TIG Post

Author: Amanda Cartey

  • Tonto Dikeh addresses questions on prayer and divine healing

    Tonto Dikeh addresses questions on prayer and divine healing

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has highlighted the role of faith, prayer, and divine guidance in healing, stating that spiritual restoration is rooted in belief in God rather than individual ability.

    Speaking during a recent livestream interview, the actress responded to questions about her spiritual life and whether she intended to establish a prayer-focused platform, following growing public interest in her expressions of faith.

    Addressing the suggestion that she possessed a special calling for prayer and healing, Dikeh clarified that healing does not originate from her but from God.
    “Yes, I can heal. God can heal. God can use anything,” she said.

    She explained that the manifestation of healing is dependent on divine instruction rather than personal initiative.
    “It depends on what God asks me to do,” she added.

    When the interviewer asked whether prayer could address common ailments such as headaches, colds, or more serious health conditions, Dikeh maintained that the outcome depends on faith and spiritual conviction.
    “Like from headache, cold, catar, or diseases, you know, it depends,” she stated.

    She further responded to a question on whether prayer could heal fibroids, asserting that spiritual healing is not limited to religious leaders.
    “I think any good Christian can. Any strong believer,” she said.

    Dikeh stressed that prayer and spiritual authority are not exclusive to pastors or clergy, noting that spiritual strength is built through commitment to God and adherence to Christian values.

    She has confidently surrendered her entire life to God after an encounter she had with the Holy Spirit.

    According to a post she shared on Instagram, the actress revealed that she was involved in sexual sin, struggling with uncontrollable anger that cost her several valuable relationships as well as depression.

    But an encounter with the Holy Spirit completely brought her deliverance. 

    “Jesus healed me from a rage that once ruled my life. I used to have a fuse so short it could ignite a storm. I destroyed relationships, opportunities, and peace without a second thought. My anger was not power; it was pain disguised as control. But one day, I broke down and cried out like a child. I was tired of being ruled by my emotions. And El-Roi, the God who sees me, saw me. He didn’t condemn me. He covered me with mercy and completely healed me.”

    “I lived in pain, breathed it, and wore it like a second skin. Depression was my closest companion, and I attempted suicide. But God said, ‘Child, get up.’ And I did. Weak, trembling, but alive,” the surrendered Tonto Dikeh wrote.

    According to her, her decision to live a godly life began during her secondary school days but she eventually drifted away. 

    Nonetheless, she noted she has rededicated her life to God and is committed to staying true to her faith. 

    “I gave my life to Christ after secondary school, but I took His love for granted. Life showed me its harshest lessons, and the enemy showed me pain without mercy. That was when I ran back to my first Love. And that return has been the most beautiful and fulfilling journey of my life. I am not ashamed to say it loudly: My life belongs to God,” she wrote.

    In 2023, the actress opened up about her shortcomings.

    Expressing herself on her instagram page, the mother of one stated that no matter how hard she tries, she would never be as perfect as Jesus.

    Tonto Dikeh admitted that she isn’t perfect and didn’t profess to be, adding that she is just a young woman who is still thriving and developing.

    “I am not perfect. I don’t claim to be. I could never be Jesus, even if I tried. I am just a girl growing, glowing. I am just a girl growing, glowing. Happy Living and just God’s radical baby”.

    Tonto Dikeh was heavily blamed for her failed marriage and other failed relationships witnessed on social media.

    Ghanaian actress Priscilla Opoku Agyeman, popularly known as Ahoufe Patri, has shared why she decided to stop attending church.

    In an interview on Joy Prime on May 29, 2024, Ahoufe Patri explained that she found Christians to be somewhat judgmental. She recounted being criticized by church members for her style of dressing, which she felt was excessive and ultimately led to her leaving the church.

    The actress noted that these comments distracted her from her main purpose of attending church, which was to worship God. She added that if she had been warmly welcomed instead of judged, her experience might have been different.

    “When people know you and you go to church, you know how our people are; it’s a little too much for me. It has happened to me twice where people commented on what I was wearing. I felt they could have approached it differently. I also felt we lost sight of the reason why I’m there—to worship God. Perhaps welcome me first,” she said.

    In the same year, former German and Ghanaian footballer Kevin Prince Boateng (36) was baptised in Germany and took to social media to declare Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.

    “Revelation 3:20 – And It’s up to US to open the Door or not. JESUS is The way, The truth and The life,” he wrote on Instagram, accompanied by photos of his baptism.

    Boateng announced his retirement from professional football in August, following a career that spanned nearly two decades.

    In a video reel posted on his Instagram page to confirm hanging his boots, Boateng explained why he decided to become a footballer.

    “You become a criminal or you play football, so I choose to play football,” the former Barcelona and AC Milan star said.

    “I was always special from the first moment, and I knew it. I was my biggest rival all the time. There’s no one else who can be my rival.

    “Because no one is like me, no one thinks like me, and no one has emotions like me. It’s just me and myself. I had to learn that, as well, talent is nothing without hard work.”

    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prince (@prince27)

    Born in Berlin, West Germany, Boateng’s football journey began in Hertha Berlin’s youth ranks, and he eventually made his way into the senior team in 2005. Despite his modest beginnings, he went on to represent some of Europe’s top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.

    Boateng’s impressive career also saw him don the jerseys of AC Milan, Schalke 04, Barcelona, Fiorentina, and Monza, before returning to Hertha Berlin for a final stint.

    Throughout his career, Boateng amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, DFB Pokal, and La Liga titles.

    On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, earning a total of 15 caps and scoring two goals for his national team.

  •  It’s my law firm by I’m not the lawyer on the case – Baba Jamal tells ‘Team Legal Wives’ 

     It’s my law firm by I’m not the lawyer on the case – Baba Jamal tells ‘Team Legal Wives’ 

    Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, has addressed claims that he opposed Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, during the dispute.

    Baba Jamal’s law firm, Baba Jamal and Associates, represented Odo Broni and family head Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu throughout the legal proceedings.

    This subsequently attracted backlash from supporters of Akosua Serwaa, popularly referred to as Team Legal Wives.

    Addressing claims that he opposed Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, during the dispute, Baba Jamal told GHOne Tv in an interview that owning a law firm does not mean he personally takes on every case and described the criticism as uninformed.

    “Team Legal Wives, let me tell you, even though it’s my law firm, I am not the lawyer on the case. I never attended even one hearing. I don’t have anything against Akosua Serwaa or Odo Broni. My law firm only provided legal services to the family, and that’s what we did,” he said.

    Baba Jamal also rejected claims that his lawyers were instigating conflict for personal gain, stating that lawyers only act on instructions from their clients.

    “You have your lawyers, we also have our lawyers, and ours dealt with the matter. Lawyers only do what our clients instruct; we don’t have any say in advising them, we only do what they want,” he said.

    @plug24news

    HE Baba Jamal whose law firm rendered legal services to the Lumba family (precisely Odo Broni) has sent a message to Team Legal Wife. • #plug24news #ghana #daddylumba

    ♬ original sound – Plug24 News
  • IShowSpeed planned to visit these 5 places in Ghana, but couldn’t

    IShowSpeed planned to visit these 5 places in Ghana, but couldn’t

    It has emerged that American streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed could not visit all the places arranged for is tour in Ghana.

    In an interview on Okay FM on January 27, 2026, the deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana, said IShowSpeed was supposed to visit five (5) more places before ending his tour in Ghana.

    Unfortunately, limited time and the large crowds following him altered the plan.

    “He was supposed to see Reggie Rockstone and go to the Despite Automobile Museum. However, how things worked out yesterday, he couldn’t visit some of the planned places. Republic Bar, Osu Night Market, Goldbod Jewellery, etc. They were all part of the itinerary, but he couldn’t visit them all,” he said.

    Ghana attracted global attention on January 26, 2026, following the arrival of international streamer and content creator Daren Jason Watkins, popularly known as IShowSpeed, as part of his tour of the African continent.

    During the visit, the content creator travelled to Akropong in the Eastern Region, where traditional authorities received him with an Akan naming ceremony.

    The ceremony exposed the streamer to traditional cultural practices, after which he was given the local name Barima Kofi Akuffo.

    Following the naming rite, IShowSpeed boarded a private helicopter that transported him from Akropong to Burma Camp in Accra before proceeding to the Independence Square for scheduled activities.

    The brief helicopter journey from Akropong to Accra became the most tracked flight globally on Flightradar24.

    Reports indicate that flight 9GAFW AS50 ranked first on the platform on January 26, 2026, with more than 3,000 people monitoring the flight while following the livestream.

    The visit, which generated significant public interest, featured several activities, including car stunt displays, a massage session at the shea butter museum, an interaction with the daughter of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, a boxing experience in Bukom, a backflip at Black Star Square, and a visit to the Asenema Waterfall.

    If you want this tightened further or adjusted to match a news release style, I can refine it

    When American livestreamer iShowSpeed announced plans for an African tour, early reactions from his online audience pointed to Ghana as one of the safest destinations on the continent.

    By January 25, 2026, the streamer arrived in Ghana after visiting several other African countries.

    The visit has sparked debate over the tangible image or economic benefits Ghana stands to gain and whether the impact is mutually beneficial or largely one-sided.

    At face value, the question appears reasonable, particularly around why the arrival of a 21-year-old American streamer has generated significant public interest.

    Understanding the scale of his influence provides some clarity. iShowSpeed has more than 50 million subscribers on YouTube, a figure that surpasses Ghana’s population of just over 30 million.

    In effect, his digital reach exceeds the total number of people living in the country.

    His livestreams often attract more than 200,000 concurrent viewers, with previous broadcasts recording even higher peaks.

    This level of exposure mirrors the audience size governments typically pursue through expensive tourism campaigns, cultural diplomacy, and international branding efforts.

    The tour also challenges traditional tourism promotion models. A single content creator with global reach can achieve in weeks what formal strategies may take years to deliver.

    Unlike state-led marketing campaigns, his streams are not packaged as advertisements, making them appear spontaneous and authentic to viewers.

    Although Speed holds no official tourism ambassador role, his content has shaped perceptions in ways comparable to structured national branding efforts.

    His core audience consists largely of Gen Z viewers, mostly under the age of 26, who represent the next generation of tourists, investors, and cultural consumers.

    Reaching this demographic early positions Ghana for long-term relevance rather than short-term visibility.

    By contrast, many traditional tourism campaigns across the continent have historically targeted older audiences.

    Early signs of impact are already evident elsewhere on the continent. In Benin, Speed’s visit delivered visibility that would normally require significant tourism expenditure.

    Footage from his livestreams also sparked conversations on Ghanaian social media, with users drawing comparisons between Benin’s development and Ghana’s.

    This demonstrates how digital perception can shift in real time through livestreaming rather than brochures or promotional videos.

    For Ghana, the implications extend beyond the immediate visit. A young viewer outside Africa watching Speed experience Ghana live — engaging with local culture, food, and people — may carry that familiarity for years.

    When that viewer eventually has the means to travel, Ghana is likely to remain a recognisable option.

    This is how long-term tourism interest is built, extending beyond present gains to future returns.

    The longevity of digital content further amplifies the impact, as Speed’s videos remain searchable long after his departure.

    Short-form clips will continue circulating on social media, news organisations will reference the visit, and other creators will react or remix the content.

    Increased cultural visibility often coincides with rising interest from the African diaspora and potential investors.

    The broader question, therefore, is not why Ghana should pay attention to a young streamer, but whether the country can afford to overlook such digital influence.

    In an era where soft power is increasingly shaped online, influence no longer rests solely with governments, advertisers, or diplomats.

    At times, it belongs to a single creator with a camera, an internet connection, and millions watching.

  • I cannot lead an education system that ignores our identity – Haruna Iddrisu

    I cannot lead an education system that ignores our identity – Haruna Iddrisu

    The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reiterated the government’s dedication to incorporating Ghana’s indigenous languages into the national curriculum, emphasizing their role in preserving the country’s culture, identity, and heritage.

    “It would be unthinkable for me, as Minister for Education, to preside over an education system that does not reflect the culture, identity and heritage of our people,” he said, stressing that language lies at the heart of every culture.

    Iddrisu assured that under his leadership, the promotion and use of Ghanaian languages in schools would remain a priority, noting that children deserve to learn in ways that affirm their identity and heritage.

    In a related development, the Education Minister held discussions with the Khaya AI team, led by Dr Paul Azunre, to explore a partnership with Google. The collaboration aims to integrate all 12 approved Ghanaian languages into the Gemini AI education tool.

    “This initiative represents a major step in ensuring that technology-driven learning is inclusive, accessible and culturally relevant for every Ghanaian learner,” Iddrisu said.

    He added that these engagements demonstrate the government’s commitment to building an education system that honours Ghana’s cultural roots while equipping young people for the future.

    The Bureau of Ghana Languages (BGL) wants fluency in at least one indigenous languages to be made a requirement for gaining admission to tertiary schools in the country.

    The Bureau has therefore entreated the Ghana Education Service (GES) to include an indigenous language as an entry requirement into tertiary education.

    This, according to them will rekindle the desire for the study of Ghanaian languages.

    “As a means of rejuvenating public interest and appreciation for indigenous languages in Ghana, we wish to recommend that entry requirements into tertiary institutions should be opened up to include one indigenous language,” the Bureau said.

    The BGL made this recommendation at the 24th Edition of the UNESCO International Mother Language Day Celebration under the theme; “Multilingualism – A Necessity to Transform Education” in Accra on Tuesday.

    The Bureau explained that should one language be made a requirement, it would renew the desire to study native languages.

    “This would eventually awaken or rekindle the desire to study examinable indigenous languages,” the institute said.

    The BGL pointed out that although there have been complaints about a lack of teaching and learning materials, it is best that the GES makes an attempt to preserve the language rather than allow them to fade into oblivion.

    The Institute further said the GES has undertaken steps to ensure the continuity of languages by instructing pupils from Upper Primary to JHS to study by compulsion, the dominant language of the community they find themselves.

    However, it acknowledged there have been countless limitations.

    Highlighting these limitations, the Bureau said, “the barriers once again include; insufficient teachers who are resourceful in those indigenous languages at various locations where they are posted to teach.

    “Lack of resourceful indigenous language teachers, lack of indigenous language textbooks, heterogeneous mix of students and pupils from all regions of Ghana.”

    However, the institute stressed that multilingual education could be an asset if it can be encouraged amongst the various ethnic compositions of Ghana and within schools and colleges.

    Weeks ago, the Bureau of Ghana Languages officially endorsed the Ahanta Language Orthography for use in educational institutions across Ahanta land, following a thorough review of the Ahanta Language Project Committee’s (ALPC) work.

    According to a statement shared by the Acting Executive Director of the Bureau, Mr. Ebenezer Ahiiator, a three-member team, alongside the Basic Schools’ Coordinator of the Ahanta West Municipal Education Office and the Coordinator of the Pilot Project on Ahanta language teaching, visited schools participating in the pilot programme.

    During the visits, they engaged teachers, learners, parents, traditional authorities, church leaders, and community elders to assess the implementation of the orthography.

    Mr Ahiiator explained that the team discovered that, the Orthography met the required standards, yielded positive results, teachers, learners, and parents are enthusiastic about formal indigenous language learning and traditional leaders are eager for Ahanta language instruction across Ahanta land.”

    In the light of these findings, “we officially endorse the use of the Ahanta Language Orthography in schools on Ahanta land and for the development of learning materials.”

    Mr. Ahiiator said this while congratulating all stakeholders involved in the project.

    This endorsement, he indicated, is a crucial step towards making Ahanta language examinable at Basic Education and Senior High School levels.

  • Loan growth in African banks to soar by end of 2026 on rising demand, lower govt borrowing – Fitch

    Loan growth in African banks to soar by end of 2026 on rising demand, lower govt borrowing – Fitch

    African banks are expected to experience their strongest loan growth by the end of 2026, driven by rising demand from businesses and individuals, as well as reduced government borrowing, according to UK-based Fitch Solutions.

    The firm noted in its article “Sub-Saharan Africa Banking Key Themes For 2026: Banks Navigate Easing Cycles And Consolidation Trends” that “loan growth will accelerate across SSA’s largest banking sectors and the region will experience the strongest growth rate by year-end. This acceleration reflects pent-up demand, improving economic growth prospects and a reduction in government crowding out as fiscal consolidation efforts ramp up and sovereigns look for alternative sources of financing.”

    In recent years, many banking sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa increased their holdings of government securities, attracted by high yields. In some markets, government bonds now account for 20-35% of bank assets, up from 10-15% before the pandemic.

    As policy rates fall and bond yields decline, Fitch said banks will face pressure to redirect capital toward private-sector lending to maintain returns. “This transition will be positive for businesses and the economy as more credit becomes available to support growth initiatives,” the firm added.

    The shift is expected to be particularly pronounced in markets where governments are pursuing fiscal consolidation, reducing domestic borrowing requirements. Across the region, central banks have also moved toward more accommodative monetary policy. Since February 2025, major central banks have either cut policy rates or held them steady, a trend Fitch expects to continue through 2026.

    Ghanaian banks are set to benefit from the end of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the restoration of capital buffers. However, Fitch cautioned that a high level of non-performing loans, which stood at 9.5% in October 2025, may limit profitability going forward.

    Fitch concluded that while loan growth is set to accelerate across most markets, banks will need to carefully manage risks associated with bad loans and capital allocation.

    Last year, Fitch Solutions projected an annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to edge up from 5.8% in 2025 to 5.9% in 2026.

    According to the UK-based firm, “We expect annual GDP to edge up from 5.8% this year to 5.9% in 2026 as easing price pressures lift private consumption, tempered by fiscal consolidation, slow credit pass-through and a firmer cedi.”

    Fitch noted that the slight increase in growth is a result of easing price pressures boosting private consumption, even as fiscal tightening and slower credit pass-through limit the pace of expansion.

    The firm’s November 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Outlook also highlighted robust economic performance this year, with Ghana recording a 6.3% year-on-year growth in the second quarter. This was up from a revised 5.7% in the same period in 2024 and was driven by household consumption, fixed investment, and a significant drop in inflation.

    The services sector, encompassing finance, insurance, trade, and education, saw remarkable growth of 9.9% in the quarter compared to just 2% a year earlier, underscoring the sector’s contribution to the country’s economic resilience.

    Fitch’s projection signals cautious optimism for Ghana’s economy as it balances fiscal discipline with measures to sustain private sector growth.

    In November, Fitch Solutions projected that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) would lower its monetary policy rate to 16.50% by the end of 2026, driven by sustained currency stability and a continued drop in inflation.

    At the 2026 PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Post-Budget Forum in Accra, Mike Kruiniger, an Assistant Director at Fitch Solutions, explained that Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook creates room for further monetary easing in the year ahead.

    “Rates have remained elevated, but the Bank of Ghana launched a decisive easing cycle this summer, cutting by 650 basis points so far — the fastest monetary easing cycle globally this year,” he said.

    According to him, inflation’s return to the central bank’s target range, combined with firm foreign exchange inflows and a stable currency, provides the basis for Fitch’s projection that the policy rate will ease to 16.50 percent by the end of 2026.

    Ghana’s relatively stable cedi, easing inflation, and robust agricultural performance have earned the country an upgrade in growth by UK-based financial analytics firm, Fitch Solutions.

    Fitch, in its September 2025 Monthly Outlook report, lifted its economic growth forecast for the country from 4.2% to 4.9%, citing signs of renewed macroeconomic stability driven by easing inflation, a relatively stable cedi, and resilient agricultural performance.

    Highlighting the challenges the economy is still grappling with, such as tight fiscal consolidation, elevated interest rates, and stagnant oil output, the report said Ghana’s economy remains firmly on a recovery path.

    The upgrade follows a strong performance in Ghana’s agricultural sector, which boosted the economy’s growth in the first quarter of the year. Between January and March, Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.3%, compared to 4.7% recorded during the same period last year.

    Fitch believes this growth will continue into 2026, predicting the economy will expand by around 5.0%. This improvement is expected to come from lower inflation (prices rising more slowly), possible interest rate cuts, and more government spending as Ghana’s IMF-supported program comes to an end.

  • Cyber Security Authority uncovers WhatsApp Web fraud targeting banks, MoMo users

    Cyber Security Authority uncovers WhatsApp Web fraud targeting banks, MoMo users

    The Cyber Security Authority has issued a public alert warning of a new malware campaign targeting WhatsApp Web users on Windows computers, with the potential to compromise banking and other sensitive financial information.

    The Authority said the attack is aimed at spreading a banking malware known as Astaroth, which exploits the trust and widespread use of WhatsApp to deceive users into downloading malicious files, exposing individuals and organisations to serious financial risks.

    In a statement released on its official Facebook page, the Cyber Security Authority explained that the malware takes advantage of the popularity of WhatsApp to lure victims into opening harmful files.

    “The malware takes advantage of the popularity and trust people place in WhatsApp to trick users into downloading malicious files. Once installed, it is capable of stealing banking details, login credentials, and other sensitive data, putting both individuals and organisations at serious financial risk,” the statement said.

    According to the Authority, the attack usually begins when victims receive malicious ZIP files through WhatsApp messages. These files are often disguised as legitimate documents or shared content, encouraging users to download and open them. Once the ZIP file is extracted and executed on a Windows device, the Astaroth malware is installed.

    The Authority noted that after installation, the malware secretly connects to WhatsApp Web, retrieves the victim’s contact list and automatically sends similar malicious messages to all contacts, enabling the malware to spread without the user’s knowledge.

    It added that the malware operates in the background to harvest sensitive information, including banking login credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs), browser cookies and keystrokes. This stolen data can then be used to gain unauthorised access to financial accounts, commit fraud and support other criminal activities.

    As part of its recommendations, the Cyber Security Authority urged users to be cautious when downloading or opening ZIP files or unexpected attachments received via WhatsApp, even if they appear to come from known contacts. It cautioned that files requesting urgent action or downloads are common social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals.

    Users were also advised to regularly check active WhatsApp Web sessions and log out of any unfamiliar ones, avoid leaving WhatsApp Web signed in on shared or public computers, and keep Windows operating systems and installed applications updated with the latest security patches. The Authority further encouraged the use of reputable and up-to-date endpoint security software capable of detecting and blocking malware.

    The Cyber Security Authority advised the public to report cyber incidents to the Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact for assistance by calling or texting 292, sending a WhatsApp message to 0501603111, or emailing report@csa.gov.gh.

    The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) reported 194 cases of online fraud between January and March this year, resulting in a total financial loss of around GHS2,404,161.

    According to the Authority, malicious actors create fake online shops or impersonate existing businesses on social media pages, offering heavily discounted goods.

    They also create fake business listings or profiles with their contact details on Google Maps mimicking legitimate businesses or brands and use search engine optimization techniques to manipulate search results for the targeted brand to divert legitimate inquiries to the scammers’ contact members.

    After the unsuspecting victims engage and pay (usually to a mobile money wallet) for products, the scammers block them from making further contact, and the expected delivery does not materialize.

    Malicious actors send unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be from a romantic partner, or a company offering deals associated with the festive season.

    “These messages contain links or attachments that when clicked, install malicious software (malware), or steal personal information,” the Cyber Security Authority.

    The Authority has therefore cautioned the general public to be aware of unsolicited messages offering exciting or “too good to be true” deals.

    “Use a reputable online marketplace or retailer when purchasing items or gifts. Consider reviews and customer feedback before making an online purchase. Search engines can be manipulated to show misleading results. Check on the official website or with reliable sources to validate the contact details of the shop you are searching for.

    “Insist on payment only after delivery and inspection and ensure that mobile money payments are made to wallets in the name of the online shop you are dealing with.”

    The Authority has advised against sharing personal information such as your Ghana card number, credit card information or bank account details with anyone.

    They also issued an alert regarding a significant increase in job scam incidents across the country in 2024.

    In a public statement, the CSA revealed that it has received at least 15 reports through cybercrime/cybersecurity incident reporting points of contact, with victims losing over GH₵124,000.

    The CSA warned citizens to be cautious of unsolicited messages offering job opportunities, as scammers often pose as recruiters to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

    Additionally, people are advised to be skeptical of advertisements promising high-paying jobs that require minimal work.

    “If it seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam,” the CSA stated.

    The Cyber Security Authority emphasized that poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or unprofessional communication in job advertisements are red flags indicating that the advertisement may not be genuine and should be ignored.

    Job-seekers are encouraged to verify job advertisements directly with the company’s official website or contact information to ensure their legitimacy.

    “Avoid relying solely on communication through email or instant messaging.”

    Also, job-seekers have been advised against sharing personal or financial information unless they are certain of the legitimacy of the prospective employer.

  • 9 forest reserves reclaimed from red zones to save zones – Lands Minister reveals

    9 forest reserves reclaimed from red zones to save zones – Lands Minister reveals

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has disclosed that government efforts to restore degraded forest reserves are yielding positive results, following renewed collaboration with the Forestry Commission.

    According to the minister, when he assumed office, enforcement officers of the Forestry Commission were poorly equipped and demoralised, making it difficult for them to effectively protect forest reserves. He explained that the situation required urgent intervention to strengthen their capacity and morale.

    “We are also working with the Forestry Commission. One of the things we met when we came was that the Forestry Commission law enforcement forestry guards were completely on their knees. And so we had to retool them. We had to start motivating them and give them the tools they need,” he told Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang during her visit to the Ministry on Tuesday, January 27.

    Mr Buah noted that these measures are beginning to show results, particularly in areas previously classified as high-risk zones. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, indicating that several forest reserves have been recovered.

    “I am happy that we are making a lot of progress. And I can tell you that the nine forest reserves have been reclaimed from the red zones and they are now in the save zone,” the minister added.

    Last year, Honourable Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, revealed that the Forestry Commission had repossessed all 9 red zone forest reserves previously occupied by armed guards.

    Mr Buah made this known while engaging the media today, July 23, as part of the Government’s Accountability Series. The sector minister raised concerns in February 2024, about the increasing devastation of Ghana’s forest reserves due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

    According to him, nearly 10 out of the 44 forest reserves had been completely taken over by illegal miners, rendering them inaccessible to the Forestry Commission.

    Addressing Parliament at the timer, the minister stated that over nine out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining thugs with impunity, adding that “the Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves.”

    He further revealed that an estimated 5,000 hectares of forest land had already been destroyed—an area equivalent to approximately 7,000 football fields.

    The Lands Minister noted that Ghana is not out of the woods yet despite repossessing these forest reserves.

    “What it means is that the forestry guards are able to enter in and out and when they need reinforcement, they are supported,” he said.

    Crack down on illegal mining activities

    In April, a total of 47 individuals were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests in the Western Region. This followed a special four-day intelligence-led operation that commenced on April 17, within the Samreboi enclave.

    According to the Ghana Police Service, the suspects include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. The Police indicated that a significant amount of equipment and materials believed to have been used for the mining operations were retrieved. These include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Rav4 vehicle, four pump action guns, one single barrel gun, fifty-four live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.

    Prosecution begun for the arrested suspects. On Tuesday, 41 of them were arraigned, with 29 remanded into Police custody to reappear before the court on April 30, 2025. Twelve others were also remanded to return to court on May 2, 2025. The remaining seven were put before the court on April 23, 2025.

    Two coordinated operations conducted on Friday, June 20, at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment. The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three water-pumping machines. The task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects—Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra—were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.

    One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene. All exhibits were secured in police custody.

    The sector minister noted that 279 trucks conveying illegal lumber were intercepted and fined, and the illegal wood was confiscated and auctioned. He also revealed that 1,200 excavators have been impounded pending validations before clearance at the port.

