The Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, Musah Danquah, has cast doubt on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) chances in the upcoming Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, predicting a likely defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on Joy FM’s , Mr Danquah said the NPP’s threats to boycott the July 11 rerun would have minimal effect, as enthusiasm among the party’s base is already low.
According to him, morale and motivation within the NPP in the constituency have significantly declined, making it difficult for the party to mobilise voters effectively.
“Even without the boycott, the party would have struggled with turnout. The signs of voter apathy have been there for some time,” he stated.
Mr Danquah observed that the current political climate in Ablekuma North appeared more favourable to the NDC, adding that available data and ground reports suggest the opposition party is in a stronger position to win the seat.
His comments come just a day after the High Court dismissed an application filed by the NPP parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, which sought to stop the rerun in 19 polling stations.
The Electoral Commission has since confirmed that the rerun will go ahead as scheduled on Friday, July 11.
The fresh poll seeks to resolve the dispute over the December 2024 parliamentary elections in Ablekuma North, which were marred by uncollated results and legal wrangling.
US President Donald Trump began a three-day summit in Washington D.C. with the leaders of five African states, an event the White House sees as an “incredible” commercial opportunity.
Trump’s guests include the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal – none of whom represent the major economies of the continent.
The meetings are expected to concentrate on Trump’s “trade, not aid” policy, and with all of them facing 10% tariffs on goods exported to the US, they may be hoping to do deals to negotiate this rate down.
During a televised lunch at the White House on Wednesday, the African leaders lavished Trump with praise while encouraging US economic partnership.
Seated diagonally from Trump across a long wooden table, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was the first African leader to speak.
“In the short time you’ve been back in office, the last few months you came to the rescue for peace,” Ghazouani said.
“You rushed to Africa to resolve a longstanding problem,” he continued, referring to a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda facilitated by the White House.
His remarks were echoed by the other African state leaders, most of whom made direct comments in support of Trump being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye complimented his golf skills, inviting him to build a golf course in Senegal.
“Thank you very much. Very nice. Thank you. I didn’t know I’d be treated this nicely. This is great,” Trump responded. “We could do this all day long.”
The African state heads also used the platform to talk about their respective natural resources and raw materials, including rare earth minerals. Some made direct appeals to US investors and the president.
Faye spoke about the prospect of building a “tech city” in Dakar with “views of the sea”, and said: “I would like to invite American investors to take part in this”.
Gabon President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema said his country has “a great deal of resources”, including rare earth minerals.
“You are welcome to come and invest; otherwise, other countries might come instead of you,” Nguema said.
Senegal’s former ambassador to Washington, Babacar Diagne, said the invitations to the African leaders reflected the recent “paradigm shift” in US policy towards the continent.
After taking office in January for his second term, Trump cut US aid to the continent, saying it was wasteful and incompatible with his “America First” policy.
With Trump and the Republican Party at the helm, there is also doubt about whether the US will renew later this year its African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which guarantees duty-free access for certain goods from Africa.
“It’s not like before with the Democrats. There were two strong points with them: poverty reduction and development issues, through AGOA and other initiatives. All that is over,” Mr Diagne told the BBC.
According to the former diplomat, the Trump administration’s position will mirror how it has dealt with Ukraine wartime leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Pure trade. It’s give and take, win and win. We saw it with Ukraine. You sign the agreement on minerals and you’ll have us on your side; otherwise, you forget everything,” Mr Diagne said.
Last month’s peace deal signed in Washington between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic is a case in point – trade diplomacy that will potentially see the US gain lucrative mineral access.
Indeed, Nicaise Mouloumbi, head of a leading non-governmental organisation in oil-rich Gabon, said the Trump administration’s focus on Africa was down to increasing competition from rival powers – including China and Russia – for its prized resources.
“All these [invited] countries have important minerals: gold, oil, manganese, gas, wood and zircon – Senegal, Mauritania and Gabon, in particular,” he told the BBC.
Gabon holds around a quarter of the global known reserves of manganese, and it provides 22% of China’s of the mineral, which is used in the production of batteries and stainless steel.
Oil-rich Gabon intends to shift towards deep-water exploration and production in future
Mr Mouloumbi added that the US might be most keen to strengthen ties with Gabon, not only because it had “strategic” minerals like manganese and uranium, as well as oil, but also because it was strategically located along the Gulf of Guinea, with a coastline of about 800km (500 miles).
It could host a US military base that America plans to build in the region, Mr Mouloumbi said.
Mr Diagne made a similar point about piracy, saying that “maritime terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea has become an extremely important issue” for the US.
Many tankers carrying oil and gas travel through the Gulf of Guinea, which has been known as a piracy hotspot for several years.
For Mauritania and Senegal, migration will be central to discussions, according to Ousmane Sene, the head of the West African Research Centre (WARC),
“Let’s not forget that between 2023 and 2025, no fewer than 20,000 young Mauritanians left for the US via Nicaragua, along with hundreds of young Senegalese,” the analyst told the BBC.
“All these countries are also departure points for illegal emigration,” he added.
“That’s an extremely important point in his [Trump’s] migration policy, and every day people are turned back at the borders.”
Mauritania is the only one of the five countries that does not have diplomatic ties with US ally Israel, cutting them in 2009 over an offensive in Gaza, and sources have told Semafor that restoring them may be a sticking point for any would-be White House deal.
Visa overstay rates are another issue to be settled, especially for Gabon and Liberia, which both have higher ones than Burundi, which last month became subject to US travel restrictions with visa overstays cited as a key reason.
Liberia’s health system is fragile – and before Trump, US funding accounted for 48% of its budget
Liberia may also be considering a US proposal to accept people deported by the US, including criminals. The country, which has close historical links to America, was reportedly included on a proposed list of countries that the US had approached.
The country, which was brought to its knees by a 14-year civil war and then the devastating Ebola epidemic of a decade ago, is in desperate need of cash as it has been severely affected by US aid cuts.
In particular, the impact has been felt by its fragile health system, which had relied on US funding for 48% of its budget.
Guinea-Bissau, which has suffered a series of coups and attempted coups over the years, is reportedly keen for the US embassy to reopen in the capital, Bissau, following its closure after the army mutinied in 1998.
President Umaro Cissoko Embaló was clearly proud of the White House’s invitation for Guinea-Bissau, which several years ago was labelled a “narco-state” by the US and UN as it was once a major transit hub for cocaine from Latin America to Europe and North America.
“Guinea-Bissau has now emerged from a state of disorder to become a real state. The Americans do not invite just any state to their country – only a well-structured state,” he was quoted as saying at the airport before he left for Washington.
He and his counterparts – Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal – will be hoping they hold some cards to do a deal with Trump.
They certainly do not want a replay of May’s infamous high-stakes meeting between South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trump in the Oval Office, which did little to ease relations.
In fact, it seems to have completely backfired as this week Africa’s biggest economy found out that from next month, its exports to the US are being slapped with a 30% tariff.
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 Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, Musah Danquah, has expressed strong doubts about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) chances in the upcoming Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, predicting a likely loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, Mr Danquah said the NPP’s threats to boycott the July 11 rerun would have little to no impact on the outcome, as enthusiasm among the party’s base is already at a low point.
He explained that morale and motivation among NPP supporters in the constituency had significantly declined, making it unlikely for the party to mobilize voters effectively.
He further stated that even in the absence of boycott threats, the party would have faced challenges in achieving meaningful turnout.
Mr Danquah noted that signs of voter apathy had been evident for some time and that, in his assessment, the current political climate in Ablekuma North was more favourable to the NDC.
He added that based on available data and the mood on the ground, the NPP was unlikely to win the seat and was on course to lose to the NDC.
His remarks came just a day before the High Court dismissed an injunction filed by the NPP’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, which sought to halt the rerun in 19 polling stations.
The Electoral Commission has since confirmed that the election will go ahead as scheduled on July 11.
The rerun aims to resolve the dispute over the December 2024 parliamentary elections in Ablekuma North, which were marred by uncollated results and legal challenges.
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 Minority in Parliament has accused the government of causing financial loss to the state by spending $1.2 million on what they described as an unnecessary relaunch of Ghana’s chip-embedded biometric passport.
According to the Minority, the project had already been fully secured and launched by the previous Akufo-Addo administration in December 2024, making the current government’s expenditure wasteful and unjustifiable.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 9, Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, stated, “The outgoing government secured supply credit, completed all testing, and formally launched the chip-embedded passport on December 2, 2024. They secured 50,000 booklets and a standing order of 200,000. This is all on record at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
He argued that the $1.2 million spent on the relaunch could have been channelled into improving service delivery and addressing logistical challenges at passport offices across the country.
The caucus also revisited the issue of the sudden three-day closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC, in May 2025, which they say resulted in a loss of over $38,000 in expedited service fees. The closure led to the cancellation of 437 appointments and caused at least 112 travellers to miss their connecting flights.
“By dawn, May 26th, 2025, the embassy doors were closed, and 437 confirmed applicants for the week had been cancelled. In three days, the Minister’s decision cost Ghana over $38,200 in expedited service fees and forced at least 112 travellers to miss their connecting flights,” he said.
They have demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs present a full audit report to Parliament on both incidents and compensate those affected by the embassy shutdown.
A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah Asare has expressed disagreement with suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s decision to go to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on grounds of a human rights abuse she was alleging.
According to Ansah Asare, the move by Justice Torkornoo risks undermining Ghana’s constitutional process.
“This is a constitutional process — the office is not personal property,” Mr Ansa Asare said in a television interview with on Tuesday [July 8].
“She must respect Article 146. I don’t see any clear violation of human rights that would warrant regional intervention.”
