg bag following a new price announced by the government for the 2025/2026 crop season.
The new price, which is now GH₵3,625 per bag, equivalent to GH₵58,000 per tonne, represents a 12.27 per cent increase over the GH₵3,228.75 per bag price announced in August.
This was revealed by the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, while speaking at an emergency meeting of the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) on cocoa in Accra on Thursday, October 2.
The upward adjustment is believed to be an effort to match local prices with gains in the global cocoa market. Meanwhile, Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has expressed its commitment to ensuring that cocoa farmers receive a meaningful and fair boost in their income, despite the hike in the dollar.
Recently, the government disclosed its intention to reintroduce free fertilisers, aimed at supporting farmers to increase production.Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, noted, “In preparation for the new season, COCOBOD has made available jute sacks and related logistics for the smooth take-off of the 2025/2026 crop Season.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, and to the cocoa farmer, I am pleased to announce that President John Mahama’s administration has reintroduced the free cocoa fertiliser programme as an additional support to the Ghanaian cocoa farmer, beginning the 2025/2026 crop year.”
Dr. Forson added that every single farmer will benefit from this initiative.“Beginning this crop year, President Mahama’s administration will supply free cocoa fertilisers (both liquid and granular), free insecticides, free spraying machines, free fungicides, and free flower inducers to farmers,” he added.
Farmers were therefore cautioned against smuggling.“Government strongly advises cocoa farmers to apply these inputs solely for the purpose of improving cocoa yield and their income. Please do not smuggle them,” he said.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil, on July 28, handed over two thousand (2,000) tons of fertilizer, equivalent to 40,000 bags of fertilizer, to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the fertilizer was donated to the West African country by the Kingdom of Morocco during the official visit of Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa to Morocco last month as part of the two countries’ commitment to sustainable agriculture to enhance food security.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, received the donated fertilizers on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku. He expressed gratitude to the Moroccan government for the donation. He assured that farmers will receive the fertilizers to aid crop production.
“Yesterday, 40,000 bags of fertilizer were donated to Ghana by the Kingdom of Morocco through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On behalf of my boss, Hon Eric Opoku, I want to say a big thank you to Hon Ablakwa and Her Excellency Ouaadil for this kind gesture. We at the Ministry of Agriculture will ensure the fertilizers get straight to the deserving farmers as soon as possible,” he wrote in a post on the X platform on July 29.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have bemoaned the absence of a single chemical fertiliser plant in the country. The Institute for Fiscal Studies noted that the absence of such a plant is having an adverse impact on crop production and the contribution of the agricultural sector to the country’s economy, i.e., the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP declined from 26.9% in 2010 to 22.7% in 2023.
Ghanaian socialite and actress Moesha Boduong has cried out to God for healing in a new video after months of her absence on social media.
“God please heal me,” she vulnerably cries out, while covering her face with a smile.
She disclosed that her greatest wish, as she marks her 36th birthday on March 10, is to fully regain her health.
The video marks Moesha’s first public sighting since reports emerged that she had suffered a stroke and was dealing with related health challenges.
Her prolonged absence from the public eye had raised concern among fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, many of whom had been calling for prayers for her recovery.
The latest video has since sparked an outpouring of support on social media, with fans and well-wishers flooding the comments section with prayers and messages of encouragement.
It was reported that Moesha slumped and fell, necessitating immediate hospitalization.
Ghanaian vlogger Clement Asamoah Yeboah revealed that Moesha was swiftly taken to Legon Hospital when the incident occurred.
Although she is said to be in stable condition and responding to treatment, she has not yet fully recovered to 100%.
A viral video circulated on social media featuring a Prophet by name Nana Kwabena Joshua, the founder of Glorious Global Empire International Ministries, predicts a dark fate for popular actress Moesha Boudong.
The prophet claims that he foresaw Moesha’s current predicament back in 2019 and warned against the GOFundMe account set up by Moesha’s brother.
According to Prophet Nana Kwabena Joshua, Moesha’s troubles are not merely physical but of a spiritual nature.He discloses that, despite his prayers to avert the unfortunate incident, Moesha will struggle to survive, and even if she does, she will face spiritual attacks due to revelations about her past.
