TIG Post

Author: Amanda Cartey

  • We are working to reopen Ghana’s bond market – President Mahama

    We are working to reopen Ghana’s bond market – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has said that his government is working around the clock to reopen both domestic and international capital markets, focusing on revitalising the bond market.

    Speaking at the Ghana CEO Summit at the Kempinski Hotel held on May 26, the President stressed that future borrowing will be linked to self-financing, commercially viable projects.

    He said, “we are working to reopen Ghana’s bond market in collaboration with IMF, our development partners, Ghana Stock Exchange, and local banks.”

    Mr John Dramani Mahama also stated that his administration is preparing to revitalize Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to issue infrastructure and municipal bonds to finance development projects across various districts.

    “We intend to empower MMDAs to issue infrastructure and municipal bonds secured against a portion of their district assembly’s common fund to fund infrastructural projects such as roads, schools, water systems, and local industry in the districts,” he explained.

    According to His Excellency, this initiative is part of eight key measures his administration is executing to enable Ghana to recover from its debt accumulation that has massively affected every aspect of the economy.

    “The first is completing the IMF programme with discipline. We’ll continue the discipline in government expenditure and borrowing and work to achieve all targets under the Extended Credit Facility programme with the IMF,” he said.

    “We expect to conclude the fourth review of the IMF programme in June 2025, with a target to exit at the end of the programme in 2026. Thereafter, we’ll participate in Article IV consultations and adopt the policy support instrument framework, signalling Ghana’s return to responsible non-borrowing engagement with the fund,” he added.

    Highlighting the importance of linking borrowing to viable projects, he explained, “future borrowing will be linked to self-financing commercially viable projects, particularly by MDAs, MMDAs, and SOEs, ensuring value for money and sustainable repayment.”

    On public investment management, he pointed out that, “The Auditor-General is completing an audit of areas and commitments, government commitments, and we expect to receive his report by the end of May. We’ll then commence to clear legitimate areas transparently and enforce commitment controls through GIFMIS and IPSAS-based accounting systems.”

    He concluded by stressing, “New projects will be prioritised based on need, funding availability, and alignment with our national interest.”

    Reacting to the development, an economist and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Patrick Assuming says the cedi is doing well, so it looks attractive to go and borrow but that is not what it should be.

    “We still have fundamental challenges in our economy that we have to address. It appears that the recent non-performance of the cedi seem to have taken too much attention, we seem to forget that the economy still has real problems.”

    “When you have the kind of challenges we have now, your focus should be on fixing the challenges and not trying to get access to the international capital market.

    “It is fraught with a lot of challenges and dangers. We’ve already seen it. So for me, that should not be our priority at all,” he told the media during an interview on May 27, 2025.

  • 15% transport fare reduction directive not applicable to us – Ride-hailing operators

    15% transport fare reduction directive not applicable to us – Ride-hailing operators

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union’s (GPRTU) 15% reduction in transport fares directive to all transport services has been disregarded by the Ghana Online Drivers Union, citing concerns of neglect in decision-making.

    According to the ride-hailing drivers, they were exempted from participating in the decision-making process that brought about the transport fare reduction.

    Thus, they have no business complying with transport fare reductions.

    “What the GPRTU did does not include us, because we have not been consulted. We are not part of them. We are the users of Uber, Bolt, and Yango. We have a union, but our union is not recognized by the GPRTU or the Trade Union.”

    “As unions and representatives of the drivers, we were not part of the meeting that GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport held. We were not represented. So our customers cannot enjoy the 15% reduction on prices,” President of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, Francis Tengey, told the media.

    Mr Tengey further revealed that an application was sent on behalf of the Uber, Bolt, and Yango drivers about 4 years ago to enable them to form part of the group, but they have not received any response yet.

    “Although we have applied since 2021 to be affiliated with TUC, we have not yet gotten that accreditation. So GPRTU giving this directive does not include us. Uber does not know GPRTU, Bolt and Yango do not know GPRTU,” Mr Tengey expressed.

    On the other hand, consumer advocacy group, CUTS International, has entreated local assemblies to erase commercial drivers from their register if they fail to comply with the price reduction directive.

    It has entreated the government to ensure that Ghanaians are not deprived of enjoying transport fare reductions.

    Transport stations and branches that have refused to comply with the recent directive on the 15% fare reduction by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) are liable to sanctions by the union.

    Some transport operators in the Ashanti Region have refused to adhere to the recent directive that seeks to provide some economic relief to commuters. They have attributed the delay in adjusting fares to the late receipt of the official instruction.

    But the General Secretary of GPRTU has indicated that the communique has been reissued and assured that measures have been put in place to ensure full compliance in the coming days.

    Other transport operators in the Volta Region are working with a 10 percent reduction in transport fares, citing the spiking prices of spare parts and the failure of the authorities to see to a reduction.

    A section of spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai has insisted on not reducing the prices of their items, despite the value of the Ghanaian cedi gaining strength against the U.S dollar. This comes after the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts.

    Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) Abbas Ibrahim Moro has resolved his outfit of blame over the failure of transport operators to implement the new reduced fares.

    According to Mr Moro, in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the enforcement of the new transport directive must be carried out by law enforcement agencies and not GPRTU.

    “We have done our part by communicating the reduction and informing our members, who are complying earnestly. But a few members of unregistered unions have decided not to comply. So it is in the hands of law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance,” he stated.

    He added: “The law enforcement agencies must set an example out of some drivers and let people know we are governed by laws and they work. There is no way any member will do unlawful things and go scot-free.”

    Some Ghanaians have taken it upon themselves to expose the drivers and bus conductors who continue to rob commuters of hard-earned money.

  • I’ll pay no attention to critics; I’ll focus on my fans – Gyakie

    I’ll pay no attention to critics; I’ll focus on my fans – Gyakie

    Ghanaian circular musician, Jacqueline Acheampong, popularly known as Gyakie, has stated that she no longer entertains baseless criticisms on social media.

    According to her, she is open to receiving feedback that would contribute to her growth as a musician, however, she’ll pick and choose what comment gets her attention.

    The songbird is of the belief that she cannot please everyone all the time, but for her fans, she will go all out to excite them.

    “I just learn to appreciate what I feel is right because one person will say ‘I don’t like the way your hair is always shorter’, another person will say ‘I don’t like the way your hair is long’. So it’s like what do you want me to do? I am going to do what I feel is right or what I feel my audience is going to enjoy.”

    “Because whatever I put out is what is gathering the people that are in my market. In the beginning, I was really allowing a lot of the bad criticism to get to me but right now I just drop the music and do exactly what I have been brought on earth to do,” she said. 

    Despite her decision, Gyakie says she remains very active on social media but has resolved not to read comments.

    She said, comment sections used to ruin her mood for an entire week, even if she trusts herself not to be perturbed by them.

    Meanwhile, Gyakie has resisted attempts to revisit the ordeal she went through during an attack on her manager during Portugal’s 2023 Afronation festival.

    She told Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz on Friday, May 23, she had to juggle her emotions, handle the situation, and maintain a positive energy to perform on stage within the same period.

    She said since it was a terrible experience, she hesitates to talk about it because it opens wounds that have already been healed.

    “I really wish I was able to answer this particular question at the time, because it’s like anytime I have to talk about it, it kind of opens wounds that have already been healed,” she said.

    She added, “What happened, and the fact that I actually had a performance on that day, is not something I would wish on anyone. I had to prepare for the stage, and I had to experience all that happened.”

    Gyakie further entreated industry players to be more cautious of challenges that are inevitable in their day-to-day engagement.

    A video that went viral in July 2023 on social media showed Gyakie’s manager, Electro Mirror, being manhandled by some uniformed security personnel, to the horror of onlookers.

    The video, shared by George Britton, featured George’s panicked voice in the background as he reproached the security officers for their actions.

    Mirror was seen pinned to the floor while about five security men held him in a chokehold as he gasped for air.

    Meanwhile, Gyakie is preparing to release her debut album after previously dropping two EPs. She has already released the first single, titled Sankofa, off the upcoming album After Midnight.

  • I no longer wait for validation – Tulenkey

    I no longer wait for validation – Tulenkey

    Ghanaian rapper, Tulenkey, has said that he is learning to be self-motivated and not allow the lack of recognition for his music hold him back.

    His comment comes on the back of his assertion that his music has been underrated and underappreciated.

    He believes that the type of music he puts out and the type of ratings he gets are not at par.

    Tulenkey has, however, found hope in the fact that he is hardworking and will just keep up with that.

    “I just have to believe in what I’m doing and I don’t have to wait for anyone’s validation,” he told Headless YouTuber on YouTube.

    The “Bad Feeling” rapper recounted the investment he has made into his Doomsday EP, expressing surprise at the lack of recognition it received despite the effort.

    “I remember the Doomsday EP, let’s be realistic, I sat down one full month, I wanted to make a statement, I took my time to pay attention to every bar and I put it out there, but that thing where you were expecting some kind of reception so when I didn’t get that reception I felt…at the end of the day you can do something normal and they would like,” he shared.

    Meanwhile, Tulenkey, has called upon his fellow artists to give precedence to the lyrical substance of their songs.

    During an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, the creator of the hit track “Proud F Boys” voiced his apprehension regarding the prevailing trend in which artists prioritize commercial viability over conveying meaningful messages through their music.

    “What we normally do is, especially the rappers, we are bent on being a hit. Right now all the songs are focused on being a hit so we don’t touch on the important we need to touch on. Right now, if you listen to rap music, it’s all about I have money, I get money pass you, wey me I do this,” Tulenkey said.

    He cautioned both artists and the public to exercise caution regarding the content shared on social media platforms, highlighting the propensity for negativity to spread more rapidly than positivity.

    Tulenkey underscored the importance of authenticity and originality in music, drawing inspiration from past rap legends such as JAY-Z and 2Pac, who adeptly tackled various subjects in their songs.

    While acknowledging the allure of commercial success, Tulenkey stressed the necessity for a harmonious blend of trends and originality in music. He commended artists like Stonebwoy for seamlessly merging commercial appeal with authenticity, citing examples such as Sarkodie and Shatta Wale, who maintain their uniqueness despite commercial pressures.

    Tulenkey concluded by urging individuals to pay attention to musical patterns, as they often play a significant role in shaping audience expectations, even if not explicitly conveyed in the music itself. His remarks underscore a growing concern within the music industry regarding the delicate balance between commercial viability and artistic integrity.

  • ‘I used to sell pure water at KNUST’ – ‘You Dey Feel The Vibe’ hitmaker

    ‘I used to sell pure water at KNUST’ – ‘You Dey Feel The Vibe’ hitmaker

    Gospel musician Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, also known as Oneman1000, has disclosed that he used to sell sachet water back at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to raise extra income for his upkeep.

    According to Oneman1000, he came from a home where not all his needs as a student could be met, hence the need for him to consider ways he could cater for himself.

    He therefore discovered that selling sachet water was going to be a lucrative venture, especially since there was no vendor operating in the area where he lived on campus.

    “So I needed water one evening, and I couldn’t get some, and I had to walk from Katanga all the way to Brunei to go and take water from my cousin’s place. So on my way back, I realized that, ah nobody dey sell water for this hostel.”

    “The next day I went to ask for how much a bag of water costs. So I bought the bag, took it to my room, and the next evening somebody came to me that, Charlie I want water. Wey I say, I go fit sell am o. A bag costs me about 2.50p…then I will buy like, 10. Line it up in my room…In the evening I will put a sign in my room that “water available”. People will come and come and buy, he told the host of the “Talk No Dey Cook Rice” podcast show, Derrick Ashilevi.

    Nana Yaw is a humorous gentleman and a storyteller whose humor and authenticity have made him an authentic figure to many young people, especially gospel music enthusiasts.

    He first caught public attention with his viral “Arise Ghana Youth” and “We live by settings” videos, showcasing his level of creativity as a contemporary musician.

    He is also known for his comedic skits and X presence and has been recognized for his voice, which creates uplifting music meant to cheer up the downhearted and encourage the already motivated.

    Nana Yaw’s background can be traced to music, as his father was a former member of the prominent Joyful Way Incorporated choir, who ignited his passion for music from a tender age.

    “I grew up hearing my dad sing loudly. Sundays, don’t go there! He had a collection of CDs and we played the music and sang along,” he shared.

    Although he knew he wanted to be in the music industry, he never dreamt that he could do it on his own.

    “I knew I always wanted to do music through Joyful Way but if you told me I’d be making my own music, I’d never believe you.”

    Today, he creates music that uplifts and connects. “I don’t want you to jam to a new sound; I want it to mean something to you too like it does to me,” he added.