Article 146 sets out the procedure for the removal of Justices of the Superior Courts of Judicature, including the Chief Justice, as well as Chairpersons and members of independent constitutional bodies who have the same security of tenure, he said.
Mr Ansah Asare’s comment followed Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai’s statement that Justice Torkornoo had filed a fresh application on July 4 at the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, Nigeria, alleging that her human rights were violated when President John Dramani Mahama suspended her and triggered removal proceedings under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Justice Torkornoo, had earlier challenged her suspension at the Supreme Court and High Court with separate applications, insisting the process lacks due process safeguards.
But Mr Ansah Asare questioned whether the Chief Justice had exhausted all local remedies — a principle that, he argued, should guide whether the ECOWAS Court accepts the case.
“The primary question is: has she exhausted all the internal mechanisms here in Ghana? “How does she expect the ECOWAS Court to intervene when she herself is undermining the very constitutional safeguards she is supposed to uphold?”
“The President has acted according to the Constitution,” he said. “If you bypass the internal processes and keep going to regional courts, you make the constitutional pathway impracticable.”
The Attorney General’s office has also moved to strike out Justice Torkornoo’s judicial review application at the High Court, arguing in its affidavit that the filing contains a “grave misstatement of capacity” and leaves out “mandatory and essential parties.”
On his part, Professor Kojo Appiagyei-Atuah, an Associate Professor at the School of Law of the University of Ghana has pointed out that the ECOWAS Court is one of the few regional courts that does not always require individuals to exhaust domestic avenues before filing human rights cases — an approach that could strengthen the Chief Justice’s argument.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to widespread media reports about Ghana’s abstention from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from violence.
The report indicated that the vote was to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Furthermore, the mandate is said to remind states of their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
The vote took place on July 7, 2025, during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council and was renewed despite Ghana’s abstention.
Addressing the claims on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the ministry clarified that there was no vote calling for support on LGBTQ+ and its activities.
“There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI for which Ghana abstained as has been wrongly reported by a section of the Ghanaian media.
“On Monday, 7th July 2025, Ghana abstained from the HRC’s vote on the renewal of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity,” the statement explained.
The statement explained that the council voted on whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination or not.
It indicated that the decision to abstain was consistent with the country’s human rights principles.
“The question before the Council was whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination or not. It was not about support for LGBTQI rights. Ghana abstained in the vote, to be consistent with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which specifically prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status,” it said.
The statement added, “The resolution requests the Independent Expert to continue to report annually on the implementation of the mandate to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of work.”
The Ministry assured that it will neither undermine nor compromise the country’s principles, given its strong opposition to issues related to LGBTQI practices and activities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is very mindful of the Ghanaian public’s general opposition and the Government’s strong stance against the subject of LGBTQI rights and will not act in any manner to undermine this position.”
Read the statement below:
MAG/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Parliamentary leadership visits wife of late Ernest Yaw Kumi
Ghanaian Kumawood actor LilWin and wife Maame Serwaa
A video of LilWin, speaking with both his current and ex-wife has sparked reactions across social media.
In the video, shared on TikTok on July 9, 2025, LilWin was seen making a video call with his ex-wife, Ohemaa Pretty.
During the call, he handed the phone over to his current wife, Maame Serwaa, who warmly greeted Ohemaa.
In the viral video, Maame Serwaa expressed frustration over the abuse she claims to be receiving from netizens online for being LilWin’s wife.
“They’ve been insulting me. You suffered… you were very patient, because I’m really struggling with the insults. We did an interview where I mentioned your name. I hope the children are doing well?” she said.
In response, Ohemaa Pretty offered support, encouraging Maame Serwaa to stay focused and not be discouraged by negativity.
“It’s not easy, but you’ll be fine. Just ignore the negative comments and focus on those saying positive things,” she advised.
The moment, which many viewers have described as mature and unexpected, has drawn admiration for both women.
Netizens have praised thier respectful exchange and composure despite their shared history.
Watch the video below:
@yamedia4 Don’t mind Ghanaian Lilwin current wife Ohemaa Pretty gold advice Ex wife Pat As they talk for the first time a beautiful phone call #yamedia #lilwin #ohemaaprettygold ♬ original sound – Y.A Media
JHM/EB
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey:
President Mahama has sacked CEO of National Ambulance Service, Nuhu Zakaria
President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Dr Nuhu Zakaria as Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service, according to a Citi News report.
While no official explanation has been provided for his dismissal, the decision comes amid concerns raised by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) regarding the alleged misuse of academic titles.
Dr Zakaria was recently named in a GTEC report identifying individuals who had adopted academic titles or credentials that had not been formally verified.
His inclusion in the report has sparked public scrutiny, although it remains unclear whether this directly influenced the president’s decision.
The presidency is yet to announce a replacement.
SP/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
The Bank of Ghana spent GH¢206 million on official travel in 2024, twice the GH¢103 million recorded in 2023.
This is according to its 2024 Annual Report, released on Monday, July 7, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business.
The figure marks the highest amount the central bank has spent on travel in at least a decade.
The disclosure comes amid ongoing public scrutiny over government spending, particularly as the Bank posted a GH¢9.4 billion loss for 2024.
While this represents an improvement from the GH¢13.2 billion loss recorded in 2023, the sharp rise in travel expenses has raised concerns about fiscal discipline.
According to the report, travel spending by the Bank has fluctuated over the years, rising from GH¢30 million in 2015 to GH¢48 million in 2019.
It dropped to GH¢20 million in 2020 and GH¢28 million in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, before increasing to GH¢76 million in 2022, and peaking at GH¢206 million in 2024.
While the Bank has not provided detailed reasons behind the 2024 figure, analysts suggest that Ghana’s participation in the IMF programme may be a contributing factor.
Frequent international engagements, including trips to Washington, D.C. and other global financial centres, are believed to have added significantly to the cost.
SP/MA
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
European champions and treble-winners Paris Saint-Germain take on 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid in a blockbuster semi-final showdown at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The winner faces Chelsea in the final of the tournament on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
The suspects were arrested on July 8, 2025, at around 12:40am during a night patrol
Police in Busia District, Eastern Uganda have arrested two men and recovered a pistol in an operation aimed at curbing rising criminal activity in the area.
According to a press statement issued by the Bukedi South Regional Police Spokesperson, IP Moses Mugwe, the suspects were arrested on July 8, 2025, at around 12:40am during a night patrol in Sofia A Cell, Eastern Division, Busia Municipality.
The suspects were identified as Abass Nsubuga, 60, a plumber and a resident of Ndejje Bongole in Zanta Village, Wakiso District. His ancestral home is in Buyenga Village, Butambala District. Another suspect was identified as Moses Nviri, 60, a mason by occupation and a resident of Mutwetwe, Kibiibi Village in Butambala District.
“During the operation, police officers on patrol intercepted the two men and conducted a search. A black pistol, marked 98722, was recovered from Nsubuga Abass. His colleague, Nviri Moses, was found in possession of a hammer. Other items recovered included face masks, a cap, and a bottle of Rwenzori mineral water containing an unidentified liquid,” Mr Mugwe said on Tuesday.
He said the case has been registered under CRB 690/2025 at Busia Central Police Station.
According to Mr Mugwe a team of officers from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Flying Squad, and Crime Intelligence (CI) visited the scene, recorded statements, and jointly interrogated the suspects.
Police say investigations are still ongoing and more details will be provided in due course.
A total of 188 cases of murder by shooting were reported to the police countrywide in 2024 compared to 300 cases reported in 2023, giving a 37 per cent decrease in the reported cases in this category countrywide. Out of the total cases reported, 34 cases were taken to Court, 26 cases were not proceeded with while 128 cases are still under inquiry.
A total of 205 persons were shot dead, of whom 178 were Male Adults,19 were female adults 7 Male Juveniles while 01 was a Female Juvenile. By the end of 2024, 23 cases of Murder by Shooting were still pending in Court awaiting trial.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, known not only for her groundbreaking roles in film but also for her enduring marriage to Captain Matthew Ekeinde, recently gave fans a rare glimpse into the inner workings of her nearly three-decade-long relationship.
In a candid conversation on Chude Jideonwo’s live podcast, the screen icon revealed the highs, lows, and faith-driven principles that have helped her sustain a healthy marriage since 1996.
Omotola didn’t sugarcoat the experience. She admitted that even in a loving marriage, there are tough days.
“There are times when I look at him and I’m not in love. I go to God and report him,” she said with a mix of sincerity and humour.
“I honour him not because I’m head over heels in love at that moment, but because I honour the One who gave me the mandate to be with him.”
Her honesty struck a chord, acknowledging that every marriage experiences moments of doubt, fatigue, and emotional distance.
“There are times I look at him and think, ‘Somebody please remind me why I married this man.’ And he probably feels the same way about me. Those days come.”
In a world obsessed with perfect images of love and success, Omotola urges couples to embrace their humanity.
“I think the problem is people trying to be fake. Relax—it’s not that serious. Remember you’re a human being.”
She also joked about being attracted to other men, adding a dose of realism that few public figures dare to share:
“There are times I see guys who look ‘fantabulous’ and I say, ‘Oh child!’ But you check yourself.”
Faith as the Marriage Anchor
At the core of her marital philosophy is spirituality. Omotola emphasises that choosing a partner with shared faith is key.
“From the onset, when you’re meeting someone, make sure you have God. Pray that you meet the right person.”
This belief has shaped how she deals with conflict and hardship, turning to prayer, reflection, and spiritual discipline rather than rash decisions.
Respecting Roles, Not Competing for Power
Omotola likens marriage to flying a plane—with her husband as the pilot and herself as a trusted co-pilot.
“I don’t believe in gender equality in the sense that both partners are identical. There is always a head and an assistant.”
