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Why Otumfuo’s position on chieftaincy is about protecting tradition, not resisting change

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When Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, spoke firmly against attempts to use legislation to include Queen mothers in sittings of the Houses of Chiefs, his message was simple but profound: chieftaincy must not become a political experiment.

This was not a rejection of queen mothers. It was a defense of customary law, constitutional order, and the dignity of traditional authority.

Chieftaincy was never meant to be controlled by politics

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution deliberately shields chieftaincy from political interference. Under Article 270, the institution of chieftaincy is guaranteed “as established by customary law and usage.” This wording matters. It means chieftaincy exists because communities recognise it, not because Parliament created it.

The Constitution goes further by restricting Parliament from passing any law that undermines the honour, dignity, or structure of chieftaincy. In effect, lawmakers are custodians, not architects, of traditional authority.

Otumfuo’s concern is therefore constitutional: once politicians begin redesigning customary institutions, chieftaincy loses the very independence that gives it legitimacy.

What the Chieftaincy Act (As Revised in 2020) was meant to do

The Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) as amended and operationally reviewed by 2020—did not alter this constitutional philosophy. Its purpose remains administrative and facilitative, not transformative.

Even after the 2020 reforms, the Act:

– Retains the Traditional Councils, Regional Houses of Chiefs, and the National House of Chiefs as bodies rooted in custom.

– Preserves the principle that membership and representation flow from customary law, not political discretion.

– Focuses reforms on dispute resolution, record-keeping, procedures, and efficiency, not on redefining traditional authority or customary roles.

Critically, the Act does not mandate Parliament to restructure how traditional areas organise themselves internally.

There is still no statutory power for political actors to determine how Asante, Dagomba, Anlo, Mamprusi, Gonja, or Ga systems should assign authority or representation within their customary frameworks.

That restraint—maintained even after the 2020 review—is deliberate. Ghana’s strength lies in its plurality of customs, not in imposing uniform institutional models across distinct traditional systems.

Customary law is not inferior law

Under Article 11 of the Constitution, customary law is a recognised source of law in Ghana. It is living law, shaped by history, values, and long-standing communal practice, which conforms to the statues of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

In Asante tradition, queen mothers are not ceremonial figures. They are deeply influential, particularly in nomination, succession, counsel, and moral authority. Their power is real—but it is exercised according to custom, not through open deliberative sittings of chiefs.

That distinction is not discrimination. It is customary design, preserved and respected by both the Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act—even after its 2020 reforms.

Why Otumfuo’s warning matters

The real danger Otumfuo highlighted is this:

If Parliament can decide who sits in traditional councils today, it can decide who controls chieftaincy tomorrow.

Once chieftaincy becomes subject to political pressure, lobbying, or ideological fashion, it loses its neutrality. And once neutrality is lost, tradition becomes vulnerable to division and manipulation.

Ghana’s constitutional framers understood this risk. That is why chieftaincy was insulated from politics in 1992, and why subsequent statutory reforms, including those up to 2020, stopped short of altering customary authority.

Reform must come from within tradition

Custom is not static. It evolves—but it must evolve organically, through dialogue and consensus within the traditional system itself. Change imposed from outside, however well-intentioned, weakens rather than strengthens tradition.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s position is therefore not about blocking progress. It is about ensuring that progress respects history, identity, and constitutional boundaries.

MIIF and Gold Fields Explore Investment Partnerships in Ghana

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Miif And Gold Fields
Miif And Gold Fields

Gold Fields Ghana executives met Minerals Income Investment Fund officials Wednesday to discuss operational insights, investment opportunities and collaboration areas as the mining giant highlighted its substantial contribution to Ghana’s economy.

The December 18 engagement at MIIF headquarters centered on Gold Fields’ operations accounting for 31 percent of the company’s global production, underscoring Ghana’s strategic importance within the multinational’s portfolio. The discussions aimed to explore partnership avenues benefiting both entities while advancing Ghana’s mining sector development.

Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana, led the company delegation alongside Emma Morrison, Regional Head of Corporate Affairs, and William Empeh, Head of Human Resources. MIIF Chief Technical Officer Kwabena Barning headed the fund’s team with senior management members.

Twum emphasized operational excellence pillars that have driven Gold Fields’ consistent performance in Ghana. He identified experienced technical and management teams, robust organizational governance, strong Environmental, Social and Governance footprint, Ghana’s significant resource potential, and operations within a tier-one mining jurisdiction as critical success factors.

The company’s commitment to sustainable operations extends beyond mineral extraction into community development and environmental stewardship. Gold Fields established Ghana’s first mine foundation, demonstrating corporate responsibility innovation that has become a sector benchmark for other mining companies operating in the country.

Infrastructure development represents a cornerstone of Gold Fields’ community engagement strategy. The company constructed a 33-kilometer asphalted road linking Tarkwa and Damang at $27 million, addressing transportation challenges that had hampered economic activity and social mobility in mining communities for decades.

Sports infrastructure received similar attention through construction of a 10,000-capacity stadium costing $13 million. The facility serves local communities while promoting youth development through sporting activities, reflecting Gold Fields’ understanding that mining companies carry responsibilities extending beyond immediate operational areas.

Environmental remediation initiatives demonstrate technical innovation applied to sustainability challenges. Gold Fields rehabilitated tailings storage facilities into productive farmland, transforming previously degraded mining sites into agricultural assets that generate income for host communities while addressing environmental concerns about abandoned mining infrastructure.

These environmental and social initiatives earned Gold Fields the Best Green Mine and Best Performer in Environmental Management awards for 2024. The recognition from industry peers validates the company’s integrated approach linking operational efficiency with environmental protection and community development.

MIIF representatives expressed appreciation for the engagement while emphasizing the fund’s interest in exploring collaboration through knowledge sharing and capacity building. The sovereign wealth fund seeks partnerships that strengthen Ghana’s mining value chain while ensuring mineral wealth benefits present and future generations.

The Minerals Income Investment Fund manages equity interests and mineral royalties accruing to Ghana from mining operations. Established by parliamentary Act 978 in 2018, MIIF aims to maximize value from mineral income through strategic investments across diversified asset classes and sectors beyond mining.

MIIF reported substantial growth in mineral royalty collections during 2025, with large-scale gold mining generating $291.87 million in royalties by September, representing a 40.18 percent increase from $208.20 million collected during the same period in 2024. The revenue surge reflects improved regulatory compliance and sustained investor confidence.

Gold Fields operates two mines in Ghana’s Ashanti Gold Belt through its 90 percent ownership stake, with the government holding 10 percent free-carry shares. The Tarkwa mine ranks among Africa’s largest gold producers, while Damang processes stockpiles as management evaluates future development options.

Ghana’s mining sector contributed $5.8 billion in mineral revenue during 2023, representing a 4.3 percent increase from $5.6 billion recorded in 2022. Gold remains the dominant export commodity, accounting for over 90 percent of mineral exports and approximately 12.3 percent of gross domestic product.

The country produced approximately 4.2 million ounces of gold in 2023, contributing roughly 4 percent of global output. Major producers including Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti and Kinross Gold operate extensive facilities across the Ashanti, Western and Eastern regions.

Gold Fields’ Ghana operations sit within the Birimian and Tarkwaian gold belts, geological formations containing some of West Africa’s richest mineral deposits. These greenstone belts formed during the Paleoproterozoic era and host numerous world-class gold deposits exploited commercially since the late 19th century.

The Tarkwa mine has operated continuously for several decades as one of Ghana’s most productive facilities. Open-pit operations process millions of tons of ore annually, employing sophisticated extraction technologies that maximize recovery while minimizing environmental impact through progressive rehabilitation programs.

MIIF’s investment mandate extends beyond passive royalty collection toward active participation in value chain development. The fund targets investments in mining support services, mineral processing, equipment manufacturing and technology transfer initiatives that embed more economic value within Ghana rather than exporting raw materials.

The potential collaboration between MIIF and Gold Fields could encompass multiple dimensions. Knowledge transfer programs might see Gold Fields sharing technical expertise with local mining companies supported by MIIF investments, accelerating capability development across the domestic sector.

Capacity building initiatives could involve training programs for Ghanaian professionals in specialized mining disciplines including geology, metallurgy, mine engineering and environmental management. Such investments address critical skills gaps constraining broader participation by indigenous companies in high-value mining operations.

Joint ventures represent another partnership possibility, with MIIF providing capital and Gold Fields contributing technical expertise for developing prospects requiring substantial investment and specialized knowledge. This model could accelerate exploitation of mineral deposits currently beyond reach of purely domestic operators.

The meeting reflects broader government policy encouraging deeper linkages between international mining companies and local economic development. Mining companies increasingly face expectations that operations generate spillover benefits beyond direct employment and tax payments.

Gold Fields’ sustainability initiatives align with growing investor emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance factors in evaluating mining investments. Companies demonstrating robust ESG performance attract capital more easily while securing social licenses to operate in communities potentially affected by mining activities.

The rehabilitation of tailings facilities into farmland exemplifies circular economy principles applied to mining. Rather than viewing mining as purely extractive, Gold Fields integrates restoration planning into operational design, ensuring post-mining landscapes deliver ongoing economic and ecological value.

Ghana’s regulatory framework has evolved to encourage local content development and community participation in mining value chains. The government’s 10 percent free-carry stake in major operations provides direct financial benefits while enabling policy influence over corporate strategy and operational standards.

MIIF reported assets under management reaching $919.39 million by June 2025, representing a 58.46 percent increase from 2024 year-end figures. The growth reflects both investment returns and increased royalty collections as global gold prices remained elevated throughout the period.

The fund’s investment strategy emphasizes diversification across sectors and geographies to reduce exposure to commodity price volatility. While anchored in mining revenues, MIIF seeks opportunities in infrastructure, financial services, agriculture and technology that generate consistent returns independent of mineral price cycles.

Recent MIIF initiatives include investments in small and medium enterprise funds supporting domestic businesses across multiple sectors. The fund committed GH¢25 million to the Injaro Ghana Venture Capital Fund, signaling interest in catalyzing entrepreneurship beyond traditional mining activities.

Gold Fields’ 31 percent production contribution from Ghana highlights the country’s strategic value within the company’s global portfolio. The concentration creates mutual dependency, incentivizing sustained investment in operational efficiency, community relations and environmental stewardship to protect long-term production capacity.

The company faces ongoing challenges including rising operational costs driven by inflation, increasing energy expenses, and pressure for higher local content in procurement and employment. Successfully navigating these pressures while maintaining production volumes requires continuous innovation in operational practices and stakeholder engagement.

Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading gold producer creates competitive advantages attracting international investment while generating substantial government revenues. However, maximizing long-term value requires moving beyond commodity export toward processing, manufacturing and service provision that capture more value domestically.

The Wednesday meeting represents one element in ongoing dialogue between public sector institutions and private mining companies about aligning commercial interests with national development objectives. Success depends on finding mutually beneficial arrangements that incentivize continued private investment while delivering broader economic transformation.

MIIF’s engagement with Gold Fields follows similar discussions with other major producers as the fund develops its investment pipeline. The systematic approach to relationship building reflects MIIF’s maturation from passive royalty collector toward active participant in shaping Ghana’s mining sector trajectory.

Future collaboration possibilities extend to research and development initiatives exploring new extraction technologies, environmental remediation techniques and mineral processing innovations. Ghana’s research institutions could benefit from industry partnerships providing practical problems for academic investigation alongside funding for postgraduate training.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing commitment to continued dialogue and exploring concrete partnership opportunities. Subsequent technical discussions will likely examine specific investment proposals, capability transfer programs and joint venture structures matching MIIF’s mandate with Gold Fields’ operational priorities.

“The media is the lifeblood of democracy,” Afenyo-Markin declares 

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By Godwill Arthur-Mensah 

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA – Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has described the media as the “lifeblood of democracy” commending the Parliamentary Press Corps for their dedicated coverage of parliamentary proceedings during the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.   

At the closing ceremony of the meeting on Friday, Mr Afenyo-Markin, also the NPP Member of Parliament for Effutu, praised the journalists for their professionalism and commitment, noting that their work ensured transparency and kept citizens informed about the activities of the legislature.   

He urged Members of Parliament to use the recess period to attend to their health, stressing that “knowing your health condition is better in order to treat it.” 

The Minority Leader underscored the importance of wellness for effective service delivery, encouraging his colleagues to undergo medical check-ups before the next session resumed.   

Mr Afenyo-Markin also expressed concern over alleged plans to remove him and being summoned before the Privileges Committee for purportedly disobeying a parliamentary resolution on Ghana’s representation at the ECOWAS Parliament.  

He maintained that he currently served as the Third Deputy Speaker at the ECOWAS Parliament, with his tenure running until 2028, and insisted that “no one can remove me.”   

The Minority Leader’s remarks capped the end of the Third Meeting of the First Session, which saw extensive debates and legislative business before Parliament adjourned for the Christmas recess.  

Parliament adjourned on Friday, December 19, 2025 sine die the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament after 35 sittings held within nine weeks.   

The adjournment brings to a close week of deliberations, debates, and legislative business that saw Members of Parliament (MPs) consider a wide range of motions, bills, and reports.   

During the period, the House engaged in extensive discussions on national policy matters, scrutinised government proposals, and exercised its oversight responsibilities across various sectors. 

He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the political divide to ensure that Parliament remained a strong pillar of Ghana’s democracy.   

The adjournment sine die means the House will reconvene at the start of the next meeting in the new year, with fresh business expected to be tabled for consideration.  

GNA 

Edited by Christabel Addo 

“The people of Ghana want Jean Mensa and deputies gone” – Fifi Kwetey

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Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated, majority of Ghanaians want the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa and deputies gone.

The NDC General Secretary backed calls for the removal of Jean Mensa and her deputies from office, arguing that public opinion would overwhelmingly support the removal of EC officials if an independent assessment were conducted.

Tanker Bus Collision Kills Two on Accra Kumasi Highway

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Crime Accident Scene
Crime Scene

Two people died and five others sustained injuries Thursday night after a fuel tanker collided head-on with a passenger bus at Enyiresi near Anyinam on the Accra Kumasi highway, the Ghana National Fire Service reported.

The MAN Diesel tanker carrying two occupants lost control after a tyre detached, veering into the path of an oncoming Sprinter bus transporting eight passengers. The collision left the bus completely destroyed and trapped beneath the tanker, which sustained front axle damage.

The Ghana National Fire Service Anyinam station received an emergency call at 2038 hours Thursday and arrived within seven minutes to lead rescue operations. Firefighters retrieved one female victim deceased at the scene and handed her remains to police. A second victim died later at Enyiresi Government Hospital despite medical intervention.

Five injured passengers received treatment at Enyiresi Government Hospital and Helpline Hospital in Anyinam. Medical personnel referred one seriously injured victim to St. Joseph Hospital in Koforidua for specialized care. The tanker driver and his mate escaped without injuries and are cooperating with police investigations.

Fire crews from Bunso arrived later to reinforce the rescue operation, which concluded shortly after midnight. The GNFS commended its personnel for swift response while acknowledging assistance from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department and Ghana Ambulance Service.

Preliminary assessments indicate mechanical failure caused the accident when the tanker’s tyre detached unexpectedly. The driver lost steering control as the vehicle swerved across the highway’s center line into oncoming traffic. The Sprinter bus had no opportunity to avoid collision given the sudden nature of the tanker’s path deviation.

The Enyiresi area has experienced multiple serious accidents recently. Earlier this month, a Toyota Hiace and Honda Pilot collided on December 4 at nearly the same location, killing two people and injuring 13 others. That incident involved wrongful overtaking by the Hiace driver traveling from Nkawkaw toward Accra.

The recurring accidents along this highway section have raised concerns about road safety. The Accra Kumasi highway represents Ghana’s most important transportation corridor, connecting the capital with Ashanti Region and serving as the primary route for commercial vehicles moving goods between southern ports and northern markets.

Vehicle maintenance standards remain a persistent challenge across Ghana’s transport sector. Commercial vehicles frequently operate with worn tyres, faulty brakes, and inadequate mechanical servicing. Regulatory enforcement struggles to keep pace with the volume of vehicles requiring inspection and certification.

Tanker accidents pose particular dangers due to fuel cargo creating fire and explosion risks. This incident fortunately avoided fuel spillage that could have ignited, though the trapped bus position beneath the tanker complicated rescue efforts. Firefighters worked carefully to extricate victims while monitoring for potential fuel leaks.

The Ghana National Road Safety Authority recorded 2,384 road traffic deaths during the first nine months of 2024, representing a 3.7 percent increase from 2,299 deaths during the same period in 2023. Commercial vehicle crashes account for a disproportionate share of fatalities given their involvement in long-distance travel and heavy cargo transport.

Driver fatigue contributes significantly to commercial vehicle accidents. Tanker and bus operators often work extended hours without adequate rest breaks, particularly during periods of high fuel demand or passenger travel. Pressure to complete deliveries and maximize revenue encourages risky driving practices including excessive speed and inadequate vehicle inspection.

The National Road Safety Authority has implemented various interventions including speed monitoring cameras, roadside inspections, and public education campaigns. However, enforcement challenges persist due to limited personnel, equipment constraints, and vast road network coverage requirements exceeding available resources.

Vehicle age and condition standards require stricter enforcement. Many commercial vehicles exceed recommended service life while operating with minimal maintenance. Owners prioritize profit maximization over safety investments, creating conditions where mechanical failures become increasingly likely as vehicles deteriorate.

Road infrastructure quality affects accident rates. The Accra Kumasi highway has undergone extensive rehabilitation in recent years, yet certain sections remain problematic. Inadequate lighting, poor drainage, narrow lanes, and limited emergency stopping areas contribute to accident severity when mechanical failures or driver errors occur.

Emergency response capabilities have improved substantially through Ghana Ambulance Service expansion and Fire Service equipment upgrades. Response times have decreased in many areas, enabling faster victim extraction and medical treatment. However, rural sections still experience delayed responses due to station spacing and resource distribution.

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department investigates all serious accidents to determine causes and assign responsibility. Drivers found negligent face prosecution for offenses including dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, and vehicle defects. Conviction rates remain low due to evidentiary challenges and court system delays.

Insurance requirements mandate third-party coverage for all vehicles, yet many commercial operators maintain minimum coverage that inadequately compensates victims. Survivors of serious accidents often face financial hardship when medical expenses exceed available insurance benefits and operators lack additional resources.

Public transport regulation falls under multiple agencies including Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, National Road Safety Authority, and Motor Traffic Department. Coordination challenges sometimes create regulatory gaps where vehicles operate without proper oversight. Streamlining regulatory functions could improve compliance monitoring.

The tanker industry faces particular scrutiny given petroleum product transportation risks. Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company sets standards for fuel transport, yet private tanker operators sometimes circumvent requirements. Inadequate tanker maintenance creates risks for drivers, passengers in other vehicles, and communities along transport routes.

This accident occurred during the Christmas travel season when passenger and commercial traffic increases substantially. Highways experience congestion as urban residents travel to rural hometowns while commercial vehicles rush to complete deliveries before holiday closures. The combination of increased traffic volume and time pressure elevates accident risks.

Victim identification and family notification represent challenging aspects of accident response. The female victim retrieved at the scene required police custody pending identification and family contact. The second victim’s death at hospital allowed medical personnel to assist with family notification and death certification procedures.

The injured victims face uncertain recovery prospects depending on injury severity. One victim’s referral to Koforidua indicates serious injuries requiring specialized treatment unavailable at local facilities. Medical expenses for extended hospitalization and rehabilitation create financial burdens for families already traumatized by the accident.

The Sprinter bus destruction suggests high-impact forces consistent with head-on collision dynamics. Such crashes generate extreme deceleration causing severe trauma to occupants even when wearing seatbelts. The bus’s position trapped beneath the tanker complicated rescue efforts and likely worsened victim injuries through prolonged entrapment.

The tanker crew’s escape without injuries demonstrates how vehicle size and structural integrity affect occupant protection. Tanker cabs sit higher and feature reinforced construction compared to passenger vehicles. However, their survival also reflects fortune given the collision severity that destroyed the bus.

Police investigations will examine the detached tyre to determine whether maintenance negligence contributed to the failure. Tyre condition, pressure monitoring, and replacement schedules represent critical safety factors for commercial vehicles. Operators who defer tyre replacement to reduce costs create catastrophic failure risks.

The accident highlights ongoing tensions between transportation efficiency demands and safety requirements. Commercial operators face pressure to minimize costs and maximize trips, sometimes leading to deferred maintenance and extended driver hours. Balancing economic viability with safety compliance remains an persistent challenge across the transport sector.

Road safety advocacy groups have intensified calls for stricter enforcement and higher penalties for vehicle defects and negligent driving. They argue that current sanctions inadequately deter dangerous practices and that stronger measures could reduce Ghana’s road traffic death toll.