  • Ko-jo Cue narrates how he traveled to 5 countries to protect his mental health

    Ko-jo Cue narrates how he traveled to 5 countries to protect his mental health

    Ghanaian rapper Ko-jo Cue has revealed that he embarked on a journey to 5 countries as therapy to protect his mental health.

    According to him, life became overwhelming after the COVID-19 pandemic, including a series of back-to-back challenges he faced.

    He explained that these difficulties were impacting his mental health negatively, prompting him to embark on traveling to care for his well-being.

    “I traveled extensively. At one point, I visited Nigeria, then Kenya, spent some time in the US, and even lived in Italy for a while. My travels took me all over, including various places here. The essence behind that was simple: a change in environment can often clear your head,” he told ZionFelix during an interview.

    Kojo Cue compared the experience to the sense of sanity one feels after tidying up a room.

    “It’s similar to how tidying up your room can enhance your mental clarity. When you are in a new space, your brain is flooded with fresh information to process, leaving little room for overthinking or moping. It helps you reset.”

    The rapper indicated that seeking therapy, nurturing friendships, gardening, and his traveling experience contributed greatly to maintaining his emotional balance.

    He has advised musicians to prioritize mental health, emphasizing the importance of being vulnerable in order to get help when the need arises.

    He asserts that asking for help should be seen as an act of strength rather than weakness.

    For him, acknowledging mental health challenges is a critical step toward personal growth and healing.

    At the moment, Kojo Cue hopes that his story will encourage others to speak up, seek help, and realize they are not alone in their struggles.

    In addition to his musical endeavors, Ko-jo Cue represented Ghana in the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2023 International Cypher, where he delivered a performance addressing critical issues like government corruption and illegal mining and also showcased his commitment to using music as a platform for social commentary.

  • President Mahama is really working – Kwaku Manu reacts to cedi appreciation

    President Mahama is really working – Kwaku Manu reacts to cedi appreciation

    Renowned Kumawood actor Kwaku Manu has expressed excitement over the recent appreciation of the cedi, currently trading at GHS10.40 to a dollar.

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

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

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

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

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

    As of Friday, May 26, the average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business showed the US dollar buying at GH₵10.39 and selling at GH₵10.40.

    The British pound is buying at GH₵14.09 and selling at GH₵14.11. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵11.82 and sold at GH₵11.83.

    https://twitter.com/thebankofghana/status/1927244717944705118/photo/1

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

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

    Kwaku Manu is a renowned Ghanaian actor, comedian, musician, and television presenter widely recognized for his contributions to the Kumawood film industry.

    He used to be a supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the year 2016, however, in subsequent years, the actor has adopted a more neutral stance.

    While celebrities were publicly endorsing political parties, Kwaku Manu made his stance clear, indicating that “I will not endorse a political party, but I don’t have any problem with a celebrity doing so because they need to survive. Most of them don’t have side jobs and with the coronavirus affecting everything this is the right time for celebs to make money from the politicians especially as we approach elections.”

    Watch video below

  • Agradaa makes first appearance in court over legal case with Empress Gifty

    Agradaa makes first appearance in court over legal case with Empress Gifty

     Evangelist Patricia Asiedua popularly known as Nana Agradaa has appeared in court for the first time over her legal issue with gospel musician Empress Gifty.

    Empress Gifty filed a GHS 20 million defamation lawsuit against Agradaa on May 20th at the Tema High Court for allegedly making defamatory statements against her.

    In response, Agradaa took to social media to mock the lawsuit, saying, “Any idiot can go to court.”

    However, she has appeared in court today dressed in an all-white outfit, accompanied by her husband, clad in a navy blue suit, for the court summons.

    A moment was captured on camera where Agradaa and her husband were seen allegedly throwing the court documents, the writ of summons, onto the ground as they left the courthouse.

    Netizens are calling on the judiciary to take disciplinary action against what they consider as a disrespect to the court.

    Empress Gifty Adorye filed a defamation lawsuit at the Tema High Court against Nana Agradaa.

    Her husband, Hopeson Adorye, indicated that the lawsuit was filed through her lawyers, Osei Aidoh Akpokavie and Co., on May 20, 2025.

    Empress Gifty’s statement of claim has made four claims, including a sum of GH¢20,000,000 for damages for slander and libel.

    She has also made a request of the court for a perpetual injunction against the former fetish priestess to restrain Agradaa, “her servants, agents, privies, and assigns howsoever from publication of such words or any of them or similar words to that effect.”

    Adding that “an order be made for the defendant to pull down all videos containing the defamatory words of the plaintiff from all her social media platforms” as well as “costs, including lawyers’ professional fees.”

  • Omar Sterling is a good writer and storyteller – Gyakie

    Omar Sterling is a good writer and storyteller – Gyakie

    Ghanaian singer Jackline Acheampong, popularly known as Gyakie, has expressed admiration for Omar Sterling, also known as Paedae, of popular R2Bees fame.

    Gyakie says she is always captivated by how Omar Sterling delivers his message through music, including mastery over the art of writing lyrics that are easily decoded.

    “Omar Sterling is a poet. I always say it every time that his rap is different. The storytelling: he gives his audience stories about his life or things that are happening in real-time.”

    “And it’s the way he puts the lyrics together for the listener to understand what he’s trying to say that always makes me very happy. I think he’s a very good writer, and he’s a good storyteller,” she said during an interview on Joy FM.

    Building on her admiration, Gyakie revealed that the rapper has become his favourite among the lot currently in the country.

    “My favourite rapper in Ghana right now is Omar Sterling of R2Bees,” Gyakie said.

    Omar Sterling is known for his deep, reflective lyrics and his laid-back flow.

    While he has always been part of the group R2Bees alongside Mugeez, he has also made a name for himself as a solo artiste.

    While he still releases music under the R2Bees umbrella, he has also put out notable solo projects.

    Here are some of the songs by Omar Sterling: Bayla Boys Company, Makola dreams, Victory through Harmony, Solid as a Rock, Kwame Nkrumah, Don’t Waste My Time, A Mountain Full of Gold, C1 Boys, Exotic Flow, among others.

    Gyakie on the other hand, is a Ghanaian R&B and Afro-fusion singer who released “Love is Pretty”, as her first single in 2019, which paved the way for another single, “Never Like This.” In August 2020, the “Forever” song from her five-track EP Seed enjoyed airplay and led the charts in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

     She has currently released a new single, “Sankofa,” a soulful anthem that explores the power of reflection and emotional truth. Co-written with longtime collaborator Eyram Gbewonyo (Afrolektra)

  • Nigerian actor ‘cries out’ for movie set safety after Zubby Micheal incident

    Nigerian actor ‘cries out’ for movie set safety after Zubby Micheal incident

    Nigerian actor Godwin Nnadieke is appealing for health safety on movie sets in Nollywood after surviving an unscripted kick in his chest by fellow actor Zubby Michael during a shoot.

    He took to Instagram on May 23 to share a video of the incident with a caption calling on all his colleagues to prioritize each other’s safety.

    “…This isn’t to call anyone out, but it’s a serious reminder that we need to prioritize each other’s safety on set. During a scene, I received a kick to the chest from my colleague that wasn’t part of the script or directed by the director. Could be reflex, but it caused me serious pain,” he shared.

    For a job that has made no provision for insurance policies or first aid, Godwin Nnadieke deems it best for colleague actors to own the state of their health every time on set to avoid dire consequences.

    “When we’re working without insurance policies or readily available first aid, unexpected physical actions like this, even if accidental, can have real consequences.”

    The actor urged them to work within the demands of their scripts in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances that will jeopardize one’s safety in the long run.

    “Let us all commit to sticking to the script and ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. Every action on set, particularly physical ones, needs to be intentional and within the director’s vision.”

    “Please let us all look out for each other and ensure our sets are always safe spaces where everyone feels secure and protected. Because our health and safety are paramount.” Godwin Nnadieke wrote.

    To a similar effect, Nollywood actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, died in April while filming in Asaba, Delta State capital.

    He died during a boat trip where the boat capsized and he, alongside two other yet-to-be-identified actors, drowned.

    Actors have since been speaking out about Nollywood’s poor safety record and calling for change.

    Actors Guild of Nigeria has also immediately called for safety standards to be implemented and observed.

  • Don’t act powerful, you are safe because of me – Shatta tells Sheldon

    Don’t act powerful, you are safe because of me – Shatta tells Sheldon

    Ghanaian Dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has boasted of being more powerful than content creator Kwadwo Sheldon.

    He backed his claim by referencing the visit of Amedican rapper, Meek Mill to Ghana in late December 2022 during which the rapper misplaced his phone.

    According to Shatta Wale, he was the one who intervened to ensure the phone was returned.

    “Were you not in the country when Meek Mill came to Ghana and lost his phone? I’m the one who called the guy who picked it up and told him to return it to the police. He wasn’t a thief, Meek Mill’s phone fell, and the guy picked it up. I even got a call from the Flagstaff House asking if I had seen the phone. So don’t act like you have any real authority in this country,” he said in an X post sited by The Independent Ghana.

    Shatta Wale further claimed that, Kwadwo could have lost his studio equipment because of their public feud but his influence is the reason they are still not tempered with. 

    “It’s because of me that you can sleep peacefully and no one comes for your equipment… People could come after you, and there would be nothing you could do. They could take all your equipment and sell them,” Shatta Wale asserted.

    Shatta Wale and blogger Kwadwo Sheldon have been at loggerheads on social media following a heavy downpour on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

    Shatta Wale came in to sympathize with the blogger by

    In Shatta Wale’s post, he noted that he was available to provide any kind of assistance the blogger might need.

    However, the statement from the “Ayoo” hitmaker reignited a past feud between the two.

    Kwadwo Sheldon took to X to express his displeasure, stating that he did not need any form of help from Shatta Wale.

    “You tweeted you want to help me and I said I am not interested. Why should this be a problem? Taking money from Shatta Wale is like taking money from Ayisha Modi.

    “You blocked me on Twitter and you are here fun fooling people on the timeline. Even if it’s coming from a genuine place, I don’t want,” he said.

    Responding to Kwadwo Sheldon, the dancehall musician also took to X, launching a series of attacks at the blogger.

    “You go rent for water top weh u deh talk with pride like that eeei. Ohianiiii stubborn proud.

    “Na you come show we say water deh carry you, why you no call swimmers association to come save you, tortoise pussy! The picture in your video makes your face look like bread, and the area looks like tea. teabread guy,” he said.

    Watch the video below:

  • Ghana to send teachers, nurses to Jamaica under special bilateral partnership 

    Ghana to send teachers, nurses to Jamaica under special bilateral partnership 

    The Jamaican government, under a special bilateral partnership, is set to receive nurses and teachers from Ghana, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.

    The sector minister shared the good news on his Facebook page on Saturday, May 24, following diplomatic discussions with Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, during the recent Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) summit in Brussels.

    “Ghana and Jamaica are set to expand the frontiers of our inseparable historical relations,” he wrote in his post. Mr Ablakwa added that both “Ghana and Jamaica have also agreed to hold high-level political consultations to deepen our cooperation in trade, education, agribusiness, tourism, cultural and sports exchange.”

    Presently, the Ministry of Health recruits Ghanaian registered nurses to Barbados, a small island country in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.

    Last week, the High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Byone-Sutherland, called for opportunities for Barbadian nurses to undergo health training in Ghana, emphasizing the benefits of hands-on experience in the country’s healthcare system.

    During a meeting with the Minister of Health, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, discussions centered on strengthening healthcare collaboration between the two nations.

    The minister outlined key initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery in Ghana, including incentives for rural health workers such as salary bonuses, accelerated promotions, and scholarships for further education. Plans to improve regional and teaching hospitals and the need for additional healthcare facilities in Ghana’s newly created regions were also highlighted.

    Meanwhile, the government of Germany is willing to sign a labour mobility agreement with Ghana to allow thousands of youth to be employed abroad under a special bilateral agreement.

    Mr Ablakwa has noted that the agreement, which is currently under discussion, will guarantee “safe, rewarding and dignified employment.” “We expect actual implementation soon,” Mr Ablakwa added.

    In April, Minister for Employment and Labor Relations Dr. Rashid Pelpuo made mention of work ongoing between his outfit and the Foreign Ministry to craft a strategy to export skilled Ghanaian labour to countries requiring workers to curb the rising unemployment.

    “Beyond the domestic set, what we can do to tackle unemployment is to look at how we can export Ghanaian labour to places that require our labour force,” he said in an interview on Joy FM.