She clarified that respecting a man’s leadership doesn’t mean a woman should be weak.
“When a woman proves herself as a worthy co-pilot, there’s no need for power struggles. Give respect and you’ll be respected.”
Friendship: The Glue that Holds Love
Omotola revealed that love alone isn’t enough—friendship is what keeps a marriage intact when the emotional high fades.
“There are times when love fizzles, but friendship holds it together. Be open. Talk to each other. That’s how you last.”
She and Matthew have maintained their bond through frank discussions, shared laughter, and honest communication—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Protect Your Marriage Like a Treasure
One of Omotola’s biggest pieces of advice is discretion.
“Don’t put everything out there. Shelter your family and leave the rest to God.”
She believes in selective sharing, protecting one’s marriage from the dangers of oversharing on social media or letting too many people into private matters.
Space Can Rekindle the Flame
What happens when the passion dies down? Omotola recommends a bold but unconventional move—temporary separation.
“Go somewhere. After a few weeks, come home. You’ll be surprised how the fire of passion is rekindled.”
She believes time apart can bring clarity, self-discovery, and renewed attraction.
Self-Worth and Financial Independence
Omotola also spoke passionately about women achieving independence before marrying.
“Women without income should not consider marriage. If you marry when you’re not financially stable, it becomes slavery.”
She advocates financial stability and self-worth as pillars for a balanced and respectful partnership.
Choosing the Right Partner Is Everything
Finally, Omotola warned against marrying out of infatuation or admiration.
“Don’t marry your fan. Marry someone who truly understands you, someone who shares your values and can handle your flaws.”
Omotola’s Marriage Wisdom at a Glance:
Pillar Insight
Faith: Let God guide your choice and actions.
Respect & Roles: Respect the man as head; be a reliable partner, not a rival.
Friendship: Love may fade temporarily, but friendship sustains the bond.
Privacy: Protect your relationship from public scrutiny.
Financial Independence: Enter marriage whole, not dependent.
Space & Passion: A short break can reignite intimacy.
Former Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has strongly urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rally behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s candidate for the 2028 elections.
She believes that despite the challenges the current administration faced, the Vice President deserves another opportunity to lead the party.
The High Court has dismissed an application filed by Nana Akua Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, seeking to stop a planned rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the constituency.
The rerun, scheduled for July 11, 2025, is part of the Electoral Commission’s efforts to conclude the disputed December 7, 2024, parliamentary election results in the constituency.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Ali Baba Abature described the application for an interim injunction as “unmeritorious,” stating that the balance of convenience lies in allowing the Electoral Commission (EC) to fulfill its constitutional obligation to ensure the people of Ablekuma North are duly represented in Parliament.
Nana Akua Afriyie had argued that the EC’s decision to organize a rerun contravened a binding High Court ruling issued on January 4, 2025, which directed the Commission to collate results from 62 outstanding polling stations and declare a winner based on the already conducted elections.
Her legal team, led by NPP lawyer Gary Nimako, told the court that following the January ruling, the EC had publicly acknowledged that only three polling station results remained uncollated, referencing a press release issued on January 27, 2025, and a subsequent parliamentary briefing by Deputy EC Chair Dr. Bossman Asare.
The court, however, ruled that these arguments did not outweigh the constitutional imperative for the EC to take necessary steps to complete the electoral process and safeguard the democratic rights of constituents.
With the dismissal of the injunction request, the Electoral Commission is now cleared to proceed with the July 11 rerun in the 19 polling stations, which is expected to finally determine the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat.
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 Minority in Parliament has demanded a public apology from the Minister for Foreign Affairs over what it termed as a misrepresentation of Ghana’s position during a recent United Nations Human Rights Council vote.
This follows Ghana’s abstention from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Ghana’s position has triggered backlash from the Minority, who claim the government misrepresented the country’s values on the international stage.
Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified that the vote was not to endorse LGBTQI rights but rather to protect individuals from violence and discrimination, the Minority remains unconvinced.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, July 9, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, said the Mahama-led government must take responsibility for what he described as a betrayal of Ghanaians’ trust.
“We are disappointed in you, President Mahama, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and whoever was sent to misrepresent Ghana. This is a betrayal of trust. Instead of apologising to Ghanaians and assuring us that this won’t happen again, you are offering all kinds of English explanations,” he stated.
Ghana didn’t vote on LGBTQI rights — Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has extended his warm congratulations to the newly inaugurated Board of Directors of Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG), while reaffirming government’s commitment to recapitalise the bank in the coming year.
In a social media post on Wednesday, July 9, Dr Forson said, “I extend my warm congratulations to the newly sworn-in Board of Directors of Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG).”
In the space of a year, PSG have become a team many neutrals actively willed to lose in the Champions League – to the best team in the world to watch.
Fittingly, two of the figureheads of the ‘old PSG’ – who were more about egos than a team – were both on the wrong side of 4-0 hammerings in the US.
It was Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the last 16 and Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid in Wednesday’s one-sided last-four tie.
Since Mbappe, PSG’s all-time top scorer, left last summer for Madrid when his contract expired, Enrique has built a new-look frontline.
Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are electric. Sometimes Bradley Barcola is in there to cause mayhem too.
Their midfield three – Portugal duo Joao Neves and Vitinha, and two-goal Spaniard Ruiz – control games.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel said on Dazn at half-time: “When the three in the middle dictate the play like that, no-one can stop them. It has been a masterclass.”
Former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson added: “Some of that football from PSG was like watching Fifa. Incredible.”
And that is without mentioning non-stop up-and-down attacking full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, who are also a big part of how PSG play.
And having won the French Cup, Ligue 1 and Champions League, they are now just one game away from a fourth major trophy of 2025. Throw in the lesser Trophee des Champions and it could be a clean sweep of five.
Chelsea will have their work cut out to stop them on Sunday. Dating back to the Coupe de France final, PSG have won their last five knockout round matches by a combined score of 18-0.
Luis Enrique must now be considered one of the elite managers in world football, having won Trebles with Barcelona and PSG.
“He has set the standard,” said Welshman Bale. “They are leading a new era.
“They have set a very high bar and everyone in football will be trying to copy them and trying to stop them.”
The only concern for PSG could be fatigue.
Sunday will be their 65th match since the start of the 2024-25 campaign. Exactly a month after that game they face Tottenham in the Uefa Super Cup to start 2025-26.
The NPP General Secretary has questioned the impartiality of state institutions, accusing them of acting under political influence and undermining the country’s democratic process.
Justin Frimpong Kodua, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 8, doubted the integrity of the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service in handling the controversial Ablekuma North parliamentary election.
“So that is why it’s important that our institutions are supposed to be impartial. That’s why it’s important our institutions are supposed to be professional,” he stated.
He argued that law enforcement failed to maintain order during the critical collation of three outstanding polling stations.
Host Evans Mensah questioned whether the NPP, as the party previously in government then, should take responsibility for the breakdown in law and order.
But Mr Kodua responded with a sharp inference that the police may have been compromised under the current administration.
“So are you trying to tell me that the reason why the police failed to provide security for us to complete the coalition of the three outstanding polling stations was because they were working under the behest of this government (NDC)?”
He further challenged the Electoral Commission’s justification for not completing the collation.
“The EC said that they needed security, per your knowledge, under the instruction of the president,” Mr Kodua said, implying that the EC used security concerns as a convenient excuse to derail the process.
He cited a court order issued on January 4, 2025, which he says gave clear directions to the EC.
“The Court made an explicit pronouncement that EC, we are giving you an order of mandamus — go and collate the outstanding polling stations and declare the results. The court never said, go and do a rerun.”
Pressed on why the NPP had not taken the EC to court over what appears to be defiance of a court order, Mr Kodua responded firmly.
“That is why we are in court. Do you know the details of our writ?”
When told the writ was for an injunction against the rerun, he replied, “So do you know other strategies that we are putting out? So I’m telling you, we are in court, and the EC has been cited for contempt.”
He insisted that the EC has no legal authority to change the court’s instruction on its own.
“The directive from the court [was] explicit. Go collate and declare. And you cannot vary the order of the court. Even if… you had a legitimate concern that the directive… is unenforceable, the only remedy is to go back to the court to get a further directive or a varied directive.”
Mr Kodua warned that allowing the EC to proceed with a rerun based on its own assessment would set a dangerous precedent.
“It does not lie on the EC to conduct elections and after elections sit in the office and say that for convenience sake… we are going to do a rerun. That will be a bad precedent for this country.”
He concluded by defending the party’s legal challenge and contempt application against the EC, calling it a necessary step to protect democratic accountability.
“There’s a reason why the EC’s work is to conduct elections, but anything that departs from [that]… it is only [a] court of competent jurisdiction that can lead that directive.”
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 pupils in a picture with Vivo energy Ghana staff at the McKingtorch Africa facility
As part of its Green4Clean Schools Renewable Energy Project, Vivo Energy Ghana, the Shell licensee, in partnership with McKingtorch Africa, a social enterprise focused on environment and climate change with unique innovations from plastic waste, and the United Way Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, have facilitated an educational tour for pupils of La Enobal Basic School at the McKingtorch Africa Recycling facility.
The initiative aimed at sparking early interest in environmental sustainability and demonstrating how innovative solutions like plastic waste recycling can create useful products while preserving the environment.
The pupils, accompanied by their teachers and representatives from Vivo Energy Ghana, were taken through a guided tour of the facility to observe how plastic waste is transformed into durable, functional products such as school desks, chairs, clocks, sandals, and other essentials. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of plastic waste management and the importance of environmental stewardship.
To support the impactful work being done by McKingtorch Africa, Vivo Energy Ghana purchased school desks crafted from recycled plastic waste. These desks will be donated to public schools in underserved communities as part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s broader education and sustainability agenda.
Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Christian Li, underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment with a vision of becoming Africa’s leading and most respected energy business.
“Our visit to McKingtorch Africa reaffirms our belief that the future of sustainability lies in innovation and education. By exposing these young minds to the power of recycling and clean energy, we are not only empowering the next generation of change-makers but also contributing meaningfully to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4 – Quality Education and Goal 13 – Climate Action,” he said. “The tour has been insightful, and we need partners like you to help save our planet,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mckingtorch Africa,Makafui Awuku, expressed his gratitude to the Managing Director and team from Vivo Energy Ghana.
“We are truly grateful to Vivo Energy Ghana for patronising our product and believing in the vision of transforming waste into impact. This partnership not only helps us scale our work but also inspires the next generation to see waste as a resource and innovative tool for change. We are excited about the prospects and look forward to deepening our collaboration to drive greater environmental and social impact across communities,” he said.
Beyond the educational value, the tour also unearthed potential partnership opportunities between Vivo Energy Ghana and McKingtorch Africa to scale up recycling and circular economy initiatives at its Shell service stations and schools within its communities.
Both organisations expressed mutual interest in exploring collaborative projects that will enhance environmental education and promote sustainable infrastructure in basic schools and the community at large.
The tour is part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s Green4Clean Schools Project, which integrates renewable energy education, environmental conservation, and innovation for school children within the company’s operational communities. Through this project, the company continues to promote sustainable practices and equip young people with the knowledge and inspiration needed to build a greener future.
Davido, is trending on social media due to recent dramatic interactions.
He faced backlash for a tweet about “Happy Metal,” which sparked controversy across various platforms.
Unlike previous incidents, Davido chose to respond to the criticism this time.
Afrobeats icon David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has once again captured attention on social media following a streak of dramatic interactions online.
The unfolding investigation could signal a significant shift in Ghana’s fight against entrenched corruption in the petroleum distribution chain, with legal and political ramifications for both regulators and private sector players.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened a wide-ranging investigation into alleged corruption, tax evasion, and smuggling within Ghana’s petroleum sector, following a damning exposé by the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA).
At the heart of the current Ghana squad competing in the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco is the understanding that the current generation stands on the shoulders of giants. The notion that there is no future without a past.
The West Africans are one of the most recognizable nations at the helm of African Football. As far back as the 1990s, Ghana was vying for a place on the global stage when FIFA introduced the Women’s World Cup. A generation of strong-willed women across Ghana came together to wear the famous red, yellow and green and start the chronicles of the Black Queens.
Memories from the 90s
This section of history cannot be written without documenting the tale of one of Ghana’s finest footballers to ever wear national colours – Grace Adjoa Bayor. A name that exudes excellence, longevity and overall success in Ghana, Africa and across the world.
“When I was younger, I used to play football with men and then someone saw me and encouraged me to join Ghana Telecom. This was in 1990,” Adjoa reminscences in an exclusive interview with CAFOnline. “At Ghana Telecom, we enjoyed playing small-sided games from around 1pm in the afternoon at the iconic Mamprobi Indafa Park in Mamprobi, Accra.
This was together with some eventual Ghanaian greats in the skin of Genevive Clottey, Lydia Ankrah and Sheilla Okine. “These games helped to improve our skills. This organized football surprised me in a good way and excited me. Honestly, I was happy to be playing football. I was very small, very little. I was around 11 years at the time.”
Bayor’s quick growth ensured that she competed in the inter-regional gala competition whilst featuring for Greater Accra. This was organized by the Ghana Football Federation and it involved teams from across the country like Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Takoradi to mention but a few. It is from this competition that the first Black Queens side was formed.
Of WAFCON and World Cup feats
Bayor was on the first ever Ghana squad that featured at the first edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 1998 hosted in Nigeria. “I was born to play football. It is very natural to me. I am honoured to have played on the first ever squad for Ghana at the WAFCON. It still feels special. Unforgettable.”
Ghana opened their WAFCON book with a 4-0 victory over South Africa and went on to reach the final losing to Nigeria 0-2. Bayor remembers coming off the bench to score for the Black Queens at the continental competition that brought together Africa’s top eight teams. The tournament was also a qualifier for the now iconic FIFA Women’s World Cup 1999 in the USA. The Black Queens came up against Australia, China and Sweden in Group D.
“I was happy to be there especially with that group of players. Singing the national anthem at the world stage was fulfilling considering where we come from and how far we had come to get to that level,” she reminscences.
Playing at the World Cup in 1999 opened up opportunities for Bayor and her teammates. She went on to play in North Virginia, Rochester, Germany, China while continuing to shine in national team colours. Her exploits saw her named as the African Player of the Year in 2003 and was in contention for the 2004 and 2006 awards.
At the 2007 World Cup, she captained Ghana and wearing the armband meant everything to her, her family, friends and the entire country. It was a display of confidence in her abilities on and off the pitch. For the young girl who grew up in Accra, it was a wild dream come true.
Fast forward, decades later
Bayor retired from playing the beautiful game in 2011 but has remained at the core of the Black Queens – this time behind the scenes and as an Equipment Manager. Her role entails making sure that the team has everything that they need from an equipment point of view.
“I make sure that everything from official match jerseys, training kits, cones…everything is ready and good to go at training as well as on match day. Planning is very important in this kind of job and there is no room for error whatsoever,” Bayor tells CAFOnline.
On training days, Bayor is seen setting up the necessary equipment onto the field of play exquisitely with grace – like her name. She lets her work speak for itself – a woman of very few words. Those who know her, know that her shy personality transforms into a commitment to deliver whenever she gets the callup to be part of the national team.
She locks in, gets her checklist going and ensures that there is nothing that has been forgotten. In fact, within the Black Queens setup, there are heavy fines for anyone that forgets something or comes late for that matter. “This helps with emphasizing discipline for every team member.”
Black Queens now
For Bayor who has been part of the team fold for decades, donning the national team colours at the ongoing TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 is an absolute honour – yet again even though in a different role.
She reflects on the journey to this tournament and current generation; “We opened the way for them. We crawled so that they can run. They have everything that they need to perform at this level. The WAFCON has grown in leaps and bounds from what it was in 1998 on and off the pitch. It has been incredible to experience the growth.”
“There is a big difference from an organization point of view as well as financially speaking. The prize money is now up to $1m. That is massive from CAF,” Bayor adds with a smile.
Ghana are in Group C with the reigning champions South Africa whom they lost to 0-2 in their opening fixture, Mali who they face in their next fixture – a West African battle on Friday, July 11 and East African outfit Tanzania.
play videoErnest Yaw Kumi, the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency
Eugene Opoku-Acheampong, an uncle to the late Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, has alleged that his nephew did not die a natural death but rather fell victim to a spiritually orchestrated attack.
According to Eugene, who also serves as the constituency secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Akwatia, Kumi’s death was the result of envy over his parliamentary seat.
Speaking in an interview on Movement TV on July 8, 2025, he alleged that discussions about a by-election to replace Kumi were already ongoing while the MP was still alive.
“We will leave it to God, but one thing I would like to say is that Ernest Yaw Kumi didn’t die a natural death. God didn’t call him; someone is behind his death. I am telling you plainly that he didn’t die a natural death,” he emphasised.
He further claimed that it is an open secret in Akwatia, where almost everyone is aware of talks about the planned by-election to take over the seat. Eugene added that he personally heard the same rumours.
“Let me tell you something: he went through a lot of struggles during his election. And if, after the election, someone tells you that your seat will be taken through a by-election, what is the process of a by-election? Tell me.”
Ernest Yaw Kumi, the NPP MP for Akwatia, passed away on July 7, 2025, after a short illness.
A first-time MP, Kumi had recently been involved in a high-profile legal battle over the legitimacy of his election.
His death came just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.
As a tribute, the First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, draped Kumi’s seat in red cloth in Parliament.
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
John Jinapor is the Minister of Energy and Green Transition
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced that oil and gas company ENI will increase its natural gas supply by 30 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), effective Sunday, July 13, 2025.
This development will bring the total natural gas supply to 270 MMscfd and result in the temporary suspension of gas export operations to facilitate the increase.
In a statement issued on July 9, 2025, the Ministry said, “Effective Sunday, July 13, 2025, ENI will increase its natural gas supply by 30 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), thereby elevating the total supply to 270 MMscfd. This strategic upgrade is a key step in bolstering our energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable energy supply for the nation.”
The statement, signed by the Minister’s spokesperson, Richmond Rockson, Esq., explained that the temporary suspension of gas exports is a necessary step to optimise the supply chain and implement the increase smoothly.
“Consequently, there will be an impact on the availability of gas for power generation during this period. The Ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the power sector, has proactively implemented comprehensive measures to mitigate any potential disruptions.
“These measures include enhanced monitoring of power generation and contingency plans to ensure minimal impact on power supply. We are confident that these proactive steps will effectively manage the transition and maintain a stable power supply for all citizens,” the statement added.
Earlier, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, announced a scheduled nationwide power interruption on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 161kV Anwomaso-to-Kumasi transmission line on July 8, the energy minister John Jinapor explained that ENI’s planned maintenance activity will require a temporary halt in gas supply, leading to short-term power outages.
“This Sunday, July 13, ENI will turn off their valves temporarily to increase gas production to about 270 MMscf. It means that we are stabilising the energy sector,” he stated.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for all Ghanaians.
SSD/MA
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Heartbreaking news has emerged from Berekuso near Aburi, where the lifeless body of Nana Kofi Amoah, affectionately known as Otumfour Nana, has been discovered under deeply disturbing circumstances.
A staunch Asante Kotoko supporter and a dedicated officer of the Ghana Immigration Service, Amoah was reported missing after he was last seen on Thursday, July 3rd. Days of uncertainty ended in tragedy when his body was found with multiple injuries.
His brother, Akwasi Amoako, confirmed the grim news to MyJoyOnline, revealing that the body bore multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck.
In a further horrifying detail, the body appeared to have been partially burnt, believed to have been wrapped in a woolen carpet in an apparent attempt to conceal or destroy evidence.
The body was discovered near a spot on the Abuom-Abokobi road, adding another layer of shock and sadness to an already devastating situation.
In a significant development, a Kwabenya Circuit Court on Monday, July 8, 2025, remanded into custody a 36-year-old man, identified as a friend of the deceased, in connection with the case. Investigations are ongoing.
Ghanasportspage.com sends our deepest condolences to the family especially the wife and the children. May your soul Rest in Peace!
Gideon Aryeequaye is the Acting Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency
The Creative Arts Agency of Ghana as part of its human resource development project dubbed “Inspire the Creative-in-Me”, in partnership with Cadling Fashion and the Korle Gonno Community Library hosts its maiden edition of a fashion seminar for fashion students in Accra, Ghana.
The seminar called “The Fashion Dialogue Series with Linda Ampah” is designed to connect youth fashion practitioners, students and successful fashion professionals for a dialogue, conversations, workshops, master classes towards accessing good job opportunities and as well, developing the fashion industry in Ghana.
It is one of the numerous initiatives by the agency geared at developing the creative art sector in the country.
As the maiden edition, this particular event (July session) is planned to offer students from vocational schools who are studying fashion an opportunity to interact with Linda Ampah, international Ghanaian fashion designer and other successful fellows of the sector regarding their respective journeys, challenges, successes and most importantly, available opportunities in the space.
It is aimed at providing the students the practical business experience to help them plan their lives after school.
The July edition is scheduled to take place in the Theatre auditorium of the Korle Gonno Community Library on Thursday, 17 July, 2025. It commences at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
SP/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Justin Frimpong Kodua is the General Secretary of the NPP
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not be taking part in the rerun of the 2024 parliamentary election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North Constituency.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NPP constituency office in Ablekuma North on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the General Secretary of the party, Justine Frimpong Kodua, said that the party will refrain from the rerun because the records of the election show that their candidate won.
He indicated that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party is convinced that they won the election and therefore there should be no rerun.
“Our engagement with you this morning is very simple, that we have our evidence, undeniable evidence, overwhelming evidence to clearly show that we won the Ablekuma North parliamentary elections.
“And yesterday, when the National Executive Committee met, we said that under no circumstances will we be intimidated. Under no circumstances will we be coerced to go for a rerun. We will not go for any rerun. The New Patriotic Party will not go for any rerun,” he said.
He added, “We have won the elections. We have won the elections. What we are asking the Electoral Commission is to obey the court directive to finish the collation and declare our candidate, Akua Afriyie, as the MP-elect for Ablekuma North.”
BAI/MA
You can also watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe
Ato Forson with the newly inaugurated board members of ADB
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has officially inaugurated the newly appointed Board of Directors for the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), underscoring the vital role of agriculture in Ghana’s development agenda.
Speaking during the inaugural ceremony on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Dr Ato Forson emphasised that no country can develop without sustained agricultural advancement.
He called on the newly appointed board members to stay true to ADB’s core mandate of supporting and advancing Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“Earlier, I had the privilege of inaugurating the new Board of Directors for the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB). As I emphasised during the ceremony, no country develops without sustained agricultural development. I have therefore tasked the new board to remain focused and guided by their primary mandate, serving Ghana’s agricultural sector,” he stated.
The Minister also assured the board and management of his firm commitment to the bank’s growth, announcing plans to recapitalise ADB in 2026 to strengthen its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
“I want to assure the board and management that I will capitalise ADB next year,” he added.
The new board is expected to lead ADB in fulfilling its vision of becoming the most dependable partner in agribusiness financing across the country.
The newly appointed board of ADB include;
1. Kenneth Kwamina Thompson – Chairperson
2. Edward Ato Sarpong – Managing Director
3. Andrew Dari Chiwitey
4. Siisi Essuman-Ocran
5. Dr. E. Prince Arhin
6. Misbahu Mahama Adams
7. Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey
8. Courage Akanwunge Asabagna
9. Abdul Nasir M. Saani
Earlier, I had the privilege of inaugurating the new Board of Directors for the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
As I emphasized during the ceremony, no country develops without sustained agricultural development.
Mohammed Kudus has reached an agreement with Tottenham on a six-year deal
Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Ghanaian attacker Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United on July 9, 2025.
According to The Athletic sports journalist David Ornstein, an amount of £55m was accepted by the London club, which was initially demanding a fee in the region of £85 million earlier.
It was noted that Kudus will travel to Tottenham to undertake his medicals on Thursday, July 10, 2025, to examine his medical condition and finalise the deal.
Ornstein disclosed that the Ghanaian player signed a six-year contract that runs from 2025 to 2031.
“Tottenham Hotspur reach total agreement with West Ham United to sign Mohammed Kudus. Deal for 24-year-old #WHUFC forward worth in the region of £55m. Medical scheduled on Thursday ahead of Ghana international joining #THFC on a 6-year contract,” he wrote on his X page.
This brings an end to transfer speculation concerning his future, as clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and others were chasing his signature.
Read the tweet below:
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur reach total agreement with West Ham United to sign Mohammed Kudus. Deal for 24yo #WHUFC forward worth in region of £55m. Medical scheduled on Thursday ahead of Ghana international joining #THFC on 6yr contract @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/eioDT7TZfX
Di changes wey di United States make to dia reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy dey expected to affect Nigerian tourists, students and business travellers wey dey enta America di most.
On Tuesday, 8 July di United States Mission for Nigeria for statement bin announce sweeping changes to dia non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, wey reduce di duration and conditions under which most Nigerian travellers go fit enta America.
Dem announce say, “Effective immediately most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria go be single-entry visas wit a three-month validity period.
Dis move na part of one global reciprocity rearrangement, wey be sharp departure from previous visa terms, wey bin often allow for multiple entries ova two years or more.
For years, di US don issue Nigerians 5-year visitor visas and 2-year student visas, even though Nigeria dey only offer single-entry visas valid for three months only for those wey dey plan to visit di kontri from US.
“We wish to note say, as e be standard globally, visa reciprocity na continuous process and e dey subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” di statement read.
“Di US non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, go retain dia status and validity,” di statement add.
Dis reciprocity no apply to pipo wey get immigrant visa, na only for non-immigrant and nondiplomatic visa.
Di Nigerian govment neva respond to dis development yet.
Wetin be US non-immigrant visa and who fall under dis category
Di US govment dey issue non-immigrant visas to foreign national wey wan enta di kontri on temporary basis – for tourism, business, medical treatment, business, temporary work, study, or oda similar reasons.
Di most common types of US temporary visas include di following:
.B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: Dis na type of visitor visa wey di US goment dey give pipo wey wan travel go di kontri for business or pleasure. Dem bin dey allow individuals to stay for di kontri for up to six months at a time.
.F Student Visa: Dis type of visa na for pipo wey wan study for America. E dey allow students to attend school full-time and stay for di kontri for up to two years, option bin dey to extend am.
.H Temporary Work Visas: Dis visas like di H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visas, dey allow pipo work for di US for a limited period of time.
.J Exchange Visitor Visa: Dis type of visa na for those wey dey travel go di United States as part of exchange program wey school or organization dey sponsor. E bin dey allow individuals to stay for di kontri for up to 1 year and dem also fit extend am.
Wbetin Reciprocity mean?
Reciprocity simply mean treating citizens of kontris equally under di law.
Non-immigrant visa applicants from certain kontris like Nigeria or areas of authority fit need to pay visa issuance fee afta dem approve dia application. Dis fees na based on di principle of reciprocity: Wen one foreign govment impose fees on US citizens for certain type of visas, US go impose similar fee on citizens of dat kontri or area of authority for similar types of visas.
Wetin Nigeria law tok about other citizens getting visa to visit
Nigeria goment dey issue different visas to pipo wey wan enta di kontri depending on di purpose of di visit.
Short Visit Visas dey allow travellers visit Nigeria for a period not exceeding three months (90 days) for di purpose of visit, tourism, business meeting, conference, seminar, contract negotiation, marketing, sales, purchase, distribution of Nigerian goods, Trade Fairs, job interview, sports, entertainment, study tour, academic exchange programme, humanitarian services, relief/emergency works, and temporary work permits.
Tourism Visa: Nigeria immigration dey give single-entry, 30-day visa for tourism and sightseeing for Nigeria. Applicants must get valid passport, return ticket, evidence of accommodation and bank statement to show sufficient funds. Dem restrict am strictly for leisure and no allow work or extensions. Minors also need parental consent documents.
Student Visa: Dem dey issue student visa to individuals wey wan pursue full-time studies at approved Nigerian educational institutions. Di visa dey valid for di duration of di academic program, and applicant fit renew am one year at a time.
Meanwhile, for dia statement, di U.S. govment say dem dey work closely wit Nigerian authorities to ensure say di kontri meet key international standards, wey include:
.issuing secure travel documents,
.managing visa overstays, and
.
.sharing security or criminal data for public safety purposes
“Di United States value dia longstanding relationship wit Nigeria and remain committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our kontris safer and stronger,” di statement add.
Dem encourage Nigerian travellers to respect and stick to di terms of dia visas, and ensure travel documents dey authentic, accurate, and up to date.
Ghanaian singer Amaarae has shared her hygiene standards and why she chooses not to eat at other people’s homes.
In an interview with British-Nigerian media personality Madame Joyce, the S.M.O singer shared that certain behaviours around cleanliness put her off.
Amaarae explained that she is uncomfortable with people who mix what she calls “bedroom stuff” with “bathroom stuff.”
She added that she dislikes it when people brush their teeth and walk around the house or dispose of things like toothpicks in the wrong place. According to her, these are signs of poor hygiene that make her uneasy.
Amaarae went on to say that she likes her home kept a certain way, and expects guests to respect her rules when they visit.
“I don’t like mixing bedroom and bathroom things. Like if you are brushing your teeth, stay in the bathroom, don’t come into the bedroom, I think that’s disgusting. Sometimes you know people walk around while they’re like brushing their teeth and stuff like that. If you eat right, throw the toothpick in the kitchen thrash, don’t bring it upstairs to the bedroom thrash. I find that disgusting.
“I like my home taken care of in a certain way so you can’t come in my home and you don’t abide by my rules. If you wash your plate, don’t use the same sponge for plate and glass. Because if you don’t do that, your glasses are gonna smell like food. When I go to other people’s homes, I don’t eat,” Amaarae stated.
@madamejoyce HYGIENE ICKS
#madamejoyce
#amaarae
#icks
#relatable
#CleanTok @Amaarae
♬ original sound – THE MAD/AME
The Accra High Court has dismissed an injunction application filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, seeking to stop the Electoral Commission (EC) from conducting a rerun of elections in 19 polling stations.
In an application for judicial review, the former MP contended that the EC’s decision contradicts a High Court order issued on January 4, 2025.
That ruling directed the Commission to collate and declare results from all 281 polling stations in the constituency, not to hold fresh elections.
Nana Akua’s lawyer, Gary Nimako, argued that the EC’s Deputy Chairperson, Bossman Asare, under oath, stated there were only three outstanding polling stations to be collated and had requested police security for the process.
They therefore cannot fathom why the EC now intends to disobey the court order and rerun elections in 19 polling stations on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Adom News’ Prince Owusu Asiedu, who was in court, reported that Mr. Nimako described the EC’s move as contempt of court.
He pleaded with the judge, Justice Alibaba Abature, to direct the EC to appear before the court within 10 days to explain its decision to defy the earlier judgment.
Despite these arguments, Justice Abature ruled that the ex-parte application was “unmeritorious.”
Gospel musician, Mabel Okyere, has affirmed that legendary highlife musician Abrantie Amakye Dede’s song, ‘Sufre Wo Nyame’, is indeed a gospel song.
According to her, the lyrics convey part of God’s message to believers and those who follow the teachings of the Bible.
“If you listen to the words in the song, you will know that it’s gospel. It’s not just a song — it contains the word of God,” she told Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli on the Changes show.
She disclosed that, the fact that an artiste performs highlife music does not make the person ungodly. She explained that ‘Sufre Wo Nyame’ is an inspiration to the youth, especially at a time when many young people are in a hurry to succeed, forgetting that success is a process and everyone’s journey is different.
According to Ms. Okyere, when she first heard the song, she felt it carried a divine message that deserved to be sung in church. This inspired her to record a worship remix of the song for gospel music lovers.
“I said that the words in the song need to enter the house of God because they are from God. So why can’t I do a worship version so it can be sung in church? That’s how I got into the studio to record it, and after I did, I’ve been able to sing it in any church auditorium without being criticised. So, it’s not a worldly song,” she insisted.
When asked if she sought Amakye Dede’s approval before releasing her version of the song, she said “Yes,” but admitted that she did so after the release.
“After I told him about it, he said he had already heard and didn’t have any issue with it. But he added that if I hadn’t called to tell him, he would have been disappointed in me.”
The song, ‘Sufre Wo Nyame’, which translates as ‘Cry and Call on Your God’, highlights the stages people go through on their journey to success. It encourages those who feel like giving up — especially when they see their peers advancing — to keep striving and praying to God, trusting that things will eventually work out for their good.
NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, says the Electoral Commission (EC)’s decision to rerun the Ablekuma North parliamentary election is illegal.
He insists that the court’s order was strictly for collation, not a fresh vote.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 8, Kodua maintained that the party would not participate in the EC’s “unlawful” rerun scheduled for July 11, 2025.
“The Court made an explicit pronouncement that EC, we are giving you an order of mandamus – go and collate the outstanding polling stations and declare the results. The court never said, go and do a rerun,” he said.
Mr Kodua explained that the NPP had already scanned all 281 pink sheets from polling stations and independently collated results showing their candidate leading with 34,613 votes against the NDC candidate’s 34,199 – a margin of 414 votes.
“We were very sure,” he said until the chaos that erupted at the coalition centre disrupted the process.
The NPP says that chaos led to ballot papers being burnt, pink sheets torn, and Electoral Commission officers being attacked and dragged away from the collation centre.
At that moment, according to Mr Kodua, “the Electoral Commission didn’t even have some of their pink sheets because they were destroyed.”
He revealed that the EC eventually relied on scanned copies of the NPP’s pink sheets to attempt collation for some polling stations.
“Some of our pink sheets are with the Electoral Commission because they relied on it, and they wanted to keep it for the record,” he said.
Evans Mensah, host of PM Express, questioned whether the NPP, being in power then, should not take responsibility for the failure to secure the collation process.
Mr Kodua deflected: “That is why it’s important that our institutions are supposed to be impartial. That’s why it’s important our institutions are supposed to be professional.”
He questioned whether the police’s failure to provide security was a deliberate act by the current government.
“So are you trying to tell me that the reason why the police failed to provide security… was because they were working under the behest of this government? Is it deliberate?”
Mr Kodua then returned to the legal basis for the party’s stance. “We are in court, and the EC has been cited for contempt,” he said.
“The directive from the court was explicit… You cannot vary the order of the court.” He added that if the EC had any concerns with enforcing the court’s directive, it should have returned to the court for clarification or a variation – not unilaterally decide to conduct a rerun.
He described the EC’s current path as “a bad precedent for this country” and reiterated that any move toward a rerun after an election must come from a court of competent jurisdiction, not from the Electoral Commission itself.
As tensions rise ahead of the July 11 date, the NPP’s position is clear: this is not a rerun, it’s a matter of collation, and anything else is contempt of court.
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The Bawumia for NPP 2028 flagbearer campaign, has appointed the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker as the Western Regional Campaign Coordinator.
Chris Larbi, a member of the Regional Communication team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), disclosed this on the Takoradi-based Western Diamond TV yesterday.
He attributed the appointment of the former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to his extensive experience and commitment to ensuring that Dr. Bawumia becomes the next president of Ghana.
He indicated that Mr. Duker will among other things oversee the coordination of campaign activities in the region.
Mr. Larbi called on the party’s activists in the region to support Mr. Duker to ensure the success of the campaign and to make Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the 2028 NPP flagbearer as well as the country’s next president.
Mr. Duker became a Special Aide at the Ministry of Local Government in 2007 before being appointed as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem by the then President, John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008.
He was the former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem between 2017 and 2025.
During the 2024 electioneering campaign, the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Bawumia, appointed Mireku Duker as the Campaign Coordinator for mining communities.
The Accra High Court has dismissed a legal challenge by NPP candidate Nana Akua Afriyie, authorizing Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to proceed with tomorrow’s parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North.
Justice Ali Baba Abature ruled on July 10 that halting the vote would “undermine the EC’s constitutional mandate,” stressing that the “balance of convenience” requires ensuring constituency representation in Parliament.
The rerun—covering 19 disputed polling stations from the December 2024 elections—was contested by Afriyie, who argued it violated a January 4 court order directing the EC to collate results from 62 stations. Her counsel, Gary Nimako, cited a January EC statement confirming only three results were pending.
Justice Abature upheld the EC’s authority, stating the rerun aligns with electoral integrity and public confidence. The decision enables the EC to complete the process under the Mahama administration’s oversight.
Opposition lawmaker Patrick Boamah (NPP, Okaikwei Central) has publicly challenged Ghana’s decision to abstain from a July 7 UN Human Rights Council vote renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on LGBTQ+ violence and discrimination.
The motion passed 29-15, with only Ghana, Nepal, and Vietnam abstaining.
“I was surprised,” Boamah stated on July 9, recalling prior government assurances it would not support the measure. “We expected Ghana to take a firm position reflecting our cultural and constitutional values.” He emphasized the vote transcended foreign policy, calling it a “constitutional issue” involving “things alien to our culture.”
The MP announced plans to formally question the Mahama administration’s rationale for abstaining, arguing it wasted a chance to affirm Ghana’s stance. The move comes amid ongoing domestic debate over LGBTQ+ rights, where Ghana’s Parliament recently passed a bill criminalizing same-sex relationships and advocacy, though it awaits presidential assent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to explain the abstention.
Gospel musician Jemima Annor Yeboah, popularly known as Jayana, is blaming the Christ Apostolic Church for the death of her father, Apostle Dr Augustine Annor Yeboah.
The late apostle, who served as General Secretary and later Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church for many years, was controversially voted out in an election that led to his departure from the church.
Speaking in an emotional interview with MzGee on ‘Just Being Us’, Jayana revealed that her father’s health began to deteriorate following what she described as a painful and humiliating exit from the church.
Although Apostle Annor Yeboah later founded the Christian Praise International Centre (CPIC), Jayana said he never recovered from the betrayal and treatment he received from the church he had served faithfully.
“I would say that I was very bitter. A secretary of a church that had nothing, becoming a chairman, and then all of a sudden, it’s like you’ve been stripped of everything. He was crying, his eyes were swollen. They took him away from us,” she recounted, breaking into tears.
Jayana also revealed that the loss of her father deeply affected her personal life. Her marriage, she said, collapsed just a year after his passing.
Apostle Dr Augustine Annor Yeboah, a renowned preacher and one of Ghana’s most recognisable Christian figures on television, passed away on June 26, 2014, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. He was laid to rest on August 23, 2014.
Ten years on, his daughter, once a contestant on Stars of the Future and now an established gospel artist, shares her family’s struggles in a heartfelt interview with MzGee on Akwaaba Magic which airs every wednesday.
Watch the video below:
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The National Cathedral of Ghana’s Board of Directors has denied rumors that the state-allocated site for the project is being converted into a Cultural Convention Center.
The public’s mounting anxiety about rumours circulating on the internet prompted an emergency board meeting on July 7, 2025, which resulted in this clarification.
Dr Paul Opoku-Mensah, the Executive Director of the National Cathedral, stressed in a statement released on Wednesday, July 9, that no government agency has formally announced any modification to the project’s goal.
“The National Cathedral project has not been abandoned, nor has there been any official decision to convert the site into a Cultural Convention Centre,” the statement asserted. “The site remains legally held by the National Cathedral of Ghana, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, with all architectural and design plans tailored specifically for its current religious and cultural vision.”
He reiterated that the Cathedral was intended to serve as a hallowed national venue for important religious official functions, including national Thanksgiving celebrations and state burials.
The President’s recent proclamation of July 1 as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer, he continued, emphasizes how crucial and urgent it is to finish the project.
Apart from its religious purpose, the Cathedral is intended to be a beacon of culture and heritage. A Bible Museum, Biblical Garden, banquet hall, 350-seat restaurant, library, and conference center are among the planned amenities, which are all intended to foster faith-based travel and patriotism.
Responding to concerns, the Board referenced a Deloitte & Touche audit that certified that all public money allotted to the project were accounted for and that payments were made only on the basis of verified work and signed contracts.
Regarding the future, the Board disclosed that talks are under progress to implement a different strategy for finishing the project. In order to depoliticize the effort and gather the required resources, this tactic entails encouraging cooperation between the government, the church, and civil society.
“The Board remains fully committed to the vision of the National Cathedral,” Dr. Opoku-Mensah concluded, “not only as a national place of worship and unity for the Christian community, but also as an interfaith and cultural space for all Ghanaians.”
The Secretariat called on the public to ignore false information and to back further initiatives to provide what it calls a “family house for all Christians” and a unifying national symbol.
KA
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The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the government has decided to recapitalise the National Investment Bank (NIB).
This comes at a time when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has noted that Ghanaian authorities have intensified efforts to address undercapitalised banks.
Speaking at the inauguration of a nine-member Board of Directors for the NIB on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Dr Ato Forson stated that comprehensive details of the bank’s recapitalisation plan will be unveiled during the upcoming mid-year budget review in Parliament.
“Today, I had the honour of inaugurating the new 9-member Board of Directors for the National Investment Bank (NIB). Under this new leadership, NIB will operate with the independence and professionalism it deserves. I am pleased to announce that the government has made a bold decision to recapitalise NIB,” he stated.
He added that strengthening Ghana’s financial sector requires the full implementation of strategic reforms, including measures to support state-owned banks.
“Strengthening Ghana’s financial sector requires full implementation plan such as the government’s move to finalise reform strategy to support state-owned banks and develop contingency plans to address weak banks that fail to recapitalize.
“Stepped-up efforts to improve the crisis management and resolution framework, enhance financial-sector safety nets, and address legacy issues at the specialised deposit-taking institutions are also important,” he said.
Today, I had the honour of inaugurating the new 9-member Board of Directors for the National Investment Bank (NIB).
Under this new leadership, NIB will operate with the independence and professionalism it deserves.
The mother of Sophia Koetsier, the Dutch medical student who disappeared in Murchison Falls National Park in 2015, broke down in court as she gave harrowing testimony about her daughter’s last known days and the painful aftermath of her disappearance.
Ms Marije Slijkerman, 68, a retired Dutch journalist and film producer from Amsterdam, told the Buganda Road Court yesterday that Sophia, then 21, was her only daughter, a bright medical graduate who had come to Uganda for a two-month internship at Lubaga Hospital through AIESEC before she vanished during a post-internship safari. “She was loving, very beautiful, and intelligent,” said Ms Slijkerman amid tears.
“I feel amputated without Sophia. We have not celebrated her birthday for nine years,” Ms Slijkerman testified before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, Ronald Kayizzi.
With trembling hands in a teary voice, Slijkerman reached into her bag and pulled out a collection of photographs of her daughter Sophia, taken both in the Netherlands and during her time in Uganda. Holding them up one by one before the court, she pointed out the dates and locations stamped on the back.
“This one was from her phone… this one was taken in Uganda, at the hospital where she interned.” The courtroom fell silent as Ms Slijkerman’s voice broke. “She was so full of life,” she said.
“These are all I have left. I printed them from my laptop in Amsterdam. I just want people to remember her,” she added.
According to her testimony, Sophia had completed her internship and was on a 17-day tour around Uganda with two Dutch companions and a Ugandan tour operator, Michael Kijjambu of Remikable Adventures, when she went missing on October 28, 2015, at Paraa in Murchison Falls National Park.
Ms Slijkerman said she was in Uganda at the time of the trip, having visited her daughter earlier that month. Sophia had emailed her an itinerary in September 2015, which named Remikable Adventures and Kijjambu as the organiser. “She always kept in touch with me, even sending weekly updates with the family. I knew about the trip; she sent me the plan. I still have that itinerary,” she testified.
Dark turn
But the journey took a dark turn. In Kidepo Valley National Park, Sophia began exhibiting unpredictable behaviour. Ms Slijkerman said her daughter had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16, a condition that caused periodic manic episodes when triggered by stress or exhaustion.
“She would become very active, not sleeping, and seek strangers’ company. She felt good, like she was on top of the world, but it exhausted her,” said Ms Slijkerman.
Ms Slijkerman learnt from Sophia’s companions that her behaviour became erratic during the safari. An English family camping nearby later contacted Slijkerman two years later via email, recalling how Sophia had approached them at 3 am, apologising for disturbing them.
“They said she looked vulnerable and unaware of the dangers around her,” she said. Despite warnings from both the English tourists and park officials to halt the trip and seek medical help, Kijjambu and the group proceeded to Murchison Falls. “Mr Kijjambu was told to stop and take her to a hospital, but he did not. He continued to Murchison Falls National Game Park,” Slijkerman said, visibly shaken. “Why did he ignore all those warnings?” On the evening of October 28, Slijkerman received two phone calls from one of Sophia’s companions.
The first, around 6:30 pm, expressed concern about Sophia’s state and suggested returning to Kampala. The second just before 9:15pm reported that Sophia was missing and was last seen near the student centre at Paraa. “I rushed there, but it was too late,” Slijkerman said. “On October 30, I arrived at the site. I saw some of her things, torn fabric and shoes we had bought together in a store before she travelled to Uganda.” Sophia was never found.
Confrontation
Kijjambu and the other two travellers left the park on November 2. Ms Slijkerman said she confronted him before he left and also received an invoice for the trip, which was used to support an insurance claim. Sophia paid €1,600 for her share of the tour, totalling €4,800 for the group. “She told me it covered everything except food and drinks,” said Ms Slijkerman. The court heard that Sophia had disclosed her mental health condition to her companions five days into the trip. However, Kijjambu allegedly described her as “crazy” and failed to act on advice to seek medical care.
“I never told him directly about her condition because she was an adult,” Ms Slijkerman explained during cross-examination. “It was her right to disclose it.” She also revealed that she had no contact with Kijjambu during the trip from Kidepo to Murchison Falls and was not informed of any problems. “He took them to an unsecured student centre. It’s not well manned. That’s where she vanished,” she said. “He knew she was unwell and ignored all warnings,” she added. Now nearly 10 years , Sophia remains missing.
Ms Slijkerman said the disappearance shattered her family. “I cannot concentrate. None of us sleep well. It changed our lives completely.” The defence, led by lawyer Ponny Mugwanya, objected to the admission of several documents, including the trip itinerary and invoice, arguing they were not properly authenticated. But the prosecution, led by Ms Joan Keko, insisted they were traceable to Slijkerman’s emails and laptop in Amsterdam. The case, in which Kijjambu is accused of operating as an unlicensed tour operator, resumes August 5.
Background
Sophia Koetsier was a 21-year-old medical student from the Netherlands, remembered by her family as bright, compassionate, and full of promise. She travelled to Uganda in 2015 through the global youth exchange platform AIESEC for a two-month internship at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala.
Passionate about global health, Sophia had plans to return to the Netherlands to begin her career in medicine. She was also open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, which she had managed since age 16.
According to her mother, Sophia loved travel and cultural exchange, which led her to embark on a 17-day safari around Uganda after completing her internship. Her disappearance on October 28, 2015, during that tour, remains a mystery nearly a decade later.
Being in the limelight often comes with its own share of rumours and public misconceptions, many of which can be damaging to a person’s character, especially for individuals in faith-based professions. For Ghanaian gospel artiste Noble Nketsiah, such speculation has been part of his journey, but he says he’s no longer moved by it.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM, the ‘Mmofra Yi’ hitmaker addressed some of the rumours that have trailed him over the years. When asked to share some of the wild claims he’s heard about himself, Noble didn’t hold back.
“I’ve heard people say I’m gay. Others have also said I’m a womanizer,” he revealed. “It’s funny because I ask myself — how can I be both at the same time? It doesn’t make sense.”
He was, however, quick to add that he doesn’t dwell on such things, as they are often part of the price one pays for being in the public eye. “I don’t take it seriously. It comes with the territory. If you are known or in the spotlight — especially doing God’s work — people will talk.”
Noble Nketsiah explained that a lot of these assumptions stem from hearsay, and unfortunately, many people are quick to believe such stories without any attempt to get to know the truth.
“People pay too much attention to hearsay,” he said. “But when you get close to me, you’ll realise the kind of person I truly am.”
The gospel singer recalled an encounter with someone who bluntly told him that his calm and upright behaviour gave the impression that he was flawless — and that if anything negative ever surfaced about him, it would be serious. “Someone once told me to my face, ‘You always act so holy, the day your issue comes, it will be wild.’”
Despite the rumours and public commentary, Noble believes he has been sustained by grace. “I’ve been kept by the grace of God,” he said. “And I pray He continues to keep me.”
With a career that spans over two decades in gospel music, Noble Nketsiah remains one of the voices known for his humility, powerful lyrics, and consistency — attributes that continue to draw admiration from his core audience despite the occasional cloud of gossip.
Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, says nothing will stop the party from winning the upcoming parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency, scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025.
In an interview with James Avedzi, Gbande expressed strong confidence that the NDC’s candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn, will emerge victorious—just as he claims the party did in the original December 2024 election, which was disrupted before a winner could be officially declared.
“Nothing will stop us [NDC] from taking that seat, and we are going back for them [constituents] to conclude on what is in question,” Gbande stated.
He added: “We are ready. Our team is on the ground. The national chairman himself [Johnson Asiedu Nketia] moved to the scene. We are ready for Friday’s election. We sent our agents to participate in the printing of ballot papers, and everything is underway.”
The rerun follows the Electoral Commission’s (EC) failure to declare a winner in the December 2024 parliamentary race due to disturbances and violence involving supporters of both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The chaos forced the EC to suspend the collation process, leaving the seat unclaimed.
Friday’s rerun will be conducted in 19 polling stations to determine the winner of the seat.
The NPP has publicly declared a boycott of the exercise, citing alleged irregularities and a loss of trust in the EC’s handling of the process.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has dismissed an injunction application filed by Nana Akua Afriyie, the NPP parliamentary candidate, who sought to stop the rerun, arguing that the EC’s actions contradicted a previous court ruling.
Jafaro Mahammed, popularly known in showbiz as Addiself the starboy of the defunct Militant music group, headlined the Canada Day ‘All-White Affair’ at the 4040 Steeles Avenue.
The sold-out event organised by Afro Entertainment and La Shish brought together a vibrant mix of Caribbean diaspora and dancehall enthusiasts in Toronto and its environs.
The “No Apology” crooner is gradually becoming one of Ghana’s sensation in the dancehall music genre with authentic releases like “Gyal dem daddy”, “1 Self ” and ” money answer” for which the music video was shot in Toronto after the electrifying performance on stage Monday, June 30, 2025.
He travelled to Canada with his able manager, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer for Yard Base and Arts, Nana Yaw Fosuhene Kye.
The organisers of the ‘All- White Affair’ took the Self Nation boss and his crew on a scheduled media tour to promote the event before the much-anticipated night of glitz, culture and fun.
for the night was provided by some of Canada’s favourite disc jockeys, including DJ Bravado and DJ Cookie DOH.
Before Addiself graced the stage with his memorable performance, budding acts like Cobbi Kay, Cyborg and Bugatti Bonsu treated the audience to various tunes, setting the mood for the Self Nation boss to shut down the event arena.
After hours of making patrons dance to his tunes, more accolades kept coming in support of a top-notch performance.
Addiself, after the event urged his loyal fans to keep supporting his brand for global recognition.
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Accra, July 9, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated Ghana’s readiness to lead a new era of maritime security, innovation, and prosperity.
He also underscored Ghana’s commitment to regional maritime security, economic resilience, and international cooperation.
The President stated this in a statement read on his behalf by Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, at the Fourth International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) at Burma Camp in Accra.
Addressing security chiefs, diplomatic partners, and industry stakeholders from across the globe, President Mahama said: “The blue economy is our next frontier”.
“It is time to match our aspirations with investments in technology, collaboration, and human capacity development.”
President Mahama noted that his vision was not merely about safeguarding Ghana’s coastline but about unlocking the full economic potential of West Africa’s maritime domain—from oil and gas infrastructure to fishing, port modernization, and regional trade corridors.
He emphasized that maritime security was essential not only for protecting national assets but for advancing the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the region’s industrial transformation.
He noted that Ghana would deepen cooperation with its neighbours and international allies to combat piracy, illicit trafficking, and environmental degradation in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We must adopt a shared security approach—no country can protect its maritime space in isolation,” he said.
The President said Ghana under his leadership would build on smart partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and global powers to protect the common waters and promote peace.
He outlined Ghana’s plan to enhance the capabilities of the Ghana Navy and allied agencies by investing in cutting-edge surveillance, joint training, and research facilities.
The President called on stakeholders, both public and private, to support Ghana’s blueprint for the future.
He reiterated that Ghana remained open for strategic investment and joint ventures in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and coastal tourism.
As the IMDEC 2025 conference continues, Ghana’s role as a beacon of stability and innovation in West Africa has once again taken center stage.
“Our waters hold the promise of economic empowerment. Let us secure it. Let us protect it. And let us build a future upon it,” he said.
The Director of Communications for the 2024 Bawumia Campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has described the much-touted 24-Hour Economy policy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign as nothing more than a grand deception.
In a sharp critique following the release of the NDC’s policy document, he asserted that what Ghanaians have been handed is not the bold, job-creating economic revolution that was promised, but a diluted rehash of existing initiatives, particularly the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter.
“This is not a 24-hour economy policy. This is a glorified consultant’s report dressed up to cover broken promises,” Mr. Aboagye stated. “Ghanaians were sold a dream, but the NDC has delivered a scam.”
Shifting the Goalposts
He accused the NDC of moving the goalposts after winning power on the back of the 24-hour economy promise, saying the policy now presented lacks the very elements that made it a central campaign message.
“They promised a shift job system, incentives for 24-hour businesses, and even nightlife expansion, but all they’ve offered is a footnote in an existing policy framework. Where is the transformational plan they promised?”
Mr. Aboagye highlighted that key elements of the original proposal – such as the controversial “1-3-3” job model, where three people were to share one job through shifts – are conspicuously missing from the actual document.
“Felix Kwakye Ofosu said waakye sellers would operate 24 hours. Former President Mahama promised nightclubs would run all night. Where are these in the final plan? Nowhere.”
Key Points of Deception According to Miracles Aboagye
1. The 24-Hour Economy was a Mirage
According to him, the NDC created the illusion of a nationwide economic overhaul, pledging that factories, offices, and services would run around the clock.
Reality Check:
For him, the so-called plan barely mandates 24-hour operations. He argues that most of the institutions cited (e.g., ports, Ghana Publishing) already operate 24 hours due to sector demands, not because of new interventions. Miracles Aboagye further criticises the absence of a clear roadmap for scaling 24-hour services nationwide.
2. The “1-3-3” Employment Promise Was a Gimmick
The campaign pitch that three workers would share one job via shift systems was abandoned altogether, according to Miracles Aboagye.
Reality Check:
In the statement, he reveals that the policy document makes no mention of “1-3-3.” Instead, it projects 1.7 million jobs by 2028, which he believes are regular jobs, not shift-based. Miracles Aboagye buttresses his point that the policy document concedes that unemployment will remain around 12% by 2028.
“This was a bait-and-switch. They promised shift work jobs and now hide behind general employment projections,” he noted.
3. Incentives with No Teeth Mr. Aboagye dismissed the tax incentives for 24-hour businesses as “token gestures,” arguing that most businesses lack the capacity to benefit from them.
Ablekuma North rerun sets dangerous precedent – Miracles Aboagye warns
The manager of Nigerian award-winning singer, Davido, Asa Asika, has claimed that Afrobeats would have been bigger and more successful if the singer had collaborated with his colleague, Wizkid and other artistes.
Naija News reports that Asika made the statement while discussing Afrobeats’ global success during his appearance on the ‘Afropolitan’ podcast.
A leading member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to rerun the entire parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Speaking on TV3 New Day on Wednesday, July 9, he established that all key stakeholders, including the EC, the NPP and the NDC, have admitted that the original results from the 281 polling stations cannot be traced, leaving the integrity of the electoral process in question.
GHANA’S BLACK Queens suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa in their opening Group C match at the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Oudja.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkgren named a strong starting lineup, with Cynthia Konlan Findiib in goal and captain Portia Boakye leading a defense that included Comfort Yeboah, Susan Ama Duah, and Anasthesia Achiaa. The midfield featured Grace Asantewaa, Wassima Mohammed, and Alice Kusi, while Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu led the attack.
Ghana started brightly, dominating the first 15 minutes and creating pressure down the flanks. But despite several promising moves, the Black Queens failed to find the net, with Doris Boaduwaa missing key chances.
South Africa seized the momentum midway through the first half. Linda Motlhalo converted a 30th-minute penalty after Grace Asantewaa was penalized for a foul in the box. Just three minutes later, Jermaine Seoposenwe added a second with a composed finish, punishing Ghana’s defensive lapse.
The Black Queens came close to pulling one back, with Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu both striking the woodwork. However, South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini produced a series of important saves, including a key stop from Asantewaa’s long-range effort, to keep Ghana scoreless.
With the win, South Africa sits atop Group C with three points and upcoming fixtures against Tanzania and Mali. Ghana, meanwhile, will need to bounce back quickly as they prepare to face Mali in a crucial second group match on Friday, July 11, 2025.
