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President commends Ghana Police Service for ensuring peaceful Christmas

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President John Dramani Mahama says the police have done well President John Dramani Mahama says the police have done well

President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Police Service for its outstanding performance in ensuring peaceful Christmas and New Year festivities across the country.

“Let me commend the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Police Service for your commendable performance during the recent Christmas season,” the President said.

“There were a lot of businesses and activities over the Christmas period, yet you made sure that crime was kept at a very, very low level.”

President Mahama made the commendation at the 2025 West Africa Security Social Activity (WASSA) held at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday.

WASSA is an end-of-year social gathering organised by the security agencies to take stock of the year’s activities, re-strategise, socialise, and celebrate with stakeholders.

The President commended officers at all levels for their diligence during periods of heightened security demand, noting that festive seasons often came with increased travel, social activities, and security risks.

He said through careful planning, discipline, and intelligence-led operations, the Police Service ensured that Ghanaians celebrated Christmas and New Year in peace and safety.

“Let me particularly acknowledge the IGP, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Police Management Board for the strategic deployment of personnel across our highways, communities, markets, places of worship, transport terminals and entertainment centres,” the President said.

He noted that the visible police presence reassured the public and demonstrated a vigilant and responsive Police Service.

President Mahama warned that criminal elements who targeted security personnel, whether to harm or kill them, would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

Yohuno, on his part, praised President Mahama’s Administration for continuously boosting the morale of personnel through logistical support.

Among those present at the event were former Inspectors-General of Police, Regional Police Commanders, retired police officers, members of the Police Management Board, and civilians.

Participants were entertained by performances by veteran musicians and cultural troupes, featuring both old and contemporary music.

Notable performers included Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Kojo Antwi, Obaapa Christy, Tagoe Sisters, Piesie Esther, and Akosua Agyapong.

Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors receive Guinean citizenship after DNA ancestry tests

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Makuochi OkaforBBC Africa

Mohamed Finando / Oxygen Africa Meagan Good (R) in a black-and-white jumpsuit and brown fedora, and Jonathan Majors (L) in a yellow jumper and beige slacks hold hands as they pose for the camera in front of a sign that reads: "Programme Simandou 2040." A Guinea flag hands furled on the far right of the frameMohamed Finando / Oxygen Africa

Husband and wife movie stars Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have travelled to Guinea, where they have been granted citizenship after tracing their ancestry to the West African nation through DNA testing.

Majors, a star of Creed and Ant-Man, said becoming citizens would allow the couple to “bridg[e] the gap” and bring together their stories as entertainers and members of the African diaspora.

“We just want to say thank you so much,” added Good, best known for the film Think Like a Man, who said it was her first visit to Guinea.

Their citizenship ceremony was similar to other initiatives in the region to encourage people of African descent to reclaim their heritage and invest in the continent.

The event – a private cultural ceremony organised by the ministry of culture – took place at a tourist and cultural centre, Gbassi Kolo, on Friday.

Djiba Diakité, minister and chief of staff of the presidency, presented the passports to the two actors on behalf of President Mamadi Doumbouya, saying: “We both believe that you are among the worthy sons and daughters of Guinea to represent our country and the red and green flag throughout the world.”

Guests were treated to a series of traditional dance and music performances, including on the djembe – a drum that draws many foreigners to Guinea to learn its rhythms.

Asked about what their long-terms plans were in Guinea, the couple told the BBC by email:

“We could absolutely see ourselves having a home here and spending meaningful time in Guinea. This is not a fleeting connection – it’s something we see as long-term and evolving.”

Good, 44, and Majors, 36, began dating in May 2023 and tied the knot last year.

They married following a turbulent period in Majors’ life. In 2024, he was sentenced in the US to probation for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, British choreographer Grace Jabbari. He was mandated to complete a 52-week domestic violence intervention programme.

The actors landed at Conakry’s Gbessia International Airport in the early hours of Friday morning and were welcomed with great fanfare by officials and musicians.

During their stay in Guinea, the pair are scheduled to tour Boké, a coastal region with historic slave trade sites. It is not clear if they plan to invest in or move to Guinea.