    He added: “What I am working on is to get the foreign minister to sign bilateral relations with all the countries needing Ghanaian labour, and I will sign agreements with companies that want to export the labour.”

    A projection made by Fitch has it that the unemployment rate in Ghana in 2025 will remain at an average of 4.0% of the labour force.

    The Ministry of Labour, Jobs & Employment, in partnership with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and GIZ Ghana, has launched the Work Abroad Programme.

    The initiative seeks to address youth unemployment by facilitating access to jobs in various sectors beyond Ghana’s borders.

  • 31,935 chip-embedded passports printed so far – Foreign Minister 

    31,935 chip-embedded passports printed so far – Foreign Minister 

    Ghana’s 24-hour passport production system is yielding relatively massive results within the first month of its launch, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Following the rollout of the novel chip-embedded passports about a month ago, a total of 31,935 passports have been printed. The sector minister shared the achievement after embarking on a midnight visit on Saturday, May 24, to the passport head office to assess the progress of operations by the staff.

    He commended his “hardworking and patriotic staff for their impressive work ethic,” adding that “the reset is on — we shall not disappoint the good people of Ghana.”

    The new chip-embedded passport, which was rolled out on April 28, represents a major shift from the outgoing biometric system and brings Ghana in line with international travel standards. 

    The updated document contains 175 security features and is embedded with nanotechnology to safeguard against fraud and damage. It also includes a compressed polymer-based biographical data page, which users are advised to handle carefully.

    Ghanaians still holding valid biometric passports can continue using them until 2030 in line with regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), though they may opt to upgrade to the new version at any time.

    Biometric Travel Solutions spearheaded the development of the new passport platform, with Troskit and Ghana Post leading courier services under a 24-hour operational model.

    As of last week, a total number of 8,463 Ghanaians had received their new chip-embedded passports across the country, according to Mr Ablakwa. Three weeks ago, Mr Ablakwa saw to the first round of delivery of Ghana’s new chip-embedded passport. The minister joined Ghana Post on 9th May to personally hand over passports to clients at the addresses they provided.

    Applicants facing address challenges will be able to retrieve their passports from designated Ghana Post offices at no extra cost. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that Ghana Post will continue to ensure timely delivery of passports across the country. Delivery packages have been designed with tamper-evident sealing to guarantee document integrity.

    Meanwhile, Director of the Accra Passport Office, Felix Nyarku, has expressed concerns over the inconsistencies in applicants’ identification documents, highlighting mismatches between names on Ghana Cards and birth certificates.

    During a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs last week, Mr Nyarku noted that this often delays the processing of chip-embedded passports.

    What not to do

    The new passport contains a biographical data-page composed of layers of polymer compressed into a solid substrate that must not be bent or kept in the pocket, especially the back pockets.

    It must be protected from heat and all forms of liquid. Holders are advised not to store other cards with chips embedded in them inside the passport, as it may interfere with encoded information on the (RFID) inside the passport. 

    Avoid attempting to split the biographical data page. This will permanently damage the passport.

  • Interior Ministry launches BORDER Project to promote peace, security at Ghana’s border communities

    Interior Ministry launches BORDER Project to promote peace, security at Ghana’s border communities

    Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has officially unveiled the country’s BORDER Project, intended to enhance peace, security, and resilience in Ghana’s border communities.

    The project, which is being implemented in collaboration with World Vision Ghana, the PATRIP Foundation, and RACED Ghana, seeks to address the multiple stressors faced by border regions, including resource-based conflicts, climate shocks, and inter-communal tensions.

    Speaking at the launch, the deputy minister emphasized the importance of social cohesion, conflict prevention, intercommunal tensions, and economic empowerment in building peace and stability in border communities.

    “Our border communities face multiple stressors that threaten national stability. This project will strengthen social cohesion, boost economic empowerment, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious divides. 

    The Ministry of the Interior fully supports this initiative and calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society to take an active role in this vital peacebuilding effort,” he said.

    He pledged the ministry’s support for the project and urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious leaders, and youth, to actively engage in the peacebuilding components of the project.

    Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who also spoke at the event reaffirmed his ministry’s readiness to collaborate with World Vision Ghana and its partners to ensure that the gains of this project translate into improved learning outcomes.

     “Education is a powerful tool for social transformation. We will work closely with World Vision Ghana and its partners to ensure that this project improves learning outcomes in border areas,” he said.

    He added that his ministry will work through the Ghana Education Service to align local interventions with national policies, including the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and commitments under SDG 4, ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

    Interim National Director of World Vision Ghana, Mr. Jean-Claude Mukadi, also made remarks, thanking the German government for its support of the World Vision ministry in Ghana.

    They assured the German Ambassador to Ghana, distinguished German representatives present, and the officials from the German Development Bank (KfW) that World Vision, in collaboration with their implementing partners, is fully committed to the successful implementation of this project.

    The northern border areas near Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire have recorded civil unrest and crime. For years, Burkina Faso has struggled to contain terrorist groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), Islamic State Sahel Province (ISGS), and their affiliates.

    In October last year, Reuters reported that Islamist militants fighting in Burkina Faso were discreetly using northern Ghana as a logistical and medical base to support their expansion efforts across West Africa.

    Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, the previous government’s spokesperson on security matters dismissed the allegations, stating that cross-border activities involved legitimate trade and official transactions.

  • President Mahama rallies support for AU’s 2025 reparation agenda

    President Mahama rallies support for AU’s 2025 reparation agenda

    President John Dramani Mahama has thrown his full weight behind the African Union’s agenda this year to seek justice for Africans and people of African descent who have been directly and indirectly affected by colonialism and slavery.

    Delivering his African Day 2025 message based on the Union’s theme this year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” the president emphasized the need for a united front in addressing the lingering effects of slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism, which he described as historical injustices that have cast a shadow on the lives and progress of Africans and Africans in the diaspora.

    “As the AU Champion for this critical cause, I am deeply committed to working with you all to achieve this vital objective. Reparations are not merely about financial compensation. They are about acknowledging the profound and enduring damage inflicted upon our people,” he said.

    The president further outlined an approach to justice that involves official apologies from complicit nations and institutions, cancellation of unjust debt burdens, and return of stolen cultural artifacts, encouraging increased investment in African education and development as part of the reparation process.

    “We seek justice—justice that encompasses a comprehensive range of measures. Addressing the crippling debt burden that continues to stifle economic growth in many African nations—a direct consequence of exploitation and unfair trade practices—is essential,” he said.

    President Mahama urged fellow African leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and members of the diaspora to join hands in pushing for reparations, stressing the importance of advocacy, dialogue, and solidarity.

    “Let us work together to build a future where justice prevails, where the wounds of the past are healed, and where the potential of every African and person of African descent is fully realized,” he said.

    He called on African leaders, civil society, and the diaspora to forge a united front. “Let Africa Day 2025 be a turning point. Let the pursuit of reparations be a testament to our resilience and belief in a brighter future,” he remarked.

    In an address on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC), Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted Africa’s resolve to secure justice for past wrongs while building a continent anchored in prosperity and unity.

    “Justice and reparations remain long overdue,” he said, adding that “the continent continues to sacrifice and strive towards freedom from conflict, underdevelopment, and war.”

    H.E. Youssouf underscored Africa’s strategic assets—including a youthful and growing population, vast natural resources, and renewable energy potential—as key drivers of a transformative future. With Africa’s population expected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, he described the continent not just as the future but as “the engine of global transformation.”

    H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, remarked that reparatory justice goes beyond redressing past wrongs. “It is about affirming the dignity of our people and shaping a future rooted in fairness and accountability,” she said.

    Ambassador Abera called for deeper bonds between Africa and its diaspora to push for global recognition and restitution. She also pointed to the role of youth and digital innovation as critical to Africa’s future and urged investments in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and big data.

    She concluded by pledging Ethiopia’s unwavering support for Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and self-reliant continent.

    Meanwhile, UNESCO has reaffirmed its solidarity with the African Union’s agenda. Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, the Director and UNESCO representative, announced the launch of a high-level roundtable later this year themed “Reparations, Memory and Sovereignty: African Liberation Movements and the Relevance of Pan-Africanism Today.” She described the initiative as a platform for policy exchange and action, not mere symbolism.

    Righting the wrongs with African states

    In 2024, the United Kingdom returned 32 gold and silver treasures stolen from the Asante Kingdom more than 150 years ago on a six-year loan. 

    The artefacts, comprising 15 items from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), were looted from the court of the Asante king during the turbulent 19th-century clashes between the British and the Asante people.

    The relics, including gold and silver regalia associated with the Asante Royal Court, have been showcased at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, as part of the yearlong celebration honouring Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s silver jubilee.

    Three years ago, Benin received two dozen treasures and artworks stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces during the sacking of the royal Palace of Abomey.

    Currently, a Dutch museum is taking measures to send more than a hundred precious artefacts back to Nigeria. The Wereldmuseum in Leiden is preparing a collection of Benin Bronzes looted during a violent British raid in 1897.

  • Speaker Bagbin pushes for legislative climate solutions at Global Forum 

    Speaker Bagbin pushes for legislative climate solutions at Global Forum 

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on parliaments across the globe to harness their legislative authority in combating climate change. 

    Speaking at the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress in St. Petersburg, Russia, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the pivotal role of legislators in shaping climate policies that promote sustainable development and ecological resilience.

    According to him, legislative bodies worldwide must leverage their law-making powers to implement effective climate solutions. Highlighting the existential threat posed by climate change, he called for robust national commitments to environmental protection and investment in renewable energy. 

    In a Facebook post, the Parliament of Ghana noted that the Speaker shared the country’s initiatives in climate action and stressed the importance of allocating sufficient resources in national budgets to achieve environmental restoration goals. 

    Additionally, he encouraged legislators to engage and educate their constituents on supporting and implementing climate policies and regulations.

    The Congress adopted a resolution aimed at enhancing international environmental cooperation, which will be presented at the upcoming United Nations Conference.

    Speaker Bagbin participated in a ceremonial tree planting, where he planted Tree No. 5—an ashberry tree, known for its ecological significance in the northern hemisphere.

    The ashberry provides nourishment for humans and wildlife, supports biodiversity, and contributes to soil health. 

    Ghana’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices

    The government has developed several policy frameworks, including the National Climate Change Policy and the National Adaptation Plan. These initiatives aim to promote climate-resilient development through afforestation projects, climate-smart agriculture, and investment in renewable energy. Ghana has also committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as part of the global Paris Agreement.

    Through Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Ghana has mobilised $800 million by trading carbon credits with nations like Switzerland and Sweden. 

    Article 6 of the Paris Agreement enables international cooperation to tackle climate change and to unlock financial support for developing countries. There are three components to Article 6:

    Article 6.2: Provides accounting and reporting guidance for Parties to use internationally transferred mitigation outcomes towards their nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

    Article 6.4: Establishes a new UNFCCC mechanism which can be used to trade high-quality carbon credits.

    Article 6.8: Provides opportunities for non-market-based cooperation for enhancing climate action.

    In 2023, the West African country began receiving payments from the World Bank for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, known as REDD+.

    At COP28, the country signed a $50 million emission reduction payment agreement with the Emergent Forest Finance Accelerator Incorporated, a US-based non-profit organisation, under the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition.

    Presently, youth-led organizations and civil society groups are increasingly joining the effort. From climate education and clean-up campaigns to sustainable farming projects, these groups are raising awareness and urging stronger action to address the climate crisis.

    Experts warn that without sustained investment in climate adaptation and environmental protection, Ghana may face more severe consequences in the years ahead.

    Ghana is grappling with the growing impacts of climate change, as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and sea-level rise continue to disrupt livelihoods and threaten the country’s natural ecosystems.

    Over the past decades, average temperatures across Ghana have increased, while rainfall patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. These changes are particularly affecting agriculture, a sector that contributes significantly to the economy.

  • Court hands 10-year jail term to men who stole immigration officer’s pistol

    Court hands 10-year jail term to men who stole immigration officer’s pistol

    The Walewale Circuit Court that heard the case of a stolen pistol and ammunition belonging to an officer of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has sentenced the culprits to a 5-year jail term each with hard labour.

    The convicts, Mustapha Basit, 18, and Baba Rashid, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal and stealing before Justice Francis Asobayeri at the Walewale Circuit Court on Thursday, May 22.

    According to a statement released by the police service, arrangements are being made to transfer the two to commence their prison terms.

    The duo, per a police report, entered the room of the immigration officer on Saturday, May 17, while he was away. They managed to steal the officer’s Smith & Wesson pistol loaded with ten rounds of ammunition as well as his two CZ rifle magazines loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition each.