    The minister noted that in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance under the GRA Customs Division and the Ports and Harbour Authority, they have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and urged moving equipment from the point of entry.

    He further revealed that the government is developing a centralized digital platform named the Ghana Mine Repository Tracking Software that has been deployed at the Minerals Commission and is at the advanced stage to support this initiative

    “The platform will serve as the single point of integration for all agencies including Customs, DVLA, Ministry of Transport, Minerals Commission, National Security,” the minister said.

    It will also provide authorized institutions with real-time permit history, equipment location, and operational compliance. A pilot project of over 191 excavators is currently being tracked in a dedicated control room of the Minerals Commission.

    “I believe we are going to that point where every excavator in this country is actually regulated,” he said

  • Mzbel explains rift with Abeiku Santana

    Mzbel explains rift with Abeiku Santana

    Musician Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, popularly known as Mzbel, has spoken about her disagreement with the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, explaining that her response to his remarks was justified.

    In an interview on Mothers FM, she indicated that she harbours no personal animosity toward Abeiku but felt compelled to stand up for herself.

    “I don’t have any problem with Abeiku Santana,” she said. “He said something I didn’t like, and I responded to him accordingly.”

    She further suggested that people need to be mindful of the company they keep, particularly when their image or brand is at stake.

    “If someone shows their true colours to you or against your brand, there is no need to have anything to do with him,” Mzbel stated.

    Mzbel noted that her reaction was not triggered by a single remark but by a pattern of comments Abeiku had made over time.

    “Before he called me a former musician, he had previously said some other things about me,” she said. “He had already spoiled my name on several occasions.”

    She added that although she was aware of some of the earlier remarks, she initially chose to ignore them.

    “I heard them, but I did not take them seriously because I didn’t hear him make those comments myself,” she explained.

    According to her, the latest response was prompted by statements she personally heard and considered disrespectful.

    Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale advised Ghanaian musicians in 2023, to avoid beef and comparisons in the music industry.

    In a tweet on Tuesday, July 4, he said Ghanaian music would be better if artists avoided comparisons and needless beefs.

    “This music thing in Ghana will be better for them if they stop this comparisons and beefs !!!

    The comments come amid years of controversies and ‘beefs’ Shatta Wale has waged with other artists including Stonebwoy, Samini and Sarkodie.

    “Don’t touch shatta wale and shatta wale won’t touch you !! Simple Understanding,” he wrote.

    The self-acclaimed dancehall king added that he has made enough money for himself and is not interested in the dramas that sometimes plague the industry.

    “I am not part of their drama !!! I AM MY OWN BOSS AND WINNING EVERYDAY INDEPENDENTLY,” he tweeted.

    Ghanaian Highlife musician, Tinny, has expressed his support for Shatta Wale’s decision to attack netizens who attack him.

    According to Tinny, Shatta Wale is an embodiment of serenity, but that will not be a reason for him to entertain unwarranted attacks on social media.

    In an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM shared on social media on July 18, 2025, Tiny said,

    “I tell him to go all out. He should attack anyone who attacks him. Also, he should be at peace with anyone who is equally at peace with him.

    “This isn’t about the Ga tribe because that is how everyone should live. He shouldn’t tolerate any form of nonsense, and that is the best way.”

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

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

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

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

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

    Also, Ghanaian artiste Wendy Shay shared some challenges she faced due to social media trolls.

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

    Thus, 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 shared.

  • ‘Remove my name from letters of administration’ – Charlyn Fosu

    ‘Remove my name from letters of administration’ – Charlyn Fosu

    Daughter of the late Daddy Lumba, Charlyn Fosu, has officially asked the Kumasi High Court on January 26, 2026, to remove her name from the letters of administration.

    After the court session, her lawyer, Enoch Afoakwa, told journalists that the court agreed with the request. He said the judge approved the application and directed that Charlyn Fosu’s name be taken off the letters of administration.

    “We are here because Lumba’s wife, Akosua Serwaa, and his sister, Ernestina Fosu, filed letters of administration to manage the musician’s estate, and in that document, they included Charlyn Fosu’s name.

    “But Charlyn Fosu, together with the other 10 children, did not agree to apply for letters of administration. Per their decision, even if any child is to be included, they support Calvin Fosu as the appropriate person to do so,” he said.

    The lawyer proceeded to say that the children of the late Daddy Lumba want harmony and are urging both spouses to settle their issues peacefully.

    “She wished the controversies had died down so the family could appreciate the legacy their father left behind before his demise. She added that if the children are to appoint someone to lead the legal process, it should be the male-born,” he added.

    During a TikTok live session that same day, Charlyn dismissed reports that she had taken legal action against her mother, Akosua Serwaa, or their lawyer, William Kusi.

    She clarified that the claims were untrue, explaining that she only wanted her name removed from the process and had not sued anyone. Charlyn added that her decision was based on her upcoming engagements and the time-consuming nature of the legal process, noting that she may not be available to act on behalf of her siblings.

    “We went to court to take my name out of the letters of administration, and I want everyone to know I didn’t sue my mum or Lawyer William Kusi. The reason why I went to do that was I am entering a phase of my life, where I’m graduating law school soon and wouldn’t have the time to represent my siblings in the letters of administration. That’s why I have decided to take my name out,” she said.

    In 2025, the Children of Daddy Lumba and Akosua Serwaa distanced themselves from all court issues surrounding the death of their father.

    This came after Akosua Serwaa filed an injunction against the late musician’s funeral scheduled for December 6, demanding that she be recognized as the only surviving wife of the musician and not Odo Broni, who is currently claiming that title.

    In a letter signed by one of the children Charlyn Fosuh, on behalf of all of Daddy Lumba’s children with Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, the children wrote, “It has come to our attention that there is an ongoing court process regarding the funeral and burial arrangements of our beloved father, the late Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba.”

    “We, the children of Akosua Serwaa and Daddy Lumba, wish to clarify that we are not parties to this legal process and that we do not wish to be involved in any disputes or conflicts surrounding the funeral arrangements,” it further indicates.

    The children say their only concern is to lay their late father to rest peacefully and with dignity in a befitting way possible.

    Adding that they are united in love and respect for their father.

    They also called on the public and media to moderate commentary about the family and the ongoing legal proceedings.

    “We kindly ask the general public, especially the media and social media commentators, to be measured and respectful in their commentary regarding the family, any ongoing legal matters, and the funeral arrangements. We believe our father deserves a farewell that reflects the peace, dignity, and unity he valued in life,” the statement said.

    Thousands of mourners turned out in long, solemn queues to pay their final respects to the late music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, when his body was laid in state at Heroes Park in Kumasi on December 13.

    From the early hours of the day, fans from across the country thronged the venue to honour the legendary musician, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere as family members, fellow musicians, industry players and admirers filed past to bid him farewell.

    Daddy Lumba’s timeless songs played softly in the background, deepening the sense of loss and underscoring his immense contribution to Ghana’s music industry.

    Many mourners described him as a cultural symbol whose music spoke to love, hardship, hope and everyday social realities, noting that his work influenced generations of artistes and helped shape the sound and identity of contemporary Ghanaian music.

    Others said that although he has passed on, his music and lasting impact will endure, ensuring that the name Daddy Lumba remains celebrated for years to come.

    The family went ahead with the funeral on December 13, 2025, after the Accra High Court ruled that the burial should proceed as originally scheduled.

    The court’s decision followed an earlier injunction that had halted the funeral, restrained the family head, Kofi Owusu, from organising the burial, and barred Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body. Shortly after issuing that order, the court recalled all legal representatives and issued a fresh directive.

    In its ruling, the court directed the applicants to deposit GH¢2 million by 2 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, as security to cover potential costs arising from the postponement of the funeral. The judge explained that while the applicants’ concerns were noted, the injunction carried significant financial implications and could impose an unfair burden on the respondents. When the applicants, made up of members of Daddy Lumba’s maternal family, failed to meet the condition, the court ruled that the funeral should proceed on December 13.

    Despite the court’s position, conflicting statements emerged from sections of the family and associates of the late musician ahead of the burial. Evangelist Papa Shee had earlier claimed the funeral would not take place in December, citing delays in travel arrangements for some family members abroad, examinations involving the musician’s children, expired passports, and pending autopsy results. He also indicated that the family intended to meet President John Dramani Mahama over a proposed state burial and suggested a new burial date of March 14, 2026.

    These claims were rejected by the Abusuapanyin, Kofi Owusu, who insisted that December 13 remained the official burial date and warned that he would take legal action against anyone suggesting otherwise. He maintained that no individual had the authority to change the date once it had been fixed.

    The late musician’s elder sister, Ernestina Fosu, also publicly opposed earlier burial arrangements, stating that the family could not proceed with the funeral until the exact cause of Daddy Lumba’s death was known. She stressed that no court ruling or family decision would compel her to support the burial without clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death, though she later indicated her readiness to organise the funeral once the cause was established.

    Amid the family disagreements, Prophet Kumchacha issued warnings of spiritual consequences if the burial was not conducted peacefully, claiming to have received revelations about potential tragedy should the funeral be mishandled. His comments added to the public debate surrounding the burial.

    Daddy Lumba’s burial date had earlier been shifted from December 6 to December 13, 2025, to allow additional time for matters relating to the cause of death to be addressed. Following the court’s final ruling and the failure of the applicants to meet the imposed conditions, the funeral eventually took place on December 13, bringing an end to weeks of legal disputes and public controversy over the final rites of the celebrated musician.

  • Concerned vehicle importers threaten to storm Jubilee House over manipulation of vehicle ages to skip port penalties

    Concerned vehicle importers threaten to storm Jubilee House over manipulation of vehicle ages to skip port penalties

    A planned demonstration at the Jubilee House has been announced by a group known as the Concerned Importers of Vehicles following claims that the ages of imported vehicles are being manipulated at Ghana’s ports.

    The group says gaps in enforcement continue to allow some importers to alter the stated ages of vehicles brought in from Japan and Dubai in order to avoid penalties on over-aged cars.

    Speaking to the media on January 25, 2026, a leading member of the group, Fredericka Ackah, said importers were assured last year that the ages of vehicles from Japan and Dubai would no longer be reduced, but some individuals are still benefiting from the practice.

    “Last year, in 2025, we were told that importers bringing in cars from Japan and Dubai should not have the ages reduced, but some people are still doing it. Recently, a friend of mine imported vehicles from Japan; the ages of some were reduced while others were not,” she said.

    She said the lack of consistency has caused uncertainty among vehicle importers and created opportunities for corrupt practices.

    Ackah cautioned that the group would take the matter to the Presidency if the issue remains unresolved.

    “The Commissioner should take action or we will storm the Jubilee House to report what is going on at the Ports and Harbours,” she stated.

    She claimed that vehicles produced in 2007 or 2008 are sometimes recorded as 2011 or 2013, enabling importers to avoid penalties for over-aged cars.

    The group has therefore urged the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to strengthen inspections at the ports to stop the practice.

    “There is a lot of confusion among importers. If the age can be reduced, people will take their vehicles to others who can do it for them just to dodge the over-age penalty. DVLA should be vigilant and ensure that any vehicle whose age has been reduced is thoroughly checked,” Ackah said.

    She noted that the group possesses documents supporting their claim that the ages of some imported vehicles have been altered.

    Ghana currently prohibits the import of salvaged vehicles and used cars over ten years old. This restriction is outlined in the Customs (Amendment) Act, 2020, which Parliament passed in March 2020 and which was signed into law by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on April 30, 2020.

    Under Section 154 (5) of the Act, the ban took effect six months after the presidential assent, starting in October 2020.

    The rule is intended to encourage a viable market for vehicles manufactured or assembled in Ghana. It also offers import-duty incentives to companies that set up local vehicle production or assembly plants, supporting the government’s goals of industrialisation and job creation.

    In 2024, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), alongside the Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana, Freight Forwarders Association ofGhana, and Customs Brokers Association of Ghana, in collaboration with various trade groups and manufacturers, are protesting against what they label as exploitative actions by shipping lines operating in the country.

    Also participating are the Ghana Union of Traders Association, EXIM Frozen Foods Association of Ghana, and the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana.

    They are marching through Tema, submitting petitions to the Ministries of Transport, Trade, Finance, and other key bodies, urging immediate regulatory intervention.

    GIFF asserts that these unregulated practices have severely harmed the logistics industry and the broader Ghanaian economy.

    “Shipping lines have operated with impunity for too long, imposing unjustifiable costs that harm freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and ultimately consumers,” said a spokesperson for GIFF.

    The group highlighted that these charges, when combined with delays and inefficiencies, inflate the cost of doing business and contribute to Ghana’s weakened foreign exchange position.

    The protest also seeks to address a practice in which shipping lines, contrary to the Customs Act of 2015, are engaging in customs brokerage, sidelining freight forwarders and monopolizing services in a manner that the association views as anti-competitive.

    Some of the clearing agents told 3news.com that many of their mates have folded up with many more of the getting out of business.

    “The shipping lines now engage our clients behind us making us lose our business”.

    The group has served notice of another massive protest towards the presidency in 14 days if their concerns are not addressed.

  • We are probing 280 corruption cases reported – Kwakye Ofosu

    We are probing 280 corruption cases reported – Kwakye Ofosu

    A total of 280 corruption and corruption-related cases are currently under investigation, according to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

    He disclosed this during an interview on JoyNews on Monday, January 26, explaining that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) introduced Operation Uncover All Roots (ORAL) as a key initiative to promote accountability among public office holders.

    “The NDC tabled Operation Uncover All Roots as a proposition to the people as a main tool through which we will ensure that accountability is demanded from public office holders,” he said.

    According to him, since the government took office, significant steps have been taken to act on allegations of corruption. He disclosed that the Oral Preparatory Committee compiled information on 280 alleged cases and submitted a report to the Attorney General.

    “They presented a report with the 280 cases, and I can tell you that the Attorney General has commissioned investigations into each of them,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated.

    However, he said that the report itself could not be used to prosecute anyone without proper investigations.

    “The report itself could not have formed the basis for any legal action against anybody because they were just reports. I cannot simply say that because you have said something, then I hold someone and throw him into jail. It would not make sense.”

    Assessing Ghana’s fight against corruption, he said the scale of waste and abuse of public resources under the previous administration made a change in government unavoidable. “I think that it was obvious that there was simply too much waste, corruption, and theft of public resources,” he said.

    “You in the media were the ones who used to bombard us with corruption scandal after corruption scandal, and it got to a point where we simply became fatigued and came to the conclusion that there was a need to change government.”

    Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that progress has already been made on several of the cases. “I can tell you that more than 100 people have been held for questioning. Some have been arrested. Some were detained for some time. Some have been granted bail, and others, too, are in court,” he said.

    He added that more than 20 cases have reached an advanced stage. “There are over 20 cases whose dockets are almost done and will be going to court. The Attorney General has already proceeded to court on a number of those cases,” he noted.

    While acknowledging public impatience for quick results, the minister urged Ghanaians to respect due process.

    “I understand that because of the pervasive nature of the corruption in the recent past, people want to see results, and they want it done in a rapid fashion. The government appreciates that fully. Except that ORAL itself has to be done in accordance with Ghanaian law. We cannot act extra-judicially,” he said.

    He explained that once cases reach the courts, timelines are no longer controlled by the Attorney General or the government.

    “When the Attorney General prepares his case and goes to court, it is a court that is in control. The court determines the timelines, how the process is conducted, and when the case ends.”

    Mr Kwakye Ofosu said that fairness must remain central to the fight against corruption.

    “Justice has to be done. The operative word is justice. You must use fair means to assess an individual’s guilt or innocence, and that is precisely what is happening.”

    Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)is an initiative set up by the president to gather information on corruption to the appropriate government institutions for further investigation.

    The committee is chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu.

    The other members include former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, retired Police Commissioner Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer — all renowned for their integrity and strong stance against corruption.Currently, the hundreds of issues presented by the ORAL team to President John Mahama are being investigated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    Additionally, its work has increased public awareness about the importance of protecting state resources.

    The committee’s report has revealed that approximately $21.19 billion in potential recoveries are from misappropriated state assets and undervalued land transactions.

    ORAL Chairman Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has indicated that “If we are successful in recoveries, we can retrieve as much as 20.49 billion United States dollars.”

    Among the key cases cited were the National Cathedral project, the Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal, and the Saltpond decommissioning project.

    Meanwhile, President Mahama has dismissed allegations that ORAL is being used for political vendettas, reassuring that the initiative is purely intended to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.

  • Video: Popular YouTuber, streamer iShowSpeed visits Ghana

    Video: Popular YouTuber, streamer iShowSpeed visits Ghana

    American YouTuber and live streamer, Darren Jason Watkins Jr, popularly known as iShowSpeed has arrived in Ghana, exciting fans and content creators across the country.

    Known for his energetic live videos and large online following, iShowSpeed is in Ghana for several activities, including a supercar display at Independence Square.

    The event is expected to attract large crowds and generate a lot of attention on social media, with many young people eager to see the luxury cars and be part of the experience.

    During his stay, iShowSpeed is also expected to visit Goldbod, a move that reflects Ghana’s growing popularity among international digital creators.

    His visit further strengthens Ghana’s image as a hub for entertainment, culture and online content, especially among young people in Africa and those living abroad.

    With millions of followers worldwide, iShowSpeed’s time in Ghana is expected to draw global attention to the country through his live streams and social media posts.

    Since his arrival, social media activity has increased, with fans tracking his movements and looking forward to content from his visit.

    https://web.facebook.com/share/r/19kDptKbhh

    Darren Jason Watkins Jr., born January 21, 2005, known professionally as IShowSpeed or simply Speed, is an American YouTuber and online streamer regarded as one of the most popular online streamers and Internet personalities in the world. He’s originally from Cincinnati, Ohio.

    Watkins registered his YouTube channel in 2016, initially posting gaming content. He started gaining attention in 2021 due to his violent verbal and physical reactions when gaming. In 2022, he began shifting focus towards soccer-related content, becoming an avid supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo.

    In December 2024, Watkins won the “Get Off Your A** Award (Best IRL Streamer)”, “Best International Streamer”, and “Streamer of the Year” awards at the 2024 Streamer Awards. He was crowned Streamer of the Year again at the 2025 Streamer Awards on December 6 at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre, triumphing over competitors including ExtraEmily, Kai Cenat, Jasontheween, and Plaqueboymax.

    In August 2025, Rolling Stone named him the “Most Influential Creator of 2025”.

    Speed boasts more than 47-million subscribers on YouTube and more than 43-million followers on Instagram. Over the course of 2025, IShowSpeed’s streams generated 64.1 million Hours Watched on YouTube — roughly 30% more than the year before.

    While on tour in Southeast Asia, he surpassed 30 million subscribers and accumulated a total of 110 million views for the duration of the trip. One of Watkins’s livestreams, titled “IRL Stream in Indonesia”, marked the first time an English-speaking streamer has received one million concurrent viewers in a livestream.

    In the summer of 2024, during the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament, Speed toured Europe, visiting over 10 countries and amassing 3.3 billion views on YouTube.

    His 2025 IRL streaming tour “Speed Does America,” broadcasting live from cities across the United States, drew thousands of viewers online and crowds of fans during in-person appearances.

    On January 10, 2025, Watkins announced that he would be doing a tour in South America. On January 28, during his tour in Peru, he was declared an honorary mayor of Lima for an hour by Rafael López Aliaga, the city’s mayor, who also declared him an “ambassador of Lima”.

    On February 14, 2025, Watkins participated in “Match for Hope 2025”, a soccer charity event hosted in Stadium 974, Qatar, as a co-captain for Team Chunkz & IShowSpeed. The event managed to raise more than $10.7 million for charity.

    On March 8, 2025, Watkins participated in the 2025 Sidemen Charity Match, held at Wembley Stadium in London, serving as both captain and player for the YouTube Allstars team. He scored his first goal in the charity match series in the 56th minute and secured victory by converting the decisive penalty in a shoot-out.

    Watkins is known for his dramatic and energetic behavior he displays during his variety live streams, including in-real-life streams conducted in various worldwide locations. He has been viewed as a cultural ambassador as he visits countries to showcase their cultures and inventions to both domestic and international audiences.

    IShowspeed, is currently on his African tour, “Speed Does Africa.” So far, he has traveled to several countries across the continent. He has engaged with local cultures, met fans, and shared everyday experiences from Africa with his global audience.His tour has effectively challenged long-standing stereotypes. He has highlighted the continent’s lively modern cities, warm hospitality, rich culture, and true sense of community. This has left many viewers, especially in the US, shocked and reconsidering outdated views about poverty and danger.

    The tour kicked off on December 29 in Angola, where he received a warm welcome that set the mood for the journey. He is currently in Ghana as the next stop on his Africa tour.

    The internet sensation, known globally for his high-energy live streams and massive online following, is in Ghana for a series of activities, including a supercar spectacle at the Independence Square.

    The event is expected to draw huge crowds and dominate online conversations, turning the iconic national venue into a showcase of speed, luxury and youth culture.As part of his visit, iShowSpeed will also tour Goldbod, a stop seen as highlighting Ghana’s growing visibility among global digital influencers and creatives.His arrival adds to Ghana’s expanding reputation as a destination for global entertainment, culture and digital influence, particularly among young audiences in Africa and the diaspora.

  • NACOC rearrests Abu Trica

    NACOC rearrests Abu Trica

    Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been taken back into custody by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

    This comes shortly after he and his co-accused were discharged by the Gbese District Court.

    According to a member of the legal team, Trica was taken to the NACOC headquarters.

    Confirming the re-arrest of Abu Trica, a member of his legal team told the media that he had been taken to the headquarters of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

    “They’ve been taken back to the Narcotics Headquarters. I’m yet to know why they are there, but I believe it’s for administrative purposes,” he said.

    The trial involving Abu Trica and his co-accused was to determine whether they would be extradited to the United States to stand trial.

    Abu Trica was initially arrested by Ghanaian security agencies on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following an indictment by United States authorities over his alleged role in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at more than $8 million.

    Unsealed documents from the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio allege that he was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the United States beginning in 2023.

    Prosecutors say the group relied on artificial intelligence software to create fake identities and establish intimate online relationships with senior citizens through social media and dating platforms. Victims were then allegedly deceived into sending money and valuables under false pretences, including claims of medical emergencies, travel costs, and investment opportunities.

    The indictment further alleges that Abu Trica assisted in distributing funds transferred from Ohio to conspirators in Ghana and other locations. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a forfeiture specification.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Entertainment pundit Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, has pushed for an inquiry into Criss Waddle’s source of wealth.

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

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

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

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

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

  •  Bimbo’s ‘Where Love Lives’ movie demonetized over copyright claims

     Bimbo’s ‘Where Love Lives’ movie demonetized over copyright claims

    Nollywood actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye has intensified her claims of copyright infringement, indicating her intention to pursue legal action over what she describes as the theft of her intellectual property.

    In a post on her Instagram page, Ademoye said she deleted earlier posts on the issue after advice from her management. She explained that the matter arose after she discovered that monetisation had been removed from her film Where Love Lives.

    The actress stated that the issue stemmed from a song used in the movie, which she said she fully owns and used with the complete approval of the artiste. She alleged that the song was taken and falsely claimed by an individual identified as Emmanuel Davies.

    According to Ademoye, the individual filed copyright claims on the song, leading to the removal of monetisation and the diversion of revenue from the movie to himself.

    She emphasised that she operates professionally and conducts due diligence before releasing any project, adding that she pays for all soundtracks used in her films. Ademoye described the situation as troubling and questioned how someone could allegedly take her work and present it as their own.

    She noted that the matter has been reported to the authorities and stated that she would pursue the case until justice is served. The actress also appealed to the public to provide any relevant information about Emmanuel Davies to assist ongoing investigations.

    She said, “I took down the other posts as advised by my management. For clarity, I woke up to monetization on our movie where love lives being taken down.

    “A song I have full ownership of, a track I fully own with full approval from the artist was lifted and claimed by one emmanuel Davies.

    “Not only did he steal MY SONG, he claimed copyrights and took monetization which means he’s claiming the money from the movie belongs to him.

    “I’m not an irresponsible person, i do not take what doesn’t belong to me, I do all my findings before uploading a movie. I pay for all the soundtracks I use in My movie.

    “Why one person would wake up one day, steal my song and claim it to be his own, I don’t know. But this is me saying, Emmanuel Davies, until l see you behind bars, I will not rest. I’d let the authorities do their job.

    “If anyone has any vital information on Emmanuel Davies pls send an email. Thank you.”

    Ghanaian actress and film producer, Salma Mumin has stated that losing money over piracy is a painful ordeal for film producers.

    Being a movie producer herself, Salma has vowed never to forgive anyone caught stealing her for broadcast.

    “If I find anybody stealing my movie, I’m gonna take them on. I will take you on because it takes a lot to produce one film and it’s very painful to not even make what you’re meant to make and others are already making behind you,” she warned.

    Her comment comes on the back of Nigerian actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye’s appearance on social media months ago to express frustration over the unauthorised broadcasting of her films on Ghanaian television.

    She described it as a blatant violation of her intellectual property rights.

    According to her, several TV stations in Ghana have been airing her work without permission—a situation she finds unacceptable and unlawful.

    She called on relevant authorities to investigate and address the matter promptly.

    Salma has also cautioned the culprits to desist from the unfair practice, emphasizing that they know how damaging it is to producers.

    “We as entertainment personnel should understand and know better to not even do this at all…it is because the people doing it, they understand what they’re doing,” she said.

    Media personality MC Yaa Yeboah has stated that the lack of collaborative efforts between the National Film Authority (NFA) and the copyright office is the contributing factor to piracy in the country.

    “To date, the NFA has not held any meetings with the copyright office regarding piracy,” she stated on UTV’s United Showbiz.

    The NFA had earlier warned in a letter that any TV station caught airing pirated movies would have its license revoked. But according to MC Yaa Yeboah, the NFA does not even have the power to revoke licenses. 

     “The NFA recently issued a letter to television stations warning them that if they air movies without proper authorization, their licenses will be revoked. However, upon researching this matter, I discovered that the NFA is not even the institution responsible for revoking licenses,” she said. 

  • I became Aba Dope by posting fake life content on Snapchat – Aba Dope

    I became Aba Dope by posting fake life content on Snapchat – Aba Dope

    Social media personality and entrepreneur Aba Martin, popularly known as Aba Dope, has opened up about how she rose to prominence in the entertainment space.

    She revealed that her popularity grew from sharing exaggerated lifestyle content on Snapchat, noting that the posts did not reflect her real life.

    Aba Dope explained that she was among the early creators who popularised the trend of projecting luxury lifestyles online, even when such portrayals were not genuine.

    “How I began as Aba Dope? I started on Snapchat. At that time, it wasn’t about all those other apps. When I was in nursing school around 2015, I downloaded Snapchat, and we were just posting all the time. I started ‘settings’ on Snapchat. I could go and sit in somebody’s car and place my hand on the steering wheel as though I was the one driving, but I was never caught,” she told Giovani in an interview on TV3.

    Tking about fake lives projected on social media, actress Rosemond Alade Brown, popularly known as Akuapem Poloo, officially rendered an apology to the youth, particularly her fans.

    This was due to her deceptive social media persona, which she believed had a negative impact on some young people, including those who may look up to her as a role model.

    Akuapem Poloo has been known for displaying luxury vehicles as birthday gifts every year. This year, none of these were seen in her post.

    On her 34th birthday celebration, the actress did not flaunt any cars as birthday presents, although she received other gifts such as money and clothes.

