Borle Music is a rising name in the Afro-Swing scene
“Die With You” by Borle Music is a smooth Afro-Swing love song that mixes deep emotions with a calm and steady rhythm.
The song talks about unbreakable love and shares a message of devotion and loyalty.
It shows two people who choose to stand together through all of life’s moments.
With soulful melodies and warm Afro rhythms, the song creates a peaceful and romantic feeling.
Borle Music is a rising name in the Afro-Swing scene, steadily gaining attention for music that blends heartfelt emotion with smooth, rhythmic African influences.
Known for creating calm yet meaningful soundscapes, Borle Music focuses on love, commitment, and emotional connection, themes that resonate strongly with listeners who value depth and sincerity in music
“Die With You” is more than just music.
It is a promise of love, trust, and togetherness.
Borle Music delivers a song that reminds listeners of the beauty of true commitment.
Agya K, the father of late Ghanaian TikToker Osanju, has passed away a few months after his son and wife died
Oheneba Jude confirmed the death of Agya K in a video on social media, amidst tears and sobs
Netizens who watched the video on social media thronged the comment section to mourn Agya K
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Agya K, the father of the late Ghanaian TikToker Osanju Frimpong Elvis, has died a few months after the deaths of his son and wife in 2025.
The popular TikToker passed away on September 1, 2025, five months after his mother’s burial. Osanju’s mother’s death was confirmed on January 20, 2025.
Agya K, the father of the late Osanju passes away. Photo credit: MrSanjus, NahBaffdotcomm Source: TikTok
Following the deaths of his wife and son, Agya K appeared deeply saddened. However, other family members stayed close to him to help ease his grief.
Oheneba Jude confirmed Agya K’s death in a social media post.
Watch the video below:
Netizens mourn Osanju’s dad
YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the death announcement of Osanju’s father. Read them below:
nyarkoabronomaa1 said:
“He died from too much sorrow. The loss was too much 😔 RIP Agya K.”
Manye_Padikie👸 wrote:
“The man died the day his wife died 🤦♀️. May their souls rest peacefully 🙏🏻💔.”
Pape Matar Sarr was an unused substitute as Senegal drew with the DR Congo on matchday two of the Africa Cup of Nations.
A winner of the continental tournament with his nation in 2021, Pape was named amongst Senegal’s substitutes for the second successive game as they faced their 2026 World Cup qualifying rivals once again.
A side they pipped to qualify for next year’s tournament in North America earlier this season with Pape scoring a dramatic late winner as Senegal came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, the nations are now in the same AFCON group, but nothing could separate them this time in Tangier.
Actor, Alesh Sanni, has slammed his colleagues for quickly posting about the passing of actress, Allwell Ademola, even though they never posted her movies while she was alive
Allwell passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 27.
In the video he posted this morning, Alesh said he was supposed to attend a dinner with late Allwell but that she passed away hours before the dinner they had both planned to attend.
Displeased with his colleagues who were quick to mourn her via social media, Alesh said
“What I don’t understand is why are people so quick to post bad news.
Thisis disturbing! This is disheartening! Someone will do birthday andyou guys will never post them like this…She was a producer. You people wouldn’t repost any of her movies, so why are you posting now? Someone hasn’t d!ed beyond 30 minutes and the news is all over your pages…why?”
A lawyer with unresolved corruption allegations in his own public service past now asks Ghana to suspend scrutiny of a client accused of abusing public office.
There is a reason serious prosecutions fear documents more than speeches. Documents remember. And the man now touring studios to launder indignation for Ken Ofori-Atta has a documentary footprint of his own that deserves daylight.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase and Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has undertaken an inspection tour of ongoing inner road projects in the Asawase Constituency.
He was accompanied by the Asokore-Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Ben Abdullah Alhassan, as they visited construction sites in the Sepe and Buoban enclaves, as well as parts of Asokore-Mampong.
The tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the progress of work being carried out by contractors.
Alhaji Muntaka reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in the constituency, stressing that enhancing the living standards of the people through strategic investments in critical sectors, particularly roads, remains a top priority of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
He urged residents to maintain confidence in the government and assured them of his continued efforts to lobby for additional projects and initiatives to improve their quality of life.
For his part, the MCE pledged that the Assembly would ensure value for money by demanding high-quality work from contractors.
Mr Alhassan also commended the President for allocating a fair share of development projects to the Asawase Municipality, noting that the initiatives would transform the area and boost the local economy upon completion.
The Director of Communications, Research and Strategy at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Sammy Darko, has highlighted how the institution’s preventive mandate has saved Ghana millions of cedis by stopping potentially harmful deals and exposing corruption risks before they materialised.
According to Mr Darko, one of the most notable interventions was the OSP’s role in raising red flags over the Agyapa Royalties transaction.
He said the OSP’s early assessment identified serious corruption risks in the deal, leading to its suspension and ultimately protecting the state from long-term financial losses.
“Those concerns stopped a bad deal that could have cost the country far more in the long run. That money stayed with Ghana, not private interests,” he stated.
Mr Darko also pointed to the planned sale of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) as another example of the OSP’s preventive impact.
He explained that the Office flagged corruption risks in a proposed partnership arrangement, which subsequently did not go through.
“Without that intervention, a key state asset would likely have been lost,” he noted, stressing that prevention remains cheaper and more effective than prosecution after the fact.
Additionally, Mr Darko said the OSP has helped plug financial leakages by uncovering ghost names on public payrolls, even under systems that included Ghana Card verification.
He explained that these were individuals who were being paid despite not existing or no longer being in active service.
“Removing them stopped steady leaks of public funds,” he said, adding that such actions underscore the importance of the OSP’s preventive powers in safeguarding public resources.
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.
Borle Music is a rising name in the Afro-Swing scene
“Die With You” by Borle Music is a smooth Afro-Swing love song that mixes deep emotions with a calm and steady rhythm.
The song talks about unbreakable love and shares a message of devotion and loyalty.
It shows two people who choose to stand together through all of life’s moments.
With soulful melodies and warm Afro rhythms, the song creates a peaceful and romantic feeling.
Borle Music is a rising name in the Afro-Swing scene, steadily gaining attention for music that blends heartfelt emotion with smooth, rhythmic African influences.
Known for creating calm yet meaningful soundscapes, Borle Music focuses on love, commitment, and emotional connection, themes that resonate strongly with listeners who value depth and sincerity in music
“Die With You” is more than just music.
It is a promise of love, trust, and togetherness.
Borle Music delivers a song that reminds listeners of the beauty of true commitment.
play videoVictor Oshimen scored his first goal in the 2025 AFCON against Tunisia
Nigeria held off a late Tunisia fightback to reach the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles led the Group C encounter in Fes 3-0 with 17 minutes remaining through goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman before Montassar Talbi’s header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick pulled one back for the North Africans.
Tunisia were then given a late penalty, following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, for a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came close to a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time when captain Ferjani Sassi headed narrowly wide, and there was still time for Ismael Gharbi to bobble a volley past the post.
Victory means three-time Afcon winners Nigeria move on to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a game to spare, and will face a third-placed side from Group A, B or F in the next round.
Tunisia remain on three points with Uganda and Tanzania on one point apiece after the East African rivals drew 1-1 earlier on Saturday.
The Super Eagles remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday (16:00 GMT), with Tunisia returning to Rabat to face Tanzania at the same time.
Nigeria, Afcon runners-up in 2023, join Egypt as the second side through to the knockout stage, but both coach Eric Chelle and their supporters will feel relieved after what looked set to be a comfortable last quarter of an hour turned into a nervy finish.
Both sides had won their opener in Morocco, with Tunisia cruising past Uganda and Nigeria edging past the Tanzanians in a hard-fought encounter.
Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before the Super Eagles striker opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header between two Tunisian defenders and into the bottom-right corner from Lookman’s inviting left-wing cross.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage early in the second half, as Ndidi picked a good time to score his first international goal when he rose highest to power home a header from Lookman’s corner.
Osimhen teed up former England youth international Lookman for the third, but Talbi steered his header past Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to reduce the deficit.
Tunisia were handed a lifeline when a looping cross dropped onto the forearm of Osayi-Samuel, and Malian referee Boubou Traore awarded a spot-kick after being sent to his pitchside monitor by VAR.
Abdi smashed home, but the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of a stirring comeback.
Tunisia remain well placed to join the West Africans in the next round, with a draw against Tanzania enough to progress – and their manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 Afcon, when a group-stage exit ultimately led to his resignation as coach.
Popular personal shopper on X Aunty Esther who was diagnosed with cancer and allegedly’refused’ blood transfusion has d!ed.
The deceased trended earlier this month after new updates revealed she allegedly declined a blood transfusion recommended by her doctors. She had earlier informed her followers that her test results were out, confirming cancer in her breast and armpit. She also thanked everyone who contributed financially to her treatment.
However, one of the coordinators handling donations, Sir Dickson, announced that he and another medical volunteer have stepped away from her case.
According to him, doctors advised that she needed a blood transfusion before starting chemotherapy, but she rejected it due to her Jehovah’s Witness faith. According to Dickson, her church allegedly warned she would be disfellowshipped if she accepted blood, and some family members insisted that “whatever happens is God’s will.” Read here.
In an update given on X last night, one of her caregivers announced her passing.
Chelsea suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, as they dropped down to fifth in the Premier League table.
Similar to the previous game at St. James’ Park, it was a game of two halves, but this time, Chelsea were on the losing end.
It looked very promising for the hosts in the first half at Stamford Bridge. They took the lead in the 37th minute from Reece James’ corner kick.
It was Chelsea’s 11th set-piece goal of the season, the joint second-highest in the league.
IMAGO / Action Plus
Chelsea created a lot of chances in the first period, and they paid the price for failing to capitalise on them.
Unai Emery’s triple substitutions just before the hour mark proved effective, especially the introduction of striker Ollie Watkins.
It took the England international just a couple of minutes to level the score from close range after receiving a beautiful vertical pass from Morgan Rogers.
After limiting the visitors to zero shot attempts, Chelsea struggled to contain the inspired Villa side in the second half.
In the 84th minute, Villa paid Chelsea back with their own corner-kick goal, and it was Watkins again who delivered the blow.
IMAGO / Sportimage
Chelsea made a late push in the game, but did not manage to register any shots on target in the second half.
The defeat means third-placed Villa have widened the gap to Chelsea, who dropped down to fifth, to 10 points.
Depending on the result between Sunderland and Leeds United on Sunday, Chelsea could be sixth when they host Bournemouth for another Premier League bout on Tuesday.
Here are the Chelsea player ratings, according to SofaScore:
Ghanaian authorities have detained 141 individuals, largely believed to be Nigerian nationals, in a coordinated operation targeting organised cybercrime networks operating in the country.
The arrests, made on December 27, focused on suburbs of Accra, including Tabora and Lashibi, following intelligence-led investigations, which was led by the Cyber Security Authority in partnership with the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, confirmed that 100 suspects were detained in Tabora and 41 in Lashibi. He explained that intelligence-led surveillance had identified the two areas as hubs for cybercrime activity.
“The raids were based on intelligence operations that pointed to organised networks operating from these communities,” he said.
Investigators revealed that a Ghanaian landlord was among those taken into custody for allegedly accommodating around 100 of the suspects in Tabora. Authorities believe that the landlord’s property served as a base for operations involving mobile money fraud, business email compromise and other online scams. Security officials seized 38 laptops and approximately 150 mobile phones during the raids, which are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects were part of coordinated groups using residential properties to conceal their activities. Officials said the discovery highlights how cybercrime networks exploit local housing arrangements to evade detection.
“We are not only dealing with individuals but with systems that enable them,” a senior security source noted, adding that investigations will extend to landlords and property managers suspected of knowingly facilitating such activities. The Cyber Security Authority emphasised that prosecutions will follow once forensic examinations are complete. “All suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in line with Ghanaian law,” the agency stated.
Ketu North MP, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana (right), On Stage With Musician Edem
The Member of Parliament for Ketu North in the Volta Region, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, has reaffirmed his dedication to youth development and the promotion of talents in music and entertainment. He urged stakeholders within and beyond the constituency to support creative initiatives that can elevate both Ketu North and the Volta Region.
Speaking at the third edition of the Edem Agbana Carnival in Afife, the MP addressed thousands of patrons who gathered at the Afife School Park to celebrate culture and heritage through music and dance. The Carnival, first held in Dzodze in 2023 and later in Penyi in 2024, has grown into a major regional festival showcasing musicians, DJs, dancers, artisans, and entertainers.
This year’s event featured forty performers, lively street parades, food, and a festive atmosphere that united families and young people. The show began Friday evening and ran until early Saturday morning, with performances from Edem, Keeny Ice, Jah Phinga, Agbeshie, Chief One, Kpese Boii, Morgan Nero, and JJ Gonami.
The Carnival drew thousands from across the constituency, including youth impressed by the leadership of their first-term MP. Executives of the National Democratic Congress were also present, alongside more than twenty bloggers covering the event.
Hon. Agbana used the occasion to honour Producer Elorm Binni and Artiste Jonathan Nii Laryea (Jonila) for inspiring younger talents in the entertainment industry. He praised the chiefs and people of Ketu North for their support and thanked the youth of Afife for ensuring the success of the festival.
He pledged that the Carnival will remain an annual fixture, promising to continue addressing youth concerns and supporting their aspirations. The MP also presented a plaque to Musician Edem for his contribution to the arts, while the youth of Afife honoured him with a citation for his role in advancing development in the constituency.
Cocoa farmers in Mfantseman, located in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, are facing severe challenges as illegal mining activities have destroyed access routes to their farms, leaving large quantities of cocoa uncollected and stranded.
The destruction caused by unregulated mining operations has made it nearly impossible for farmers to reach their farms or transport harvested produce, resulting in significant financial losses.
Farmers say deep trenches and open pits dug by illegal miners have rendered farm roads unsafe and unusable for over a year.
In the past, cocoa was transported manually with the help of labourers, but many young people have since abandoned farming for galamsey.
Tricycles later became the preferred means of transporting produce, but those too can no longer access the farms due to the extensive damage to the road network.
Beyond the loss of income, farmers say their personal safety is now at serious risk. Accessing farms on foot requires navigating narrow paths surrounded by uncovered pits, raising fears of fatal accidents.
Local authorities report that between January and August this year, at least 27 people died after falling into abandoned galamsey pits in the municipality, heightening anxiety among residents.
The affected farmers are questioning the absence of a major security operation in Mfantseman, despite similar crackdowns on illegal mining in other areas.
They are appealing for immediate government action to halt galamsey activities and safeguard cocoa farms. Residents have also raised health concerns, alleging that some abandoned pits are being used as refuse dumps and places of convenience, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Upper Denkyira West District continues to battle similar challenges, with health authorities warning that illegal mining has destroyed vast farmlands and polluted water bodies across the Denkyira enclave.
The Paramount Chief of Denkyira, Odeefour Boampensem IV, has called on the government to intensify efforts to stop illegal mining and restore degraded lands.
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.
Prayers have resumed at the Ho Central Mosque in the Volta Regional capital under heavy police protection, a day after a shooting incident at the facility left 10 worshippers seriously injured and heightened security concerns in the area.
Despite the attack on Friday, December 26, Muslim faithful returned to the mosque on Saturday to observe their daily prayers, as security personnel maintained a strong presence in and around the premises to forestall any further violence or possible reprisals.
A visit by Channel One News on the afternoon of Saturday, December 28, showed calm at the mosque, with worshippers going about their prayers amid visible police patrols. Law enforcement officers were stationed at strategic points to reassure the community and prevent disturbances.
The shooting incident occurred when masked assailants reportedly stormed the mosque during prayers and opened fire, injuring 10 people. Two of the victims were said to be in critical condition and are currently receiving medical care.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack may be linked to a long-running leadership dispute over the position of Chief Imam, a conflict that has divided the Muslim community in Ho for several years despite multiple mediation efforts.
In response, the Volta Regional Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for the main suspects behind the attack. While 15 individuals have been arrested to assist with investigations, police say the principal perpetrators are still at large.
The Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Francis Gomado, has assured residents that investigations are progressing and that measures are being taken to address both the criminal aspects of the case and the underlying causes of the violence.
Cleric and former singer Emmanuel Okose, has taken to social media to tackle actress Doris Ogala over her recent online drama with clergyman, Chris Okafor.
Doris has been dragging Pastor Okafor on social media over failed marriage promise. She claimed they had an affair and that he promised her marriage but ended up getting married to someone else.
In a post shared in Instagram, Emmanuel asked why Doris was bashing the clergyman. He asked if Okafor was the one who disvirgined Doris and if she would react the same way if the pastor if he wasn’t so popular.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia believes that he is better placed to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to capture power.
He says without him as a choice, the New Patriotic Party may struggle to capture power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has been campaigning in the Greater Accra Region ahead of the January 31, 2026, primaries, said, “The chart is set, so let’s not change our candidate going intob the 2028 election.
play videoRafik Mahama made the donation on behalf of Ibrahim Mahama
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Engineers and Planners and Dzata Cement, Ibrahim Mahama, has extended support to persons with disabilities through a donation to the Disabled Christian Fellowship International and the Accra Rehabilitation Centre.
The donation, made on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Engineers and Planners Corporate Limited, formed part of the company’s humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable groups during the festive season.
Items presented included 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of corned beef, 20 cartons of mackerel, and 20 cartons of cooking oil.
Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Executive Director of the Disabled Christian Fellowship International and immediate past President of the Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA), Francis Adjetey Sowah, expressed deep appreciation to the company and its CEO.
Ibrahim Mahama pays last respect to late Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
He described Mahama’s gesture as timely and impactful, particularly during a season associated with sharing and togetherness.
According to Sowah, many persons with disabilities struggle to access basic food items, especially during festive celebrations. He noted that the donation would bring relief and a sense of inclusion to beneficiaries who are often overlooked.
He praised Mahama for remembering the disability community at a time of joy, describing the act as worthy of emulation.
He further said the support had renewed hope among members of the fellowship, adding that the gesture would remain memorable to them.
“This recognition gives us strength, dignity, and a sense of belonging,” he indicated.
The items were presented on behalf of Ibrahim Mahama by his Special Aide, Rafiq Mahama, who reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities.
He revealed that Engineers and Planners Corporate Limited is considering future initiatives focused on capacity building and innovative programmes for the disability community.
Officials present at the event included the Centre Manager of the Accra Rehabilitation Centre, Seth Dzidzornu, members of the centre’s management team, representatives of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, including Elvis Alipui and James Borteye, as well as other members of the disability fraternity.
The deaths of SWAG’s former presidents, Ebo Quansah and Ackah Anthony, left the fraternity in deep mourning
Both men had played key roles in shaping the association and raising professional standards
Their passing marked the end of an era, but their dedication and legacy continue to inspire future generations of sports journalists in Ghana
As 2025 draws to a close, Ghana’s sports journalism community is reflecting on a painful chapter marked by loss and remembrance.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) was plunged into mourning following the deaths of two of its former presidents within the space of a week, leaving the fraternity shaken and emotional.
The late ex-SWAG President, Ackah Anthony. Image credit: SWAG Source: Twitter
According to Domestic Sports, the latest blow came with the passing of Ebo Quansah, the fifth president of SWAG, whose death followed closely after that of Ackah Anthony, the association’s sixth president.
Read also
Looking back at how Diogo Jota and Andre Silva left us in 2025
The back-to-back losses have cast a sombre shadow over Ghanaian sports journalism, as both men were towering figures who devoted their lives to the growth and credibility of the profession.
Ebo Quansah’s journey with SWAG spanned decades and was defined by service, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Long before ascending to the presidency, he worked tirelessly within the association, first as Deputy Secretary and later as Secretary-General.
Pictured: Former SWAG President, Ebo Quansah who passed away in 2025. Image credit: SWAG Source: Getty Images
His gradual rise through the ranks reflected his deep understanding of the organisation and his passion for nurturing sports journalism in Ghana.
From 2001 to 2007, Quansah’s leadership ushered in a period of progress and consolidation for SWAG. The association gained greater recognition, strengthened its structures, and earned increased respect within the sporting ecosystem.
Even after completing his tenure, Quansah remained actively involved as a patron, mentoring younger journalists and offering wise counsel whenever needed. His influence extended far beyond titles, shaping values that continue to guide the association.
Ackah Anthony’s passing
Just days earlier, the sports media space was still grieving the loss of Ackah Anthony, whose presidency from 2007 to 2015 marked another transformative era for SWAG, as GhanaSoccernet noted.
Read also
PAC Academy’s 2025 tragedies: A year of heartbreak
Widely admired for his forward-thinking leadership, Ackah steered the association through a rapidly changing media landscape, ensuring it remained relevant and impactful.
Ackah Anthony was instrumental in raising professional standards among sports writers and amplifying their voice within Ghana’s sports industry. One of his most enduring achievements was the refurbishment of the SWAG Club House in Dansoman, Accra.
Under his leadership, the facility evolved into a vibrant meeting point where journalists connected, shared ideas, and built the future of the profession.
The deaths of Quansah and Ackah represent a profound loss, given their selfless contributions and lasting influence on SWAG’s identity.
Their legacies continue to inspire, even as the association presses on under the leadership of respected veteranKwabena Yeboah.
Kofi Asare Brako battled stroke
YEN.com.gh recently reported on the emotional disclosure by legendary Ghanaian sports commentator Kofi Asare Brako, alias Abatay, who shared his personal struggle with a stroke.
The renowned sports journalist made an appearance on Peace FM, where he opened up about his personal challenges and experiences. During the poignant conversation, he also took the opportunity to reassure his listeners that he has now fully recovered and is in excellent health.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Latvian authorities have agreed to receive a Ghanaian delegation as part of ongoing efforts to seek justice for the late Nana Agyei Ahyia, an 18-year-old Ghanaian student who died in Latvia under controversial circumstances.
The update follows sustained diplomatic engagements by the government to address concerns raised by the family of the deceased, who dispute Latvian authorities’ claim that Nana Agyei died by suicide. The family maintains that their son was racially abused and later murdered by a group of individuals.
Providing an update in a Facebook post on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that the Latvian Foreign Ministry has officially responded to his request for cooperation.
“On the matter of ongoing investigations and justice for Nana Agyei, I can confirm that the Latvian Foreign Ministry has officially responded to my request and indicated that Latvian authorities shall be ready to receive my delegation in Riga, Latvia on the 20th of January, 2026,” he stated.
He noted that the visit will form part of Ghana’s pursuit of truth and justice in the case and pledged to keep the public informed throughout the process.
“Looking forward to embarking on this important journey in the pursuit of truth and justice. I promised regular updates in the interest of transparency, accountability and justice — I shall continue to do just that,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa reiterated the Mahama administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Ghanaians, both at home and abroad.
“As I have reiterated, the Mahama administration values every Ghanaian life either at home or abroad; we are prepared to do whatever it takes to safeguard the dignity of all Ghanaians,” he said.
Ablakwa to visit Latvia over alleged murder of Ghanaian student
Heaven has played for England at various age groups.
He suffered an ankle injury playing for the Under-20s against Switzerland in October, was replaced at half-time and was not selected for November’s match against Japan.
Heaven made two substitute appearances for United in the Premier League this season before starting against West Ham on 4 December in the centre of a three-man defence.
He was booked after eight minutes and taken off at half-time, but has started all four matches since and improved significantly in each.
He was excellent in the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on 21 December and was man of the match in the 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Friday, when United kept only their second clean sheet of the season.
Manager Ruben Amorim said: “I am really pleased with Ayden. You can feel that he is improving every game.
“He is young, but you can feel that he has a good game, slows the thinking and improves during the game.
“He trained really well and, if he continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place.”
The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has cautioned that sustained financial support will be critical to ensure the Tema Oil Refinery’s long-term operations.
Speaking on Channel One News on Saturday, December 27, he commended the current management of TOR for overseeing the restart of operations after years of inactivity, describing the development as encouraging for Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
“We should commend the current management for this. We should encourage the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Ghana to go in there with the requisite investment, so that TOR does not process the cargo they have currently, and then, because they are unable to get revolving cargo in the coming days, a few months down the line, we will stop,” he said.
COPEC stressed that while the restart of refining activities was good news, more work remained to be done to guarantee sustainability, particularly in securing a consistent crude oil supply through adequate financing.
“I think the resumption is good news, but a lot more work will need to be done at this point for sustainability to be guaranteed,” he added.
The Tema Oil Refinery recently restarted crude oil refining operations following the successful completion of extensive Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on its Crude Distillation Unit.
According to TOR, the maintenance works were carried out between August 1 and October 30, 2025, and were completed within schedule, meeting international engineering, safety and operational standards.
TOR resumes crude oil refining after years of shutdown
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) will stop engaging in the small scale gold trading business from January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in the country’s gold sector operations.
Governor Dr Johnson Asiama submitted a proposal to the BoG board in November 2025 to exit the Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) gold trading segment under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), and the proposal received approval. The central bank will continue its broader DGPP operations while fully transferring the small scale segment to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
Sources say the move will allow the Bank of Ghana to focus on other segments of the DGPP as well as its core mandate of inflation targeting and price stability. Officials emphasized the decision arose from strategic restructuring rather than external criticism.
The Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson, advanced approximately 4.4 billion cedis to GoldBod in the 2025 Budget, a move expected to enable GoldBod to completely assume operations while the central bank no longer incurs related costs starting next year. In 2026, GoldBod will control the entire gold supply chain and sell the gold proceeds in US dollars to the Bank of Ghana in exchange for cedis for subsequent gold purchases.
The transition comes amid debate over financial performance of the gold programme. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its fifth staff review report, noted that losses from artisanal and small scale gold transactions under the Gold for Reserves programme reached $214 million within the first nine months of 2025.
However, a senior official at the bank described the IMF’s opinion as not accurate, noting that the figures are not audited and involve dynamic gold and foreign exchange markets. The Bank of Ghana has described the exposure loss linked to its relationship with GoldBod as premature, arguing that it has not published its financials and any loss or gain cannot be solely attributed to GoldBod exposure but rather to market conditions.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi stated the board has made no losses and recorded profits in 2025, with unaudited financial statements showing an expected income surplus of not less than 600 million cedis. He explained that GoldBod’s role in 2025 was limited to buying gold locally, testing its quality, and exporting it for the Bank of Ghana, while the sale and trading of the gold remained the central bank’s sole responsibility.
The Ghana Gold Board was established under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which was assented to on April 2, 2025. The legislation granted GoldBod exclusive authority to buy, sell, weigh, grade, assay, value, and export gold and other precious minerals from artisanal and small scale operations. The Act replaced the Precious Minerals Marketing Company and introduced a robust licensing regime prioritizing Ghanaian companies and citizens while barring foreign nationals from local gold trading.
Financial sector stakeholders are monitoring the transition closely as Ghana restructures its gold value chain while aligning central bank priorities with broader economic objectives.
Despite growing discussion about a weakening dollar and shifting global power dynamics, the United States continues to attract substantial foreign investment from wealthy individuals and institutions in developing countries and emerging economies.
Market data from the United States Department of Treasury shows that after a brief selloff in April 2025 during the so called Liberation Day tariff announcement, foreign investors quickly returned to American assets. Treasury International Capital data reveals foreign residents increased their holdings of long term US securities with net purchases of $192.3 billion in June 2025 and $78.8 billion in July 2025.
Liberation Day on April 2, 2025, marked President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs that were more severe than investors expected, triggering immediate market turbulence. The S&P 500 dropped more than 12 percent in the week following the announcement, while US Treasury bonds and the dollar tumbled simultaneously, an unusual dislocation that temporarily shook confidence in America’s safe haven status.
However, the panic proved short lived. Data from Ned Davis Research shows foreign investors allocated more than 30 percent of their US financial assets to equities from the start of 2025 through June, near record highs and well above the long term average of about 19 percent. This suggests global capital continues viewing US markets as the preferred destination despite tariff uncertainty.
Several factors explain the sustained appeal of American investments for wealthy individuals from emerging and developing economies. First, a depreciating dollar actually works in favor of foreign investors. When the dollar weakens, investors from Africa, Asia or Latin America can buy more US assets with their local currencies. American stocks, bonds and companies become relatively cheaper in foreign currency terms.
The weaker dollar also boosts the US economy by making American exports more competitive globally, supporting growth and corporate profits. This feeds back into stronger investment returns for shareholders. The pattern mirrors dynamics seen in the early 2000s when dollar weakness coincided with strong gains for international investors in US markets.
Two main motivations drive foreign money into the United States, according to market observers. The first is growth. Investors want exposure to America’s technology and artificial intelligence boom. Companies like Nvidia have delivered exceptional returns to early investors, and the AI investment wave continues to attract global capital seeking participation in transformative technologies.
The second motivation is yield. Even with global uncertainty, US financial markets continue to offer higher and more reliable returns than many other regions. For investors seeking both income and safety, that combination remains compelling. The S&P 500 returned more than 18 percent in 2025 through December 11 and set a record high that day, marking the third consecutive year of strong returns.
While the April tariff announcement initially sparked concerns about potential recession and spiking inflation, the US economy has proven resilient. For companies in the S&P 500, analysts expect earnings per share to rise 14.5 percent in 2026, according to FactSet, representing an acceleration from the 12.1 percent growth estimated for 2025.
Interestingly, Trump administration policies intended to put America First have yielded unexpected returns in developing economies. Emerging market government bonds gained 15 percent through September 30, while equities rose more than 25 percent over the same period, based on benchmark indices from JPMorgan and MSCI. This diversification drive accelerated with the Liberation Day tariff announcements as investors sought to spread risk beyond American assets.
Nevertheless, foreign investors have maintained substantial exposure to US equities throughout this turbulence. Rather than abandoning American markets, international capital appears to be balancing portfolios, maintaining strong US positions while also increasing emerging market allocations.
Gold has emerged as an alternative beneficiary of uncertainty. Gold prices added 7.7 percent since April 2 and gained 28 percent for 2025 overall through mid year, according to Bloomberg data. Unlike fixed income instruments, gold offers no yield but is viewed by some as a relatively attractive safe haven asset amid concerns that tariffs could support inflation while Treasury supply increases to fund budget deficits.
The dollar itself has stabilized after its sharp spring decline. While remaining weaker than at the start of the year, the greenback’s stability has reduced one of the biggest tailwinds for international equities, since currency gains accounted for much of their early 2025 rally.
International equity markets also performed strongly in 2025. Korea’s KOSPI enjoyed its biggest gain in more than two decades, driven by technology companies including Samsung and SK Hynix surging amid artificial intelligence investment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 posted double digit gains for a third straight year. European markets rallied, with Germany’s DAX boosted by government plans to increase infrastructure and defense spending.
Despite this international outperformance, global capital continues viewing the US as offering the deepest, most liquid and most trusted markets in the world. The resilience of foreign inflows into American assets, even during periods of policy uncertainty and tariff turbulence, underscores the durability of the dollar’s role in the global financial system.
Market analysts caution that trade policy developments continue to evolve, and financial outlooks must incorporate numerous factors beyond tariffs, including fiscal and monetary policy trends, technological innovation, asset valuations and investor positioning. The Supreme Court is currently weighing the legality of Trump’s tariff authority, adding another layer of uncertainty.
For wealthy individuals in emerging economies seeking to preserve and grow capital, the evidence suggests that despite short term volatility and shifting global dynamics, American financial markets retain fundamental advantages that continue attracting substantial international investment flows.
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, has commended President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, describing the country as moving in the right direction under his leadership.
In a viral video cited by Citi news on X on Sunday, December 28, the traditional leader vowed not to ever be affiliated to the NDC for a reason personal to him but underscored the right policies put in place by President Mahama to reset the country.
“I will never support NDC, I am not affiliated to the NDC and I will not support them till I die, but I have been an NPP member before. But where President Mahama is governing the country, anyone that says it is not in a straight direction is a liar, “he said.
He also highlighted the country’s economic performance, noting that the cedi-dollar exchange rate currently stands at GH¢11.49, signaling relative stability in the foreign exchange market since the president took office.
Among other achievements made by President Mahama in his first 11 months in office is directing the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢1 billion to contractors owed by the state since 2017, as part of efforts to clear longstanding debts and stimulate economic activity.
Western Region: One killed as truck rams into shops at Nkroful Junction
A 26-year-old man, Fuseini Ibrahim, has been arrested in Tamale for allegedly kidnapping a young woman, Haruna Adamu, who was reportedly held captive for four days.
The incident occurred at Dalogu Yili, a suburb of Tamale, and was reported to the police at about 9:00 a.m. on December 26.
Police reports indicate that the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, led by Chief Inspector Abdullai Tahiru, swiftly responded to the report and rescued the victim without incident.
The suspect was arrested and handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further investigations, while the victim was safely reunited with her parents.
In a related development, two suspected drug peddlers were arrested in separate operations in Tamale as part of a festive season crime crackdown.
The suspects, identified as Ziyad Inusah and Majid Fuseini, were arrested by the IGP Special Operations Team during routine Christmas patrols.
The team, comprising 105 personnel deployed in 10 vehicles, targeted crime-prone areas within the Tamale Metropolis and seized quantities of opioids from one of the suspects.
The Ghana Police Service said the operations underscore its commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as intensifying efforts to curb drug peddling and other criminal activities during the festive season.
Mr Eazi pledged $2 million in building an event space
Nigerian artiste Mr Eazi, who began plying his trade in Ghana, has long been a strong supporter of Ghana’s entertainment and creative scene.
This time, the convener of Detty Rave, one of Accra’s biggest rave events, has pledged $2 million to build proper indoor and outdoor event venues in Accra, provided the Ghana Tourism Authority gives him the land.
The Detty Rave convener made the call during his headline performance on December 27, 2025, at Untamed Empire, off the Spintex Road. Pausing his set, Mr Eazi urged the Ghana Tourism Authority to support Ghana’s entertainment industry by making space available for purpose-built event venues.
According to the emPawa Africa founder, some authorities may doubt his seriousness, which is why he publicly pledged the $2 million to demonstrate his commitment.
Detty Rave 2023: Mr Eazi’s Pan-African rave returns to Ghana in December
“I need to tell the Ghana Tourism Authority that we need proper venues for events in Ghana. I also want to say clearly to the Authority that I need land for both an outdoor and an indoor venue. If the GTA thinks I am not serious, I am pledging $2 million. What I am saying is simple: I need a space in Accra to build a proper rave yard, and I will also build a 3,000-capacity indoor events venue,” he said.
Mr Eazi’s Detty Rave, widely regarded as Africa’s defining Afrodance music pilgrimage, returned this year with its boldest evolution yet.
The 2025 theme, “Raise the Heat,” ushered in authentic creativity, intensity, and renewed vibrancy at the festival’s core.
On Saturday, December 27, 2025, Untamed Empire transformed into a charged playground of light, sound, and movement, delivering immersive stage design and high-fidelity sound to thousands of revelers.
The 2025 edition, which marked the seventh staging of Detty Rave, featured an impressive lineup of creatives including Davido, JHus, SPINALL, Nooriyah, Chichi DJ, Ciza, DJ Aroma, and Choplife Soundsystem.
Watch the video below:
🚨BREAKING🇬🇭🎶🏗️: @mreazi has pledged $2M to build proper indoor & outdoor event venues in Accra if the Ghana Tourism Authority provides the land.@TheDettyRave convener paused his headline set to call on authorities to support the country’s entertainment scene.#OSNAbonten
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has rescued 26 passengers following a multiple-vehicle accident near the Kintampo Waterfalls in the Bono East Region.
Three of the victims sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the Kintampo Municipal Hospital for medical attention.
The Service stated that it received a distress call at approximately 3:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and immediately dispatched a rescue team, which arrived at the scene at around 5:24 p.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a series of collisions involving several vehicles, including a Mercedes Sprinter that had rammed into parked cars and subsequently caught fire.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, took place while efforts were underway to tow a Kia Bongo vehicle that had fallen into a pit three days earlier.
The GNFS said 26 passengers were trapped at the scene and were successfully rescued by its personnel.
The Fire Service said the swift response of its crew helped to prevent further casualties, while investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
Western Region: One killed as truck rams into shops at Nkroful Junction
The filmmaker threatened to publicly name the cinemas involved if the issue continued.
Nigerian filmmakers Toyin Abraham, Niyi Akinmolayan and Ini Edo have accused cinema operators of deliberately undermining their films through unfavourable screening times and alleged ticketing misconduct.
Ms Abraham, whose film “Oversabi Aunty” is currently showing in cinemas, alleged that some exhibitors assigned her movie poor screening slots while redirecting audiences to other films.
Professor Kwaku Agyeman-Duah is a Governance analyst
Governance analyst Professor Kwaku Agyeman-Duah has openly opposed recommendations by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) to reduce Ghana’s minimum presidential age from 40 to 30 years.
According to him, such a change would undermine leadership maturity and weaken the country’s democratic stability.
Why the NDC cannot change Ghana’s Constitution without Minority in Parliament – Barker-Vormawor explains
Speaking on JoyNews on December 27, 2025, Professor Agyeman-Duah said he was personally uncomfortable with the idea, stressing that age and experience remain critical in national leadership.
“Of course, I personally didn’t like the idea of reducing the age from 40 to 30 because I think at 30 years, we don’t have enough maturity,” he argued.
He placed his argument within the Ghanaian socio-economic context, noting that many young people, especially from rural areas, complete their education later in life.
He indicated that even those who manage to complete postgraduate studies by that age may lack the practical exposure required to govern a country.
“I think if you take the Ghanaian context into account, for instance, you finish school, well, some do finish school very early, but most Ghanaians from the villages, as I come from, by the time you finish your first year, you are almost 27, 28.
“And even if by then you have finished your master’s, what experience do you have, what exposure have you had to run the country? And run the country is not running a NUGS organization,” he said.
He insisted on his belief that the age of 30 does not reflect sufficient maturity, warning that allowing leadership decisions to be driven solely by popular demand could have serious consequences for democracy.
“Knowing what I know, and at my age, I know that 30 years simply means you haven’t attained the age of maturity to run a nation, that’s what I’m talking about. At least people like you and I are providing some kind of guidance, because if democracy were to let people have what they want, we would be in chaos.
“We are going to have a chaotic situation in society. So, there’s always the need for people like you and I to provide the kind of guidance that will be needed to make sure, even if a majority of people are opposed to it, there’s a certain wisdom that will help us to move,” he stated.
Professor Agyeman-Duah also differentiated between parliamentary roles and the presidency, pointing out that the level of scrutiny and responsibility differs significantly.
He noted that members of parliament are elected by relatively small constituencies, often without deep evaluation of experience or character.
“Parliament, you are elected by your constituents, maybe 15,000 people, where there’s no real scrutiny of your character or your experience or anything. Being a parliamentarian is not the same as being the president of a sovereign nation,” he argued.
Manhyia South MP criticizes Constitution Review Committee for less focus on Judicial system
He concluded by highlighting the growing complexity of global affairs, arguing that Ghana’s president must possess a deep understanding of international relations.
“In international relations today, the changes that are occurring, what is the extent of your understanding in order to take this country to deal with the global context? So, there’s more to it,” he concluded.
MAG/EB
Christmas Festivities: Avenor traders, buyers speak on livestock sales
A Kia truck loaded with rubber crashed into three shops at Nkroful Junction, opposite the Allied Filling Station in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, on December 27, killing one person and injuring another.
The truck was travelling from Agona Nkwanta along the Kansaworado Highway towards Accra when it reportedly lost control at Nkroful Junction after another Kia truck ahead of it suddenly veered into its lane. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the driver struck the other vehicle, veered off the road and rammed into the shops.
Two people were trapped in one of the affected structures. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other sustained injuries and is receiving medical care.
The Assemblyman for the area, Mr Abraham Yalley, said the injured victim had been rushed to the Fijai Hospital.
“I received a call about the incident and quickly rushed here. We rushed one person to the Fijai Hospital, while the other is dead,” he told Connect FM.
Mr Yalley added that the deceased was a female Senior High School student in her first year at Adiembra SHS, who was working at the shop to support her education.
“She was in the shop preparing porridge when the vehicle ran into her. She had been working for someone who prepares porridge to raise some money to support her schooling,” he said.
Police have since conveyed the body to the mortuary, while investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the accident.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has approved increases in electricity and water tariffs that will take effect from January 1, 2026, under its 2026 to 2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order.
Electricity tariffs across all customer categories will increase by 9.86 percent, while water tariffs will rise by 15.92 percent over the five year control period. The Commission announced the adjustments on December 3, following months of investment hearings, stakeholder consultations and regional public forums.
For residential electricity customers, lifeline consumers using between zero and 30 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month will see their tariff increase to 88.37 pesewas per kWh, up from 80.43 pesewas. Residential customers consuming zero to 300 kWh will now pay 200.22 pesewas per kWh, compared to the existing 182.24 pesewas. Those consuming 301 kWh and above will pay 264.56 pesewas per kWh, up from 240.81 pesewas.
Non residential customers will also face higher charges. Tariffs for consumption up to 300 kWh will increase from 164.54 pesewas per kWh to 180.77 pesewas, while customers consuming 301 kWh and above will now pay 224.65 pesewas per kWh, up from 204.48 pesewas.
Water tariffs will see a steeper increase across all categories. For residential customers, consumption of zero to five cubic metres will increase from 528.18 pesewas per cubic metre to 612.25 pesewas. Consumption above five cubic metres will rise from 934.46 pesewas to 1,083.20 pesewas per cubic metre. Non residential water users will pay 1,832.57 pesewas per cubic metre, up from 1,580.92 pesewas.
The PURC said the adjustments reflect investment needs of power utilities, projected generation inputs and macroeconomic indicators including inflation, the cedi to US dollar exchange rate and the cost of natural gas. The Commission projected a generation mix of 78.79 percent thermal power, 20.90 percent hydro and 0.31 percent renewables for 2026. The Weighted Average Cost of Gas is expected to rise to US$7.8749 per million British thermal units.
The approved exchange rate for the tariff period is 12.0067 Ghana cedis per US dollar, with an inflation benchmark of eight percent. These figures compare to a 2025 baseline exchange rate of 12.3715 cedis and inflation of 12.43 percent.
The Commission said the water tariff adjustment was driven by production and sales projections, expected investment requirements and efforts to reduce non revenue water to approximately 43 percent over the period. For the first time, the review includes tariffs for mini grids supplying island and remote communities, with costs factored into the revenue requirement of the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The new tariffs will remain in place for five years but will be subject to quarterly reviews to account for variables beyond utility control, including fuel costs, exchange rate fluctuations and changes in the generation mix. The PURC said quarterly adjustments aim to preserve the real value of tariffs and maintain the financial viability of service providers.
The regulator said the adjustments were necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of utilities, maintain infrastructure and improve service delivery while balancing consumer protection. It encouraged consumers to adopt efficient usage practices to manage costs and pledged continued regulatory oversight throughout the 2026 to 2030 tariff period.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from consumer groups and industry stakeholders. Some citizens who participated in public hearings earlier this year expressed concern that higher tariffs would worsen the cost of living and strain household budgets at a time when food, transport and housing costs are already rising.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that the Ghana Gold Board is set to begin full-scale operations in 2026, marking a major transition in Ghana’s gold trading and reserve accumulation architecture.
Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Gyamfi said reforms currently being discussed will enable GoldBod to move beyond its inherited role as an agent of the Bank of Ghana and operate fully in line with the vision set out in the Ghana Gold Board Act.
“From 2026, GoldBod will take off fully, explaining that the current structure under which GoldBod purchases, assays and exports gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana was a transitional arrangement inherited from the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company Limited (PMMC),” he said.
He noted that GoldBod is barely eight months old and, by law, took over PMMC’s assets, liabilities and existing contracts, including those under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme launched in 2022. As a result, GoldBod has so far operated largely as an implementing agent within a policy framework designed before its establishment.
“The GoldBod concept as envisioned under the Act has not fully taken off yet, adding that 2025 has largely been dedicated to building the institutional, regulatory and operational foundations required for independent operations,” he added.
According to the CEO, the planned 2026 transition will address long-standing structural and accounting challenges surrounding the Gold-for-Reserve programme, particularly concerns raised by the IMF regarding how associated costs are reflected in the books of the Bank of Ghana.
Gyamfi further disclosed that the IMF has acknowledged the success of the programme in meeting Ghana’s foreign reserve targets far ahead of schedule but has called for reforms to ensure that the financial burden of the programme does not rest solely on the central bank.
Sammy Gyamfi slams ‘doom-wishers’ over alleged losses at GoldBod
Under the planned reforms, GoldBod is expected to exercise its full statutory mandate, including enhanced regulatory and enforcement powers to curb smuggling, reduce leakages, and improve pricing efficiency across the gold value chain; functions that were previously unavailable to PMMC and constrained under the agency model.
He emphasised that GoldBod’s mandate is strategic rather than purely commercial, focused on foreign exchange generation and national economic stability rather than profit maximization.
He noted that this policy orientation will continue under the full operational model, but with improved institutional clarity and financial reporting.
GoldBod’s financial position, he added, remains sound, with the institution recording surpluses since its establishment and publishing quarterly financial statements in accordance with the law.
External audits expected in early 2026 will further validate the Board’s financial performance ahead of the full operational rollout.
SP/EB
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:
The Member of Parliament for the Salaga South Constituency, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah, has called on chiefs, youth, settlers, and opinion leaders to work together to build lasting peace and accelerate development in Kulaw and its surrounding communities.
Speaking at the grand durbar of the Kulaw 2025 Youth Homecoming held at Buma under the theme “Building Bridges of Peace: A Shared Responsibility of the Chiefs, the Youth and the Settlers,” Hon.
Pastor David Ogbueli publicly reprimanded his church instrumentalists during a service for what he described as poor timing in their musical performance.
The Senior Pastor of Dominion City Churches worldwide was filmed addressing the choristers and instrumentalists in front of the congregation, cautioning them about their conduct during worship. A video of the incident has circulated widely on social media platforms.
In the footage, Ogbueli told the musicians they needed to understand how worship operates in heaven, claiming he had visited there three times. He described a scene where everyone, including the twenty four elders mentioned in biblical texts, prostrates on the floor in God’s presence.
“At that moment, everybody is on the floor, including the twenty four elders,” he said in the video. He added that Jesus, who sits on the right hand of God according to Christian doctrine, also comes down and prostrates during these moments.
The pastor warned the instrumentalists they would face a six month suspension if similar errors occurred again. He characterized their performance as unacceptable compared to what he described as heavenly standards of worship.
The public nature of the rebuke has sparked conversation among social media users and church observers. Some have questioned the approach of correcting church workers in front of the entire congregation, while others have defended the pastor’s right to maintain standards in his ministry.
Dominion City Churches operates multiple locations internationally. The specific branch where the incident occurred has not been confirmed. The church leadership has not released an official statement regarding the video or the circumstances surrounding the rebuke.
The video was shared by popular Nigerian blog Lindaikejiblog on Instagram, where it gained significant attention and commentary from viewers.
A rare archival video has resurfaced showing a historic visit by the late Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, to Ndan Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II in 1989, highlighting an important moment in Ghana’s traditional leadership history.
The footage captures the Asantehene’s visit to Dagbon, where he was received by the then Yaa Naa in accordance with long-standing customs and protocols.
BANGUI, Central African Republic — Voters in the Central African Republic are electing a new president and federal lawmakers Sunday with incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera seen as likely to win a third term after trying to stabilize the country with the help of Russian mercenaries.
Touadera is one of Russia’s closest allies in Africa and analysts say a third term win for him would likely consolidate Russia’s security and economic interests in the country even as Moscow faces growing scrutiny over its mercenaries’ roles in Africa.
The Central African Republic is among the first in Africa to welcome Russia-backed forces, with Moscow seeking to help protect authorities and fight armed groups. Tensions though have grown this year over Moscow’s demand to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with the Russian military unit Africa Corps.
Some 2.4 million voters are registered to vote in Sunday’s national elections, which include the presidential, legislative, regional as well as local elections being held for the first time in decades.
A latest poll by Global Info Analytics puts the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead in the Kpandai election rerun.
In the latest poll, Daniel Nsala Wakpal stands at 50.7% while the New Patriotic Party candidate, Matthew Nyindam, garnered 48.7%.
The polls, according to the pollster, Mussa Dankwa, were conducted between 26-27 December 2025 with a sample of 1,016 and has 99% confidence level of margin of error of ±3.9%.
MANCHESTER: Arsenal resisted a late fightback from Brighton on Saturday to keep hold of first place in the Premier League, but Manchester City and Aston Villa are in hot pursuit.
It is a three-way fight at the top with just three points separating first and third in the standings.
City briefly held top spot after a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, but when Arsenal beat Brighton by the same score later in the day, it returned to the summit with a two-point advantage over Pep Guardiola’s team.
Villa is just a point further back in third after extending its remarkable winning run to 11 games in all competitions with a comeback 2-1 victory at Chelsea.
Villa plays Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday and a win would see it move level on points with the leader at the turn of the year.
Liverpool is up to fourth after its resurgence continued with a 2-1 win of its own against last-place Wolverhampton, which set a new Premier League record for the longest winless run from the start of a season.
Arsenal pushed by Brighton
Another own goal kept Arsenal at the top of the standings — but it required an outstanding save from David Raya to deny Brighton.
Martin Odegaard gave Mikel Arteta’s team a 14th-minute lead — and when Brighton’s Georginio Rutter headed a wicked Declan Rice corner into his own net seven minutes into the second half, Arsenal was in control.
But nerves began to spread around the Emirates when Diego Gomez pulled a goal back against the run of play in the 64th. Yankuba Minteh then hit a shot that was destined for the top corner until Raya stretched an arm to push it away.
“Their goal changed the momentum a little bit and they pressed us towards the end, but we got the three points and that’s all that matters,” Odegaard said. “Lots of positives and still some things we can improve, but overall a good game and another win.”
Arsenal has become a set piece specialist, but in recent weeks it has benefited from a slew of own goals, with Rutter’s the latest to prove decisive.
It was the fourth time in as many games an opponent has scored an own goal against the league’s frontrunner.
Cherki delivers for City
Rayan Cherki kept Manchester City’s title challenge powering on with a late winner at Forest.
The France forward’s 83rd minute strike secured victory at the City Ground to make it six league wins in a row for Guardiola’s team. City is on an eight-game winning run in all.
“Today is a big win,” Cherki told TNT Sports. “I’m proud of the team because this game is very complicated to win.”
It was Cherki’s second goal in three games and fifth overall. He also provided an assist with an intricate pass to Tijjani Reijnders to put City ahead three minutes into the second half.
Omari Hutchinson equalized for relegation-fighting Forest, which was holding out for a crucial point until Cherki fired through a crowded box for the winner.
Guardiola, who has won 12 league titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, looks like a man who believes his team is ready to regain the crown it surrendered to Liverpool last season. He joined in the celebrations with the traveling fans after the final whistle — acting conductor as they celebrated wildly after another win.
“When we won a lot of titles in Barcelona, Bayern Munich, here, you have a lot of games of this type,” he said. “The body language, how we celebrated, the connection with the fans is there.”
Super sub
Super sub Ollie Watkins came off the bench and extended Villa’s winning run.
With Unai Emery’s team trailing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to Joao Pedro’s first-half strike, Watkins was sent on to try to salvage something.
And the England striker delivered in emphatic fashion, leveling the game within five minutes of coming on and then heading in the winner in the 84th to stun the home crowd and spark frenzied celebrations among Villa’s traveling supporters.
That’s 12 wins in Villa’s last 13 league games to firmly establish itself as a genuine title contender with Arsenal up next.
“Amazing is the word to sum it up,” Watkins told Sky Sports.
Liverpool wins again
A fourth straight win for Liverpool and another sign that Florian Wirtz is finding his feet in England’s top flight.
Wirtz scored his first Premier League goal since joining the defending champion from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer and it proved to be decisive against Wolves.
Wirtz doubled Liverpool’s lead before halftime after Ryan Gravenberch had opened the scoring at Anfield, but Wolves halved the deficit through Santiago Bueno after the break.
“I was confident that I will score one day, but of course I wanted to start earlier, scoring and assisting,” Wirtz said. “It was like this and I have to accept it. I just know that it would come and I tried to keep going like that.”
After seeing its title defense unravel between September and November, Liverpool is now on a seven-game unbeaten run.
Wolves are on a very different run. After 18 rounds of the season the Midlands club has set a new low in the Premier League era — overtaking the record it shared with Sheffield United for the longest winless start to a campaign.
Schade leads Brentford rout
Kevin Schade scored a hat trick in Brentford’s 4-1 rout of Bournemouth.
Antoine Semenyo was on target for Bournemouth ahead of the January transfer window when he is reportedly a target for some of the Premier League’s top clubs, including Man City.
West Ham’s relegation fight was dealt a blow as Raul Jimenez scored in the 85th to seal a 1-0 win for Fulham, while second-to-bottom Burnley drew 0-0 with Everton.
Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo has called out her colleagues and social media users for quickly posting about the death of Yoruba actress, Allwell Ademola.
On Saturday night, reports began circulating online that Allwell Ademola had passed away due to alleged heart attack.
Several Nollywood stars, including Damola Olatunji, Mr Latin, Faithia Williams and Bidemi Kosoko, took to their social media pages to mourn her.
A look at the latest Premier League transfer rumours | Getty Images
A closer look at some of the latest Premier League transfer rumours as we approach the January window
It seems as though the writing is now on the wall with the Antoine Semenyo transfer saga.
Antoine Semenyo wants January move ‘wrapped up’
It’s been something of a tug of war in recent weeks between Liverpool and City, with reports claiming Semenyo had agreed personal terms with both clubs. However, according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the winger wants a move to Man City ‘wrapped up’ by New Year’s Day.
It has been suggested that the Cherries want to keep Semenyo on their books until they face Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the opening week of January. The matches, which will take place on the 3rd and 7th, are both before Semenyo’s release clause deadline on the 10th.
Semenyo is keen on a ‘swift conclusion’ with his transfer and formal steps are ‘expected in the next 48 hours’.
The 3AM Verdict: Liverpool will be frustrated if a City move for Semenyo comes to fruition. The Reds have been heavily linked with the winger for a while and have identified him as a long-term suitor to replace Mohamed Salah. But if his heart is now already with City, Pep Guardiola’s side are in for a statement signing if all agreements can be reached in time.
Tottenham plan to ‘double’ star’s salary for new contract agreement
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to reach an agreement over a new contract for Micky van de Ven, and are willing to significantly boost his salary to make it happen.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are prepared to ‘roughly double the salary’ of the defender, whose current contract expires in 2029. The club are eager to ‘accelerate’ contract discussions and are willing to put him on the same wages as Cristian Romero.
The Spurs skipper reportedly earns in the region of £200,000 per week once bonuses are taken into account, while Van de Ven is on around £90,000 per week.
The 3AM Verdict:Van de Ven has established himself as a key figure at Tottenham and while other clubs are sniffing around him – including Real Madrid – a shiny new contract with double his current wages will be a huge incentive to see him stay at the club.
Joshua Zirkzee exit should be finalised by ‘mid-January’
Italian newspapers have provided new information in their Saturday editions. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma have made their ‘first offer’ in attempt to bring Zirkzee to the Italian capital in the new year.
The deal would be an initial loan move with an obligation to buy, should Champions League qualification be secured. Gazzetta dello Sport have followed up with an update claiming Roma ‘could end up paying’ €38-40 million (£33-34m) for Zirkzee’s move full-time.
There is confidence a deal with be agreed and the striker ‘should be in Rome by mid-January’. All these updates have been relayed via Sport Witness.
The 3AM Verdict: Zirkzee is struggling for regular time on the pitch and it has been established that a loan move in January is best for all involved. A transfer will allow the Dutchman to rebuild his confidence and get his career back in positive form, while United will shift his wages off the books, as he is clearly not an immediate part of the club’s plans.
The first half kicked off with both sides looking sharp, but it was Nigeria who largely dominated proceedings, piling sustained pressure on Tunisia.
The Carthage Eagles were the first to test Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the fourth minute, but the Chippa United shot-stopper dealt with the effort comfortably, snuffing out the visitors’ early advances.
As the match progressed, it was slowly turning into Victor Osimhen’s show. Within the opening 10 minutes, the striker rose for a header that narrowly sailed over the bar. He soon came back asking more questions of the defence, and he found the back of the net. As a result, the Super Eagles went into the halftime break holding a slender 1–0 lead.
However, the second half saw Eric Chelle’s troops pushing for an opportunity to widen the gap, and Wilfred Ndidi duly delivered, firing home to put the Super Eagles two goals clear and register his maiden goal for the national team.
Drama then unfolded as Tunisia felt unfairly dealt with by the officials, but they were unable to capitalise, with the opportunity ultimately slipping through their grasp.
It was Ademola Lookman’s composure that sealed the contest, as he glided past the visitors’ defence to extend the advantage, with Nigeria stretching their lead to three goals and firmly taking control of the match.
Sami Trabelsi’s men were up in arms in search of their first goal, an effort that eventually proved successful as Montassar Talbi’s header from a set piece, managing to pull one back, and handed the Carthage Eagles a glimmer of hope of staging a comeback.
Tunisia regained their confidence, piling pressure on the hosts, who were forced into unnecessary fouls. The situation escalated when Bright Osayi of Nigeria was declared by VAR to have handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty awarded to the away side.
Ali Abdi sent the Chippa United goalkeeper the wrong way, calmly slamming the penalty home to give Tunisia hope of at least salvaging a point. With seven minutes of stoppage time added, both sides battled tirelessly, but it was the Super Eagles who held on to secure all three points and book their place in the next round.
play videoAccording to Agya Owusu he took the woman to the landlord in good faith
A 52-year-old man, identified as Agya Owusu, has publicly apologised after being accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 28-year-old woman who was allegedly seeking accommodation under a sex-for-rent arrangement.
The allegation was made during a discussion on Sompa TV, where the young woman claimed she was exploited while desperately searching for a place to rent.
According to the woman, she met Agya Owusu while looking for a room. She alleged that Agya Owusu promised to give her a room rent-free on condition that she would sweep the house and later demanded sex before honouring the agreement.
“He told me he would give me the room for free after sleeping with me,” the woman alleged.
However, she said after the sexual encounter, Agya Owusu failed to give her the room as promised.
“After he slept with me, he refused to give me the room. I later pressured him and he took me to another man, telling him to give me the room and that I would pay later,” she stated.
The woman explained that she was eventually given a room after Agya Owusu allegedly assured the landlord that her rent would be paid within two months.
She further claimed that one month after moving in, the landlord informed her that Agya Owusu had told him she was unable to pay the rent and instructed that she should be evicted.
“The same Agya Owusu who slept with me told the landlord to evict me, even though he earlier said the room was his and promised to give it to me for free,” she added.
‘I see my pastor’s face anytime I have sex’ – Mother of five makes shocking confession
Agya Owusu, who admitted to having sex with the woman, denied owning the house, explaining that he is only a caretaker of the property.
Speaking on the programme, he apologised for his actions but insisted that there was a different agreement between them.
“I am sorry for what happened. Yes, I slept with her but the agreement was that we would also sell her phone to help pay the rent,” he claimed.
Agya Owusu, whose first child is 22 years old, said he took the woman to the landlord in good faith and promised that her rent would be paid later.
The matter has since escalated, with the woman facing eviction and demanding compensation, accusing Agya Owusu of deception and emotional distress.
AM
Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
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Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
As 2025 draws to a close, Nigeria’s entertainment industry looks back on a year filled with moments that made fans laugh, cry, cheer, and reflect. It was a year of emotional highs and lows, where love stories broke and healed, where the industry mourned the loss of beloved icons, and where public debates and reconciliations captured the nation’s attention. From Nollywood to music, comedy, social media, and the world of faith, entertainers found themselves at the centre of stories that went far beyond the screen or stage. SEGUN ADEBAYO takes a closer look at the events, triumphs, and heartbreaks that defined Nigerian entertainment in 2025.
High-profile marriage breakups
If any celebrity relationship defined chaos, confusion and public obsession in 2025, it was the unraveling of the long-troubled marriage between music icon Innocent “2Face” Idibia and his ex-wife, Annie Idibia. What began as familiar marital tension quickly escalated into one of the most dramatic relationship sagas the Nigerian entertainment industry has witnessed in years.
Barely three months after publicly distancing himself from Annie and confirming that the marriage had effectively ended, 2Face stunned fans by introducing another woman into his life. The new partner, Natasha, was swiftly linked by online commentators to the collapse of his marriage in the first place. Speculation intensified when it emerged that Natasha was pregnant and expecting her first child with the Afrobeats legend, a development that poured petrol on an already raging fire.
What made the situation even more emotionally charged was Annie Idibia’s response—or lack of it. Despite 2Face’s public posture that the marriage was over, Annie never issued a formal confirmation of the breakup throughout the year. Instead, she maintained a conspicuous silence, refusing to publicly concede defeat in a union she had fiercely defended for over a decade. Her actions spoke louder than statements, and many fans interpreted her silence as resistance rather than denial.
That interpretation gained renewed traction when Annie recently re-added “Idibia” to her name across her social media platforms. The move reignited debates and divided public opinion, with some sympathising with her emotional attachment and others questioning the toll of prolonged public humiliation. The development underscored the deeply personal cost of living out marital struggles in front of a relentless audience.
Frank Edoho: Calm on screen, cutting off screen
In June 2025, veteran broadcaster and television host Frank Edoho officially confirmed the end of his second marriage to Sandra Onyenucheya, a revelation that sent ripples through the entertainment and media space. Edoho is not just a familiar face on Nigerian television; he is a public figure whose presence extends far beyond the screen, commanding respect and, at times, controversy.
Widely admired for his polished delivery and measured tone on air, Edoho has also built a reputation off screen as someone unafraid of sharp, sometimes savage responses to critics and unsolicited intrusions into his personal space. His readiness to verbally dismantle anyone who crosses perceived boundaries has long made him both respected and feared in equal measure, reinforcing his image as a man who guards his privacy fiercely.
Against this backdrop, the announcement of his marriage collapse carried added weight. When Edoho addressed the separation, he did so with restraint, choosing language centred on growth, self-reflection and emotional maturity. He emphasised peace over conflict, resisting the temptation to trade words or assign public blame, a notable contrast to the confrontational edge he is often associated with online.
The development surprised many observers who believed Edoho had found lasting stability after his first divorce.
Biola Bayo and Anita Joseph suffered failed marriages
In 2025, Nollywood actresses Biola Bayo and Anita Joseph added their names to the growing list of high-profile celebrities whose marriages came to an end. For both actresses, the announcements were more than mere headlines they were windows into the personal struggles, pressures, and complexities of life lived in the public eye.
Biola Bayo’s confirmation of her separation was notable for its raw honesty and vulnerability. Speaking about her journey, she reflected on the emotional toll of maintaining a union while managing career demands and public expectations. Fans and colleagues alike praised her courage for addressing issues of healing, personal growth, and self-worth,
Similarly, Anita Joseph’s breakup sparked widespread discussions about the unseen pressures within celebrity marriages. The actress highlighted the weight of expectations, the challenges of balancing private life with public scrutiny, and the emotional labour often expected in high-profile relationships. Her openness resonated with many fans, especially those who could relate to the strain of maintaining appearances while navigating personal turmoil..
Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels’ marriage ended on a sour note
The marriage between billionaire, Ned Nwoko, and Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, came to an abrupt and highly publicised end in 2025.
According to reports, Regina walked away from the union, alleging neglect and emotional strain, claims that quickly set social media ablaze. Fans and critics dissected every statement, post, and interview, turning their private struggle into a national conversation.
Ned Nwoko, however, countered the claims, suggesting that Regina’s allegations were exaggerated and attributing the tension to personal challenges she was reportedly facing at the time.
Nkechi Blessing and Xxssive public romance ended in spectacle
The relationship between outspoken Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday and social media personality, Eseoghene Obire, popularly known as Xxssive, unraveled, in 2025 in a manner that kept fans and commentators glued to every update.
Known for her bold personality and unapologetic approach to love, Nkechi Blessing has often been tagged a “serial dating queen”—and in the eyes of many, the label is not entirely misplaced. Yet, to dismiss her love life as fleeting would be unfair; Nkechi’s relationships are as public as her persona, and she invests deeply in the emotional highs and lows, for better or worse.
Her romance with Xxssive, which thrived on social media visibility and viral interactions, became a constant talking point, dominating timelines with every display of affection or disagreement. However, by mid-year, the relationship began to unravel amid interviews, cryptic posts, and public accusations that eventually led to its break-up. Nkechi has since found another lover whom she is yet to disclose.
Destalker confirms end of marriage
In July 2025, award-winning comedian Oghenekowhoyan Onaibe Desmond, popularly known as Destalker, publicly confirmed his divorce during an interview with content creator Timi Agbaje. He revealed that the marriage lasted three years and admitted that the relationship progressed rapidly, with only six months of dating before marriage. His candid reflection sparked widespread conversations about rushing into lifelong commitments.
Sabinus and Ciana Chapman part ways
Early December brought another shock when popular skit maker, Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, confirmed that his marriage to Ciana Chapman had ended. The news deeply affected fans who admired his family-centred image, reinforcing the reality that success does not shield individuals from personal struggles.
Juma Jux and Priscilla: The wedding everyone was talking about
If there was one wedding that truly lit up 2025, it was that of Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and Nigerian influencer Priscilla. The cross-cultural celebration dominated timelines across Africa, drawing attention not just for the couple’s stylish union but also for the star-studded moments that fans could not get enough of.
One of the highlights was the involvement of the mother of the bride, Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, who ensured that her daughter—already a mother—shone on the big day. Her presence added both glamour and warmth, cementing the event as a perfect blend of celebrity sparkle and family love.
Guests from across the continent, including entertainers, influencers, and media personalities, shared unforgettable moments online, making the wedding a trending spectacle for days.
The celebration was more than a ceremony; it was a statement. In a year marked by celebrity breakups, scandals, and reconciliations, Juma Jux and Priscilla’s wedding stood out as a moment of joy, unity, and pure entertainment.
Davido and Chioma: US wedding that got the world talking
If there was one celebrity wedding that had fans and the entertainment industry talking all year, it was Afrobeats superstar Davido’s union with Chioma in the United States. While the couple had already held a Nigerian version of the wedding that brought Lagos to a standstill, they insisted that the US ceremony must go on—and it did, in spectacular fashion.
The event was a star-studded affair, blending African tradition with international flair. Many of Davido’s close friends and collaborators were on hand to celebrate, creating unforgettable moments that dominated social media feeds across the globe.
However, one notable absence made headlines: Cubana Chief Priest, the popular nightlife entrepreneur, was unable to attend after being denied a US visa—a twist that added another talking point for fans.
Fathia Balogun and Funke Akindele end longstanding feud
In a rare moment of reconciliation, Nollywood veterans, Fathia Balogun and Funke Akindele, finally buried the hatchet. Their public reconciliation ended years of tension and was widely praised as a sign of maturity and unity within the film industry.
Asake: From controversy to reconciliation
2025 was nothing short of a landmark year for singer Asake, and while his music dominated charts and airwaves, fans arguably celebrated most his personal growth and reconciliations. After months of public controversy, Asake reconciled with his father, baby mama, and daughter—a move that shifted his narrative from conflict to responsibility and maturity.
The reconciliation was widely covered on social media, with fans praising the singer for taking steps toward healing fractured relationships. It was a reminder that even in the high-octane world of fame and scrutiny, personal accountability and family unity remain central to lasting respect and admiration.
Asake’s year was further punctuated by culturally significant milestones. His visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi days back resonated deeply with fans. In addition, returning to his alma mater allowed him to inspire students and celebrate his roots, reminding everyone that success is most meaningful when it is shared with family, community, and the institutions that shaped you.
Deaths that left the industry in mourning
The year 2025 was marked by profound losses in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, leaving fans, colleagues, and the public grappling with grief over the passing of some of the country’s most cherished talents. These departures reminded everyone that behind the glamour and fame are human lives, often as fragile as they are celebrated.
Veteran figures in Yoruba cinema felt an especially deep impact. Segun Remi, affectionately known as Chief Kanran, was celebrated not only for his versatile acting but also for his mentorship of younger actors.
His death left a palpable void in Yoruba-language cinema, where his signature performances had spanned decades. Alongside him, Akiin Sugar and Fabian Adibe, both stalwarts of the industry, passed away, their contributions immortalized in films that continue to shape Nigerian storytelling. Actor Odira Nwobu, whose career had shown immense promise, died after health complications abroad, cutting short a life and craft many believed still had much to offer.
Monalisa Stephen, an actress, model, and outspoken advocate for body positivity, also left the industry too soon. Known for her fearless personality, she was admired not only for her work on screen but also for her willingness to challenge societal norms and encourage self-love among young women. Her death was mourned widely, with fans highlighting her courage and authenticity.
The music world, too, felt the sting of loss. Big Bolaji, a revered figure in gospel music, passed away after decades of inspiring worshippers with his powerful voice and heartfelt performances. His absence was particularly felt in church communities and among fans who grew up listening to his music, many of whom shared stories of how his songs had provided solace in difficult times.
The era of digital fame was not spared either. TikTok sensation Zanku died in a tragic car accident, a stark reminder of the fragility of life, especially in a world where virality and instant recognition often overshadow the personal struggles of young stars. Fans across social media mourned his passing, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life in the age of instant fame.
Veteran Nollywood actor and producer, Kayode Peters, also passed in 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by commitment to storytelling and an unwavering dedication to the craft. Colleagues paid tribute to his versatility, mentorship, and the many roles he played both in front of and behind the camera, cementing his place in the history of Nigerian cinema.
Toke Makinwa welcomes baby in grand style
Media personality Toke Makinwa welcoming a baby was one of the happiest surprises of the year. The celebration that followed was widely described as “the party of the year,” dominating lifestyle and entertainment conversations and symbolising renewal amid a year filled with loss.
Imisi Crowned Winner of BBNaija Season 10
Reality television made headlines when Imisi emerged winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10. Her authenticity and resilience endeared her to viewers nationwide, securing her place as one of the breakout stars of the year.
K1’s airport drama and royal speculations
Fuji legend, K1 De Ultimate, found himself at the centre of controversy following an airport incident that sparked cultural and political debates. Speculation about his perceived interest in matters surrounding the Awujale stool further fueled public discourse.
Portable’s viral arrests
Street-pop singer, Portable, once again dominated headlines following his viral arrest. The incident renewed discussions about celebrity behaviour, accountability and the consequences of repeated confrontations with authorities.
DJ Chicken’s series of accidents
Controversial entertainer DJ Chicken survived multiple accidents in 2025, raising the alarms about recklessness and the dangers of clout-driven stunts in the digital age.
Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus’s clash
One of the year’s most explosive public outbursts occurred within the gospel space. Cleric Femi Lazarus criticised gospel singers for charging fees for ministrations, arguing against the commercialization of ministry. Singer Timi Dakolo fired back, urging the pastor to build his own choir and later sharing alleged figures of what Lazarus charges. The exchange ignited a nationwide debate on faith, talent, compensation and hypocrisy.
Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of Daddy Lumba, expressed her gratitude to Ghanaians who supported her and wished them well in the yuletide
Some Ghanaians abroad visited Akosua Serwaa in her German home and presented her with flowers as a way of wishing her well
Social media users who watched the video thronged the comment section to share their varied thoughts on it
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Akosua Serwaa, the first wife of Daddy Lumba, sent a heartfelt Christmas message to Ghanaians and all those who supported her after her husband’s passing.
The mother of three expressed her gratitude to her supporters, popularly known as “Team Legal Wife.”
Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, wishes Ghanaians well during Christmas. Photo credit: @MBawumia Source: Facebook
In a video, some Ghanaians living abroad visited Akosua Serwaa at her home in Germany. One woman stood up and spoke on behalf of the group.
She said they visited Akosua Serwaa to celebrate her for standing firm during the family and legal battles she faced after her husband died. They also wished her well for the Christmas season and prayed that God would bless her with long life, good health, prosperity, and everything she needed.
After the prayers, the woman presented her with a bouquet on behalf of those present and other supporters who could not make it.
In response, Akosua Serwaa thanked the Ghanaians who had shown her love and support. She wished everyone well for the season and prayed for long and fulfilling lives for all.
“I am grateful to all of you for the love you’ve shown me. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I pray God be with you all. Let us continue to live in love and harmony. God bless you all.”
Watch the video below:
Reactions to Maame Serwaa’s season greetings
YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the post shared by Switchfocus on Instagram. Read them below:
Samiraabdullah442 said:
“Awwwwwww❤️❤️❤️❤️our mama, the producer of their star, who Jah bless.”
Otemaaamoah wrote:
“Awwwwwwn, my mama merry Christmas oooo. I love you sooo much. I beg enjoy this festive season like never before. Team legal wives, we love and cherish you soo much 😍😍😍😍😍.”
Ahwenepa_nancy said:
“This woman is still wearing black after everything??? Hmmm.”
Akuaampoh wrote:
“As a woman and a wife, being calm and respectful to your husband is good, but when it leads to being taken advantage of, that’s the time to draw the line, put your foot down and say no.”
Akuaampoh said:
“This woman is the calmest woman I’ve seen on this planet. No wonder a dishonest man took advantage of her like that, awww😢.”
Linda.okyere wrote:
“Her beauty is coming back, and I’m so happy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Mavisgoodlife said:
“Awwwwwwwwwwwww Maa. We love you bebreee❤️❤️😍.”
Sadyonthe_move wrote:
“Yeah, someone chopped a few onions in this video. Praying for strength for her.😢.”
Holy7918 said:
“Mmmttteeewwww…. You people should let us think wai na wonye obiaaaa.”
Accra was transformed into a sea of white as the globally renowned outdoor dining experience, Dîner en Blanc, made its long-awaited debut in the city, delivering a night of style, culture and refined celebration.
Held in more than 120 cities across 40 countries worldwide, the event finally arrived in Ghana as hundreds of guests gathered for the Accra edition, turning a secret location into a striking display of elegance, culture and community.
True to its global tradition, Dîner en Blanc featured its signature all-white dress code and surprise venue. Guests assembled at the stadium before being transported to the secret location, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, impeccably dressed in white and embracing the unique customs that define the experience worldwide.
The event blended sophistication with a vibrant Ghanaian flair, as laughter, music, clinking glasses and shared moments filled the atmosphere, with strangers bonding over food, fashion and celebration.
Speaking to Joy Prime, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, highlighted the importance of lifestyle events such as Dîner en Blanc in promoting Ghana’s image globally. According to him, events like this showcase Ghana as a country that embraces culture, elegance and world-class social experiences.
Beyond fine dining and fashion, the event stood out for its strong sense of community. Guests from diverse backgrounds came together with a shared purpose to celebrate life, connection and class in a refined setting.
Some guests expressed their excitement at being part of the experience, with attendees travelling from the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany, among other countries. For many, it was an opportunity to network while enjoying a memorable evening.
The night was also a visual delight, with photographers capturing picture-perfect moments, from carefully curated table settings to bold fashion statements. Live band music from Nkyimnkyim Band and music selections from DJ Fisho added to the evening’s charm.
Dorcas, a member of the organising team, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception Accra gave the event and urged patrons to look forward to next year’s edition, promising another unforgettable experience.
Dîner en Blanc Accra was more than a dinner. It was an experience that continues to position Ghana as a destination for unique, classy and culturally rich events.
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.
play videoAccording to Agya Owusu he took the woman to the landlord in good faith
A 52-year-old man, identified as Agya Owusu, has publicly apologised after being accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 28-year-old woman who was allegedly seeking accommodation under a sex-for-rent arrangement.
The allegation was made during a discussion on Sompa TV, where the young woman claimed she was exploited while desperately searching for a place to rent.
According to the woman, she met Agya Owusu while looking for a room. She alleged that Agya Owusu promised to give her a room rent-free on condition that she would sweep the house and later demanded sex before honouring the agreement.
“He told me he would give me the room for free after sleeping with me,” the woman alleged.
However, she said after the sexual encounter, Agya Owusu failed to give her the room as promised.
“After he slept with me, he refused to give me the room. I later pressured him and he took me to another man, telling him to give me the room and that I would pay later,” she stated.
The woman explained that she was eventually given a room after Agya Owusu allegedly assured the landlord that her rent would be paid within two months.
She further claimed that one month after moving in, the landlord informed her that Agya Owusu had told him she was unable to pay the rent and instructed that she should be evicted.
“The same Agya Owusu who slept with me told the landlord to evict me, even though he earlier said the room was his and promised to give it to me for free,” she added.
‘I see my pastor’s face anytime I have sex’ – Mother of five makes shocking confession
Agya Owusu, who admitted to having sex with the woman, denied owning the house, explaining that he is only a caretaker of the property.
Speaking on the programme, he apologised for his actions but insisted that there was a different agreement between them.
“I am sorry for what happened. Yes, I slept with her but the agreement was that we would also sell her phone to help pay the rent,” he claimed.
Agya Owusu, whose first child is 22 years old, said he took the woman to the landlord in good faith and promised that her rent would be paid later.
The matter has since escalated, with the woman facing eviction and demanding compensation, accusing Agya Owusu of deception and emotional distress.
AM
Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate