Ghanaian sprinter Isaac Botsio capped a stellar performance at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a national title in the men’s 100m, clocking an impressive time of 9.94 seconds to finish first at the Pueblo ThunderBowl in Pueblo, Colorado.

The West Texas A&M junior’s time is the second-fastest in the school’s history and marks a significant milestone in his collegiate career.

His victory in the 100m was one of two national titles he claimed on the day.

Botsio also played a key role in West Texas A&M’s 4x100m relay team, anchoring the squad to victory alongside teammates Jace Lynch, Jerry Jakpa, and James Dadzie.

The quartet posted a winning time of 39.43 seconds, securing another national championship for the Buffaloes.

The wins contributed to a strong overall showing by West Texas A&M, who finished as runners-up in the team standings for the fifth consecutive season.

Botsio’s achievements headline a successful outing for the Buffaloes, who also saw strong performances from fellow Ghanaians Aziz Mohammed, who placed sixth in the 1,500m (3:50.93), and William Amponsah, who claimed his second national title of the weekend by winning the 5,000m in 14:26.23.

With two national titles to his name from the championships, Botsio concludes his junior year as one of the standout athletes in Division II sprinting.

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.

Before starting your property search, it’s essential to determine your budget

Buying a house in Ghana can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. With its growing economy and increasing demand for housing, Ghana’s real estate market offers numerous opportunities for homebuyers and investors.

Waylead, a leading real estate developer in Ghana, walks you through the steps in purchasing property in the country.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

Before starting your property search, it’s essential to determine your budget. Consider your goals, income, savings, and financial obligations to decide how much you can afford to spend on a house. Financial advisors typically recommend your housing costs should not exceed 40% of your monthly income. It also helps when you factor in payment modalities to help you determine the kind of house to buy.

Are you considering taking a mortgage? Or perhaps, you would prefer to purchase the house outright? Whatever decision you would like to make, always consider your budget goals and the payment options available on the market.

Step 2: Choose a Location

Ghana offers attractive locations in cities such as Accra, Tema and Takoradi for property investments, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, and amenities when selecting a location.

Step 3: Search for Properties

Once you are done selecting your preferred location, move on to a property search. It is a good idea to start your search on Google as the search engine typically ranks the best properties in its index. Shop around to identify the ideal property that meets your needs and budget.

It is a good practice to shortlist no more than three property developers. Once that’s done, create a comparison matrix highlighting pricing, features, amenities, developer credibility, and available payment plans.

Step 4: Choose a Reputable Real Estate Company

Ghana’s real estate market can be complex, often marked by fraud cases and disputes. According to the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), partnering with credible companies significantly reduces potential risks. To assess credibility:

• Check memberships with GREDA.

• Seek recommendations from experienced homebuyers.

• Read online reviews and ratings (e.g., Google Maps, Facebook reviews).

Step 5: Inspect the Property

Once you’ve found a property of interest, it’s crucial to inspect it thoroughly. Ghana has seen a rise in modern, secure gated communities; however, quality assurance remains essential. Arrange with the respective property developers to inspect them personally or with a professional surveyor if possible.

Consider:

• Building materials and finishes

• Structural integrity

• Estate security measures

• Management and maintenance policies

Step 6: Negotiate the Price

Negotiation is typical in Ghana’s real estate market, where developers often offer discounts for early payments or bulk purchases. According to GREDA, discounts of up to 5-10% may be achievable depending on negotiation skills and payment terms. Evaluate offers based on total value, including construction quality, developer reputation, amenities, and future property appreciation potential.

Step 7: Due Diligence

Due diligence protects you from future disputes or legal complications. According to Ghana’s Land Commission, property title disputes constitute a significant proportion of real estate litigations in the country. To mitigate this:

• Verify land titles at Ghana’s Lands Commission.

• Ensure property documentation such as land title certificates or indentures are legitimate.

• Request a comprehensive offer letter from developers detailing payment plans, delivery timelines, and penalties for default.

Step 8: Closing the Deal

Once satisfied with due diligence, finalize your purchase. Ensure you or a lawyer thoroughly reviews the purchase agreement to protect your interests.

The agreement should cover:

• Total property price and payment schedule

• Clearly stated rights and obligations of both parties

• Warranty periods and conditions

• Procedures for dispute resolution

Sign the purchase agreement once fully convinced and secure all legal documentation.

Shatta Wale has rejected claims of neglecting his mother

Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, alias Shatta Wale, has dispelled claims that he has neglected his biological mother.

Speaking on a live podcast on Saturday, May 25, 2025, the artiste revealed that he has provided his mother with several cars and accommodations.

“That mother you people have been talking about… I don’t think you people have bought cars for your mother before. I’ve bought cars for my mother; I’ve done things for my mother. It’s just that in this life, you win some and you lose some,” he stated.

According to Shatta Wale, while people have been quick to bring up issues about his mother in their disputes with him and accuse him of neglecting her, he has always provided for his mother but has chosen to keep it off social media.

“The number of cars I’ve bought for my mother—it’s just that we didn’t show it on the internet, but those who know, know. The beautiful places I have gotten for my mother to rest her head—you people don’t know about them,” he stated.

Shatta Wale’s statement comes in response to recent social media banter with content creator Kwadwo Sheldon, who refused his offer of assistance after his Pantang residence was flooded following recent rainfall.

While rejecting Shatta Wale’s offer, Sheldon asked the dancehall artiste to instead channel his help to his mother, whom he accused of being neglected.

“I have bought several cars for my mother and provided her with beautiful places to live. It’s just not on social media. You should also go and take care of your mother.” – Shatta Wale to Kwadwo Sheldon pic.twitter.com/y2chgvQnZK

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 24, 2025

GA

A virologist has said mosquito-borne diseases are “likely” to increase in range after West Nile virus was detected in the UK for the first time.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said fragments of the virus – which can sometimes make people seriously ill – had been found in wetland in Retford, Nottinghamshire.

Prof Jonathan Ball, director of the Centre for Global Virus Research at the University of Nottingham said climate change meant tropical viral diseases would become more established further north.

This summer, Gamston in Retford will be among a number of locations to undergo mosquito surveillance as part of a national project to understand mosquito activity across Britain.

‘We need to be aware’

The West Nile virus has two hosts, Prof Ball said, birds and mosquitoes.

“Occasionally, that virus can pass on to humans and cause disease,” he said.

“About two in 10 people who are infected can show signs of disease, which is fever, those kinds of things.

“But occasionally, about one in 150 people who become infected can show more severe disease.”

There have been no human cases of locally-acquired West Nile Virus in the UK to date.

Prof Ball said the discovery of West Nile in Nottinghamshire was not something the general public needed to be “too concerned” about.

“It is something we need to be aware of – it’s likely that these are going to increase in range,” he said.

“It’s just a general trend that lots of these viruses – knows as flaviviruses – these are viruses that circulate in mosquitoes and they’re general around the tropics.

“But because of global warming they’re increasing their range northwards and it does mean there is a risk that we’re going to see some of these tropical viral diseases become established further and further north.”

He added the best way to avoid the virus was to “avoid being bitten” by covering up and using insecticide.

The project in Gamston will see the UK Health Security Agency work with Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to increase surveillance on land along the River Idle.

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.

Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition on Thursday secured 450,000 barrels of fuel to address the country’s ongoing power generation challenges and stabilise electricity supply nationwide.

This is expected to provide immediate relief from recent power challenges that have disrupted the supply of electricity to homes and businesses.

Consequently, the consignment will be distributed to power plants experiencing fuel shortages – particularly those operated by independent power producers (IPPs).

It will be recalled that last week the Minister of Energy, John Jinapor, sounded an alarm over a looming nationwide power crisis; revealing that the country had less than three days’ worth of liquid fuel to power its electricity-generating plants.

He indicated that the ministry was racing against time to secure billions of cedis needed to pay for new fuel supplies already ordered. Thankfully, the problem has been averted with delivery of the liquid fuels.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) made the 24-hour economy a key policy promise in the lead-up to 2024 general elections. However, successful implementation of the 24-hour economy is contingent on reliable electricity.

The unstable power supply is a long-standing issue, with the term ‘dumsor’ coined in 2013 to describe the precariousness of the country’s power situation.

Studies estimate that these outages cost Ghana’s economy US$2.1billion annually, a loss felt by everyone (World Bank, 2022).

The emerging consensus is that beyond expanding access to electricity, ensuring reliability, affordability and democratic accountability merit equal consideration in the nation’s quest to achieve sustainable energy.

To address the dilemmas created by lack of electricity accessibility, reliability and social justice, Ghana must invest in policy and regulatory frameworks that promote the diversification of its energy mix.

It therefore becomes crucial that policymakers must also take bold steps to ensure equitable energy distribution, if implementing a 24-hour economy is anything to go by. The journey toward universal energy access is not an easy one, but it is essential.

Energy reliability is not just a technical problem; it’s a shared challenge that requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.

Additionally, the region’s heavy reliance on thermal power – accounting for over 60% of Ghana’s energy generation (Energy Commission of Ghana, 2023) – raises significant environmental concerns.

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep concern over the enduring impact of slavery imposed by colonial powers, noting that it has greatly hindered the progress of the African continent and its people.

Speaking during the celebration of African Union Day under the theme, “A Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” President John Dramani Mahama, in a video address delivered on Sunday, May 25, 2025, stated that the injustices inflicted on Africans through slavery and neo-colonialism have left deep and lasting wounds.

“The African Union has declared 2025 as a year for justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. As the AU champion for this critical cause, I’m deeply committed to working with you all to achieve this vital objective.

“For too long, the legacy of slavery, colonialism and neo colonialism has cast a long shadow on the lives and progress of Africans and people of African descent. These historical injustices have left deep scars,” the president said.

According to him, these historical injustices underscore not only the urgent need for reparations, not merely in financial terms, but as a meaningful acknowledgment of the harm caused, but also the importance of fostering a future where justice prevails and the deep wounds of the past are genuinely healed.

“Reparations are not merely about financial compensation, they are about acknowledging the profound and enduring damage inflicted upon our people. They are about confronting the uncomfortable truths of our past and taking concrete steps to rectify these wrongs,” he continued.

President Mahama further went to say, “We seek justice, justice that encompasses a comprehensive range of measures, including official and unequivocal apologies from the nations and institutions responsible for perpetrating these historical injustices.

“Addressing the crippling debt bedding that continues to stifle economic growth in many African nations, a direct consequence of exploitation and unfair trade practices.”

He added, “Providing resources and expertise to empower African nations to achieve sustainable development and participate fully in the global economy. Returning stolen artifacts and cultural treasures that rightfully belong to our heritage. Investing in the educational initiatives to promote a deeper understanding of African history, culture and contributions to the world.”

President Mahama acknowledged that these are not simple tasks, emphasising that the demand for reparations requires a collaborative and united front, one built on shared determination and commitment in order to achieve meaningful progress.

“This is not a simple task, it requires courage, determination and a unified front. It requires us to engage in meaningful dialogue with those responsible and to advocate tirelessly for our rights. I call upon my colleague African leaders, civil society organisations and youth groups and members of the diaspora to join hands in this important endeavour. Let us work together to build a future where justice prevails, where the wounds of the past are healed and where the potential of every African and person of African descent is fully realized,” he concluded.

Watch the video below:

MAG/MA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Once upon this past week, as Accra’s skies toggled between scattered rains and sunshine like a confused DJ spinning a June playlist, two respected legal dons turned the digital streets into a courtroom—and the rest of us into jurors without wigs.

Godfred Yeboah Dame, Ghana’s immediate past Attorney General and Minister of Justice, took to the airwaves—not to cite law, but to pour heart. Not the Constitution this time, but constitution of the emotional type.

On radio, he alleged betrayal. But not from political opponents in Parliament, nor from hooded critics with pseudonyms on X (formerly known as Twitter). No. This betrayal, he claimed, was a full-robed, bar-certified heartbreak—courtesy of one Thaddeus Sory, lawyer extraordinaire, and once, if we are to believe the subtext, a brother-in-briefs.

“Thaddeus Sory betrayed me,” he said.
The studio grew quiet. Microphones leaned in. The nation blinked.

According to Dame, while the nation’s legal warriors were still parsing through court filings and scandal whispers involving the alleged bugging of an anti-corruption crusader’s private calls, Sory had allegedly danced a delicate two-step—representing both a client (the complainant) and somehow fraternizing with him (Dame), under the soft twilight of legal friendship. The rest, as they say, was a screenshot.

In Ghana, where proverbs rain harder than actual rain, elders would say: “If your friend sharpens a cutlass and asks for your back, don’t offer your spine.”

And so, while most of Accra was debating IMF conditionalities and kenkey prices, social media took to court. Not the Supreme Court. Not even the Law School Moot Court. But the hallowed benches of Facebook, X, and WhatsApp groups titled “Legal Eagles” and “Bar & Grill (Lawyers Only).”

The evidence? A series of WhatsApp chats. Screenshots flew across timelines like wedding invitations during December in Kumasi. Even non-lawyers began citing sections of the Ghana Legal Profession (Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020, with more confidence than law students fresh from their first moot.

Enter, Exhibit A: Sory’s carefully worded response.
The man didn’t return fire with fire. He returned fire with finesse. One part legalese, two parts diplomacy, and just a dash of “I’ll say nothing further—per advice of counsel.”

He acknowledged the commentary, clarified his position, and—rather gentlemanly—resisted the temptation to fan the flames.

To his credit, his reply read less like a counterattack and more like a judicial robe fluttering quietly in the wind.

But by then, Ghana’s digital court had entered round two.

The memes? Brutal. The verdicts? Conflicted. The banter? Michelin-star quality.

Some sympathised with Dame: “You can’t share kelewele with a man at midnight and wake up to find him on the other side of the courtroom.” Others, lawyers and non-lawyers alike, accused him of emotional overreach: “Is this a law report or a love letter?”

A few mischief-makers even began narrating it as a Nollywood courtroom romance gone rogue—Objection My Love: The Thaddeus & Dame Files.

And what of the Ghana Bar Association? As usual, silent. Not even a locus classicus of concern. And perhaps rightly so. When titans wrestle, the ground must first settle before the fence-builders arrive.

So, what do we learn?
That even in the esteemed corridors of the law, where wigs are white and Latin is still alive, hearts can be bruised. That betrayal, whether perceived or proven, stings more when wrapped in loyalty’s robe. And that, in Ghana, no matter your title, once you enter social media’s arena, your gravitas must first pass the Twitter test.

As our elders say, “When two elephants fight, the lawyers get trending, and the bloggers rejoice.”

And somewhere in the background, a law student is updating their CV to say, “Specialized in Legal Drama (Contemporary Ghanaian Stream).”

Case dismissed—until next week.

Attribution:
This article is based on real-time public commentary and satirical interpretations of social media exchanges between Godfred Dame and Thaddeus Sory. It does not constitute legal advice or a judicial ruling. Just vibes and vicarious litigation.

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The writer, Jimmy Aglah, is a media executive, author, and sharp-eyed social commentator. His debut novel, Blood and Gold: The Rebellion of Sikakrom, now available on Amazon Kindle, explores power, rebellion, and the soul of a nation. When he’s not steering broadcast operations, he’s busy challenging conventions—often with satire, always with purpose.

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.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing reliability of electricity supply for over 40,000 customers

The Accra Sub-Transmission Division of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has officially commissioned 18 new 33kV switchgears at the Odorkor Primary Substation.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of electricity supply for over 40,000 customers who rely on the station.

Speaking to selected media personnel at the commissioning ceremony held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Ing. Francis K. Atsyatsya, General Manager of ECG Subtransmission in Accra, described the initiative as pivotal to ECG’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable electricity, especially in response to the growing demand for power in the capital.

Ing. Atsyatsya noted that the installation of the switchgears forms part of ECG’s broader strategy to strengthen its infrastructure and enhance customer service, ultimately aiming to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.

Fully funded by ECG, the new installations are expected to significantly reduce the frequency of power outages experienced by customers in Odorkor, Sakaman, South Odorkor, Kwashieman, Official Town, parts of Dansoman, McCarthy Hill, Mallam, and Awoshie.

“With the introduction of these new switchgears, we are now better equipped to provide our customers with a more reliable and improved quality of electricity supply,” he affirmed.

According to the General Manager, the installation and commissioning were necessitated by the urgent need to replace the old panels, which had been in use for about fourteen years.

He explained that the previous switchgears were not only inefficient but also posed serious safety risks at the substation.

“These new switchgears replace outdated equipment that had been in operation for approximately fourteen years, which not only reduced operational efficiency but also raised significant safety concerns,” he stated.

He added that the old switchgears were a major contributing factor to the frequent power outages faced by customers served by the Primary Substation.

Beyond improving electricity distribution, the new equipment will also enhance the safety of ECG staff operating at the station.

“Management places a high priority on ensuring a safe working environment, and the old equipment posed considerable risks to our staff,” Ing. Atsyatsya emphasised.

Looking ahead, he disclosed that several additional projects are in the pipeline.

He urged stakeholders and customers to continue collaborating with ECG to ensure improved service delivery.

He also appealed to customers to pay their bills promptly, noting that timely payments are essential to enabling ECG to undertake more projects for the benefit of its customers.

Ing. Atsyatsya further cautioned customers to be vigilant against scams. He encouraged the public to use the ECG Mobile App or the short code *226# for all ECG-related payments and to report any suspicious activities to the police or their nearest ECG office.

The commissioning of the new switchgears marks a significant milestone in ECG’s ongoing efforts to provide dependable electricity to the ever-growing population of Accra.

Some drivers have refused to comply with the recently announced 15% reduction in transport fares

Some commercial drivers in Adidome, Central Tongu District, have defied the fare adjustment announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport.

The 15 percent reduction in transport fares officially took effect today, Saturday, May 24, 2025.

The fare adjustment, announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, was expected to bring relief to commuters following a reduction in fuel prices.

However, some passengers who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Saturday expressed disappointment, stating that many drivers are still charging the old fares, particularly the GH₵20 fare on the Adidome–Sogakope route.

“I was expecting to pay less today, but the driver insisted on taking the old fare,” a passenger lamented, adding, “It’s very worrying, especially when the directive was clear.”

Some drivers, while acknowledging the directive, said they are not implementing the reduction yet due to multiple challenges.

They cited high operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and licensing fees, which remain unchanged despite the drop in fuel prices.

Others mentioned delays in receiving official fare charts from transport unions, leading to uncertainty about the revised rates.

“We’ve heard the directive, but for operational reasons, we will begin the new fares on Monday,” one commercial driver explained.

Some drivers also expressed concerns about inconsistencies in how the new fares are being communicated, with no clear enforcement or monitoring measures in place, making it difficult to comply immediately.

This delay has sparked concern among commuters, many of whom believe drivers are taking advantage of the situation to make additional profits at the expense of passengers.

Authorities have yet to respond to the drivers’ non-compliance, but transport unions are expected to begin monitoring implementation across the country to ensure adherence.

The 15 percent fare reduction was introduced as a measure to alleviate the financial burden on commuters following recent decreases in fuel prices.

Transport unions and regulatory bodies have urged drivers to comply with the new pricing to maintain public trust and avoid potential sanctions.

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has responded to criticism from the media, emphasising his openness to constructive critique while drawing a firm line against defamation.

In a recent interview on GhOne TV, Kurt Okraku, a former media practitioner himself, addressed concerns about his leadership, underscoring the importance of fair commentary and his intolerance for baseless accusations.

“I’m okay with people critiquing the work we are doing. That’s acceptable, and I am prepared to listen to other minds, even those who do not agree with me,” Okraku stated.

He acknowledged that differing opinions are a natural part of public discourse.

“We are human, and therefore we will not always have a straight line,” he stated.

However, the GFA president was unequivocal in his stance against defamation.

“If you insult me, okay. But if you defame me, I will not take it lightly,” he warned.

He specifically highlighted the harm caused by false accusations, stating, “If I am not a thief and you call me a thief, we will have problems.”

As a former media professional, Okraku emphasised his understanding of the media’s role but urged journalists to maintain ethical standards in their reporting.

Okraku reiterated his commitment to engaging with diverse perspectives to improve the GFA’s work, but made it clear that defamatory statements would face strong pushback.

Real 24 Hours emerged champions of the inaugural Betway Tumu Community Cup after edging Bujan Crocodiles 1-0 in a closely contested final on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Tumu Sports Stadium AstroTurf.

The decisive goal came just minutes into the first half, and the Tumu-based Division Two side held firm under pressure to claim the historic title.

Famous for having played against Asante Kotoko in Tumu, Real 24 Hours not only lifted the trophy but also walked away with GHS5,000 in prize money and medals.

Bujan Crocodiles, as runners-up, received GHS3,000 and medals for their efforts.

En route to the final, Real 24 Hours won two matches via penalty shootouts, including a tense encounter against pre-tournament favourites Soccer Babies. The latter secured third place after a 5-4 shootout win over Kong Danger Stars following a goalless draw.

Soccer Babies earned GHS2,000 and were the only team to win a match in regulation time, having defeated Nabulo 2-0 in the opening fixture. The remaining six games were all decided by penalties.

The competition was graced by the Sissala East Member of Parliament, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, alongside the Municipal Chief Executive, Adamu Yakubu.

The one-day tournament, which followed six qualifying matches, was a collaborative initiative led by Joy Sports editor Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo in partnership with leading bookmakers Betway, and supported by Peeva Beverages.

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

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

play videoFormer MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong

Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and New Patriotic Party flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has urged students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to embrace risk-taking and financial discipline as key drivers of entrepreneurial success.

Delivering the keynote address at the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy Network (TESCON) event themed “Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey and Social Networking” at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Auditorium, Kennedy Agyapong shared practical insights drawn from his own journey as a business magnate.

The former MP referencing the example of a successful figure, emphasized the importance of having a clear vision for the future and encouraged the students to set long-term goals and work diligently to achieve them.

“If you want to be like Honourable Alfred Obeng, begin to have a vision, a vision to look into the future and say to yourself, ‘this is what I want to be in the next five to ten years’,” he said.

Using his own failures as an example, he cautioned that life is not easy and dismissed the notion of effortless success.

“Anyone who tells you that life is going to be easy is not telling you the truth,” he said.

The former MP stressed the value of financial prudence, urging students to prioritize saving over spending on material possessions.

“Postpone spending on material things today and save for tomorrow,” he advised.

He also warned against the temptation to emulate peers with lavish lifestyles.

“When you see a colleague wearing beautiful clothes, do not be fascinated by the beautiful clothes and force yourself to use your leather of last resort, money that has been given to you to also buy nice clothing. Be yourself and save the little money you have,” he noted.

He explained that consistent saving could accumulate into capital for future investments.

Agyapong highlighted the importance of risk-taking in achieving success stating, “When you have this capital, then I borrow my daughter’s words, risk, begin to take risks. The future belongs to risk takers and not security seekers,” he declared.

Ghana is banking on small-scale gold mining to deliver a $12 billion annual windfall from next year, doubling its current output to tap into record-high global prices. With artisanal miners driving over a third of the country’s gold exports, which jumped 50% to $11.6 billion last year, the government has launched a new regulator to formalize trade and curb black-market smuggling. The regulator, Ghana Gold Board, is ramping up purchases from these small-scale miners, aiming to hit more than 3 tons per week, up from 1.5 tons in January. Officials say the strategy will not only boost foreign reserves but also help ease inflation and improve Ghana’s debt profile—key priorities after the 2022 debt default locked the country out of international credit markets.

Mining Weekly

It was quite a show at the Oval office in the White House a few days ago when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with American President Donald J. Trump to discuss bilateral issues and world affairs.

It began with Trump’s unsubstantiated and frankly asinine allegation that the white Boers of South Africa are being subjected to mass murder, ethnic cleansing and genocide.

This is not only false but also painfully absurd.

Sadly it did not stop there. Trump went on to assert that Julius Malema, the inspirational charismatic and colourful M.P. and leader and founder of the South African Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is a hate-filled black supremacist and racist and a cold-blooded murderer and ruthless terrorist whose intention it is to kill every white person in South Africa.

Needless to say these allegations are baseless and false.

The Americans are attempting to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. It is nothing but yet another well-crafted but unsubstantiated mendacity.

Even though Malema is very vocal and highly controversial he does not strike me as a hater of whites but rather as a hater of injustice, oppression, persecution and institutional racism.

He is a man with a social conscience who speaks for the poor, the weak, the vulnerable and the oppressed and who has constituted himself into a major thorn in the flesh of the political establishment and the ruling elites in South Africa both white and black.

He is very eloquent, well-informed, well-read and quick off the mark and these qualities, coupled with his obvious courage and strength, make him a formidable adversary which every person of class, rank or privilege in his country has every reason to be wary of.

He also speaks a good deal of sense and his passion for truth, justice and equity for the black majority population of South Africa and commitment to the emancipation of the African continent from the forces of imperialism and neo-colonialism cannot be denied.

To millions of South Africans Malema is a deeply courageous, insightful and profound man and possibly the greatest post-Mandela hero and rising star that their nation has ever known.

Loyal, trusted

To add to this, millions of Africans (including Nigerians and Zimbabweans) who live in South Africa regard him as a loyal and trusted friend who has always spoken up for them and sought to protect them from the rabid xenophobia that most black South Africans suffer from and who has a strong and commendable Nkrumaist Pan-African vision.

For Trump and his White House to attempt to disparage such a man that brings so much to the table and that has done so much to restore the self-respect and dignity of black South Africans and Africans all over the world simply because he sang an old outdated, pre-independence, apartheied-era, anti-Boer war song at his political party rally is uncharitable and unkind.

To turn down the lights of the Oval office, watch a film on him on television for four good minutes and make him the centre of discussion at a bilateral meeting between the Presidents of two of the most respected nations on earth only proves the fact that he is no longer only an African phenomenon but also a global brand and a rallying point for blacks from all over the world.

Elevated profile

To that extent Trump has inadvertently elevated his profile rather than diminish it.

Like in the case of the Biblical Joseph, what Trump meant for evil, God meant for good.

Yet perhaps the most shameful thing that Trump did on that day was not what he attempted to do to Malema but rather the following.

He presented a picture to Ramaphosa and his delegation of what was purportedly “1, 000 white South African graves with white crosses on them of white South African farmers” that were supposedly “dispossessed of their land by black terrorists” and “murdered in cold blood”.

Contrary to the American Presidents assertions it was later confirmed that the picture was NOT of the graves of white farmers in South Africa but rather of a burial ground in a completely different country called Congo!
One wonders how the President of the most powerful nation on earth could make such an egregious and monumental blunder and indulge in such deceit and doublepeak all in an attempt to humiliate the South African President. Sadly it didn’t stop there.

Ambush

Trump literally ambushed Ramaphosa, lectured him, bullied him, spoke down to him, accused his government and people of heinous crimes, kept interrupting him when he attempted to speak, mocked his role as a peacemaker in the Ukraine/Russia conflict and sought to utterly humiliate him.

To behave in this unacceptable manner and indulge in such mendacious falsehood is below any President let alone the most powerful one in the world.

I see the hand of Elon Musk, who himself is a South African and who has not hidden his contempt and disdain for the ANC-led South African government and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu, whose government has been accused by South Africa of genocide and indeed taken to the International Court of Justice and to the International Criminal Court both at the Hague, in all this.

Both must have thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle!
Yet the truth is that even if his predominately white right-wing MAGA base in America may have been excited and thrilled by his proverbial lynching and carpeting of a helpless and whimpering black President at the Oval office, it has also alienated a lot of black and particularly African Trumpers like yours truly who have always refused to regard Trump as a racist but rather as a man who was specially chosen, prepared, raised and anointed by God to destroy the American Deep State, to terminate the godless agenda of the globalists, to stop the wars of the world, to put God at the centre of affairs when it comes to politics and governance, to re-establish and re-instill the Christian virtues and values that America was built on, to break the back of the unholy, Luciferean trinity and anti-Christ philosophy of Obama, Clinton and Biden in world affairs and American politics.

I sincerely hope that we do not end up regretting our support for him but if he continues in this way that support shall undoubtedly dwindle.

Why do I say this? Consider the following:

First it was “let us grab Greenland, Canada, Mexico, the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal and rename the Gulf of Persia”, then it was “let us turn Gaza into an American Riviera”, then it was “let us wage a tariff war against the nations of the world”, then it was “let us alienate and abandon our European allies”, then it was “let us provoke China”, then it was “let us go to the three richest nations in the Middle East and compel their Kings to invest trillions of dollars in America and even give us a new presidentiel jet”, then it was “let us bring the little African leader who leads a country with the largest and most properous economy on his continent to the Oval office, humiliate him before the world and bully him into leaving our white brothers in South Africa alone” and the latest is “let us stop foreign students from attending Harvard University because the authorities of that school have refused to bring to an end the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that are taking place on campus”.

Troubling

These actions are increasingly troubling and whether we have hitherto admired, loved and prayed for Trump or not we cannot support a confirmed bully and racist. That would be ungodly. We cannot support a man that finds it difficult to empathise with the suffering of others or that is fast losing his humanity. That would be incorrigible.

Trump needs to retrace his steps, divest himself of these glaring and obvious symptoms of meglomania, obsessive vanity and extreme narcissim and get real.

God did not deliver him from the hands of his enemies and make him President to do this sort of nonsense but rather to make America great again and to make the world a better and safer place. If he fails to do this God will leave him, remove him and replace him with another.

Back to the episode at the White House.

Cyril Ramaphosa’s responses to the grilling were equally embarrassing and frankly disappointing.

Most western commentators have described his disposition, body language and reaction as “weak”, “cowardly” and “cringeworthy” and I am constrained to concur.

No President should bow and tremble before another no matter how rich and powerful the latter may be.
In the African context Nelson Mandela would not have done so and neither would Murtala Mohammed, Olusegun Obasanjo, Jerry Rawlings, Thomas Sankara, Ahmed Ben Bella, Muammar Ghadafi, Patrice Lumumba, Gamal Nasser, Sani Abacha, Ibrahim Babangida, Kwame Nkrumah, Muhammadu Buhari, Robert Mugabe, Samora Machel or Ibrahim Traore.

This ritual of inviting foreign leaders to the Oval office like King Hussein of Jordan (who literally had to bow and lick Trumps posterior), President Vlodomer Zelensky of Ukraine (who was insulted, rubbished, humiliated and finally thrown out) and now Cyril Ramaphosa (who was forced to watch an embarrassing scene about his country on television) and belittling and denigrating them must stop.

The humiliation of the South African President particularly was painful for me to watch because of the frightful history of his country and the terrible atrocities and apartheid system that the white Afrikaaner Boers subjected the black Africans to for hundreds of years.

They went through all that and now they have to suffer this in the hands of yet another white man.

This same white minority that oppressed and enslaved them in their own land for hundreds of years control 80% of the economy and own 90% of the land in their country today despite the fact that they only constitute 8% of the population.
These are the people that Trump is claiming are being subjected to genocide and is offering asylum in America.

These are people that in the main and in the past have regarded black Africans as being “no better than animals”.

Apartheid

These are people that practised apartheid and that described black people as the biblical “hewers of the wood and drawers of the water”.

These are the people that once regarded a black man as being a quarter of a human being and that not only refused to have legal inter racial sex or marriages but compelled black people to live in shanty towns that were little better than concentration camps and subjected them to pass laws much in the sane way as the Israelis are subjecting the Palestinians to such inhumanity and degradation today.

If a Nigerian leader had been treated like this at the Oval office and I was in the room, believe me all hell would have broken loose and Trump, his VP, his Ministers, his team and the American White House Press Corps would not only have got more than they dished out and bargained for but they would have been given a curt history lesson about the past and present atrocities of their nation and a thorough and precise lecture about the matter at hand.

I am a Trump supporter but in all matters my nation and continent must come first.

I despise the way he bullied Ramaphosa and I hope and pray that he or any other foreign leader does not try this with any Nigerian leader that I am in the room with.

The days of talking down to African Presidents are long over.

More importantly the days of cowardly, weak, subservient, spineless, grovelling, corrupt, compromised and ignorant African lichspittles and quislings who call themselves leaders but who lack self-esteem, self-respect and pride in their people and who have no shame or dignity, who are hopelessly compromised, who have no knowledge of world affairs or world history, who are pawns of the neo-colonialists and imperialists and who have sold their soul and destiny of their nation to the western powers are long over.

This fact can be confirmed by what can best be described as the “Traore spirit” that is blowing into all the nooks and corners of our continent today.

As much as I love and support Trump his attitude and policy on Africa and Gaza leaves much to be desired.

He needs to do better and he must understand that the Palestinians and the Africans, though facing challenges, are far more resilient than his people ever were and come from a far older and greater civilisation than his country ever did. We may not have their money and power but we have God.

Their time is now but tomorrow belongs to us. That God that put them up there and established their hegemony and empire shall remember us.

We too shall rise and at that time all men shall say that the rejected stone has become the corner stone, that the Lord uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wisdom of the wise and that in truth all things are possible with God.

•Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, a former Minister of Aviation and a former Minister of Culture and Tourism

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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.