    According to her, ignorance and immaturity led to her forging her lifestyle on social media as she was young.

    However, she has changed her ways after realising that such a lifestyle could have a negative impact on the youth, especially those who look up to her as a role model.

    Therefore, she has appealed to all young people and fans to forgive her and mend their ways, just as she has done.

    The actress also revealed that the majority of social media users, particularly celebrities, lie about receiving luxurious cars as birthday presents.

    She made this known during an interview on Prime Morning with host, Roselyn Felli on Friday.

    “People even buy cars for themselves and say that someone has dashed them. It’s crazy, and now the youth are being misled. I’ve regretted it, and if I have ever misled any youth, they should just forgive me,” she pleaded.

    The actress was recently spotted in a dancing video on her page revealing some parts of her body in celebration of her birthday.

    This sparked criticism on social media based on the fact that she is now a Muslim, and the religion frowns upon such behaviours.

    Asked why she did that, she said, “They don’t expect me to cover my skin when I’m talking about skin care products, so how do people see that the skin care product is working on my skin. I’m a brand ambassador for a skin care product, so I had to show my skin.”

    However, she has stated that she has plans on giving birth again, but after marriage, because she does not want her previous mistake to repeat itself.

    Ghanaian musician Sam Sarfo, better known as Showboy, also shared a sobering message with the youth, urging them not to be misled by the flashy lifestyle he portrays on social media, particularly on Snapchat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye who is widely known as Bobrisky also revealed that living a fake life is not an easy thing to do.

    According to him, before anyone can live a fake life, he or she must have a certain amount in his or her bank account in order to prove a point.

    Bobrisky made this known when he was lambasting Instagram blogger, GISTLOVER, for carrying out an unnecessary investigation about a celebrity.

  • Kwesi Authur should look for me, I can help him navigate dispute with former label – Shatta Wale

    Kwesi Authur should look for me, I can help him navigate dispute with former label – Shatta Wale

    Dancehall musician Shatta Wale, has asked his colleague, Kwesi Authur to reach out to him for a sit-down discussion aimed at finding practical ways to help him navigate the dispute with his former label,  ‘Ground Up Chale.’

    “In the court of law, you cannot take ‘cry’ and ‘people want to kill me’ there. It won’t work, because you already signed. It’s two solutions now: it’s either he looks for me and we sit down so I give him some experienced tactics we can use to make this music business work for him, or we quickly try to find a solution for him.”

    Beyond Shatta Wale’s advice, he is also encouraging Ghanaians to contribute towards supporting the musician to handle current chnalleges.

    “The way everybody cares about Kwesi Arthur, we may have to contribute and pay that debt for him,” Shatta Wale said.

    Background

    Kwesi Arthur had accused music executive Glen Boateng and members of the Ground Up team of intimidation, financial demands and attempts to block his independent releases.

    He made this statement in a social media post that sparked reactions across the industry.
    According to him, he is being asked to pay $150,000 to use images of himself for a new project and has suggested that his safety could be at risk amid the ongoing dispute.

    However, Ground Up’s legal representative, Jonathan Amable, has rejected claims that the company had stopped the rapper from using his own images.

    He said the restriction only applies to specific footage produced by ‘Ground Up’ during their working relationship.

    Veteran music producer Fred Kyei Mensah, popularly known as Fredyma, and Highlife musician Ofori Amponsah have settled their age-old dispute over how the latter first met the late Daddy Lumba.

    Fredyma took to Facebook on November 5 to announce that he had finally smoked the peace pipe with Ofori Amponsah during an appearance on Joy Prime TV, where Andy Dosty was the host. 

    “This evening on Joy Prime TV hosted by the venerable Andy Dosty, Ofori Amponsah and I settled the seemingly conflict about who introduced him to the late Daddy Lumba.”

    “We both agreed that I did his demo songs, which ushered him to be accepted and to be part of Daddy Lumba’s music kingdom and his subsequent success in the music industry,” Fredyma stated.” 

    The veteran music producer further clarifed; “Apparently, Ofori Amponsah had visited Lumba’s house and made him listen to the demo I did and signed agreements without my knowledge before inviting me to accompany him later to officially present his demo. This was where the whole confusion erupted.”

    Fredyma added that, he knew the late Daddy Lumba for over four decades, but never indulged Ofori Amponsah and his dealings with the late legend.

    “I didn’t ever partake in any of his music dealings through the signing of agreements with the late Daddy Lumba,” he wrote.

    However, in June 1993, he took Ofori for an audition at the National Museums and Monuments Board, a move that eventually opened the door for him to perform at the National Theatre.

    “I took Ofori Amponsah for an audition at the National Museums and Monuments Board in June 1993 for onward performance at the National Theatre,” he recounted.

    According to Fredyma, Ofori Amponsah gained fame at the mainstream with Daddy Lumba after recording two albums in his studio.

    But one of the albums, a Highlife project recorded with Dada Ahuofe in 1995, was never released.

    A Gospel album recorded in 1996 came out before Ofori’s 1999 hit collaboration “Odo Mmra Fie” with Lumba.

    The veteran producer said he had not worked with Ofori Amponsah since 1997 but remains grateful that the long-standing misunderstanding has finally been resolved.

    “Officially, this has been Ofori Amponsah’s moment and journey in my life. I have never worked on any music project with him since 1997 to date. I am grateful that this uncalled-for impasse has been laid to rest. Thanks for your understanding. No malice intended. We move. Daddy Lumba koraa, wa wu so why the fuss?” he concluded.

    Meanwhile, the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, notably refused to acknowledge or interact with his mentee and fellow musician, Ofori Amponsah, on stage during his birthday, despite Ofori performing and being present throughout the night.

    This was prior to an incident where Daddy Lumba had demanded the removal of Ofori Amponsah from the lineup of artists scheduled to perform at his concert on Valentine’s Day, dubbed “Valentine With Daddy Lumba.”

    Diving into the details behind the drop, Executive Director of Event Factory Ghana Limited, Nabil Alhassan, who is directly involved in organizing major entertainment events in Ghana, during an appearance on UTV’s United Showbiz on Saturday, October 5, named Lumba as one of the most difficult artistes he has ever worked with, highlighting how after artistes scheduled to perform at Lumba’s Valentine’s Day Concert had been finalized, he received a call from Serwaa Amihere, which was a conference call including Daddy Lumba.

    He said Lumba insisted that Ofori Amponsah be taken off the show or he wouldn’t perform.

    “We made our first payment, and publicity started. One day, I saw Serwaa Amihere calling me. She said Daddy was on the line and wanted to speak to me about something going on. He said, ‘Nabil, how are you? I want you to take Ofori off the show,’” he said.

    After probing why he wanted Ofori off the show, Nabil disclosed that Lumba informed him about how rumours suggested his former mentee had bad-mouthed him.

    Nabil further detailed that after constantly questioning the late musician for the reason behind his request, Daddy Lumba claimed Ofori Amponsah’s name was not included in the initial list of performers.

    “Guess what, Ofori has been on his show at the birthday party, so I thought everything was cool… I asked him, ‘Daddy, what is happening?’ He was like, the last time we spoke to him, we didn’t include that Ofori Amponsah was part of the artistes performing.

    Serwaa then informed him that we mentioned Ofori’s name. After that, he said someone had called him to inform him that Ofori was part of the people who once insulted him, so we should remove Ofori’s name from the list.”

    Nabil also shared how the late Daddy Lumba finally gave in after apologies were made.

    “Lumba can refund your money at any time. When he comes to your show, he has your money in his hands. Any small mistake, he would leave… So I was hanging… We spoke to him, and he said either Ofori will perform before he comes or after,” he added.

    The news of Daddy Lumba’s passing hit the world in the early hours of Saturday. Initially, when news of his passing emerged, a journalist of Hitz FM, Andy Dosty, came to deny it, noting that Daddy Lumba was alive. However, barely three hours later, Daddy Lumba (DL) FM released an official statement signed by the legend’s lawyer, confirming his demise.

    A statement by the counsel for the Fosu family later confirmed that the music veteran passed on July 26, after a short illness.

    He succumbed to the illness at the Bank Hospital in Accra, per reports.

    The statement reads: “With profound sorrow and deep grief, the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, who passed away earlier today, Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a short illness.”

    Daddy Lumba was born 60 years ago to Mr. Johnson Kwadwo Fosuh and Madam Comfort Gyamfi, also known as Ama Saah, in Nsuta, near Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Both of his parents were teachers, and he was the second of three siblings.

    His educational journey began in Nsuta Kyebi, and he completed junior high school at Suame Methodist, Kumasi in 1979. Subsequently, he attended Adu Gyamfi Senior High School in Jamasi, but later transferred to Juaben Senior High School, where he completed his secondary education in 1984.

    Daddy Lumba’s music career took off in the early 80s when he formed the Nkwanta Wesley Singers, gaining fame at the Anokye Krom Cultural Center.

    During his time at Juaben Senior High School, he led the school choir and composed the song “Lumba Lumba,” dedicated to the freedom fighters in South Africa. This song’s popularity earned him the nickname “Daddy Lumba,” which later became his stage name. He also formed the Lumba Brothers band during his school days, which included his girlfriend at the time, Theresa.

    After completing school, Daddy Lumba, with the help of his high school sweetheart Theresa Abebrese, traveled to Germany. There, he met Ernest Nana Acheampong, and they formed another Lumba Brothers group, recording their debut album, “Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom,” in 1986. Financial constraints delayed the album’s release until 1989, and eventually, the duo split.

    Daddy Lumba then launched his solo career and released his debut solo album, “Obi Ate Meso Buo,” in 1990. The album received immense popularity and critical acclaim, featuring classics like the title track and “Theresa,” dedicated to his ex-lover. He has since released 33 albums, including notable ones like “Sika Asem,” “Aben Wo Ha,” “Wo Ho Kyere,” “Awosoo,” “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Ahenfo Kyiniye.” His latest project, “Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo,” was released in December 2022, reuniting him with longtime collaborator Kweku Mensah.

    In addition to his own success, Daddy Lumba is renowned for nurturing the careers of budding artists who went on to become legends in their own right.

    Some of these artists include Felix Owusu, for whom he produced the debut album “Vida” in 1992, Afia Ampofowaa, Kwabena Sunkwa, Ofori Amponsah with the “Wo Ho Kyere” album in 1999, Selina Orleans, Akua Serwaa Bonsu, Borax, Ateaa Tina, and many others.

    His contributions to Ghanaian music and the support he provided to upcoming talents have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the country’s music industry.

    With his passion, talent, and dedication to the craft, Daddy Lumba continues to be a role model for aspiring musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the rich musical landscape of Ghana.

  • 2026 Oscar nominees announced

    2026 Oscar nominees announced

    When the conversation turns to Oscar nominations, “Sinners” is already leading the pack.

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced nominees for the 98th Academy Awards on Thursday, with Ryan Coogler’s period vampire horror film making history. The movie secured a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing previous record holders “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land,” which each earned 14 nods.

    “Sinners” received nominations in major categories including best film, best director, and best original screenplay. Its lead actor, Michael B. Jordan, was nominated for best actor, while Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo both earned nominations in the supporting acting categories.

    Trailing closely behind is “One Battle After Another,” which picked up 13 nominations. The film’s Golden Globe winner, Teyana Taylor, will compete against Mosaku in the best supporting actress category, while Lindo faces competition from “One Battle’s” Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro for best supporting actor.

    Actors Lewis Pullman and “Color Purple” Oscar-nominee Danielle Brooks announced the nominees for Hollywood’s biggest awards ceremony. The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with Conan O’Brien returning as host.

    A list of nominees follows:

    Best picture

    1. “Bugonia.”

    2. “F1.”

    3. “Frankenstein.”

    4. “Hamnet.”

    5. “Marty Supreme.”

    6. “One Battle After Another.”

    7. “The Secret Agent.”

    8. “Sentimental Value.”

    9. “Sinners”

    10. “Train Dreams.”

    Best director

    1. Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet.”

    2. Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme.”

    3. Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another.”

    4. Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value.”

    5. Ryan Coogler, “Sinners.”

    Best actress in a leading role

    1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet.”

    2. Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

    3. Kate Hudson, “Song Sung Blue.”

    4. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value.”

    5. Emma Stone, “Bugonia.”

    Best actor in a leading role

    1. Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme.”

    2. Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another.”

    3. Ethan Hawke, “Blue Moon.”

    4. Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners.”

    5. Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent.”

    Best actress in a supporting role

    1. Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value”

    2. Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value.”

    3. Amy Madigan, “Weapons.”

    4. Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners.”

    5. Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another.”

    Best actor in a supporting role

    1. Benicio Del Toro, “One Battle After Another.”

    2. Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein.”

    3. Delroy Lindo, “Sinners.”

    4. Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another.”

    5. Stellan Skarsgard, “Sentimental Value.”

    Best adapted screenplay

    1. Will Tracy, “Bugonia.”

    2. Guillermo del Toro, “Frankenstein”

    3. Chloé Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell, “Hamnet.”

    4. Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another.”

    5. Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, “Train Dreams.”

    Best original screenplay

    1. Robert Kaplow, “Blue Moon.”

    2. Jafar Panahi, “It Was Just an Accident.”

    3. Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme.”

    4. Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value.”

    5. Ryan Coogler, “Sinners.”

    Best casting

    1. Nina Gold, “Hamnet”

    2. Jennifer Venditti, “Marty Supreme.”

    3. Cassandra Kulukundis, “One Battle After Another.”

    4. Gabriel Domingues, “The Secret Agent.”

    5. Francine Maisler, “Sinners.”

    Best original song

    1. Diane Warren for “Dear Me” from “Diane Warren: Relentless.”

    2. EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park for “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters.”

    3. Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson for “I Lied to You” from “Sinners.”

    4. Nicholas Pike for Sweet Dreams of Joy from “Viva Verdi!”

    5. Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner for “Train Dreams” from “Train Dreams.”

    Best original score

    1. Jerskin Fendrix, “Bugonia.”

    2. Alexandre Desplat, “Frankenstein.”

    3. Max Richter, “Hamnet.”

    4. Jonny Greenwood, “One Battle After Another.”

    5. Ludwig Goransson, “Sinners.”

    Best cinematography

    1. Dan Laustsen, “Frankenstein.”

    2. Darius Khondji, “Marty Supreme.”

    3. Michael Bauman, “One Battle After Another.”

    4. Autumn Durald Arkapaw, “Sinners.”

    5. Adolpho Veloso, “Train Dreams.”

    Best editing

    1. Stephen Mirrione, “F1.”

    2. Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme.”

    3. Andy Jurgensen, “One Battle After Another.”

    4. Olivier Bugge Coutté, “Sentimental Value.”

    5. Michael P. Shawver, “Sinners.”

    Best international feature film

    1. “The Secret Agent.”

    2. “It Was Just an Accident.”

    3. “Sentimental Value.”

    4. “Sirât”

    5. “The Voice of Hind Rajab.”

    Best animated feature film

    1. “Arco”

    2. “Elio”

    3. “KPop Demon Hunters.”

    4. “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain.”

    5. “Zootopia 2.”

    Best documentary feature film

    1. “The Alabama Solution.”

    2. “Come See Me in the Good Light.”

    3. “Cutting Through Rocks.”

    4. “Mr Nobody Against Putin.”

    5. “The Perfect Neighbor.”

    Best makeup and hairstyling

    1. Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, and Cliona Furey, “Frankenstein.”

    2. Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino, and Tadashi Nishimatsu, “Kokuho.”

    3. Ken Diaz and Mike Fontaine, “Sinners.”

    4. Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin, and Bjoern Rehbein, “The Smashing Machine.”

    5. Thomas Foldberg and Cathrine Sauerberg, “The Ugly Stepsister.”

    Best sound

    1. Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, and Juan Peralta, “F1.”

    2. Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke, and Brad Zoern, “Frankenstein.”

    3. Jose Antonia Garcia, Christopher Scarabosio, and Tony Villaflor, “One Battle After Another.”

    4. Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor, and Steve Boeddeker, “Sinners.”

    5. Amanda Villavieja, Iaia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas, “Sirat”

    Best visual effects

    1. Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett, “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

    2. Ryan Tudhope, Nicolas Chevallier, Robert Harrington, and Keith Dawson, “F1.”

    3. David Vickery, Stephen Aplin, Charmaine Chan, and Neil Corbould, “Jurassic World Rebirth.”

    4. Charlie Noble, David Zaretti, Russell Bowen, and Brandon K. McLaughlin, “The Lost Bus.”

    5. Michael Ralla, Espen Nordahl, Guido Wolter, and Donnie Dean, “Sinners.”

    Best costume design

    1. Deborah L. Scott, “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

    2. Kate Hawley, “Frankenstein.”

    3. Malgosia Turzanska, “Hamnet.”

    4. Miyako Bellizzi, “Marty Supreme.”

    5. Ruth E. Carter, “Sinners.”

    Best production design

    1. Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau, “Frankenstein.”

    2. Fiona Crombie and Alice Felton, “Hamnet.”

    3. Jack Fisk and Adam Willis, “Marty Supreme.”

    4. Florencia Martin and Anthony Carlino, “One Battle After Another.”

    5. Hannah Beachler and Monique Champagne, “Sinners.”

    Best documentary short

    1. “All the Empty Rooms.”

    2. “Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud.”

    3. “Children No More: Were and Are Gone.”

    4. “The Devil is Busy.”

    5. “Perfectly a Strangeness.”

    Best live action short film

    1. “Butcher’s Stain.”

    2. “A Friend of Dorothy.”

    3. “Jane Austen’s Period Drama.”

    4. “The Singers.”

    5. “Two People Exchanging Saliva.”

    Best animated short film

    1. “Butterfly”

    2. “Forevergreen”

    3. “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.”

    4. “Retirement Plan.”

    5. “The Three Sisters.”

  • “The team that makes the most noise does not win” – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    “The team that makes the most noise does not win” – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has emphasised that political victories are achieved through careful preparation and clear messaging, rather than by being the loudest voice in the room.

    According to him, the key to winning political contests lies in planning and delivering campaign messages that genuinely connect with voters.

    “Most of the time, the team that makes the most noise does not win. It is the team that has really prepared that wins,” he stated.

    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu highlighted that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign message is resonating strongly with the electorate, particularly at the grassroots level.

    He recalled a recent campaign event in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, where Dr Bawumia’s speech reportedly moved several attendees to tears.

    “After we finished speaking, an elderly man sitting a few seats away from me was visibly moved. I also saw another person wiping away tears. When I asked the elderly man what had happened, he told me Dr Bawumia’s speech had made him cry,” the former MP for Suame said on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen show on Thursday, January 22.

    The former MP said such emotional responses reinforced his belief that Dr Bawumia’s message is connecting deeply with the people, and he expressed confidence that the former Vice President would improve on his 2023 performance in the Ashanti Region. He projected support could rise from 63 per cent to around 70 per cent.

    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also pointed to the campaign’s meticulous grassroots approach, noting that the team has been evaluating performance constituency by constituency and polling station by polling station.

    “We have been with him across the country. They are doing assessments constituency by constituency, polling station by polling station. They have already toured all the regions twice,” he added.

    Commenting on previous flagbearer polls, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said he was surprised at the 37 per cent secured by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. He attributed that performance to Mr Agyapong’s established influence and party network.

    “The 37 percent Ken got really surprised me. He harvested from the content he had built in the system, and the way he pulled out, with his people following him,” he said, noting that such support may not be easily replicated this time, even with prominent figures backing him.

    The NPP is on a journey of reset, reinforcement, and healing following its historic defeat in the 2024 elections. Dr. Bawumia lost the 2024 presidential election, with John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing 6,328,397 valid votes, representing 56.55%, against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=R9GwtixNqXs%3Frel%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1

    Since the beginning of this year, the party has undertaken several reforms to position itself strongly against its main opponent, the NDC, and to recapture power.

    Among these reforms is the abolition of the electoral college in favour of a broader base of delegates. The party has also added 19 new delegate categories and granted amnesty to suspended members.

    The NPP has announced that suspended members have been reinstated, and all charges against those facing the disciplinary committee have been dropped.

    This decision was taken by the National Council during an emergency meeting held on July 25. In a statement dated August 16 and signed by the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Mr. Danquah Smith Buttey, members were informed that as part of measures to ensure unity and cooperation, all banned members had been given the right to return.

    “This measure reflects the Party’s unwavering commitment to fostering internal cohesion, strengthening solidarity, and preparing collectively for the political tasks ahead.

    “I write to inform you that the National Council, at its Emergency Meeting held on Friday, July 25, 2025, resolved, in the interest of unity and reconciliation, to grant a General Amnesty to all Party members who have been suspended or whose disciplinary cases are currently pending before the appropriate disciplinary bodies,” parts of the statement read.

    The party further urged all relevant bodies, including Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, to reinstate suspended members in accordance with laid-down rules and guiding principles.

    “We hereby serve notice that this directive lifts all such suspensions and nullifies any ongoing proceedings against affected members,” the statement added.

    However, the party clarified that this recall does not apply to members who willfully forfeited their membership. In cases where such individuals wish to return, they are required to submit a formal reinstatement request to the party’s secretariat. Upon acceptance, a two-year ban will be imposed, preventing them from contesting in any internal elections.

  • 70 is the minimum number of police officers to be at each polling station – IGP on presidential primaries readiness

    70 is the minimum number of police officers to be at each polling station – IGP on presidential primaries readiness

    The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has disclosed that seventy is the minimum number of police officers to be at each polling station ahead of the presidential primaries.

    According to him, senior officers will also be deployed nationwide to supervise operations.

    “We assure you that at least 70 is the least number of police officers will be at each polling station. We have deployed heavily. All senior officers countrywide are going to be at the police station,” he said a peace pact signing ceremony involving NPP presidential aspirants of the NPP.

    He has given assurances that the Ghana Police Service is fully ready to provide security for the New Patriotic Party’s upcoming presidential primaries.

    According to the IGP, the party officially notified the police weeks ago that security for the internal elections would be handled exclusively by the Ghana Police Service.

    “Some few weeks ago, the NPP party wrote to the police to inform us that the security for the forthcoming presidential elections will be solely handled by the Ghana Police Service,” he said.

    Mr Yohuno explained that the police have since mapped out all polling locations and completed detailed operational plans to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully.

    “We want to assure you that we have been able to identify all the areas where the elections will take place. We have 276 plus one polling centres. We have been able to make our operational plans,” he stated.

    He said the police service has held meetings with all regional commanders responsible for the various polling areas to coordinate and supervise security measures.

    “We have met all our regional commanders who are responsible for these areas where these elections will take place. We have gone over all the preparations over and over and are ready to go to the field,” the IGP noted.

    Mr Yohuno indicated that Bawku is the only area where additional military support may be needed because of its specific security challenges. He said the police have formally written to the Minister for the Interior to engage the Minister of Defence to arrange military assistance for that area.

    He added that elsewhere across the country, the military will be placed on standby, while the police will lead security operations.

    Mr Yohuno also outlined a multi-layered security arrangement involving inner, middle, and outer deployment, with the outer perimeter receiving heavy reinforcement.

    “We have the inner deployment, the middle deployment, and then the outer deployment. The outer deployment is heavily loaded,” he explained.

    He assured stakeholders that extensive training and preparations have been carried out and that police commanders across the country are confident in their readiness.

    “I want to assure you that we have done a lot of training and preparation and that my regional commanders have called me and said that they are even ready for the election today,” Mr Yohuno added.

    The IGP expressed appreciation to the NPP leadership for entrusting the Ghana Police Service with the responsibility of securing the exercise, describing the move as a vote of confidence in the professionalism of the police.

    The peace pact signing ceremony forms part of the NPP’s efforts to ensure peaceful internal elections and foster unity ahead of the 2028 general elections.

    Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has sent a word of advice to the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the party’s flagbearer race.

    Speaking at the launch of the party’s new think tank, the Patriotic Institute, on Wednesday, 25 June, Mr Kufuor called on party supporters to elect a leader who is not influenced by religious and tribal bias.

    “We are a democratic party and we uphold common humanity. In a democracy, we don’t go for tribe or religion or gender but the individual. It is one man, one vote, and if we want power, we have to present a person who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate,” he added.

    He explained that the flagbearer should be one who can diligently serve the people of Ghana.

    “We’ve been brushed by our opponents as a tribal party — and these days, we are even adding religion. If these things come from our own mouths, then I tell you, we are perpetuating it ourselves,” he lamented.

    “Tell the truth to ourselves” and focus on selecting a leader who can unify the country and “help solve the problems of the community at large, so it benefits and spreads across the board for all,” he stated.

    The NPP will hold its presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

    The decision was taken at a crucial meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, 17th June 2025, and later confirmed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua and also in an official statement.

    “And the National Council today also made the decision that the date for our presidential primaries is set for January 31, 2026. That will be the date that we shall hold our presidential primaries” parts of the statement said.

    This sets the stage for a decisive contest to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

    The statement also revealed that “the Committee also spoke about the time for our presidential primaries. And again, the Committee agrees that that decision does not warrant amendment of our Constitution”.

    The primaries are anticipated to attract significant interest from both longstanding members and new contenders seeking to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle.

    Party officials also noted that nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and the code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks, with the NEC promising party members a transparent and credible process that upholds the democratic values of the NPP.

    Also speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 17, Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, explained that the seemingly early date slated for the party’s primaries is intentional.

    He noted that it is meant to give the chosen flagbearer a head start in policy communication and to foster stronger connections with both the international community and the business sector.

    He believes this will reposition the party as a credible and prepared alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

    “It is going to market the candidate enough, particularly in terms of building contacts with the international community, the business community, and stakeholders across the globe,” he noted.

    “We will have sufficient time to communicate our policies effectively and hold the government accountable.”

    Also, given the NPP’s current minority status in Parliament, with only 88 seats, he believes an early start will help intensify external engagements.

    “We need someone who can rise above internal distractions and rally support nationally and beyond to keep the government in check,” he added.

  • Government to roll out price transparency App to promote fair pricing nationwide

    Government to roll out price transparency App to promote fair pricing nationwide

    The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry has announced plans to launch a nationwide consumer price transparency application to promote fair pricing and protect buyers from arbitrary market practices.

    The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, made this known at the Government Accountability Series briefing in Accra on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

    She said the digital system will give traders the chance to post their prices, allowing buyers to check and compare costs in various markets before deciding what to buy. The move is meant to do away with price controls, which often interfere with normal market activity and can cause shortages.

    “We will not control prices,” she said. “But we will make prices available for people to choose from.”

    Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare explained that the policy reflects current trading trends and the increasing use of mobile phones nationwide. She added that making prices open to the public will encourage competition, as sellers charging more will be compelled to reduce their prices when customers choose cheaper options elsewhere.

    “If we have the same piece of paper and I am selling mine at a thousand cedis and you are doing yours at 200 cedis, then the buyer will decide whether he or she is a Father Christmas to give me 800 more or is a prudent buyer and will buy from you,” she stated.

    The Minister referred to her recent visits to key commercial areas like Abossey Okai and Kantamanto, observing that prices for some essential goods have fallen compared to last year.

    For instance, engine oil has decreased from GH¢600 in 2024 to about GH¢350; a bag of kokonte from GH¢1,200 to GH¢900; charcoal from GH¢140 to GH¢100 per sack; laundry soap from GH¢30 to GH¢23; and yam from GH¢35 to GH¢30. She noted that similar price drops have been reported on social media, showing reductions across markets nationwide.

    On cement, the Minister said the government is enforcing a Legislative Instrument that requires manufacturers to declare their ex-factory prices by the eighth day of each month. Producers have been reminded of their obligations, and any price increases will not be accepted without these declarations.

    She added that 42.5-grade cement, which cost GH¢117 in 2024, now sells at about GH¢107, while 32.5-grade cement has fallen from GH¢105 to between GH¢80 and GH¢85.

    Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare also revealed that the Ministry of Finance has provided funding to support the government’s 24-hour economy initiative. She explained that the policy has a working secretariat and covers multiple sectors, with the Trade Ministry collaborating with industries on financing and raw material access to allow operations across three shifts.

    On Wednesday, May 14, Honourable Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare met with industry players over the reduction of food prices.

    Her meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG) came at a time when the local currency is appreciating against foreign currencies.

    But the change is yet to reflect on goods, prompting calls for stakeholders to take action.During the meeting, the Minister indicated that the power to adjust goods and services does not lie in the hands of the government but with traders.

    She made during a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG) on Wednesday, May 14.

    “The meeting has been fruitful and we have said that the government does not have the power to control prices, but it has the power to negotiate with our stakeholders to ensure traders, manufacturers, and consumers to ensure that they take advantage of opportunities when they happen.”

    “I am happy to inform you that the direct importers have agreed to reduce their prices, some have already started that. We have also heard from GUTA and AGI that it is good that the Cedi has stabilised but they need a bit of time for it to reflect in the prices. It will happen gradually,” she stated.

    Meanwhile, players in the business community had argued that the significant reduction in the prices of goods and services cannot occur over time, despite the cedi appreciating against the dollar.

    According to the Dean of the University of Cape Coast School of Business, Professor Gatsi, most traders and businesses are yet to sell off old stock that were bought at higher exchange rates.

    He added that the situation may delay the immediate price adjustment in goods and services.

    In May last year, many Ghanaians expressed the expectation that traders would reduce the prices of goods and services following the gains made by the cedi against major international currencies.

    Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, the sector minister said the best approach would be to engage trader associations through a series of discussions.

    “We all know that in Ghana, we don’t control prices, and so the government cannot really push price reduction on them. But because we work together, we can always discuss and see how the stable cedi will benefit both consumers and traders.”

    “If the dollar is this stable and has appreciated this much, I think that we need to regroup and see the way forward,” she added.

  • Randy Abbey’s GHS20m defamation case against Abronye DC thrown out by High Court

    Randy Abbey’s GHS20m defamation case against Abronye DC thrown out by High Court

    The Accra High Court has thrown out a defamation case brought by COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey, widely known as Randy Abbey.

    The court struck out the case after finding that it was improperly filed, as it was initiated through COCOBOD’s Legal Department instead of a private lawyer.

    The decision was handed down on Monday, January 19, 2026, by Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul Baasit at the High Court, General Jurisdiction 2, in Accra.

    Dr Abbey filed the suit on August 26, 2025, in his capacity as an individual against Kwame Baffoe, also called Abronye, accusing him of making broadcasts and publications that he claimed were defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

    The action was pursued in Dr Abbey’s personal capacity, seeking compensation for the alleged harm caused to his reputation by the publications.

    Despite this, the writ of summons and statement of claim were prepared and filed by COCOBOD’s Legal Department, with the organisation’s Legal Director representing the plaintiff.

    The defendant raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the case was invalid because a state institution’s legal department could not legally act for an individual in a personal defamation matter where the institution was not a party to the suit.

    When the case came up for ruling, the defendant’s lawyer chose not to proceed with an earlier application after the court granted that option. Justice Abdul Baasit then went ahead to deliver her ruling.

    In an extensive decision, the court stated that defamation is a personal wrong (in personam) meant to protect the reputation of an individual, not that of an organisation.

    Justice Abdul Baasit explained that even though the alleged publications were linked to Dr Abbey’s position as COCOBOD CEO, the institution was not listed as a party to the case. For that reason, COCOBOD’s Legal Department had no lawful authority to file the writ or act on behalf of Dr Abbey in his personal case.

    “The Plaintiff having sued in his personal capacity ought to procure the service of a private legal practitioner to represent him,” the judge ruled.

    The court determined that the participation of COCOBOD’s Legal Department made the writ of summons and statement of claim procedurally flawed, since state legal resources cannot be used for matters of a purely personal nature.

    Justice Abdul Baasit therefore struck out the writ of summons and statement of claim in full, declaring them incompetent before the court.

    The court also directed that no costs should be awarded against either side.

    Meanwhile, legal commentators, including lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, say the ruling affirms long-established principles on the use of public resources and the role of state legal departments, especially in personal actions brought by public officials.

    The decision highlights the clear difference between cases filed in an official capacity for a public institution and those pursued personally, even when the issues relate to an official position.

    At the time this report was filed, there had been no immediate response from Dr Abbey or his lawyers on whether a new case would be filed with a private lawyer.

    The ruling was delivered in open court and has since been certified as a true copy by the High Court registry.

    In September last year, Abronye DC, was referred to the NPP’s National Disciplinary Committee over alleged misconduct. This was contained in a petition submitted by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    According to the letter,  Abronye DC damaged the party’s image and unity, hence the recent development.“Unbecoming of a member” and “gravely detrimental to the image, unity, and integrity of the organisation,” part of the letter read.

    The charges against Abronye DC included making derogatory remarks against the party’s flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, where he was said to have stated that ‘even the elephant has more wisdom than Honourable Agyapong.

    Additionally, Abronye DC has also been accused of disclosing while manipulating the contents of a disciplinary committee report, which investigated the factors behind the NPP’s lost in the 2024 elections. Although the report by the committee has been withheld from the general public.

    In a related development, the New Patriotic Party directed petitions against Deputy Director of Communications, Ernest Owusu Bempah, to the National Council for consideration.

    This was announced in a statement released by on Tuesday September 24 2025, after the party said it received several petitions from members demanding his removal from office over a conduct of “grave concern”

    “The Party reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding discipline, safeguarding its values, and ensuring that all matters are handled with fairness and transparency” the statement signed by the general secretary Justin Kodua indicated. The National Council is the highest decision-making body between congresses.Reacting to the petitions, Mr. Owusu-Bempah noted “All the statements I have made have been about leadership. I said Kennedy Agyapong will deal with galamsey even if it involves his mother or sister. I did not insult anyone”.

  • AMA taskforce arrests 15 drivers for overcharging passengers

    AMA taskforce arrests 15 drivers for overcharging passengers

    Fifteen(15) trotro drivers have been arrested by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) task force at Awoshie Market for allegedly overcharging passengers.

    The arrests come after commuters filed complaints about being charged excessively during their trips.

    While the identities of the drivers have not been disclosed, authorities say they exploited passengers by demanding inflated fares without justification.

    The drivers are also accused of breaching fair-pricing rules and causing financial harm to commuters.

    However, a union representative told reporters that the drivers did not collect multiple fares and described the arrests as unfair.

    One of the drivers reportedly said, “The task force lacked evidence and should have posed as passengers to verify any alleged overcharging before making arrests.”

    The AMA has called on the public to report instances of fare misconduct, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights and transparency in transport services.

    This crackdown demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting passengers and ensuring honesty in the transport sector.

    The arrested drivers remain in AMA custody as investigations continue, with authorities aiming to prevent future price-gouging and safeguard commuters from exploitation.

    Earlier this month, motorists began the New Year on a good note, with less pressure on their pockets as several  Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)  have effected a reduction in fuel prices at their respective pumps across the country in the January pricing window.

    The price cuts, which took effect in the early hours of the New Year, signify a continued downward trend in petroleum costs, offering much-needed breathing room for both commercial and private transport users.

    Among the first OMCs that effected the reduction was market leader Star Oil. It set the pace and a benchmark for other OMCs as it adjusted its digital displays. A marginal dip from previous prices.

    Petrol is now selling at GH¢10.86 per litre, diesel is priced at GH¢11.96 per litre, and RON 95 is selling at GH¢13.56 per litre.

    According to the Star Oil management, the reduction in oil prices is a result of a “favourable domestic and external cost environment,” citing the cedi appreciation and a dip in international refined product prices.

    It said the current reductions may only be the tip of the iceberg for January. The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projected a robust outlook for the month, suggesting that competitive pressures will force more OMCs to follow suit in the coming days.

    In its January pricing outlook, COMAC provided a breakdown of the expected percentage declines. It was projected that petrol would fall by up to 4.80%, and diesel was also estimated to drop by approximately 3.77%. LPG, on the other hand, was expected to see a reduction of roughly 2.19%.

    Industry analysts believe that if the cedi maintains its current trajectory and international crude prices remain below $80 per barrel, Ghanaians could see even more substantial relief by the second pricing window in mid-January.

    While the prices of fuel are dropping, Ghanaians have had to brace themselves for an increase in utility tariffs, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

    Following the announcement of the increase, there was widespread disapproval, particularly from stakeholders and the general public.

    On December 2, 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an imminent increase in tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from January 1, 2026. The Commission said the increases, 9.86% for electricity and 15.92% for water, had become necessary to meet utility investment needs, respond to macroeconomic pressures, and ensure the long-term stability of the sector.

    Consequently, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the labour umbrella body that represents workers’ interests and coordinates labour unions, engaged the Commission on two different occasions, first, about a week after the increase was announced, and later in a subsequent meeting nearing the end of December.

    Following these engagements, a joint statement released by the institutions revealed efforts to balance consumer concerns with the financial sustainability of utilities; however, the PURC’s stance remained unchanged.

    The Commission contended that any reversal of its 2026–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) could have serious consequences for the stability of Ghana’s energy and water sectors, as well as the broader economy.

    The Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) is a regulatory framework used by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to set electricity and water tariffs over a fixed period, 2026 to 2030, in this case. It is intended to ensure predictable pricing, financial stability for utilities, and protection for consumers.

    The Commission reaffirmed this position during meetings with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) held on December 11 and 30, 2025, during which the new tariff schedule, which took effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026, was discussed.

    “…The PURC reaffirmed its position that any reversal of the tariff decision would have significant implications, not only for the Commission’s independence but, crucially, for the stability of the energy and water sectors and the broader Ghanaian economy,” parts of the statement said.

    According to the joint statement, discussions focused particularly on the implications of the tariff adjustments on the living conditions of workers, as well as on electricity stability and investments in the power and water sectors. The discussions also explored avenues for collaboration between the two institutions.

    While the PURC stressed the need to maintain the increases, it also acknowledged the concerns raised by the TUC and committed to addressing them during the next tariff review window.

    The TUC, on the other hand, in line with its mandate to advocate for workers’ interests, pledged to engage the government on wage levels, anticipating the financial impact the increases would have on workers. It added that it would continue to monitor the situation to determine its next course of action.

    The TUC said it would continue to monitor the impact of the tariff adjustments on salaries and wages, noting that the findings would inform Congress’s subsequent course of action. It further indicated that it would engage the government on current wage levels and their impact on the cost-of-living conditions of the Ghanaian worker.

    Meanwhile, the TUC had earlier warned that it would call a nationwide strike if the government failed to intervene to stop or adjust the new utility tariff increases announced by the PURC.

    In a statement signed by Secretary-General Joshua Ansah on Wednesday, December 3, the TUC argued that the 9% wage adjustment for 2026 was insufficient to cushion workers against a 9.86% increase in electricity tariffs and a 15.92% rise in water tariffs scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

    “Workers cannot accept these increases unless the government returns to the negotiating table to top up the wage increase for 2026. Anything short of that, the TUC will mobilise workers to resist the implementation of these insensitive increases in utility prices,” the statement said.

    The union further described the tariff adjustments as an unpleasant “New Year’s gift,” deliberately targeting the 9% increase in the national minimum wage and base pay, an increment it said it was still struggling to accept due to the additional financial burden it would place on workers.

  • Grant him a state burial – Family of late Yaw Sarpong appeals to President Mahama

    Grant him a state burial – Family of late Yaw Sarpong appeals to President Mahama

    The family of the late gospel musician Yaw Sarpong has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant him a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the nation.

    Speaking in a YouTube video, the head of the family recounted the musician’s role in promoting peace during politically tense periods in Ghana’s history, particularly around elections under former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the late Jerry John Rawlings.

    He said that at a time when the country was experiencing significant tension, Yaw Sarpong sold his private car to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful elections, driven by his desire to prevent violence similar to what occurred in Rwanda.

    The family head also noted that the late musician used his music to raise funds to support the maternity unit at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, saying he was deeply concerned about the hardships women faced there. He added that Yaw Sarpong extended similar support to the prison system.

    “On behalf of the family, we humbly ask President John Dramani Mahama to organize a state burial in honour of our cherished Yaw Sarpong,” the family head appealed

    the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, has passed away.

    Confirmation of his death was given by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, in an interview with Myjoyonline.com. Official details on the cause of death have not yet been released.

    His passing follows closely on the death of Maame Tiwa, a prominent member of the Asomafo group, whose loss shook the gospel music community about a month ago.

    Yaw Sarpong had been unwell for several years and had reduced his public appearances while undergoing treatment.

    He is widely recognised as a towering figure in Ghana’s gospel music landscape, having led Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo to national prominence. The group played a significant role in shaping contemporary Akan gospel music, earning respect for its rich lyrical depth and disciplined, doctrine-based musical style.

    Throughout his career, Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo released several well-known gospel songs, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa, which remain popular in churches across the country.

    In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

    Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Maame Tiwaa also passed away some weeks ago.

    According to reports by UTV, the veteran singer died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. She is said to have passed on after a brief illness, although the exact cause of her sudden death has not yet been disclosed.

    Maame Tiwaa was widely admired for her long-standing collaboration with Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo Band, a partnership that earned her a revered place in Ghana’s gospel music community.

    After four decades in the industry, she recently earned her first nomination at the 3Music Awards 2021, marking a significant milestone in her career.

    Known for her distinctive and angelic voice, Maame Tiwaa featured in several popular songs, including Tenabea Foforo, Yen Nka Nkyere Yen Agya, Sumenaso, and other well-loved gospel hits.

    Since news of her passing broke, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, with many expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Yaw Sarpong and the entire Asomafo family.

    The musician’s family has not yet released an official statement. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

    Veteran actor, director and cultural advocate William Addo, widely known by his stage name Akpatse, is dead.

    According to reports, he died on November 22, 2025, after years of battling severe health complications.

    Veteran actor William “Akpatse” Addo, was loved for his roles on GTV’s Thursday Theatre. His comic talent and stage presence, became a household name in Ghanaian theatre and television.

    Akpatse was a trained scholar, holding a degree in Drama from the University of Ghana and a master’s in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds.

    He held important roles in the arts, including Director at the National Theatre and Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture, and taught many of Ghana’s top actors as a university lecturer.

    In recent years, he battled serious health problems, including vision loss from glaucoma and cataracts.

    His Funeral arrangements will however, be announced soon.

    Last year, renowned Ghanaian actor, Vincent McCauley, famous for his role in the beloved 90s television series “Things We Do For Love,” passed away.

    The news of his demise was confirmed by his colleague actor and friend, Adjetey Annang.

    Known as Max in the TV series, Vincent McCauley is reported to have died on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The cause of his death is currently unknown.

    Vincent McCauley’s notable roles also include appearances in movies such as “Games People Play,” “Fortune Island,” “Office Palava,” “Living With Trisha: House of Secrets,” and “The Idiot and I.”

    Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in from various sources.

    Adjetey Annan, also known as Pusher, a rival to Max in the 90s series, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Rivals on set ‘Pusher & Max’ since 1999 but cool guys off set. Thank you for being a part of the family and paying your dues very well. Rest in perfect peace brother🙏 Our deepest condolences to the family.”

    Numerous other celebrities have taken to social media to share their condolences.

    R.I.P to a Ghanaian screen legend Vincent McCauley💔 pic.twitter.com/6fiS1Jnqtc— Silverbird Cinemas Ghana (@SilverbirdGhana) January 18, 2024

    In February this year, celebrated actor Mawuli Semevo died after a fire accident.

    The 63-year-old veteran actor’s unfortunate incident happened on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after suffering burns.

    On February 8, 2025, Judith Addison of Beyond Burns International, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing advocacy and support for burn survivors, reported that Mawuli was in critical condition.

    “Beyond Burns International got an SOS that something unfortunate has happened. We came here today, and veteran actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in a severe fire accident. I came here to see him, and his life is hanging in the balance,” Judith said in the video report posted on their social media pages.

    According to her, Mawuli was sleeping in his house when it caught fire.

    “He has suffered burns up to 44% of his body. He has respiratory injuries and cannot breathe properly. This is very serious. From his head to his legs. Everywhere caught fire, and he has lost all his hair,” she further stated.

    The report was later corroborated by actors such as Ken Fiati and Edinam Atatsi.

    Mawuli Semevo is known for his immaculate acting skills both on stage and in movies.

    He has played roles in movies such as ‘ Harvest at 17’, ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Escape of Love’, ‘Like Cotton Twines’ and ‘The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.’

    Months ago in Nigeria, renowned Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Dr. Columbus Irosanga, sadly departed.

    Actress Hilda Dokubo announced the news on her Instagram account on Thursday.

    In her heartfelt message, she wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood.”

    She continued, “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”

    Originating from Okrika in Rivers State, Dr. Irosanga became a household name for his compelling performances as chief priests in Nollywood films.

    He is especially remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of “Igbudu” in the 2001 hit film, Isakaba.

    His extraordinary acting skills garnered him numerous prestigious awards, such as Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

    Beyond his film career, Dr. Irosanga was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring many budding actors.

    He is survived by his spouse and children, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. His passing represents a profound loss to both the academic and entertainment sectors in Nigeria.

  • Taylor Swift becomes youngest female inductee into Songwriters Hall of Fame

    Taylor Swift becomes youngest female inductee into Songwriters Hall of Fame

    Taylor Swift has made history as the youngest woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

    The 36-year-old pop star has had an impressive run in recent years. In October, she broke her own sales record with her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl.

    She is one of nine songwriters selected for the 2026 class. Others being honoured include Alanis Morissette and Walter Afanasieff, who is well known for working with Mariah Carey.

    Taylor Swift will officially be inducted at a private ceremony in New York later this year.

    Founded in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame recognises songwriters “whose work represents a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the world’s popular music songbook”.

    Each year, only a small number of artists are selected, with fewer than 500 people inducted over the past 50 years.

    Announcing the 2026 inductees, chairman and Chic lead singer Nile Rodgers said the new group “not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres”.

    “These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honour their contributions,” he added.

    Also named in the 2026 class is Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, known for producing Beyoncé’s Single Ladies and Break My Soul, as well as Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of rock band Kiss.

    Other inductees include Footloose singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins, Terry Britten, and Graham Lyle, who co-wrote Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got To Do With It.

    Taylor Swift, pictured performing on stage with a black guitar and dressed in a red sparkly outfit, is one of the honourees. The pop star previously made history as the first artist to win the Album of the Year Grammy four times.

    She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, rising to global fame with 12 studio albums and four re-recorded “Taylor’s Versions” albums.

    Last year, Swift announced she had regained ownership of the rights to her first six albums, bringing an end to a long and highly publicised dispute over her music.

    Her latest album recorded the biggest opening week in the UK in 2025, selling 304,000 copies within just three days.

    Over the years, she has received numerous awards, including becoming the first performer to win the Album of the Year Grammy four times.

    Taylor Swift has officially overtaken Rihanna to become the wealthiest female musician globally, with her net worth now estimated at a staggering $1.6 billion.

    This milestone was confirmed on Saturday, October 5th, following an update by Forbes, which reflects the immense success of Swift’s “Eras Tour” and the continued popularity of her music catalog.

    By surpassing Rihanna’s $1.4 billion net worth, Swift now holds the top spot among female musicians and is ranked second among all musicians worldwide. The only artist with a higher valuation is Jay-Z, with a net worth of $2.5 billion.

    What sets Swift apart is that she’s the first musician to amass a billion-dollar fortune almost entirely from her music and tours, unlike other artists whose wealth largely comes from external business ventures.

    This achievement underscores her dominance in the music industry and the enduring appeal of her body of work.

    A year after hitting the billionaire milestone, Forbes now estimates that Taylor Swift’s assets break down into $600 million from touring and royalties, another $600 million from her music catalog, and $125 million from real estate investments.

    Swift has long been a prominent figure on wealthiest musician lists, but her financial growth over recent years has been remarkable. Back in 2020, her fortune was estimated at $365 million, meaning she’s accumulated more than $1.2 billion in just the past four years.

    While Swift now holds the title of the richest female musician, Rihanna retains her standing as the “Richest Female Musician of All Time,” with a peak net worth once estimated at $1.77 billion.

    However, Swift may surpass even that, especially after concluding her highly successful “Eras Tour,” which will wrap up with its final dates in the U.S. and Canada later this year.

    Additionally, Swift recently made headlines for endorsing Kamala Harris for president, a move that drew criticism from Donald Trump, who warned she would “pay a price” for her political stance.

  • Woman involved in Valentino Nortey’s stabbing case was his wife – Family confirms

    Woman involved in Valentino Nortey’s stabbing case was his wife – Family confirms

    New details has proven that the woman involved in the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Klottey Korle Constituency, Valentino Nortey’s stabbing case was his wife, Gilda Nortey.

    David Gyapanin, uncle to Gilda Nortey, in an interview with Citi News, said that his niece was stabbed three times by her husband over a minor misunderstanding.

    “They had a little argument, and my niece said she may file for divorce if things continue that way. My niece said Valentino threatened to either kill himself or kill her. He stabbed her three times. She pleaded with him to take her to the hospital. He agreed on condition that she would not mention his name,” he said.

    He, however, contradicted claims that first responders transported the victim to the hospital, insisting that she drove herself there after the stabbing.

    “Fortunately, she had the car key and managed to drive to the hospital where she works. She is getting better. As a family, we want nothing less than justice,” he said.

    The police have also confirmed that Gilda Nortey was stabbed, and was taken to the hospital by first responders, noting that was receiving treatment and was in stable condition.

    The family of Gilda Nortey, has therefore called for justice as Valentino Nortey, according to American-based abc27.com, is being detained by American security authorities.

    American authorities have detained Valentino Nortey after he was charged with three criminal offences in the United States.

    According to Lower Paxton Township Police, the charges include attempted homicide, possession of an instrument of crime with intent to use, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

    A report by US-based outlet abc27.com said Nortey was arraigned before a magistrate court presided over by Judge David Judu, where he was denied bail. Public records from the Dauphin County Prison confirm that he is currently in custody at the facility.

    Nortey is expected to appear in court again on January 26, 2026, when a preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin.

    Nortey is a former parliamentary candidate of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP). He won the party’s primary ahead of Philip Kojo Addo Addison and Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah to contest the 2024 parliamentary election.

    He, however, lost the election to the incumbent Member of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Nortey polled 23,716 votes, representing 37.5 per cent of the total valid votes cast, while Dr Agyeman-Rawlings secured 39,997 votes, accounting for 62.78 per cent, to retain the seat.

    Back home in Ghana, To crack down on domestic violence, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service recently arrested a man captured in a viral Facebook video physically assaulting his wife, Harriet Amuzu, at their residence in Ofankor, Ga East Municipality. The suspect, identified as John Odartey Lamptey, was arrested on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the family residence.

    According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, on November 18, two of the suspect’s siblings attempted to attack a female tenant because they suspected she had recorded the incident that drew the attention of authorities.

    “Following his arrest, two of his siblings, Grace Kushie Lamptey and Louis Odartey Lamptey, who attempted to attack a female tenant they suspected of recording and circulating the video, were also arrested, and the tenant was rescued to ensure her safety.”

    Breaking her silence, Harriet Amuzu disclosed that the assault was triggered by her refusal to have sex with her husband, John Odartey Lamptey. According to her, she denied him intimacy because they had been separated for five months. She noted that she left her husband’s residence in Ofankor due to his consistent abuse.

    However, she found herself at his residence that day because her husband informed her that their child was unwell. Harriet Amuzu added that, unknowingly to her, it was a trap set by her husband.

    “I was at a funeral when he called to say our lastborn was not feeling well. I rushed home, only to find the children playing. When I asked, he said he lied because he wanted to have sex with me,” she recounted.

    She noted that her husband “He told me he had trapped me to kill me,” after she declared her intention to return to her residence.

    The victim further revealed, “He tore my dress and my undershorts, saying he bought them. He even tore the beads around my waist, leaving me naked. He beat me with the metal rod from a standing broom and stepped on me. At one point, he picked up a knife and threatened to cut off my hand.”

    Reacting to the incident, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has strongly condemned the violent assault, describing it as an act that infringes on the victim’s rights and is highly punishable by law. In a statement, the Ministry stressed that no individual has the right to subject another person to any form of abuse under any circumstances.

    “The Minister has also reached out to the Ghana Police Service to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and justice is served. We also encourage eyewitnesses with vital information to assist law enforcement agencies immediately,” a part of the statement read.

    In a separate incident, a disturbing video that circulated last month also prompted the intervention of the military police. It was CCTV footage showing a muscular man assaulting a young male pharmacist and a young woman in a pharmacy. The incident, which took place at Burma Camp in Accra, came to light late on Wednesday, October 29. In the widely circulated video, the tall, dark-complexioned man was seen slapping the pharmacist.

    The abuser, whose name has been given as Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Mensah Williams of the Ghana Air Force, was further seen attacking the woman with several blows to her head after she attempted to record the incident. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, Mensah Williams continued the assault.

    In response to the incident, the military police arrested Mensah Williams. He is currently in the custody of the Cantonments Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. The video sparked intense debate on social media, with many Ghanaians calling for swift and firm disciplinary action against the soldier.

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

  • Fire guts sections of Madina Market in Accra

    Fire guts sections of Madina Market in Accra

    A large fire has swept through sections of the Madina Market in Accra, triggering a swift response from the Ghana National Fire Service as efforts continue to contain the blaze.

    The GNFS, in a Facebook update, said fire appliances from the Madina and Legon stations were dispatched to the market shortly after the incident was reported.

    Fire officers are working under difficult conditions to control the flames, with heavy smoke spreading across the busy trading area.

    While the exact scale of destruction has not yet been determined, early indications point to damage to a number of stalls and merchandise.

    In response, traders and nearby residents have been moved away from the affected areas, as security personnel restrict access to parts of the market to enable firefighters to carry out their operations.

    Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, noting that investigations will begin after the situation is fully brought under control.

    https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1D53uSTorT

    In the same area, an inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures used for both commercial and residential purposes at Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flat on Sunday evening, August 3.

    The blaze destroyed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and an unspecified number of structures worth several thousand cedis, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    In a Facebook post, the Fire Service noted that while battling the inferno, one of its firefighters sustained a minor leg injury.

    The Ghana National Fire Service noted that it received the distress call at 12:36 hours and responded swiftly, with the first crew from Madina Fire Station arriving within 4 minutes at 12:40 hours to confront the fully developed fire.

    Also, four (4) fire engines from Legon, Abelempke, and GNFS Headquarters joined the operation to contain the blaze. According to the GNFS, thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours.

    Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours, with firefighters salvaging multiple adjoining structures and their contents. Investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, according to the Ghana National Fire Service.

    Last month, a fire outbreak occurred at Madina Ritz Junction. It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

    The Fire Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

    The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

    The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.

    An investigation by the Service was launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties. It is yet to be reported the cause of the fire.

    In April this year, a raging fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, reducing more than 150 structures to ashes and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman. The inferno, which began around 11:15 p.m., rapidly spread across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers that served as homes and business outlets.

    Though firefighters from the Madina Fire Station arrived on the scene within two minutes, the blaze had already intensified. One fatality was recorded—a Nigerian woman affectionately known in the area as Beauty. Believed to be in her early twenties, she was trapped in her room and could not escape. Her charred remains were retrieved and handed over to the Madina Police for preservation and further investigation.

    Last year, about 50 stalls got burnt to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at the Ghana National Fire Service, D.O.1. Kofi Forson, who engaged the media, recounted the challenges the firefighters faced in quenching the flame.

    “It was not easy for us and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed and we had to break through and that made it tedious,” he said.

    In the first half of the year, the Ghana National Fire Service has reported a marginal increase in fire outbreaks. A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.

    The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10.

    Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they were able to save over GH¢203 million worth of properties.

    Fire outbreaks across the country in the first half of 2025 led to the destruction of properties valued at over GH¢188 million.

    Top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, include electrical faults through illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits; improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.

    Also, unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves. Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches, gas leakages, and poor handling of LPG cylinders are also responsible for fire incidents in the country.

  • Gates Foundation, OpenAI launch $50m AI partnership to boost Africa’s health systems

    Gates Foundation, OpenAI launch $50m AI partnership to boost Africa’s health systems

    The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have announced a $50 million partnership aimed at supporting African countries to deploy artificial intelligence in strengthening their health systems.

    The initiative, known as Horizon1000, will collaborate with African leaders to identify practical and effective ways of applying AI in healthcare delivery, with Rwanda selected as the starting point.

    “In poorer countries with enormous health worker shortages and lack of health systems infrastructure, AI can be a gamechanger in expanding access to quality care,” Gates said in a blog post announcing the initiative. He has previously described artificial intelligence as one of the most transformative technologies ever developed.

    The Gates Foundation has already rolled out several AI-focused projects, while Rwanda established an AI health hub in Kigali last year to advance innovation in the sector.

    Under the Horizon1000 programme, the partnership aims to support 1,000 primary healthcare facilities and surrounding communities across multiple African countries by 2028, according to Gates.

    The announcement comes at a time when many low-income countries are grappling with significant reductions in international aid. Gates said in December that these funding cuts had contributed to the first increase in preventable child deaths this century.

    Gates noted that AI holds particular promise for countries facing critical shortages of trained health professionals, adding that estimates suggest sub-Saharan Africa lacks about six million healthcare workers.

    The New York Times, a prominent US news organization,filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the owner of ChatGPT, and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement in training the language model.

    The lawsuit contends that ChatGPT, along with other large language models (LLMs), unlawfully used “millions” of articles from the New York Times without permission, resulting in damages amounting to “billions of dollars.”

    The lawsuit argued that ChatGPT, by incorporating New York Times content without authorization, is now a direct competitor to the newspaper as a reliable source of information.

    It claims that the language model sometimes generates “verbatim excerpts” from New York Times articles when queried about current events, offering access to subscription-based content for free.

    Additionally, the lawsuit highlights instances where the Bing search engine, powered by ChatGPT, produced results sourced from a New York Times-owned website without proper attribution or referral links. This, according to the New York Times, not only deprives the newspaper of subscription revenue but also impacts advertising revenue from website visits.

    The legal action, initiated in a Manhattan federal court on Wednesday, alleges that attempts for an “amicable resolution” were made in April when the New York Times approached Microsoft and OpenAI. The BBC has reached out to OpenAI and Microsoft for comments on the matter.

    Multiple lawsuits

    It came a month after a period of chaos at OpenAI where co-founder and CEO Sam Altman was sacked – and then rehired – over the course of a few days.

    His sacking shocked industry insiders and led to staff threatening mass resignations unless he was reinstated.

    But as well as the internal issues, the firm is now facing multiple lawsuits filed in 2023.

    In September a similar copyright infringement case was brought by a group of US authors including Game of Thrones novelist George RR Martin and John Grisham.

    That followed legal action brought by comedian Sarah Silverman in July, as well as an open letter signed by authors Margaret Atwood and Philip Pullman that same month calling for AI companies to compensate them for using their work.

    And OpenAI is also facing a lawsuit alongside Microsoft – and programming site GitHub – from a group of computing experts who argue their code was used without their permission to train an AI called Copilot.

    As well as these actions, there have been many cases brought against developers of so-called generative AI – that is, artificial intelligence that can create media based on text prompts – with artists suing text-to-image generators Stability AI and Midjourney in January, claiming they only function by being trained on copyrighted artwork.

  • Rights Groups Demand Clarity Over Kampala Voting Anomalies

    Rights Groups Demand Clarity Over Kampala Voting Anomalies

    Concerns have been raised over possible inconsistencies in voter turnout figures from Kampala following the release of data at the National Tally Centre.

    Results published by the Electoral Commission show that about 430,000 votes were cast for President Yoweri Museveni in the city out of an estimated 1.6 million eligible voters, based on tallies from just over 2,300 of the 2,705 polling stations. In contrast, turnout for the Kampala Woman Member of Parliament race was placed at about 540,000 votes, leaving a gap of roughly 94,000 ballots.

    Both contests were held on the same day, with voters issued three ballot papers — for the president, the Woman MP and the directly elected MP. The figures suggest that nearly 94,000 voters may have participated in the presidential race but did not vote in the Woman MP contest.

    Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said he was unable to immediately confirm the accuracy of the figures. “I don’t know whether what you are saying is factual or fabrication,” he told reporters.

    After being shown screenshots of the data, Mucunguzi explained that voters are not obliged to vote in every category. “Some people can decide to vote for president only. It is possible for a voter to tick one candidate for one position and go. It is not a must that the voter must tick all the ballots,” he said, adding that an audit would be required to verify the numbers. He stressed that he could not confirm the claims based on screenshots alone.

    Human rights defender Dr Livingston Ssewanyana said the difference in turnout warrants urgent clarification. “The voters were given three ballots. It is less likely that a person would vote for the president and not vote for the Woman MP. That points to the possibility of ballot stuffing or irregularities,” he said.

    Mucunguzi later acknowledged that an audit would be necessary to explain the disparity, noting that both the presidential and Woman MP elections are voted on by all eligible voters in a district.

    The discrepancy has fuelled wider questions about the credibility of election data and the integrity of the voting process in Kampala, with observers calling on the Electoral Commission to provide a detailed explanation to reassure the public.

  • Filling up a 5000-capacity should be the least of achievements for Sarkodie – DJ Slim

    Filling up a 5000-capacity should be the least of achievements for Sarkodie – DJ Slim

    Popular DJ and radio personality DJ Slim has stated that while Sarkodie deserves credit for selling out UK’s 5000-capacity Royal Albert Hall, it is the least of achievement for him.

    DJ Slim explains that  in a “proper industry”, such capacities should be the ceiling for emerging artistes, not a veteran like Sarkodie.

    “I’m not saying he hasn’t done well; Sark has done well for him to sell out a 5000-capacity venue in the UK.”

    “Sarkodie is bigger than a 5000-capacity venue. He is a stadium artiste… If at this point, we are still looking at 5000 and 6000 capacity as something we are settling on… Are we saying that it took one of our A-list artistes 15 years to sell out a 5000-capacity venue in the UK?” DJ Slim stated.

    The Ghanaian rap icon Michael Owusu Addo, known globally as Sarkodie, sold out the legendary Royal Albert Hall in the UK.

    The achievement comes just weeks before his headline concert, Rapperholic UK, set for March 6, 2026—a date that also marks Ghana’s 69th Independence Day.

    The famous London venue, known for hosting some of the biggest names in music, will be packed to capacity with all 5,272 seats sold to fans ready to watch the “Landlord” of African rap perform live.

    This success further proves Sarkodie’s status as a global cultural representative and shows the growing appetite for Ghanaian music among audiences abroad.

    What started as a Christmas concert in Accra at the International Conference Centre more than ten years ago has now grown into a major international event.

    Rapperholic has moved beyond Ghana to become one of Africa’s most respected hip-hop brands, known for delivering powerful live performances.

    Music industry observers say selling out the Royal Albert Hall is a big deal, as the venue is known for its strict sound standards and refined audience.

    Sarkodie’s ability to fill such a venue confirms his place as one of Africa’s top music acts on the world stage.

    The date of the concert also makes it special.

    By holding the show on Ghana’s Independence Day, Sarkodie has turned the concert into a proud celebration of Ghana’s talent and culture.

    Creative arts experts see the sell-out as a strong sign of Ghana’s growing influence and the global demand for African music.

    The show is expected to draw a wide mix of people, including Ghanaians living in the UK and hip-hop fans from different parts of the world.

    The impact of the concert is also likely to benefit the UK economy, especially hotels and tourism, as fans from across Europe have reportedly bought tickets for the event.

    As excitement builds, the rapper has been giving fans hints of a high-quality show, said to feature a live orchestra and surprise guest appearances from top UK and African artists.

    For Ghana’s creative industry, this sold-out concert stands as an example for other artists, showing that with strong branding and consistency, performing on the world’s biggest stages is possible.

    About Rapperholic 2025

    The concert was held on Saturday, 27, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. When the stadium was announced as the venue to host the concert, concerns were raised by football enthusiasts and stakeholders about the authority approving the concert to be held at the stadium when Ghana is preparing for an international match. Ghana has a mixed history when it comes to the quality of our pitches, with rare cases of consistent maintenance often from hosting football, concerts, and rallies. Lack of pitch covers, among others.

    The Baba Yara pitch is undergoing renovations to meet CAF and FIFA standards, including turf upgrades and drainage improvements.

    Hence, to address these concerns, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.

    Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he said during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.

    “We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.

    Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.

    “The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.

    When did Rapperholic start

    The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.

    Sarkodie visits Otumfuor

    Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:

    “They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.”Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent. 

  • Blakk Rasta welcomes Shatta Wale’s decision to go to court

    Blakk Rasta welcomes Shatta Wale’s decision to go to court

    Radio personality and musician Blakk Rasta says he is yet to be formally notified about the lawsuit filed by Shatta Wale and will only decide on his next steps after he is served.

    Reacting to the legal action, he expressed appreciation that the dancehall artiste chose to pursue the matter through the courts instead of resorting to extrajudicial means.

    “I am happy, so excited. You will be shocked that we will hold hands to go to court. I respect a man who will use the right channel of the law rather than go through the streets,” he said.

    Dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known in the entertainment industry as Shatta Wale, has filed a GH¢100 million defamation lawsuit against media personality Abubakar Ahmed, popularly called Blakk Rasta, at the High Court in Accra.

    The suit follows the publication of a video on Blakk Rasta’s social media platforms, Blakk Empire Media, on December 15, 2025, titled “Shatta Wale, self-confessed king of fraud.”

    In his statement of claim, Shatta Wale contends that comments made in the video are false, malicious, and calculated to damage his reputation. He noted that the video attracted widespread public attention within 24 hours of its release, recording more than 150,000 views on Facebook and over 27,000 views on YouTube, alongside thousands of comments and reactions.

    According to the writ of summons, the statements allegedly portrayed the musician as a fraudster, a thief, and a morally corrupt individual, allegations he has strongly denied. He further claims that Blakk Rasta accused him of associating with known fraudsters and allowing stolen funds to be channelled through his bank accounts, assertions he describes as defamatory.

    Shatta Wale argues that the publication has caused serious harm to his reputation, created distress for his family, fans, and business associates, and negatively affected his career as a public figure.

    The plaintiff is asking the court to declare the statements defamatory, order the permanent removal of the video and related content from all social media platforms, and restrain Blakk Rasta from making further defamatory publications.

    He is also seeking a public retraction and an unqualified apology to be published on the defendant’s social media pages, as well as full-page notices in the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, and Graphic Showbiz.

    In addition, Shatta Wale is claiming GH¢100 million in damages, together with costs.

    Singer Wendy Shay has officially filed a complaint with the Ghana Police Service concerning allegations that she is engaged in lesbianism with a young girl she has adopted, known as Tracy Shay.

    A young man, in a viral video, alleges that Wendy is acting on a spiritualist’s instructions to engage in inappropriate conduct with the minor.

    Wendy is therefore urging the public to help identify the perpetrator so the person can be held accountable.

    “The matter has been formally reported to the Ghana Police Service, and active investigations are underway. I have been informed that the individual behind the account has been traced to the United Arab Emirates, where he is currently employed with a construction company. Further steps are being taken through the appropriate channels to ensure he is held accountable for his actions.

    “I am cooperating fully with the police and trust the investigation process to bring this matter to a swift and just resolution. I further encourage us all to continue standing against cyberbullying, online harassment, and malicious attacks on innocent people,” the statement shared on November 19, 2025, read.

    Legal representatives of renowned gospel musician Evangelist Diana Asamoah also strongly refuted claims suggesting that she is a lesbian.

    In a statement addressing a viral video circulating on social media, the legal team dismissed the allegations as slanderous and baseless.

    The video, featuring a woman of unknown identity, insinuates that the gospel singer is involved in same-sex relationships.

    According to the statement, Evangelist Diana Asamoah categorically denies the claim and maintains that she does not engage in any form of lesbianism.

    Her legal representatives have challenged the individual behind the accusations to step forward and provide evidence, indicating their readiness to contest the matter in court.

    “In the circumstances, we are throwing a challenge to the lady in the video to own up and justify her vile allegations so we contest her baseless claim in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.

    The legal team further urged the public to disregard the video should the accuser fail to substantiate her claims.

    This development follows a growing trend of public figures facing unfounded allegations online, raising concerns about misinformation and defamation on social media.

    A dancer and member of the DWP Academy, Lisa Quama, has addressed speculations surrounding her style of dressing, firmly stating that her fashion choices do not define her sexuality.

    Despite acknowledging her tomboyish style, Lisa strongly dismissed claims that she is a lesbian, emphasizing that one’s choice of clothing does not determine their sexual orientation.

    “I am not a lesbian. That is a sexual narrative, but a tomboy is simply someone comfortable in male clothes. Yes! I love men with all my heart,” she clarified on The Delay Show on March 8, 2025

    Lisa initially hesitated when asked whether she identified as a tomboy. However, after persistent questioning from the host, she eventually embraced the label.

    “I don’t want to say yes… I will never be a boy because I am a girl. I am not dressing like a boy… You know what? I am a tomboy. I have accepted that I am a tomboy,” she admitted.

    Her remarks come in response to ongoing social media discussions about her appearance, reinforcing the point that personal style should not be mistaken for one’s sexuality.

    Ace Ghanaian Highlife musician and actress Paulina Oduro has hit back at rumors about her sexuality, calling them baseless and absurd.

    Addressing the speculation that she is a lesbian, she expressed frustration over such claims, emphasizing that her role as a mother should be enough to dismiss the allegations.

    “I had an interview with Delay, and she said people say I am a lesbian,” Oduro recalled during a discussion on Joy Prime on March 26, 2025. “I ended up saying they are very stupid and idiots because I have three kids and an amazing relationship with my partners.”

    The veteran musician, who has remained single for some time, noted that her happiness is not dependent on being in a relationship. She asserted that she is emotionally independent and does not need a romantic partner to feel fulfilled.

    “I have been on my own for a while. I don’t need a man or another human being to make me happy,” she stated. “You can be who you want to be, but don’t label me because it is something I don’t like.”

    Paulina Oduro’s response comes on the back of public scrutiny regarding her relationship status, with some speculating about her sexual orientation. She expressed disappointment that people could fabricate such claims simply because she has chosen to remain single.

    With a long-standing career in entertainment, Oduro has built a reputation as a bold and outspoken personality. She made it clear that she refuses to conform to societal expectations or entertain false narratives about her personal life.

  • Yaw Sarpong, Maame Tiwa encouraged us to keep singing and praising God, honour them –  Kumasi residents to MUSIGA

    Yaw Sarpong, Maame Tiwa encouraged us to keep singing and praising God, honour them –  Kumasi residents to MUSIGA

    Kumasi residents have urged the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the government to duly honour the legacy of late legendary gospel musicians Yaw Sarpong and Maame Tiwa.

    According to residents and church members close to the late Yaw Sarpong and Maame Tiwah, they were key pillars of the Asomafo music band who influenced spiritual growth through their songs.

    Residents and traders around the church have expressed deep condolences to the family of the late gospel musican urging MUSIGA and the government to ensure Yaw Sarpong’s legacy lives on.

    “We need something to remember these legends by,” said Maame Elizabeth, a trader who often served Yaw Sarpong and Maame Tiwa. “A statue or a book about their lives and contributions would be great. Our unborn babies should know who they were.”

    Other traders echoed her sentiments.

    “It’s painful to hear this news. They were kind people, always buying from us,” said one. A resident added, “Yaw Sarpong’s been ill for too long; I think it’s time for him to rest.”

    Residents and church members close to Yaw Sarpong and Maame Tiwah broke down in tears during an interview with Adom News because they had spent time with them.

    “It was Yaw Sarpong and Maame Tiwa who encouraged us to keep singing and praising God, even when we weren’t strong,” said a church member, fighting back tears. “It’s very sad to lose these two renowned musicians in a few months,” another church member said. 

    A couple of weeks ago, veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, passed away.

    Confirmation of his death was given by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, in an interview with Myjoyonline.com. Official details on the cause of death have not yet been released.

    His passing follows closely on the death of Maame Tiwa, a prominent member of the Asomafo group, whose loss shook the gospel music community about a month ago.

    Yaw Sarpong had been unwell for several years and had reduced his public appearances while undergoing treatment.

    He is widely recognised as a towering figure in Ghana’s gospel music landscape, having led Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo to national prominence. The group played a significant role in shaping contemporary Akan gospel music, earning respect for its rich lyrical depth and disciplined, doctrine-based musical style.

    Throughout his career, Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo released several well-known gospel songs, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa, which remain popular in churches across the country.

    In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

    Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Maame Tiwaa also passed away some weeks ago.

    According to reports by UTV, the veteran singer died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. She is said to have passed on after a brief illness, although the exact cause of her sudden death has not yet been disclosed.

    Maame Tiwaa was widely admired for her long-standing collaboration with Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo Band, a partnership that earned her a revered place in Ghana’s gospel music community.

    After four decades in the industry, she recently earned her first nomination at the 3Music Awards 2021, marking a significant milestone in her career.

    Known for her distinctive and angelic voice, Maame Tiwaa featured in several popular songs, including Tenabea Foforo, Yen Nka Nkyere Yen Agya, Sumenaso, and other well-loved gospel hits.

    Since news of her passing broke, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, with many expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Yaw Sarpong and the entire Asomafo family.

    The musician’s family has not yet released an official statement. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

    Veteran actor, director and cultural advocate William Addo, widely known by his stage name Akpatse, is dead.

    According to reports, he died on November 22, 2025, after years of battling severe health complications.

    Veteran actor William “Akpatse” Addo, was loved for his roles on GTV’s Thursday Theatre. His comic talent and stage presence, became a household name in Ghanaian theatre and television.

    Akpatse was a trained scholar, holding a degree in Drama from the University of Ghana and a master’s in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds.

    He held important roles in the arts, including Director at the National Theatre and Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture, and taught many of Ghana’s top actors as a university lecturer.

    In recent years, he battled serious health problems, including vision loss from glaucoma and cataracts.

    His Funeral arrangements will however, be announced soon.

    Last year, renowned Ghanaian actor, Vincent McCauley, famous for his role in the beloved 90s television series “Things We Do For Love,” passed away.

    The news of his demise was confirmed by his colleague actor and friend, Adjetey Annang.

    Known as Max in the TV series, Vincent McCauley is reported to have died on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The cause of his death is currently unknown.

    Vincent McCauley’s notable roles also include appearances in movies such as “Games People Play,” “Fortune Island,” “Office Palava,” “Living With Trisha: House of Secrets,” and “The Idiot and I.”

    Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in from various sources.

    Adjetey Annan, also known as Pusher, a rival to Max in the 90s series, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Rivals on set ‘Pusher & Max’ since 1999 but cool guys off set. Thank you for being a part of the family and paying your dues very well. Rest in perfect peace brother🙏 Our deepest condolences to the family.”

    Numerous other celebrities have taken to social media to share their condolences.

    In February this year, celebrated actor Mawuli Semevo died after a fire accident.

    The 63-year-old veteran actor’s unfortunate incident happened on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after suffering burns.

    On February 8, 2025, Judith Addison of Beyond Burns International, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing advocacy and support for burn survivors, reported that Mawuli was in critical condition.

    “Beyond Burns International got an SOS that something unfortunate has happened. We came here today, and veteran actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in a severe fire accident. I came here to see him, and his life is hanging in the balance,” Judith said in the video report posted on their social media pages.

    According to her, Mawuli was sleeping in his house when it caught fire.

    “He has suffered burns up to 44% of his body. He has respiratory injuries and cannot breathe properly. This is very serious. From his head to his legs. Everywhere caught fire, and he has lost all his hair,” she further stated.

    The report was later corroborated by actors such as Ken Fiati and Edinam Atatsi.

    Mawuli Semevo is known for his immaculate acting skills both on stage and in movies.

    He has played roles in movies such as ‘ Harvest at 17’, ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Escape of Love’, ‘Like Cotton Twines’ and ‘The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.’

    Months ago in Nigeria, renowned Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Dr. Columbus Irosanga, sadly departed.

    Actress Hilda Dokubo announced the news on her Instagram account on Thursday.

    In her heartfelt message, she wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood.”

    She continued, “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”

    Originating from Okrika in Rivers State, Dr. Irosanga became a household name for his compelling performances as chief priests in Nollywood films.

    He is especially remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of “Igbudu” in the 2001 hit film, Isakaba.

    His extraordinary acting skills garnered him numerous prestigious awards, such as Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

    Beyond his film career, Dr. Irosanga was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring many budding actors.

    He is survived by his spouse and children, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. His passing represents a profound loss to both the academic and entertainment sectors in Nigeria.

  • Forestry Commission arrests 13 miners in Western North Region

    Forestry Commission arrests 13 miners in Western North Region

    The Enchi District office of the Forestry Commission has taken into custody 13 persons involved in unlawful mining activities after they unlawfully entered the Boi Tano and Jema Asemkrom forest reserves in the Western North Region.

    The arrests followed a late-night operation led by the Western North Regional Forest Services Division, during which mining equipment and temporary shelters set up by the suspects within the reserves were destroyed.

    The Boi Tano and Jema Asemkrom forest reserves are among several protected areas that have increasingly been targeted by illegal mining operators.

    The arrested individuals have been transferred to the Enchi Police Command to face legal action.

    The Police Service on July 10 reported the arrest of some seven persons for illegal mining activities at Abora in Upper Denkyira West.

    The Central Regional Police Command made the arrest following an intelligence-led operation conducted at the targeted location where the suspects were actively engaging in illegal mining activities.

    The suspects are identified as; Latif Abdul Gyimah (55), Mohammed Bello (44), George Azu (52), Kingsley Owusu (23), Sampson Afadzi (45), Simon Atakpo (21), Andrews Otto (26).

    One single-barrel shotgun, two pump-action shotguns (Mossberg 500A12GA) with serial numbers T069032 and T075882, 26 live cartridges, two excavators, two Hyundai excavator monitors, three unregistered motorbikes, one unregistered Haojin tricycle, and one (1) newly installed water pump machine, were retrieved.

    According to the police, efforts are underway to retrieve additional excavators from the site.

    All suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, while exhibits have been retained in secure police custody.

    In June, two coordinated operations conducted at Nikanika and Adeade in the Central Region led to the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment.

    The operations were executed by the Ghana Police Service, through its Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force.

    The task force proceeded to a mining site at Nikanika. Although no operators were found at the scene, the team retrieved one (1) single-barrel shotgun loaded with a cartridge and three (3) water pumping machines.

    Article image 1

    In a related development, the task force extended its operation to Adeade, where three suspects; Prosper Quansah, Chrispin Nartey, and Owusu Gambra, were arrested with an excavator on a lowbed trailer.

    One SANY excavator, four unregistered Haojin motorbikes, and one lowbed vehicle with registration number GN 2136-24 were seized from the scene.

    The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, while all exhibits have been secured in police custody.

    The Police are ensuring the prosecution of individuals arrested for illegal mining activities.

    The Dormaa Traditional Council’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce has successfully apprehended 15 individuals, including two girls, suspected of engaging in illegal mining in the Dormaa East District of the Bono Region.

    This operation, aimed at curbing the illegal mining trend, was initiated by Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs.

    According to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the arrests took place in the Akontanim community, where illegal mining activities have been increasingly reported.

    Assembly Member Alhaji Inuse Luti confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects are now in police custody. Ongoing investigations will determine their forthcoming court proceedings.

    “In fact, anybody who would be caught engaging in illegal mining would not be spared and would be made to face the full rigours of the law,” he warned.

    Alhaji Luti emphasized that the District Assembly, traditional authorities, and various stakeholders are united in their commitment to combat illegal mining in the region, asserting, “we will continue to fight until the menace is eliminated”.

    He dismissed rumors suggesting that some chiefs, unit committee members, and others were involved in illegal mining activities, praising Osagyefo Oseadeyo Badu II for his significant dedication to tackling this issue.

    Luti also acknowledged the contributions of Kofi Agyemang, the Dormaa East District Chief Executive, and Nana Owusu Amponsah, the Chief of Kyeremasu, for their pivotal roles in curbing illegal mining in the area.

    He underscored that the fight against illegal mining is a collective responsibility and urged the community to share any information about suspected illegal miners with the taskforce.

    Three illegal miners locally known as galamseyers have been confirmed dead after they were trapped at Prestea concession in the Western Region. They allegedly snuck into a dangerous, closed-off part of the mine, and became trapped there.

    This information was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 19, by Heath Goldfields Ltd, legal owners of the Prestea concession.

    “Every loss of life, regardless of circumstance, is painful, and we stand with the affected families in grief and sympathy,” the company said.

    However, some miners have alleged that the deceased individuals were trapped by thick smoke after they accessed abandoned underground tunnels through restricted passages.

    Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge to the country. Several Chinese nationals have been involved in such illegal operations, leading to multiple arrests.

    On Monday, November, 19 the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force seized illegal mining equipment in a major swoop in Obuasi in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.

    Equipment seized during the operation conducted on Monday, November 17, included motorbikes, vehicles, water pumps, and other tools used for illegal mining activities. Makeshift shelters and assorted equipment at the site were also destroyed.The task force also stormed a concession at Anyankyireml, a site that had been taken over by groups of illegal miners. Although the concession is legally owned by Asante Gold Corporation, it has been occupied by these illegal miners, forcing the rightful owners to flee the site.

    However, the intervention of the NAIMOS team drove out the miners and securing the land for its rightful owners. Illegal mining continues to pose a major challenge to the country, with several foreign nationals implicated and multiple arrests made. In June, NAIMOS warned criminal groups to vacate galamsey areas.

  • Court directs Nana Agradaa to apologise, pay GHS100,000 to Empress Gifty

    Court directs Nana Agradaa to apologise, pay GHS100,000 to Empress Gifty

    The Tema High Court has directed evangelist Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Nana Agradaa, to pay GH¢100,000 in damages to gospel musician Empress Gifty Adorye following a defamation action.

    The decision concludes a legal battle that started in May 2025, when Empress Gifty instituted a GH¢20 million lawsuit, accusing Nana Agradaa of making defamatory remarks about her.

    The matter was determined at the Tema High Court “A”, with Justice Janet Marfo presiding, after both parties reached an agreement to resolve the case outside the courtroom.

    As part of the settlement, the court further ordered Nana Agradaa to withdraw all claims made against Empress Gifty and render an unreserved public apology.

    According to Adom News reporter Mike Two, the ruling effectively brings the dispute between the two personalities to an end.

     Nonetheless, Nana Agradaa, has been slapped with a fine of GHS12,000 for displaying nude photos of fellow pastor Emmanuel Appiah Fumum, also known as Osofo Biblical.

    She has been further ordered to pay GHS50,000 as compensation to the complainant. Agradaa’s conviction resulted from a plea bargain agreement with the State, concluding a legal battle that had dragged on for nearly three years.

    The case stems from claims that Nana Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist, aired nude images of Pastor Emmanuel Appiah Fumum (widely known as Osofo Biblical) on her television channel and social media pages without his permission.

    Prosecutors say the images were broadcast during a live programme where panelists mocked the complainant—conduct they argue violates the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the sharing of intimate images without consent.

    Nana Agradaa, who is already serving a 15-year prison sentence in a separate defrauding-by-false-pretence case, was present in court.

    Her lawyers raised concerns about recent media interviews granted by the complainant, in which he allegedly claimed their client had been in poor condition since her imprisonment.

    The presiding judge, however, advised the prosecution to caution the complainant against making such public statements.

    In 2022, Agradaa was accused of luring victims with claims that she possessed spiritual powers to double their money. Initially admitting guilt to charges including fraudulent advertising and obtaining money under false pretences, she spent two weeks on remand before being granted bail of GH₵150,000 with three sureties, one to be justified.

    She is said to have tricked members of the Godsway International Heaven Church into handing over their cash during a night vigil service at her church in Weija, Accra.

    Meanwhile, Ghanaian gospel musician Gifty Oppong Adorye, known in showbiz as Empress Gifty, dragged Evangelist Mama Pat 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 leveraged Agradaa’s statements to spread false narratives about her.

    This, she said, has affected her family, as their children are being ridiculed by friends at school. In addition to the emotional impact, lawyers for Empress Gifty say her trip abroad scheduled for August has been jeopardised.

    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 money to cater for her husband.c) The plaintiff is an adulterous or unchaste wife who engages in extramarital affairs, most of them with pastors.d) Pastors who invite the plaintiff to their programmes have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before she mounts the pulpit to sing.e) The plaintiff is an imbecile.

    Consequently, Empress Gifty is claiming twenty million Ghana cedis in damages for slander. She is also seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendant, her associates, agents, or anyone acting on her behalf from making further publications of the same or similar defamatory statements.

    Lawyers for the former chief priestess turned evangelist, Patricia Asieduaa Asiamah (Nana Agradaa), have also filed an appeal challenging the 15-year jail sentence handed down by the Circuit Court.

    This was disclosed by lead counsel Richard Asare Baffour on Monday, July 7.

    He stated:“We filed the petition of appeal this morning because the judgment delivered by the court is so unreasonable, and the evidence on record does not support it.

    “We have also stated that the trial as a whole is wrong in law, and we are saying that the judge demonstrated manifest bias by harassing and intimidating the accused.”

    Nana Agradaa is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence. The Circuit Court in Accra delivered the sentence after confirming that she was not pregnant.

  • Get rid of Bawumia, his campaign team, NPP executives to rebuild the party – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

    Get rid of Bawumia, his campaign team, NPP executives to rebuild the party – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

    A former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Frimpong-Boateng, has called for new leadership within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging the removal of current executives, including members of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and members of his campaign team, to rebuild the party.

    Speaking on the current state of the party, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng clarified that he is not blaming any individual. “I am not blaming anybody (for the current state of the NPP). I am more concerned about rebuilding the party,” he told UTV yesterday.

    He added that his call is not personal against the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. “I don’t have anything against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a person, no! What I am saying is that, if you want the party to be rebuilt, get new executives, young people, dynamic, passionate about this party. Get rid of him (Bawumia). Get rid of these executive members who are part of his campaign team, more or less,” Professor Frimpong-Boateng urged.

    Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has come to terms with the fact the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing internal currently.

    However, he is optimistic that things will change for the better.

    “We are facing some challenges as a party, and admittedly, these are not easy times. However, I strongly believe that God will help us overcome these challenges,” he told party members on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme,

    He pointed out that the NPP is not unique in this, as every political party encounters similar challenges.

    “I want to remind all our party foot soldiers and leaders that we are not the only party going through these difficulties. I urge all party faithful to exercise patience as we work through these challenges together,” he appealed.

    Speaking on the matter of differing interests within the party, Afenyo-Markin admitted that members might have regional, religious, or tribal affiliations but emphasized that the NPP’s unity and common goal should take precedence.

    “I know people have various interests—whether regional, religious, or tribal—but as long as you are an NPP member, your interest should be in the NPP and the NPP alone,” he asserted.

    Ahead of the party’s presidential primaries on January 31, Afenyo-Markin urged members to unite after the elections and support the candidate who wins.

    “After the 31st of January, we must support whoever emerges as the winner of the primaries. Whether it is Dr Bawumia, Honourable Kennedy Agyapong, Honourable Adutwum, Honourable Bryan Acheampong, or Kwabena Agyapong, we must come together as one party,” he urged.

    He also cautioned members to be mindful of their words and actions during this period, warning that internal rivalries should not undermine party unity.

    “I know some people still harbour bitterness, but I urge all NPP members to remember that unity is key,” Afenyo-Markin concluded.

    Meanwhile, former Attorney-General and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joe Ghartey, has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stop the internal fights and come together to rebuild the party.

    His call came at a time when the NPP is facing internal confusion after losing the recent general elections. Tensions have been rising between some key members, especially the ongoing public exchanges between Bono Regional Chairman Abronye DC and Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong.

    Joe Ghartey said this is not the time for members to be blaming each other. “There is no point in pointing fingers against each other,” he said, adding that “when you point a finger at one person, the other four point at you,” referring to a popular Ghanaian proverb.

    He stressed that no one person—no matter how popular—can lead the NPP to victory in the next election without the full support of a united party. He called for calm, reflection, and smart planning, rather than arguments and blame.

    While many have blamed the party’s leadership, Joe Ghartey believes the problems run deeper. He said the challenges facing the NPP are not just at the top but also include poor coordination and communication across various levels of the party.

    Sharing his own experience, he said that during his time as a Cabinet Minister, he sometimes struggled to reach heads of some government institutions. He chose not to mention names, saying that would not help the party now.

    On the feud between Abronye DC and Kennedy Agyapong, Ghartey urged both men and their followers to put aside their differences. He said the NPP needs peace and cooperation if it wants to regain the trust of Ghanaians.

    “This is not the time for personal battles. This is the time for rebuilding,” he said.

    The head of Public Sector Reforms, Thomas Kusi Boafo, has urged former President John Agyekum Kufuor to actively engage in mediating for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as it works to strengthen its support base before the 2024 elections.

    Boafo emphasized the importance of Kufuor’s involvement to help re-engage members who have become distant or hesitant to back the party’s efforts to maintain power.

    He described Kufuor as a pivotal figure in the Fourth Republic of Ghana.

    “Now we are left with few people to come and join the campaign team because Bawumia is involving everybody. For today, I will say this: Kufuor has to put his feet on the ground. It has been ringing in my head for a long time.

    “He has to start calling certain people. That is how I see it, for him to talk to them in secrecy because no matter what we do in this Fourth Republic, Kufuor was the shine for everybody.

    “He gave Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the position to become Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the experience he had is the one that is helping him in his presidency,” he said in an interview on Wontumi TV.

    He encouraged Kufuor to hold private discussions with key individuals.

    “Look at the lawhouse that he has built; I am not sure we can see a similar one in any of the African countries. And from the Attorney General, he made him Foreign Minister. So, Nana Akufo-Addo is also a Kufuor breed. He also promoted Bawumia until he became the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana for Akufo-Addo to see him and make him his running mate.

    “So, look, the Fourth Republic, everything surrounds Kufuor. So, based on what is going on, he has to wake up because the few people left, want to come,” he added.

  • Former NPP Parliamentary Candidate Valentino Nortey arrested over stabbing incident in U.S

    Former NPP Parliamentary Candidate Valentino Nortey arrested over stabbing incident in U.S

    A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Klottey Korle, Valentino Nii Noi Nortey, has been arrested in Harrisburg following a stabbing incident over the weekend that left a woman hospitalized.

    Lower Paxton Township Police confirmed on Monday that the 41-year-old Nortey faces charges of attempted homicide, possessing an instrument of crime with intent to use, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence in connection with the incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 17.

    According to www.abc27.com, the Police said the stabbing took place around 10 a.m. along Mayfair Drive during what authorities described as a domestic dispute. The victim was promptly transported to the hospital by first responders and is currently in stable condition.

    Authorities emphasized that there was no threat to the wider public during the incident.

    Court records show that Nortey is being held at Dauphin County Prison following his arraignment before Magisterial District Judge David Judy, who denied bail.

    A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for January 26.

    Further details about the circumstances leading up to the stabbing remain limited as the investigation continues.

    The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested a 26-year Old Nigerian man suspected to have killed a woman and her daughter in Nigerian and run to hide in Ghana to avoid the Nigerian Police from arresting him.

    A statement released on Facebook signed by DSP David Fianko-Okyere said the suspect, Victor Benjamin Fejemirokum, was arrested following the interception of a viral video alleging that he had abducted and killed a woman employed with the Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and her daughter in Abeokuta, Ogu State, Nigeria.

    Thus, the suspect was wanted by the Nigerian Police but he escaped to Ghana and hid with his friends at Akyem Wenchi, a suburb of Akwatia.

    “On receipt of the information that, the suspect was hiding in his friend’s house at Akwatia the Eastern South Regional Police Command quickly deployed an Intelligence-Led Operations to arrest the suspect in his hide out at Akyem Wenchi.”

    “The suspect is currently in Police custody as frantic efforts are underway to hand him over to the Nigerian authorities,” the statement read.

    The Police have therefore entreated the public as a matter of urgency to inform them about any suspicious movement of any person or group of persons in their communities to prevent crime.

    Months ago, investigations into the gruesome murder of a male adult within the Tema Harbour enclave in the Greater Accra Region led to the arrest of two suspects.

    The suspects, Ali Mustapha and Zakaria Mohammed, were detained by police at the Tema Regional Police Command.

    The arrest followed a distress call received by the police on May 30, reporting the discovery of a lifeless male body within the harbour area.

    While investigating the scene, police received further information that a man had been arrested by some members of the public for allegedly carrying a human head.

    The police swiftly proceeded to the second location and rescued the suspect, who was identified as Ali Mustapha.

    He was subsequently taken into custody. Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Zakaria Mohammed.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

    Efforts are being made to identify the deceased as investigation continues, Public Affairs Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dede Dzakpasu stated in a press statement.

    In recent months, the police have undertaken several arrest exercises, including two persons, Atame Elijah and Nasiru Yakubu, who were arrested in connection to a gold robbery incident at the Bomfa Adumasa market, Ashanti South Region. The culprits were nabbed at their hideouts following a collaboration between community members and the police.

    This was made known by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command while speaking to the media on Tuesday, October 21. The police retrieved a bag containing some gold and money from at the hideout. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspect.

    Six individuals sustained injuries following the robbery incident which occurred on Monday, October 20. The armed robbers stormed the community and attacked some gold buyers, firing several gunshots in the process. In the meantime, two of the culprits have been detained by the Konongo Divisional Police Command for further investigation.

    In a separate incident, the police in August announced the retrieval of items used by a gang of armed men during a gold shop robbery at Mpohor in the Western Region.

    Weapons, ammunition, clothing, and other materials were among the exhibits. According to a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 19, the police stated that the retrieved items would aid in the ongoing investigation into the case.

    On Sunday, August 17, one person was arrested in connection with the robbery. The police explained that the retrieval was made possible after officers from the Kuntanase District in the Ashanti Region intercepted a suspicious white Toyota Sienta near the Aputuoagya–Bekwai road.

    Currently, the police are on a manhunt for eight others allegedly involved in the heist. They added that two men who were standing by the vehicle fled upon seeing the approaching patrol team.

    According to the police, a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, a locally manufactured firearm, two AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition each, and other materials believed to have been used during the robbery.

    “The Ghana Police Service, in its ongoing investigation into the Mpohor gold shop robbery case, has recovered weapons, ammunition, clothing items and some other exhibits linked to the case. As part of intensified anti-robbery patrols, officers from the Kuntanase District in the Ashanti Region intercepted a suspicious white Toyota Sienta near the Aputuoagya–Bekwai road.

    “Two men who were standing by the vehicle fled into the bush upon seeing the approaching police patrol team. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a locally manufactured firearm, two AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition each, additional packets of ammunition, cowrie shells, a Huawei smartphone, identity documents, and some clothing items.

    “A careful examination of the recovered exhibits against the CCTV footages of the Mpohor robbery revealed a striking resemblance between the clothing items (hooded tops) and the wellington boots that were used during the robbery. The recovery of these items marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation and manhunt for the suspects,” parts of the statement read.

    The Ghana Police Service assured the public of its commitment to ensuring security, law, and order across the country.”The Police Administration commends the Kuntanase District patrol team for their dedication to duty. The investigation team continues to examine other exhibits and follow possible leads. At the same time, security operations have been intensified across the country to get the perpetrators arrested and brought to justice,” it assured.

    What the law says about robbery and stealingSection 149 of the Criminal Offenses Act states that a person who commits robbery commits a first-degree felony. Per Section 150, “a person who steals a thing commits robbery (a) if in, and for the purpose of stealing the thing, that person uses force or causes harm to any other person, or (b) if that person uses a threat or criminal assault or harm to any other person, with intent to prevent or overcome the resistance of the other person to the stealing of the thing.”

    Section 124 of the Criminal Offenses Act also indicates that 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 the term of imprisonment imposed shall be spent in productive hard labour.

    A person subjected to such an order is disqualified from election to Parliament or a District Assembly within the meaning of the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462), for up to five years. Productive hard labour refers to labour in a state farm, state factory, or any other public co-operative or collective enterprise specified by the Minister.

  • GoldBod partners Gold Coast Refinery to enhance Ghana’s gold processing capacity

    GoldBod partners Gold Coast Refinery to enhance Ghana’s gold processing capacity

    The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has partnered with the Gold Coast Refinery to enhance Ghana’s gold processing capacity.

    GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi at the signing ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, indicated that the agreement will significantly enhance the implementation of a track-and-trace system across the gold sector.

    Adding that instead of raw gold, Ghana’s daily gold exports, estimated at one tonne will now be refined to the highest industry standard of 99.9 per cent purity before shipment.

    “This development marks a major milestone in Ghana’s gold trade and will help maximise national benefits from our mineral resources,” Mr Gyamfi said.

    He further highlighted the economic benefits, noting, “The millions of dollars we pay as refinery charges to refineries in Dubai, Switzerland, India, Hong Kong, and other foreign countries will now stay in our banking sector. That money will now stay in our economy.”

    On job creation, he added, “What this agreement also means is that we are creating more direct and indirect jobs, particularly because Gold Coast Refinery has committed to operating 24/7 in line with the government’s 24-hour policy.”

    This major step was taken towards deepening value addition within Ghana’s gold sector to reduce Ghana’s long-standing reliance on exporting raw gold.

    This practice has historically led to significant revenue losses that could otherwise be captured through domestic refining and downstream processing.

    GoldBod explained that the partnership will strengthen local gold processing so Ghana can fully benefit from its status as Africa’s top gold producer.

    A technical, independent report recently presented to GoldBod by economists from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Festus Ebo Turkson,  Professor Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako and economist, Peter Junior Dotse has indicated that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports rose by 39.4 tons, increasing from 63.6 tons in 2024 to 103 tons in 2025.

    According to the report, GoldBod has mitigated the rate at which gold was being smuggled out of Ghana; now, trading is done officially through the right channels, leading to an increase in the amount of forex coming into the country. The benefits to the economy are much bigger than the trading losses reported by the Bank of Ghana.

    The report explains that each ton of gold is worth about US$96.5 million. Based on this value, the gold that was brought into the formal system is worth about US$3.8 billion in foreign currency.

    This means the benefits are 18 times bigger than the US$214 million loss reported by the Bank of Ghana. In fact, the report says that formalising just 2.2 tons of gold would be enough to cover that loss.

    Prof. Festus Ebo Turkson, one of the report’s authors, emphasised that “GoldBod converts illicit gold flows into formal FX, strengthens Ghana’s external position, and supports macroeconomic stability. Evidence shows it is a high-return policy intervention for the economy.”

    The study also reveals that GoldBod’s initiatives reduced reliance on costly external borrowing. ASM exports facilitated by GoldBod in 2025 generated US$10.8 billion in FX inflows. Had Ghana borrowed equivalent funds externally at interest rates of 7–10%, it would have incurred annual interest costs of US$756 million to US$1.08 billion.

    Even considering only the reduction in smuggling, the avoided annual interest costs range from US$266–380 million, creating a recurring economic benefit.

    Beyond financial gains, the report highlights broader macroeconomic effects:

    Strengthened international reserves (≈ US$11–12 billion), exchange-rate stabilisation, reduced domestic cost of external debt (≈ GHS 6.2 billion), lower import bill valuation (≈ GHS 50.6 billion for Jan–Oct 2025), disinflation through reduced exchange-rate pass-through.

    The report also clarified that the reported losses by the MF in GoldBod’s trading activities were merely an accounting effect and not a cash deficit or loss. GoldBod purchases gold at near-retail exchange rates to deter smuggling, while FX inflows are recorded at the interbank rate. True economic costs are estimated at just 2.5% of the gold value.

    According to the report, GoldBod should be seen as a policy tool for macroeconomic stabilisation rather than a profit-driven entity. Recommendations include sustaining price competitiveness to prevent smuggling, improving transparency in BoG reporting, gradually reducing policy costs, and strengthening governance and oversight.

    Ghana’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) gold export saw an exponential growth in 2025 from 2024, with approximately US$6.2 billion, a surge of nearly 135%, reflecting the sharpest year-on-year growth within the period.

    This was announced in an infographic shared by Gold Board (GoldBod) on its official X (formerly Twitter) page.

    According to the data shared, ASM gold export earnings rose from US$2.8 billion in 2018 to US$10.8 billion in 2025, representing an increase of about US$8.0 billion, or roughly 286%. The infographic also provided a year-on-year breakdown of exports, along with remarks on the exported commodity, stressing that the data covers exports made through official channels over the past seven years.

    Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports stood at 75.7 tons valued at US$2.8 billion in 2018, despite a nationwide ban on small-scale mining, indicating strong underground or regulated output.

    Exports declined to 53.4 tons worth US$2.2 billion in 2019 and further to 39.3 tons valued at US$2.0 billion in 2020, reflecting continued enforcement of mining restrictions and possible COVID-19 disruptions. In 2021, exports collapsed sharply to just 3.4 tons valued at US$185 million following the introduction of a 3% withholding tax on unprocessed ASM gold, which discouraged official exports.

    Volumes recovered in 2022 to 22 tons worth US$1.1 billion after the tax was reduced to 1.5%, with growth continuing in 2023 when exports rose to 37.4 tons valued at US$2.1 billion. A major jump was recorded in 2024, with exports increasing to 63.6 tons valued at US$4.6 billion, driven by improved formalisation and high global gold prices.

  • Sarkodie’s reverence embarrasses me, he should channel it to God – Obrafour

    Sarkodie’s reverence embarrasses me, he should channel it to God – Obrafour

    Legendary Ghanaian Obrafour has spoken about his discomfort when fellow rapper Sarkodie publicly shows him reverence, noting that Sarkodie is now a major brand in his own right.

    While acknowledging his influence on Sarkodie’s musical journey, particularly with the song “Saa Okodie No,” Obrafour insists that such honour should be directed to God rather than himself.

    “Sarkodie is huge but anytime he sees me and wants to kneel before me, it sometimes embarrasses me. I ask myself, who am I for Sarkodie to lie on the floor for me?

    “If I had it my way, I would channel that respect to the Maker. When I first met him, I told him who he was and what God was going to do with him,” Obrafour expressed in a video shared on TikTok on January 19, 2026.

    @calebfeels.com

    @Obrafour talks about God , @Sarkodie & @KOJO BLAK in a coded location in London. #london #trending #foryou #viral #ghanatiktok🇬🇭

    ♬ original sound – calebfeels.com 🇬🇧 🇬🇭

    Months ago, Obrafour has lauded Sarkodie for his respectful conduct towards his seniors in the music industry.

    “It is unmatched, I’ve not seen some before. I am not saying this to praise him, but I love him for his work rate. However, I don’t know if it is like that till date. When I met him, he used to record a song a day and that is why he has a massive catalogue.”

    “He is very respectful, and that is a trait I am yet to see in other colleagues of his,” he told Code Micky.

    Sarkodie thrilled fans with a unique, exciting entry at his just-ended Rapperholic concert in Kumasi over the weekend.

    Despite the delays in the commencement time of the concert, his legendary entrance to the stage melted any possible disappointment or anger.

    It began with a poetic prelude where the poet praised Sarkodie as one whose glory cannot be boxed or hidden, a reference to his kingship, his heritage as the son of the Ashanti Kingdom, highlighting his well-known title “Landlord”, positioning not just a rapper, but a voice of heritage.

    The speaker invoked the spirit of Kumasi and the Ashanti Kingdom, framing Sarkodie’s homecoming as a symbolic return to the source of his strength. One of the lines of the poet was her praise for Sarkodie as one who “ does not just rhyme, but remembers. He does not just perform, he preserves,” she delivered her rich culture and praise-loaded poem for Sarkodie, with the Ashanti Flag projected on the huge LED screens behind her.

    As the poem ended, Sarkodie’s nickname “Obidi” blazed across the stage in flaming letters, followed by a glowing crown that hovered above, symbolising his reign in Ghanaian rap.

    Following the grand display before the ‘landlord’s’ appearance on stage, it began to rain; however, the downpour didn’t dampen the fans’ energy, and they stayed put until Sarkodie appeared.

    He finally showed, opening the stage with his “Original” song in which he addresses critics, cementing his reputation as a pioneer and not a product of hype. His journey through the rap journey with a line in the song which says, “I didn’t come to fit in, I came to stand out.”

    He was surprised on stage by dancehall artist Shatta Wale, whose appearance was welcomed with loud and explosive cheers by fans. The duo performed their decade-old song “Megye Wo Girl”.

    Sarkodie playfully shoved Shatta Wale as he joined him on stage, and their chemistry was electrifying, making it a highlight of the night.

    Then followed Sarkodie’s performance with legendary rapper Obrafour. The landlord had to pause the high-energy flow to introduce Obrafour, calling him “the reason I rap”. As a sign of respect, he knelt before Obrafour on stage, a deeply emotional moment that drew cheers and chants of “legend, legend!” from the crowd. They performed a remix of “Oye Ohene”.

    Kweku Flick joined Sarkodie on stage while they performed their song “Yɛbɛyɛ Fine”, which translates to “We’ll be fine” in Twi. They both moved in sync with dancers dressed in streetwear fused with traditional prints.

    The current Kumasi star, King Paluta, thrilled fans with their “Africa We Dey” song. Sarkodie opened with a verse on unity and struggle, then passed the mic to Paluta, who unleashed rapid-fire Twi bars.

    Other artists that showed up at the concert were Medikal, who did a solo performance marked with a playful moment chasing Shatta Wale on stage.

    Efya, Gyakie, Kofi Kinaata, Olive The Boy, Donzy, Oseikrom SikaniJay Bahd, Ypee, Beeztrap KOTM, Skyface SDW, Kwesi Amewuga, Lalid, Kofi Jamar, among other acts. Some fans were also invited on stage to freestyle live.

    About Rapperholic 2025

    The concert was held on Saturday, 27, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. When the stadium was announced as the venue to host the concert, concerns were raised by football enthusiasts and stakeholders about the authority approving the concert to be held at the stadium when Ghana is preparing for an international match. Ghana has a mixed history when it comes to the quality of our pitches, with rare cases of consistent maintenance often from hosting football, concerts, and rallies. Lack of pitch covers, among others.

    The Baba Yara pitch is undergoing renovations to meet CAF and FIFA standards, including turf upgrades and drainage improvements.

    Hence, to address these concerns, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.

    Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he said during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.

    “We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.

    Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.

    “The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.

    When did Rapperholic start

    The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.

    Sarkodie visits Otumfuor

    Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:

    “They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.”

    Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.

  • Gospel musician Yaw Sarpong is dead

    Gospel musician Yaw Sarpong is dead

    Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, has passed away.

    Confirmation of his death was given by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, in an interview with Myjoyonline.com. Official details on the cause of death have not yet been released.

    His passing follows closely on the death of Maame Tiwa, a prominent member of the Asomafo group, whose loss shook the gospel music community about a month ago.

    Yaw Sarpong had been unwell for several years and had reduced his public appearances while undergoing treatment.

    He is widely recognised as a towering figure in Ghana’s gospel music landscape, having led Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo to national prominence. The group played a significant role in shaping contemporary Akan gospel music, earning respect for its rich lyrical depth and disciplined, doctrine-based musical style.

    Throughout his career, Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo released several well-known gospel songs, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa, which remain popular in churches across the country.

    In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

    Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Maame Tiwaa also passed away some weeks ago.

    According to reports by UTV, the veteran singer died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. She is said to have passed on after a brief illness, although the exact cause of her sudden death has not yet been disclosed.

    Maame Tiwaa was widely admired for her long-standing collaboration with Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo Band, a partnership that earned her a revered place in Ghana’s gospel music community.

    After four decades in the industry, she recently earned her first nomination at the 3Music Awards 2021, marking a significant milestone in her career.

    Known for her distinctive and angelic voice, Maame Tiwaa featured in several popular songs, including Tenabea Foforo, Yen Nka Nkyere Yen Agya, Sumenaso, and other well-loved gospel hits.

    Since news of her passing broke, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, with many expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Yaw Sarpong and the entire Asomafo family.

    The musician’s family has not yet released an official statement. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

    Veteran actor, director and cultural advocate William Addo, widely known by his stage name Akpatse, is dead.

    According to reports, he died on November 22, 2025, after years of battling severe health complications.

    Veteran actor William “Akpatse” Addo, was loved for his roles on GTV’s Thursday Theatre. His comic talent and stage presence, became a household name in Ghanaian theatre and television.

    Akpatse was a trained scholar, holding a degree in Drama from the University of Ghana and a master’s in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds.

    He held important roles in the arts, including Director at the National Theatre and Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture, and taught many of Ghana’s top actors as a university lecturer.

    In recent years, he battled serious health problems, including vision loss from glaucoma and cataracts.

    His Funeral arrangements will however, be announced soon.

    Last year, renowned Ghanaian actor, Vincent McCauley, famous for his role in the beloved 90s television series “Things We Do For Love,” passed away.

    The news of his demise was confirmed by his colleague actor and friend, Adjetey Annang.

    Known as Max in the TV series, Vincent McCauley is reported to have died on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The cause of his death is currently unknown.

    Vincent McCauley’s notable roles also include appearances in movies such as “Games People Play,” “Fortune Island,” “Office Palava,” “Living With Trisha: House of Secrets,” and “The Idiot and I.”

    Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in from various sources.

    Adjetey Annan, also known as Pusher, a rival to Max in the 90s series, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Rivals on set ‘Pusher & Max’ since 1999 but cool guys off set. Thank you for being a part of the family and paying your dues very well. Rest in perfect peace brother🙏 Our deepest condolences to the family.”

    Numerous other celebrities have taken to social media to share their condolences.

    R.I.P to a Ghanaian screen legend Vincent McCauley💔 pic.twitter.com/6fiS1Jnqtc— Silverbird Cinemas Ghana (@SilverbirdGhana) January 18, 2024

    In February this year, celebrated actor Mawuli Semevo died after a fire accident.

    The 63-year-old veteran actor’s unfortunate incident happened on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after suffering burns.

    On February 8, 2025, Judith Addison of Beyond Burns International, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing advocacy and support for burn survivors, reported that Mawuli was in critical condition.

    “Beyond Burns International got an SOS that something unfortunate has happened. We came here today, and veteran actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in a severe fire accident. I came here to see him, and his life is hanging in the balance,” Judith said in the video report posted on their social media pages.

    According to her, Mawuli was sleeping in his house when it caught fire.

    “He has suffered burns up to 44% of his body. He has respiratory injuries and cannot breathe properly. This is very serious. From his head to his legs. Everywhere caught fire, and he has lost all his hair,” she further stated.

    The report was later corroborated by actors such as Ken Fiati and Edinam Atatsi.

    Mawuli Semevo is known for his immaculate acting skills both on stage and in movies.

    He has played roles in movies such as ‘ Harvest at 17’, ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Escape of Love’, ‘Like Cotton Twines’ and ‘The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.’

    Months ago in Nigeria, renowned Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Dr. Columbus Irosanga, sadly departed.

    Actress Hilda Dokubo announced the news on her Instagram account on Thursday.

    In her heartfelt message, she wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood.”

    She continued, “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”

    Originating from Okrika in Rivers State, Dr. Irosanga became a household name for his compelling performances as chief priests in Nollywood films.

    He is especially remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of “Igbudu” in the 2001 hit film, Isakaba.

    His extraordinary acting skills garnered him numerous prestigious awards, such as Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

    Beyond his film career, Dr. Irosanga was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring many budding actors.

    He is survived by his spouse and children, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. His passing represents a profound loss to both the academic and entertainment sectors in Nigeria.

  • Shatta Wale seeks GHS100m in defamation case against Blakk Rasta

    Shatta Wale seeks GHS100m in defamation case against Blakk Rasta

    Dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known in the entertainment industry as Shatta Wale, has filed a GH¢100 million defamation lawsuit against media personality Abubakar Ahmed, popularly called Blakk Rasta, at the High Court in Accra.

    The suit follows the publication of a video on Blakk Rasta’s social media platforms, Blakk Empire Media, on December 15, 2025, titled “Shatta Wale, self-confessed king of fraud.”

    In his statement of claim, Shatta Wale contends that comments made in the video are false, malicious, and calculated to damage his reputation. He noted that the video attracted widespread public attention within 24 hours of its release, recording more than 150,000 views on Facebook and over 27,000 views on YouTube, alongside thousands of comments and reactions.

    According to the writ of summons, the statements allegedly portrayed the musician as a fraudster, a thief, and a morally corrupt individual, allegations he has strongly denied. He further claims that Blakk Rasta accused him of associating with known fraudsters and allowing stolen funds to be channelled through his bank accounts, assertions he describes as defamatory.

    Shatta Wale argues that the publication has caused serious harm to his reputation, created distress for his family, fans, and business associates, and negatively affected his career as a public figure.

    The plaintiff is asking the court to declare the statements defamatory, order the permanent removal of the video and related content from all social media platforms, and restrain Blakk Rasta from making further defamatory publications.

    He is also seeking a public retraction and an unqualified apology to be published on the defendant’s social media pages, as well as full-page notices in the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, and Graphic Showbiz.

    In addition, Shatta Wale is claiming GH¢100 million in damages, together with costs.

    Singer Wendy Shay has officially filed a complaint with the Ghana Police Service concerning allegations that she is engaged in lesbianism with a young girl she has adopted, known as Tracy Shay.

    A young man, in a viral video, alleges that Wendy is acting on a spiritualist’s instructions to engage in inappropriate conduct with the minor.

    Wendy is therefore urging the public to help identify the perpetrator so the person can be held accountable.

    “The matter has been formally reported to the Ghana Police Service, and active investigations are underway. I have been informed that the individual behind the account has been traced to the United Arab Emirates, where he is currently employed with a construction company. Further steps are being taken through the appropriate channels to ensure he is held accountable for his actions.

    “I am cooperating fully with the police and trust the investigation process to bring this matter to a swift and just resolution. I further encourage us all to continue standing against cyberbullying, online harassment, and malicious attacks on innocent people,” the statement shared on November 19, 2025, read.

    Legal representatives of renowned gospel musician Evangelist Diana Asamoah also strongly refuted claims suggesting that she is a lesbian.

    In a statement addressing a viral video circulating on social media, the legal team dismissed the allegations as slanderous and baseless.

    The video, featuring a woman of unknown identity, insinuates that the gospel singer is involved in same-sex relationships.

    According to the statement, Evangelist Diana Asamoah categorically denies the claim and maintains that she does not engage in any form of lesbianism.

    Her legal representatives have challenged the individual behind the accusations to step forward and provide evidence, indicating their readiness to contest the matter in court.

    “In the circumstances, we are throwing a challenge to the lady in the video to own up and justify her vile allegations so we contest her baseless claim in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.

    The legal team further urged the public to disregard the video should the accuser fail to substantiate her claims.

    This development follows a growing trend of public figures facing unfounded allegations online, raising concerns about misinformation and defamation on social media.

    A dancer and member of the DWP Academy, Lisa Quama, has addressed speculations surrounding her style of dressing, firmly stating that her fashion choices do not define her sexuality.

    Despite acknowledging her tomboyish style, Lisa strongly dismissed claims that she is a lesbian, emphasizing that one’s choice of clothing does not determine their sexual orientation.

    “I am not a lesbian. That is a sexual narrative, but a tomboy is simply someone comfortable in male clothes. Yes! I love men with all my heart,” she clarified on The Delay Show on March 8, 2025

    Lisa initially hesitated when asked whether she identified as a tomboy. However, after persistent questioning from the host, she eventually embraced the label.

    “I don’t want to say yes… I will never be a boy because I am a girl. I am not dressing like a boy… You know what? I am a tomboy. I have accepted that I am a tomboy,” she admitted.

    Her remarks come in response to ongoing social media discussions about her appearance, reinforcing the point that personal style should not be mistaken for one’s sexuality.

    Ace Ghanaian Highlife musician and actress Paulina Oduro has hit back at rumors about her sexuality, calling them baseless and absurd.

    Addressing the speculation that she is a lesbian, she expressed frustration over such claims, emphasizing that her role as a mother should be enough to dismiss the allegations.

    “I had an interview with Delay, and she said people say I am a lesbian,” Oduro recalled during a discussion on Joy Prime on March 26, 2025. “I ended up saying they are very stupid and idiots because I have three kids and an amazing relationship with my partners.”

    The veteran musician, who has remained single for some time, noted that her happiness is not dependent on being in a relationship. She asserted that she is emotionally independent and does not need a romantic partner to feel fulfilled.

    “I have been on my own for a while. I don’t need a man or another human being to make me happy,” she stated. “You can be who you want to be, but don’t label me because it is something I don’t like.”

    Paulina Oduro’s response comes on the back of public scrutiny regarding her relationship status, with some speculating about her sexual orientation. She expressed disappointment that people could fabricate such claims simply because she has chosen to remain single.

    With a long-standing career in entertainment, Oduro has built a reputation as a bold and outspoken personality. She made it clear that she refuses to conform to societal expectations or entertain false narratives about her personal life.

  • I am not an atheist, I believe in God – Mzbel clarifies

    I am not an atheist, I believe in God – Mzbel clarifies

    Ghanaian singer Mzbel has stated that she is not an atheist, explaining that she believes in God in her own personal way.

    During the AfternoonRide interview with Andy Dosty on Hitz 103.9 FM, Mzbel had these interactions with Andy Dosty.

    Andy Dosty: But do you still believe in God? Or you are an atheist.

    Mzbel: I believe in God. I know God. I am not an atheist. I don’t know God like the way christians know God , you know.

    Andy Dosty: How different is that?

    Mzbel: Because, you know…Christians picture God as some big man with white beared sitting on a chair somewhere waiting for you to mess up so he can put you in an oven and burn you forever.

    Andy Dosty: Ow, nt all Christians, but may be that was then.

    Mzbel: Yh…but they believe that God is somewhere. But there is no God somewhere. God is everywhere within us. God is us. We are alll pieces pieces of God. If we all come together, that is what God is. So we believe he is there but he is there in us.

    Further on the show, Mzbel shared her perspective on the witchcraft potential each person wields, noting that it is discovered over time.

    She explained that just as a person might respond physically when provoked, one can also focus negative energy on someone, which can cause them spiritual harm.

    “Everybody is a witch. People who haven’t discovered their witchcraft will think others who have discovered theirs are using it for something bad,” she stated.

    Mzbel revealed in a trending video that an unexpected breakup nearly caused her to crash her car, as her partner ended the relationship while she was on her way home.

    “I was driving home, and he told me that I don’t fit into his world and we could still be friends and all that. At first, I laughed and said, ‘Are you serious?”

    “I didn’t do anything to him. We had even gone for a couple’s holiday and returned—and then two weeks later”, she said.

    Contrary to her current stance, Mzbel has once said that her daughter, Ohenmaa, will in no way whatsoever become a Christian. On her path, many people are currently stuck to their respective beliefs as a result of their socialisation.

    She believes if many had the opportunity to choose what religion to believe in, they would have made different choices.

    Responding to a question on the possibility of her daughter becoming a Christian during an interview on Kingdom FM, she strongly contended that it will never happen as a result of the exposure she is giving her daughter.

    “No miracle will happen for her to become a Christian. It will never happen”.

    “You believe in Christianity because you were born into it. Muslims, Christians, and others belong to the said religions because they were born into them . If they had been given the opportunity to choose, I’m sure most people would have made different choices,” she stated.

    With the belief that Christianity is a religion that forces its dictates and principles on people, Mzbel believes that one of the biggest deterrents for her daughter in choosing Christianity over her African spirituality is how Christian doctrines and principles are forced on its believers.

    View this post on Instagram A post shared by LongJon DeBlogger (@longjondeblogger)

    She said she forces none of her children to do anything, so they wouldn’t want to wrap themselves in a religion that would force them to do things.

    “I don’t force anyone to do anything. But she would not make the decision to become a Christian because Christianity is a forced religion . A religion that forces its principles on people and I don’t force my children.

    So they will also not want to subject themselves to any principles that force them to do things against their will.We all know what is right,” she added.

    Mzbel is confident that her daughter will not adopt Christianity due to the upbringing and knowledge she is providing her.

    ”I wouldn’t be surprised if she became a Christian but it will never happen because of the upbringing I’m giving her,” she said.

    Meanwhile, in a recent interview, Mzbel disclosed that her son does not adhere to any religious beliefs; instead, he regards her as his guiding force.

    She explained that when he requires something, he does not turn to prayer; rather, he approaches her directly to ask.

    Mzbel further revealed her own scepticism about the existence of a divine being, stating that she does not pray to any god for her desires. However, she does visit her late mother’s altar to make requests, which she claims are answered.

    Mzbel’s son, Okomfo Black, had previously expressed his unorthodox views on religion in an interview.

    He challenged the concept of an Almighty God, asserting that every individual possesses inherent divinity and should not worship any supreme deity.

    The 10-year-old’s remarks have caused a stir in a society where Christianity and Islam hold significant sway. Many conservative Ghanaians have criticised his stance, leading some parents of his schoolmates to ostracise him.

  • I apologize, it won’t happen again – Serwaa Amihere to PRESEC

    I apologize, it won’t happen again – Serwaa Amihere to PRESEC

    Media personality and lawyer Serwaa Amihere has issued an apology to Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC–Legon) following comments she made about the school.

    She had indicated in a live video days ago that, PRESEC is “a breeding ground for homosexuals.”

    Responding to this, the Management of PRESEC issued a statement expressing their displeasure over Serwaa’s comment, describing it as a misrepresentation of the true values of the school.

    Taking to social media, Serwaa Amihere rendered her apologies to the school’s management, assuring that she will not repeat uttering such a comment again.

    “I would like to apologise to everyone who have felt slighted by the comment, especially the PRESEC community and the PRESECANS. I apologise, and I assure you that it won’t happen again,” she said.

    Statement issued by PRESEC

    PRESBYTERIAN BOYS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL, LEGON
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    STATEMENT ON COMMENTS BY MISS SERWAA AMIHERE ESQ.

    The Management of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC, Legon) has taken serious note of a statement attributed to Miss Serwaa Amihere Esq., a lawyer and media personality, in which she described PRESEC as “a breeding ground for homosexuals.”

    Management unequivocally condemns this statement. It is false, reckless, and deeply offensive. It constitutes an irresponsible generalisation that maligns our students, undermines the integrity of our institution, and seeks to attach a stigma to a school with a proud legacy of discipline, excellence, and moral formation.

    Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School is a Presbyterian mission institution founded and governed on firm Christian values. For over eight decades, PRESEC has been dedicated to academic excellence, character development, discipline, leadership, and the moral upbringing of young men in accordance with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the laws of the Republic of Ghana. Any assertion to the contrary is a gross misrepresentation of who we are and what we stand for.

    PRESEC’s record speaks clearly for itself. The school has consistently distinguished itself as one of Ghana’s leading secondary institutions, producing generations of men of character who serve society with honour across academia, public service, science, business, faith, and civic life. Our sustained academic achievements, including repeated success at the National Science and Maths Quiz, reflect a culture of intellectual rigour, discipline, teamwork, confidence, and responsible leadership, not the defamatory narrative being circulated.

    Statements of this nature are not only inaccurate; they are harmful. They unfairly label and expose young students to ridicule, prejudice, and emotional harm, while attempting to erode the hard-earned reputation of an institution that has contributed immensely to national development. PRESEC will not accept or normalise such characterisations.

    Management thanks parents, alumni, students, and the wider Ghanaian public for their continued confidence and trust in Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School. We assure all stakeholders that the school remains steadfast in upholding its values, protecting the dignity of its students, and sustaining the standards of excellence and character formation for which PRESEC is known.

    PRESEC will continue to focus on its core mandate: delivering quality education, enforcing discipline, shaping character, and preparing young men to become principled leaders and responsible citizens.

    Signed
    Management
    Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC, Legon)

    The issue arose at a time when the national debate over LGBTQI matters in Ghana is still ongoing, same-sex relations are illegal, and public opinion remains largely opposed.

    The discussion was further inflamed by the circulation of an unapproved teacher training manual, which raised concerns that LGBTQI topics were being introduced into schools—claims the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have strongly denied.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government will not promote LGBTQ+ activities.

    During his meeting with Christian community leaders on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 when he was aspiring to be president, spoke candidly about same-sex relationships, affirming his Christian beliefs and asserting that LGBTQ+ practices have no place in the church.

    He pointed out that the current president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has not significantly contributed to addressing the issue, particularly by not signing the anti-gay bill into law.

    Reassuring the clergymen, Mahama emphasized that, should he regain the presidency, there would be no tolerance for such practices in any form.

    Read exactly what he said that got the entire room of religious leaders on their feet below:

    “My fathers and mothers in Christ, the current legal impasse created by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration on the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Act, which was passed by Parliament, has set a dangerous precedence for our governance. The constitutional directive for action by the president are quite clear and need not have resulted in this stalemate.

    “As I’ve publicly stated, I’m a proud member of the Assemblies of God Church and my faith does not support same-sex marriages or relationships (loud applause for over 20 seconds) nor does it support human-animal relationships, or does it allow people to change their gender as they wish. This is a fundamental belief that I hold and is grounded in my faith. I, therefore, assure you that the promotion of LGBTQ+++++ and all the pluses will have no place in our schools and communities under my administration,” he said, followed by the entire room of pastors standing to their feet in great and loud applause.

  • “I sold 300 of my songs for $3million” – Shatta Wale

    “I sold 300 of my songs for $3million” – Shatta Wale

    Ghanaian dancehall giant Shatta Wale has disclosed that he made $3 million from selling three hundred (300) of his songs to an external entity.

    Shatta made this known in a TikTok live session on January 15, 2026, as conversations around catalogue valuation continue to gain traction among Ghanaian artistes.

    “I have over 11,000 songs online that my team is still trying to gather. I sold 300 of my songs for $3 million, used the money to buy houses, and do whatever I want with it. I put some of it into my Shaxi business and other investments. Your same artiste went to say there’s nobody in Ghana that has a catalogue worth that much,” Wale said.

    Apparently,  Stonebwoy had ealrlier expressed scepticism about the valuation of local music catalogues in an interview on DJ Slim’s Loud Lounge in September 2025.

    “I don’t believe that any catalogue in Ghana currently is going to earn a mention at around $3-4 million,” Stonebwoy said.

    Thus, Shatta’s disclosure served to prove Stonebwoy wrong in his assertion about the value music catalogues wield.

    Last year, two of Shatta Wale’s songs were removed from Apple music by music producer MOG Beatz. 

    His decision was driven by claims that the dancehall star sold his catalogue without giving him and other producers proper credit or payment. 

    MOG Beatz announced on X (formerly Twitter), 19th August 2025, that he had taken down Shatta Wale’s Reign Album and Wondaboy Album, citing unresolved issues of credit and royalties.

    “You sell my beats, erase my credit, then buy luxury cars,” MOG fumed in a post directed at Shatta Wale. 

    According to him, Shatta Wale wrongfully claimed production credit for songs he and other producers made in order to secure money from an international company without their knowledge or consent.

    MOG warned that the removal of the albums was only the beginning. 

    “Two albums have already been taken down, and more are coming down soon. Sell your assets and refund the company you scammed. Leasing your catalogue just to survive? That’s the path you chose. This time, the talk will come with action,” he wrote.

    The award-winning producer, who produced some songs on Shatta Wale’s Reign Album – Gringo, Bend Over, If I See, and Squeeze, said he had been cheated despite his contribution to the project.

    This fresh clash comes on the back of a long-running dispute between the two. In 2021, MOG Beatz publicly accused Shatta Wale of failing to pay him for 10 songs he produced on the Reign Album. Although Shatta Wale had promised compensation, MOG said he was never paid even after the album became a major success.

    “Money Man @shattawalegh, me I dey see you as a big brother I never had. I know say you no be STINGY like that lol, I produced 10 songs on the #ReignAlbum but ano see no CASH from you since 2018. Seeing this made me laugh sooo hard,” MOG wrote at the time.

    With tensions resurfacing, the battle between MOG Beatz and Shatta Wale over credits and royalties appears far from over.

    Sound producer MOG Beatz has confronted dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, accusing him of using his intellectual property to scam a company.

    According to MOG Beatz, Shatta Wale took over 25 songs he had produced and rebranded them under his own name.

    He alleged that the dancehall artiste secured an advance running into millions of dollars from the deal, which he used to acquire luxury cars, including Rolls Royce to portray wealth above fellow Ghanaian artistes.

    “The 2021 fight it happen, you no learn sense from inside, the money you no pay me. On a normal day, that Rolls-Royce you no fit accord am. Why you for come involve me and scam the company using my property after 2021, why you no learn lesson. Your fans, I know them go come side you and things all, eno be problem, if you think this one be defamation of character, make you bring evidence, me to I go bring my evidence,” MOG Beatz stated in a video shared on X.

    The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in June seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus used by Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, after its Surveillance And Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) undertook a lawful search in a home at Trassaco Valley Phase 1, in Accra.

    The search, said to be “professional and civil,” was conducted on a 2023 request from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Justice Department.

    EOCO clarified that “it is a standard safety protocol practice for officers of the Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to carry weapons whilst on operation for the safety of officers.”

    According to the EOCO, the FBI and the Justice Department have tied the seized vehicle to the proceeds of the criminal enterprise of one Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving an 86 month sentence for several financial crimes in the United States of America (USA).

    It is reported that Nii Armah pleaded with officers that he did not want the seizure to be made public because “the vehicle was a big part of his brand, and if his supporters saw the vehicle being driven away in the company of EOCO, it would destroy his brand.”

    In light of this, Nii Armah was allowed to surrender the vehicle himself, which is currently in the possession of the Economic and Organized Crime Office.

    According to EOCO, the FBI and the Justice Department intend to send a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) to the Government of Ghana to return the car to the United States as part of Nana Kwabena Amuah’s $4,743,443 restitution.

    Charles Nii Armah and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been assessed as persons of interest and will be invited by EOCO to assist in further ongoing investigations in the coming days.

    EOCO has noted that it may share the final investigation report with the FBI and the Justice Department “as part of our ongoing cooperation.”

    Per reports, Nana Kwabena Amuah was jailed in October 2023 after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. His actions and those of his co-conspirators resulted in the attempted theft of almost $4 million by defrauding almost 70 public and private organisations and wiring money into bank accounts through a shell company named Gretson Company LLC.

    Twenty-four-year-old Shimea Maret McDonald, who is said to have had over 40 fake identity cards in her possession and helped Amuah move the stolen money and launder it through shell companies, pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

    “This crime deprived businesses of their operating funds and caused significant harm to the well-being of the people who own and run those companies,” Prosecutor Kathryn Dieruf stated.

    “I ask for a second chance, and I promise you will never see me in this courtroom again,” Nana Kwabena Amuah is quoted to have told the judge.

    Judge Karen Caldwell, however, noted that “the crimes he helped commit were incredibly serious.”

  • Everyone is a witch, you’ll discover yours with time – Mzbel 

    Everyone is a witch, you’ll discover yours with time – Mzbel 

    Ghanaian musician Mzbel has shared her perspective on the witchcraft potential each person wields, noting that it is discovered over time.

    Responding to the question of whether she is a witch, Mzbel explained that just as a person might respond physically when provoked, one can also focus negative energy on someone, which can cause them spiritual harm.

    “Everybody is a witch. People who haven’t discovered their witchcraft will think others who have discovered theirs are using it for something bad,” she stated.

    Mzbel revealed in a trending video that an unexpected breakup nearly caused her to crash her car, as her partner ended the relationship while she was on her way home.

    “I was driving home, and he told me that I don’t fit into his world and we could still be friends and all that. At first, I laughed and said, ‘Are you serious?”

    “I didn’t do anything to him. We had even gone for a couple’s holiday and returned—and then two weeks later”, she said.

    In March last year, she spoke out about speculations regarding the father of her son, Adepa.

    Addressing the rumors, she made it clear that she has no intentions of revealing his identity to the public but it not Castro.

    In a statement, Mzbel recalled the last time she saw musician Castro before his mysterious disappearance. According to her, their last encounter was during the funeral of Ronny Coaches, a member of Buk Bak, when they worked together on a tribute song.

    “The last time I saw Castro was when Ronny Coaches passed away, and we composed a tribute song. I haven’t set my eyes on him since,” she revealed.

    She clarified that her son was born six years after her friendship with Castro ended, dismissing assumptions that he could be the child’s father.

    “People assume he is the father because we were once close, but I will not disclose who my son’s father is on social media. The attention usually does more harm than good,” she stated.

    Mzbel emphasized that keeping her son’s father out of the spotlight is a personal decision, as neither she nor the father wants unnecessary public scrutiny.

    “Once people find out, he becomes the center of attention, and his private life will be scrutinized. He doesn’t want that, and neither do I. However, this is my personal business, not something for social media,” she added.

    Mzbel’s statement comes amid persistent curiosity from the public, but she remains firm in her stance to keep certain aspects of her personal life private.

    In the same year, she addressed reasons for publicly criticizing Counselor Charlotte Oduro following the latter’s marriage collapse.

    In a recent interview, Mzbel explained that her reaction stemmed from Oduro’s past comments about her son, Okomfo Black.

    “When issues about my son came up, this woman took a strong stance against him. She made it very personal, and I was shocked. I can confidently say I have a problem with her,” Mzbel stated. “She claimed she would stand against my child—a ten-year-old boy?”

    Expressing further displeasure, she added, “She said she would fight for her God, yet she couldn’t even fight for her own marriage. She was trying to battle a ten-year-old boy over religious beliefs.”

    Mzbel also questioned Oduro’s credibility as a counselor and pastor, saying, “I expected her to handle the situation differently. A child that young should be given room to grow and understand things with time.”

    According to Mzbel, she began paying closer attention to Oduro after the incident and was dismayed by the kind of advice she offered.

    “I was disappointed that people actually go to her for counseling. It was clear her marriage would fail—she constantly insulted her husband and thought it was a joke. She hasn’t made marriage appealing to us unmarried ones. She hasn’t set a good example,” she concluded.

    The General Overseer of the Royal Victory Family Church, Apostle Solomon Oduro, officially announced the end of his marriage to his wife, Rev. Charlotte Oduro.

    The couple, well-known in public circles, particularly Rev. Charlotte Oduro, who frequently appears on media platforms discussing relationship issues, have reportedly been separated for the last three years.

  • Ahanta language orthography officially approved for use in schools

    Ahanta language orthography officially approved for use in schools

    The Bureau of Ghana Languages has officially endorsed the Ahanta Language Orthography for use in educational institutions across Ahanta land, following a thorough review of the Ahanta Language Project Committee’s (ALPC) work.

    According to a statement shared by the Acting Executive Director of the Bureau, Mr. Ebenezer Ahiiator, a three-member team, alongside the Basic Schools’ Coordinator of the Ahanta West Municipal Education Office and the Coordinator of the Pilot Project on Ahanta language teaching, visited schools participating in the pilot programme.

    During the visits, they engaged teachers, learners, parents, traditional authorities, church leaders, and community elders to assess the implementation of the orthography.

    Mr Ahiiator explained that the team discovered that, the Orthography met the required standards, yielded positive results, teachers, learners, and parents are enthusiastic about formal indigenous language learning and traditional leaders are eager for Ahanta language instruction across Ahanta land.”

    In the light of these findings, “we officially endorse the use of the Ahanta Language Orthography in schools on Ahanta land and for the development of learning materials.”

    Mr. Ahiiator said this while congratulating all stakeholders involved in the project.

    This endorsement, he indicated, is a crucial step towards making Ahanta language examinable at Basic Education and Senior High School levels.

    On the contrary, English has not been scrapped as a language of instruction in Ghanaian basic schools, the Ministry of Education has clarified. This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, on Thursday, October 30.

    The clarification comes at a time when the Ministry has directed the compulsory teaching of Ghanaian languages in basic schools, specifically for pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Three.

    However, Dr. Clement Apaak explained that the new policy is to ensure that children are not only fluent in the English language but also in their home languages. He emphasized that the initiative is also intended to strengthen learning outcomes across all subjects.

    “Teaching in a language the child does not understand or speak well creates major barriers to literacy acquisition. So, we are committing to revisit the policy, based on global evidence, to ensure that we are teaching effectively from KG to Basic Year Three to improve learning outcomes.

    “This includes looking at how we can draw upon the success of Ghanaian programmes such as Complementary Basic Education to involve communities and extend early grade teaching beyond our 12 official languages,” he added.

    According to the statement, “As evidence has shown, the practice in countries such as China, Finland, Japan and Malaysia indicates that proficiency in a home language or playground language is key to learning other languages effectively.

    “It also helps in developing in young learners, national identity and appreciation of cultural values,” the statement said, adding that the Ministry of Education was keen to ensure that no learner was left behind in receiving the quality education they deserve. “It is their right. We respect their right. At the end, we are nurturing individuals into responsible national adults and global citizens.”

    In 2023, Ghanaian historian, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka, called on managers of educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.

    He said students should be encouraged to speak local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.

    The historian attributed his point to the fact that some foreign countries prioritize their local languages, thereby requiring that a person, upon arrival in the country, speak and understand the language.

    Speaking to KMJ on Prime Morning, he said, “If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”

    “If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” he quizzed.

    Despite the fact that English is an international language that cannot be abolished, Nana Osei-Bonsu opined that it could be blended with local languages to activate the country’s heritage.

    He also believes that Ghanaian languages are likely to fade out as generations pass if parents do not insist on speaking local dialects with their children.

    Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts to speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.

    “Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language. In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.

    The country celebrates Ghana Month throughout March every year to commemorate her independence. The historian believes that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years go by.

    He attributes the dwindling interest partly to the trend of designers incorporating foreign products into their designs. The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest among the public, as they have failed to insist on the inclusion of local languages in the school curriculum.

    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”

    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project their culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking local languages, among others, throughout March.

  • Serwaa Amihere’s “homosexuals” comment misrepresents who we stand for – PRESEC

    Serwaa Amihere’s “homosexuals” comment misrepresents who we stand for – PRESEC

    The Management of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC, Legon) says a comment attributed to media personality and lawyer Serwaa Amihere, describing the school as “a breeding ground for homosexuals,” is a misrepresentation of its values and identity.

    In a statement, management said it had taken serious note of the remark and described it as “false, reckless, and deeply offensive.”

    The school noted that the comment amounts to “an irresponsible generalisation that maligns our students, undermines the integrity of our institution, and seeks to attach a stigma to a school with a proud legacy of discipline, excellence, and moral formation.”

    PRESEC stressed that it is a Presbyterian mission institution founded and run on strong Christian principles, with over eight decades of commitment to academic excellence, discipline, leadership, character development, and the moral upbringing of young men.

    Management said any claim suggesting otherwise is “a gross misrepresentation of who we are and what we stand for,” adding that the school operates in line with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

    The school further pointed to its long-standing academic and moral record, noting that PRESEC has consistently ranked among Ghana’s leading secondary institutions and has produced generations of men who have served society with honour in academia, public service, science, business, faith, and civic life.

    According to management, the school’s repeated successes at the National Science and Maths Quiz reflect “a culture of intellectual rigour, discipline, teamwork, confidence, and responsible leadership,” rather than the “defamatory narrative being circulated.”

    Management warned that such statements are not only inaccurate but harmful, as they “unfairly label and expose young students to ridicule, prejudice, and emotional harm,” while also attempting to damage the reputation of an institution that has made significant contributions to national development. PRESEC said it “will not accept or normalise such characterisations.”

    The statement also expressed appreciation to parents, alumni, students, and the general public for their continued trust and support, assuring stakeholders that the school remains committed to upholding its values, protecting the dignity of its students, and maintaining high standards of excellence and character formation.

    PRESEC reaffirmed its focus on its core mandate of delivering quality education, enforcing discipline, shaping character, and preparin young men to become principled leaders and responsible citizens.

    However Serwaa has since issued an apology after the reaction of the Management of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon.

    The statement triggered widespread backlash, prompting Amihere to publicly express regret. “I apologise to everyone who has felt slighted by the comments, especially the PRESEC community and the PRESECANS. I apologise, and I assure you that it won’t happen again,” she said.

    The issue arose at a time when national debate over LGBTQI matters in Ghana had intensified, in a country where same-sex relations are illegal and public opinion is largely against them.

    The discussion was further inflamed by the circulation of an unapproved teacher training manual, which raised concerns that LGBTQI topics were being introduced into schools—claims the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have strongly denied.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government will not promote LGBTQ+ activities.

    During his meeting with Christian community leaders on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 when he was aspiring to be president, spoke candidly about same-sex relationships, affirming his Christian beliefs and asserting that LGBTQ+ practices have no place in the church.

    He pointed out that the current president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has not significantly contributed to addressing the issue, particularly by not signing the anti-gay bill into law.

    Reassuring the clergymen, Mahama emphasized that, should he regain the presidency, there would be no tolerance for such practices in any form.

    Read exactly what he said that got the entire room of religious leaders on their feet below:

    “My fathers and mothers in Christ, the current legal impasse created by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration on the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Act, which was passed by Parliament, has set a dangerous precedence for our governance. The constitutional directive for action by the president are quite clear and need not have resulted in this stalemate.

    “As I’ve publicly stated, I’m a proud member of the Assemblies of God Church and my faith does not support same-sex marriages or relationships (loud applause for over 20 seconds) nor does it support human-animal relationships, or does it allow people to change their gender as they wish. This is a fundamental belief that I hold and is grounded in my faith. I, therefore, assure you that the promotion of LGBTQ+++++ and all the pluses will have no place in our schools and communities under my administration,” he said, followed by the entire room of pastors standing to their feet in great and loud applause.

  • Govt is not paying us for the cocoa they buy from us; we are broke – Cocoa farmers cry out

    Govt is not paying us for the cocoa they buy from us; we are broke – Cocoa farmers cry out

    The President of the Ghana National Association of Cocoa Farmers (GNACOF), Stevenson Anane Boateng, has lamented the government’s hesitation to pay them for the cocoa sold out to them.

    He said, the situation has rendered a number of cocoa farmers broke since November last year and are calling for intervention

    “The government is buying our cocoa but has refused to pay us. Since November, we have not been paid. They accept the cocoa, but they don’t pay us,” he lamented during an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.

    When asked what might have caused the delay, he responded: “We don’t know. We are not part of the government, so please, you need to ask them why they have refused to pay cocoa farmers. This is troubling, and we want the government to address our concerns.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNACOFA) has cautioned the government that failure to introduce a pension scheme, improve health insurance, and ensure access to quality healthcare will leave farmers with no option but to take action themselves.

    GNACOFA has made a formal call for swift reforms aimed at improving the welfare and security of cocoa farmers across the country, noting that they currently do not have sufficient social protection.

    The Association urged the government to put in place a pension scheme for cocoa farmers, broaden and enhance their health insurance benefits, and guarantee access to quality healthcare services.

    Anane Boateng called on the government to respond without delay, warning that inaction would force farmers to mobilise for a nationwide protest to push their demands.

    Meanwhile, in August 2025 Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson announced at a press conference after a meeting with the Producer Price Review Committee that Cocoa farmers in the country will soon receive free fertiliser and other inputs from the government starting from the 2025/2026 crop season.

    The government’s decision to reintroduce the free fertilisers according to Mr Forson is aimed at supporting farmers to increase production.

    “In preparation for the new season, COCOBOD has made available jute sacks and related logistics for the smooth take-off of the 2025/2026 crop Season. Ladies and Gentlemen, and to the cocoa farmer, I am pleased to announce that President John Mahama’s administration has reintroduced the free cocoa fertiliser programme as an additional support to the Ghanaian cocoa farmer, beginning the 2025/2026 crop year.”

    Dr. Forson added that every single farmer will benefit from this initiative.

    “Beginning this crop year, President Mahama’s administration will supply free cocoa fertilisers (both liquid and granular), free insecticides, free spraying machines, free fungicides, and free flower inducers to farmers.”

    Farmers were therefore cautioned against smuggling.

    “Government strongly advises cocoa farmers to apply these inputs solely for the purpose of improving cocoa yield and their income. Please do not smuggle them,” he said.

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil, on July 28, handed over two thousand (2,000) tons of fertilizer, equivalent to 40,000 bags of fertilizer, to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

    According to the Foreign Ministry, the fertilizer was donated to the West African country by the Kingdom of Morocco during the official visit of Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa to Morocco last month as part of the two countries’ commitment to sustainable agriculture to enhance food security.

    Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, received the donated fertilizers on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku. He expressed gratitude to the Morrocan government for the donation. He assured that farmers will receive the fertilizers to aid crop production.

    “Yesterday, 40,000 bags of fertilizer was donated to Ghana by the Kingdom of Morocco through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On behalf of my boss Hon Eric Opoku, I want to say a big thank you to Hon Ablakwa and Her Excellency Ouaadil for this kind gesture. We at the Ministry of Agriculture will ensure the fertilizers get straight to the deserving farmers as soon as possible,” he wrote in a post on the X platform on July 29.

    Agricultural stakeholders have long raised concerns over Ghana not having a single chemical fertiliser plant.

    According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, this gap is affecting crop yields and weakening the sector’s overall contribution to the economy, with agriculture’s share of GDP falling from 26.9% in 2010 to 22.7% in 2023.

  • Special effects and pyrotechnics artist James Akaie, dies from fatal explosion on set

    Special effects and pyrotechnics artist James Akaie, dies from fatal explosion on set

    A special effects and pyrotechnics artist James Akaie is dead.

    The news was shared by Film producer and director, James Abinibi, following a fatal explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm a tragic accident occurred on location in Abeokuta set of our film as filming was coming to a wrap, resulting in the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, James Akaie.”

    “During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside of the film set where James was experimenting on an unauthorised Pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants,” Abinibi disclosed on Friday, 16, on Instagram.

    Mr Akaie was known for his outstanding special effects makeup work on several major Nollywood movies.

    His credits include “Mai Martaba”, “The Night of June 7th”, “Dark October”, “Ireke”, among others.

    He said Akaie died at the hospital where he was rushed after sustaining severe injuries.

    Mr Abinibi added that two other aides suffered burns and were immediately taken to a specialist hospital, where they received prompt medical attention.

    He confirmed that they were in stable condition and were continuing to receive treatment.

    “The specific circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. We are cooperating fully with this investigation as we further conduct our own internal review. Out of respect for James’s family and the investigative process, we cannot provide further details at this time.

    “James’s innovative spirit and commitment to artistic excellence were unmatched. He consistently sought to elevate every project with his talent, a testament to his deep passion for filmmaking. We will remember him not only for his exceptional skill but for the vibrant presence he brought to our set every day”, said Abinibi.

    Nollywood also lost actress and producer Allwell Ademola, who passed away at the age of forty-three.

    Reports suggested that she died on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

    News of her death spread quickly across social media, which saw several actors took to their platforms to express commiserate with her family.

    Actress Fathia Williams shared the sad news on Instagram, posting, “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar.”

    Damola Olatunji also reacted by sharing a candle image with the words, “Life is a mirage,” while Mide Martins posted a photo of Ademola on Facebook accompanied by a tribute.

    Bidemi Kosoko responded with disbelief in an emotional Instagram post, openly rejecting the news.

    “No way. No, no, no. Ko possible ooo. This isn’t true. God forbid, in Jesus’ name. I refuse to accept this one Lai Lai. God forbid. Olorun oni je,” she wrote. She went on to plead for a response from the late actress, adding, “Just reply to my message, abeg, oremi/aunty mi. I will wait patiently for your reply.”

    Information circulating within the industry suggests she collapsed at home and was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

    Nigerian actor, content creator and influencer Odira Nwobu is dead.

    According to his lawyer Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi and the Guild of Nigeria, who spoke to the BBC, the actor who died on Monday, November 25, died in South Africa at the age of forty-three (43).

    The cause of the death is yet to be known but Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi  has revealed  that an ambulance was called to Nwobu’s hotel in the town of Benoni, near Johannesburg, after he was discovered alone in his room “gasping for breath”

    Adding that, Paramedics attempted to keep the actor alive using a defibrillator, but he died at the scene before they could take him to the hospital.

    While his family is yet to comment on the matter, many Nigerians and fans have expressed shock online.

    Odira Nwobu was born in Nigeria’s south-eastern state of Enugu in 1982.

    He was in more than 60 films during his lifetime and was well-known for his comedic persona and babyface.

    He landed his first professional role – in a film called Joseph the Dreamer – straight out of secondary school.

    He told the BBC News Igbo in 2021 that he enjoyed a successful career but often felt boxed into the same kinds of roles that pushed him toward creating online content, where he felt he had more creative freedom.

    On TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, he built a large audience, gathering hundreds of thousands of followers.

    According to Emeka Rollas, president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Nwobu was in South Africa at the time of his passing with a team of social media influencers promoting a Nigerian-owned real estate company.

    His lawyer was also on the trip, serving as the legal adviser to the Nigerian firm that arranged the visit.

    “[We] were shocked to receive calls from Nigeria to confirm the passing away of the young man, while we were still debating how to break the news to his family,” Mr Chukwudi said.

  • A$AP Rocky praises Rihanna’s support at Gotham Awards

    A$AP Rocky praises Rihanna’s support at Gotham Awards

    A$AP Rocky has praised Rihanna following their appearance at the Gotham Awards.

    According to PEOPLE, the couple, both aged 37, attended the event after Rocky received a nomination for Breakthrough Performer for his role in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.

    The ‘Praise the Lord’ rapper and fashion designer said Rihanna’s presence at the ceremony meant “everything” to him.

    “Family support is just … spousal support, everything,” Rocky said. “It just means a lot. It goes a long way.”

    In an earlier interview with Perfect Magazine, Rocky spoke about balancing his career with fatherhood, noting that he finds joy in being a “father and a partner and a loving husband.”

    The 37-year-old made the remarks while responding to a question about the moments when he “experiences the greatest satisfaction and happiness.”

    Rocky, who shares two sons and a daughter with Rihanna, said peace plays a key role in his happiness. “I think peace really makes me happy,” he said.

    “Being a father and a partner and a loving husband in my family is what makes me really, really happy. I hope this doesn’t sound cliché, and I would hate if it does, because that’s what honestly gets me going: being able to express myself creatively, being able to be a family man and being able to be an artisan. It doesn’t matter what hat I wear that day, it’s just about being able to give it my all and do these things.”

    In a separate interview with Complex, Rocky also spoke about his daughter when asked about his favourite thing he created this year.

    “My daughter,” said Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelston Mayers, laughing. “That’s my favorite thing I created this year. Shout out to Rocki Irish.”

    Last year, the two made headlines as they confirmed they were expecting their third child during the 2025 Met Gala in New York.

    The iconic singer and beauty mogul, 37, revealed her baby bump while posing for cameras on the red carpet, elegantly dressed and glowing with joy.

    Holding her growing belly with pride, Rihanna closed out the arrivals at fashion’s biggest night, making a grand entrance that sparked excitement among fans and media alike.

    Her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky—whose real name is Rakim Mayers—confirmed the news while walking the red carpet. He graciously thanked reporters who congratulated them and hinted at the reveal by saying, “It is time to just show the people what we were cooking up.”

    “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he added. “I’m glad everybody’s happy for us because we’re definitely happy.”

    The couple, who already share two sons, are known for turning high-profile appearances into moments of personal celebration. Rihanna previously debuted her first pregnancy in a Harlem photoshoot in 2022 and surprised the world with news of her second during her Super Bowl halftime show performance in 2023.

    This year’s Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” marked a significant occasion in the fashion calendar, with A$AP Rocky serving as one of the co-chairs. The event celebrated Black menswear and style innovation, and the couple’s appearance added a personal, heartfelt highlight to the night.

    Rihanna’s third pregnancy reveal continues her trend of blending iconic fashion moments with major life announcements—solidifying her reputation for rewriting the rules on celebrity culture and maternity style.

    On another note, Rapper A$AP Rocky was declared not guilty of allegedly shooting at a former friend.

    A Los Angeles jury acquitted the musician, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, of two serious assault charges that could have landed him in prison for up to 24 years.

    Terell Ephron claimed that during an argument on a Hollywood street on November 6, 2021, the Grammy-nominated artist fired a gun at him, with one bullet reportedly grazing his knuckles.

    Mayers, a well-known fashion entrepreneur and Rihanna’s longtime partner, denied the accusations, insisting that the gun in question was just a prop and that Ephron, who goes by A$AP Relli, was only trying to get money from him.

    As soon as the first “not guilty” verdict was read in court on Tuesday, cheers and applause erupted. Mayers quickly turned to his family and Rihanna, who were sitting behind him, leaping over a wooden barrier to hug them.

    Rihanna had been present throughout the trial and, for the final verdict, brought their two young sons, RZA and Riot.

    Tearing up, Mayers embraced his lawyers when the second verdict was announced.

    “Thank God for saving my life,” he said out loud, also expressing gratitude to the jury.

    Mayers was initially arrested after a heated argument with Ephron in the heart of Hollywood.

    The two had been close since high school in New York and were part of the A$AP Mob collective before their friendship soured as Mayers’ career skyrocketed.

    Investigators say Ephron met Mayers outside a Hollywood hotel the day after they had a disagreement.

    Their argument escalated, and Mayers allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband, pointing it at Ephron while saying, “I’ll kill you right now.”

    “He looked me in my eyes and pointed the gun at me,” Ephron testified in court.

    Ephron claimed he challenged Mayers to shoot, but instead, the rapper walked away. However, when Ephron continued yelling and following him, Mayers allegedly fired several shots, with one bullet grazing Ephron’s hand.

    The trial largely focused on whether the firearm was a real weapon or just a movie prop, as Mayers’ defense team argued.

    Police never recovered the gun, and while some of the altercation was caught on surveillance footage—complete with audio of gunfire—there was no clear video showing the actual shooting.

    Ephron waited two days before reporting the incident and even brought shell casings he claimed to have found at the scene.

    However, when police initially responded to reports of gunfire, they found no shell casings. Ephron, who said he returned with his girlfriend hours later, claimed he knew exactly where to look, but security footage didn’t confirm his story.

    Instead of seeking treatment in Los Angeles, Ephron flew back to New York before seeing a doctor.

    Mayers’ defense team suggested Ephron may have planted the shell casings to frame the rapper.

    The trial was filled with tense moments, especially when Ephron, the prosecution’s key witness, took the stand.

    At one point, Ephron snapped at Mayers’ lawyer, calling him “annoying,” prompting a warning from the judge.

    A$AP Twelvyy, another witness, was questioned about a photograph showing Mayers’ bed with the letters “AWGE” on the frame.

    When asked what it meant, Mayers interrupted the court and shouted, “Don’t say!” Twelvyy refused to explain.

    Defendants rarely speak out during trials, especially in front of a jury, making Mayers’ outburst particularly unusual.

    Now cleared of the charges, the rapper is gearing up to release his first solo album in nearly a decade and is set to co-headline the Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles in March 2025.

    He will also star alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest, set for release in the coming months.

  •  Mercy Johnson drops all charges against TikToker over alleged defamation 

     Mercy Johnson drops all charges against TikToker over alleged defamation 

    Famous Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson dropped all charges against Eedie Bliss over alleged defamation.

    The Daily Post reports that Eedie Bliss was arrested some days ago over a video she shared on TikTok in December 2025 about Mercy Johnson and her husband, Prince Henry Okojie.

    Hours later, popular social media critic VeryDarkMan criticised the actress and accused her of oppression, noting that defamation is a civil case.

    Joining other Nigerians in seeking Bliss’s release from police detention, VeryDarkMan issued an ultimatum to the actress.

    A few hours later, VeryDarkMan announced the TikTok creator’s release.

    He wrote on his Instagram page: “@MercyJohnsonOkojie, thank you very much, my GREATEST OF ALL TIME, for dropping the case. Moving on, I am buying all defamation cases against Mercy Johnson and her family. The bullying is too much. You all should leave her family alone.”

    In the video, the TikTok personality claimed that Prince Okojie recently purchased a house for a woman said to be his pregnant mistress.

    Citing Cutie Juls as her source, Eedie Bliss also alleged that the actress supposedly worked with the woman’s house help in an attempt to cause her to lose the pregnancy.

    Last year, Singer Wendy Shay officially filed a complaint with the Ghana Police Service concerning allegations that she is engaged in lesbianism with a young girl she has adopted, known as Tracy Shay.

    A young man, in a viral video, alleges that Wendy is acting on a spiritualist’s instructions to engage in inappropriate conduct with the minor.

    Wendy is therefore urging the public to help identify the perpetrator so the person can be held accountable.

    “The matter has been formally reported to the Ghana Police Service, and active investigations are underway. I have been informed that the individual behind the account has been traced to the United Arab Emirates, where he is currently employed with a construction company. Further steps are being taken through the appropriate channels to ensure he is held accountable for his actions.

    “I am cooperating fully with the police and trust the investigation process to bring this matter to a swift and just resolution. I further encourage us all to continue standing against cyberbullying, online harassment, and malicious attacks on innocent people,” the statement shared on November 19, 2025, read.

    Legal representatives of renowned gospel musician Evangelist Diana Asamoah also strongly refuted claims suggesting that she is a lesbian.

    In a statement addressing a viral video circulating on social media, the legal team dismissed the allegations as slanderous and baseless.

    The video, featuring a woman of unknown identity, insinuates that the gospel singer is involved in same-sex relationships.

    According to the statement, Evangelist Diana Asamoah categorically denies the claim and maintains that she does not engage in any form of lesbianism.

    Her legal representatives have challenged the individual behind the accusations to step forward and provide evidence, indicating their readiness to contest the matter in court.

    “In the circumstances, we are throwing a challenge to the lady in the video to own up and justify her vile allegations so we contest her baseless claim in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.

    The legal team further urged the public to disregard the video should the accuser fail to substantiate her claims.

    This development follows a growing trend of public figures facing unfounded allegations online, raising concerns about misinformation and defamation on social media.

    A dancer and member of the DWP Academy, Lisa Quama, has addressed speculations surrounding her style of dressing, firmly stating that her fashion choices do not define her sexuality.

    Despite acknowledging her tomboyish style, Lisa strongly dismissed claims that she is a lesbian, emphasizing that one’s choice of clothing does not determine their sexual orientation.

    “I am not a lesbian. That is a sexual narrative, but a tomboy is simply someone comfortable in male clothes. Yes! I love men with all my heart,” she clarified on The Delay Show on March 8, 2025

    Lisa initially hesitated when asked whether she identified as a tomboy. However, after persistent questioning from the host, she eventually embraced the label.

    “I don’t want to say yes… I will never be a boy because I am a girl. I am not dressing like a boy… You know what? I am a tomboy. I have accepted that I am a tomboy,” she admitted.

    Her remarks come in response to ongoing social media discussions about her appearance, reinforcing the point that personal style should not be mistaken for one’s sexuality.

    Ace Ghanaian Highlife musician and actress Paulina Oduro has hit back at rumors about her sexuality, calling them baseless and absurd.

    Addressing the speculation that she is a lesbian, she expressed frustration over such claims, emphasizing that her role as a mother should be enough to dismiss the allegations.

    “I had an interview with Delay, and she said people say I am a lesbian,” Oduro recalled during a discussion on Joy Prime on March 26, 2025. “I ended up saying they are very stupid and idiots because I have three kids and an amazing relationship with my partners.”

    The veteran musician, who has remained single for some time, noted that her happiness is not dependent on being in a relationship. She asserted that she is emotionally independent and does not need a romantic partner to feel fulfilled.

    “I have been on my own for a while. I don’t need a man or another human being to make me happy,” she stated. “You can be who you want to be, but don’t label me because it is something I don’t like.”

    Paulina Oduro’s response comes on the back of public scrutiny regarding her relationship status, with some speculating about her sexual orientation. She expressed disappointment that people could fabricate such claims simply because she has chosen to remain single.

    With a long-standing career in entertainment, Oduro has built a reputation as a bold and outspoken personality. She made it clear that she refuses to conform to societal expectations or entertain false narratives about her personal life.

  • Plans underway to restore Saglemi housing project to its initial public use objective – Kwakye Ofosu

    Plans underway to restore Saglemi housing project to its initial public use objective – Kwakye Ofosu

    The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced that plans are underway to restore the Saglemi housing project to its initial public use objective.

    He argued that the New Patriotic Party’s decision to give the project to private developers undermines its original aim of offering affordable public housing to serve Ghanaians.

    In an interview on TV3 on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Mr Kwakye made it known that, the current administration is reassessing that decision to ensure the original vision of the project is protected.

    “Yes, it was announced in the dying embers of the previous administration, but it is under review because we believe it is not the best or most ideal situation.”

    “It was meant to be public housing, affordable for people within a certain income bracket. They left it to rot for eight years and then, at the last minute, attempted to transfer it into private hands. We are reviewing the arrangement to ensure that the initial objective is achieved,” he stated.

    The Saglemi Housing Project, situated in Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, began in 2012 during President John Dramani Mahama’s first term as an initiative to address Ghana’s housing shortage.

    The project, however, came to a halt after 2017 when the Akufo-Addo administration took over, leaving the site inactive for almost eight years.

    In late 2024, the previous government revealed that a private developer, the Quarm-LMI Consortium, had been chosen to finish the project. The state’s earlier investment was counted as equity, and no additional public funds were to be provided.

    The consortium was expected to complete the remaining units by early 2026.

    The project was initially meant to provide 5,000 housing units on 300 acres, but only 1,506 units were partially completed before work stopped in 2017, even though around $200 million had already been spent.

    Former administration appointees claimed that many of the buildings lacked key infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and sewage systems.

    Government officials say a current review will determine the best way to complete the project while protecting public interest.

    Earlier last year, Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, assured that contractors will soon return to the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project site to continue construction.

    During a recent working visit to housing developments at Shai Hills and Ningo Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Adjei emphasized that the government is actively engaging key stakeholders to revive the long-stalled project.

    “We know of the Saglemi housing project, among other projects, has stalled halfway. When I resumed office, I started engaging with key stakeholders, and very soon, we will move to site, and then work will begin,” he stated.

    His tour also included inspections of the National Homeownership Fund Affordable Housing Projects in Shai Hills and Tema Community 22, alongside the Ningo Prampram Coastal Sea Defence Project.

    Mr. Adjei highlighted the government’s renewed focus on ensuring that projects are seen through to completion without unnecessary delays or financial losses.

    “We will put in plans to ensure that we don’t start projects and end midway, but to ensure that all projects get to their finishing line,” he said.

    He also urged contractors to adhere to set timelines to avoid further setbacks.

    “Some of the projects are behind schedule, some too are on schedule, and I would advise our contractors that going forward, we don’t want any delays in our projects. If we give timelines, we should stick to the timelines. Those are things I’m going to meet and discuss with the contractors,” he stated.

    The minister further reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in coastal areas. He assured that ongoing sea defence projects in Axim, Cape Coast, Dansoman, and Dixcove would be expedited, with alternative funding sources being explored to ensure their completion.

    Former Minister of Works and Housing, Collins Dauda, along with Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah (former Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing) and Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu (Chief Director in the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing), were initially accused of contributing to the mishandling of funds in the $200 million Saglemi Housing project.

    Businessman Andrew Clocanas (who passed away) and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo (CEO of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited) were also part of the list of accused individuals. They faced multiple charges related to misusing public funds, which were filed in January 2023.

    However, an Accra High Court ruled in favor of Collins Dauda, and three others by discharging them from all charges.

    The decision, announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2025, came after state prosecutors informed the court that the Attorney General had decided to withdraw the charges against the defendants.

    Dr. Ayine, during a press briefing on February 12, 2025, justified the decision to drop the case by noting that part of the funds were used for the construction of houses, which should have been considered in assessing the charges.

    “In other words, the value of that built environment is, in my considered opinion, a key determinant of how much of the total sum was allegedly misapplied by the Honorable Collins Dauda. Discounting the value of the built environment renders those charges, in my considered opinion, defective,” he stated.

    Furthermore, Dr. Ayine highlighted that payments made by other ministers, such as the $5 million approved by Atta Akyea in 2017, had not been included in the evaluation of the state’s financial losses.

    He questioned why Akyea, who was involved in these payments, was not charged while Dauda had been.

    “For instance, Atta Akyea, as Minister of Works and Housing, approved a payment of $5 million in 2017 that ought to have been considered in determining the value of state funds that Collins Dauda had misapplied. But that wasn’t done. And note, ladies and gentlemen of the media, that Atta Akyea was never charged, even though Collins Dauda was,” he pointed out.

    In his closing remarks, Dr. Ayine emphasized the importance of clarity in legal charges, asserting that accusations must be precise to ensure fairness in the trial process. He argued that the charges filed in this case did not meet the necessary legal standards to proceed.