The prophet urges the public to refrain from contributing to the GOFundMe campaign, alleging that the funds may be misused.He emphasizes the importance of Moesha turning to God, claiming that only through embracing Christianity can she find freedom from the spiritual forces tormenting her.
Quoting a previous prediction by another religious figure, Rev Obofour, from 2019, Prophet Nana Kwabena Joshua asserts that Moesha’s salvation lies in accepting Christ.Failure to do so, he claims, will result in the torment of hidden secrets that will haunt her until her demise.
Meanwhile, Moesha’s celebrity friends, including singer Efya, Becca and actress Akuapem Poloo, are rallying support through a GOFundMe campaign to raise funds for the ailing actress.“In the year 2019, Rev Oborfuor predicted Moesha Boudong will fall ill, that if she gives her life to Christ she will be set free. If she does not give her life to Christ, she has a lot of peoples secret which will torment her till she dies.
“She is not battling a physical force but a spiritual force, so this GOFundme account, someone will squander the money for free. People know that when she recovers and takes God as her personal savior, she is going to expose them that is why they are tormenting her,” Prophet Nana Kwabena Joshua stated.
Entertainment pundit Sally Mann broke down in tears as she passionately appealed to the public to contribute to Moesha Boduong’s GoFundMe account, set up to aid her in her current health crisis.
Expressing frustration about judgmental attitudes towards Moesha’s past actions, Sally Mann urged people not to criticize but instead focus on supporting her during these challenging times.
In an emotional interview with Power FM, Sally Mann implored the public to contribute to Moesha’s GoFundMe, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the potential consequences if assistance is not provided.
“I beg Ghanaians that if there is a way that we can save that girl’s [Moesha] life, we should help. Because people’s ways are not God’s ways. Maybe you think she is a waste but for all you know she might even be saved in heaven when the time comes.
“If you’re not going to help don’t stop people from helping her because she is sick and she can die. if that happens, what would you gain from it? Don’t look at what she has done with her life, help her because she is somebody’s daughter,” she said amid tears.
Sally’s remarks come in the wake of public criticism towards Moesha Boduong, with some questioning her financial preparedness during her past lifestyle and relationships with wealthy individuals.
Moesha’s brother, Ebito, confirmed her critical health condition due to a stroke and issued a plea for financial assistance through a GoFundMe account.
Ebito Bodoung emphasized the urgency of Moesha’s medical needs, detailing the impairment of her mobility and speech.
The public is urged to contribute to the fund, which has a target of $10,000 (GHC123,600), covering expenses such as therapy sessions and assistive devices for Moesha’s recovery.
Several individuals have already made donations since the fundraising campaign began.
Famous Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade has addressed the alleged feud with her colleague, Genevieve Nnaji.
According to her, in an interview on Yanga FM, she was not best friends with Genevieve, but there was no existing feud between them.
Omotola accuses fans of pitching them against each other, explaining that, “Na them start the quarrel before we know say we dey quarrel. So, we have to catch up with the quarrel. There was no quarrel.”
The interviewer further asked: “Was there anything like say una been quarrel wey lasted for twenty years before EJ movie?”
Omotola replied: “People don’t need to be best friends, but we talked. Like behind the film, we dey talk normally. You know the same thing they do with all these music stars, na, we dem take start all those things back then.
“Na we be the practice that time. You know all this Wizkid, Davido now that they have taken to a different level, na we be the first one now. Really, na them start the quarrel before we know say we dey quarrel. So, we have to catch up with the quarrel. There was no quarrel.
“We were young, everybody dey do her own thing now. You know how the industry is. You know, them go pitch you against this person, talk say na this one be the hottest girl, na that one be the hottest girl. So, those kind tension go dey normally, but people they read am as other things.”
In November last year, Nigerian music stars Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage settled their long-standing seven-year rift.
Their disagreement traced back to a social media episode in which Yemi Alade made a veiled remark about female celebrities enhancing their backside in pictures to “deceive their fans.”
The post followed Tiwa Savage’s curve-focused photos. Tiwa quickly hit back, stating, “Don’t start a war you can’t finish.”
The two artistes finally reconnected on Thursday in Lagos at ‘The Price of Being Her’ panel hosted by Entertainment Week Africa. In a widely shared video from the programme, Alade addressed Tiwa directly: “I honestly want you to know that those moments you get rugged and do what you truly want to do, you are standing up for many females. Just continue being you. You are literally walking in strength.”