The Christmas season typically sees road safety campaigns intensify through public service announcements, checkpoint operations, and media coverage of accidents. Authorities hope heightened awareness will encourage safer driving practices during the high-risk holiday period.

This accident serves as a somber reminder of road travel dangers facing Ghanaians daily. While infrastructure improvements and vehicle standards have advanced, significant gaps remain in enforcement, maintenance practices, and driver behavior. Sustained multi-stakeholder efforts will be required to achieve meaningful reductions in road traffic deaths and injuries.

MIIF and Gold Fields Explore Investment Partnerships in Ghana

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Miif And Gold Fields
Miif And Gold Fields

Gold Fields Ghana executives met Minerals Income Investment Fund officials Wednesday to discuss operational insights, investment opportunities and collaboration areas as the mining giant highlighted its substantial contribution to Ghana’s economy.

The December 18 engagement at MIIF headquarters centered on Gold Fields’ operations accounting for 31 percent of the company’s global production, underscoring Ghana’s strategic importance within the multinational’s portfolio. The discussions aimed to explore partnership avenues benefiting both entities while advancing Ghana’s mining sector development.

Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana, led the company delegation alongside Emma Morrison, Regional Head of Corporate Affairs, and William Empeh, Head of Human Resources. MIIF Chief Technical Officer Kwabena Barning headed the fund’s team with senior management members.

Twum emphasized operational excellence pillars that have driven Gold Fields’ consistent performance in Ghana. He identified experienced technical and management teams, robust organizational governance, strong Environmental, Social and Governance footprint, Ghana’s significant resource potential, and operations within a tier-one mining jurisdiction as critical success factors.

The company’s commitment to sustainable operations extends beyond mineral extraction into community development and environmental stewardship. Gold Fields established Ghana’s first mine foundation, demonstrating corporate responsibility innovation that has become a sector benchmark for other mining companies operating in the country.

Infrastructure development represents a cornerstone of Gold Fields’ community engagement strategy. The company constructed a 33-kilometer asphalted road linking Tarkwa and Damang at $27 million, addressing transportation challenges that had hampered economic activity and social mobility in mining communities for decades.

Sports infrastructure received similar attention through construction of a 10,000-capacity stadium costing $13 million. The facility serves local communities while promoting youth development through sporting activities, reflecting Gold Fields’ understanding that mining companies carry responsibilities extending beyond immediate operational areas.

Environmental remediation initiatives demonstrate technical innovation applied to sustainability challenges. Gold Fields rehabilitated tailings storage facilities into productive farmland, transforming previously degraded mining sites into agricultural assets that generate income for host communities while addressing environmental concerns about abandoned mining infrastructure.

These environmental and social initiatives earned Gold Fields the Best Green Mine and Best Performer in Environmental Management awards for 2024. The recognition from industry peers validates the company’s integrated approach linking operational efficiency with environmental protection and community development.

MIIF representatives expressed appreciation for the engagement while emphasizing the fund’s interest in exploring collaboration through knowledge sharing and capacity building. The sovereign wealth fund seeks partnerships that strengthen Ghana’s mining value chain while ensuring mineral wealth benefits present and future generations.

The Minerals Income Investment Fund manages equity interests and mineral royalties accruing to Ghana from mining operations. Established by parliamentary Act 978 in 2018, MIIF aims to maximize value from mineral income through strategic investments across diversified asset classes and sectors beyond mining.

MIIF reported substantial growth in mineral royalty collections during 2025, with large-scale gold mining generating $291.87 million in royalties by September, representing a 40.18 percent increase from $208.20 million collected during the same period in 2024. The revenue surge reflects improved regulatory compliance and sustained investor confidence.

Gold Fields operates two mines in Ghana’s Ashanti Gold Belt through its 90 percent ownership stake, with the government holding 10 percent free-carry shares. The Tarkwa mine ranks among Africa’s largest gold producers, while Damang processes stockpiles as management evaluates future development options.

Ghana’s mining sector contributed $5.8 billion in mineral revenue during 2023, representing a 4.3 percent increase from $5.6 billion recorded in 2022. Gold remains the dominant export commodity, accounting for over 90 percent of mineral exports and approximately 12.3 percent of gross domestic product.

The country produced approximately 4.2 million ounces of gold in 2023, contributing roughly 4 percent of global output. Major producers including Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti and Kinross Gold operate extensive facilities across the Ashanti, Western and Eastern regions.

Gold Fields’ Ghana operations sit within the Birimian and Tarkwaian gold belts, geological formations containing some of West Africa’s richest mineral deposits. These greenstone belts formed during the Paleoproterozoic era and host numerous world-class gold deposits exploited commercially since the late 19th century.

The Tarkwa mine has operated continuously for several decades as one of Ghana’s most productive facilities. Open-pit operations process millions of tons of ore annually, employing sophisticated extraction technologies that maximize recovery while minimizing environmental impact through progressive rehabilitation programs.

MIIF’s investment mandate extends beyond passive royalty collection toward active participation in value chain development. The fund targets investments in mining support services, mineral processing, equipment manufacturing and technology transfer initiatives that embed more economic value within Ghana rather than exporting raw materials.

The potential collaboration between MIIF and Gold Fields could encompass multiple dimensions. Knowledge transfer programs might see Gold Fields sharing technical expertise with local mining companies supported by MIIF investments, accelerating capability development across the domestic sector.

Capacity building initiatives could involve training programs for Ghanaian professionals in specialized mining disciplines including geology, metallurgy, mine engineering and environmental management. Such investments address critical skills gaps constraining broader participation by indigenous companies in high-value mining operations.

Joint ventures represent another partnership possibility, with MIIF providing capital and Gold Fields contributing technical expertise for developing prospects requiring substantial investment and specialized knowledge. This model could accelerate exploitation of mineral deposits currently beyond reach of purely domestic operators.

The meeting reflects broader government policy encouraging deeper linkages between international mining companies and local economic development. Mining companies increasingly face expectations that operations generate spillover benefits beyond direct employment and tax payments.

Gold Fields’ sustainability initiatives align with growing investor emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance factors in evaluating mining investments. Companies demonstrating robust ESG performance attract capital more easily while securing social licenses to operate in communities potentially affected by mining activities.

The rehabilitation of tailings facilities into farmland exemplifies circular economy principles applied to mining. Rather than viewing mining as purely extractive, Gold Fields integrates restoration planning into operational design, ensuring post-mining landscapes deliver ongoing economic and ecological value.

Ghana’s regulatory framework has evolved to encourage local content development and community participation in mining value chains. The government’s 10 percent free-carry stake in major operations provides direct financial benefits while enabling policy influence over corporate strategy and operational standards.

MIIF reported assets under management reaching $919.39 million by June 2025, representing a 58.46 percent increase from 2024 year-end figures. The growth reflects both investment returns and increased royalty collections as global gold prices remained elevated throughout the period.

The fund’s investment strategy emphasizes diversification across sectors and geographies to reduce exposure to commodity price volatility. While anchored in mining revenues, MIIF seeks opportunities in infrastructure, financial services, agriculture and technology that generate consistent returns independent of mineral price cycles.

Recent MIIF initiatives include investments in small and medium enterprise funds supporting domestic businesses across multiple sectors. The fund committed GH¢25 million to the Injaro Ghana Venture Capital Fund, signaling interest in catalyzing entrepreneurship beyond traditional mining activities.

Gold Fields’ 31 percent production contribution from Ghana highlights the country’s strategic value within the company’s global portfolio. The concentration creates mutual dependency, incentivizing sustained investment in operational efficiency, community relations and environmental stewardship to protect long-term production capacity.

The company faces ongoing challenges including rising operational costs driven by inflation, increasing energy expenses, and pressure for higher local content in procurement and employment. Successfully navigating these pressures while maintaining production volumes requires continuous innovation in operational practices and stakeholder engagement.

Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading gold producer creates competitive advantages attracting international investment while generating substantial government revenues. However, maximizing long-term value requires moving beyond commodity export toward processing, manufacturing and service provision that capture more value domestically.

The Wednesday meeting represents one element in ongoing dialogue between public sector institutions and private mining companies about aligning commercial interests with national development objectives. Success depends on finding mutually beneficial arrangements that incentivize continued private investment while delivering broader economic transformation.

MIIF’s engagement with Gold Fields follows similar discussions with other major producers as the fund develops its investment pipeline. The systematic approach to relationship building reflects MIIF’s maturation from passive royalty collector toward active participant in shaping Ghana’s mining sector trajectory.

Future collaboration possibilities extend to research and development initiatives exploring new extraction technologies, environmental remediation techniques and mineral processing innovations. Ghana’s research institutions could benefit from industry partnerships providing practical problems for academic investigation alongside funding for postgraduate training.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing commitment to continued dialogue and exploring concrete partnership opportunities. Subsequent technical discussions will likely examine specific investment proposals, capability transfer programs and joint venture structures matching MIIF’s mandate with Gold Fields’ operational priorities.

Ghanaians Urge World Cup Earnings Fund New Sports Development Fund

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Ghanaians Urge World Cup Earnings Fund New Sports Development Fund
Kofi Adams

Growing calls emerge for Ghana to channel its 2026 FIFA World Cup proceeds into the newly established Ghana Sports Fund rather than routine spending following parliament’s December 18 passage of the landmark legislation.

Parliament passed the Ghana Sports Fund Bill on December 18, 2025, establishing a legal foundation for structured sports financing through multiple revenue sources. The legislation underwent extensive scrutiny involving the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Cabinet, Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports, Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Attorney General.

Ghana stands to earn at least $10.5 million from 2026 World Cup qualification, comprising $9 million in participation prize money and $1.5 million for team preparation under FIFA’s record $727 million distribution package. The amount could rise substantially with tournament progression, as round of 16 qualifiers earn $15 million and quarterfinal teams receive $19 million.

Public discourse increasingly focuses on transforming this windfall into lasting infrastructure rather than allowing it to disappear into temporary expenditures. The conversation reflects frustration over decades of World Cup earnings that produced no permanent sporting legacy for Ghana.

The 2014 Brazil World Cup remains etched in public memory after the government airlifted $3 million in cash to pay player bonuses, creating international embarrassment and highlighting financial mismanagement in sports administration. Players threatened to boycott matches over unpaid appearance fees, forcing presidential intervention that ultimately damaged Ghana’s reputation.