    Through intelligence, the culprits were arrested at Kperiga, a suburb of Walewale. The Police discovered that Mustapha and Baba hid the pistol and ammunition in a stationary vehicle.

    Per the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), specifically section 124, a person who steals commits a second-degree felony. Where the court that finds a person guilty of stealing is satisfied that on not less than two previous occasions the accused was found guilty of stealing, the court shall order that the whole or a part of a term of imprisonment imposed by it shall be spent in productive hard labour.

    In an unrelated development, the Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at Nsawam-Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region.

    The suspect, Abdul Rauf Salami, a native of Adoagyiri Zongo, was arrested during intensified police operations that targeted all points of entry and exit of Adoagyiri.

    The operations were part of a broader response to the recent violence and reprisal attack in the township that resulted in deaths.

    Exhibits retrieved from the suspect include two pump-action guns with 64 rounds of AA ammunition, a cutlass, a knife, and an ammunition vest. The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with investigations and is expected to be arraigned before the court to face justice.

    Meanwhile, the police have assured members of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri community they would do their best possible in ensuring the safety and security of the township. The service has therefore urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.

    The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has bemoaned the influx of unregistered arms and ammunition in the country.

    “The number of arms in the hands of our citizens is getting to an alarming level. It’s giving the Peace Council, police, and other security agencies a lot of headaches. At the least provocation, you hear a gunshot. How did the people get the guns?” he quizzed during a working visit to the Northern Region on Wednesday, May 21.

  • I refused to renounce Jesus for fame in the early days of my career – Nigerian actress

    I refused to renounce Jesus for fame in the early days of my career – Nigerian actress

    Popular Nigerian actress, Ekene Umenma, has disclosed that she was made to choose between fame and her faith by some exclusive group of people within Nollywood in the early days of her acting career.

    In an Instagram video shared by the actress while dancing to Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor’s new song titled “No Turning Back”, she recounted the situation and made a mockery of it without mentioning names.

    “When I came to Nollywood many years ago with my Jesus, I was told by some folks to drop Jesus & Mary to move with the flow so that I can make it. They said, Ekene, this game no be Jesus Jesus oo.”

    However, she maintained that she stood firm and trusted in the faithfulness of God to establish her in the industry regardless.

    “I was like chimo, is that so? Never. I ran to my father, and Jesus told me to move, ahead ahead. I thank God today that many people have joined me to proclaim Jesus in Nollywood,” the actress stated.

    Ekene Umenwa is also a content creator, entrepreneur, comedian, and event planner. She rose to prominence following her role in the 2013 film Black Choir.

    She disclosed in an interview that she never thought of becoming an actress. However, at 13, she had a vision where God was calling her to act with a mission to save souls.

    Ekene has been featured in several Nollywood movies and TV series, notably Money and Blood, Innocent Oath, and The Cab Ladies. The actress has been in the entertainment industry since 2011.

    In her acting career, she has starred alongside notable Nollywood actors such as Destiny Etiko, Zubby Michael, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ola Daniels, and Maleek Mitton. She has gained immense popularity on social media, especially on TikTok, where she shares her comic skits. 

    She currently manages a YouTube channel mainly for sharing movies and funny short skits.

    The channel was created on 3 October 2016 and currently has 550 thousand subscribers.

    Some of the films she has published on the channel include Set Me Free, One Day Principle, Crazy Daughter, Something More Than Gold, and Baby Nanny. 

    Watch the video below:

  • GHAMRO is not supported by govt – CEO reveals

    GHAMRO is not supported by govt – CEO reveals

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Rights Organization (GHAMRO), Jackson Brefo, has revealed that his outfit does not receive any form of support from the government.

    He made this known during an X space discussion on media houses that have failed to honour their obligations when it comes to paying royalties to musicians.

    Mr Brefo explained that GHAMRO’s core role in public performance is to licence musical works by collecting royalties from radio and TV stations.

    He said the government’s only role in relation to GHAMRO is that of regulator.

    “Government does not do any business with GHAMRO. The only relationship government has with GHAMRO is as a regulator. The government does not support GHAMRO in any way. What we do in the public performance space is license musical works by collecting royalties from radio and TV stations,” he explained.

    He clarified that the main reason the organization pays low royalties to some musicians is because of the fluctuating usage of their songs across media platforms, as that contributes to revenue generation.

    “More often than not, when you hear that musicians received GH¢100 or GH¢300 from GHAMRO, it’s because royalty generation is not static. Since we collect royalties from TV and radio stations, we can only distribute what we collect. And as a matter of fact, 90 percent of Ghana’s broadcasting networks have deliberately refused to pay,” he added.

     Mr Brefo made a shocking revelation regarding the failure of most media houses in the country to honour their obligations when it comes to paying royalties to musicians.

    For this, he expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) over its failure to settle an eight-year-old judgment debt owed to the organisation.

    Mr Brefo revealed that despite a court ruling requiring GBC to pay royalties for the broadcast of copyrighted music, the state broadcaster has yet to comply.

    He explained that the legal battle with GBC ended in a ruling in favour of GHAMRO, but the corporation has refused to honour the court’s directive.

    “To get GBC to pay the money was a challenge, and the matter had to end up in court, as you mentioned. We were in court with GBC for eight years. And now that we are in 2025, GBC has still not paid the money awarded by the court,” he said.

    Brefo noted that GBC’s failure to pay the judgment debt, valued at GH¢150,000, has contributed to widespread misconceptions about GHAMRO’s operations and the low royalty payments received by some musicians.

    “This has been part of the reason there are so many misconceptions about GHAMRO. I admit GHAMRO is not doing enough communication, but the lack of understanding around collective management organisations is a big issue, not just for artists, but even for radio presenters, journalists, and others within the ecosystem,” he added.

    He has charged musicians to call media outlets to account when questioning GHAMRO about royalty payments.

  • Yul Edochie announces arrival of new baby with second wife

    Yul Edochie announces arrival of new baby with second wife

    Nigerian actor Nigerian actor Yul Edochie has announced the arrival of a new baby girl with his second wife, Judy Austin.

    Mr Edochie took to Instagram to express his joy and gratitude to God and his fans.

    “We prayed, our fans prayed. And God answered. Rejoice with us as we welcome our beautiful daughter,” he wrote.

    He disclosed “Universe Ifeyinwa Storm Yul-Edochie” as the name of their bouncy baby girl.

    The comment session under his Instagram post has since been flooded with congratulatory messages.

    Yul Edochie was initially married to May Edochie, with whom he shared a long union of close to 20 years.

    May often stayed away from the limeslight , supporting Yul’s career from behind the scenes while he rose to fame in Nollywood.

    However in April 2022, Yul shocked the public when he announced that he had taken a second wife known as Judy Austin and welcomed a son with her.

    In response, Yul Edochie expressed her pain and disapproval publicly. She revealed in a post that she had no prior knowledge of her husband’s intention to marry a second wife and described the situation as a betrayal.

    She emphasized her belief in monogamy and made it clear she would not be part of a polygamous marriage.

    Madam May gained massive support from the public, with many rallying behind her as a symbol of grace and dignity.

    Later in March 2023, Yul and May’s first son, Kambilichukwu, passed away after reportedly collapsing while playing football in school.

    The heartbreaking incident drew attention to the family and deepened public sympathy for madam May.

    Yul continues to post about Judy Austin and their life together, while Madam may remain distant from the drama.

    She has since removed “Edochie” from her social media, signaling a strong move toward independence.

    Watch the video below:

  • Fred Amugi narrates how his parents made him a good cook

    Fred Amugi narrates how his parents made him a good cook

    Veteran actor Fred Amugi has revealed that he is an exceptional cook due to the training and guidance he received from his parents when he was a child.

    During an interview with the media on discussions about the Ghana Must Go stage play, written by celebrated playwright Latif Abubakar, the actor revealed that his mother used to assign him to cooking roles for specific weeks.

    On other days, she would have him observe while she cooked, teaching him valuable skills.

    His father, on the other hand, told him, “What the girls can do, you should be able to do too,” a lesson he says has greatly influenced him.

    Mr Amugi said due to this experience with his parents, he does a good job preparing okro stew, his favorite meal, not with the usual palm oil but with coconut oil, including every other Ghanaian dish.

    He said he can also pound and turn fufu independently, showcasing his proficiency in traditional Ghanaian cuisine.

    Ghana Must Go stage play will premiere today, May 24–25, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    The story revolves around a group of friends who, tired of life in the diaspora, return to Ghana to face an uncertain future and rediscover their roots.

    Speaking on a separate matter, Mr Amugi urged creatives to correct all the wrongs as they have attained new appointments in President Mahama’s government.

    “The complaints that they have giving before because people were not taking a second look at our theatre and our filmmaking, now that they are sitting there, what they used to complain about, this is the time to push and let it happen,” he said.

  • “I can now see” – Kofi Adomah publicly reveals

    “I can now see” – Kofi Adomah publicly reveals

    Ghanaian Broadcaster Kofi Adomah Nwanwani has announced that he can now see again after undergoing several surgeries as a result of a gunshot wound in the eye.

    In a video shared on his Kofi TV channel on YouTube on May 22, Kofi said, although his sight is not as it used to be, he is currently able to see following extensive surgeries and medical care.

    “Now I can say that, while my eyes are not like they used to be, I can now see you if you are standing before me. I can read messages. When the text is small, I can take a screenshot and zoom in to read. So, I am able to help myself, and I am grateful for where the Lord has brought me. I am very grateful to Ghanaians,” he said.

     The broadcaster happily went on to share a long list of individuals and benefactors who came to his aid during this period.

    While acknowledging the extensive list of his benefactors, Kofi singled out some individuals, including family members from both his side and his wife, Miracle Adomah’s, side.

    He also mentioned businessman and brother of President John Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama for his kind gesture and going all out, including offering to fly him in his private jet.

    “Today is just to say thank you, but as I have said, I won’t leave any issue unanswered. Whatever needs to be done will be done because what I went through, at a point, I felt it was my end. I felt that it could have been my death because someone was shot in the leg at Teshie Nungua, and she died”.

    “Mine was in the face, and when you look at the scans that were conducted, as I speak now, there are still particles in there, which they say I have to live with for a period,” he stated, vowing to address the controversies surrounding the incident.

    Kofi Adomah Nwanwani was shot in the face on December 21, 2024 while the 25th anniversary celeberation of Dormahene Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II during the Kwafie Festival in Dormaa Ahenkro, Bono Region.

    The incident happened when a chief’s bodyguard accidentally fired a musket at close range during a traditional gun display, hitting Kofi in the eye.

    He was first treated at Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital and Berekum Holy Family Hospital before being flown to Dubai for further care.

    Sadly, he lost sight in one eye and later in the other, which led to more treatment in the UK.

    Watch the video below:

  • “Nothing bad happened to me” – Akrobeto speaks after accident

    “Nothing bad happened to me” – Akrobeto speaks after accident

    Ghanaian actor and television personality Akwasi Boadi, popularly known as Akrobeto, has broken his silence after surviving a car accident on the Accra-Kumasi Highway on Friday, 23.

    A few hours after the accident, the actor was spotted in a viral video providing details of how it all happened.

    He explained that a heavy truck collided with his Toyota SUV and dragged his vehicle for about 30 meters before it came to a halt, causing a huge crowd to appear on the scene within a short while.

    “The car rammed into mine and dragged me for about 30 meters before the articulator came to a halt for me to also come to a stop. The entire place became crowded in less than five minutes,” Akrobeto stated.

    He revealed that he was in the vehicle with someone he offered a ride to, but thankfully the person was also not injured.

    After being taken to the hospital for a checkup, he indicated that doctors were stunned by how he survived without a scratch, considering the severity of the crash.

    “After looking at my car and myself, the doctor told me, ‘Your God is a big God.’ Nothing bad happened to me,” he said.

    According to an eyewitness, the accident occurred when a tricycle, locally known as an Aboboyaa, suddenly crossed the path of a vehicle, leading a heavy-duty truck to crash into Akrobeto’s car to avoid a collision.

    The actor’s vehicle sustained significant damage, but no casualties were reported.

    Akrobeto, known for hosting The Real News on UTV, noted the outpouring of concern from fans, stating, “This accident has given me the opportunity to appreciate how people love me. I am grateful to the entire Ghana.”

    Akrobeto says he is willing to shoot the week’s edition of his Real News show; however, the management of Despite Media had asked him to take a break for the week.

    Akrobeto is a renowned actor who has been featured in over 100 Kumawood movies and is known for the unusually large size of his nostrils.

    Due to his comic acts, he has recently been recognized by the international community, where his comic acts were used by several presenters on CNN as well as other international television presenters.

  • It’s hard to talk about 2023 AfroNation ordeal involving my manager – Gyakie

    It’s hard to talk about 2023 AfroNation ordeal involving my manager – Gyakie

    Ghanaian artiste Gyakie has resisted attempts to revisit the ordeal she went through during an attack on her manager during Portugal’s 2023 Afronation festival.

    She told Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz on Friday, May 23, she had to juggle her emotions, handle the situation, and maintain a positive energy to perform on stage within the same period.

    She said since it was a terrible experience, she hesitates to talk about it because it opens wounds that have already been healed.

    “I really wish I was able to answer this particular question at the time, because it’s like anytime I have to talk about it, it kind of opens wounds that have already been healed,” she said.

    She added, “What happened, and the fact that I actually had a performance on that day, is not something I would wish on anyone. I had to prepare for the stage, and I had to experience all that happened.”

    Gyakie further entreated industry players to be more cautious of challenges that are inevitable in their day-to-day engagement.

    A video that went viral in July 2023 on social media showed Gyakie’s manager, Electro Mirror, being manhandled by some uniformed security personnel, to the horror of onlookers.

    The video, shared by George Britton, featured George’s panicked voice in the background as he reproached the security officers for their actions.

    Mirror was seen pinned to the floor while about five security men held him in a chokehold as he gasped for air.

    Meanwhile, Gyakie is preparing to release her debut album after previously dropping two EPs. She has already released the first single, titled Sankofa, off the upcoming album After Midnight.

    The musician has also said that she no longer entertains baseless criticism on social media.

    According to her, she is open to receiving feedback that will contribute to her growth as a musician, however, she’ll decide to pick and choose what comment gets her attention.

    The songbird believes she cannot please everyone all the time, but for his fans, she will go all out to excite them.

    “I just learn to appreciate what I feel is right because one person will say ‘I don’t like the way your hair is always shorter’, another person will say ‘I don’t like the way your hair is long’. So it’s like what do you want me to do? I am going to do what I feel is right or what I feel my audience is going to enjoy.”

    “Because whatever I put out is what is gathering the people that are in my market. In the beginning, I was really allowing a lot of the bad criticism to get to me but right now I just drop the music and do exactly what I have been brought on earth to do,” she said. 

    Despite her decision, Gyakie says she remains very active on social media but has resolved not to read comments.

    She said, comment sections used to ruin her entire week, even if she trusts herself not to be perturbed by them.

  • I taped my mouth at the 26th TGMAs to symbolize men’s silent suffering – Tulenkey

    I taped my mouth at the 26th TGMAs to symbolize men’s silent suffering – Tulenkey

    Ghanaian rapper Tulenkey has shared the inspiration behind his taped lips at the just-ended 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).

    The rapper who won the Best Hiplife Song of the Year award at this year’s edition came with a tape on his lips.

    He said it was symbolic of the battles many men face, often choosing not to speak up due to societal ideologies that expect them to remain strong simply because they are men.

    In an interview with the media, “It’s a message. It speaks of what men go through—the inner battles we fight. Because being a man, when you are vulnerable, when you talk about your emotions, you are seen as weak. So they would rather die inside than let it out. The tape symbolised suffering in silence,” he said.

    Tulenkey and Beeztrap snagged the Best Hiplife Song award at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards with their thought-provoking hit “Bad Feeling.”

    The emotionally raw track from Tulenkey’s Bad Friends: A Distressed Mind project stood out among a powerful list of nominees, resonating with fans for its honesty and lyrical depth.

    “Bad Feeling” beat out strong competition including Black Sherif’s “Rebel Music,” Sarkodie’s “No Sir,” Okyeame Kwame’s “No Competition” (featuring Kuami Eugene), Lyrical Joe’s “Enter” (also featuring Kuami Eugene), and Eno Barony’s “Soja Go Soja Come” (featuring King Paluta).

    This is the duo’s debut award at Ghana’s most celebrated musical awards night.

    The song, with relatable themes of trust and betrayal highlights their lyrical prowess and also marks a major moment for introspective hiplife in today’s music space.

    It wasn’t just the award that generated a buzz for Tulenkey, his choice of outfit also had heads turning his direction.

    He appeared on stage with a stylish menswear, but his lips taped shut is what caused wonder among attendees.

    Meanwhile, Over thirty awards were presented to various musicians at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards organised by Charterhouse on Saturday May 10, 2025.

  • Akrobeto survives road accident involving truck

    Akrobeto survives road accident involving truck

    Veteran Kumawood actor, Akrobeto escapes unscathed from a vehicle collision involving his Toyota SUV with registration number GW 635-24 and a cargo truck.

    The incident that happened along the Accra-Kumasi highway, where the actor’s damaged vehicle was positioned close to the aticulator truck.

    It is not immediately known what caused the accident.

    However, Akrobeto appeared unharmed in a video sited by The Independent Ghana on X.

    Watch video below:

    Meanwhile, actor and musician Lil Win was also involved in an accident last year May that resulted in the death of a 3-year-old boy  named Nana Yaw.

    The accident occurred when the actor was en route to the premiere of ‘A Country Called Ghana’ movie in Kumasi.

    He was hospitalized, but the Police at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Manhyia Divisional Police Command arrested the actor shortly after he was discharged from the hospital.

    The family of the deceased intensified calls for justice following the tragic incident.

    The police cited his ill-health as the reason for the delay in apprehending him.

    He was picked up from the emergency unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital around 6:30 am and subsequently appeared in court.

    While the court proceedings were ongoing, Kwadwo Nkansah took steps to compensate the family of the 3-year-old boy.

    He  replaced Nana Yaw’s father’s Hyundai Santa Fe, which was destroyed in the accident, with a brand new one.

    Additionally, LilWin provided the family with GH¢50,000 and another GH¢45,000 to cover funeral and hospital expenses.

    Also, since Nana Yaw was the third born after a set of twins, LilWin has pledged to support the surviving twins as part of his compensation efforts.

    Earlier after the court proceedings on July 27, 2024, LilWin’s lawyer, Nana Bonsu Kyeretwie, stated that they were waiting for the Attorney General’s Office to review the case and provide guidance.

    The trial was scheduled for August 26, 2024 but the judge and the deceased’s family were absent from court. LilWin, on the other hand, was present.

    The proceedings have since been adjourned to September 2024.

  • My family was ashamed to associate with me because of trolls – Wendy Shay

    My family was ashamed to associate with me because of trolls – Wendy Shay

    Ghanaian artiste Wendy Shay has shared some of the challenges she encountered with family members due to trolls on social media.

    According to her, netizens chided her over their belief that she was doing all she could to imitate the late Ebony Reigns.

    During an appearance on Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope Shopsydoo, the ‘It’s Too Late‘ hitmaker revealed that her mother suggested she return to Germany.

    According to her, some family members were shy to associate with her.

    “At a point, my mum asked me to quit music and return to Germany because the trolling was overwhelming and it affected everyone in my family,” she said. “Some of my relatives were even kind of shy to associate with me at the time.”

    “Imagine they take your face, edit it to make you look like an old woman, and start mocking and laughing at you. They even said I wasn’t talented enough. It was crazy. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, but it built me,” Wendy added.

    Despite these challenges, Wendy Shay established herself as one of Ghana’s most recognized female artistes.

    Her first single titled “Uber Driver” shot her to the limelight, followed by other chart-topping hits such as “Heat”, “Stevie Wonder” featuring Shatta Wale, “Emergency” and “Survivor.”

    Wendy’s latest hit, “It’s Too Late,” has been enjoying massive attention across media platforms and is topping charts globally after a schoolgirl in Ashaiman, Tracy, went viral dancing to the song.

    The video quickly gained traction, with many praising her energy and talent. However, some critics questioned her choice of attire and expressions, calling them inappropriate for a child.

    Despite the mixed reactions, the music star was moved by Tracy’s enthusiasm and decided to take action.

    Wendy Shay, who had performed at Ridoana Comprehensive School during the All Ashaiman Schools Festival, returned to honor the young girl. In a touching video shared on her social media, Wendy spoke to the school’s students and staff, recounting the moment she first saw Tracy perform.

    “About a week ago, I came here to this school to perform, and during my performance, there was this talented, beautiful, shining star—Tracy—dancing and singing passionately to my song ‘Too Late.’ The video went viral and is still trending. So I came back today to say thank you and to reward my little star, my shining star, Tracy,” Wendy said, her words filled with pride.

    In a moment of true generosity, Wendy Shay announced a full educational scholarship for Tracy, covering her education from Class 5 all the way through to university.

    The award-winning artiste, who has bagged honours at both the 3Music Awards and the Ghana Music Awards, credits her resilience and the unwavering support from her fans for her continued success.

  • NPP needs new executives to reclaim 137 seats – First Vice Chair

    NPP needs new executives to reclaim 137 seats – First Vice Chair

    First National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dankwa Smith Butey, has called for the restructuring of the party’s executive board due to a shift in their momentum.

    His concerns stem from the 2024 election defeat that slashed the party’s seats in parliament from 177 to 88.

    Mr Butey stands by the assertion that the current party executives have failed and need to be replaced with more competent ones to rebuild the party for a stronger future.

    “We all need to go home for new, experienced people to come and lead the party. I’m not saying the current executives are not experienced, but we have failed.”

    “From 137 seats to 88 is such a big blow. I didn’t even expect we were going to lose the election, so the outcome was surprising. For over two weeks, I couldn’t put myself together,” he told the media during an interview.

    He has advised members of the party to take a bold step in resuscitation of its base and rebuilding public confidence.

    Sharing the same sentiment, former New Patriotic Party(NPP) MP for Obuasi East, Edward Ennin, has also asked the leadership to resign or be sacked from office, although they were duly elected to serve for a certain period.

    According to him, the executives went into the 2024 election with a weak campaign strategy and poor planning that led to their defeat.

    He believes they don’t deserve to occupy their positions as the party’s executives, hence the need for them to resign or be sacked.

    “Looking at the disgrace our executives have brought upon us, I think they should be resigning by now, but if they fail, we can sack them from their positions and hand over the party and put proper administrative measures in place for it to look good to all,” he stated.

    The tough-spoken politician noted that there was apathy among supporters following what he described as “mafia” tactics displayed during the internal elections.

    Meanwhile, the National Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has appealed to members and sympathisers of the party to refrain from campaigning for positions within the party.

    It said campaign activities for various positions at the constituency, regional and national levels would not help the party’s effort to rebuild and energise the party following the 2024 disappointing electoral defeat.

    A statement issued in Accra and signed by the chairman of the National Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, expressed concern about this development. 

    “We wish to remind ourselves that the focus of the party at this critical time is to organise a detailed assessment of the causes of the party’s dismaying performance in the recent elections,” it said.

    It noted that it was in pursuance of that goal that an Election Review Committee chaired by Professor Mike Oquaye had been set up by the NPP National Council.

    “The Committee is expected to, within three months, engage party members, stakeholders, and the general public on its terms of reference, after which it shall submit a report containing its findings and recommendations,” it stated.

  • Police arrest one after discovering body of missing UEW lecturer

    Police arrest one after discovering body of missing UEW lecturer

    The Ghana Police Service has arrested one suspect in connection with the murder of a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), who initially went missing on Wednesday.

    Complaints by his colleagues necessitated investigations, which led the police to his house, where he was found murdered and buried in his residence at Effutu Gyahadze in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region.

    The police dicovered that the throat of the deceased lecturer was slit, including his intestines which was removed before his burial.

    There were also bloodstains that they traced to a heap of sand about 23 metres from the house. A body believed to be that of Prof. Amedeke was discovered buried underneath, upon clearing the pile of sand.

    Prof. Amedeke’s lifeless body has since been exhumed and deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

    According to the police, they retrieved items such as Samsung phones, a laptop, a 50-inch television, and a key to a Toyota Fortuner in the possession of the suspect, belonging to the deceased.

    The suspect is currently in the custody of the Ateetu Police in Effutu, assisting with investigations, and will be arraigned before court.

    AIso in 2020, news about a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Law Faculty, Professor Emmanuel Yaw Benneh came in that he was found dead in his Adjiringanor house in Accra under circumstances suspected to be murder.

    A family source confirmed the death to Graphic Online.

    Details of how he died was sketchy but some sources said it was a suspected case of murder.

    His colleague lecturer at the University of Ghana Law Faculty, Dr Poku Adusei for instance posted the following on Facebook:

    ”Folks, I had wanted not to be the breaker of such ominous news, but the calls are incessant: The world is damned evil; Prof. Yaw Benneh of Legon Law has been ‘murdered’ in JB-style in his Adjirigano mansion.

    “It appears to be an act perpetuated about three days ago, but it was just discovered this morning,” Dr Adusei wrote.

    Prof Benneh earned both his M.Litt and LL.M (International Law Option) from University of Cambridge in the United Kindgom.

    He held a postgraduate Certificate in International and Comparative Law from University of Leiden.

    He earned his LL.B with Second Class Upper from University of Ghana and had enormous consulting experience and has published extensively.

  • Energy Ministry confirms arrival of 450,000 barrels of fuel to support power generation

    Energy Ministry confirms arrival of 450,000 barrels of fuel to support power generation

    The Ministry of Energy has confirmed the arrival of 450,000 barrels of fuel to support power generation at a time stakeholders project imminent power outages.

    Head of Communications at the Energy Ministry, Richmond Rockson, told JoyNews the delivery is currently at anchorage.

    Speaking to the media, “This is one of the first parts out of numerous, so, definitely, like it has always been, the ministry will ensure that, consistently, Ghanaians have stable power.”

    “Every now and then, parcels of fuel are ordered. The only challenge is financing because when you look at the tariff structure, fuels are not part of the tariff structure, so every now and then, we have to fall on the Ministry of Finance to make provisions for funding.”

    He further added: “Beyond LCOS (Levelized cost of storage), we have other liquefied fuels that we depend on, and we also have gas. So it depends on the demand at any time and then what will be used, but definitely, it will cover us for a long period.”

    About a week ago, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, sounded an alarm over a looming nationwide power crisis, revealing that the country had less than three days’ worth of liquid fuel to power its electricity-generating plants.

    Addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Energy on Thursday, May 15, Mr Jinapor stated that the ministry was racing against time to secure billions of cedis needed to pay for new fuel supplies already ordered.

    The minister disclosed that while some fuel has been procured on credit, the lack of immediate funding threatens to paralyse power generation nationwide. Mr Jinapor also stated that the Ministry of Finance is being engaged, but its financial constraints limit what can be done.

    He disclosed to them that an amount of $1.1 billion was needed by the government to procure fuel to enable the country to keep its plants running.

    “We require about $1.1 billion to procure liquid fuel alone. Unfortunately, the liquid fuel is not part of the tariff structure, and so we will be buying close to $15 billion of liquid fuel, and that has to be paid by the central government.”

    However, the problem has been averted with the delivery of the liquid fuels.

    Ghana’s energy crisis

    Ghana is currently facing a severe energy crisis evident in the frequent power outages, financial struggles, and fuel shortages. The government is urgently seeking GH₵1.1 billion for fuel procurement. 

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on the other hand, is facing a monthly deficit of GH₵2 billion due to poor revenue collection, making it difficult to pay independent power producers, who have threatened to suspend operations.

    Government’s efforts to deal with energy sector crisis

    In March this year, Mr Jinapor announced the government’s plans to construct a second gas processing plant to augment the shortfall and increase supply security.

    Minister for Energy & Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on Monday afternoon, inaugurated the Implementation Committee for Ghana’s Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II).

    The finance minister noted that the project, which is “long overdue” will enable the country to save “nearly $500 million and create over 1,000 jobs for our people.”

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has issued a 4-week timeline to the Implementation Committee for Ghana’s Second Gas Processing Plant (GPP II) to finalise their implementation plan.

  • Cost of data to reduce by end of 2025 – Sam George

    Cost of data to reduce by end of 2025 – Sam George

    The Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations has assured Ghanaians of reducing the cost of data by the end of 2025.

    According to the sector Minister, Sam George, a committee that was set in February had developed a roadmap meant to drive plans for data reduction.

    Speaking at an event to commemorate this year’s World Telecommunications and Information Society Day at a ceremony in Accra last Monday on the theme: “Gender equality in digital transformation,” the minister said,

    “Based on that roadmap, I made the Director-General of the NCA and the regulator engage with stakeholders on what we could do in the immediate, medium term, and the long term.

    “So to citizens of this country, my promise is that by the end of this year, we will see data prices drop, and I remain committed to it. We will deliver on that. I trust the process,” he added.

    The member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram said the committee, which included telecom companies, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and other sector players, worked for 13 days without receiving any payment from taxpayers.

    Adding that,  his outfit had also engaged the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to do an independent study of tariffs in the country and present a report in eight weeks.

    This, he said, would allow the ministry to align the report with that of the NCA report and take an informed policy decision.

    “I will not give directives that will affect the industry. What I will do is consult with industry and stakeholders and make decisions that protect investments in the country.

    “I will also ensure that customers have the best quality of service and at prices they can afford,” he added.

    Sam George also provided clarity to a section of Ghanaians who have been chiding him for failing to reduce data cost immediately he assumed office some months ago.

    “Look, we are dealing with 8 years of the distortion of the market. I wish I could fix it arbitrarily. But it takes a very calculated attempt not to create further distortions by acting irrationally.”

    Meanwhile, the minister has arranged for cheaper data bundles on five national holidays in the year.

    These selected holidays are: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.

    According to him, the initial plan was to offer discounted packages on all 18 public holidays in the year, but this proved unfeasible as telecommunications companies pushed back against the proposal.

    Nonetheless Ghanains enjoyed discounted data bundles for the first time on a public holiday, starting with March 6th (Independence Day).

    A similar offer was made on May 1 (May Day), and the public is assured of enjoying the same benefit for the three remaining selected holidays ahead in the year.

    Watch the video below:

  • ‘Give Sam George a break’ – Nana Aba tells Ghanaians demanding data price reduction

    ‘Give Sam George a break’ – Nana Aba tells Ghanaians demanding data price reduction

    The Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations has assured Ghanaians of reducing the cost of data by the end of 2025.

    According to the sector Minister, Sam George, a committee that was set in February had developed a roadmap meant to drive plans for data reduction.

    Speaking at an event to commemorate this year’s World Telecommunications and Information Society Day at a ceremony in Accra last Monday on the theme: “Gender equality in digital transformation,” the minister said,

    “Based on that roadmap, I made the Director-General of the NCA and the regulator engage with stakeholders on what we could do in the immediate, medium term, and the long term.

    “So to citizens of this country, my promise is that by the end of this year, we will see data prices drop, and I remain committed to it. We will deliver on that. I trust the process,” he added.

    The member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram said the committee, which included telecom companies, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and other sector players, worked for 13 days without receiving any payment from taxpayers.

    Adding that,  his outfit had also engaged the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to do an independent study of tariffs in the country and present a report in eight weeks.

    This, he said, would allow the ministry to align the report with that of the NCA report and take an informed policy decision.

    “I will not give directives that will affect the industry. What I will do is consult with industry and stakeholders and make decisions that protect investments in the country.

    “I will also ensure that customers have the best quality of service and at prices they can afford,” he added.

    Sam George also provided clarity to a section of Ghanaians who have been chiding him for failing to reduce data cost immediately he assumed office some months ago.

    “Look, we are dealing with 8 years of the distortion of the market. I wish I could fix it arbitrarily. But it takes a very calculated attempt not to create further distortions by acting irrationally.”

    Media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has also asked Ghanaians to stop expecting Sam George, to immediately fulfil his promise on data reduction.

    She has asserted that Sam George’s promise will be fulfilled after he has successfully followed due processes, which will take some time.

    “It doesn’t work that way!! He can’t just get up and reduce data prices because he’s a minister. Don’t judge him based on opposition utterances. The reality in government is different,” she wrote on X.

    Meanwhile, the minister has arranged for cheaper data bundles on five national holidays in the year.

    These selected holidays are: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.

    According to him, the initial plan was to offer discounted packages on all 18 public holidays in the year, but this proved unfeasible as telecommunications companies pushed back against the proposal.

    Nonetheless Ghanains enjoyed discounted data bundles for the first time on a public holiday, starting with March 6th (Independence Day).

    A similar offer was made on May 1 (May Day), and the public is assured of enjoying the same benefit for the three remaining selected holidays ahead in the year.

    Read the post below:

  • Hajia4Reall completes one year and a day prison sentence

    Hajia4Reall completes one year and a day prison sentence

    Ghanaian socialite and musician Mona Faiz Montrage, widely known as Hajia4Reall, has completed her one-year and a day prison sentence in the United States.

    The 38-year-old reportedly served her detention in Philadelphia’s Federal Detention Center.

    She was linked to being involved in a conspiracy to receive stolen funds as part of a wider romance scam network.

    Hajia was aided by a criminal group based in West Africa, engaged in scamming older Americans through fake online relationships and other tricks.

    An amount of $2 million was raised by her through their illicit activities.

    According to prosecutors, Hajia4Reall directly enjoyed benefits from the scam after preying on approximately 40 victims.

    Money forom the scam was sent to U.S bank accounts using made-up stopries, like gold deals and faking FBI operations.

    This led to her arrest in the UK to the U.S in May 2023.

    She admitted to the crime in February 2024 and was sentenced on June 28, 2024.

    Consequently, she must give up $216,475, and pay back $1,387,458 to the victims as instructed by the court.

    She is returning to Ghana now within a time frame permitted by the court after her counsel made the request.

    The counsel says Hajia4Reall is ready to change and impact society positively when he returns back home.

    How Hajia4Real’s “The Enterprise” operated

    In February last year, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York revealed how “The Enterprise,” a criminal enterprise social media influencer and musician Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall was a part of, operated.

    As alleged in the indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: From at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, Montrage was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in West Africa that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the U.S., including romance scams. 

    Many of the Enterprise’s romance scam victims were vulnerable, older men and women who lived alone. 

    The Enterprise frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who was, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. 

    Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretenses, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise.

    Montrage received money from several victims of romance fraud who members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money. 

    Among the false pretenses used to induce victims to send money to Montrage were payments to transport gold to the U.S. from overseas payments to resolve a fake FBI investigation, and payments to assist a fake U.S. Army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan.

    In total, Montrage controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise.

    Currently, Montrage has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. 

    She also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount.  MONTRAGE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

    The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

  • London court releases Chris Brown on £5m bail

    London court releases Chris Brown on £5m bail

    Grammy-winning star Chris Brown has been freed on £5m bail by a court in London.

    This comes after he was charged with inflicting an “unprovoked attack” in a nightclub where he allegedlly attacked a music producer with a tequilla bottle at the Tape nightclub

    He was arrested on Thursday May 16 at a hotel in Manchester in connection with the matter.

    The 36-year-old failed to be present at Southwark Crown Court for Wednesday’s bail hearing, at which the judge said he must pay a £5m security fee to the court.

    He is expected to pay £4m immediately, in addition to a further £1m within 7 days.

    Commencing June 8, the American Singer can begin his world tour in Amsterdam with stadium and arena dates in Manchester, London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Glasgow later in the month and in July.

    Meanwhile Chris Brown is expected to be back in cfourt on 20th June, a date which falls btween his concerts in Cardiff and London.

    According to the charge, the singer must hand over his passport anytime he is not travelling for his tour.

    He has also been asked to live in a jurisdiction known to the court while he stays away from the alleged victim, avoid the Tape nightclub, and no apply any new travel documents.

    His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, also known as HoodyBaby, a 38-year-old fellow American artist, will appear with him next month in court.

  • Black Sherif makes his debut performance at COLORS today

    Black Sherif makes his debut performance at COLORS today

    Ghanaian musician Black Sherif is set to perform at the COLORSxSTUDIO today for the very first time.

    The performance follows his Iron Boy tour, which made waves across North America and Europe.

    Black Sherif joins the ranks of African acts like Davido, Tems, and Tyla, who have graced the COLORS stage.

    The 23-year-old is also a nominee for Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, competing against Tyla (South Africa), Rema (Nigeria), Any Gabrielly (Brazil), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Basky (UK), Uncle Waffles (Swaziland), Ezra Collective (UK), Joé Dwèt Filé (France), MC, Luanna (Brazil), and SDM (France) in the category.

    He previously won a BET Hip Hop Award in 2023.

    COLORS is a Berlin-based music platform known for its minimalist live performance set that highlights the raw talent of artists from around the world.

    The platform has gained global recognition since its inception in 2016, presenting musicians in a simple colored studio without an audience or flashy effects.

    The focus is on stripped-down performance that emphasize vocals, storytelling, and authenticity.

    COLORS operates through a Youtube channel, which has attracted milions of followers and subscribers worldwide.

    The platform has featured both emerging and established acts, including African stars like Tems, Davido, Tyla, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr.

    It continues to serve as a powerful stage for global music discovery, offering artists a unique space to reach wider audiences.

  • Comparing me to Kuami Eugene is an inspiration – Yaw Darling

    Comparing me to Kuami Eugene is an inspiration – Yaw Darling

    Ghanaian singer and songwriter Yaw Darling has welcomed comparisons associating him with highlife musician Kuami Eugene.

    “Kuami Eugene is an inspiration to Ghanaian music, and he’s like a brother to me,” he said in an interview on MX24 TV.

    Adding that he is glad the comparison was not made with Patapaa.

    The singer mentioned that being compared to Kwame Eugene is nothing short of progressive for an artist putting in the work to build a solid brand for himself in the industry.

    At the just-ended 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), Yaw Darling claimed the coveted Unsung Artiste of the Year title.

    This thrilling win celebrated emerging talents who’ve carved a niche in the industry with grit and creativity, even before mainstream fame comes knocking.

    With a repertoire of seven infectious singles, the artist has been unstoppable.

    Tracks like the vibrant “TGIF Party” (featuring rap heavyweight Medikal), the soulful “Investment” (with highlife icon Bisa Kdei), and the groove-heavy “Password” have turned heads nationwide, blending modern flair with classic highlife rhythms.

    His music isn’t just heard—it’s felt, soundtracking parties, road trips, and heartfelt moments across Ghana.

    But Yaw Darling’s rise isn’t just about studio magic. The artist has become a stage sensation, igniting crowds from the Volta Region to Ashanti with his electric performances.

    Earlier this year, he took his energy global, storming the UK with a media tour and show-stopping sets at R2BEE’s Independence Day concert and a headline gig alongside OlivetheBoy in Manchester.

    Each show cemented his reputation as a performer who leaves audiences buzzing long after the last note.

  • You can’t scare me – Agradaa reacts to Empress Gifty’s lawsuit

    You can’t scare me – Agradaa reacts to Empress Gifty’s lawsuit

    Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has reacted to the defamatory lawsuit filed against her by gospel musician Empress Gifty.

    The “Watch Me” hitmaker is suing Agradaa for GH¢20 million over the use of offensive words targeted at her person at the Tema High Court.

    Responding to the suit, Agradaa says she is not moved by the court summons.

    “I am not those people you can scare with legal action,” the evangelist boldly said in a video spotted by The Independent Ghana on social media.

    Agradaa went on to tell Empress Gifty that the court means nothing to her because everyone can be there at any time they choose to.

    “Any idiot can go to court. I’ve left the farm; I’m now dealing with classy people, so I don’t have time to come out and make any banter with no one,” she said.

    Nana Agradaa also lashed out at Empress Gifty’s husband, Hopeson Adorye.

    She accused him of encouraging people to attack her and warned that she would beat him up if they ever met face-to-face.

    Meanwhile, lawyers of Empress Gifty say her trip abroad slated for August has been jeopardized due to the allegations made by Agradaa.

    The words used by Agradaa are interpreted to mean the following per the writ:

    a) The plaintiff is promiscuous and a prostitute. 

    b) The plaintiff is a zoophile who flirts with dogs to earn her money to cater for her husband. 

    c) The plaintiff is an adulterous or an unchaste wife who has extramarital affairs with other men, and most of her paramours are pastors. 

    d) Pastors who invite the Plaintiff to their programs have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before the Plaintiff mounts the pulpit to sing. 

    e) The plaintiff is an imbecile. 

    Consequently, Empress Gifty is seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendant, along with associates, agents, and anyone acting on her behalf, from making further publications of the same or similar defamatory statements.

    Watch the video below:

  • Heighten security at your borders – Ghanaian pastor Nigel Gaisie tells Ivorian leaders

    Heighten security at your borders – Ghanaian pastor Nigel Gaisie tells Ivorian leaders

    General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has urged leaders in Ivory Coast to heighten security at their borders due to an impending danger he claims to have foreseen.

    According to him, it has been revealed to him in a vision that Ivory Coast will experience bloodshed and disorder.

    “In my vision this dawn, the Lord told me to warn and alert Ivory Coast and its leaders,” he said.

    On that note, the prophet advised political leaders to guard their borders jealously and intensify security.

    “Their national security should be checked at the highest level. I see bloodshed and disorder,” he added.

    Currently, people in Ivory Coast’s capital, Abidjan, are gripped with fear as gunshots have been heard all over the city over the past 48 hours.

    Many believe that a military takeover or a major protest is in the offing against poor governance.

    In the last two days, at least 33 people are believed to have died as fighting broke out in different parts of the capital.

    But there has been no official communiqué on the cause of the unrest.

    And the Ivorian President Ouattara has not appeared in public or made any statement to calm nerves.

    Read the post below:

  • False doctrine on the grace of God is keeping people in bondage – Leila Djansi

    False doctrine on the grace of God is keeping people in bondage – Leila Djansi

    American-based Ghanaian filmmaker and director Leila Jewel Djansi has asserted that the false doctrine of God’s grace is keeping Christians in bondage instead of setting them free.

    In her Facebook post shared on May 20, Leila stated that modern churches are using the idea of “grace” to control believers instead of empowering them.

    She wishes God could take action on manipulators of his “grace” like he did in the days of old when there was no “grace.”

    “I dunno why God is not performing Old Testament gymnastics and has brought this grace that is being used to keep his children in bondage through spiritual blackmail.”

    “Very soon, we’ll stay home, read our Bibles, and take our tithes straight to hospitals and orphanages where they might actually do God’s work,” she added.

    Leila Djansi further made a mockery of the fact that while pastors enjoy salaries, gifts, and luxuries like houses and cars, ordinary church workers are expected to await their reward in heaven.

    “So, the church expects its workers to receive their reward in heaven while the pastor receives his reward here on earth; Salary, gifts, the pastor’s appreciation with houses and cars. The mother of all scams,” she wrote.

    In March this year, Leila commented on the movie industry and some of the scary encounters while on set.

    She recounted a shocking incident where actor-turned-politician John Dumelo was nearly stabbed with a real knife during a movie shoot.

    In a Facebook post on March 2, 2025, Djansi criticized the Ghanaian film industry, calling it a “mirthless joke” and highlighting instances of unprofessionalism she encountered while working in Ghana. Among the incidents she shared was a near-fatal accident involving Dumelo and Hollywood actress Vanessa Williams.

    “Should I talk about the production designer who passed a real knife to an actor for a stabbing scene? My God. If it wasn’t for divine intervention, Vanessa Williams would have stabbed John Dumelo with a real knife that day. How is this not a joke?” she wrote.

    Read post below:

    https://web.facebook.com/leilajeweldjansi/posts/1202402621352365?ref=embed_post


  • I’m rich because of a fraud boy’s business advice – Dulcie Boateng

    I’m rich because of a fraud boy’s business advice – Dulcie Boateng

    Social media influencer, Dulcie Boateng, has revealed that her rise to wealth was influenced by guidelines she received from a man involved in fraud.

    According to her, about seven years ago, she traveled outside Ghana, where she encountered a fraudster who shared some wealth tips with her.

    She applied all the knowledge gathered from the fraud boy, and that is how she began to thrive financially.

    “In 2018, I travelled to Singapore and I met this guy. He was so intelligent, and I told him all my plans in life. We didn’t work out but he did something really small which helped me… He gave me things I could work with and he was so smart. Everything he said made sense and I carried it in my business and there was an instant change one month later,” the influencer expressed in a video on X.

    Adding that, “Business was good as a girl making GH¢ 400 to GH¢ 1,000 a month… It changed everything about my way of doing business and the strategies I was using because he told me how to sell. He wasn’t an influencer. He was a fraud boy and he was smart. That is why they can do what they do,” she said.

    “You know what the rich men would be like I started my business with one egg, I started my with GH¢ 400 phone,” she added.

    Weeks ago, Dulcie revealed that ‘Snapchat work’ enabled her to gift her mother GH₵500,000 as a birthday present last year in addition to buying her two Range Rover vehicles in 2021 and 2022.

    She explains that her mother deserved the gesture because of the agony she has been through for years.

    “I stressed that woman when I was young, so she deserves it.”

    Watch the video below:

  • Agradaa faces GHS20m in damages for defaming Empress Gifty

    Agradaa faces GHS20m in damages for defaming Empress Gifty

    Ghanaian gospel musician Gifty Oppong Adorye, known in showbiz as Empress Gifty, has dragged Evangelist Mama Pat, popularly known as Agradaa, to court for defaming her.

    In a video targeting Empress Gifty’s husband, Hopeson Adorye, Agradaa extended her attacks to the singer, accusing her of engaging in bestiality and unfaithful activities.

    According to Gifty, other bloggers have leveraged Agradaa’s statement to spread false narratives about her.

    This has affected the “Watch Me” singer and her family, as their children are being ridiculed by friends in school.

    In addition to the negative impact of Agradaa’s conduct, lawyers of Empress Gifty say her trip abroad slated for August has been jeopardized.

    The words used by Agradaa are interpreted to mean the following:

    a) The plaintiff is promiscuous and a prostitute. 

    b) The plaintiff is a zoophile who flirts with dogs to earn her money to cater for her husband. 

    c) The plaintiff is an adulterous or an unchaste wife who has extramarital affairs with other men, and most of her paramours are pastors. 

    d) Pastors who invite the Plaintiff to their programs have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before the Plaintiff mounts the pulpit to sing. 

    e) The plaintiff is an imbecile. 

    Consequently, Empress Gifty is claiming the sum of twenty million Ghana Cedis for damages for slander.

    She is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendant, along with associates, agents, and anyone acting on her behalf, from making further publications of the same or similar defamatory statements.

  • Jennifer Lopez faces up to $150k in damages for sharing her photos online

    Jennifer Lopez faces up to $150k in damages for sharing her photos online

    American Singer Jennifer Lopez is facing up to $150k in damages for sharing her photos online without permission.

    The actress shared the photos on Instagram the night before this year’s Golden Globes in January, as she was arriving at Amazon MGM Studios and Vanity Fair Party in Los Angeles.

    Celebrity photographer Edwin Blanco and paparazzi agency Backgrid who claim ownership of the photos, have dragged her to court, seeking o $150,000 (£112,000) damages each per photo.

    They argue that the pictures were used “to promote appearances, boost user engagement, increase shareability and lend credibility to her branded content”

    The photo which was captioned “GG Weekend Glamour”, showed the star in a white dress and a white faux fur coat outside the party at Chateau Marmont.

    The lawsuit said, “Ms Lopez’s unauthorised use of the Images is commercial, intended for the purpose of self-promotion.“For example, Ms Lopez used the Images to spotlight the designer of her clothing and jewellery, leveraging the publicity from the event to promote her fashion affiliations and brand partnerships. Any person who is in a photo doesn’t own the copyright to the picture – that usually belongs to the photographer or the company they work for, and they can decide who can use it and how much they must pay” 

    The legal documents further say Backgrid and Mr Blanco reached out to Jennifer Lopez’s team after she posted the photos and they agreed on a payment.

    However, she hasn’t signed the deal yet.

    Jennifer’s team is yet to comment on the matter to BBC News

    This isn’t the first time she’s been in trouble for this.

    She was also sued in 2019 and 2020 for posting photos of herself that were taken by other people.

    Similar legal complaints have been made against celebrities including Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid and Khloe Kardashian.

  • Why Efia Odo keeps her support for Black Sherif private

    Why Efia Odo keeps her support for Black Sherif private

    Socialite and actress Efia Odo has shared details of why she is unable to flood social media expressing support for her music idol, Black Sherif, publicly.

    According to her, she wants to avoid any drama by Ghanaians who will be quick to say she has a romantic relationship with the musician.

    In a recent live session with her fans on social media, Efia Odo said, “I’m one of Blacko’s biggest fans. But I don’t like to promote it because of Ghanaians and their foolishness. You begin promoting someone’s songs, and they start saying all sorts of things about you two.”

    Efia Odo’s comment seems to be emerging from her past experiences with artists like Kwesi Arthur and King Promise.

    She previously championed Kwesi Arthur’s music, often sharing his work and making appearances at his shows.

    But that connection with Kwesi fueled widespread rumours of a romantic relationship between the duo. The rumours further attracted intense trolls from netizens.

    Efia Odo encountered the same situation when she publicly expressed admiration for musician King Promise ahead of the 2024 Ghana Telecel Music Awards, which for the second time led to speculations and criticisms, especially after King Promise missed out on the Artiste of the Year title.

