play videoOfficial artwork of the show over the weekend

This Saturday, July 26, 2025, edition of UTV’s United Showbiz programme is live with Empress Gifty discharging her duties as sit-in host.

This edition of the entertainment show has panelists discussing the major entertainment issues of the week.

Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Ola Michael and Arnold are on bill as pundits for the show.

Prophet Kumchacha, Clemento Suarez and Camidoh are also on board to bring some nuance to the conversations about the respective issues.

Watch the video below

The Police Service has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has arrived in the Ashanti Region in response to a spate of violent incidents, including a fatal shooting in Asawase that has left residents on edge.

The latest incident occurred when an unidentified man was shot and killed by two unknown assailants while attempting to enter his pickup truck after dining at a local eatery.

Eyewitnesses say the attackers, who were on a motorcycle, fired two shots at the victim before fleeing the scene.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

This follows an earlier killing of a local chief in the same area.

The Kusasi Chief in the Ashanti Region was reportedly shot dead at his residence in Asawase on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

In that incident, two gunmen—also riding separately on motorcycles—targeted the chief, killing him in cold blood.

Police have yet to confirm whether the two killings are connected.

Speaking to the press, Director-General of Operations, Dr Vance Baba Gariba, described the IGP’s visit as a critical step toward restoring calm and ensuring a swift investigation.

“This prompt visit underscores the seriousness with which the Ghana Police Service is treating these recent developments.

We are putting short-term security measures in place and urge the public to remain calm and cooperative as investigations continue,” he said.

Residents have expressed growing concern over the rising insecurity in the area and are calling on authorities to intensify patrols and increase visibility.

The Police Service has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring peace in Asawase.

By Christopher Tetteh

Berekum, (Bono), July 26, GNA – A total of 10,029 residents in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region, have benefited from the Ghana Medical Relief’s (GMR) 2025 medical health outreach, knowing their various health conditions and provided with medication accordingly.  

Mr Samuel Brobbey, the Project Coordinator of the GMR has announced. 

The GMR is a registered Non-profit humanitarian Organization in Ghana and the United States and works to provide free healthcare services to people. 

According to Mr Brobbey, the five-day outreach was conducted between Monday July 21 and Friday July 25, 2025 at the Berekum Holy Family Hospital providing free screening, which covered Nose, Ear and Throat as well as hypertension. 

It further provided an opportunity for the beneficiaries to know their various health conditions for diabetes, sugar, psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, Ophthalmology and dentistry conditions. 

Speaking at the closing session of the outreach at Berekum, Mr Brobbey explained that some of the beneficiaries with health complications were provided with free medication including oral care. 

Others also underwent free hernia and fibroid surgeries during the outreach, which also attended to prostate enlargement conditions while pregnant women also benefited from free scans. 

He said many people were also registered freely under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) while others had their cards renewed for them. 

Mr Brobbey explained that about 100 health professionals, and medical specialists and officers and experts from the United States and Ghana conducted the medical outreach programme, describing it as the biggest since the health mission of the GMR was instituted in 2018. 

The 2025 outreach was jointly conducted by the Berekum Citizens Association, Holy Family Hospital and the Ghana Health Service. 

Mr Brobbey said 25 per cent of the clients, mostly above 60 years were treated for various health conditions, saying the exercise recorded 15 per cent of children below 10 years, with Influenza, Fungi Skin infection, and Malnutrition, topping the recorded cases of the children. 

Dr Samuel Kwapong Owusu, the President of GMR, explained that the outreach was to augment the nation’s efforts towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs3). 
The global goals three enjoins countries around the world to promote well-being for all people. 

Dr Owusu expressed appreciation to the partners, volunteers and all and sundry for making the outreach a success. 

Professor Daniels Obeng-Ofori, the President of Berekuman Citizens Association and the Vice President of the Catholic University of Ghana, thanked the GMR and its partners for the exercise. 

GNA 

Edited by Dennis Peprah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah  

Accra, July 26, GNA – Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid a glowing tribute to legendary musician Daddy Lumba, describing him as a “pantheon among musical greats of all time.”

The death of Daddy Lumba on Saturday, July 26, 2025, has caused pain and despair among Ghanaians, who consider him an iconic figure in the music industry.

In a social media post, President Akufo-Addo said: “With regret, I have received the sad news of the passing of my dear friend and renowned music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu.

“Daddy Lumba, as we affectionately call him, was a pantheon among musical greats of all time and had a special connection with his fans and the entire nation.

“His hit-making songs will remain lasting contributions to my presidential journey and will forever be etched in the annals of political campaigns of the New Patriotic Party. He will be sorely missed.

“May he peacefully rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”

Tributes have been pouring in from major political figures including Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Energy Minister, who also eulogised the legendary musician.

“A better part of us is left void with the passing of an icon whose timeless voice and words became the soundtrack to so many seasons of our lives.

“Daddy Lumba, though you are gone, your legacy will live on in every melody and in every memory. Until we meet again. Rest well, Charles K. Fosu,” said Dr Prempeh in a social media post.

GNA

Kenneth Odeng Adade

Business leaders and labour union leaders at a Leadership Dialogue on Ghana’s 24Hour Economy Policy has have called for an effective implementation of the policy to ensure sustainable economic benefits for Ghanaians.

According to them, because the policy has high a potential to accelerate job creation and economic growth, its implementation should be prioritised through effective stakeholder engagement to address all challenges that could adversely affect its execution in the various sectors of the economy.

The high-level breakfast dialogue, jointly organised by Berkha Africa and the Institute of Directors-Ghana (IoD-Gh) in Accra on Wednesday, had the theme, “Innovating for Growth: Adapting Business Models to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy.”

The participants urged government and institutional actors to move beyond rhetoric and initiate intentional and measurable steps toward rolling out the execution phase, cautioning that the ambitious national agenda risks becoming ineffective if there are no concrete measurable benchmarks to guide the implementation.

Dr Alfred Braimah, CEO, Institute of Directors, in his remarks called for practical steps for the sustainable implementation of the policy, cautioning against lip-service.

He indicated that the institute was committed in supporting stakeholders to build strategic processes for quality outcomes from a 24hour operational regime.

Prof Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), reaffirmed the government’s readiness and strategic preparedness to operationalise the initiative, adding the various interventions were underway to enhance the governance of public institutions to enable them to competitively operate in the new economy.

“Good corporate governance is the engine for a sustainable 24-Hour Economy,” he said, adding that SIGA was retooling various investments to enhance their viability and participation in the new economy, and stressed SIGA’s commitment to transforming Specified Entities (SEs) through robust governance frameworks, investment discipline, and strategic oversight.

“SIGA’s mandate is not just to supervise SEs but to build governance systems that inspire transparency, investment readiness, and accountability. We are deploying integrated risk and compliance dashboards, enforcing ESG standards, and partnering with industry leaders to ensure that Ghana’s 24-hour productivity vision becomes a sustainable economic reality,” he added.

To ensure effective alignment in the implementation process, he called for cross-sector collaboration to align tax incentives, energy policy, labour standards, and digital infrastructure in support of the initiative.

Abdul Nasser Alidu, Head of Strategy and Programmes at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, giving an overview on the policy implementation, explained that initiative was strategically being positioned to draw in active private sector participation.

He said feasibility studies were underway to determine a number of projects that would be conducive for private sector investment and participation.

“We are not only ready to implement; we are developing real-time sectoral engagement models to ensure inclusive rollout,” he noted.

Dr Bernice Welbeck, Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission (NLC), emphasised the need for a complete workforce transformation to sustain the policy.

“We must reimagine how we train, deploy, and support workers in a 24-hour economic framework. That’s the only way to succeed,” she stressed.

“The 24-Hour Economy of the government is a call for workforce transformation,” she said, and called on all stakeholders, particularly employers and labour unions to cooperatively enhance work performance and remuneration structures for adherence to global decent work frameworks.

Austin Gamey, Labour Consultant and CEO of the Gamey and Gamey Group, emphasized the need for unwavering commitment from all stakeholders, especially employers and labour unions, the national economic transformation agenda.

He stressed that although the country’s labour law has adequate provisions to accommodate a 24hour labour regime, such commitment is crucial to fostering a cooperative environment where employers and workers can engage constructively to address potential labour-related challenges during the implementation phase of the 24-Hour Economy policy.

For his part, a leadership coach, Scofray Nana Yaw Yeboah, President of the International Coaching Federation-Ghana, reminded stakeholders that the new economic policy could only flourish if it is people and productivity-driven.

That, he said was because systems alone would not produce the desire results, unless the people who drive the produce are well conscientized on the objectives of the new economy through quality leadership and change management.

Lizzy-Ann Kwagbedzi, Country Lead of Berkha Africa, for her part, noted that although embracing a 24hour economy holds significant potential for job creation, industrial growth, service expansion, and stronger global competitiveness, it requires bold leadership, innovative thinking, and collaborative action across sectors.

The organisation of the Dialogue by Berkha Africa, she said, was part of their contribution to create a platform to bring together leaders from business, trade unions, and public service to exchange ideas, confront realities, and inspire actionable change.

The Dialogue Meeting brought together over 100 senior stakeholders from key sectors including finance, manufacturing, mining, hospitality, and agriculture.

It served as a critical platform to translate policy vision into actionable insights and public-private collaboration.

The Oguaa Traditional Council has expressed its commitment to working closely with government and the global African diaspora to ensure that repatriation is both meaningful and impactful.

Speaking at the 17th edition of PANAFEST and Emancipation Day 2025, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, outlined a series of initiatives aimed at creating safe, sustainable pathways for diaspora returnees.

This includes building an enabling avenue for economic investment.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta II stressed that repatriation is not merely the physical return of people of African descent, but a broader process that ensures no one feels like a second-class citizen in the land of their ancestors.

He described development as a shared responsibility—one that must be shaped by historical awareness and a collective vision for the future.

According to him, the past should not only be remembered but also used as a guidepost for progress.

He called on government and development partners to actively invest in Ghana’s rich history and cultural heritage, which he believes are essential to building a strong and inclusive nation.

C/R: Prof. Opoku-Agyemang launches 17th edition of PANAFEST

The Movement for Change has paid glowing tribute to highlife legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, describing him as a cultural colossus whose music defined generations and stirred the soul of the nation.

In a statement released Saturday following news of the celebrated musician’s passing, the movement expressed deep sorrow and solemn reverence for what it called the loss of not just a musical icon but “a man who gave expression to our deepest emotions.”

“For over three decades, Daddy Lumba turned the rhythms of our lives into melodies that will remain eternal,” the statement read.

“He reshaped the soul of Ghanaian highlife with daring originality, poetic genius, and a rare vocal versatility.”

Daddy Lumba, who died Saturday, July 26, after a short illness, was celebrated for his unmatched contribution to Ghanaian music, with over 30 albums to his name.

According to the movement, his music was more than entertainment — it was “the story of a people.”

Referencing some of his most beloved songs, including Aben Wɔ Ha, Theresa, and Mesom Jesus, the movement noted that Lumba’s work spoke to Ghanaians “in every tongue, in every mood, at every stage of life.”

But beyond the stage and studio, the Movement for Change emphasized the late singer’s courage to be himself in a society that often demanded conformity.

“He was bold. He was authentic. And in doing so, he gave the rest of us permission to be fully, truly Ghanaian,” the statement added.

The tribute was signed by Andrew Appiah-Danquah, spokesperson for the Movement, who extended condolences to Lumba’s family, loved ones, and the artistic community.

“As the music fades and silence sets in, we hold fast to the truth that legends do not die — they echo,” the statement concluded. “May his soul rest in perfect harmony, and may his voice continue to rise in the heartbeat of a grateful nation.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Edudzi Tameklo is the CEO of NPA

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has firmly dispelled recent rumours of a shortage of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) in Ghana, assuring both the public and the aviation industry that there is no disruption in supply.

This clarification follows a similar rebuttal by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, which earlier described media reports of an aviation fuel shortage as false and misleading.

The Ministry emphasised that Ghana currently holds sufficient reserves of ATK to support all ongoing aircraft operations nationwide.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 24, the NPA confirmed that engineers from the Ghana Petroleum Mooring Systems (GPMS) have completed critical pipeline replacement works, restoring full discharge operations for ATK.

Specifically, 600 meters of key pipeline infrastructure were replaced through round-the-clock efforts.

To further allay concerns, the NPA disclosed that a vessel carrying 10,000 metric tonnes of ATK is actively discharging into three major depots across the country:

6,000MT to Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)

1,500MT to Ridge Depot

2,500MT to PWSL

“This current delivery is enough to meet national aviation fuel needs for the next two weeks,” the Authority stated, adding that two additional vessels are already at anchorage and will discharge fuel as scheduled.

The NPA also noted that fuel tankers are currently loading at the Sahara Depot for onward delivery to the airport, further underscoring that the ATK supply chain remains intact, functional, and resilient.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining energy security in the aviation sector, the Authority urged the public and media outlets to disregard speculative reports and pledged to continue its collaboration with key industry stakeholders.

The NPA also extended its gratitude to GPMS engineers for their swift and tireless efforts in addressing the infrastructure issues that had temporarily affected fuel discharge operations.

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

Daddy Lumba is a Ghanaian Highlife musician

The internet, particularly social media platforms, was thrown into a frenzy following disturbing rumors and later confirmed reports about the passing of one of Ghana’s legendary Highlife musician, Daddy Lumba.

News of his demise popped up in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, with various blogs and social media accounts spreading the news, accompanied by pictures and songs from the Highlife maestro.

As the official confirmation from his family was made public, many Ghanaians have taken to X to make comments.

Some netizens begun sharing fond memories of Daddy Lumba online, celebrating his remarkable milestones in the music industry by sharing some of his musical works.

One user shared that they’ve been playing Daddy Lumba’s song “Adaka Tea” on repeat all day, as it reflects on the unpredictability of life and death.

“Adaka Tea by Daddy Lumba on repeat today. Life is fragile. We aren’t promised tomorrow,” the user posted.

Others criticised individuals spreading what they term false claims about the musician.

Some even anrgued that such news resurfaces annually, raising questions about the motives behind these acts, especially when they firmly believe Daddy Lumba was still alive.

“You people are very disgusting for that Daddy Lumba false news. Ah One person every year you people Kill him why? Ah,” a user furiously posted.

In 2015, similar news broke out, with Daddy Lumba coming out to debunk it himself, expressing his anger at such news.

In 2020, another series of rumours popped up, with a similar reaction.

On the other hand, others had dismissed the reports as false, stating that they are awaiting official communication from Daddy Lumba’s camp, which, as of now, has been made public.

The family communication indicated that Daddy Lumba died at the age of 60 at the Bank Hospital after a short illness.

Read some of the posts below:

I am rather Trusting this Daddy Lumba news 😒

Lumba won’t die. He will ascend to Heaven like Moses thems pic.twitter.com/D8X5iwPk4H

— Kay💧 (@Kaypoisson1) July 26, 2025

Daddy Lumba 🫶🏾

— STREET IS WATCHING ON YOUTUBE (@djsliming) July 26, 2025

Adaka Tea by Daddy Lumba on repeat today. Life is fragile. We aren’t promised tomorrow. 😔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/lDmilcBLpn

— BIG STORMZY 🦍🏗 (@SamTuga44) July 26, 2025

You people are very disgusting for that Daddy Lumba false news . Ah One person every year you people K!ll him why? Ah

— TWO TERTY (@TwoTerty1) July 26, 2025

You won’t even confirm if the news about Daddy Lumba is true, yet you’ve already started posting his music and saying RIP. What kind of pathetic behavior is that? At least verify before spreading things.

— ACCRA MAYOR 🥲🥷 (@0panaa_1) July 26, 2025

It should be really stressful being a relative of Daddy Lumba.

— Ebenezer Donkoh (NY DJ) (@nydjlive) July 26, 2025

Daddy Lumba dey somewhere plus bad bitches dey chill, u people dey here say he die.

— Torgbuigà (@Mr_Ceyram) July 26, 2025

Is the Daddy Lumba news I’m hearing true? Ei

— KUSHY🌴 (@heisaboy_) July 26, 2025

Daddy Lumba de3 every year we dey get people wey dey take demma mouth k!ll am

— RuF🦅 (@Ruf_ayi) July 26, 2025

Lmao I won’t believe anything yall say about Daddy Lumba till some credible media houses confirm masa

— TWO TERTY (@TwoTerty1) July 26, 2025

MAG/AE

Meanwhile, watch what Jane Reindorf Osei says about Ghana’s readiness for tourism investment:

Ghana international Alexander Djiku has emerged as a priority target for French Ligue 1 outfit Lille in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Djiku, who currently plies his trade for Turkish giants Fenerbahce is considered as a potential replacements for Bafode Diakite, whose future at the club grows increasingly uncertain.

According to reports, Lille will consider Djiku’s return to France provided Bafode Diakite leaves the club this summer. Djiku featured for fellow French club Strasbourg before departing to join Fenerbahce at the expiration of his contract in 2023.

Besides Lille, the tough-tackling Ghanaian defender has garnered attention from numerous European clubs, including AS Roma and Nice, due to his impressive performance last season under seasoned manager Jose Mourinho. He made 38 appearances across competitions for the club, scoring one goal in the process.

Since joining Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023, the 30-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Turkish giants, having featured consistently for the club.

With his contract due to expire next summer, the former Strasbourg captain is considered as a viable candidate for Lille, who are keen on bolstering their squad for the upcoming season.

Interest rates for T-Bills have dropped

Ghana has saved GH¢4.9 billion in domestic interest payments following a steep fall in Treasury Bill rates during the first half of 2025.

Delivering the Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, attributed the gains to the government’s prudent “debt management strategy” and “improved investor confidence” in the domestic market.

“The 91-day T-Bill rate has reduced by 13.2 percentage points, from 27.7 percent in December 2024 to 14.7 percent in June 2025. Similar trends were observed across the 182-day and 364-day instruments,” he said.

According to Dr Forson, the 182-day T-Bill dropped by 5.06 percentage points, from 20.4 percent to 15.34 percent, while the 364-day T-Bill fell by 14.19 percentage points, from 29.95 percent in December to 15.76 percent in June.

He also reported that the average lending rate across the banking sector declined from 30.3 percent to 24 percent, and the Ghana Reference Rate — used to benchmark loan pricing — reduced from 28.31 percent to 24 percent within the period.

“These developments reflect renewed market confidence and effective debt management strategies,” he explained.

Dr Forson said the government remained committed to maintaining fiscal discipline and implementing growth-friendly reforms.

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

SSD/AE