Tiwa was visibly touched by the tribute and was later seen in another video singing and embracing Alade warmly.
Yemi Alade clearly stated that she will choose her peace of mind over a collaboration with colleague, Tiwa Savage.
In an interview session with Chude, Yemi Alade stated that she fully supports the idea of supporting women on every level but she not in the case of Tiwa Savage.
She explained; “You know the thing is that fans and media just tend to stir the water where the water is supposed to be still.”
“I know that the fan-favourite collaboration is the one you mentioned. I’d rather just stay clear; I don’t want problems in my life. I don’t want problems.
Adding that she’d rather “just exist and not try to make something out of nothing.”
The recurring hoax about the death of Legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has been quashed by him.
A false claim alleged the veteran actor was rushed to the hospital and died, with his son Uche Edochie supposedly confirming it on Instagram.
Debunking the death rumours in a telephone conversation with Vanguard yesterday, February 10, 2026, Pete Edochie said “ “I’m alive and will die when my maker calls me home.”
Adding that : “I have been killed about seven times. There was a time they said I travelled abroad and died there .
At other times, they said that the plane I boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia suddenly crashed and I didn’t survive. There was also a day, my wife woke up to prepare for church service, when her telephone rang and the caller said he heard that I passed away this morning. Last year, somebody from Ghana alleged that Pete Edochie was already in the grave.
“However, there was something late Nnamdi Azikwe thought me when I interviewed him. He said that anybody who’s wishing you death will die before you. All those people that wished Zik death died before him. That was what I learnt from Zik. On the 7th of March, I will be 79. My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family,” Pete Edoche said.
The recent rumour adds to a long history of false reports about his death, with similar claims circulating since 2012, including fabricated stories suggesting he died overseas or was involved in accidents.
At 78, the actor, widely recognised as Ebubedike, continues to enjoy admiration within the film industry. He has received honours such as the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the AMVCA Industry Merit Award.
Pete Edochie has voiced his displeasure over the repeated rumours, revealing that he has been falsely declared dead seven times. He is set to mark his 79th birthday on March 7 and attributes his strength and longevity to his family background.
In 2024, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva and wife of veteran actor Olu Jacobs, dismissed rumors of her husband’s death, affirming that he is alive and well.
It was the second time false reports of the legendary Nigerian actor’s death circulated on social media.
Responding to an SMS inquiry from our reporter, Joke Silva stated, “My husband is alive and doing just fine.”
A reliable source close to the family, who preferred anonymity, informed Vanguard over the phone that the President of the AGN (Actors Guild of Nigeria) confirmed speaking with Joke Silva for over an hour, during which no mention of such news arose.
“Somebody who has lost a husband cannot be that chatty and Gail on phone,” the source remarked.
Additionally, Betty Irabor, a family associate, has also refuted the rumor.
Channels TV further debunked the rumor with a broadcast showing them interviewing the actor himself, who confirmed his well-being and mentioned his plans to visit Ikoyi Club later in the evening.
In the same year, the National President Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, also debunked rumors purporting the death of Nollywood actor Zack Orji.
In an Instagram post, Emeka shared a photo of the Nigerian actor with the caption, “Mr Zack Orji is alive 💯💯💯💯💯💯 Please ignore mischief makers who enjoy circulating fake news. This is to show how wicked some people can be. It is totally unacceptable. He will not die but live to declare the good works of God in Jesus name 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏”
Meamwhile, the Veteran actor was seen in a critical condition at the beginning of 2023, in a widely circulated video, which prompted various reactions from Nigerians about what could have happened to the actor, amidst various health concerns to the Nollywood veterans.
The Veteran actor was seen in a critical condition on the eve of new year, in a widely circulated video, which prompted various reactions from Nigerians about what could have happened to the actor, amidst various health concerns to the Nollywood veterans.
But reports came in later that his condition was stable, thus Zack Orji is doing well currently.
Hence, the public is encouraged to bear him up in prayers so he can live even longer on earth.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that Mohammed Baba Jamal will remain its candidate for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, despite unresolved claims of vote-buying during the party’s recent parliamentary primary.
The announcement came from NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey after a meeting of the party’s Functional Executive Committee, which reviewed findings from a three-member investigative panel.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Kwetey explained that while “the committee’s report was to the effect that, ideally, we should have an annulment of the primaries”, certain challenges made it impossible to implement.
“One, the party’s constitution does not have a provision for an annulment of an election. Two, we are time-bound because we need to be presenting a candidate by tomorrow to the Electoral Commission. So, given these difficulties, and also there are legal challenges that could be mounted by whoever won, and the party clearly would not be able to go through any of that process without presenting a candidate very quickly,” he said.
He added that, considering these constraints, “we have no option but to present Baba Jamal, who actually won, according to the Electoral Commission declaration.”
Mr. Kwetey also disclosed that a new, seven-member committee has been set up to design comprehensive reforms aimed at preventing vote-buying in future NDC primaries.
The original investigative panel had been assigned to probe allegations that candidates offered incentives, including televisions and cash, to delegates during the primary held on Saturday, February 7.
Mr. Kwetey noted that “inappropriate conduct was exhibited by virtually all the candidates” throughout the election process.
The Presidency has announced a recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, over voter inducement during the just-ended Ayawaso East primaries on Saturday, February 7.
In a statement titled “President recalls Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and shared by Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, dated February 7, it noted that
“President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Baba Jamal) from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The decision follows allegations of voter inducement during today’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, in which Mr Baba Jamal, a candidate, participated.”
The President stressed that reports of vote-buying were made against several candidates seeking to win the Ayawaso seats, but Baba Jamal stood out because he was the only person who was a serving public officer at the time, making his case a peculiar one.
“In his directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs recalling Mr Baba Jamal as High Commissioner, the President noted that while allegations of vote-buying were made against multiple candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.”
Consequently, to protect the integrity of public office and to avoid any public suspicion of misconduct or violation of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, the President,
“Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office and to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.”
The statement continued that, “the recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive.”
Meanwhile, Baba Jamal won the party’s internal primary held ahead of the by-election scheduled for March 3.
After the close of polls, the provisional results showed that Baba Jamal pulled 431 of the total votes cast, followed by the widow (Hajia Amina Adam) of the late Ayawaso MP, Naser Toure, who also won 399 votes. Mr Mohammed Ramne, the Ayawaso East NDC Constituency Chairman, placed third with 88 votes.
Dr Yakubu Azindow obtained 45 votes, while Mr Najib Mohammed Sani recorded one vote.
Ahead of the elections, a survey conducted by the research and data analytics company Global InfoAnalytics predicted that 58% of members of the ruling NDC support the widow of the late Mahama Naser Toure, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso East Constituency.
This was announced by the Executive Director of the research company, Mussa Dankwah, in Accra on Thursday, February 5.
According to the poll, the widow, Hajia Amina Adam, is the frontrunner among the others in the ongoing Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primary.
The polling data show that 66% of party members disagree with the claim that she should be barred from contesting. The numbers suggest that narratives questioning her eligibility are failing to gain traction within the party.
The poll also revealed that the public’s empathy towards her may boost her campaign and influence her chances of winning. About 43% of general voters indicated they would support Hajia Amina Adam because of the way she has been treated during the contest, while 15% of delegates cited the same factor as influencing their vote.
The analysis basically presents Hajia Adam as securing roughly 54% of the total votes, while Mohammed Baba Jamal, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and her main rival, could reach a maximum of 38%.
He noted a 3.2% margin of error in the prediction, which still preserves her lead.
“We asked NDC members in our polls whether it was wrong for Hajia to contest, and 66% of NDC voters disagreed. This means they do not think she should be prevented from contesting. When we asked the delegates, 58% of them also disagreed.
“So both the delegates and the party faithful disagree with that call, which suggests that some people are pushing a narrative that is not selling, yet they keep promoting it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the filing closed with the wife of the late MP being the last to pick up the forms. He said, “At the close of nominations today, six persons picked nomination forms to contest the upcoming primaries. The wife of the late MP was the last person to pick nominations today. It is going to be a very interesting contest.”
Explaining her decision in a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, Hajia Adam indicated that she is heeding calls from constituents, party grassroots members, and traditional elders, adding that these individuals want her to carry on the work of her late husband.
“There has been a clarion call from many quarters in my constituency and beyond for me to step into the shoes of my late husband. After deep reflection and consultations, particularly with elders and grassroots members, I have accepted the call to serve my people,” she stated.
According to her, after reflecting on the calls, she has decided to heed them, emphasising, “I want to assure them that I will not disappoint them.”
In addition, individuals who sought to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary in the Greater Accra Region were required to pay a filing fee of GH₵40,000.
Fifteen girls have been arrested by the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command for trafficking and other commercial sex-related offences.
The girls, aged between 15 and 35 years, were apprehended following a complaint from a commercial sex worker who reported being abused by her trafficker and boyfriend for failing to meet her daily sales quota.
During the operation, police also detained several landlords who had reportedly turned their apartments into brothels, charging GH¢25 per day for their use.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, February 10, at the Central Police Station in Koforidua, Municipal Commander Superintendent Ransford Nsiah gave an update on recent law enforcement activities targeting prostitution and human trafficking, warning landlords involved in such practices to stop or face immediate consequences.
“Last Sunday, we received a complaint from another Nigerian lady that she had been assaulted by her mistress, whom we normally call a ‘queen mother.’ The assault happened because she could not meet the daily target of GH¢400 set by the queen mother.
“We also arrested another man who had constructed a house and turned it into a brothel where the women are staying.
“He collects GH¢25 per day from them. So far, about 15 persons, the youngest aged between 15 years and 32 years, are in police custody and will be put before the court immediately,” he said.
The Municipal Crime Officer, ASP Asante Kusi Augustine, expressed concern about the involvement of 15-year-olds in commercial sex work and urged the public to provide information that could help police apprehend sex traffickers.
Fifty-seven (57) Nigerian nationals were rescued from a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating at Adom Estates, Community 25.
This occurred in the aftermath of a strategic operation that took place on Wednesday, October 22, led by the CID’s Operations Unit following intelligence gathered on the group’s activities.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects alleged to be the master minds behind the syndicate. They include Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko.
According to the Police’s preliminary investigations, which were announced through a statement, these suspects lure their victims with promises of jobs and education, and when they finally arrive, they are forced into fraudulent online activities such as romance scams and other illegal activities.
According to a press statement issued by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, “Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” the statement said.
During the operation, police retrieved 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and other internet-enabled devices suspected to have been used in the crimes. The 57 rescued victims are currently receiving care and support, while the suspects remain in police custody, assisting with further investigations.
The seized items have been retained for forensic analysis.
The Police Service has urged the public, especially young people, to be cautious about offers of employment, education, or travel made through social media and other unverified sources.
“The Police reiterate their determination to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, and related offenses, and urge anyone with credible information on such activities to report to the nearest police station,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in a joint operation on Friday, October 17, busted a human trafficking syndicate operated mainly by Ghanaians and Ivorians.
In a statement shared the same day, the crime intelligence agency announced that following the raid, it had successfully rescued 26 victims of human trafficking, comprising sixteen (16) Ghanaians and ten (10) Ivorians.
These nationals had fallen victim to job opportunity scams run by individuals posing as recruitment agents for QNET, a multinational company known for its wellness and lifestyle products.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Quest,” was conducted by EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in collaboration with QNET, around 10:30 a.m.
“The operation, code-named Operation Quest, followed intelligence that some foreigners and Ghanaians had been trafficked under the guise of employment with the QNET Company — a reputable organisation that trades in wellness and lifestyle products.
The suspects include two (2) Ivorians and seven (7) Ghanaians, while the victims were made up of ten (10) Ivorians and sixteen (16) Ghanaians,” the statement noted.
The organisation clarified that these individuals had no legitimate ties to the company and were exploiting QNET’s reputation to carry out their illicit activities.
“All nine (9) suspects are currently in the custody of EOCO to assist in investigations,” parts of the statement added.
A night-time operation by the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Northern Police Command in 2024, also resulted in the arrest of 85 individuals involved in drug trafficking and prostitution in Tamale’s central business district.
The suspects were caught using the taxi rank as a base for selling and distributing illegal drugs, targeting local youth.
Their activities also included gambling and dealing in stolen phones.
Police detained several teenagers engaged in prostitution and sexual activities under the Tamale overpass.
Those arrested face charges related to drug offenses and possession, and were found with stolen phones and gambling tools.
The lucrative nature of the illicit activities has led some unemployed young people to turn to sex work for financial support. Some suspects were apprehended for engaging in public sex on motorcycles and unregistered cars.
During the raid, over 50 suspicious young men and 25 prostitutes were screened, and several Nigerian nationals were also arrested.
The authorities seized vehicles, motorbikes, and mobile phones from the suspects. The police are continuing their investigation and working to ensure accountability for those involved in these illegal activities.
President Mahama has ordered the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, to immediately probe allegations that the Amansie Central District Assembly has been collecting fees from illegal miners operating banned mining equipment.
“President Mahama has directed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Ahmed Ibrahim, to conduct immediate investigations into the allegations contained in the Joy News report with a view to taking swift action against anyone found culpable,” the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced in a post on X.
The directive comes after a damning JoyNews Hotline documentary revealed what it called a “galamsey tax” in the Ashanti Region, where miners reportedly pay GHS6,000 a year to use banned changfang machines, allegedly with the silent approval of local officials.
In this regard, Mr Kwakye Ofosu also indicated that, “the Minister earlier yesterday received a petition from Joy News on the matter and pledged to look into it with dispatch.”
The investigative documentary showed that even though the use of changfangs, mechanised floating platforms that extract gold directly from water bodies, is banned nationwide, the Amansie Central District Assembly is said to have set up a task force to issue stickers and collect fees on the prohibited machines.
The report presented evidence of an organised payment system in which miners are charged thousands of cedis annually to operate the machines, effectively granting them permission to contaminate vital water sources.
A revenue officer known locally as “Red” appeared in the recordings, receiving payments from the operators of the banned equipment.
In response to the claims, the Amansie Central District Assembly denied creating the system to profit from illegal mining activities.
The Assembly maintained that collecting fees from operators of earth-moving equipment has been a longstanding practice across several administrations, dating as far back as 2008.
“The current administration did not introduce this system. It inherited an already existing administrative arrangement,” the Assembly stated, describing the exposé as a misrepresentation of an old administrative practice “to suit a convenient political narrative.”
RE- JoyNews report on Amansie Central mining equipment tax.
President Mahama has directed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Ahmed Ibrahim, to conduct immediate investigations into the allegations contained in the Joy News report with a view… pic.twitter.com/AcGGTeoBk5
A series of raids on illegal mining sites at Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS)team led to the arrest of five (5) Chinese illegal miners.
The raid was carried out on Monday, 29 Decemberb 2025, while the Chinese illegal miners were actively mining and washing into the Birim River.
According to a report by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Facebook, “two excavators found at the site were immobilized. One Toyota Hillux pickup and another Toyota Land cruiser used by the arrested Chinese illegal miners were seized by the taskforce. Several makeshift structures erected at the sites were destroyed together some water pumping machines and other mining equipment.|”
In September last year, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat task force seized illegal mining equipment in a major swoop in Obuasi in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
Equipment seized during the operation conducted on Monday, November 17, 2025 included motorbikes, vehicles, water pumps, and other tools used for illegal mining activities. Makeshift shelters and assorted equipment at the site were also destroyed.
The task force also stormed a concession at Anyankyireml, a site that had been taken over by groups of illegal miners. Although the concession is legally owned by Asante Gold Corporation, it has been occupied by these illegal miners, forcing the rightful owners to flee the site.
However, the intervention of the NAIMOS team drove out the miners and securing the land for its rightful owners. Illegal mining continues to pose a major challenge to the country, with several foreign nationals implicated and multiple arrests made. In June, NAIMOS warned criminal groups to vacate galamsey areas.
The John Dramani Mahama-led government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat in July as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the country.
Speaking during an update on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the newly established Secretariat would act as the brain of Ghana’s anti-illegal mining operations.
“To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.
The Secretariat’s responsibility is to collaborate with other key institutions such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as part of its mandate.
This collaboration is expected to ensure that excavators and other earth-moving equipment entering the country are not diverted for illegal mining activities.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” he added.
Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge to the country. Several Chinese nationals have been involved in such illegal operations, leading to multiple arrests.