    Read the post below:

  • SSNIT rules out sales of assets and facilities

    SSNIT rules out sales of assets and facilities

     Director General of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwesi Afreh Biney, has announced that it will not sell current assets and facilities of the Trust.

    Instead, the organisation plans to revamp and optimize its resources to generate significant returns, he said.

    “Watch out for what we would do with our facilities that were to be sold. I can assure you, we will not sell those facilities. We’ll turn around those facilities, and we’ll have an event to speak to what we plan to do with those facilities.”

    “We’ve looked at reviewing our investment portfolio, we’ve looked at which areas are giving us the best returns, and we are beginning to channel our resources into areas that give us the best returns,” Mr. Biney told the media at the opening of its new branch, located on the Spintex Road in Accra.

    Mr Kwesi Afreh Biney is certain that the decision to retain and revitalize its assets is part of a broader effort to improve the Trust’s financial performance.

    He also revealed plans to launch a virtual office in the third quarter of 2025. This forms part of efforts to increase accessibility and enrollment into the scheme.

    The new office, which is located at Takyi Plaza on the Spintex Road, is the Trust’s 52nd branch in the country. It is expected to serve the rapidly growing communities on the Spintex Road.

    This is a significant shift in its investment strategy, reassuring stakeholders of value for money after the Trust suffered a backlash for its decision to sell its stake in Labadi Beach Hotel and some other hotels it described as non-performing assets in 2024.

    In May 2024, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, lodged a formal petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate allegations surrounding the sale of six hotels namely, Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel.

    The Trust decided to sell a 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City Hotel owned by the Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr Bryan Acheampong. In response, Ghanaians demonstrated peacefully through the streets of Accra, compelling authorities to halt the planned sale.

    The then-Minority in Parliament called on former President Akufo-Addo, who was president at the time, to instruct the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to halt the sale, including several state officials who shared the same sentiments.

    Later in July 2024, SSNIT eventually announced that it had halted the sale process following significant opposition from stakeholders. The private investor involved, Brian Acheampong’s Rock City Hotel, also withdrew from the transaction. 

    Former Minister for Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions Ignatius Baffour Awuah reported that SSNIT’s total assets under management had seen substantial growth, increasing from GHS15.2 billion in December 2016 to GHS71.69 billion by March 2024. This, he said, represented a remarkable 350% increase over a seven-year period.

  • GHS to conduct free fistula surgeries in Upper West Region on May 30, 31

    GHS to conduct free fistula surgeries in Upper West Region on May 30, 31

    The Upper West Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is set to conduct free fistula surgeries in the Upper West Region from 30th to 31st May.

    The initiative, aimed at restoring dignity and hope to women living with obstetric fistula, will be carried out at the Upper West Regional Hospital.

    Screening and booking for the surgeries will take place at the Upper West Regional Hospital ANC Unit on Friday, 23 May, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, whereas the surgeries commence from 30 to 31 May from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

    Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth injury resulting from prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. It creates an abnormal opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or feces.

    This condition often results in social isolation, chronic infections, and psychological trauma for affected women.

    In Ghana, approximately 1,300 new cases are recorded each year, affecting mostly young, impoverished, and uneducated women in rural areas.

    According to research, prolonged, obstructed labor is known to be the primary cause of obstetric fistula, including malnutrition, harmful traditional practices, limited access to skilled healthcare, and lack of awareness and education, among others.

    There are several types of obstetric fistulas: vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), which occurs between the bladder and the vagina; ureterovaginal fistula (UVF), which occurs between the urethra (bladder outlet) and the vagina; rectovaginal fistula (RVF), which occurs between the rectum and vagina; ureterovaginal fistula, which occurs between the ureters (kidney tubes) and the vagina; vesicouterine fistula, which occurs between the bladder and the uterus (womb).

    The World Health Organization has it that 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula. Delaying the age of first pregnancy, the cessation of harmful traditional practices, and timely access to obstetric care are ways to prevent obstetric fistula, according to the WHO.

    The organisation added that women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, social segregation, and health problems. It is estimated that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with Qatar Charity Ghana and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), officially held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a modern Fistula Holding Home at the forecourt of Yendi Government Hospital on March 25.

    Once completed, the facility will serve as a specialized centre for the management and treatment of obstetric fistula, a major maternal health condition affecting women in the Northern Region.

    Ghana will, on Friday, May 23rd, join the global community to mark the annual International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).

    In 2003, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners launched a global Campaign to End Fistula, in line with international targets to improve maternal and newborn health and with the goal of making obstetric fistula as rare in developing countries as in the developed world.

    In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to end it by 2030.


     

  • I’ll not disclose content of note found by Dada KD’s lifeless body – Kaakyire Kwame Appiah

    I’ll not disclose content of note found by Dada KD’s lifeless body – Kaakyire Kwame Appiah

    Ghanaian musician Kaakyire Kwame Appiah, has stated that he will not share the content of a note found by the lifeless body of highlife musician Dada KD.

    According to him, he could not tell whether the note was written by the deceased musician or not.

    A reason he doesn’t want to disclose its content to the public and avert any unnecessary controversy.

    “When we got there, we saw a note but I don’t know if he was the one who wrote it or not. I don’t want to talk about it because I don’t want any controversy about it. But the police even confirmed that there was a note there,” he told Ola Michael in an interview yesterday.

    Reflecting on years of friendship with Dada KKD, Kaakyire Kwame Appiah revealed that they have a brotherhood rapport that allows him to stay with KKD anytime he travels to Germany.

    “KD and I are very good friends. We are like brothers, and even if I go to Germany I stay at his place. I am the one who named all his children because when his wife gave birth, he wasn’t around, so I named the children.

    “He has been a younger brother to me so if there is any show, he is the first person I invite. He wasn’t seriously sick. All I knew was that he was having a cold,” he added.

    News about Nana Kwaku Duah’s passing was released on May 17.

    Details surrounding the cause of his death remain undisclosed at this time.

    Dada KD was celebrated for his timeless contributions to Ghanaian music.

    His distinctive voice and emotional delivery earned him widespread acclaim, including the Best Male Vocal Artist award at the 2004 Ghana Music Awards UK.

  • Black Sherif will beat Stonebwoy to win TGMA26 Artiste of the Year award – Bullgod

    Black Sherif will beat Stonebwoy to win TGMA26 Artiste of the Year award – Bullgod

    Entertainment pundit and artiste manager, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, popularly known as Bullgod, has predicted that Reggae/Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy will not win the TGMA26 Artiste of the Year award.

    He made the comment on the United Showbiz after stating that he correctly projected that Stonebwoy would not emerge as the Artiste of the Year Award at the TGMA25.

    “Let me even stress it again that you won’t even win the Artist of the Year award next year. It is Black Sheriff’s turn next year. I have said it already,” Bullgod told Empress Gifty.

    Musician King Promise emerged as Artiste of the Year at the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) held on May 10, edging out Stonebwoy for the title.

    Meanwhile, Stonebwoy won the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), marking his tenth win in this category in a row.

    Stonebwoy also won the Best Music Video with his hit song, ‘Jejereje’ and the Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year.

    He beat competition from Samini, Ras Kuuku, Jupitar, Epixode, and Rocky Dawuni. Stonebwoy’s consistent dominance in this category is attributed to his hit songs like “Psalm 23”, ‘Ekelebe’, ‘Manodzi’, ‘Jejereje’ and his global performance and collaborations.

    In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024, he won the Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year.

    The ‘Ekelebe’ hitmaker expressed gratitude to his fans and organizers while receiving the award.

    Stonebwoy urged stakeholders in the industry to acknowledge consistency and accord respect to artists who have maintained their longevity in the industry.

  • NIC Board chaired by Christopher Boadi Mensah sworn-in

    NIC Board chaired by Christopher Boadi Mensah sworn-in

    The National Insurance Commission (NIC), chaired by Christopher Boadi Mensah, has been sworn in by the Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance, Accra, Ghana, on Monday, May 19.

    Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Mr Nyarko Ampem, described the appointment as timely, urging the Board to adopt bold ideas and innovations to improve insurance access to the underserved populations, particularly informal workers and communities vulnerable to climate risk.

    “Insurance penetration in Ghana remains below two percent, which is far below our economic potential,” the Deputy Minister noted.

    “The Board must champion reforms that will protect livelihoods and mobilise long-term capital. Government stands ready to support the NIC in this transformative journey, especially in the areas of digitalisation, risk-based supervision, and capital adequacy reforms,” he stated.

    Mr Nyarko Ampem made it known that the government still supports the strict enforcement of important insurance for commercial buildings and insurance to cover mistakes made by professionals in their work.

    On his part, Mr Boadi Mensah assured the Deputy Minister of the Board’s commitment to upholding public trust and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Commission.

    He stressed the need for collaboration with insurers, policymakers, and consumers to drive reforms and build a sustainable market.

    He promised to work with his team to ensure good leadership, strengthen supervision, and support for new ideas that will improve insurance in Ghana.

    “The Commission stands at a crossroads. As a Board, we are committed to providing the strategic direction and support needed to grow a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready insurance industry. Our task is not just to regulate but to catalyse. We must balance discipline with development, and oversight with opportunity”, he noted.

    Other members of the newly inaugurated board include Dr Abiba Zakariah, the Commissioner of Insurance; Mathew Kweku Atta Aidoo, former Managing Director of Priority Insurance; David Klottey Collison, representative of the Minister for Finance; Richard Amofa, representative of the Ghana Bar Association; Jean-Marie Formadi, Member of Parliament for Biakoye; and Simon Akibange Aworigo, Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central.

    The new board assumes its mandate at a time of renewed focus on regulatory reform, market sanitization, and African competitiveness.

    Profile

    Mr Christopher Boadi Mensah has two decades of experience in finance, insurance and risk management, stock markets, and economic policy analysis.

    A chartered insurer and member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of both the United Kingdom and Ghana.

    He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Netherlands Business School and a Master of Science Degree (MSc.) in Economic Policy Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

    The NIC Board Chair is widely respected for his deep understanding of insurance operations and institutional leadership.

    He previously worked as Managing Director of Serene Insurance Company Limited, among other senior roles in the Ghana Insurance Industry.

    Thus, his appointment is seen as a deliberate attempt to enhance management at the NIC and advance ongoing reforms in the insurance space.

  • GTA sets June 16 deadline for ‘December in GH’ event proposals

    GTA sets June 16 deadline for ‘December in GH’ event proposals

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has set June 16 as the deadline for the submission of proposals for the 2025 edition of December in GH, a month-long celebration of culture, heritage, entertainment, and reconnection.

    The Authority announced on Facebook that its portals are now open to accept event proposals from organizers, promoters, and cultural curators.

    “December in GH is more than a festive celebration, it is a movement that showcases Ghana’s vibrant spirit to the world. As we embrace the Black Star Experience, we are setting the stage for our biggest December season yet, and we look forward to innovative events that will elevate Ghana’s place as a leading destination for culture, entertainment, and heritage tourism,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, wrote on the GTA’s Facebook page.

    The December in GH campaign continues to play a major role in boosting tourism, strengthening cultural industries, and reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as the gateway to Africa.

    It forms part of the Black Star Experience, the government’s flagship culture, arts, and tourism brand aimed at positioning Ghana as a premier tourism destination.

    This year’s edition, according to the CEO, promises to be historic, as she encourages all stakeholders to be part of this transformative journey.

    Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, added that the call for proposals marks a pivotal moment in the planning process.

    “We’re excited to work with event organisers who bring fresh ideas and energy to December in GH. It’s a time when the global diaspora comes home to experience Ghana, its culture, warmth, entertainment, food and welcoming spirit. This year will have an even greater impact as we invite the world to be part of the Black Star Experience during one of the most vibrant times of the year.”

    The December in GH campaign continues to play a major role in boosting tourism, strengthening cultural industries and reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as the gateway to Africa.

    This year’s edition promises to be historic, and all stakeholders are encouraged to be part of this transformative journey.

    December in Gh is scheduled to run from December 1, 2025, to January 3, 2026.

    Event organizers are directed to channel all proposals through the official submission form: https://forms.office.com/r/xMVFeS20Fd

    For more information, please contact the International Affairs Secretariat at:+233 0240402408.

    Internationalaffairs@gta.gov.gh

  • “I did it!”- Juliet Ibrahim after earning a Bachelor’s degree abroad

    “I did it!”- Juliet Ibrahim after earning a Bachelor’s degree abroad

    Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has graduated from Berkeley College in the United States, proudly joining the Class of 2025 as a Bachelor’s degree holder in Marketing Communications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read her post below: