DJ Azonto, known for the hit “Fa No Fom,” has made a strong appeal to the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) and other music institutions in Ghana, encouraging them to utilize his microfinance services to secure higher royalties for musicians.
His statement follows reports that artist Fancy Gadam received just 300 Ghana Cedis in royalties from GHAMRO.
Worried about the financial situation of his fellow artists, DJ Azonto has suggested a solution that he believes will result in more significant earnings for musicians.
DJ Azonto has urged GHAMRO and MUSIGA to open accounts with his microfinance institution, suggesting that with available funds, they could invest wisely and provide better payouts to musicians.
DJ Azonto’s microfinance business, recognized for its tagline “Loan in a Second,” provides collateral-free loans, making it an accessible and convenient option for those in genuine need of financial assistance.
He is also currently promoting his latest track, “Letter To King Paluta,” where he talks about receiving $10 million in compensation from Ghana’s current vice president.
Musician and politician A-Plus has ignited controversy with his recent remarks about women’s roles in society.
In a conversation on Hitz FM on Monday, A-Plus shared his view that women were not meant to work and should not be expected to juggle both professional careers and household duties.
“I don’t believe a woman must work. I don’t believe women are supposed to take care of children at home and still work. Maternal duties are too much, it’s a full-time job, so I don’t believe a career should be added to it” A Plus stated.
He believes that men should take on the role of providers and compensate their spouses for their contributions to the household.
“I don’t believe a woman must have three kids, wake up, take care of them, then go to the bank to work, leave your kids—no, no, no. It’s too much and women must be paid for that.”
When questioned about whether he has put his belief into practice, A-Plus confessed that although he aspires to do so, he is presently unable to financially compensate his wife for her contributions.
He mentioned that the only asset he can claim is the legally recognized joint tenancy.
A-Plus also disclosed that he is financially limited, as all of his possessions are under his wife’s name, given his non-materialistic nature.
His remarks have generated debate on social media, with some supporting his perspective, while others have labeled his views as antiquated and impractical.
Entertainment pundit and politician Kwame Obeng Asare, also known as A-Plus, has disclosed that he goes to bed with a gun to protect himself against unforeseen danger.
In an interview with the media on August 12, 2024, he revealed that even though several Ghanaians hurl insults at him online, he is yet to meet any individual in person expressing hatred towards him.
He says he remains unfazed despite calls threatening his existence every now and then.
A Plus stated that he keeps a gun for his protection and is always ready to defend himself if necessary.
Reflecting on the tragic murder of the late music mogul Fennec Okyere, he emphasized that he would not allow himself to be caught off guard in a similar situation.
“When you fall asleep, you will probably do so with your phone in your hand. I fall asleep with my gun in my hand. Even sometimes, I’m sitting on UTV, I have a gun in my pants. I’m just living and I don’t want to die like Fennec.
“Fennec was in his room sleeping, and then people came and he had to wait for them to come and murder him. Bro, you can’t die like that. He had to wait. He didn’t have anything, no form of protection, so he just had to wait for them to break in and murder him.
“I still have the pictures on my phone. And when I look at Fennec’s pictures, I say to myself, ‘Me, I will not go like that’. The kind of things I’ll do before I die, when you put me on my bed, you see me smiling because I would have shot at least one person before I died,” he said.
What happened to Fennec?
Fennec Okyere, the CEO of Madtime Entertainment and manager of rapper Kwaw Kese, was tragically killed at his home in Accra on March 13, 2014, by unidentified attackers.
Fellow artist manager Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, popularly known as Bullgod, was apprehended in 2014 as a suspect but was released in 2017 after the Attorney-General opted not to proceed with the case.
Although he was cleared of the charges, Bullgod has repeatedly addressed the accusations, maintaining that he never made any threats against Fennec.
To this day, no one has been arrested in connection with Fennec’s murder, and the case remains unsolved.
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has confirmed two positives out of four suspected dengue fever cases sent by the Oti Regional Health Directorate to the Institute.
A circular dubbed “Notification of the Outbreak of Dengue Fever in Oti Region,” dated August 9, 2024, and signed by Dr. David Sarpong Opong, the Acting Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, said the samples were taken during enhanced surveillance.
It said, “The enhanced surveillance instituted by the region on dengue fever has resulted in a total of four suspected cases since the alert, and samples were taken and sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for testing.”
“Samples of two of the cases (both from the Kadjebi District), which were picked on July 29, 2024, have been confirmed positive for dengue fever.”
“The confirmed cases are a 24-year-old female and a 21-year-old male, and both of them are doing well,” the statement stated.
The statement called on all municipal and district health directors to enhance surveillance and improve risk communication efforts within their regions and health facilities. The goal is to ensure early detection and proper management of suspected cases, aiming to reduce illness and prevent deaths.
Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, the Kadjebi District Director of Health Services, confirmed the report in a conversation with the Ghana News Agency.
He urged residents to use treated mosquito nets, emphasizing that “dengue fever” is transmitted in the same manner as malaria, through mosquito bites, and that the symptoms are quite similar.
Nana Takyi also advised the public to avoid self-medication and to promptly seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, high body temperature, headache, and joint pains, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment, thus preventing fatalities.
“Self-medication does not treat dengue fever, so residents should go to the hospital for treatment,” he said.
He urged the upkeep of a clean environment to stop mosquitoes from breeding.
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Samuel Awuku, has reiterated the Authority’s determination to eliminate illegal lotto operations nationwide.
During an Editors’ Forum in Accra, Mr. Awuku assured the public that the NLA is ramping up efforts to regulate unlicensed operators and ensure all lotto activities adhere to legal standards.
He stressed that the NLA will take all necessary actions to curb illegal operations and warned those involved to legitimize their activities or face strict legal consequences.
“We are taking decisive action to clamp down on illegal lotto operators. The NLA is committed to ensuring that everyone in the industry operates legally and contributes to the development of the sector,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku highlighted the collective efforts of the NLA team in revitalizing the Authority’s brand over the past three years, a period marked by significant achievements. He was honored as CEO of the Year at both the 7th and 8th CEO Summit and Excellence Awards and also received the CEO of the Lottery Award in 2023.
“These awards are not just a personal achievement but a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire NLA team. We have made significant strides in repositioning the NLA as a trustworthy and efficient authority, and we will continue to uphold these standards,” Mr Awuku added.
The Editors’ Forum, which gathered media professionals and stakeholders, served as an opportunity for the NLA to highlight its achievements and present its future plans. It also facilitated discussions on the challenges confronting the lottery industry and the measures the NLA is implementing to tackle them.
The NLA’s efforts to combat illegal lotto operations are part of a larger strategy to strengthen the integrity and sustainability of Ghana’s lottery sector. Mr. Awuku urged the public to support the NLA’s initiatives by reporting any unlawful activities, ensuring that the industry flourishes within a fair and regulated framework.
A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Gomoa West in the Central Region, Alex Abban, has expressed his disagreement with President Akufo-Addo’s recent remarks questioning Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s exclusive claim as Ghana’s founder.
During his 2024 Founders’ Day speech on August 3, President Akufo-Addo argued that Ghana’s establishment was a joint effort, rather than the sole achievement of Dr. Nkrumah.
This perspective has triggered a range of responses in both political and historical circles.
In an interview with Channel One TV on August 10, Mr. Abban voiced his opposition to the President’s view that Dr. Nkrumah should not be regarded as the sole founder of Ghana.
Nonetheless, Mr. Abban conceded that many people played significant roles in Ghana’s quest for independence.
He stressed that while Dr. Nkrumah was crucial in this process, it is equally important to acknowledge the collective contributions of others in the nation’s path to freedom.
“I am in a difficult position because I cannot agree with the president. I cannot agree with him but I agree with the statements that he made that a lot of people fought for independence.”
“…So for us to think that anybody who founded the nation did not have a team of lieutenants we will be wrong but obviously when history is being written when names are being mentioned one person will stand the pride of place, will stand tall,” he insisted.
Tullow Oil PLC has reported a significant boost in profits from its operations in Ghana, achieving a pre-tax profit of $411 million for the first six months of 2024.
This marks an impressive increase of over 50% compared to the $266 million earned during the same period in 2023, as detailed in Tullow’s half-year financial results released to investors on August 7, 2024.
The company also contributed $144 million in taxes to the Ghanaian government for operations from January to June 2024.
This profit represents the highest figure recorded by any of Tullow’s subsidiaries this year.
This notable financial success occurs amid an ongoing dispute with the Ghana Revenue Authority over tax obligations for its 2022-2023 operations.
Operationally, Ghana’s offshore oil facilities performed strongly, maintaining a high efficiency level with 97% uptime during the first half of 2024.
The Jubilee oil field averaged 90,100 barrels of oil per day, slightly under target, while production from the Tweneboah Enyenra Ntomme (TEN) oil fields surpassed expectations, averaging 19,000 barrels per day.
Gas production in Ghana averaged 6,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) during the first half of 2024. The current Gas Sales Agreement, which sets the price at $3.00 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), will remain effective until the fourth quarter of 2025.
“Discussions are ongoing to explore additional opportunities for selling gas to third parties, potentially creating a significant long-term revenue stream.
The international court is set to deliver its ruling in November this year regarding the $387 million tax dispute between Tullow Oil and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
This comes as Tullow Oil reported a significant increase in profit before tax from its Ghanaian operations, reaching $411 million, while the company paid $144 million in taxes for the first half of 2024.
Tullow Oil remains optimistic about the court’s decision, firmly asserting that it does not owe the contested amount.
Richard Miller, the Chief Financial Officer of Tullow Oil, confirmed that the case will be concluded in November.
“We should get the results of the Ghana arbitration no later than somewhere in November.”
He further added that “there’s a range of possible outcomes, obviously the one that we expect is that we will be successful, and nothing will be owed”.
In February 2023, Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) revealed that Tullow Ghana Limited (TGL) had sought arbitration from the International Chamber of Commerce in London over two contested tax assessments issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The disputed assessments pertain to the denial of loan interest deductions for the fiscal years 2010 to 2020, and the funds received under Tullow Oil plc’s corporate Business Interruption Insurance policy.
Tullow argues that these tax assessments, amounting to $387 million plus penalties, infringe on TGL’s rights under its Petroleum Agreements. Tullow’s move to arbitration does not alter the previously reported overall exposure.
Tullow is confident that resolving these issues through international arbitration will provide clarity and serve the best interests of all stakeholders.
Ghanaian musician Mzbel is playing an active role in the campaign for former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This involvement comes as Mahama prepares for his upcoming tour of the Volta Region, scheduled from Tuesday, August 13th to Friday, August 16th, 2024.
During the tour, Mahama will connect with grassroots supporters across all eighteen constituencies in the region. His schedule includes door-to-door visits, market interactions, conversations at lorry stations, broad-based community mobilizations, and concluding with rallies.
Mzbel announced these details in a social media post, expressing her strong support for Mahama.
Her decision to back Mahama has surprised many Ghanaians, particularly given their strained relationship during the 2020 elections.
Despite past disagreements, the singer appears to have fully committed to Mahama’s current campaign. Her involvement has sparked significant discussion on social media and within political circles, with many speculating about her reasons for renewed support for the former president.
Musician KiDi has expressed his satisfaction with having recorded the song Lomo Lomo with Black Sherif.
He shared that Black Sherif provided the perfect energy and vibes, which contributed to the creation of the great track.
During an appearance on LTS on JoyNews with Doreen Avio, KiDi acknowledged the praise Ghanaians have for Black Sherif, recognizing his genuine talent.
“It’s spiritual vibes. Music is all about energy. If you are making music with someone and their energy is right, both of you on the same wavelength, you create what we are hearing. Positive energy, good energy and I’m glad we could go into the studio because Blacko.
“I understand why many Ghanaians hail him because he is so talented. Most of my part in the song was written by Kojo Black. Watch out for him. Black Sherif wrote his side, we got straight into the studio, recorded it right there and went home with our music.”
When asked if he wrote the lyrics for the song, KiDi credited the musician Kojo Blak and encouraged Ghanaians to keep an eye on this talented young artist.
KiDi also addressed rumors about being diagnosed with a stroke.
Earlier in 2023, he had planned a series of tours in the United States and other countries, but these were postponed due to a statement suggesting he was unwell.
This led to speculation that he was suffering from a stroke.
Refuting these rumors, KiDi clarified that they were false and explained that he needed a break to address other issues.
“There were issues that required me to take a step back, take a break and fix and deal with them. Few health issues but it wasn’t what people said it was. It has nothing to do with stroke. I didn’t get a stroke and don’t why and how it started but I never had get a stroke. If I had a stroke, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.
KiDi and Black Sherif’s Lomo Lomo is now available on all music streaming platforms.
Wedding videos and photos of social media personality Shatta Bandle began circulating across various social media platforms on September 17, 2022.
Some media outlets reported that the wedding signified the start of a new marital relationship between Shatta Bandle and his baby mama, with whom he has children.
The ceremony took place a few weeks after the self-proclaimed musician announced the arrival of his child.
Shatta Bandle later appeared on TV3’s Showbiz 360, hosted by Giovanni Caleb.
During the interview, Giovanni asked about the authenticity of the 2022 marriage to determine if it was genuine or staged.
Shatta Bandle responded with frustration, questioning Giovanni’s skepticism about his marriage. He also urged the host to show respect for his wealth if he couldn’t respect him personally.
“Do not ask me whether I am married now; just ask me if I am married. I beg you, if you can’t respect me, respect my money,” he said.
Shatta Bandle confirmed after the banter that he is married, with his marriage spanning close to seven years.
He also said the marriage videos that circulated online were not a skit.
He added that he has two wives.
“I’ve been married for about seven years now. I have two wives. It wasn’t for a skit. I am living a real life. Sometimes, it’s difficult for poverty to understand real issues,” he said.
Efia Odo has expressed her surprise at why, amid the numerous topics covered on the Rants, Bants, and Confessions podcast, it is her relationship and sex life that have garnered the most attention from Ghanaians.
This reaction followed a netizen’s comment on X, questioning why the focus has shifted so dramatically to Efia Odo and Kwesi Arthur, and noting that many people seem to have ignored the rest of the discussion.
“Some of the youth in Ghana are h0rny! You see how y’all are talking about Efia Odo and Kwesi Arthur because s€x was somehow involved, crucifying Gisela for whatever she said about her dad, and y’all didn’t pay attention to the latter part of the podcast. We’re not serious!” The tweep wrote.
This post drew Efia Odo’s attention, leading to a response from her.
Efia Odo, who has been defending herself online after segments of the interview discussing Kwesi Arthur went viral, supported the X user who stood up for her.
She replied, “It goes to show that we don’t take serious things seriously in this country. They’re more concerned about who I Dey chop. So why fight for these people anyway,” she wrote in displeasure.
What Efia Odo said in the podcast
Efia Odo indicated that Kwesi Arthur had done some terrible things to her that destroyed their friendship.
To convey how deeply Kwesi Arthur had hurt her, she stated, “Yes, I was once supporting him but you know Kwesi did some hurtful things to me. I don’t want to say it here because I respect him as a person. If I was to say the things he did to me, it would dirty his image. When everything ended, I stopped the support, because why will I keep supporting someone who has f*cked me over?”
She continued, “It’s so funny that when he and I stopped being friends, and he left his label, Ground Up, that’s when his career dwindled, and they gave me this tag as bad luck.”
Goes to show that we don’t take serious things serious in this country. They’re more concerned on who I Dey chop. So why fight for these people anyway 😔 https://t.co/GShedam4a1
Efia Odo’s comments on the podcast provoked Kwesi Arthur.
In a series of posts on X, the rapper harshly criticized her and warned of legal action against anyone who would use him for publicity or continue discussing him.
Well-known Ghanaian comedian and actor, Kalybos, has made a surprising claim about the involvement of “juju” [voodoo] in his first car accident.
Reflecting on actress Portia Asare’s worries about the impact of juju in the Kumawood film industry, Kalybos revealed that his accident was more than just a coincidence.
The accident took place in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Kalybos was traveling to Kumasi for a project.
He described a troubling encounter with an aspiring Kumawood actor who confronted him about filming in Kumasi.
The actor was upset that actors from Accra were dominating roles in Kumasi, leaving local talent overlooked.
He challenged Kalybos to proceed with his work and see if he could escape any consequences.
Soon after this encounter, Kalybos was involved in an accident on the road to Kumasi, near Nkawkaw, while heading to a movie premiere.
The accident resulted in significant damage to his new Dodge Charger, but fortunately, Kalybos and the other passengers emerged unharmed.
Kalybos’ story has ignited conversations about the purported use of ‘juju’ in the Kumawood industry, adding weight to claims that such practices are creating discord and harm among actors.
Media personality Arnold Asamoah Baidoo has expressed his views on the presence of black magic (juju) in the film industry.
His comments follow concerns raised by some actors, who claim that the practice has become increasingly common in recent times.
Recently, actors like Portia Asare and Kalybos, among others, have shared their personal experiences on the matter.
This sparked debates on social media, with people either supporting or questioning the validity of these claims.
However, during a discussion on United Showbiz, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo suggested that the belief in ‘juju’ within the film industry may be largely psychological.
