The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapim North, Samuel Awuku, has strongly condemned the violence that marred the recent Ablekuma North rerun, stating that the newly sworn-in MP, Ewurabena Aubynn, is a product of a “violent election.”
He was speaking to the Minority’s walkout in Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, just moments before Aubynn was sworn in. The protest was sparked after Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh was denied the opportunity to make a statement before the oath of office was administered.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News’ Hanson Agyemang on Tuesday, July 22, Awuku criticised the silence of the Presidency and law enforcement agencies over the violent scenes that reportedly characterised the by-election.
“We clearly believe that she is a product of a violent election that left people maimed, that left people traumatized, and also that left people severely beaten,” he said.
Awuku suggested that the lack of official condemnation from the government raises suspicions about its possible complicity.
“The noisy silence of the law enforcement agencies gives us the impression that these operatives and those who acted in that manner gives us an impression that they had the tacit endorsement of government. Why? Because it is very strange that not a single act of condemnation had come from the quarters of the presidency.”
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Minority stages walkout ahead of Ablekuma North MP swearing-in
A prison officer stationed at the Nsawam Female Prison has come forward with a personal account of his recent interaction with popular but controversial televangelist, Patricia Asiedua, widely known as Agradaa.
The officer, whose social media handle is @believe_theboy, took to the internet to share his thoughts after seeing the well-known religious figure during his official duty hours.
In a video that has now been widely circulated on social media, the officer recounted that he saw Agradaa within the prison premises while carrying out his duties. He expressed surprise and admiration at her appearance, particularly highlighting how striking he found her beauty even while she was in custody.
With noticeable enthusiasm, he said, “I saw Agradaa today at Nsawam during duty hours. She be beautiful oo,” using informal Ghanaian Pidgin English to emphasize his impression of her physical appearance.
Beyond just commenting on her looks, the officer also took a moment to assure the public about Agradaa’s condition. He reassured Ghanaians that she is safe, well cared for, and being treated respectfully while serving her sentence. His message seemed intended to quell any public concerns about her treatment in prison.
Agradaa, formerly a spiritualist turned Christian evangelist, is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence at the Nsawam Female Prison after being convicted on multiple counts related to financial fraud. Her case has drawn significant media attention and public discourse in recent months.
The prison officer’s remarks, though casual, have sparked online reactions ranging from amusement to criticism with many debating whether such commentary is appropriate from someone in his position. Nonetheless, his comments have once again placed Agradaa in the spotlight.
Three suspected poachers have been arrested by resource guards of the Ankasa Conservation Area for illegally hunting wildlife in the Ayensu beat of the reserve.
The arrest took place on July 9, 2025, during a routine patrol by five guards stationed at the Dadwen Range Camp in the Ellembelle District in the Western Region.
The suspects, 36-year-old Frank Odame, 45-year-old Abraham Kwasi Sikapa, and 48-year-old George Avi, are all residents of Mumuni in the Ellembelle District and are reported to be cocoa farmers.
During the arrest, the patrol team retrieved the following from the suspects:
Upon arrest, the suspects allegedly offered GHC 7,000 to the patrol staff in an attempt to avoid prosecution. The guards rejected the offer and proceeded to report the incident.
All confiscated items, including the GHC 7,000, were handed over along with the suspects to the Elubo Police Station. Investigations and prosecution are ongoing under the Wildlife Resources Management Act (Act 1115).
The Ankasa Conservation Area is located in the Western Region and covers approximately 509 square kilometres. It consists of the Nini Suhien National Park and the Ankasa Resource Reserve.
The park is Ghana’s only wet evergreen rainforest under formal management and is home to a variety of endemic and threatened species. It also hosts the Amokwaw Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) and has potential for tourism development.
The Bank of Ghana has introduced new regulations for exchange rate application in the shipping industry to enhance transparency, pricing consistency, and compliance with its foreign exchange framework.
The guidelines, announced under Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2025/47 on Tuesday, and signed by Ms. Sandra Thompson, Secretary, require all shipping industry operators in Ghana to publicly disclose the daily exchange rates used for invoicing.
These rates must be posted either on company websites or at business premises and clearly communicated to customers prior to payment or invoice issuance.
Invoices are now mandated to include the service currency, the applicable exchange rate, the date of application, and the final amount payable in Ghanaian cedis (GHS) or U.S. dollars (USD).
The Central Bank emphasized that these exchange rates must reflect commercial bank market conditions and be benchmarked to the Bank’s published interbank exchange rates, warning against arbitrary pricing.
In the event of disputes over exchange rate applications, the guidelines outline a two-tier resolution mechanism:
First through the respective service providers, and subsequently through escalation to the Ghana Shippers’ Authority if complaints remain unresolved.
Second, industry participants are reminded to comply with the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), alongside all related regulatory notices.
Breaches of these regulations could lead to administrative sanctions, the central bank noted.
The directive took effect immediately on July 22, 2025, and remains in force until officially amended or revoked.
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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.
The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised concerns over the increasing rate of HIV infections among young people, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 24.
According to the Commission, recent data shows a worrying trend in which many young people are prioritising the prevention of pregnancy over protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Prosper Akanbong, on Tuesday, July 22, attributed the surge in infections to the growing preference for emergency contraceptives over condoms.
“We are seeing high infection rates among young and adolescent groups. The 15 to 24 age group is experiencing a progressively rising trend in HIV cases, and that is very worrisome,” Dr. Akanbong said.
He noted that many young people view pregnancy as a greater threat than HIV, leading to a surge in the use of emergency contraceptive pills while neglecting condoms, which offer dual protection.
“They tend to think more about the fear of pregnancy rather than the fear of infections. So, you see the use of emergency contraceptives on the rise, but not enough condom use,” he lamented.
Dr. Akanbong emphasised the urgent need for intensified public education and awareness campaigns to promote safe sex practices and correct misconceptions about HIV and reproductive health.
‘MahamaCares’ programme is needless and unnecessary – Kwadaso MP
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has conducted a performance review of its US$850 million project portfolio in Ghana to improve delivery and ensure alignment with national development goals.
The Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR), held jointly with government officials on Tuesday, evaluated investments in the social, agriculture, transport, energy, water, sanitation, and multi-sector domains, aimed at supporting industrialisation, private sector growth, and regional integration.
Key projects reviewed included the Post-COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP), which involves the rehabilitation of the Ghana News Agency’s head office and two regional offices.
In the agricultural sector, the Savanna Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (SADEP)—focusing on large-scale production and value addition of three crops—and the Savanna Investment Project (SIP) were assessed.
Other projects appraised included Phase One of the Eastern Corridor Road Development Programme, the Mini Grid and Solar PV Net Metering Project, and the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihoods Improvement Project (GASSLIP).
Multi-sector initiatives evaluated comprised the Ghana Cocoa Sector Institutional Support Project, Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Economic Management, Fiscal Consolidation and Economic Recovery Programme, Enhancing Regional Financial Hub, and the Institutional Support Project for AfCFTA implementation.
Ms. Eyerusalem Fasika, AfDB Country Director, said the joint review aimed to track progress, identify operational bottlenecks, and introduce corrective measures to improve impact.
“It’s important to deliver results [with a] focus on time value of money by ensuring timely spending on project to deliver objectives and greater outcomes. The Steering Committees must demonstrate timely result to help mobilise more resources from other partners,” she encouraged.
Ms. Fasika reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to engaging the private sector in project delivery.
“The Bank is open to business every day,” she said.
“The African Development Bank remains fully committed to supporting Ghana’s development aspirations – fostering inclusive growth, building resilience, and creating opportunities for all. Together, we can translate our partnership and resources into lasting, positive change for the people of Ghana,” she echoed.
Ms. Theresa Fynn, National Project Coordinator for SADEP and SIP, commended the AfDB’s agricultural investment, citing increased production in maize, rice, soybean, and poultry.
“The SADEP and SIP projects have demonstrated that commercial production is possible… In the northern savannah ecological zone where we support farmers to develop their lands and provide subsidies and technical support, we’ve increased production to meet human consumption,” she said.
Mr. David Klotey Collison, Coordinating Director at the Ministry of Finance, welcomed recommendations from the review and pledged the government’s commitment to work with the AfDB and project implementers to accelerate outcomes.
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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.
Youth Development and Empowerment Minister says Ghana has operated its scholarship system without any governing law since independence, a vacuum he insists must be corrected with urgency.
George Opare Addo, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, said the scholarship regime in Ghana has been chaotic and abused for far too long.
“We did not have a standard procedure for administering scholarships, and so it was about whom you know,” he said. “How scholarships have been administered was like selling tomatoes in the market.”
He explained that the new bill, which was drafted in response to revelations made in a Fourth Estate investigation, seeks to “cure” the irregularities exposed.
“What we’re seeking to cure were the issues, some of the issues that were raised by the Fourth Estate,” he said, noting that abuse of the system had become rampant.
Mr Opare Addo, who chaired the drafting committee alongside Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, said the bill will eventually move the Scholarship Secretariat from his ministry to the Education Ministry, where it belongs.
“Technically, scholarships are educational issues,” he said.
Under the proposed changes, all government-funded scholarships will be managed by a centralised authority.
“GNPC is giving scholarships, GetFund is giving scholarships, and then the Scholarship Secretariat itself is also giving scholarships.
“We needed a scholarship regime where if GNPC and GetFund have funding, we put them into a scholarship fund and then let there be an authority to regulate.”
He questioned the propriety of agencies like GNPC managing scholarships independently.
“I don’t think it is even proper for a government agency like GNPC to be administering scholarships when there is a scholarship agency or an authority or executive that is mandated by law to run.”
One of the key features of the bill, he explained, is to cut back on funding students abroad for programs that are already offered in Ghana.
“So one of the things we are looking at is programs that can be or are being taught locally; the state must not spend money in sending students abroad, for instance, business administration,” he said.
Pressed further, he affirmed: “Not when the University of Ghana Business School is one of the best in the sub-region. We can fund you to go to the University of Ghana Business School, if that is the course you want to run.”
He said the bill currently contains a proposal that bars state-sponsored scholarships for foreign study in courses already available at local universities.
“What it means is that we have no hope, no confidence in our own institutions,” he said. “And if we cannot, as a government, support our institutions to build that kind of confidence… You ask yourself, are we serious at all?”
The minister, however, made room for Ghanaian private universities in the restructured scheme.
“Yes, I know some of the things Ashesi University is doing,” he said, adding that students could be funded to attend private local institutions where justified.
“Although Ashesi is not cheap, there are some programs that Ashesi is running that UG and KNUST are not running.”
He defended the approach, noting it would keep money within the local economy.
“Why should I send a student out of Ghana when Ashesi can do [it], when I can give the money to a Ghanaian entrepreneur, and the money is going to remain in Ghana?”
He also pointed to the impact on foreign exchange. “One of the challenges is our exchange rates.”
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.
Shatta Wale has announced a significant restructuring of his management team, introducing a refreshed lineup to steer his brand forward.
In a post shared on Facebook, the acclaimed Ghanaian dancehall artiste unveiled a new management structure, with key changes intended to inject fresh energy into the Shatta Movement.
One of the most striking adjustments is the reassignment of Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex.
Previously serving as Shatta Wale’s manager, Sammy Flex now takes on the role of Media and Public Relations Manager.
The move signals a strategic shift to enhance the artiste’s public image and media engagement, a field where Sammy Flex has built a solid reputation over the years.
The revamped team features new and returning faces taking up specialized roles across different areas of Shatta Wale’s brand operations.
From road management and personal assistance to bookings, merchandising, and music production, each individual has been strategically placed to ensure a more focused and professional approach in handling the artiste’s growing brand.
This restructuring comes at a time when Shatta Wale appears to be rebranding and repositioning himself within the industry.
Bookings and inquiries are now being directed through a dedicated contact line, reinforcing the professional overhaul underway within the Shatta Movement.
A photo collage of Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah (L) and Malik Basintale
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale, has responded to a warning issued by popular media personality and New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, who cautioned him to desist from what he described as misbehaviour, else he would regret it if power changes hands.
Speaking on his “For the Records” show, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, while acknowledging Basintale’s growing influence within the NDC, did not mince words in cautioning him against what he termed reckless behaviour.
“You are a young man, and you must stop fooling,” he warned. “Otherwise, power will change hands, and you will be so sorry. When you have political power, you behave as if the whole world belongs to you.”
Malik Basintale, who also doubles as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy Communications Officer, responded to Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah’s threat in a media interview shared on X.
Speaking in the Dagomba language, he stated, there is saying that “a truthful, indigenous and proud Dagomba doesn’t take his issues to the police station or the court. He makes sure that the issues are resolved on the street.
“With Allah, when we get there, everything shall be fine.”
Basintale is known for his ability to mobilize party youth, often in their hundreds on motorbikes to campaign for the NDC.
He frequently boasts of his “army of youth,” whom he commands across the country to carry out various operations in the party’s interest.
He recently led hundreds of such youth on motorbikes to Ablekuma North a day before the parliamentary rerun held in the constituency on July 11, 2025.
Dear Dagomba audience, kindly help us interpret this message from Malik Basintale to Okatakyire Afrifa. pic.twitter.com/OTZUVDdb9Y
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has committed four million euros to boost shea production and enhance producer capacity this year.
“We from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture have committed four million euros to build the capacity of our producers of shea to increase the production of nuts this year,” said Eric Opoku, Minister of MoFA.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the newly sworn-in board of PBC Shea Limited in Accra on Tuesday on July 23, 2025.
Opoku announced that an agreement between the Ministry and the African Development Bank regarding the investment would be signed shortly.
“It is our hope that within the coming days, the agreement will be signed, and four million euros will be available for investments into shea production.”
Opoku highlighted that the shea sector in Ghana is largely dominated by women, with over 600,000 engaged in harvesting, processing, and selling shea nuts and butter.
“Shea constitutes the major source of income and so there is the need for us to ensure the establishment of a high-backed agreement between PBC Shea Limited and the farmers.
“This agreement should provide ready market for farmers’ produce and create financial certainty and security among the farmers,” he said.
The minister stated that the agreement would ensure a consistent supply of raw materials to the company and urged the board to lead efforts in harnessing the sector’s potential for increased foreign earnings.
“We just want you to lead the crusade for us to take advantage of our available resources to increase our foreign earnings,” he said.
He noted that Ghana earned US$92.6 million from shea butter in 2022 but expressed optimism for greater revenue.
“I believe we can do more than that. We can go beyond US$500 million if we work assiduously to achieve the targets set,” he said.
Opoku affirmed Ghana’s status as the leading exporter of shea butter globally and noted the country holds a premium position in the international market.
“Ghana’s shea butter was of the finest quality globally and its demand was so high. We are told that the global shea market is estimated at US$2.75 billion and it is projected to hit US$5.58 billion in 2033.
“The demand for shea is increasing and potential exists here. We must increase production, increase processes and take advantage of the huge market out there,” he said.
The minister pointed out that the PBC Shea Company, established to add value and promote export earnings, had collapsed over the past eight years.
He challenged the board to revive the company in fulfilment of the President’s pledge.
“One thing you must note is that the board is different from management. You must work together, but the board should not interfere with the management of the company.
“The President has a lot of confidence in you; he trusts your capabilities to transform that factory and you cannot fail the President,” he said.
Opoku urged board members to work diligently and contribute to the factory’s transformation.
Reverend Fant Lambon Aaron, Board Chairman of PBC Shea Limited, pledged to rejuvenate the company in line with the government’s 24-hour economy vision.
“We shall work together to transform this institution from its current challenges into a beacon of excellence not just in Ghana, but on the world stage. Our vision is clear to position PBC Shea Limited as a leading force in shea processing, a creator of jobs, a builder of industries and a contributor to Ghana’s growing reputation for agro-processing excellence.
“We are determined to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, the majority of which will empower women and young people in our rural communities,” Rev Aaron said.
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Rasheed Draman, has cautioned the Majority in Parliament against abusing their two-thirds dominance.
He warned that such control could lead to constitutional overreach, rubber-stamping of legislation, and the marginalization of minority voices.
His remarks come in the wake of Ewurabena Aubynn’s swearing-in as the new Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North—an event that further consolidates the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) commanding majority in the legislature.
Speaking to Citi News on July 23, 2025, Dr. Draman urged the Majority to wield its numerical strength with responsibility and to prioritise the integrity of Parliament.
“These numbers can be used as a force for good—to deepen our democratic practice, improve parliamentary processes, and drive transformative reforms that enhance the image and performance of Parliament,” he stated.
“But if they are used as a force for mischief, we risk seeing constitutional abuse, weakened oversight, and a silenced opposition—typical risks associated with unchecked super majorities.”
His concerns were echoed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who also warned NDC MPs not to use their dominance to suppress the Minority.
“We should not use the overwhelming majority to try to bully or stifle the Minority from having their say on the floor of Parliament,” the Speaker cautioned.
Underscoring the need for inclusive leadership, Speaker Bagbin called on the Majority side—currently led by the NDC—to rise above partisanship and act in the national interest.
“When given this mandate, you must act as the father and mother of the nation,” he said. “You must have the patience and tolerance to listen to the other side.”
Don’t use overwhelming majority to bully Minority – Bagbin to NDC MPs
Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams
Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has shared an account of betrayal by a former junior pastor, warning the deceased pastor’s family not to visit him after his death if they valued their lives.
Speaking during a Global Prayer Works Summit Special Breakfast Meeting at the Prayer Cathedral in Accra on July 19, 2025, the cleric recounted how he supported and mentored the junior pastor, opening international ministry doors for him, only to be deceived and betrayed later.
According to Duncan-Williams, he once facilitated international preaching engagements for the junior pastor in Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries, where the pastor received $100,000 in honorarium.
However, upon returning, the pastor presented only $10,000 to him, claiming it was the total amount he received.
“I opened some doors for him, and he went on to preach in Malaysia and other places, including some good churches in Singapore
“So, they gave him some good money. Good money, $100,000 then he brought me $10,000 that, that was all they gave him and he wanted to show it to me, so, I thank him, I bless him, but when I was praying, the oil wasn’t flowing,” he said.
“The Holy Ghost was blocking the oil, so, after some weeks I spoke to the pastor, I said, so, I hope your pastor appreciated what we did for him, between the places he went, he spoke in about 3-4 countries.”
Duncan-Williams later discovered the truth after speaking to one of the host pastors abroad. “I called the guy and said, you think you are better than me? I opened doors for you, and you kept $90,000,” he recounted.
Following the revelation, Duncan-Williams used his influence to shut ministry doors for the junior pastor, instructing his international contacts not to invite him again.
The archbishop further detailed how he attempted to rehabilitate the pastor despite his misconduct.
After the pastor was allegedly involved with another man’s wife in Abidjan, Duncan-Williams brought him back to Ghana “to save his life” and even gave him another chance to pastor a church.
The pastor eventually left to establish his own church in Tema, allegedly moving members from Action Chapel and securing financial backing from wealthy supporters.
Years later, Duncan-Williams learned of the pastor’s death. When informed that the deceased pastor’s family wished to visit him, he vehemently refused.
“I said, tell them that if they themselves don’t want to die, they shouldn’t come here; they should go home,” he revealed.
The archbishop insisted his decision was not out of bitterness or unforgiveness but a spiritual directive.
“This journey is long. People will betray you, exploit you, and take advantage of you. I have seen sons I took to places, introduced to people, and next thing, they are calling those people behind my back,” he said.
@revwindee ♬ original sound – Rev Windee-Mills
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
The remains of 18-year-old Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, who died under suspicious circumstances in Latvia, have been returned to Ghana for burial.
Nana Agyei was a first-year Electrical Engineering (Adaptronic) student at Riga Technical University, having enrolled in July 2024.
His life was tragically cut short on June 4, 2025, in what Latvian authorities initially reported as a fall from the sixth floor of his apartment building on Baznicas Street in Riga.
However, the family has strongly disputed this account, citing a disturbing voice note Nana Agyei sent just three days prior to his death—in which he claimed to have been poisoned.
“We received news that he fell from the sixth floor and died. But we said, no, that cannot be true. There’s no way he would commit suicide,” said Sarah Nimli, a family spokesperson. “I wrote letters to the Foreign Ministry, to the school, and contacted the police. But we realized the police were not responding and appeared to be covering up because the people involved were Latvian nationals.”
Frustrated by the lack of transparency, the family dispatched a relative to Latvia to seek answers. The relative was later joined by a representative from the Ghanaian Embassy in Berlin, which has jurisdiction over Latvian affairs, to engage with local authorities.
Although Latvian police have confirmed that an investigation is underway, the family says they have yet to receive any formal updates or cooperation from either Latvian officials or Ghana’s diplomatic mission.
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Family demands Justice over Ghanaian student’s death in Latvia
Ghana’s national U-19 boys’ team has arrived in Switzerland for two friendly matches
Ghana’s national U-19 boys’ team has arrived in Switzerland for two friendly matches against youth sides of Swiss giants FC Basel 1893.
The 18-man squad, accompanied by six officials, will face FC Basel’s U-21 and U-19 teams on July 23 and 25, 2025, respectively, at the Nachwuchs Campus Basel.
The trip is part of a collaboration between the Ghana Football Association and FC Basel aimed at player development and international exposure.
The matches will also serve as a benchmark to assess the progress of the players over the past four months.
“This is an important step in our continuous efforts to strengthen the pathway from the Black Starlets to the Black Satellites,” a GFA official noted. “These games will help the technical team gauge the players’ readiness and development.”
The initiative falls in line with the GFA’s wider objective of building competitive national teams across all levels through international experience and structured transitions.
The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, Ernest Adomako, has demanded an immediate probe into the shortage of foreign exchange in the Ghanaian market.
His call follows growing complaints from traders and importers over persistent difficulties in accessing forex through commercial banks, challenges they say are hindering their ability to conduct international transactions.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, July 22, the Economy and Development Committee member urged financial authorities to investigate the root causes of the shortage and take urgent steps to ease the strain on businesses that rely on stable and predictable access to foreign currency.
“Those who have been appointed to take care of this thing must make sure they investigate to find out what the problem is,” he said.
He suggested that government-owned banks such as Ghana Commercial Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) be prioritised in forex allocations to ensure businesses can access the dollars they need when private banks fail to deliver.
“Anytime BoG wants to put dollars into the financial system, it should focus on these government banks… so that anytime these private banks refuse to give dollars out, they can go to these government banks for it.
“Those who are given the dollars and find ways to give the dollars to the abochie people must be severely punished because it is really disturbing,” he stressed.
The Government spent a total of GH¢8.94 billion on its flagship programmes in 2024. This is according to the latest Auditor-General’s report on the Whole-of-Government Accounts.
Among the flagship initiatives, the Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme received the highest allocation, amounting to GH¢3.6 billion.
The School Feeding Programme, implemented through the Ministry of Gender, with a total expenditure of GH¢1.13 billion, aimed to provide daily meals to millions of pupils in public basic schools.
The Fertiliser Subsidy initiative, under the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, received GH¢917.5 million, reinforcing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security.
Other notable allocations included GH¢628.9 million for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, GH¢533.5 million for nursing training allowances, and GH¢438 million in transfers to the Youth Employment Agency.
The Food Farmer Recovery Relief Programme received GH¢618 million, while subsidies for the 2018 BECE and WASSCE examinations accounted for GH¢196.2 million.
Teacher training allowances and feeding were supported with GH¢113.4 million, while scholarships and capitation grants for second-cycle institutions received GH¢102.4 million. The National Identification Programme was allocated GH¢288.6 million, and Arabic instructors under education support services received GH¢33.2 million.
Zongo Development Initiatives were financed with GH¢7.4 million, while the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme, including stimulus support, received GH¢32.3 million.
In addition, GH¢45 million was disbursed through MASLOC to support microfinance activities, GH¢240 million was allocated to the Ghana CARES programme, and the Student Loan Trust received GH¢2.27 million.
While these expenditures reflect the government’s ongoing investment in key social and economic sectors, analysts continue to raise concerns about efficiency, value for money, and the need for stronger accountability.
Ghana’s public debt overstated by GHS138bn – Auditor-General
Edith Ward, the former wife of musician Reggie Zippy
Edith Ward, the former wife of musician Reggie Zippy, has issued a strong warning to media personality Sally Mann, accusing her of fabricating stories and dragging her name through the mud.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Edith directly addressed Sally, stating, “It’s become painfully clear that you’ve been starved of my attention and now you have it.”
She recalled laughing when she first came across Sally’s video last October, dismissing it as an attention-seeking stunt by someone she didn’t even know.
“It was only after others connected the dots that she realized Sally was the same woman she briefly encountered in Ghana in 2021 — someone she showed kindness to at a funeral, despite that individual having assaulted another woman in her presence.”
Even then, Edith explained, she chose grace and remained silent, only to now find herself the target of what she calls deliberate lies and attention-chasing antics.
She lamented, “Fast forward to the present, and once more, you’re invoking my name, chasing attention, and spreading falsehoods on whatever platform you’re clinging to.”
Refuting specific allegations, Edith set the record straight on multiple fronts.
First, she denied ever being disowned by her parents, explaining that her father was never even present in her life, and her decision to step away was a personal choice for accountability.
Secondly, she clarified that she had sponsored her ex-husband’s move to the UK, not the other way around — a narrative she said Sally had twisted.
Lastly, she described as utterly false the claim that she and Sally talk often or that she confided in her.
“This lazy narrative you’ve crafted is not only shameful but it’s dangerous,” she wrote, slamming Sally’s alleged behavior as disgraceful, especially for someone who sits on national television and presents herself as a woman and a mother.
Edith ended her message with a clear warning: “I demand that my name be kept out of your mouth unless you are prepared to speak truthfully WITH EVIDENCE.”
She added, “I’ve endured enough. And now, the record is straight.”
She also appealed to the public to share the message with Sally Mann directly, if they had access to her or her social platforms.
A 23-year-old woman, Akua Afriyie, from Karlo in the Suaman District of the Western North region, has allegedly killed her 4-year-old son, adomonline.com has reported.
According the report, the lady killed her son so that she could get the opportunity to marry a guy she so desired.
It has been reported that a man wanted to marry Akua Afriyie, but her 4-year-old son became a hindrance, as he did not want a child from her previous relationship.
To make her dream of marrying the man come true, Akua Afriyie was reported to have allegedly killed her son by dropping him into a well in the town, causing him to drown
Though the report did not indicate how the crime was detected, the source quoted the Assembly Member for the area, Eric Armah as saying the suspected admitted to the offense during interrogations by the police.
The heinous crime which sent shivers down the spines of residents, occurred on Saturday, July 21, 2025.
“According to the Assembly Member for the Karlo Electoral Area, Eric Armah, the suspect admitted during police interrogation that she committed the act in a desperate attempt to please a man she hoped to marry”, said the report.
According to the details of the report, Akua Afriyie, who has left Karlo for some time, returned recently with her 4-year-old son.
Her decision to return to Karlo, per the report, was just to kill her son and become single in order to facilitate her desire to get married to her beloved one.
“Investigations indicate that before the incident, the child reportedly pleaded with his mother to spare his life. Though she initially agreed, she later went through with her plan and threw him into the well”. The report said.
The police have since taken over the case for further investigation while the body of the child has been retrieved and deposited at the Enchi Government Hospital morgue.
Naab/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Ghana has reiterated its commitment to advancing metrology as a critical pillar for industrial transformation, trade facilitation, and economic development, as the country hosts the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the General Assembly on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare described metrology, the science of measurement as “the invisible backbone of industrialization, trade, health, and innovation.”
The minister highlighted Ghana’s ongoing transformation of its national measurement infrastructure, spearheaded by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), with support from the German government and in collaboration with Germany’s National Metrology Institute, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).
According to the minister, Ghana is upgrading its metrology capabilities to establish a fully functional National Metrology Institute (NMI), positioning the country as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement.
She noted that progress has already been made in enhancing Ghana’s capacity in key areas such as temperature, mass, and electricity measurements, ensuring they meet international standards and are traceable to SI units.
The minister further explained that the metrology reforms align with the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which aims to create 1.7 million jobs and boost Ghana’s global competitiveness.
She emphasized that metrology is essential to ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency across sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics.
She also disclosed that GSA staff had received advanced training in countries such as South Africa, Slovenia, Germany, and Switzerland, and additional capacity-building efforts were underway to strengthen local expertise.
A key milestone highlighted during her address was the recent inauguration of Ghana’s first Public Utility Metrology Laboratory, which allows consumers to verify the accuracy of electricity meters, an initiative aimed at promoting transparency and consumer protection.
Touching on the theme of the Assembly celebrating 150 years of the Metre Convention, the minister stressed the importance of building a locally relevant yet globally aligned metrology system that supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the broader aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“AFRIMETS continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation, harmonizing measurement systems, facilitating trade, and building technical capacity across Africa. Ghana is proud to contribute to this shared vision,” she affirmed.
Looking to the future, the minister said Ghana is exploring emerging technologies such as 3D metrology, optical inspection, and X-ray and CT systems to further enhance its industrial capabilities and quality infrastructure.
She concluded her remarks by encouraging delegates to engage fully in the assembly’s activities and witness Ghana’s vision of becoming a hub for smart manufacturing, digital trade, and next-generation metrology.
President of AFRIMETS, Dr Henry Rotich, in his opening remarks, underscored the historical and transformative importance of metrology, tracing its evolution from ancient Egyptian cubits to today’s sophisticated atomic clocks and digital systems.
He emphasised that accurate and traceable measurements form the foundation for scientific advancement, fair trade, public health, and environmental protection.
“Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” he stated, while also marking the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention as a timely reminder of metrology’s global relevance.
Commending Ghana for its leadership in the field, Dr Rotich applauded the Ghana Standards Authority for its efforts in expanding measurement infrastructure and aligning with international systems.
He noted Ghana’s associate membership of the Metre Convention as a testament to its commitment and praised ongoing work in areas such as chemical metrology and oil and gas measurements.
Encouraging participants to collaborate and exchange ideas, he remarked, “This Assembly is not just a technical gathering, it is a platform to elevate metrology in Africa and realise our collective dream of integration, innovation, and shared prosperity under AfCFTA.”
The Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, Hudu Mogtari in his remarks, commended GSA for conveying the Landmark Assembly, which included countries delegates from Kenya, Togo, France, The Gambia, Cape Verde, Mexico among others.
He noted that “Let us build a Metrology ecosystem that reflects African aspirations, amplify its voice to take its rightfully place on the continent.”
The Ag CEO of the Ghana Standards Authority, Clifford Frimpong, on his part, described the General Assembly as a celebration of unity, excellence, and progress, with a call for African colleagues to embrace this spirit.
The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly brings together delegates from across the continent and beyond for a week of technical committee meetings, workshops, and industrial tours aimed at advancing Africa’s metrology agenda.
GA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Ghanaian forward Abdul Aziz Issah has rejoined Barcelona Atletic on a fresh loan deal that will keep him at the club until June 2026.
The 19-year-old initially spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the Spanish side from Dreams FC but managed just two appearances despite a promising start.
Barcelona initially declined to activate the purchase option in his contract, paving the way for his return to Ghana.
However, fresh talks have resulted in a new agreement that sees the teenager return to Catalonia.
Issah shot to prominence after a standout campaign with Dreams FC in the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup, where he netted four goals and provided two assists in ten matches. His long-range strike against Lobito was nominated for CAF Goal of the Year.
Despite limited minutes in Spain, Issah’s form with Ghana’s U20s and a senior debut at the Unity Cup in May 2025 kept him in the spotlight. He scored Ghana’s opener in their U20 AFCON quarterfinal against Egypt and earned a Man of the Match award earlier in the tournament.
Barcelona Atletic will be hoping the second spell provides better opportunities for the promising Ghanaian forward.
The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, has criticised the Attorney-General’s decision to discontinue the prosecution of former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffour and seven others, describing it as part of an emerging pattern of selective justice.
The Attorney-General on Tuesday, July 22, officially dropped charges against Dr. Duffour and his co-accused, who were on trial over alleged financial misconduct tied to the 2018 financial sector clean-up.
In a statement, the A-G’s office explained that the decision followed the recovery of 60% of the losses linked to the case, which met the benchmark set for reconsidering prosecutions.
Speaking in reaction to this in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, July 22, Tampuli expressed deep concern about what he called a shift from accountability to impunity.
“We find this very worrying indeed, especially coming from the background where we have Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). What we are seeing today appears to be something akin to Operation Clear All Loot,” he said.
Tampuli criticised the government for allegedly using the prosecutorial process to shield former appointees from accountability.
“It is very worrying that a government has come into power and one of the major things that the AG does is to clear every former appointee who has committed one wrong or the other and have been undergoing prosecution,” he added.
Tampuli further questioned the broader implications for justice and rule of law stating that “The AG is not just the AG, he is the Minister of Justice. On this occasion, we are seeing something close to a minister of injustice in the work that the AG is doing.”
Read also
AG discontinues prosecution of Kwabena Duffour, 7 others
The Youth Development and Empowerment Minister has disclosed that the government is currently negotiating with educational institutions across the world to settle outstanding scholarship debts.
George Opare Addo assures affected Ghanaian students that the money owed will be paid.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 22, the Minister revealed that the government inherited a significant financial burden in the scholarship system.
“The current bill that I have is over ¢700 million in debt that we have to find money to pay,” he said.
He explained that this amount reflects fees owed to various institutions globally, and it has fallen on the new administration to deal with mounting pressure from the affected schools.
“There is a debt of fees that we have across the world. And so my registrar now has to go around the world and negotiate with schools, and that is what we’ve been undertaking in the last four, five months. I keep sending him—go here, go there—because you keep getting threats all over the world, ‘We are going to sack your students’,” he said.
Mr Opare Addo stressed that the situation demands urgent attention and coordination at the highest level.
“It involves Ghanaian students; it involves lives. It involves our citizens. And so we must find the money to pay,” he said.
He added, “The Chief of Staff has been very helpful. With the Finance Minister and the Chief of Staff, we are working closely to offset the debt… So yes, we will pay, but we have to negotiate. We don’t have ¢700 million in cash.”
He noted that while some of the institutions have shown understanding, the government continues to engage them, explaining that the administration inherited the problem and is working gradually to resolve it.
“Some have been very understanding, and they know that we are a new government that has come in. We inherited these problems, and so we are aligning and fixing them gradually,” he explained.
When confronted with reports that some institutions had issued warnings to students to vacate school premises over unpaid fees, Mr Opare Addo acknowledged the development but emphasised that the root of the crisis predated the current administration.
“You can’t blame this government for the mess we inherited. And most of these things have been outstanding for a year or two,” he said.
He further revealed that the government is auditing the system to establish the true scope of the debt.
“We are also doing an audit of the true states. A lot of the students have opted out. We held a meeting with some of them in London and gave them some options.”
Asked about those options, the Minister declined to provide full details but offered insight into how some students who had completed their programs were handling their entitlements.
“Somebody might have finished school for two years, and government still owes him or her stipends, but per the law, once you finish, you must come back home. And a lot of them want to remain there,” he said.
Highlighting how government policies were being circumvented, he added, “You know that they have this ‘no objection’ letter they request to be able to work for a year or two, to gain experience, which should not be the norm. It’s against the charter that they were using to operate, but it was being done for them.”
George Opare Addo said students were asked to decide if they would return or forfeit their stipends.
“If I pay your fees, you must come back and help. So, do you want to stay? If you are going to stay there, I’m not going to pay your stipends, because you have already finished school. And so, a lot of them said, Okay, let us stipends go.”
He emphasised that the audit would clarify the real figures.
“A lot of the figures, when you delve into it, show that there are discrepancies, and so once the audit team finishes all its work, we’ll have a clearer picture. But as of now, the bill we have seated on our tables is over ¢700 million.”
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.
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Divine Otoo Agorhom, has admitted that the party’s performance in the 2024 general elections was disappointing.
Speaking during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, July 22, Mr Agorhom said the outcome of the elections clearly showed that the NPP failed to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian electorate.
“It’s not a good story to tell. I don’t like making excuses, but 2024 didn’t go well for the NPP. If you’re talking about losing seats, we lost seats in almost all the regions, even including the Almighty Ashanti Region. And we lost seats in the Central region as well. Generally, the elections did not go well for us,” he said.
According to Mr Agorhom, being in government came with the responsibility to deliver on promises and meet the aspirations of the people. The election results, he said, reflected the public’s dissatisfaction.
“We were in government, and so, if the government’s performance met the aspirations of Ghanaians, they would have renewed our mandate. It simply means that, for whatever reason, rightly or wrongly, the Ghanaian voter thinks that our performance did not meet their expectations. For that reason, they voted us out,” he stated.
Mr Agorhom’s comments add to ongoing discussions within the NPP on the need for introspection and reforms following the party’s electoral defeat.
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Ghanaian actor and singer Frank Naro has shared the reasons behind his departure from NKZ Music, the record label owned by popular rapper Guru, after just two years.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on July 21, 2025, Frank reflected on being signed to Guru’s label early in his music career, alongside fellow artiste Strongman.
He expressed appreciation for the support he received at the beginning of his journey.
“Big ups to Guru of NKZ. When I started music professionally, Guru signed me for two years alongside Strongman. All the music and videos I released during that time were fully funded by Guru and Ray Moni,” he said.
Despite the positive working relationship, Frank revealed that his contract with NKZ Music was not renewed.
“From there, the contract was done, and they didn’t sign me again,” he explained.
When asked about the reason behind the non-renewal, Frank stated that certain expectations were not being met.
“The reason was that the expectations were not coming, but I didn’t blame them because it wasn’t easy for me when I started,” he said.
He emphasised that he held no grudges over the decision.
“At the end of the day, he’s investing in me, so if he decides not to work with me again, then it’s fine.”
Following his exit from NKZ, Frank released a hit song that gained traction and led to a major collaboration with Samini. The veteran musician eventually signed Frank to his High Grade Family record label.
“I then released a song with Kofi Kinaata, and I got the attention from there. Along the line, Samini said he would help me, so he came on board and signed me.
“The first day Samini signed me was like a dream come true, so that made me happy,” Frank shared.
FG/MA
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:
Bono Regional Chairman of NPP, Kwame Baffoe alias Abronye DC
Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, has called on financiers of the party to disclose what they have benefited in return for their contributions.
According to Baffoe who is popularly known as Abronye DC, this would enable party members to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the claims made by these financiers.
In an interview with Okay FM on July 16, 2025, Abronye DC stated that some party members often boast about their contributions to the party without mentioning the benefits they’ve received in return.
He posited that it is high time some individuals who claimed to have major stake in the party and can therefore destroy it, were faced off squarely and given a proper showdown to show that the party has “the men”.
“They always talk about the kinds of support they’ve given to the party, but they intentionally don’t mention what they’ve also benefited from the party because they’re financiers,” he said.
“If some think the party is for them and that they can destroy it, they should bring it on, and I will face them,” he added.
“…you always hear them on radio bragging about how they have helped the party without mentioning that they have gained from the party,” he continued.
Abronye believes that party members who claim to have financially supported the party should be asked to disclose what they’ve gained in return.
This, he explained, would help party members understand that those who boast about their spending on the party have also received favors.
He has vowed to challenge any party member who tries to use their financial status to gain unmerited favors from the party’s delegates without telling the delegates what they gained in return.
Meanwhile, Abronye has declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential primaries in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections.
NAAB/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Divine Otoo Agorhom, has announced that he will not contest for the regional chairman position in the party’s next internal elections.
Mr Agorhom made the announcement during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, July 22.
“No, I’m not running again this time, it is a decision that I have taken. I have done two terms,” he announced.
As part of his future political plans, he stated, “I’m looking to other interests.”
His announcement comes at a time when the NPP is undergoing internal restructuring following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
As Regional Chairman, Mr Agorhom played a key role in the party’s campaign efforts in Greater Accra, a critical battleground region.
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The Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, has described the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025 (also known as the ‘Mahama Cares’ Programme) as ‘needless’ and ‘unnecessary.’
His remarks follow Parliament’s passage of the bill, which seeks to establish a dedicated fund to provide specialised medical care for chronic conditions such as cancer, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes.
In an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, July 22, he argued that the objectives of the bill could have been achieved by amending the existing National Health Insurance Act rather than creating an entirely new fund.
“For me, I think it is completely needless and unnecessary because we have the National Health Insurance Scheme. This bill seeks to provide medical support to persons who have non-communicable diseases, largely.
“But the current Health Insurance Act could be amended to cater for this ailment. Simple. You do not need a sacred intervention to achieve that,” he stated.
According to him, the move is less about healthcare and more about political branding, suggesting that the government is merely attempting to create a legacy for President John Dramani Mahama.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is set to provide crucial financial relief for patients by subsidising or fully covering the costs of high-end medical procedures, drugs, and surgeries that are often inaccessible to the average Ghanaian.
To qualify for support under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a beneficiary must be a Ghanaian citizen enrolled under the National Health Insurance Scheme and diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Applications must be submitted through a specialist medical practitioner using the prescribed form. The Fund is required to process applications within 14 days, either granting written approval or providing a formal explanation for any refusal.
However, during the debate on the Health Committee’s report on the bill on Monday, July 21, the Minority Caucus raised concerns over the decision to allocate 20 per cent of funds from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to finance the operations of the Trust Fund.
They argued that diverting NHIS resources in this manner could severely undermine its sustainability and cripple its ability to deliver essential health services.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG) last week donated GHS2.2 million worth of medicines to contribute to the success of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the MahamaCares.
Items donated by the organization included pain medication, blood tonics, anti-malaria drugs, cardiovascular and anti-diabetic medicines, and asthma management treatments.
Several French cities have imposed night-time curfews on young people following a spate of violence linked to drug trafficking.
Nîmes in the south was the latest to bring in measures, which authorities said were meant to prevent under 16s from being “exposed to violence” and to “contain tensions”. Additional police units will also be sent in.
Over the last month, several shootings – one in broad daylight – left one person dead and several injured.
Last week, the body of a 19-year-old man was found partially burned on the outskirts of Nîmes.
Announcing the curfew – in force between 21:00 and 06:00 – Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier said the situation had become “untenable” and that drug traffickers had created a “climate of fear and terror”.
Deputy mayor Richard Schieven said the curfew would protect minors not involved in the drug trade, “but also those aged 12 or 13 who are exploited by drug traffickers”.
Béziers, 120km (75 miles) to the south-west, has had a curfew in place for children under 13 between 23:00 and 06:00 since last year and expanded it to under 15s in certain areas last March. “No 10-year-old out on the street at 02:00 is up to anything but mischief,” said Mayor Robert Ménard in 2024.
Despite the measures, Béziers continues to be plagued by violence. At the weekend, balaclava-clad youths lured police and then attacked them with fireworks, local media reported.
A similar incident occurred in Limoges in southwestern France. The city has also imposed curfew measures for under 13s for the duration of the summer holidays – but following violence involving 100 people at the weekend, Mayor Émile Roger Lombertie said the results of the measures were “not good”.
“We had disturbances by young people; nobody managed to intercept and arrest them, and the curfew was useless,” Lombertie said, adding that more police was needed to enforce the measures.
Two years ago the there was outrage in Nimes when a 10-year-old boy was killed by a bullet in the Pissevin area of the city.
The latest developments confirm a growing trend that has seen drug violence expand beyond Marseille – the long-time epicentre of gang wars in France.
According to the interior ministry, 110 people died in France and more than 300 others were wounded in drug-related violence in 2024.
Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have long insisted on the need to fight the scourge of the drugs trade.
Earlier this year, they steered a bill through parliament which resulted in two maximum-security jails for drug barons, a new, dedicated branch of the prosecutors’ office, extra powers for investigators, and a special, protected status for informers.
Darmanin said on Tuesday that “the first 17 drug-traffickers, among them the most dangerous in our country”, were transferred to a high-security jail at Vendin-le-Vieil in northern France.
A wave of arson and gun attacks at French prisons in the spring was widely pinned on drugs gangs hitting back at the government’s crackdown.
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.
CEO of Lynx Entertainment, Richie Mensah, has said that artistes should not be stopped when they decide to leave a record label.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Kafui Dey on July 22, 2025, Richie explained that it’s natural for artistes to move on, and label owners should not try to hold them back.
When asked whether he often sees signs that point to the fact that an artiste may be planning to leave, Richie said he doesn’t wait for signs because he already knows it will eventually happen.
He compared it to personal relationships, saying it’s just a matter of time.
“I think the sense that I got eventually was that every artist has to leave. So, I don’t think of it; contemplating on whether they will leave or not. They have to leave at some point. Like let’s be honest, even in marriages about 50% end in divorce and the other 50% end in death,” Richie said.
He explained that just like all relationships, the connection between a record label and an artiste also ends at some point.
According to him, when the time comes for an artiste to move on, it should be respected.
“So, every relationship comes to an end. So, you don’t have to hold on to an artist. It’s a beautiful ride when you and the artist have a long relationship, but when it’s time for the artist to do their own thing, it’s time for them to do their own thing,” he added.
Eventually every artiste has to LEAVE – Richie Mensah, Founder, Lynx Group
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against using their new parliamentary majority to suppress Minority voices.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after swearing in the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, the Speaker called for tolerance and inclusivity.
“Allow your colleagues in the Minority to have their say,” he urged, adding that parliamentary democracy thrives on respect for divergent views.
The swearing-in of Ewurabena Aubynn, who won the recent by-election in Ablekuma North, has given the NDC a two-thirds majority in the House, significantly boosting the governing party’s legislative leverage.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, in an earlier statement, assured the House that the NDC would not misuse its enhanced numbers.
He noted that while the party now has the power to effect constitutional reforms, it would act responsibly and in line with the guidance of President John Dramani Mahama.
“With this, we now have a two-thirds majority. But we will not abuse it. We are mindful of the caution from President Mahama,” Ayariga stated.
The Minority, however, staged a walkout just before the swearing-in ceremony in protest of the rerun election outcome.
Ewurabena Aubynn was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission on July 11, 2025, following a rerun of the election in 19 polling stations.
She secured 34,090 votes, defeating her closest contender, Nana Akua Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The rerun was necessitated by disputes over results from 37 polling stations during the original vote. After extensive consultations, the Electoral Commission decided to conduct a partial rerun, which the NPP unsuccessfully challenged in court.
Although the election witnessed isolated incidents of violence, it was largely peaceful.
Aubynn’s victory further strengthens the NDC’s legislative position in Parliament, setting the stage for potentially significant political developments.
MRA/MA
Meanwhile, watch as KOD cites diaspora investment as the key to Africa’s rise:
Former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, has lamented that the late President John Evans Atta Mills would have been deeply disheartened by the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and the rising levels of toxic partisanship in Ghana’s political space.
Delivering the keynote address at the 13th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture of the late president on Tuesday, July 22, Ms. Osei said current developments reflect a stark contrast to the values and principles President Mills stood for.
“As we honour Prof’s memory, we must also commit ourselves to continue his work. This is not just a responsibility of those who knew him personally, but of all Ghanaians and Africans who shared his vision of a better future.
“I have wondered many times if Prof would be happy with us. I think he would be outraged at how we are permitting galamsey to damage our environment and our future,” she said.
She described Professor Mills as a man of peace, dignity, and humility, whose legacy should inspire a recommitment to national unity, responsible governance, and sustainable development.
Despite the concerns, the former EC boss highlighted positive strides that would have brought the late president joy, noting that Mills would have been proud of his family’s continued strength and the accomplishments of his former students and mentees across various sectors.
“Prof would also be happy that his wife and family are still thriving. He would be pleased that many of his learners and mentees are leading lights in business, the legislature, and the executive. I think he would be happy that the party for which he made so much sacrifice is back in power, and happy that we have the first female Vice President,” she added.
Bono Regional Chairman of NPP, Kwame Baffoe alias Abronye DC
Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC, has stated that he was denied a First-Class honours in his law degree at the University of Ghana because of a lady.
In an interview with Okay FM on July 16, 2025, Abronye DC claimed that a guy, believed to be a lecturer, whom he refused to name, downgraded his grades because he had spoken to his girlfriend.
This led to a friction between them, resulting in a lower GPA.
Abronye DC boasted about his academic credentials, stating, “I had a Second-Class Upper in law. My master’s at Legon, my worst grade was B-. You can check the records at Legon. My master’s in petroleum at Coventry; my poorest grade was C+.”
He added, “Even with law, I could have had a First Class, but there was this guy – I won’t mention his name – who said I spoke to his girlfriend, that’s why the thing (GPA) reduced. Otherwise, I would have had a First Class.”
Meanwhile, Abronye DC has declared his intention to contest for the NPP’s flagbearer position, citing his academic credentials as evidence of his suitability for the role.
NAAB/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called for a new generation of leadership rooted in integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to public service.
Delivering an address at the 13th J.E.A. Mills Commemorative Lecture on July 22, Mr. Debrah paid glowing tribute to the late former President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, describing him as “a symbol of calm strength, ethical leadership, and patriotic humility.”
He emphasised the importance of grooming the youth for future leadership roles grounded in values and service.
“We must ignite a national consciousness among our youth to step forward not just to inherit power, but to earn the trust of the people by walking in the path of vision, honesty, and humanity,” he said. “To the youth, leadership is not a loud ambition; it is a quiet preparation. Be ready to serve with integrity, not just to lead with titles.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, Mr. Debrah acknowledged the contributions of transformative leaders like Prof. Mills, who he said advanced national progress through peace and truth.
“This is a man whose life story should be etched in the hearts of the next generation of leaders,” he noted.
He concluded by encouraging young Ghanaians to rise above partisanship and embrace a model of leadership that prioritises the needs of future generations.
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Nigerian gospel singer Chidinma Ekile has opened up about a deeply personal spiritual journey marked by solitude, fasting, and prayer.
The former Project Fame winner revealed that she spent 40 days in isolation, seeking divine direction and undergoing intense spiritual experiences. She described the period as one of emotional upheaval, fervent prayer, and profound internal struggle.
Tragedy struck in Anyigba, Kogi State, on July 15, 2025, when Dr. Olabode Abimbola Ibikunle, a lecturer at Prince Abubakar Audu University, was confirmed dead after reportedly collapsing during an intimate encounter with a student.
According to preliminary reports, Dr. Olabode, a respected academic, had checked into a hotel with a 22-year-old female student identified as Gloria Samuel.
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Eyewitness accounts and hotel sources claim that the lecturer had consumed multiple energy drinks
Accra, July 22, GNA – The Danish Children Fund, in collaboration with Hansen Road Seventh-Day Adventist School (SDA School), has constructed a dining shed for pupils at the Ayalolo Cluster of Schools in Accra.
The facility serves as a dedicated space for school feeding caterers to prepare and serve meals, addressing the previous lack of a suitable dining area, which had compelled pupils to eat under trees or in their classrooms.
The structure was commissioned by Madam Justine Ivy Apawu, Accra Metropolitan Education Director, alongside representatives of the Fund, the SDA School, and authorities from the Ayalolo Cluster.
Madam Apawu said the facility provides relief to both caterers and pupils by offering a safe, hygienic, and conducive space for eating.
“It will also help them to know how to eat at a dining table. So that when they go to Senior High School, they would have already started practising it,” she stated.
She appealed to other organisations and philanthropists to support the school, noting that the compound and buildings, established in the 1950s, have not undergone any major renovations, particularly in painting and roofing.
Mr Henry Permington Quaye, Headmaster of Hansen Road SDA School, explained that the project resulted from a longstanding partnership with the Fund.
He said a visit to the Ayalolo Cluster revealed that many pupils were taking their meals under trees and along the school verandas.
Mr Quaye confirmed that the Danish Children Fund provided 70 per cent of the funding for the dining shed, while the SDA School contributed the remaining 30 per cent.
He also highlighted the Fund’s ongoing support, which includes fee sponsorship for around 130 pupils and the provision of school facilities, such as a library.
Dzifa Gomashie (M) with the new members of the MoTCCA Advisory Board
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) has inaugurated its Ministerial Advisory Board in a move aimed at enhancing policy direction and fostering stronger stakeholder collaboration within the sector.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, was presided over by the Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
In her address, the minister highlighted the board’s statutory mandate under Sections 39 and 40 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (Act 327), and underscored the importance of aligning the ministry’s operations with sound legal and policy frameworks.
Gomashie praised the diverse expertise of the newly appointed board members and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive and collaborative governance.
“Our Ministry oversees 13 agencies, and we must ensure decisions are rooted in legal frameworks to move forward with unity and purpose,” she said.
As part of ongoing structural reforms, the minister announced key appointments to reinforce leadership across the Ministry’s core divisions.
Divine Owusu Ansah has been appointed as Director for Culture, while Dr Tamakloe will serve as Director for Tourism.
A new Director for Creative Arts is expected to be appointed soon to complete the leadership structure.
Chief Director of the Ministry, Joseph Kwasi Amoah, who opened the event, welcomed the board members and acknowledged the delay in convening the board, citing logistical and administrative challenges.
He expressed appreciation for the members’ patience and affirmed that the Ministry is now in a strong position to move forward.
“The absence of the board meant we were missing out on critical guidance. We are grateful for your commitment, and we are ready to work together,” he said.
The event concluded with the official administration of the oath of office by Dzifa Gomashie, who formally declared the board inaugurated.
She expressed confidence in the board’s ability to contribute meaningfully to national development through the advancement of Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Arts.
The board includes representatives from various government ministries and industry organisation, including Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Joseph Kwasi Amoah, Chief Director of MoTCCA; Comfort Aki Dede Ashiagbor from the Ministry of Education; Noah Tumfo from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Richard Gyasi from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development; Kwasi Adu from the Ministry of Finance; Ahuma Bosco Ocansey of the Ghana Culture Forum; Dr Kwasi Eyison of the Ghana Tourism Federation; and Naa Juyoo Oshedu Woblor Jueteer Tsofayelor, a renowned cultural advocate and queen mother.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh is the Minority Chief Whip in Parliament
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has written to President John Dramani Mahama, requesting an audience to present a formal petition on what they describe as “issues of great public concern.”
The letter, signed by Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, was delivered to the presidency on Thursday, July 17.
According to the caucus, the petition will be formally presented at the Jubilee House on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
In the brief letter, the Minority underscored the urgency and importance of the issues they wish to raise, stating that they require “fair-minded leadership and definitive action” from the president.
“I write on behalf of Members of the Minority Caucus to respectfully notify you that we have arranged to present a formal petition to Your Excellency at the Jubilee House on Thursday, July 24.
“The petition details issues of great public concern which require your fair-minded leadership and definitive action to address the challenges they relate to,” the letter stated, according to adomonline.com.
The request, made with diplomatic decorum, is on the back of growing concerns within the Minority over certain developments in the country, although the specific contents of the petition were not disclosed.
Annoh-Dompreh concluded the correspondence by expressing confidence in the president’s responsiveness, statin; “Kindly accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Professor Ransford Gyampo , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority
Professor Ransford Gyampo has hailed the latest directive from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) as a direct outcome of the tireless advocacy work by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) to end the longstanding exploitation of shippers at Ghana’s ports.
In a swift reaction, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) said.
“A couple of days ago, I spoke about our work at the Ghana Shippers Authority to address the arbitrary exchange rates used by some shipping lines at the ports, that milks dry the poor shipper and accentuates the cost of doing business, in spite of the huge efforts of this government to strengthen our currency for the purposes of resetting the cost of doing business in Ghana.
“The BoG directive above is the culmination of what we did, and it’s always been for God and country.”
The Bank of Ghana’s notice, signed by Secretary Sandra Thompson and issued on 22nd July 2025, introduces comprehensive guidelines targeting the unfair exchange rate practices by shipping lines and port service providers.
The guidelines mandate that all shipping industry players publish their daily exchange rates publicly, make them easily accessible to customers, and ensure all invoices clearly indicate the applied exchange rate and final amounts in either cedis or dollars.
Crucially, the BoG insists these rates must be based on prevailing market conditions, benchmarked against their own interbank exchange rates, and not be arbitrarily inflated — a direct response to concerns raised by the GSA and other port users about unjustified forex markups.
The guidelines also empower shippers with a clear dispute resolution process, allowing them to escalate unresolved complaints to the Ghana Shippers Authority for redress.
Non-compliance by shipping lines will attract administrative sanctions under the country’s Foreign Exchange Act.
Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has described the 2025 National Congress of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a powerful symbol of renewal and forward movement for the party.
In a statement issued after the event on Facebook, he commended delegates from across the country who converged in Accra, stating that the congress provided a crucial forum for unity, dialogue, and reaffirmation of the NPP’s core values.
Parliament has passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025 — popularly known as the Mahama Cares Programme — paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated fund to support specialised medical care for chronic and life-threatening conditions such as cancer, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes.
The legislation seeks to improve access to critical healthcare services for Ghanaians battling non-communicable diseases by providing financial assistance through a specially designated trust.
However, the bill did not pass without contention. During debate on the Health Committee’s report, the Minority Caucus strongly objected to a key funding mechanism in the proposal: the allocation of 20 percent of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy to finance the operations of the new Trust Fund.
Minority MPs warned that diverting such a substantial portion of NHIS resources could significantly weaken the existing scheme, which already faces operational and funding challenges.
They argued that the move may cripple the NHIS’s ability to fulfil its mandate of providing essential healthcare services to the broader population.
Despite these concerns, the bill was approved by a majority vote.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the passage of the bill, Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, defended the government’s approach and outlined the financial requirements for implementing the policy.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, once operational, will focus on easing the financial burden on patients and their families by covering part or all of the cost of expensive treatments, surgeries, and medications that are often beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
The programme is expected to roll out in phases, with additional details on its structure, eligibility criteria, and governance to be outlined in subsidiary legislation and operational guidelines.
…Allege betrayal, violence, and political sabotage by the former MP
A group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) polling station executives in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency has launched a stern warning
on former Member of Parliament, George Mireku Duker, accusing him of orchestrating internal sabotage, violent attacks, and systematically abandoning loyalists after using them for personal political gain.
Addressing the media under the banner of “Concerned Polling Station Executives,” the group condemned an alleged politically motivated audio recording in which three known loyalists of Mr. Duker were heard issuing death threats against Mr. Richmond Arthur, the IT Director of the Constituency. According to the group, the threats are part of a wider pattern of political intimidation linked to Mr. Duker’s camp. Former Constituency Chairman who subsequently became the MCE for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Hon KD Asmah, Madam Anna Ewiah, former Chairman of Council of Elders, Mr. Dwomoh a founding member, Mr. Isaac Blay, Fiifi Boafo, Nana Kwame Sulley also a founding member and thousands of polling station executives, party financiers have equally been subjected to severe Insults, character assasination, name calling and threats from Mr. Mireku Duker and his cronies.
The executives cautioned the individuals involved, warning them not to allow themselves to be used as pawns in what they described as Mr. Duker’s “violent and self-serving political agenda.”
A Trail of Violence and Denial
The group recounted a series of disturbing incidents involving alleged acts of violence linked to Mr. Duker’s tenure. One such case involved a purported assassination attempt on one Mohammed Awal, also known as Apakaloo. According to the executives, the attack was carried out by a team that included Alhassan, alias Alaa, a man they claim served as Duker’s unofficial bodyguard. The attack resulted in Alaa’s demise and left several others injured. Yet, despite clear video evidence linking Alaa to the former MP, Mr. Duker reportedly denied any affiliation with the deceased, even issuing an official disclaimer to distance himself from the matter.
Another incident cited was the death of a known party vigilante called Sunday, who allegedly launched an assault on a party supporter at Senyakrom, reportedly on the instructions of the former MP. The mission failed, and Sunday sustained fatal injuries. Once again, Mr. Duker is said to have distanced himself from the fallout, leaving the victim’s family to their fate.
“These young men are being used for violent errands and dumped when things go wrong,” the group lamented.
Loss of Popularity and Rejection in Dompim
The executives also highlighted Mr. Duker’s growing unpopularity, particularly in his hometown of Dompim. They attributed his political decline to his alleged meddling in local chieftaincy affairs, which they say led to violence, destruction of property, and deep-seated divisions among constituents.
“In both 2020 and 2024, the people of Dompim voted against him decisively. His interference in chieftaincy matters and the use of thugs to silence dissent have cost him dearly,” the group noted.
They further alleged that a leaked audio revealed a known associate of Mr. Duker seeking permission from him before attacking supporters of his political rival, Fiifi Boafo. The group sees this as clear evidence of the former MP’s tacit approval of political violence.
Allegations of Abuse and Intimidation
In perhaps the most chilling allegation, the group cited the case of a man who reportedly suffered an acid attack after publicly criticizing Mr. Duker. They claim that under his watch, constituents who dared to speak out were routinely intimidated or attacked, creating an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.
They also pointed to his dismal electoral performance in 2024, noting that even in Dompim Pepesa, his own hometown, Mr. Duker lost several polling stations. This, they said, was a clear verdict from constituents who were tired of what they described as “authoritarian leadership.”
Call for Unity and Rebuilding
The group lauded former MP Gifty Eugenia Kusi for her 16-year tenure, which they described as peaceful and inclusive. In contrast, they accused Mr. Duker of sowing division, sidelining party members, and promoting illegal mining activities that deepened fractures within the party and community.
They ended with a stern warning to social media operatives allegedly aligned with Duker’s camp: “The days of hiding behind fake Facebook accounts to fuel party divisions are over. We are watching, and the party is watching.”
The executives reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the NPP in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and ensuring that party unity and safety are preserved going forward.
The Auditor-General has uncovered a significant discrepancy in Ghana’s reported public debt, revealing an overstatement of GH¢138.91 billion in the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) submitted by the Controller and Accountant-General (CAG).
According to findings outlined in the Auditor-General’s report, the total public debt reported by the CAG stood at GH¢876.08 billion whereas records from the Ministry of Finance indicated a lower figure of GH¢737.17 billion.
The Auditor-General made this known in a report on the public accounts of Ghana (WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS) for the year ended December 2024.
This discrepancy violates Section 54 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which mandates that public debt be fully and accurately reported.
It also contravenes International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), particularly IPSAS 1 and IPSAS 35, which emphasise the need for a complete and faithful representation of government financial statements.
According to the report, external debt was overstated by GHS1.7 billion and domestic debt by GHS132.9billion.
For COCOBOD loan, domestic debt was overstated by GHS4.1billion while its external debt was understated by GHS2.1million.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, an actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died.
Warner, who was 54, drowned at the weekend while on holiday in Costa Rica, local authorities said.
He appears to have been dragged out to sea by a swift ocean current while swimming at Playa Grande around 14:00 (20:00 GMT) local time on Sunday in Cocles, a town in the province of Limón, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said.
Warner played the son of Bill Cosby on the hugely popular US sitcom from 1984-1992. Tributes swiftly poured in from celebrities, including Questlove, Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P Henson, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Magic Johnson.
Authorities said bystanders rescued Warner and brought him to shore, where the Costa Rican Red Cross tried to treat him, but he was declared dead at the scene.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Warner was Emmy-nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a comedy series for his work on The Cosby Show in 1986.
He was handpicked for his breakout role by Cosby on the final day of a nationwide audition.
“I was literally the last person they saw,” he recalled in a 2023 interview.
The Cosby Show ranked as the number one TV show for five seasons from 1985-90. It portrayed a cosy middle-class family – a relatively rare depiction at the time of black Americans on television.
Jacques M. Chenet/Corbis via Getty Images
“When the show first came out, there were white people and black people talking about [how] the Huxtables don’t really exist, black people don’t really live like that,” Warner said in a 2013 interview.
“Meanwhile, we were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, ‘Thank you so much for this show.’”
After The Cosby Show, Warner appeared in several other television programmes, including Malcom & Eddie, alongside comedian Eddie Griffin.
Griffin paid respects to him on social media after his death, writing “R.I.P. King” and “My big little brother”.
Warner had guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street. More recently, he played AJ Austin, a cardio-thoracic surgeon on the medical drama series The Resident.
Fox Entertainment, which broadcast the show, told US publication Variety: “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
“While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere.”
‘We grew up with you’ Warner also won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2015, alongside Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway for their cover of Stevie Wonder’s song Jesus Children of America.
His spoken word album, Hiding In Plain View, garnered him another Grammy nomination in 2023.
Last year, he started a podcast – Not All Hood – which discussed mental health in the black community.
Former co-stars and fans have been posting their tributes to him online.
Basketball star Magic Johnson, who appeared in an AIDS awareness video directed by Warner, wrote that he and his wife were “both super fans of the hit Cosby Show and continued to follow his career” over the years.
“Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed,” Johnson wrote.
“Wow. This is heartbreaking,” posted comic actor Kevin Hart, while another star, Jamie Foxx, added: “Speechless on this one. Rest in power, my brother.”
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt called him “a gentleman” and “an incredible talent”.
Actress Vivica A Fox posted that she was stunned and saddened by his sudden death, writing: “Thanks for ya gifts, king.”
Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred with Warner on Reed Between the Lines, also mourned him, writing: “My heart is so so sad.
“What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.
“Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Actress Taraji P Henson posted: “Malcolm, we grew up with you. Thank you for the art, the wisdom, the grace you gave us!!!!!
“You left the world better than you found it. Rest easy, king!!!! Your legacy lives far beyond the screen.”
Actress Niecy Nash posted that she had recently spoken to Warner.
“We talked about how happy we both were in our marriages. Damn friend. You were the cornerstone of The Cosby Show.
“We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy.”
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock also praised Warner, writing in a post: “For me and so many in my generation, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a part of our childhood, a brother whose character ‘Theo’ felt like one of my own.
“May God grant peace to his soul, strength and grace to his grieving family.”
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has honoured renowned agribusiness expert and CEO of Agri-Impact Limited, Mr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, by naming its new drone training facility after him.
The Dan F. Acquaye Drone Innovation and Simulation Unit, located at the University’s E-Learning Centre, was unveiled during the opening ceremony of KNUST’s E-Learning Week 2025 on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The unit, a significant step toward advancing agricultural technology in Ghana, is equipped with a drone simulation studio, display lab, research and development space, and other facilities. It is designed to equip young Ghanaians with drone piloting and mapping skills—enabling them to deliver precision agriculture services to farmers of all scales.
Mr. Acquaye, who also serves as E-Learning Ambassador at KNUST, expressed gratitude for the honour and highlighted the transformative potential of drone technology in agriculture.
“This unit will empower young people to support farmers in efficiently monitoring their farms. With drones, we can apply fertilisers, chemicals, and nutrients more precisely, while also gathering critical data to boost productivity. This technology can reduce production costs by up to 30% and increase yields by 30 to 50%,” he stated in an interview.
He further noted that the initiative will lead to the emergence of a new generation of agripreneurs offering drone services, not only in Ghana but across the West African sub-region.
“They can provide drone mapping, soil nutrient analysis, and disease detection—services that are increasingly vital for modern farming,” the agribusiness specialist added.
Mr. Acquaye also referenced the broader scope of digital innovation being driven under the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program—an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited and implemented by a consortium of eight partners.
“The E-Learning Centre, in partnership with Agri-Impact, is rolling out several digital tools. One of them is E-HAPPY, which supports young people with e-extension, e-commerce, and other digital services across the value chain. The HAPPY Program aims to create 326,000 jobs in the rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry sectors. In just under two years, we’ve surpassed 190,000 job opportunities,” Mr. Acquaye noted.
Director of KNUST’s E-Learning Centre, Professor Eric Appau Asante, and Vice-Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, applauded Mr. Acquaye and Agri-Impact Limited for their continued commitment to innovation, educational development, and their continued support to the university.
The 2025 E-Learning Week continues through Friday, July 25, under the theme: “Transforming Education Through Responsible Innovation and Inclusion in the Digital Era.” Several dignitaries, including the President of The Apostolic Church, Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, and the General Secretary of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Immanuel Tettey, graced the occasion.
Popular Nigerian social media critic, VeryDarkMan, has blasted his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju for advising him against unnecessary risk.
DAILY POST reports that Adeyanju had in a post on X, advised VeryDarkMan against unnecessary risks, stating that everyone will move on if anything happens to him.
Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, has declined her inclusion in Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, describing the move as procedurally irregular, politically damaging, and lacking consultation.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament on Monday, July 22, 2025, she objected to her nomination as a replacement for Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who is currently serving a valid term as a Deputy Speaker in the ECOWAS Parliament.
“I was neither consulted nor did I give my consent to be considered as a replacement for the Minority Leader,” Appiagyei stated. “At no point have I expressed any intention to replace my Leader, and I am particularly concerned that this development appears to be a calculated effort to cause division between myself and my Leader.”
Her comments follow the House’s approval of a reshuffled ECOWAS delegation earlier in the day, which controversially replaced Afenyo-Markin with Appiagyei. The changes also included the appointment of Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan to succeed Afenyo-Markin as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Appiagyei, however, argued that Afenyo-Markin’s removal is both unjustified and unlawful. Citing ECOWAS rules, she emphasized that members of the regional parliament serve fixed four-year terms and can only be removed under specific circumstances, such as resignation, appointment to executive office, or disqualification—none of which apply in Afenyo-Markin’s case.
“Any attempt to replace him… violates ECOWAS statutes,” she wrote, adding that the move also goes against internal parliamentary practices and risks being rejected by the ECOWAS Parliament itself.
She further criticised the Majority side’s handling of the issue, accusing them of bypassing established procedures and creating unnecessary political tension.
“This action… was taken in the absence of my good self and the Minority Leader,” she said. “The proposal was made by the Majority Leader without prior consultation.”
While acknowledging the importance of gender representation in regional institutions, Appiagyei warned against using it as a pretext for arbitrary political decisions. “True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she said.
She concluded by formally declining the nomination, urging the Speaker and Clerk of Parliament not to communicate her inclusion to the ECOWAS Parliament. She also called for the original Minority Caucus nominees—Afenyo-Markin, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, and Bryan Acheampong—to be maintained.
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has threatened to detain former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The judge, Alexandre de Moraes, accused Bolsonaro of breaching a ban which bars him from appearing in audios, videos and interviews shared on social media.
Justice Moraes said the ex-president could face “immediate imprisonment” unless his lawyers could provide a satisfactory explanation within 24 hours as to why their client had appeared in a video shared by Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, on Monday.
Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office in 2023, which he denies.
Moraes has been leading the investigation into allegations Bolsonaro and his allies committed “antidemocratic acts”.
Moraes had already imposed a raft of restrictions on Bolsonaro on Friday, including a night-time and a weekend curfew, as well as 24-hour surveillance, to prevent him from fleeing the country while he is on trial.
Bolsonaro has also been ordered to refrain from contacting foreign governments and their embassies in Brazil.
Furthermore, the ex-president has to wear an electronic ankle tag and is barred from communicating with Eduardo, who has been lobbying on his father’s behalf in the United States.
Bolsonaro insists that he has never considered leaving Brazil and called Justice Moraes a “dictator”.
The measures were ordered by Moraes following a request from the federal police and with the endorsement of Brazil’s Attorney-General’s Office.
Police had earlier accused Bolsonaro and his son of trying to obstruct the trial against the ex-president and of violating Brazil’s sovereignty by encouraging the US government to interfere in the trial.
On Monday, Moraes gave further details of the restrictions, explaining that Bolsonaro was not just barred from appearing in videos and audios that he himself shared on social media, but also from appearing in those shared or published by third parties.
Shortly after that, Bolsonaro spoke to journalists as he was leaving Congress, where he had met opposition lawmakers.
He showed them his electronic ankle tag, calling it “a symbol of the utmost humiliation”.
Footage of the interaction was shared on social media by Eduardo Bolsonaro and supporters of his father, in what Moraes says was a breach of the restrictions he had imposed.
The trial of Jair Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from January 2019 to December 2022, is being closely followed by US President Donald Trump, who has denounced it as a “witch hunt”.
The two men are long-time allies and earlier this month, Trump threatened to slap a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting on 1 August.
In his letter to the current Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump cited Brazil’s treatment of Bolsonaro as a trigger for the tariff hike.
Tension between the two governments rose further on Friday, when – in response to the restrictions imposed on Bolsonaro – the Trump administration revoked the US visa of Moraes and other Supreme Court justices.
President Lula called it an “arbitrary and completely baseless measure” and denounced “the interference of one country in another’s justice system”.
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