President John Mahama acknowledged the 2014 episode dented Ghana’s image internationally. He emphasized that lessons have been learned, noting players now have bank accounts enabling direct transfers rather than physical cash delivery. The administration has committed to transparent budgeting and timely payment processing for the 2026 campaign.

Ghana’s sports infrastructure deficiencies persist despite regular World Cup appearances. The nation lacks a global standard stadium, maintains poorly compensated local players, operates on substandard pitches, and suffers from inadequate modern equipment across most sporting disciplines.

These chronic problems motivated the Sports Fund establishment. Advocates argue that dedicating World Cup proceeds as seed capital would provide immediate operational capacity without straining national budgets, particularly as Ghana faces competing fiscal demands.

The economic logic centers on converting single-use tournament earnings into renewable investment. Rather than exhausting funds immediately, structured deployment through the Sports Fund could generate recurring benefits supporting grassroots development, coaching training, facility rehabilitation, and support for lesser-known disciplines beyond football.

Sports Minister Kofi Adams championed the legislation through parliament, describing its passage as pivotal for Ghanaian sport. He emphasized the fund addresses chronic underfunding affecting disciplines outside football, which historically captured most available resources despite broader athletic talent across the nation.

The fund expects to mobilize billions of Ghana Cedis annually through dedicated revenue streams, donations, and parliamentary appropriations. An independent governing board will manage operations under clear accountability mechanisms aligned with the forthcoming National Sports Policy.

Proposed revenue sources outlined in earlier drafts include parliamentary allocations, sports lotteries, sponsorships, grants, taxes on betting companies, gate proceeds, athlete transfer fees, sponsorship deals, international federation contributions, and commercial sports vendor revenues.

Using World Cup earnings as initial capitalization would immediately demonstrate the fund’s viability. The injection would enable quick action on urgent infrastructure needs while establishing credibility that could attract private sector partnerships and international support.

The proposal addresses legitimate concerns about fair compensation. Advocates emphasize the approach requires balance between appropriate player and official payments and securing permanent national benefits from major sporting moments. Nobody suggests denying earned compensation, but rather ensuring surplus funds create lasting value.

Beyond sports infrastructure, proponents cite broader economic benefits. Improved facilities generate employment through construction and maintenance, keep youth engaged in productive activities, and create pathways toward scholarships and professional contracts abroad that benefit individual athletes and their families.

Enhanced sports development could reduce government reliance on emergency budget allocations during major competitions. Consistent funding through the Sports Fund would enable better planning, more effective preparation, and reduced financial crisis management that has characterized past tournament participation.

The transparency factor carries particular weight given Ghana’s history with sports finance controversies. Establishing a dedicated fund with clear governance structures, regular auditing, and public reporting requirements could rebuild trust eroded by past mismanagement episodes.

The 2026 World Cup represents Ghana’s first qualification since 2022, when the team exited at the group stage. The expanded 48-team format improves African representation from five to nine slots, enhancing qualification prospects for continental teams while maintaining tournament prestige through increased prize pools.

Ghana faces England, Croatia and Panama in Group L, presenting significant competitive challenges. England represents a former World Cup champion, Croatia reached the 2018 final, and Panama qualified through CONCACAF’s expanded allocation. The group stage performance will substantially impact Ghana’s total earnings.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the prize structure approval as a landmark moment reflecting the governing body’s commitment to broader revenue redistribution. The 50 percent increase over Qatar 2022 reflects both tournament expansion and FIFA’s expectation of record revenues approaching $13 billion over the 2023-2026 cycle.

The Ghana Football Association faces pressure to demonstrate improved financial stewardship. Recent qualification provides an opportunity to implement reformed practices emphasizing accountability, transparent budgeting, and stakeholder communication that addresses past failures.

Private sector engagement remains crucial for maximizing Sports Fund impact. Government seed capital from World Cup proceeds could catalyze corporate sponsorships, philanthropic contributions, and international development partnerships that multiply available resources beyond initial public investment.

Youth development infrastructure requires particular attention. Ghana produces exceptional athletic talent across multiple disciplines, but systematic development pathways remain inadequate. Consistent funding could establish training centers, coaching academies, and talent identification systems that identify and nurture ability from early ages.

School sports programs represent another priority area. Many educational institutions lack basic sporting facilities, limiting student participation and talent discovery. Sports Fund investment in rehabilitating school parks and providing equipment would expand the talent pool while promoting fitness and discipline among youth.

Para-sports athletes face especially severe resource constraints. These competitors often struggle without support despite representing Ghana internationally. Dedicated funding streams could provide training facilities, specialized equipment, coaching support, and competition preparation that enables athletes with disabilities to compete effectively.

The conversation about World Cup proceeds reflects broader questions about national priorities and resource allocation. Sports development competes with healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social services for limited government resources. Demonstrating that sports investment generates economic and social returns strengthens the case for continued support.

International examples show successful sports funds transforming national athletic landscapes. Countries that invested systematically in sports infrastructure experienced improved competition results, increased youth participation, reduced health problems, and enhanced international visibility that attracted tourism and investment.

Critics might argue that immediate spending on player bonuses and tournament operations takes precedence over long-term investment. However, this perspective ignores the reality that Ghana’s sporting challenges persist precisely because past windfalls produced no structural improvements.

The timing appears optimal for implementing this approach. Fresh legislation provides the legal framework, public awareness of past failures creates pressure for reform, and substantial World Cup earnings offer meaningful seed capital that could launch the fund with immediate credibility and operational capacity.

Parliament’s bipartisan support for the Sports Fund Bill suggests broad political consensus around sports development needs. This unity creates favorable conditions for designating World Cup proceeds as seed capital, as the decision would enjoy support across party lines rather than becoming partisan controversy.

Implementation success depends on maintaining transparency and accountability from the outset. Early decisions about fund governance, investment priorities, and stakeholder engagement will establish patterns determining long-term effectiveness. Getting these foundational elements right matters enormously.

The proposal represents more than financial mechanics. It embodies a philosophical shift from viewing sports as occasional tournament participation toward recognizing athletic development as continuous national investment yielding economic, social, and health dividends alongside competitive success.

Whether Ghana channels World Cup earnings into the Sports Fund remains undecided. However, the conversation itself marks progress, as it acknowledges past failures while proposing concrete mechanisms for ensuring future tournament participation delivers lasting benefits extending far beyond temporary excitement and fleeting glory.

Dangote finally explains why his cement is cheaper outside Nigeria

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Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has explained that the price difference between his exported cement and what Nigerians pay domestically is primarily due to Nigeria’s high taxes and regulatory burden.

Speaking at a press conference, Dangote explained that exporting allows his company to bypass a range of taxes that would otherwise drive up production costs domestically.

“When you look at my invoice, the cement I export is cheaper than the one I’m selling domestically, because that’s how exports work… in export I’m saving a lot of money, I’m not paying 30% income tax, I’m not paying 2%, education, I’m not paying 1% health, I’m not paying 7.5% VAT, and I’m not paying 10% withholding tax,” he said.

By eliminating these costs, Aliko Dangote noted that he would be able to price Nigerian cement competitively in global markets against producers from Turkey, Russia, and China.

Nigeria’s fiscal framework makes it cheaper to sell locally produced items overseas than at home, reflecting deeper structural flaws in the economy.

“So when you reduce all these taxes, I can afford to go and compete with the international market, with the likes of Turkey, Russia, and China,” he stated.

Dangote reveals what his prayer for his worst enemy is

He also said Nigerian consumers bear the cost of high taxes, various levies, and regulatory inefficiency.

While local production is sometimes marketed as a remedy to high pricing, Dangote’s experience demonstrates how policy decisions can undercut that goal.

Fuel queues have been a frequent aspect of Nigerian life since the early 1970s. Dangote claims that the refinery immediately addresses this past failure.

Despite its potential to stabilize fuel supplies, relieve foreign exchange pressure, and provide thousands of jobs, the refinery has faced opposition from a variety of sources.

Critics are concerned about market dominance, pricing power, and the concentration of such a valuable national asset in private hands.

Others contend that gasoline costs have not plummeted as swiftly or severely as anticipated.

“People are always trying to look at the negative, when you look at it, since when has Nigeria been having problems with fuel queues? Since 1972, somebody has addressed this problem, and you’re calling the company that addressed this issue names,” he added.

SP/EB

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:

Watch Antoine Semenyo’s goal in Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw against Burnley

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Black Stars forward, Antoine Semenyo was on the scoresheet as AFC Bournemouth drew against Burnley on matchday 17 of the ongoing 2025/2026 Premier League season.

The 25-yerar-old scored his eight goal of the season to help the Cherries to a 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Vitality Stadium.

Antoine Semenyo drew the first blood in the game for the home team in the 67th minute but Bournemouth’s inability to keep clean sheets in the ongoing minute cost them in the final minutes.

With Bournemouth cruising to a 1-0 home victory, second half substitute Armando Broja after connecting his head to Marcus Edwards’s cross in the 90th minute of the game.

AFC Bournemouth are now 14th of the league table with 22 points after 17 games while Burnley occupy the 19th position, deep in the relegation zone with 11 points.

Watch the goals below:

JE

Meanwhile, watch highlights of the bout between Freezy Macbones and Jonathan Tetteh below:

Gunmen kill nine in South Africa tavern attack

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Bekkersdal residents at the scene of the shooting Bekkersdal residents at the scene of the shooting

A manhunt is underway after a shooting at a tavern in South Africa left nine people dead and another 10 injured.

Police said seven men and two women were killed in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, after about 12 unidentified gunmen arrived in two vehicles and opened fire at patrons.

The shooting happened at about 01:00 local time on Sunday (23:00 GMT Saturday) and the perpetrators “continued to shoot randomly as [people] fled the scene”, police added.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Sixty-three people were killed every day on average between April and September this year, according to police figures.

Murders are often the result of arguments, robberies, and gang violence. The motive for this killing is not clear.

At the scene, deputy provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the perpetrators, armed with pistols and one AK-47, were “unprovoked”.

“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” he said.

Two of the victims were shot outside the tavern as they tried to flee, and a third was a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger nearby, Maj-Gen Kekana added.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, one resident described how gunfire had become a normal thing at night in Bekkersdal.

“Criminals, they do as they please here,” the unnamed man said.

“These guns, they sound each and every evening… as soon as it’s dusk we know that gunshots are about to sound and they will sound severely.

“It is terrorising our communities.”

There are about three million legally held firearms in South Africa, but there are at least the same number of unlicensed weapons in circulation in the country, according to statistics cited by Gideon Joubert from the South African Gunowners’ Association.

Earlier this month, at least 11 people – including a child – were shot dead at a hostel near Pretoria.



Police have been carrying out investigations at the tavern

Mahama Ayariga vows not to be provoked to comment on Bawku chieftaincy matters 

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By Godwill Arthur-Mensah 

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA –Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, has stated that he will not allow himself to be provoked into making comments on the Bawku chieftaincy dispute.   

Mr Ayariga, also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, said he had deliberately refrained from commenting on the matter, to avoid escalating tensions while the Mediation Team led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was working with key stakeholders to resolve the matter. 

At the closing ceremony of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament on Friday, Mr Ayariga  stressed that his silence was a conscious effort to protect peace in the area. 

He explained that he had stayed away from his constituency for good reasons, noting that any remarks made in haste could inflame passions or worsen the situation.   

Mr Ayariga reiterated his commitment to ensuring that parliamentary business remained focused on national development, while sensitive local issues were handled through appropriate mediation channels.  

The Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II mediation Team’s verdict on the Bawku chieftaincy conflict reaffirmed Asigri Abugurago Azoka II as the legitimate Bawku Naba. 

The mediation team recommended that rival chief Seidu Abagre be recalled to Nalerigu for another traditional role and urged the government support to enforce peace.  

However, the Mamprugu Overlord (Nayiri) rejected the report, while the Ghanaian government officially accepted it as a roadmap for reconciliation.  

GNA 

Edited by Christabel Addo 

Miner who cited Atiwa East DCE contempt arrested for grading disputed land

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Police arrest Daniel Abeiku Ansah for grading disputed land in Atiwa East.

Police at Anyinam in the Atiwa East District have arrested a miner identified as Daniel Abeiku Ansah for allegedly grading a disputed parcel of land with an excavator, in defiance of a subsisting court order.

The suspect was arrested on Saturday afternoon after police received information that he had moved an excavator onto the land, which is currently the subject of litigation before the Koforidua High Court.

I believe in working hard for success

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Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said that despite being considered the overwhelming favourite to win the NPP’s January 31st presidential primaries, he is determined to work extra hard and reach out to every party delegate across the country to make a case for their vote.

Dr Bawumia, who is seeking re-election as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 election, has been vigorously campaigning in constituencies across the nation, and observers have commended him for campaigning more intensely than his opponents despite being the favourite.

In an interview with Spear FM In Damongo in the Savannah Region during his tour, Dr Bawumia explained that party delegates ought be respected by going to them to make a case, adding that as a person, he believes in working hardwork for success and never takes anything for granted.

“I never take anything for granted. In politics you have to keep working hard until everything is done,” Dr Bawumia said.

“I am touring virtually all the 276 constituencies and the Savannah Region is the 13th region that I have toured.”

The former Vice President expressed gratitude to God for giving him the strength to wage such an intense campaign and also for taking his positive message to members of the party, which he said, has been well received.

Dr Bawumia has so far toured 13 out of the 16 regions and he is yet to tour the Northern, Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions respectively.

‘He suspects he may get into trouble’ – Manasseh Azure on Ofori-Atta’s fight from justice

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Manasseh Azure Awuni (R)  says Ofori-Atta (L) may be running away from accountability Manasseh Azure Awuni (R) says Ofori-Atta (L) may be running away from accountability

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has stated that the continued absence of former Finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta from the country suggests he may be deliberately avoiding accountability.

Speaking on the developments surrounding ongoing efforts to hold Ofori-Atta accountable, Manasseh said the situation is neither surprising nor new, revealing that he had earlier been informed that the former Finance minister had no plans to return to the country.

Ken Ofori-Atta represents what is wrong with us as black people – Manasseh

“The end is not in sight and these developments are not new or they are not strange. I think it was on your show that I said some time ago that a source close to Ken Ofori-Atta had told me he had no intention of coming back to the country,” he said on TV3 on December 20, 2025.

According to him, Ofori-Atta’s prolonged absence appears to signal fear of potential legal consequences rather than confidence in his innocence.

“It is a shame and where it is getting to, it is becoming very clear that he suspects he’s done something wrong and he suspects he may get into trouble. So, the best thing for him to do is to run, which is very unfortunate,” Manasseh argued.

Manasseh described the situation as shameful, particularly given Ofori-Atta’s long service and the trust placed in him by the state.

“To have lived your life in this country, to have been entrusted with the resources of the state, and then you are being called to account, if you think you are innocent, we are not in that military era that people would be tried a day or two and sent to jail. Why is he running away?” he said.

While welcoming steps taken by the Attorney General, Manasseh cautioned against complacency, especially when international cooperation is involved.

He warned that simply initiating legal requests without sustained follow-up could delay justice.

“It is good that some processes have started and to some extent, the Attorney General is right. But when you are dealing with another country, you shouldn’t just leave everything to say it is in their hands. I know the US has time and again reached out to our state to assist them,” he asserted.

Here’s how much Ken Ofori-Atta could be paying top US lawyers in extradition fight

He added, “We know that the US doesn’t only deal with one institution but different investigative bodies are involved and they involve everybody to try to get the people here, repatriated to the US to face punishment. So, I know that besides the legal things, they have sometimes been diplomatic ways of dealing with this. And so if you just put in the request and go to sleep, much may not happen. I think strings can be pulled in other places and this matter should be treated with all the seriousness it deserves.”

MAG/EB

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Abusuapanin Tupac announces big concert for Daddy Lumba in March; the same month immediate family will have their funeral

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Abusuapanin Tupac, the Abusuapanin for the late ace Ghanaian musician, Daddy Lumba, has announced that plans are far advanced towards a big concert in March, 2026.

Abusuapanin Tupac made his intention known in a viral video that Gh Page has sighted.

Speaking in the viral video, Abusuapanin Tupac together with Odo Bronii among other family members disclosed that the late Daddy Lumba wouldn’t be forgotten anytime soon; not today, nor tomorrow.

I believe in working hard for success

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Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said that despite being considered the overwhelming favourite to win the NPP’s January 31st presidential primaries, he is determined to work extra hard and reach out to every party delegate across the country to make a case for their vote.

Dr Bawumia, who is seeking re-election as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 election, has been vigorously campaigning in constituencies across the nation, and observers have commended him for campaigning more intensely than his opponents despite being the favourite.

In an interview with Spear FM In Damongo in the Savannah Region during his tour, Dr Bawumia explained that party delegates ought be respected by going to them to make a case, adding that as a person, he believes in working hardwork for success and never takes anything for granted.

“I never take anything for granted. In politics you have to keep working hard until everything is done,” Dr Bawumia said.

“I am touring virtually all the 276 constituencies and the Savannah Region is the 13th region that I have toured.”

The former Vice President expressed gratitude to God for giving him the strength to wage such an intense campaign and also for taking his positive message to members of the party, which he said, has been well received.

Dr Bawumia has so far toured 13 out of the 16 regions and he is yet to tour the Northern, Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions respectively.

I am looking for wife in Nigeria – American rapper Busta Rhymes

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American hip-hop legend Trevor Smith Jr, aka Busta Rhymes, has hinted at relocating to Nigeria and finding a Nigerian wife.

The 53-year-old rapper made the remarks midway into his performance at the Detty December Fest in Lagos over the weekend.

He explained that he plans to relocate to Nigeria after he retires and build a family.

Vote for me on competence, integrity, and vision – Bawumia to NPP delegates

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Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has made a passionate appeal to New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to consider his proven competence and track record and vote for him as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections in January’s primaries.

In an interview on Spear FM in Damongo, during his campaign tour of the Savannah Region, Dr Bawumia made a special call to the region, the north and to a larger extent the nation, to vote for him not on the basis of which part of the country he comes from, but on the basis of the leadership qualities he has showed.

“I’m asking for the support of our NPP delegates. I’m campaigning that’s why I’m in the region. I’m asking for their support on January 31st that they should look at voting for me on the basis, not that because I’m from the north; we don’t vote on that.”

“They should vote for me on the basis of my track record, of my competence, of my integrity and of the vision that I have for the country and of the experience.”

Dr. Bawumia appealed to the delegates that having garnered enough experience and made enormous impact as Vice President, they should support him to the top to be one of the most effective Presidents for the country.

“Under Akufo-Addo, I’ve been adjudged by many people to be the most effective Vice President in the history of this country – a big acknowledgement of the track record of what I have done.”

“And I want the delegates to help me to be one of the most effective Presidents in the history of the country so I need their support and I’m asking for their support on January 31.”

“I believe that this party, the NPP, under my leadership will come back to power after the 2028 election. We are going to work hard for them and work hard for the people of Ghana. I want them to have their trust in me and I will deliver victory in 2028, by the grace of God.”

Vote for me on competence, integrity, and vision – Bawumia to NPP delegates

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Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has made a passionate appeal to New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to consider his proven competence and track record and vote for him as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections in January’s primaries.

In an interview on Spear FM in Damongo, during his campaign tour of the Savannah Region, Dr Bawumia made a special call to the region, the north and to a larger extent the nation, to vote for him not on the basis of which part of the country he comes from, but on the basis of the leadership qualities he has showed.

“I’m asking for the support of our NPP delegates. I’m campaigning that’s why I’m in the region. I’m asking for their support on January 31st that they should look at voting for me on the basis, not that because I’m from the north; we don’t vote on that.”

“They should vote for me on the basis of my track record, of my competence, of my integrity and of the vision that I have for the country and of the experience.”

Dr. Bawumia appealed to the delegates that having garnered enough experience and made enormous impact as Vice President, they should support him to the top to be one of the most effective Presidents for the country.

“Under Akufo-Addo, I’ve been adjudged by many people to be the most effective Vice President in the history of this country – a big acknowledgement of the track record of what I have done.”

“And I want the delegates to help me to be one of the most effective Presidents in the history of the country so I need their support and I’m asking for their support on January 31.”

“I believe that this party, the NPP, under my leadership will come back to power after the 2028 election. We are going to work hard for them and work hard for the people of Ghana. I want them to have their trust in me and I will deliver victory in 2028, by the grace of God.”

Divorce Saga: ‘Support my husband and show him love’

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Nana Ama McBrown is an actress and TV personality Nana Ama McBrown is an actress and TV personality

Celebrated actress and TV host, Nana Ama McBrown, has urged the public to show her husband the same love and support they give her, even in the wake of their divorce.

Speaking on Showbiz 360, the actress revealed that although they are no longer together, they share a special bond because she remains the longest partner he has ever been with.

She explained that the bond they share is rooted in mutual respect rather than marital status.

According to her, her marriage was public knowledge, and she believes her separation should be treated with the same honesty rather than whispered speculations.

‘I still wear my ring because my husband wants me to’ – McBrown shares amid divorce

“I don’t like the murmuring; I want my husband to be free. I call him my husband do you know why? I am the longest person he has ever been with. It’s not like we are married again, but the cordial respect we have for each other remains. I don’t want people to insult him, and I don’t want people to disrespect him,” she said.

She expressed concern over how her husband is treated in public when he is out socialising, condemning those who behave in such a manner and reminding Ghanaians that he is a free man.

McBrown further urged Ghanaians to love and support her husband just as they have done with her for decades.

“I’m pleading with you all. I respect him and I admire him. I have a child with him, and the way Ghanaians love me, I want you all to love him the same way and support him, because we can’t stop communicating and we can’t be enemies either,” she added.

On December 17, 2025, Nana Ama McBrown confirmed her divorce from her husband of 12 years, Maxwell Mensah, describing the separation as mutual, amicable, and free of bitterness.

Watch the video below:

SP/EB

Check out videos from the GTCO Music Concert below:

Inmates reveal shocking prison rules

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Emmanuel Gartey, 25, is currently serving six-month jail term play videoEmmanuel Gartey, 25, is currently serving six-month jail term

Two biological brothers from Agona Kwamang in the Central Region have shared harrowing details of life behind bars at the Winneba Prison, shedding light on some of the strict rules and emotional struggles inmates endure while in custody.

Bernard Gartey, 23, and his elder brother, Emmanuel Gartey, 25, are currently serving six-month jail terms after being convicted for stealing a car battery from an accident scene in their community.

In an emotional interview with Crime Check Ghana, the brothers recounted both the circumstances that led to their incarceration and the rigid regulations governing daily life in prison.

Beyond their conviction, the brothers say life in prison has been emotionally and physically distressing due to numerous strict rules that govern inmates’ movements and conduct.

Emmanuel Gartey revealed that inmates are constantly under surveillance and risk punishment for even minor infractions.

“Since I came in, I have been crying for the past one month. There are a lot of rules here. If you make a mistake, you will be punished,” he said.

He outlined some of the rules inmates must follow:

1.Movement within the prison is regulated, with specific routes designated for eighter going or returning, you can’t make a U-turn

2.When going to bathe, inmates are not allowed to face an officer with their buttocks and must face the officer from the front.

Trial of man accused of stabbing firefighter set for December 17

3.Inmates who wish to urinate or use the toilet must first report to a designated leader before you will be given permission to do so. Failure to seek permission before visiting the washroom attracts punishment.

3.While watching news, inmates are not allowed to discuss or comment on what is being shown. Any conversation during news time can lead to sanctions.

Bernard Gartey added that even mealtime and washroom use come with strict instructions.

“Inside, we have what we call an ‘Obama table.’ Any time before you eat, you have to place your food on it before you can eat. If not, you will be punished,” he said.

Two blood brothers at Winneba Prison share emotional ordeal in custody

He also noted that inmates are punished if they do not handle toilet seats carefully after using the washroom.

Beyond the rigid rules, Bernard said the emotional impact of incarceration has been devastating, particularly the lack of support from friends and loved ones.

“I feel very sad because since I came here, nobody has visited me. The friends I used to feed do not mind me anymore. Some promise to send me money, but they don’t. When you call them, once they hear your voice, they hang up,” he lamented.

AM

Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025

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Use diplomacy, public pressure to extradite Ofori-Atta

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Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has called on Ghana to move beyond legal technicalities and employ diplomatic and public pressure to ensure former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta faces accountability.

Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, December 20, Awuni said that while legal processes are important, powerful individuals often exploit resources to delay or manipulate systems across borders.

“Beyond the law, there are diplomatic tools and international relations pressures that can be applied,” he said, noting that the Attorney-General’s focus on legal procedures gives a misleading impression that Ghana has no influence over the matter.

Manasseh Azure expressed concern over the timing of the formal extradition request, revealing it was submitted nearly a year after Ofori-Atta left Ghana.

“At the time he left the country, there was no active investigation,” he said, stressing that the delay has complicated efforts to secure his return.

Highlighting the real-life consequences of delayed accountability, Manasseh linked the case to the struggles of ordinary citizens, including pensioners and investors whose funds remain inaccessible due to past economic decisions.

“People who served this country cannot afford medication, while those who supervised these decisions are abroad,” he stated.

Manasseh urged Ghanaians to take deliberate, sustained action through peaceful protests, petitions, and public advocacy to international partners.

“Power listens when citizens refuse to go to sleep,” he remarked, calling for collective pressure rather than attacks on those demanding justice.

GAC orders Justmoh Construction to refund $33.3m in Boankra Inland Port arbitration ruling

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Nana Affum Dwamena III (L), CEO Ashanti Port Services and Dr Justice Amoh, CEO Justmoh Construction
Nana Affum Dwamena III (L), CEO Ashanti Port Services and Dr Justice Amoh, CEO Justmoh Construction

The Ghana Arbitration Centre (GAC) has ordered Justmoh Construction Limited to refund 33.3 million dollars to Ashanti Port Services Limited.

The amount represents the outstanding balance of advance mobilisation funds paid under the Boankra Inland Port project.

The directive forms part of a unanimous arbitral award delivered in the long-running dispute over the Boankra Inland Port project.

The tribunal further ordered that the refund should attract a simple interest rate of four percent per annum, accruing 30 days after receipt of the ruling until full payment is made.

Mutual compensation ordered

While the decision largely favors Ashanti Port Services Limited, the tribunal also awarded compensation to Justmoh Construction Limited for work already executed at the project site.

Ashanti Port Services, the claimant in the arbitration, was directed to pay 7,107,456.70 dollars to Justmoh Construction Limited for earthworks completed prior to the termination of the contract.

On legal and administrative costs, the tribunal placed the heavier financial burden on Justmoh Construction.

The company was ordered to pay 75% of Ashanti Port Services’ legal fees, as well as 75% of the administrative and arbitrators’ fees, amounting to 226,875 dollars and GH¢26,250.

No interest applies to these costs.

Background to the dispute

The arbitration proceedings commenced on December 19, 2023, when Ashanti Port Services served a Notice of Arbitration against Justmoh Construction Limited.

A three-member tribunal was constituted on February 12, 2024, made up of Emmanuel Amofa, Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, and Justice Nene AO Amegatcher, who served as chair.

A major point of contention during the hearings was the valuation of earthworks undertaken by Justmoh Construction at the Boankra site.

Ashanti Port Services maintained that the earthworks were worth no more than four million dollars, arguing that this figure aligned with the project’s initial projections.

Justmoh Construction Limited, however, claimed the works exceeded 33 million dollars, relying on interim certificates, progress reports prepared by Vision Consult, and photographic evidence from the site.

In its findings, the tribunal noted that although Ashanti Port Services disputed the valuation, it failed to provide independent expert evidence to support its lower estimate.

The tribunal found that Justmoh Construction Limited, on the other hand, presented substantial documentation to justify the scope and value of work executed.

The tribunal also observed that while earthworks were not expressly detailed in the original Boankra Contract, the evidence demonstrated that significant work had indeed been carried out.

Contract lawfully terminated

In its final determination, the tribunal held that Justmoh Construction Limited lawfully terminated the Boankra Contract.

With that finding, all other claims by both parties were dismissed, bringing the arbitration proceedings to a close.

Ashanti Port reacts to ruling

Reacting to the decision, the Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Port Services Limited, Nana Afum Dwamena III, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and said the ruling brings clarity and closure to the dispute.

“I accept the decision of the tribunal in good faith, and I believe it provides finality to a matter that has been under arbitration for some time,” he said in an interview with the media.

Nana Afum Dwamena III, who is also the Kwahu Nkwatia Benkumhene, described the ruling as a demonstration of the strength of Ghana’s alternative dispute resolution framework.

“This outcome reflects the credibility of arbitration in Ghana and underscores the importance of resolving complex contractual disputes through lawful and institutional processes,” he noted.

He added that while arbitration outcomes may not always fully satisfy all parties, respecting the final decision is essential for sustaining confidence in the justice system.

“Accepting the verdict shows maturity, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law,” the traditional ruler said, warning that prolonged disputes often delay development and create uncertainty for communities and investors alike.

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

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The US Department of Justice has released a new tranche of evidence showing  paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein’s elite social circle.

Multiple famous faces appeared in images with Jeffrey Epstein in the latest evidence released over the weekend.

The paedophile financier can be seen socialising with former US President Bill Clinton, pictured swimming in a pool with socialite Ghislaine Maxwell and another woman, and the then-Prince Andrew, shown laughing while lying across the laps of five women.

Other famous faces, including Richard Branson, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson , and Diana Ross, are also pictured in the new evidence.

One disturbing image showed a small child’s ankles visible from another chair, positioned close to Jeffrey Epstein, who was posing topless, wearing only a pair of jogging trousers.

Other images in the set include then-Prince Andrew dressed in an evening suit, laughing out loud as he lies across the laps of five women, with Maxwell looking down upon him.

Many of the pictures, released alongside hundreds of other pieces of photographic evidence from the Epstein Files, are believed to have been taken by Epstein’s long-term lover, Maxwell.

Epstein was remanded in prison on child s£x trafficking charges but d!ed in his cell in 2019 before his case went to trial, with his de@th ruled a su!cide.

See all photos below..

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

        Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey (centre) with former US President Bill Clinton (right) and Ghislaine Maxwell (left)

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

                                       Clinton seen swimming with Maxwell (left) and another unidentified woman

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

                                                Clinton relaxes in the pool with an unidentified woman

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

            Prince Andrew laughs while lying across the laps of five women, as a smirking Ghislaine Maxwell looks on

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Diana Ross pictured with three redacted faces

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

                                                          Bill Clinton with an unidentified woman on his lap

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

Sarah Ferguson (right) pictured with an unknown female

All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured
All shocking photos from Jeffrey Epstein files as Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, Sir Mick Jagger and many more are pictured

Ghana Internet Banking Transactions Nearly Double in October 2025

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Ghana Internet Banking Transactions Nearly Double in October 2025
Internet Banking

Internet banking transactions in Ghana reached 4.74 million in October 2025, marking a 97.5% year-on-year increase from 2.39 million in October 2024, according to Bank of Ghana data.