He noted that the issue is so perplexing that even actors themselves are divided on the matter.
“I’m always confused about discussions about Juju because industry players that are said to be experiencing it are divided over it. I’ve heard LilWin say there’s no juju in the industry. I’ve also seen Yvonne share her experience about being struck with eye problems on set while shooting Abdul Salam Mumuni’s ‘Material Girl’.
“Yvonne said the problem only cleared when she prayed and that she was certain that someone tried to kill her with juju. Kalybos also shared his experience of being a victim of juju. But I think this whole thing is psychological more often than not,” he stated.
He continued, “The mind is huge, so when it connects to something, it becomes their reality. I am not saying these people are lying. But, for instance, in the case of Yvonne, it could even be a defect or an infection in the eye. Because her mind is tuned to the possibility of being hit by Juju, it becomes her reality.
“Kalybos’ car also might be faulty, but because his mind is fixed on the threats he received on set, he might think it’s some juju at play.”
Arnold pointed out that some actors, such as Fiifi Coleman, believe it is merely propaganda.
“Fiifi Coleman thinks this whole misconception about Juju is just propaganda. so even within their circle, not all of them believe in it,” he added.
CEO of the Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, has revealed that actress Nana Ama McBrown plans to fund the release of 47 prisoners.
He shared that the actress, who is set to celebrate her 47th birthday on August 15, has decided to move forward with an initiative she previously discussed with him.
“Nana Ama McBrown will turn 47 on August 15, and she will be funding the release of 47 prison inmates. I know whoever is watching this is impressed and will say a prayer for her,” he stated in a video making the rounds online.
Mr. Oppong Kwarteng was seen in a video with several inmates at Akuse Prison, one of the facilities set to benefit from McBrown’s generosity.
He stood with them and said, “The Bible said we should draw near the prisoners, be a source of encouragement to them, and tell them the good news because being in prison is not a joke.”
Earlier in February 2024, when the Crime Check Foundation boss was featured on the ‘McBrown Kitchen’ show, the actress, who was impressed with his philanthropic works, promised to also contribute her quota towards his projects.
She pledged to also lend a helping hand in paying fines for prison inmates and getting them released from prison.
Ghana inaugurated its first commercial gold refinery in Accra, the capital, on Thursday.
This initiative by Africa’s leading gold producer aims to increase value and boost revenue from its centuries-old gold mining industry.
The Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, with a daily processing capacity of 400 kilograms of gold, will initially source gold dore from small-scale and artisanal miners. Plans are in place to acquire licenses to process gold from large-scale mining operations.
The refinery is a joint venture between India’s Rosy Royal Minerals and Ghana’s central bank, which holds a 20% stake in the project.
At the inauguration, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia described the launch of the Royal Gold Refinery as “a new era” that would curb gold smuggling and enhance the country’s earnings from the precious metal.
“With the ability to refine our gold, we will be able to sell it at the appropriate price, enabling us to retain its economic value within our borders while creating numerous jobs for the youth,” he said.
Ghana’s gold from licensed producers is typically exported in its raw form, while a significant portion of output from unregulated artisanal miners, known locally as galamsey, is smuggled out of the country.
According to Bawumia, who is running for president in the upcoming December elections, the refinery will directly employ 80-120 people and create 500 additional indirect jobs.
Last year, Ghana maintained its position as Africa’s top gold producer, with increased production from small-scale and artisanal miners boosting total output to 4.03 million ounces.
The West African nation, also the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is on track to surpass its 2024 gold production target, with output projected between 4.3 million and 4.5 million ounces.
The Bank of Ghana initiated a gold purchase program in 2021 to build reserves through domestic acquisitions and stabilize the cedi currency.
Bank of Ghana Governor Ernest Addison noted that purchases have reached 65.4 tonnes, equivalent to $5 billion, and emphasized the importance of the refinery quickly obtaining London Bullion Market Association (LMA) certification.
Addison said LBMA accreditation for the refinery would help the bank “diversify and organically grow its foreign exchange reserves and accumulate more gold reserves to reduce dependence on external borrowing.”
The general secretary of the small-scale gold miners association, Godwin Armah, said the refinery has to be “transparent” with pricing and gold quantities received from members to help earn their trust and support.
Ghanaian artist Camidoh has issued an apology for his recent remarks about smoking.
In a conversation with Joy Prime, he had compared smoking to kenkey vendors working in a smoky environment.
Camidoh explained to Roselyn Felli that while smoking is widely advised against due to its negative impact on lung health, other activities, such as cooking kenkey, also involve exposure to smoke.
He proposed that the perceived harm of smoking may differ and should be evaluated on an individual basis.
“Not everything that is portrayed as negative is negative. Generally, they say we shouldn’t smoke because it’s bad for our lungs. How about our parents who have been cooking kenkey? You see them when they are making kenkey, you see how smoky it gets? I just want to tell you, you don’t have to dwell on that…It is not bad in my eyes,” he said.
Following the interview, Camidoh faced significant backlash on social media.
In response, he has apologized to his fans, acknowledging that his defense of the comment was misplaced.
“Hey yall. I just want to acknowledge that I made an analogy about smoking in a recent interview, and, in hindsight, I realize it was a poor choice and genuinely quite dumb. I’m sincerely sorry for that, and I want to formally retract that statement, along with anything I might have said in its defense. Love, Midoh,” he wrote on X.
Camidoh, who released the track ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ a few months ago, has shared that the song reflects a personal heartbreak that caused him “real pain” and led him to smoke as a way to cope.
Health experts have strongly disagreed with this perspective, emphasizing that smoking is harmful to health.
They point out that smoking significantly increases the risk of serious conditions such as lung cancer and various other cancers.
Moreover, smoking has detrimental effects on eye health, heightening the risk of diseases like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and optic nerve damage, all of which can impair vision or lead to vision loss.
Stonebwoy has collaborated with Haitian-American rapper, singer, and producer Wyclef Jean on a new track titled ‘Pray For Me.’
This dancehall and afropop-influenced song, produced by Ghanaian-British music producer Sammy Soso, stands as a testament to resilience and perseverance amidst life’s challenges.
‘Pray For Me’ addresses the difficulties and obstacles of life, encouraging listeners to stay strong and hopeful during tough times.
The song begins with a heartfelt appeal for spiritual support, as Stonebwoy calls on his community to pray for him while he faces life’s trials.
Wyclef Jean’s contribution brings an impactful layer to the track, linking the struggles of African and Caribbean communities.
The music video for ‘Pray For Me,’ filmed in London, visually complements the song’s compelling message.
Directed by Charlie Rees, the video portrays a distressed young boy navigating the city’s rough streets, reflecting the hardships described in the song.
The dark and intense visuals echo the song’s themes of struggle and endurance.
‘Pray For Me’ adds depth to Stonebwoy’s expanding collection of socially aware music and notable collaborations. This track sets the stage for his eagerly awaited sixth studio album, which is scheduled to drop later this year.
This comes on the heels of his recent singles, ‘Your Body’ and ‘Ekebele,’ a collaboration with Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck.
His exceptional musical talent continues to receive international recognition, highlighted by his recent triumph at the 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he won seven notable awards, including Artist of the Year.
Legendary Ghanaian actor Fred Nii Amugi has expressed that he considers himself one of the most fortunate talents in Ghana’s film industry.
During an interview with Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, Amugi revealed that he acquired his skills through hands-on experience rather than formal training at a School of Performing Arts.
He attributed his success to hard work and discipline, which have significantly contributed to the growth and development of his career, making him one of the most esteemed actors in the industry.
“I was taught all the disciplines that go with acting, and many think I was at the School of Performing Art, which I never was. I’m one of the luckiest actors Ghana has produced. The lecturers at the School of Performing Arts in those days served as my mentors. So, I had my tuition outside the school.”
Mr. Amugi’s remarks are directed towards aspiring actors and actresses who might be tempted to avoid hard work while still hoping to achieve their goals and breakthroughs.
He emphasized that it was essential for him to absorb and follow the directions given by directors to succeed in the industry.
However, he criticized the current generation of industry professionals for seeking quicker financial gains and resorting to practices like ‘juju,’ which he believes is hindering the growth of the industry.
“We hear about people using ‘juju’ to get roles and other things. There is a speck of truth in every rumour that you hear. So, if you’ve heard people say it, it means something of that nature is happening, but when you have a good heart, God watches over you. I ask myself that it’s just like I get a promotion and you think I didn’t deserve the promotion, so you cut me off. I’m dead and gone.
You’re not going to take that seat anyway, so what’s your problem? God doesn’t like competition. He knows you cannot compete with Him, but when you bring these things, he would want to show you a few things that will tell you that what you’ve gotten to will not help, and this is the result now.”
The 74-year-old actor began his acting career in 1970 in dramas and documentaries until 1985, when he broke into the limelight after starring in his first movie, “Opinto.”
Mr. Amugi went on to feature in a variety of films, including notable local Ghanaian productions like Shoe Shine Boy, Nyame Bekyere, Menua Paa Nie, and Housekeepers, among others.
With no formal training from the School of Performing Arts, his first international role came in 2005, when he played the character Kwame Attakora in the BBC drama Holby City. He later starred in the Netflix 2015 movie Beasts of No Nation as “Pastor.”
A third teenager has been detained in relation to a terror plot targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Austria.
Austrian Home Secretary Gerhard Karner announced that an 18-year-old Iraqi national was taken into custody in Vienna on Thursday evening after allegedly being in contact with the 19-year-old primary suspect.
Karner noted that while the third teenager is “not directly involved in the attack plans,” he is part of the same social circle as the main suspect.
On Wednesday, event organizers Barracuda Music canceled all three of Swift’s scheduled shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium, citing their responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety.
Vienna officials revealed on Thursday that the main suspect, reportedly of North Macedonian descent, intended to use weapons outside the stadium to inflict maximum casualties.
Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the directorate of state security and intelligence, said the suspect was “clearly radicalised in the direction of the Islamic State (IS) and thinks it is right to kill infidels”.
The main suspect and the 18-year-old both pledged “oaths of allegiance” to IS, officials said.
Addressing the plot on Friday, United Nations spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci said it was a “good demonstration that radicalisation of people through the use of social media is really a concern”.
Image: Swifties gather in Vienna after the cancelled gigs. Pic: AP
A 17-year-old has also been taken into custody. Officials stated that the Austrian citizen, who has both Turkish and Croatian heritage, had recently begun working at the concert venue just days before the Swift shows were canceled due to the terror threat.
Authorities are not searching for any further suspects.
A 15-year-old was interviewed by police but was not detained.
Image: Pic: APImage: Pic: AP
Concert organizers in Austria had anticipated crowds of up to 65,000 inside the stadium for each show, with an additional 30,000 spectators outside, where authorities say the suspect intended to carry out the attack.
Heartbroken fans gathered in Vienna on Friday, grappling with the disappointment of missing the record-breaking Eras tour.
Some fans were seen crying and embracing one another, while others clapped, danced, exchanged friendship bracelets, sang along to Swift’s songs, and snapped selfies together.
Swift’s next scheduled performances are five nights at London’s Wembley Stadium from August 15 to 20.
These shows will conclude the European leg of the tour, which spans over three hours and features more than 40 songs from the pop star’s entire discography.
Swift has yet to comment on the canceled concerts.
Entertainment giant, Disney is planning to invest $5 billion (£3.9 billion) in producing blockbuster films and TV shows in regions including the UK over the next five years.
The entertainment giant has reportedly been encouraged by the success of its superhero comedy Deadpool & Wolverine, which was filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.
The recent release, starring Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, has topped box offices globally and has already earned more than £33 million in the UK and Ireland alone, according to trade magazine Variety.
The company’s regional president, Jan Koeppen, told the Financial Times that the film’s popularity shows the genre “seems to have a lot of life left.”
He added: “We feel like we’re really on a roll again with movies, which is fantastic. I’ve been positive about people going to the movies again, and especially enjoying our movies.”
In addition to films, the funds will also be allocated to producing TV shows for the company’s streaming service Disney+ and the National Geographic network.
A Disney spokesperson informed Sky News that the planned annual investment of approximately $1 billion (£0.8 billion) is earmarked for the EMA region, covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
However, the majority of these funds are anticipated to be directed towards the UK and mainland Europe.
Deadpool & Wolverine was filmed across several locations at Pinewood Studios, utilizing six stages and production areas, including the studio’s main boardroom.
Disney reportedly has four additional films either in production or slated to be made at the expansive site, including Snow White,The Fantastic Four: First Steps,The Roses, and The Amateur starring Rami Malek.
The company, which holds a long-term lease at Pinewood, has invested approximately £3.5 billion in UK productions over the past five years, resulting in 29 films and 23 TV series, and claims to have supported over 32,000 jobs.
Disney has also filmed many of its Star Wars projects in the UK, including the recent trilogy reboot and the Andor spin-off TV series.
According to the Financial Times, another film set within the sci-fi saga’s cinematic universe is also slated to be filmed at Pinewood soon.
Image: Prince Harry chats with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill during a visit to Pinewood Studios in 2016. Pic: Reuters
This follows Disney’s announcement earlier this week that it had returned to profitability, largely due to the success of Inside Out 2, which has now become the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
The company also saw a boost as Disney+ reported its first-ever profit.
Executives revealed that the firm earned $254 million (£200 million) in profit before interest and tax from content sales and licensing in the quarter ending June 29.
However, Disney faced a decline in revenue at its U.S. theme parks and cautioned about potential “moderations in demand” in the coming months.
British singer, Adele revealed her engagement in a spontaneous interaction with fans at a concert in Germany.
While performing in Munich, the singer noticed a fan holding a sign that read, “Will you marry me?”
She read out the message, but replied: “I can’t marry you because I’m already getting married, so I can’t, but I appreciate it, thank you.”
She then showed the crowd what appeared to be an engagement ring, eliciting enthusiastic cheers.
The moment was recorded and posted on social media.
Adele has been in a relationship with US sports agent Rich Paul since 2021 and was formerly married to Simon Konecki, with whom she has a son.
The 36-year-old has been pictured out with Paul at events such as NBA games and told Elle magazine in 2022: “I’ve never been in love like this. I’m obsessed with him.”
Paul is founder of Klutch Sports Group and counts basketball legend LeBron James among his clients.
Adele seemingly confirms her engagement to Rich Paul during her latest concert in Munich
“Will you marry me? I can’t marry you because I’m already getting married so I can’t.” pic.twitter.com/zOcd4b7zrh
Director of IT at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, has advised presidential candidates to seek financial support from their backers to cover the GH₵100,000 filing fee.
Dr. Quaicoe, who previously served as the EC Director of Electoral Services, made these comments during a forum held by the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Accra on Friday.
“Contesting an election is not an individual issue, if you don’t have the money you should be able to mobilize from your supporters.
“So if you are saying you want to be the president of Ghana and you not mobilizing people to pay 100,000 then how are you going to do the campaigning?” he admonished.
Male presidential candidates for the 2024 elections are required to pay GHC100,000 to the Electoral Commission (EC) upon submission of their nomination forms.
The commission will accept nominations for Presidential and Parliamentary candidates from Friday, August 2, to Friday, September 13, 2024.
According to the EC, female candidates and persons with disabilities will pay an amount of GHC75,000.
“Candidates vying for the position of President will be required to make a payment of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH0 100,000.00) at the time of submitting their Nomination Forms. Payment shall be by Banker’s draft and addressed to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Female Candidates and Persons with Disabilities are required to pay Seventy-Five Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH0 75,000),” a statement from the EC dated August 1, read.
This announcement has elicited varied reactions, with some arguing that it could expose candidates to undue influence from their financial supporters.
The EC requires that completed Presidential Nomination Forms be signed by the candidate and at least two registered voters from each District Assembly.
The High Court in Tamale has instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) in Walewale to open the ballot box and provide copies of the voter register from the New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary primaries.
Justice Richard Marc Kogyapwah, a Court of Appeal Judge serving as an additional High Court Judge, also directed the EC to allow access to the evidence used in the electoral process.
These directives came after Haija Lariba Zuwera Abudu, a former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and a defeated Parliamentary candidate, filed a legal action.
Madam Abudu brought the case against her opponent, Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama, and the NPP, alleging that the election involved over-voting and the inclusion of deceased delegates, and requested the court to annul the results and order a re-run.
Despite three court sessions in Tamale, neither Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama nor his legal team appeared to contest the motion filed against the plaintiff.
Petition
On August 1, they also filed a petition with Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, accusing the trial judge of bias after seeing the Member of Parliament at an event with the judge, who was in the constituency on official duties.
The claim of bias against the trial judge was rejected, permitting the parties to proceed with their motion.
Ruling
On August 7, 2024, the Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff’s request to access the ballot box and photo album from the January 7, 2024 NPP Parliamentary Election. It also ordered that copies of the voter register used be made available.
Justice Richard Marc Kogyapwah directed the court registrar to notify all defendants of the hearing through electronic methods such as WhatsApp and other social media platforms, as well as posting notices at the second defendant’s residence, Yizo House in Walewale, and on the court’s notice board, ahead of the case management and potential trial scheduled for August 14, 2024.
During the court proceedings, Wahidu was seen using a Samsung phone to record the court session without authorization. A female police officer stationed at the court questioned him, and he responded by threatening her when she asked for his phone.
This incident caused a 5-minute delay in the proceedings. Wahidu was promptly arrested by police officers for contempt of court.
In a subsequent interview with GHOne News, Sylvester Isang (ESQ), the plaintiff’s counsel, confirmed after reviewing the photo album that there was evidence of double voting, voting by deceased delegates, and absentee voting, among other issues.
“We are grateful to the court for granting us access to our material evidence, which we can confirm has been our suspicion. We shall present our findings to the court. We hope our other concerns will be granted,” counsel reiterated.
The case has been rescheduled for August 14, 2024, to conduct case management and potentially begin the trial.
A Parasitologist at KNUST, Professor Alexander Yaw Debrah, has highlighted the need to make the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) a central focus in national health strategies.
During his inaugural professorial lecture, he underscored the necessity for sufficient funding to support NTD control initiatives, which encompass surveillance, treatment, and research.
“Local and endemic country governments, including the government of Ghana, must commit some percentage of health funds to fight NTDs,” he stated.
The lecture, themed “Eliminating filarial diseases: A new hope for an old battle,” emphasized how local and collaborative partnerships have been instrumental in addressing filarial diseases in Ghana.
The discussion also included the growth of human and infrastructure capacities needed to support ongoing research and control measures.
In his advocacy for the inclusion of elephantiasis patients in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Debrah called on the government to ensure that these individuals are also eligible for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program.
“LEAP is a social protection intervention of the Government of Ghana aimed at reducing extreme poverty among the poorest and most vulnerable in Ghana.
“Our research data shows that the little help we gave to the patients actually improved their quality of life. If the government extends LEAP to elephantiasis patients, it will definitely improve their quality of life,” he asserted.
Professor Debrah also underscored the importance of conducting regular evaluations to verify the effectiveness of interventions.
“Our experiences from the Yaws Eradication Program and other NTD programs, both local and international, teach us that the last 1% of patients left is as equally important as the first 99% we successfully treated. Therefore, we should be very careful not to close the books on ‘eliminated NTDs.’
“If you are certified to eliminate a disease, it does not mean it is completely eradicated from the country. It means it is no longer a public health threat. However, if care is not taken, recrudescence can set in, and fighting to control it will be very difficult due to factors such as donor apathy and disengagement,” he explained.
As digital technology advances, Prof. Debrah urged for increased integration of digital and mobile tools by community health volunteers (CHVs) to detect both new and existing cases.
A key element of his recommendations involves promoting collaboration between policymakers, researchers, academic institutions, international organizations, and public-private partnerships to eradicate NTDs.
Nominees for the 6th edition of the Medimafo Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards been announced the organizers.
This year, awards will be presented in 33 different categories, showcasing a range of industry talent.
In the highly anticipated Woman of the Year category, MzGee, Emefa Akosua Adeti, Abena Kyei Boakye, and Rose Adjei will compete for the top honor.
The Man of the Year category features contenders Jeneral Ntatia, Nana Kwame Gyan, Prophet Isaac Appiah, and Papa Kumasi.
The Best Actress category will see Doreen Kumangtun, Elorm Aba, Lady Harriet, and Mimi Yankson vying for the title.
Additionally, Ama Sarpong Kumakuma, Dabo, Selasie Brown, Jerry Botwe, Asafo Powers, Quecy Official, Honam Sardine, Nana Ama Brako, Cilla Sarps, and Nayas are among the notable industry figures who have received nominations.
In a media briefing, Cecilia Gyase Konamah, the CEO of the awards scheme, also known as Abena Ghana, announced that voting will begin on August 9 and conclude on September 9, 2024.
She extended her congratulations to all the nominees and expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their support.
The 6th edition, themed ‘Love and Unity,’ is scheduled to take place on September 20, 2024, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Auditorium (Accra City Hall).
Other categories include Best News Anchor, Best Movie, Best Executive Producer of the Year, Face of TV Commercial, Discovery of the Year, and Blogger of the Year, among others.
Senior figures within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were strongly advocating for Ambrose Dery to be chosen as Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate in the 2008 election. This was detailed in the book The President Ghana Never Got.
The book, written by award-winning Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, reveals that Akufo-Addo’s selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate encountered significant resistance from party leaders, who saw him as merely a skilled banker and economist.
Although Akufo-Addo was committed to having Dr. Bawumia as his running mate, some party members felt that Ambrose Dery was a stronger candidate for the role.
They argued that Dery was an experienced politician who could inspire and mobilize voters, whereas Bawumia was perceived as a dull banker lacking the charisma needed to sway voters toward the party.
Additionally, they contended that if Akufo-Addo sought Northern representation, Dery would be the ideal choice. Nonetheless, Akufo-Addo stood firm in his decision.
Following the party’s defeat in the election, the pressure on Akufo-Addo to replace his running mate intensified. However, he reportedly remained steadfast in his choice.
“Ambrose Dery is a lawyer, and I am a lawyer. I want someone with an economics background to complement me. I will do the politics and he will do the technical things,” Akufo-Addo reportedly told a current cabinet minister who was also an MP when the MPs clamoured for Ambrose Dery,
“I don’t want to blame my loss on that young man. If I change him, I’ll put the blame on him,” the book added.
Additionally, Akufo-Addo was keen to avoid any appearance of unfairness, especially since Dr. Bawumia, who was the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank at the time, had to step down from his role after being chosen as the running mate. Replacing him would have been entirely unjust.
Moreover, after the NPP lost the 2012 election and decided to contest the results in court, no politician was willing to risk taking the witness stand—except Dr. Bawumia.
A cabinet minister mentioned to the author that this was a political gamble that no one else was prepared to undertake.
However, Dr. Bawumia’s ability to display intelligence and quick thinking while responding to questions from lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata convinced all the top party officials that he was the ideal choice for the running mate position.
“Mounting the witness box could destroy a politician forever and the party appreciated Dr Bawumia for taking the risk on its behalf. But Dr Bawumia’s stature in the party soared not only because he witnessed. He dazzled members of his party with his brilliance in the witness box.
“He was sharp and witty, and not even the intimidating cross-examination from lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata could break him. When the hearing ended, he had won admirers beyond the political party. His detractors did not have any reason to doubt that Akufo-Addo had picked the best man for the position. If Akufo-Addo would contest again. Bawumia would, for the first time face no opposition.
In 2016, President Akufo-Addo later declared his intention to run in the upcoming election, and “no sane soul in the NPP opposed the selection of Dr Bawumia as running mate,” the book added.
Ghanaian musician Nero X has expressed regret over his decision to campaign for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Nero X shared in an interview with ZionFelix, that he had actively campaigned for the NPP and backed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, but now he wishes he never
“Anyone who knows me knows I used to campaign for the NPP, I used to do ‘4 more for Nana,’ but now, I regret doing that,” Nero X stated.
He recalled how President Akufo-Addo encouraged citizens to be expressive and active participants in the political process without fear of insults.
“When Nana Addo was coming, he asked us to be vocal about things, he asked us to be citizens, not spectators. I’m just being vocal as a citizen.
“It’s about time we stopped being timid and be courageous enough to come out and speak up,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nero X highlighted the achievements of John Mahama, particularly in terms of infrastructural projects and economic stability.
“When I compare the two, Mahama nailed it for me. I saw a lot of the things he did, the infrastructural projects he did and all that. Even when he was leaving office, the exchange rate was ok,” said the musician.
He emphasized the importance of giving opportunities to different leaders when the current ones are not meeting expectations.
“When you allow someone or a group to do something and they’re not doing it right, if another group comes, you give them the chance,” he said.
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku, has voiced his concern over the growing number of illegal lottery operators in the country.
During an interview with peacefmonline.com on August 8, 2024, he mentioned that the World Lottery Association estimates there are at least 680 unauthorized lotto operators in Ghana.
He further noted that the Association estimates the country’s annual lottery revenues to be no less than 1.8 billion cedis, but illegal operators siphon off 1.2 billion cedis from this amount each year.
Awuku emphasized that many of these illegal operators are a significant threat to the industry and urged them to legitimize their operations.
“So, technically, the markets are for the illegal operators. Ghana will still move on when NPP is not in power and someday when NDC is not in power…But my point is the institution of state must be protected,” he noted.
Journalist Manasseh Azure’s book, The President Ghana Never Got, reveals that Dr. Bawumia initially wanted the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, as his running mate.
The book also notes that President Akufo-Addo was surprised to discover Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s choice of running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), through sources other than Dr. Bawumia himself.
According to the book, the Asantehene was informed of Dr. Bawumia’s running mate selection two months before President Akufo-Addo.
Three weeks before Bawumia officially informed the President, the Asantehene mentioned it to Akufo-Addo, who was taken aback to hear this from someone outside his close circle.
“The Asantehene had mentioned it to the President. Akufo-Addo was shocked to hear the news at his next door from someone about 250 kilometres away. But this was not accidental.”
Before Dr Bawumia’s official announcement to Akufo-Addo, he had already informed former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Meanwhile, Akufo-Addo and his family had hoped for Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to be the running mate.
Others were also interested as running mates including Napo as well as the late John Kumah who died from what others believed to be poisoning.
A week before Dr Bawumia informed Akufo-Addo, a poll commissioned by the President showed Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the top choice with 76.3%, far ahead of other contenders, according to the book.
The results of the poll were leaked to the media before the president received it which angered him.
According to the book, “The information about Bawumia’s choice of running mate was more secure with the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace than in Akufo-Addo’s Jubilee House and the state intelligence agency he trusted to conduct the research.”
“When Bawumia reared his head, Napo told Bawumia that he had been preparing for a long time to contest, but since Bawumia was contesting, he would step back and support his candidacy. Bawumia was touched by that gesture and earmarked Napo for the running mate position.
“Napo was not the ideal candidate because of his perceived arrogance, but he checked all the boxes of political considerations, the foremost being that the running mate must come from the Ashanti Region.”
The book reveals that the news of Dr Bawumia’s running mate broke on the pro-NPP platform Asaase Radio the morning after a private meeting between him and the President.
This meeting was a private meeting with no third parties available.
Asaase Radio, owned by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the President’s cousin, attributed the information to “sources close to the office of the president,” which undermined Dr Bawumia’s consultations with the NPP council of elders.
The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah Kubi, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) after the conclusion of its investigation into the Airbus bribery scandal.
The MP criticized the OSP, under the leadership of Kissi Agyebeng, for what he views as an inadequate and unsatisfactory investigation. Kubi accused the OSP of compromising the prosecution process, asserting that “the investigation did not commence properly, which ultimately affected the integrity of the prosecution.”
“In the first place, the process of the investigation and prosecution did not even start well, and that’s how we are here. The prosecution has been lowered and undermined, and it does not augur well. I am disappointed,” he lamented on 3FM’s Hot Edition.
He also indicated that the Attorney-General could potentially assume responsibility for the case, due to the perceived shortcomings of the OSP.
He noted that “the OSP operates under the authority of the Attorney-General, and because legal prosecution has no time limitation, there is still an opportunity for the Attorney-General to conduct a fresh investigation and pursue legal action.”
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is under the Attorney-General, and because his work has been unsatisfactory, we know that crime and legal prosecution have no time limitation, so the Attorney-General can also investigate and prosecute the case,” he added.
The report from the OSP, released on August 8, disclosed that the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was labeled as “Government Official 1” in the scandal, with his brother, Samuel Adam Mahama, reportedly serving as the intermediary who arranged bribe payments to several officials.
Nevertheless, the report also clarified that there was no evidence indicating that former President John Dramani Mahama was directly involved in establishing or maintaining the relationship between Airbus and the Government of Ghana.
Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has expressed concern about the impact of influence peddling on the growing corruption in Ghana.
He noted that the rampant abuse of authority by those in power significantly fuels the spread of this issue.
During an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, August 9, 2024, Mr. Domelevo lamented that the unchecked power held by individuals in leadership positions frequently results in unethical behavior and the misuse of resources.
“Influence peddling brings about a lot of corrupt activities. It brings about people not doing what is expected of them, and then we activate this mechanism… where people are called to intervene. At times you are in office and you are told a group of chiefs and elders have come to look for you.
“They come and they tell you that we heard that you are going to surcharge this person, he is one of our people. He is the eye of our place, if you hold him accountable it will be a disincentive for our young ones.”
This, he argues, undermines public trust and hampers efforts to combat corruption effectively.
“Because of that, at the end of the day there is a huge element of corruption,” he added.
His remarks follow increasing worries about the lack of transparency and accountability within the government.
The former Auditor-General also emphasized the need for Parliament to implement laws that prevent conflicts of interest.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been installed with the title of Nana Ntentankesehene—meaning “Chief of the Internet/Web”—by the Chief of Nsawam.
This honorary title recognizes his substantial contributions to Ghana’s digital transformation, particularly in broadening internet access and enhancing digital services nationwide.
Dr. Bawumia’s efforts have been widely praised for their role in strengthening the country’s technological infrastructure, in line with his vision for a fully digitized economy.
Dr. Bawumia, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, is currently on a campaign tour of the Eastern Region.
At a campaign event, Dr. Bawumia discussed his administration’s achievements in expanding internet coverage, noting that when the NPP took office, it stood at just 32%.
“When we assumed office, internet coverage was at a mere 32%. Today, we have increased it to 73%, and we are committed to achieving full coverage,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia underscored the crucial role of internet access in driving economic growth and modernization, proposing that achieving universal coverage would greatly improve digital inclusion and connectivity for every Ghanaian.
“I want the internet coverage in Ghana to be 100 percent. When we came into government it was 32% and Today it’s 72 percent and when I become President I will take it to 100%,” he said.
The Vice President’s pledge is a central element of his campaign, focusing on harnessing digital technology to drive national development. Through this ambitious vision, Dr. Bawumia aims to position Ghana as a frontrunner in digital infrastructure across Africa.
This dedication to expanding internet access highlights the NPP’s wider agenda of digital transformation, encompassing efforts in e-governance, digital financial services, and technology-enhanced education.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed committed to maintaining peace in the country following the December elections.
Mahama emphasized his strong stance against any form of violence, assuring that if any unrest occurs, it will not originate from him.
The former president conveyed this message during his speech at the 31st Biennial General Council meeting of the Assemblies of God Church, held at the CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) in Navrongo, Upper East Region, as reported by Citi Newsroom.
“As we go into another election, there is often a general sense of apprehension that something will go wrong. As a member of your church, I can assure you and pledge that I am a person of peace, and if there is any violence, it won’t come from me. I will do everything to ensure that Ghana remains peaceful,” he is quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.
Mahama further advised Ghanaians not to endanger their lives for the sake of political power, urging them to avoid any acts of violence.
“If you resort to violence, it is the same people you are coming to govern. And so, I don’t think that even a single drop of any Ghanaian blood is worth political power or coming into office,” he stated.
Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni revealed that his family once encouraged him to quit journalism because of the serious threats he faced due to his exposés.
In an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, Mr. Awuni shared how his work has emotionally impacted his family, especially his wife, who was deeply worried about his safety.
“My family wanted me to quit journalism after my very first investigations,” Awuni revealed. “There were calls to my father, warning him about my style of journalism and the individuals I was exposing. Someone even told him, ‘Your son is going after the kind of people that others avoid.’”
The intensity of the threats escalated to a point where Awuni’s wife tearfully pleaded with him to reconsider his career.
“There was a day my wife was weeping and saying, ‘I am too young to be a widow.’ No matter how strong you are, it will hit you,” he recalled. “That was in the morning, and she was crying.”
“There have been occasions when I even ask myself, ‘Is it worth it?’” he said. “But sometimes you see certain things, and you get so angry and outraged about it.”
In the face of danger, Awuni continues to stand firm in his commitment to investigative journalism, motivated by a deep sense of responsibility.
“I also have this feeling that if we all say we are afraid, we are not going to do anything about our predicaments. When the reality hits all of us, we will be endangered,” he concluded.
The insights shared by Manasseh Azure Awuni emphasize the personal costs and remarkable courage involved in seeking the truth in journalism, especially when facing strong resistance.
Nigerian afrobeat artist Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has shared how losing his father at a young age shaped his childhood.
In a recent interview with GRM, the 24-year-old revealed that the passing of both his father and brother compelled him to “give up” his childhood early in order to support his family.
Rema described how this tragedy placed immense pressure on him, depriving him of the carefree and joyful experiences typical of childhood.
He conveyed a deep desire to “feel young again,” emphasizing how the demands of early adulthood have impacted his life and career.
He said, “I really wanted to feel like a child again… I feel like I grew up too fast. Life switched up on me crazy when I lost my dad and my brother. The weight was just on my shoulder and forced me to sell my childhood to provide for my family.
“I also thought maybe after hustling and doing my little beats in Ghana, and all the little hustles I put my hands into, I thought it was going to end there, but music picked up. I then had to go on to that end and grind and grind. God willing, everything happened well and happened fast. With fast fame came fast maturity, and it’s like a never-ending level of seriousness. There were so many adults and so many meetings, that I didn’t even roll with my agemates.”
‘I’m not sure I even rolled with the 19- or 18-year-olds. When I was 17, I didn’t see a fellow 17-year-old, and when I was 20, everyone was five, six, or ten years older. Now with this project, I just want to be a child, and it’s just coming out. I just want to feel young again and be a rebel again. I just got tired, and I put that freedom in my music.”
“I just want to feel young again. I just want to be a rebel. You know, kids make mistakes, and it’s acceptable. But when you’re a teenager and you make the same mistake your peers would make, everyone will come for you just because you’re in the spotlight.
“I know people who smoked a cigarette when they were 13 and I’m 24 smoking a cigarette because I just want to feel free and break some rules. All my life just feels so planned and so much scheduled. I just got tired, and I put that freedom in my music.”
Gospel artist and pastor Nana Yaw Boakye, widely known as MOGmusic, has disclosed that he lost his 7-month-old baby to still birth and had to carry him in the trunk of his car at night looking for a mortuary.
The musician, who also serves as Music Director at Royal House Chapel, recounted this experience on the show Just Being Us with MzGee.
He explained that after the doctor confirmed his child had passed away in the womb, he was told to locate a cemetery on his own since the facility lacked a mortuary.
“Here is what happened: we were ready to go, and the doctor said, unfortunately, the hospital does not have a mortuary and does not have a place to handle the deceased baby. We would have to take the baby in a box to a cemetery and dispose of the body ourselves. So, they placed the baby in a box for us.”
Accompanied by his family, MOGmusic had no choice but to follow the hospital’s directive. His lifeless child was placed in a box and handed to him.
“I had to open the trunk, place the lifeless body inside, close it, and drive off. When we got home, I gave my car to my mother, who took the body to the mortuary. They issued the death certificate, and then we went to bury the child.”
After the burial, MOGmusic faced the challenge of explaining to family and friends why the baby was not present, as many were expecting the arrival of the child.
“Dealing with this reality was difficult. At around 7 months, the pregnancy is noticeable, and people are expecting to hear news about the baby’s arrival. It was very hard for us. My work as a musician and music director means that everyone knew my wife was pregnant, so they were expecting a baby.”
Investigative Journalist and Writer Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that he would have been killed if 2020 elections ended in chaos.
According to Manasseh, he received death threatening emails that lead him travel to Germany for safety.
However before he travelled, he reached out to police headquarters to file a complaint about the threats, but it yielded no results.
“In 2020 during the election, I received a death threat through email and then I reported to the police. Unfortunately nothing came out of it. Anytime I reported “oh we are looking it.” And this is not just some district police but the headquarters. I was put in charge with the CID head. You go and they say they have written to google to provide them with certain and it didn’t come, and that was the end of it. But I was dealing with the head of cybersecurity at the police,” the journalist shared.
Mr. Azure Awuni added that when he eventually decided to flee the country for safety, he was in Germany when another email came through, confirming that he would have been killed had he stayed in Ghana at that time.
“…I was still in Germany when I received an email that sought to confirm the reason that I left the country. And it was very specific that “you are lucky to still be alive. And if any confusion happens in this election. We will not hesitate to eliminate rats like you,” he added.
I got an email that said, "You're lucky to still be alive, if any confusion happens in this [2020] election, we will not hesitate to eliminate rats like you… – Manasseh Azure Awuni (Investigative Journalist / Writer)#StarrChat#StarrFM@starr1035fm#GHOneTVpic.twitter.com/zcW7SzOW3h
Manasseh Azure Awuni further opened up about his harrowing experiences as an investigative journalist during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr. Awuni detailed the life-threatening challenges he has faced, which necessitated police protection and even temporary relocation to other countries.
“I’ve personally encountered a lot of woes. If you look at the ‘fictional Agyapadie’ document, you’ll find my name in that document. I have not had it easy in this administration,” he stated.
He recounted, “I had to go to South Africa in 2019. In 2020, I had to go to Germany. All these because of death threats.”
Between 2019 and 2021, Mr. Awuni often had to drive with police protection due to the severity of the threats against him. The intense pressure also took a toll on his mental health, leading him to seek therapy from a clinical psychologist.
Ghanaian comedian DKB has joined the ranks of celebrities who have publicly revealed that they either don’t know their fathers or have never had a relationship with them.
This follows the recent comments by Ghanaian influencer Gisela Amponsah, who spoke bitterly about her father and their strained relationship since her childhood.
In an earlier appearance on the ‘Rants, Bants, and Confession’ podcast, Gisela harshly criticized her father, labeling him a demon and saying he was absent from her life.
During her outburst, she explained that, as the eldest of five siblings, she has been rejected by her father since she was a child.
Now 25 years old, Gisela shared that she hasn’t seen her father since her time in Senior High School and feels she is not a priority to him.
DKB, who relates to this situation, took to Twitter to share his own story.
The comedian has asked Gisela to count herself lucky for at least having an idea of who her father is, adding, “At 38 I still don’t know my father. Appreciate yours no matter what.”
He continued, “I finally called him, but he wasn’t in Accra. I begged him to send his picture or selfie, and he said his camera’s disposition isn’t progressive. Last I heard, he works with the Registry of Catholic University-Sunyani.”
Read DKB’s post below:
At 38 i still don't know my father. Appreciate yours no matter what.
finally called him, he wasn't in Accra, I begged him to send his pic or selfie, he said his cameras disposition isn't progressive 😂
Last I heard he works with the Registry of Catholic University-Sunyani. https://t.co/fMjvJPQBpn
The government is poised to borrow GH¢6.557 billion through its latest treasury bill auction on August 9, 2024.
This amount will be raised from the 91-day, 182-day, and 365-day bills.
In the previous week’s treasury bill auction, the government secured GH¢3.803 billion, falling short of its GH¢4.363 billion target.
The August 2 auction and the August 5 issue yielded GH¢2.389 billion for the 91-day bill, with the government accepting GH¢1.170 billion for the 182-day bill and GH¢243.04 million for the 365-day bill.
Last week, the government sold a total of GH¢4.062 billion in treasury bills. Interest rates were 24.82% for the 91-day bill, 26.76% for the 182-day bill, and 27.85% for the 365-day bill.
According to the Bank of Ghana, all bids submitted in this week’s auction were accepted.
Ghana has recently experienced a surge in inflation, which has driven up the prices of goods and services.
Additionally, transportation fares have also increased slightly due to rising fuel costs.
In June of this year, the country’s inflation rate reached 22.8%.
Addressing this issue at the Ghana Economic Forum in Accra on Thursday, August 8, 2024, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, CEO of the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), highlighted that Ghana’s import bill last year represented 21.5 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
He pointed out that the importation of goods is a significant factor contributing to the high inflation rate in Ghana.
“We are a nation that imports virtually everything, and therefore we add to our woes by importing inflation from other countries. To put this in perspective, our import bill for 2023 was approximately GH¢180.7 billion, up from GH¢148.6 billion in 2022, according to the Ghana Statistical Services’ Trade Report published in May this year,” Dr. Godwin Acquaye stated.
He added that, “Our nation stands at a pivotal moment in its history. There is an apparent global recession that steers us in the face. We are a nation that imports virtually everything, and therefore we add to our woes by importing inflation from other countries.”
To address these challenges, Dr Acquaye said the government must adopt a unified long-term strategy, leverage expertise and prioritize policies that foster economic growth.
Additionally, all sectors of the economy must be strengthened to boost investor confidence.
This would accelerate investment and the growth process of businesses in the country.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed his plan to implement a new exchange rate system that would tie the Ghana cedi to gold.
He explained that this approach is designed to strengthen the cedi’s value against major currencies, thus improving exchange rate stability.
Addressing the opening of the Royal Ghana Gold Limited in Accra, Ghana’s first gold refinery, Dr. Bawumia stated that he intends to pursue this plan if elected in the upcoming general elections.
“I would like to propose a new foreign exchange regime management act for Ghana next year in which the value of the cedi will be anchored to gold. This will enhance exchange rate stability,” the vice president said on August 8, 2024.
The proposal by Dr. Bawumia, if adopted, will follow suit with Zimbabwe, which has backed its currency with gold.
Known as the ZIG, the adoption of the gold-backed unit has helped in overhauling Zimbabwe’s currency regime in the wake of persistent depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar to the US dollar.
Additionally, due to growing geopolitical tensions, many African countries have instituted measures to build their gold reserves to anchor their respective exchange rate regimes.
Ghanaian socialite Efia Odo has responded on X to Kwesi Arthur, who had expressed his frustration on the platform regarding her remarks about their friendship made during a podcast.
In a series of tweet on X on August 9, the rapper fumed over Efia Odo’s recent comment about their past friendship in a podcast accusing her of “ruining his reputation.”
The rapper added that his next step will be to pursue legal action on the matter.
“I’ve been silent for too long. It’s disheartening to see so many people oblivious to someone constantly using my name for clout, a story line and attention with allegations and scenarios.
“You retweet things about me, tweet about me and mention my name and past scenarios in every interview when you know I don’t fw you and haven’t spoken to you in years. Wtf,” he tweeted.
Few hours later, Efia Odo tweeted seemingly responding to Kwesi Arthur and said “You no watch the thing but ranting cuz of bits and pieces you saw on social media. You gotta be smarter than that. God has saved me cuz if not!!!!!! Peace be unto you.”
You no watch the thing but ranting cuz of bits and pieces you saw on social media. You gotta be smarter than that . God has saved me cuz if not!!!!!! Peace be unto you
She advised Kwesi Arthur to watch the entire podcast to fully understand the context and avoid reacting to the short clips being shared on social media.
“Dumbass ain’t even watch the show now you’re looking goofy exposing yourself. Feeling guilty much?,” she added.
Dumbass ain’t even watch the show now you’re looking goofy exposing yourself. Feeling guilty much ?
During the ‘Rants, Bants and Confessions’ podcast on August 7, Efia said: “Yes, I was once supporting him but you know Kwesi did some hurtful things to me. I don’t want to say it here because I respect him as a person. If I was to say the things he did to me, it would really dirty his image. When everything ended, I stopped the support because why will I keep supporting someone who has f*cked me over?”
She continued: “it’s so funny that when he and I stopped being friends, and he left his label, Ground Up, that’s when his career dwindled and they gave me this tag as a bad luck.”
The comment prompted Kwesi Arthur to vent on X, where he threatened to pursue legal action moving forward.
The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) is calling for the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to release the names of businesses and individuals penalized for issuing dud cheques.
The GAB has urged the BoG to publish these names in national newspapers.
The association believes that this measure will significantly contribute to restoring trust in cheques as a reliable payment method.
John Awuah, the Chief Executive of GAB, shared this on PM Express Business Edition with host George Wiafe on August 8, 2024.
Mr. Awuah also emphasized that such penalties would serve as a strong deterrent to others.
“So, if someone is your neighbor and has his or her name on this list that will ensure that they never go that way”, he said.
He revealed that these individuals and businesses have repeatedly issued dud cheques over the years.
“It is not just a central bank directive, but it actually in the Criminal Offenses Act. It’s a crime to issue dud cheques and this is so important because of the potential of taken away the trust in that instrument”, he stressed.
Background
On August 6, 2024, the BoG announced that it has sanctioned 47 individuals and 245 businesses for repeatedly issuing dud cheques.
According to the BoG, these offenders issued dud cheques at least three times between January 2022 and January 2024, despite being warned about the potential consequences.
The Bank of Ghana also stated that these businesses and individuals are prohibited from issuing cheques in Ghana for a period of three years, starting from June 28, 2024.
Additionally, the offenders will be unable to access new credit facilities from the banking system for three years, effective June 28, 2024.
“The issuance of these dud cheques, has the tendency of driving away a lot more people from accepting cheques as a medium of payment,” Mr. Awuah warned.
Commercial Banks on need to sanction firms and individuals
Mr. Awuah elaborated that banks are troubled by the recurring issuance of dud cheques and the effect it has on confidence in the payment system.
“Therefore, everything must be done to ensure that we don’t lose confidence in cheques as a mode of payment in the country”.
He added that a lot of businesses have lost money due to the practice.
“We will encourage any form of sanctions and actions on the part of the regulator to serve as a deterrent to others. The banks have also been affected. I believe that everything must be done to correct this challenge”. Speaking on the same programme, the Chief Executive of the Association of Ghana Industries, Seth Twum Akwaboah was worried about the impact of the action on the operations of businesses, especially securing new credit from the bank for three years.
Salinko’s former wife has remarried just a year after her divorce from the Kumawood actor.
In widely circulated photos and videos online, Salinko’s ex-wife, Nancy Owusu, was seen with her new husband, dressed in both traditional and white wedding attire.
Back in May 2023, social media was taken aback by the news of Salinko and Nancy’s split.
In an interview with Poleeno Multimedia, Salinko opened up about how his ex-wife ended their marriage, citing that she had grown tired of it.
He recounted that his ex-wife told him she was no longer interested in the marriage, and her father confirmed that she wished to leave the relationship.
The actor shared how the situation deeply affected him, almost driving him to the brink of madness and making it difficult for him to concentrate on his work.
Salinko also refuted claims that he had abused his ex-wife.
Ghanaian rapper and singer, Kwesi Arthur has decided to break his silence on X over the constant association with socialite and singer, Efia Odo, and he has expressed his displeasure.
Efia Odo, while never directly confirming a romantic relationship with Kwesi Arthur, had often hinted at a close and affectionate bond between them in the past.
However, in recent years, the narrative has shifted. Whenever Kwesi Arthur’s name came up in Efia Odo’s interviews, her tone turned sour, and she spoke of the rapper with clear disdain.
Once his biggest supporter, Efia Odo has since distanced herself, admitting that her admiration for the artist has completely faded.
In a candid conversation on the ‘Rants, Bants and Confessions’ podcast, she revealed that Kwesi Arthur had done things that deeply hurt her, ultimately leading to the breakdown of their friendship.
Expressing the extent of the pain he caused her, Efia Odo shared…“Yes, I was once supporting him but you know Kwesi did some hurtful things to me. I don’t want to say it here because I respect him as a person. If I was to say the things he did to me, it would really dirty his image. When everything ended, I stopped the support, because why will I keep supporting someone who has f*cked me over?”
She continued, “It’s so funny that when he and I stopped being friends, and he left his label, Ground Up, that’s when his career dwindled, and they gave me this tag as bad luck.”
These statements appeared to be the last trigger, as the rapper, in a series of rants on X, lambasted Efia Odo and threatened legal action against anyone who discusses or uses him for clout henceforth.
“I’ve been silent for too long. It’s disheartening to see so many people oblivious to someone constantly using my name for clout, a storyline and attention with allegations and scenarios. You retweet things about me, tweet about me and mention my name and past scenarios in every interview when you know I don’t fw you and haven’t spoken to you in years. Wtf.
“Not speaking again on this matter. Anything else said about me will be discussed with my lawyer and handled in court. Stop playing with me,” parts of his tweets read.
At a point, he directed the rants at his colleagues for condoning and enabling Efia Odo to constantly throw dirt on his name.
“Also, all of you artistes and so-called ‘colleagues’ that see what this girl keeps doing to me to ruin my reputation and still be posting up with her like it’s all good, fuck y’all,” he added.
Read Kwesi Arthur’s statements below:
I’ve been silent for too long. It’s disheartening to see so many people oblivious to someone constantly using my name for clout, a story line and attention with allegations and scenarios.
The Ghana Association of Forex Bureaux has reported a recent decline in their operations following a directive from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) instructing operators to verify the Ghana Card before engaging in transactions with customers.
In a public notice issued in July 2024, the central bank announced that starting from August 1, 2024, all licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaux must require the Ghana Card for any transaction.
During an appearance on PM Express Business Edition, the association’s Vice President, Dr. Alex Akpabli, noted that customers often leave as soon as they are asked to show their Ghana Card.
“You know Forex Bureaux are profit oriented institutions and this particular policy that has come has slowed down our business. We are just praying as time goes on and the public education goes on, people will get to understand that if you walk to a bureaux you must use your Ghana Card or Passport. If people buy into this, I think it will change but as we speak now, if someone walks into your bureaux and you ask them for Ghana Card for verification, then they just move. I believe it will change but not now” he said.
Responding to accusations of the association contributing to thecedidepreciation, Dr. Akpabli described the claims as untrue and laughable.
He explained that the association is complying with all the directives from the Bank of Ghana.
“We are a regulated sector and we have license to buy foreign currency and sell. Whoever is putting blame on the association has gotten it completely wrong because what we do is to buy and sell so why should we be blamed as the cause of the depreciation. One of the problems leading to the fall of the cedi is capital flight, and we have so much foreign companies in the system. When they are repatriating profits they won’t take your Ghana Cedi”.
He pointed out that the real challenge lies with the multinational companies that repatriate all their profits in dollars.
“The big businesses are not in the hands of Ghanaians so if you want to blame us then it’s laughable because we are even helping and not contributing to the fall of the cedi. We are doing our best to comply with all the directives from the regulator”, he said.
The Bank of Ghana’s move on the Ghana Card directive for Forex Bureaux across the country was after it launched a centralized foreign exchange trading platform in line with its objective to ensure the integrity and development of the financial system.