Mohamed Finando / Oxygen Africa US actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors being welcomed at Conakry Gbessia International Airport.  They were presented with kola nuts. Kola nuts hold deep cultural significance in West Africa, symbolising hospitality, peace, friendship, and life.  They are used in crucial social rituals like weddings, funerals, and negotiations.   The couple are smiling, chatting and wearing relaxed clothing.Mohamed Finando / Oxygen Africa

Ahead of the ceremony, the stars were presented with kola nuts – a culturally symbolic gift of welcome

In recent years, several celebrities have taken up citizenships of countries in Africa.

It largely began in 2019 when Ghana launched “The Year of Return”, inviting those with African heritage to come home and invest. One of the most prominent stars to do so was Stevie Wonder in 2024.

Other notable examples have been US singer Ciara, who took Beninese citizenship last year, and Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson, who acquired a Gabonese passport in 2020.

Guinea itself has a long history of welcoming activists and people from the African diaspora.

In the 1960s, South African singer Miriam Makeba and her husband, US civil rights activist and Black Panther leader Stokely Carmichael, moved to Guinea.

Makeba had been made stateless for her opposition to apartheid and after her marriage to Carmichael, who popularised the slogan “black power”, her US visa was revoked.

She was treated as an honorary Guinean citizen and cultural ambassador, while Carmichael, who took the name Kwame Ture, remained in Guinea even after their divorce, dying there in 1998.

Guinea has experience political turmoil in recent years – and under the junta that seized power in 2021 the country has become less open to dissent.

Coup leader Gen Mamady Doumbouya restricted the media and suppressed protests.

The country has recently returned to civilian rule following elections last month, won by Doumbouya with 87% of the vote.

Unlike other countries in the region that have experienced recent coups, Guinea has maintained relations with Western governments, particularly France.

The country is rich in minerals, including bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold and uranium, yet its people remain among the poorest in West Africa.

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Ken Ofori-Atta arrest resulted from extradition request – AG Ayine confirms

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Dr Dominic Ayine (L) says Ken Ofori-Atta (R) was arrested due to extradition processes Dr Dominic Ayine (L) says Ken Ofori-Atta (R) was arrested due to extradition processes

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has confirmed that the arrest of the former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, by ICE agents in the United States was due to his extradition request.

Speaking on JoyNews Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Dr Ayine said that Ofori-Atta’s detention is part of ongoing extradition processes, clarifying that it is linked to the revocation of his US visa and not a routine immigration overstay.

What We Know: Ken Ofori-Atta’s visa, ICE detention and Feburary 14 deadline

“I didn’t make this public, but I started investigating Ofori-Atta. In fact, in his case, I’m doing it with some foreign investigators who are tracking all the offshore dealings and so on. We are also doing our own investigations here. They are inconclusive, as we speak. I mean, we have not come to any conclusion,” Dr Ayine revealed.

Describing the investigations as serious and potentially far-reaching, the Attorney General emphasised that collaboration with US authorities began long before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) issued any public statements.

“So, I started working with the Americans in respect of Ofori-Atta long before OSP came up with the announcement. I started working with them, and I want Ghanaians to know that he just didn’t overstay his visa,” he clarified.

According to Dr Ayine, the US State Department revoked Ofori-Atta’s visa in July (sic) and gave him until November 29 to leave the country. His failure to comply prompted enforcement action.

“The visa was actually revoked. So, it’s not that Ofori-Atta overstayed. So, in July, the American State Department revoked his visa, and they gave him up to November 29 (sic) to leave the United States. He did not. And then, that is how come that they decided they were going to now pursue him, and arrest him.

“Actually, the arrest was supposed to occur on January 4th [2026], and they did not do so, but on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, they apprehended him in the Virginia area and took him into custody,” he explained.

He stressed that the matter is far more than an immigration issue.

“It’s not exactly about immigration. It was revoked. The visa was revoked. I am telling you this on authority,” he stated.

The AG’s confirmation corroborates statements by the Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, who said that the detention of Ofori-Atta in the United States is directly linked to efforts by the Attorney General’s office to secure his extradition.

Amaliba clarified that the revocation of Ofori-Atta’s US visa and his subsequent arrest were not due to an expired visa or immigration overstay, but resulted from actions initiated by Ghanaian authorities through the Attorney General.

Ken Ofori-Atta arrested and detained in the US

“Now, I can confirm to you that this [Ofori-Atta’s detention] is part of the processes leading up to his extradition, and this is the handiwork of our Attorney General. And I can tell you that it is the Attorney General who, in his attempts to get Ofori-Atta back here, made the US authorities revoke his stay status.

“His visa has not expired. Manasseh told us that it will be in February, so anybody who writes a letter saying that it is part of the overstay extension is a hoax,” Amaliba stated while speaking on TV3’s Newday on January 9, 2026.

MAG/AE

Reactions as ‘Team Legal Wives’ welcomes Akosua Serwaa at airport

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Akosua Serwaa is in Ghana after missing her husband's funeral in December Akosua Serwaa is in Ghana after missing her husband’s funeral in December

Despite it being a month after the final funeral rites of the renowned Ghanaian Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, the conversations are yet to die down, as videos have emerged of some supporters of Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, online.

Earlier in the day on January 9, 2026, a video emerged on social media showing Akosua Serwaa at an airport in Germany, believed to be the Düsseldorf Airport.

The late music legend’s wife and the mother of three of his children was seen with her suitcase as she went through the airport to board her flight.

The videos began trending in the night after some women, led by Daddy Lumba’s sister, Ernestina Fosu, appeared at the Kotoka International Airport and were seen cheering and dancing as they waited for the arrival of Akosua Serwaa.

The crowd waved Ghana flags and placards declaring Akosua Serwaa as the legal and only wife of Daddy Lumba as they waited for her.

Personalities including TV presenter Sally Mann, Maame Ode, another sister of Lumba – Akosua Brempongmaa, and Papa Shee were also spotted there.

The event climaxed with Akosua Serwaa finally arriving to cheers, fanfare, and a cultural dance display by the crowd.

This makes it Akosua Serwaa’s second public trip to Ghana following the death of her husband in July 2025.

Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, passed away on July 26, 2025.

He reportedly fell ill at his home at East Legon in Accra and was transported to the Bank Hospital at Cantonments, where he died.

After his death, Akosua Serwaa attended his one-week observance, held on August 31, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra, but later returned to Germany.

Akosua Serwaa not the only surviving wife of Daddy Lumba – Court rules

A legal feud later broke out between his two wives: Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, over who should be recognised as his legitimate spouse.

Akosua Serwaa took the matter to the Kumasi High Court, arguing that she married the late musician under the ordinance law in Germany and subsequently was his only legitimate spouse.

However, on November 29, 2025, the Kumasi High Court threw out Akosua Serwaa’s case, ruling that she failed to prove the legitimacy of her German marriage certificate.

The judge ordered both women to be seen as the wives of the Highlife legend.

She eventually did not attend his funeral on December 13, 2025.

Watch the videos below:

ID/AE

See the luxury Washington DC apartment Ofori-Atta was staying in before his arrest by ICE

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Ken Ofori-Atta was reportedly living in the prestigeous Westlight apartment complex Ken Ofori-Atta was reportedly living in the prestigeous Westlight apartment complex

More details have emerged about the events leading up to the arrest of the former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the United States.

According to investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested on the morning of January 6, 2026, by ICE agents while emerging from the prestigious Westlight apartment complex located at 1111 24th Street NW, Washington, DC.

According to Azure, Ofori-Atta had been living in the apartment building, a 20-minute walk from the White House, with his wife and son.

The building is not just any ordinary apartment complex, located at the West End neighbourhood in Washington; it has boasted of housing various affluent and prominent residents.

The immediate past Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, is reported to have lived in the building until her swearing-in in 2021.

Checks by GhanaWeb of the website of the complex show that apartments in the building range from a an estimated mouth-watering $625,000 (GH¢6.7 million) to a whopping $4,250,000 (GH¢45.5 million).

The apartments come with dining/living, breakfast area, and a kitchen complete with cooktops, dishwashers, icemakers, and wall ovens.

The complex itself has a doorman, desk in lobby, a concierge service, an elevator, a fitness centre, a party room, outdoor and rooftop pools, an exercise room, and many other amenities.

Ken Ofori-Atta has been charged with corruption and corruption-related offences in Ghana for his role in the SML scandal, with the government of Ghana requesting his extradition from the government of the United States.

“In July 2025, a source close to Ken Ofori-Atta told me he had no intention of coming back to Ghana to face justice, citing, among others, the likelihood that he would be humiliated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) if he submitted himself.

“His lawyers claimed that his arrest and detention by ICE, relate to “the status of his current stay in the United States,” Manasseh Azure said.

However, the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has revealed that Ken Ofori-Atta’s US visa was revoked in July 2025, and the US Department of State gave him up to November 29, 2025, to leave the United States.

He is expected to appear in court on January 20, 2026, in the United States regarding his current arrest.

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See Azure’s post below:

ID/AE

Inflation decline not felt by Ghanaians

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The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has accused the government of presiding over what he describes as poor economic management and a lack of clear policy direction, despite reported improvements in key macroeconomic indicators.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s weekend news analysis programme The Big Issue, Haruna Mohammed argued that recent reductions in inflation have not translated into real relief for ordinary Ghanaians, questioning the practical impact of the figures being touted by government.

According to him, while inflation has declined statistically, the cost of living remains high, with little to no improvement in household expenses such as rent, food prices, and farming inputs.

He further criticised the government’s handling of the agricultural sector, insisting that farmers continue to struggle under current economic conditions, largely due to what he termed ineffective governance and weak policy implementation.

Haruna Mohammed maintained that without deliberate efforts to ease the cost of living and support key productive sectors, economic gains reflected in official data would remain largely meaningless to the average Ghanaian.

“The NPP inherited an inflation of 15 %, before the global crisis, we brought the inflation down to 7.1 % and during the crisis, it went up to 53%, then we brought it down to 23% and handed it over to the NDC. Even with the crisis, we brought it down to 23% and we put in measures as to how to be able to curb it and the previous report of the IMF were indicative of it coming down to the level of what we are seeing today. However, inflation has come down.

“Does it have a replicate effect in the pocket of the people of Ghana? Has the charge on rent changed? If there is some level of resemblance in the reduction of prices within the market sector, what is the value? And what is the cost to the people of Ghana? Check the farmer, no farmer is laughing today, I am a farmer myself.

“No farmer will tell you that if they are able to sell their produce, they will be able to go back and farm the same acreage. Because there is bad economic governance. There is no direction, there is no improvement. Budget allocation cannot be met because the finance minister will not release the resources,” he said

Ghana’s Mawuko Kuadzi earns nomination at the Artios international feature race

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Accra, Jan 10, GNA-Ghana has once again stepped onto the global creative stage as casting director Mawuko Kuadzi earns a nomination in the International Feature category at the prestigious Casting Society of America (CSA) Artios Awards.
The nomination places Ghana in direct competition with leading creative voices from Asia and Europe, underlining the growing relevance of African storytelling within the world’s most respected casting honours.

Now in its 41st year, the Artios Awards recognize casting directors for their critical role in identifying talent and shaping performances that define film and television.
This year’s International Feature category features only three nominees: Kokuho, cast by Japan’s Masunobu Motokawa; Sound of Falling, cast by Germany’s Karimah El-Giamal; and The Fisherman, cast by Ghana’s Mawuko Kuadzi.

For Ghana and Africa, Mawuko Kuadzi’s nomination represents a clear statement that African creative professionals are operating at the same level as their global peers, with work strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with productions from long-established film markets.

Mawuko Kuadzi was nominated for his casting work on The Fisherman, a film that has already enjoyed notable success on the continent.
The film recently won Best Ghanaian Film at the REFFA Awards and also secured the Lead Actor award for Best Actor in Africa.
Industry observers have credited the film’s authenticity and emotional depth in large part to its carefully assembled cast.

The nomination builds on a historic moment at last year’s Artios Awards, when Kuadzi became the first African to ever win an Artios Award since its inception 40 years ago.
He claimed the Best Casting for a Commercial award for his work on the NFL Super Bowl commercial Born to Play, a victory that drew widespread attention across Africa and beyond.

That win was followed by a wave of recognition, including courtesy calls at several African embassies in Ghana and a visit to the United States Embassy in Accra, where the achievement was acknowledged as a milestone for African representation in global creative institutions.

With this new nomination, Mawuko Kuadzi is once again carrying Ghana’s flag on an international platform.
A win in the International Feature category would not only deepen his personal legacy, but also serve as a powerful validation of African storytelling at a time when global audiences are increasingly seeking authentic, locally grounded narratives.

Creative industry leaders say the impact of such recognition extends far beyond awards ceremonies.
A win would boost the confidence of young African creatives who often struggle for visibility on international platforms, reinforcing the belief that African stories, when told with care and excellence, can command global respect.

Mawuko Kuadzi has said he remained committed to using global platforms like the Artios Awards to elevate Africa’s image and to advocate stories that reflect the continent’s depth, diversity, and lived realities.

His upcoming project, Kismet, a television series scheduled to be shot in Nigeria, is expected to further strengthen cross-border collaboration within Africa’s creative industry.

Reacting to the nomination, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers, Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, described Mawuko Kuadzi as the kind of creative leader Africa needs.
He noted that figures like Mawuko Kuadzi helped authenticate African narratives and demonstrated that the continent’s stories could compete at the highest global level without compromise.

Producer of The Fisherman, Zoey Martinson, also expressed excitement about the recognition, describing the nomination as a strong endorsement of the film and its creative team.
She said the Artios platform offered global validation for African projects that were rooted in truth, craft, and cultural integrity.

As anticipation builds toward the Artios Awards ceremony, Mawuko Kuadzi’s nomination is being widely seen as a landmark moment for Ghana and a source of Pan-African pride.
Global and Pan African creative experts have revealed that the nomination signalled a shift in global perception, one in which African casting, African talent, and African stories were no longer peripheral, but central to the world’s creative conversation.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Why Miyaji’s ILT20 journey matters beyond Uganda

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Jackson Kavuma hands over Player of the Match award to ADKR's Windies star Sunil Narine Jackson Kavuma hands over Player of the Match award to ADKR’s Windies star Sunil Narine

Ugandan Juma Miyaji was among seven young bowlers selected from seven different African countries for the International League (IL) T20 Season 4 Africa nominations — an initiative driven by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair of the Associate Members and ILT20 Commissioner.

The programme guarantees associate nations a presence within one of the world’s fastest-growing franchise leagues, offering exposure that domestic competitions simply cannot replicate.

Cricket Uganda chairman Jackson Kavuma believes that emphasis must now be placed on recognising the intent and impact behind the move.

“We thank Mubashshir for this initiative towards our players and Associate cricket development,” said Kavuma.

“Now, the first step has been taken, and all that is required is more visibility to the ILT20. The ILT20 Africa version being rolled out across the continent is significant, especially in talent identification and development, too. It is a good launchpad.”

More than a call-up

For Miyaji, a bowling all-rounder who has already featured at two World Cups (U-19 in 2022 and Seniors in 2024), the stint with the Gulf Giants was transformative.

Training under elite coaches and bowling to international stars sharpened both his technical skill and professional mindset.

“Being part of this season’s ILT20 in the UAE has been a true privilege,” Miyaji said.

“Playing with high-quality players obviously helps me improve my game. The coaches — especially former New Zealand opening bowler Shane Bond — embraced me and helped me learn a lot.”

While Miyaji did not feature in matches, the net sessions, tactical meetings, and daily intensity represented a level of cricket education rarely available to associate players.

Leadership watching closely

Kavuma was present during the closing stages of the tournament, witnessing first-hand the scale and professionalism of the league.

He also handed over the Player of the Match award to Sunil Narine after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ 50-run Eliminator victory over Dubai Capitals on January 1.

Though ADKR later fell short by 7 wickets against the Mumbai Indians Emirates in Qualifier 2, the tournament finale itself — watched by a packed Dubai International Stadium yesterday — showcased the commercial and developmental reach of ILT20.

Among the spectators were administrators, legends of the game, and Ugandan leadership, including Kavuma and former Cricket Uganda chairman Bashir Ansasiira, who also serves as chairman of ILT20 Africa.

The architect speaks

Usmani, who also chairs the ICC Development Committee, insists inclusion is central to ILT20’s philosophy.

“One of the objectives of ILT20 is to provide opportunities to Associate nation players so that they too can benefit from sharing dressing rooms with the top players of world cricket,” Usmani said.

“Kavuma and Ansasiira have been instrumental in ensuring this objective is implemented.”

That alignment between administrators, franchises, and associate boards is what gives the initiative sustainability beyond symbolic selection.

Africa’s wider footprint

Miyaji was joined by Katlo Piet (Botswana), Samuel Conteh (Sierra Leone), Martin Akayezu (Rwanda), Francis Mutua (Kenya), Peter Aho (Nigeria), and Mohammed Yunus Issa (Tanzania) — each attached to different franchises.

For Kavuma, this continental spread is critical.

“This kind of storytelling goes a long way in strengthening partnerships and showcasing real impact beyond material support,” he said.

The talking point

Sustainable impact

Future Pathways. Africa’s long-standing challenge has never been raw talent, but access.

Initiatives like ILT20 Africa bridge that gap by placing associate players inside elite systems rather than outside looking in.

The challenge now is continuity – ensuring these pathways are not one-off gestures but permanent fixtures that reshape Africa’s cricket economy and competitiveness.

ILT20 Africa – Season 4

Selected Players: 7

Countries: 7 African nations

Age Range: 22–24 years

Dominant skill: Bowlers selected

Teams involved: Gulf Giants, Sharjah Warriors, ADKR, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates

Energy Minister inspects AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant as GRIDCo completes tie-in

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The AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant is expected to contribute approximately 141 megawatts (MW) The AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant is expected to contribute approximately 141 megawatts (MW)

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has inspected the AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant following the completion of its tie-in to the national transmission grid by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo).

The inspection is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the successful integration of new power generation infrastructure aimed at strengthening Ghana’s electricity supply.

The AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant is expected to contribute approximately 141 megawatts (MW) to the national grid, boosting electricity supply to homes, businesses, and industries, particularly across the middle belt and other parts of Ghana.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Jinapor said the integration of the plant underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the national power system and ensuring energy security.

GRIDCo commences tie-in and test runs of new AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant

“The completion of the tie-in at the AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant represents a significant milestone in our efforts to expand generation capacity and improve the reliability of electricity supply for Ghanaians. This project reflects our focus on long-term system stability and sustainable energy delivery,” he stated.

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition reiterated that all activities at the AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant are being carried out in the national interest, with a strong emphasis on long-term system stability, enhanced power reliability, and improved service delivery nationwide.

Nigeria and Algeria set for high-stakes quarterfinal clash

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Victor Osimhen (L) and Riyad Mahrez (R) will face off in the quarter finals Victor Osimhen (L) and Riyad Mahrez (R) will face off in the quarter finals

A heavyweight African showdown awaits football fans as Nigeria and Algeria lock horns in the third quarterfinal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakech.

With a place in the semifinals on the line, this encounter between two continental giants promises drama, quality, and a test of both pedigree and resilience.

Both sides have been in sparkling form throughout the tournament. The Super Eagles entered the knockout stage with a perfect record, scoring 12 goals in four matches.

Led by coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria boasts a blend of youth and experience, with striker Victor Osimhen three goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record, a milestone that could be within reach if he finds the back of the net.

Chelle’s team also has the strongest attack in the tournament, and their near-pristine record in AFCON quarterfinals gives them a psychological edge: Nigeria have advanced from this stage 10 out of 11 times since 1992, beating top sides including Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

Senegal edge Mali, Morocco outclass Cameroon to reach AFCON semi-final

Algeria, meanwhile, is on a journey of redemption after consecutive group-stage exits in the previous two editions.

The Fennec Foxes have displayed defensive solidity under Vladimir Petkovic, conceding just once in four matches, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane playing a crucial role.

Captain Riyad Mahrez, now 34, has been pivotal, scoring three goals and orchestrating Algeria’s attacks alongside experienced teammates Baghdad Bounedjah, Ismaël Bennacer, and Ramy Bensebaini.

Young talents like Fares Chaibi have also contributed key moments, balancing experience with youthful energy. Their Round of 16 victory over DR Congo, sealed by a 119th-minute strike from Adil Boulbina, demonstrated their resilience and capacity to perform under pressure.

History adds spice to the encounter. Nigeria and Algeria last met in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, when Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick delivered Algeria a 2–1 victory en route to the title.

Now, both teams have proven themselves in the group stage, making this quarterfinal not just a battle for progression but a chance to assert supremacy and continue their continental legacies.

With Nigeria’s attacking flair pitted against Algeria’s disciplined defense, fans can expect a thrilling contest of strategy, skill, and tension.

One misstep could end either team’s perfect run, setting the stage for an unforgettable AFCON quarterfinal in Morocco.

FKA/AE