The surge reflects a dramatic shift in how Ghanaians manage their finances, with digital channels increasingly replacing traditional banking methods. The total value of these transactions climbed from GH¢22.3 billion to GH¢41.6 billion over the same period, an 86% increase that signals growing confidence in online platforms for larger financial operations.

The growth trajectory began with volatility in early 2025. After hitting 3 million transactions in December 2024, volumes dropped to 2.4 million in February before recovering steadily through March and continuing upward to reach the October peak. This pattern suggests initial adjustment challenges followed by strong adoption momentum.

The expansion in transaction values alongside volumes reveals an important behavioral shift. Users are not merely conducting more transactions but are also entrusting internet banking platforms with significantly higher-value transfers. This demonstrates increasing trust in the security infrastructure and reliability of digital banking systems.

Internet banking has effectively displaced traditional cheques, which now account for only 453,000 transactions. Businesses favor the immediacy and efficiency of real-time digital settlements over the delays inherent in paper-based processing. This transition marks a fundamental restructuring of corporate payment preferences.

However, internet banking occupies a specific niche within Ghana’s broader electronic payment landscape. Mobile Money remains the dominant force, processing 893 million transactions in October, nearly 200 times the internet banking volume. Financial analysts note that internet banking serves primarily corporate clients and high-value individual transactions, while mobile money and GhIPSS Instant Pay handle the bulk of everyday retail payments.

The migration from physical branches to digital interfaces stems from multiple factors. An increasingly educated population demands 24/7 access to banking services without geographical constraints. Enhanced security features, particularly One-Time Passwords, have addressed earlier concerns about digital fraud and unauthorized access.

This digital transformation aligns with Ghana’s national policy objective of reducing cash dependence. The government has actively promoted a “cash-lite” economy to improve financial transparency, reduce transaction costs, and broaden financial inclusion. Internet banking growth supports this broader economic strategy.

As the sector matures, financial institutions face new competitive pressures. Banks must optimize their mobile applications to match the user experience offered by fintech competitors. Transaction costs remain a critical factor, as users compare fees across platforms when choosing payment methods.

The fintech sector continues expanding its reach into traditional banking territory. Established banks must innovate continuously to retain customers who might otherwise migrate to more agile digital-first competitors. This dynamic creates ongoing pressure for improved services and reduced costs.

Looking ahead, sustained growth in internet banking appears likely but not guaranteed. Success depends on maintaining security standards while improving accessibility. Banks must balance fraud prevention with user convenience, a challenge that becomes more complex as transaction volumes increase.

The infrastructure supporting this growth requires continuous investment. Network reliability, server capacity, and cybersecurity systems must scale alongside transaction volumes. Any significant service disruptions could erode the trust that has enabled recent growth.

Regulatory frameworks will also shape future development. The Bank of Ghana’s policies on digital payments, consumer protection, and financial institution standards will influence how quickly internet banking can expand while maintaining stability and security.

The October 2025 figures represent more than statistical achievement. They reflect a fundamental transformation in how Ghanaians interact with the financial system, moving from physical branches and cash transactions toward digital platforms that offer speed, convenience, and accessibility. Whether this trend continues at the current pace will depend on technological improvements, competitive positioning, and sustained consumer confidence in digital financial services.

Ghana government asked to honour Civil Service salary agreement 

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Ghana government asked to honour Civil Service salary agreement  – Ghana Business News



















Police arrest three over viral video of toddler given alcohol 

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The Ghana Police Service has arrested three individuals in connection with a viral video showing a two-year-old child being given alcohol at Kade in the Eastern Region.

The suspects, Tawiah Precious, also known as T’ Moni, 18, Emmanuel Dadzie, alias Shapiro, 24, and Stephen Amoako, 22, the child’s father, were apprehended on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The arrests were made by officers of the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team in Okumani, a suburb of Kade, following intelligence-led operations.

The two-year-old victim has been rescued and placed under the care of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit at Asamankese. Authorities confirmed that arrangements are underway to reunite the child safely with the mother.

All three suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face court proceedings. Meanwhile, efforts continue to locate and apprehend two additional suspects, Afram Bright, alias Mogabe, and Panyin, who remain at large.

The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of abuse are brought to justice.

Elon Musk worth nearly three times the world’s second-richest person

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Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX

Tesla boss Elon Musk’s net worth has surged to to $749 billion late on Friday after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Tesla stock options worth $139 billion that had been voided last year, Reuters reported, citing the Forbes Billionaires Index.

The ruling restores Musk’s 2018 compensation package, once valued at $56 billion, which had been struck down by a lower court that described the deal as “unfathomable” On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Supreme Court said a 2024 decision rescinding the pay package had been improper and inequitable to Musk.

The decision capped a week of extraordinary gains for Musk. Earlier this week, he became the first person ever to cross $600 billion in net worth following reports that his aerospace venture SpaceX, was likely to go public.

In November, Tesla shareholders separately approved a $1 trillion pay plan for Musk, the largest corporate compensation package in history, backing his push to transform the electric-vehicle maker into an artificial intelligence and robotics powerhouse.

Elon Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire

Musk’s fortune now exceeds that of Larry Page, the world’s second-richest person, by nearly $500 billion, according to the Forbes billionaires list.

He is now worth three times the second-richest person in the world.

Earlier this month, Tesla shareholders approved a plan to grant Musk up to 1 trillion dollars in compensation if he achieves milestones, including a market capitalization of 8.5 trillion dollars.

The compensation plan is divided into 12 tranches. Each stage outlines a path for Tesla to reach an enormous market capitalisation.

If Musk achieves this, he can claim an additional 12% of Tesla’s stock.

SP/EB

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:

Freezy Macbones loses WBA Africa Light Heavyweight belt after Tetteh defeat

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Jonathan (L) defeated Freezy Macbones (R) Jonathan (L) defeated Freezy Macbones (R)

Jonathan Tetteh delivered a composed and commanding performance to overcome Seth Gyimah, famously known as “Freezy Macbones,” by unanimous decision on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium, claiming the WBA Africa light heavyweight belt.

The clash, part of the Legacy Rise The Showdown, carried extra significance as both fighters had history from their previous encounter during the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers, turning the matchup into a tense and highly anticipated grudge fight.

Despite entering the ring as the underdog, Tetteh who had gone 11 games unbeaten, displayed superior discipline, timing, and tactical awareness throughout the bout.

Over eight rounds, he consistently outmaneuvered Freezy Macbones, landing precise combinations and controlling the pace, while neutralizing his opponent’s aggressive attempts.

How Jake Paul made $92m even in defeat against Anthony Joshua

A dramatic moment came when Freezy was penalized a point for biting Tetteh, a move that reflected his frustration and ultimately hurt his chances on the scorecards.

At the final bell, the judges scored the fight 80-73, 78-74, and 77-75 in favor of Tetteh, confirming his dominance in the contest.

FKA/EB

Ghana Plans Nationwide Electronic Visa Rollout in First Quarter of 2026

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E Visa
E Visa

Ghana will implement a nationwide Electronic Visa policy in the first quarter of 2026 under instructions from President John Dramani Mahama, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced at the closing session of the maiden Diaspora Summit in Accra on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The policy includes special concessions for Africans in the diaspora who will benefit from reduced visa application fees and streamlined travel processes. Ministry of Foreign Affairs management agreed to create this special dispensation allowing diaspora members to travel to Ghana more easily, smoothly and conveniently without making the same payments as other foreign nationals.

Ghana will adopt a reciprocal visa fee system where charges imposed on foreigners reflect what Ghanaians pay when applying to enter those same countries. The approach aims to ensure fairness while generating additional revenue to support national development according to the minister.

The Electronic Visa system is expected to drastically reduce wait times and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with traditional embassy applications. The shift represents a direct presidential mandate to modernize Ghana’s diplomatic infrastructure and boost tourism and investment flows.

Minister Ablakwa hinted at the imminent return of Ghana Airways with President Mahama directing that work be fast tracked on reviving the defunct national airline. A technical committee is reportedly close to completing its mandate on the airline’s restoration.

The absence of a national carrier results in billions of cedis leaving Ghana annually through foreign airlines according to the minister. He argued that flight revenues from the thousands who attended the Diaspora Summit currently represent lost investment opportunities for the Ghanaian economy instead flowing to foreign carriers.

Presidential Advisor on the 24 Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Augustus Goosie Obuadum Tanoh outlined how the government’s flagship programme presents new investment opportunities for diaspora investors. The policy seeks to address structural inefficiencies by organizing production around integrated value chains particularly in agriculture, agro processing, logistics, health, finance and export oriented industries.

Many factories, ports, warehouses, hospitals and markets in Ghana currently operate below capacity due to fragmented systems and logistical bottlenecks. The 24 Hour Economy aims to ensure these productive assets operate efficiently across time zones recognizing that global markets never sleep and value chains are increasingly time sensitive.

The Diaspora Summit held December 19 to 20, 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, cultural leaders and influential personalities from around the world. Registered participants received visa free entry to Ghana on presidential instruction.

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang spoke on behalf of President Mahama at the closing ceremony, stating the forum was convened when Ghana deliberately chose to place history, justice and responsibility at the heart of national and continental engagements. She stressed that the diaspora as Ghana’s 17th region represents far more than a slogan.

Government officials emphasized that diaspora investment combined with state led reforms could significantly accelerate economic growth, job creation and industrialization. The introduction of the Electronic Visa policy coupled with the planned return of Ghana Airways and implementation of the 24 Hour Economy programme signals a renewed push to position Ghana as Africa’s gateway for investment, tourism and diaspora engagement.

Barcamp Accra 2025 celebrates Ghanaians, cultivates community of changemakers

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Barcamp Ghana celebrated national identity and fostered a network of changemakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators during a free networking forum on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Accra Technical University Auditorium.

Organised by the GhanaThink Foundation, the event was themed “Impact, Innovation, Quality” and crowned the calendar year in Ghana’s biggest city. It featured accomplished Ghanaian professionals and entrepreneurs who serve as inspiring role models within their communities.

Barcamp’s “unconference” format encouraged participants to both speak and engage actively, promoting leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Ato Ulzen-Appiah, speaking to CitiNewsroom before the event, said, “We look at Barcamps as a way for people to work on their personal development. Barcampers network with each other, learn about opportunities, start businesses together, and provide services for others.”

Described as the “Mother Christmas” of all Barcamps, Barcamp Accra 2025 delivered experiences that created a lasting impact for attendees.

GhanaThink partners with several organisations to keep Barcamps free, including Channel One TV, Citi 97.3 FM, Petra (Achieve More), Hubtel, Meqasa, Jetstream Africa, Africa’s Talking, Mpedigree Goldkeys, ATU Library, PayAngel, Nimed Capital, Treasure Maks, Clean Air Fund, Baobab Entrepreneur, Onome Child, Asaase Radio 99.5, and MX24TV.

In an interview with Chris Kata on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on December 18, Kwabena Nyamekye Dapaah, Marketing Lead at Petra, said that Barcamp Ghana’s focus on youth provides opportunities for engagement on investments and financial planning. Ato Ulzen-Appiah was also interviewed. Petra has supported Barcamps in Koforidua, Kasoa, and Kumasi in 2025.

A core feature of every Barcamp is the 8-minute “Speed Mentoring” sessions, which allow participants to engage directly with experienced mentors to gain guidance, build self-esteem, discover opportunities, and establish long-term mentorship relationships.

Confirmed mentors for Barcamp Accra 2025 included distinguished leaders such as Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, and media personality, Host of Point of View and Citi Breakfast Show, Bernard Avle, host on Citi 97.3 FM and Channel One TV. These mentors also featured in Konnect Kouch interviews, sharing insights on their careers and experiences.

Ato Ulzen-Appiah and Desmond Appiah, Country Lead at Clean Air Fund, discussed the importance of air quality in Ghana during an interview on Citi 97.3 FM’s Citi Breakfast Show on December 17.

Desmond Appiah highlighted that over 32,000 Ghanaians die annually from air pollution-related illnesses and noted how Barcamp’s #CleanAirGhana campaign is galvanising youth to advocate for better air quality.

He also cited James Kumbeni, a volunteer at Barcamp Bolga, who cycled from Bolgatanga to Accra to raise awareness and received international recognition for his efforts.

Citi 97.3 FM and Channel One TV have played a key role in promoting Barcamps across Ghana, providing media coverage, mentorship platforms, and amplifying the reach and impact of the events.

Past mentors, including Bernard Avle, David Kwaku Sakyi, Apiokor Ashong, Benjamin Kojo Nketsiah, Kojo Akoto Boateng, Nathan Quao, and Dzifa Ametam, have helped inspire young participants over the years.

Through these engagements, participants gain insights into personal and national development, skill acquisition, networking, and leadership.

Among the inspired attendees was Enoch Robot Boy Appiah, Junior, who highlighted the lessons on quality and innovation shared by Prof. Kaufmann and Bernard Avle.

Barcamp Accra 2025 successfully reinforced its mission to celebrate Ghanaian excellence while nurturing a community of changemakers ready to drive impact across the country.

Gov’t to roll out E Visa next year

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Government will roll out an Electronic Visa policy in the first quarter of next year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.

“I am delighted to announce to you that this government, under strict instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, will be rolling out an e visa policy in the first quarter of next year, 2026,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa was speaking at the closing session of the maiden Diaspora Summit held in Accra on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The Minister stated that the e-visa policy would include a special dispensation for members of the African diaspora, who would be able to apply at a reduced cost.

“We have discussed at management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that we are going to have a special dispensation for Africans in the diaspora so that you will not have to make the same payments as others will make, and you can travel to the motherland easily, smoothly and more conveniently,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said the policy would also introduce a reciprocal approach to visa application fees based on country specific arrangements.

“In our discussion, we are going to make sure that there will be a certain reciprocity when it comes to those visa payments based on countries.

“How much we pay when we want to go into their country, we will make sure we are all paying the same in the spirit of reciprocity; so, we can all raise the funds that we need to develop our country,” he added.

Restoring Ghana Airways

The Foreign Affairs Minister also hinted at an imminent return of Ghana Airways, the former national carrier.

He said President Mahama had directed that efforts be accelerated to bring the airline back into operation, adding that a technical committee established by the President was close to completing its work.

“Imagine if all the tickets of those who flew into the country was on Ghana Airways, that money would have been an investment in the Ghanaian economy and not in the other countries, largely in post apocalyptic Europe, where those ticket resources are going to,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said if the country had its own airline, the government could have extended discounted airfares to participants of the Diaspora Summit as part of a visa free arrangement.

He added that the return of Ghana Airways would signal national pride and the restoration of Ghana’s image, echoing the words of Dr Kwame Nkrumah that the “Black Man is capable of managing its own affairs”.

24 Hour Economy

The Presidential Advisor on the 24 Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Mr Augustus Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, said the government’s 24 Hour Economy programme presented multiple investment opportunities for members of the diaspora.

He said diaspora investment, combined with government intervention, would help address structural weaknesses within the economy.

According to him, the programme would organise production around integrated value chains in strategic sectors, linking agriculture to processing through agro-industrial partnerships supported by logistics hubs, reliable energy and export platforms.

Mr Tanoh said many productive assets including factories, warehouses, ports, hospitals, banks and markets were operating below capacity due to fragmented and inefficient systems that created bottlenecks between production, processing, logistics and markets.

He said the new policy would address those gaps by ensuring that services such as health, finance and growth industries operated efficiently across time, in recognition of the fact that global markets function continuously and that value chains were increasingly time sensitive.

Ghana Faces Economic Lull as AFCON Begins Without Black Stars Participation

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Black Stars
Black Stars

Ghana confronts a subdued commercial period in its sports economy as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opens in Morocco without the Black Stars, marking the first time since 2004 that the nation misses the continental tournament and dampening consumer spending traditionally linked to national team participation.

The four time African champions finished bottom of Group F during qualifiers with just three points and no victories after a 1 to 1 draw with Angola in November 2024 sealed their elimination. Demand for team jerseys, flags and related merchandise has remained largely absent compared to the sharp increases typically seen in weeks before tournament kickoff.

Small retailers and informal traders who depend on tournament driven sales report reduced business activity. One Makola Market trader described the period as the worst for football sales since 2006, with boxes of jerseys remaining unsold throughout the qualifying campaign.

Beyond merchandise, AFCON qualification typically stimulates travel, hospitality and entertainment spending including outbound trips to host countries, packed sports bars and sponsored viewing events. Without the Black Stars, tour operators, restaurants and event centres have scaled back activities, reducing commercial opportunities across the sector.

Logistics firms, caterers, security services, branding companies and media crews that usually support the national team during major competitions have seen minimal demand this cycle. Corporate marketing campaigns linked to national pride and team performance remain muted compared to previous tournament periods.

Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup in October 2025 after defeating Comoros 1 to 0 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Mohammed Kudus scoring the decisive goal. The Black Stars topped Group I with 25 points from 10 matches, becoming one of nine African nations confirmed for the expanded 48 team tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Bring Back the Love campaign launched by the Ghana Football Association in 2019 aimed to restore public confidence in the national team following disappointing results including the controversial 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Multiple Ghanaian musicians including Akwaboah released songs with the same title during the 2022 World Cup to encourage unity and renewed support.

Strong World Cup performance could drive renewed interest in team merchandise, increased advertising spending and restored fan engagement. A credible showing beyond the group stages would likely restore demand for jerseys and branded products, revive viewing events and attract sponsorship activity.

Travel operators are positioning for potential opportunities as World Cup participation would generate significant demand for international flights, accommodation and specialized tour packages targeting Ghanaian supporters. The tournament represents a fresh commercial window after the AFCON disappointment.

Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in Group L at the World Cup. The Black Stars previously reached the quarterfinals in 2010 during the tournament in South Africa, missing a penalty that would have made them the first African team to reach the semifinals.

2025 AFCON officially kicks off today in Morocco

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicks off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, bringing together the continent’s best footballing nations for a month-long celebration of African talent, culture, and competition.

Although Ghana did not qualify for this year’s tournament, Morocco will host 24 teams competing across multiple venues for Africa’s most prestigious football trophy.

The tournament final will be staged at Rabat’s Complex Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah on January 18, the same venue that will host the opening match. Rabat is one of six host cities and features four stadiums for AFCON matches: Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, Stade El Barid, and the Stade Annexe Olympique, in addition to the main Complex Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Other host cities include Casablanca, which will hold matches at the Stade Mohamed V, home to Wydad and Raja football clubs. The Grand Stade de Tanger, with a seating capacity of 75,000, is the largest stadium selected for the tournament. Additional venues include the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Complexe Sportif de Fès, and the Grand Stade d’Agadir.

AFCON 2025 is set to showcase world-class talent, featuring players from top European and global leagues, while also highlighting the growing strength of domestic football across Africa.

Organisers have focused on security, infrastructure, and fan engagement, expressing confidence in Morocco’s readiness to deliver a successful tournament.

Football enthusiasts across the continent will be watching closely as the opening matches set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive championship.

Ghana Airways restoration key to national pride and economic reset – Ablakwa  

2 dead, 5 injured in diesel tanker accident at Anyinam–Enyiresi

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Two people have died and five others sustained injuries following a head-on collision involving a MAN Diesel tanker and a Sprinter bus on the Accra–Kumasi Highway at Enyiresi.

The tanker (GN 4550-19), carrying two people, reportedly lost control after a tyre detached, colliding with a Sprinter bus (AW 732-13) that had eight occupants on board.


The impact was severe, leaving the Sprinter bus completely destroyed and pinning it beneath the tanker. The tanker sustained damage to its front axle.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Anyinam Fire Station responded promptly after receiving a distress call at 2038hrs, arriving seven minutes later at the scene.


Rescue operations led to the retrieval of one female victim who was pronounced dead at the scene and handed over to the police. Another victim later died at Enyiresi Government Hospital.

The injured were treated at Enyiresi Government Hospital and Helpline Hospital in Anyinam, with one victim referred to St. Joseph Hospital, Koforidua, for further medical care.


The tanker driver and his mate escaped unhurt and are assisting police investigations.

Ghana Airways restoration key to national pride and economic reset – Ablakwa  

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The government says the planned restoration of Ghana Airways will serve as a symbol of national pride while playing a strategic role in Ghana’s economic reset and renewed engagement with the African diaspora, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said.  

Mr. Ablakwa said the revival of the national airline was not driven by nostalgia but by clear economic logic and a Pan-African vision that places connectivity, investment, and self-reliance at the centre of national development.   

He was speaking at the closing session of the 2025 Diaspora Summit in Accra.  

He said the absence of a national carrier had resulted in significant capital flight, particularly during major international events that attracted thousands of diaspora visitors to Ghana. 

According to him, ticket revenues from such gatherings largely ended up in foreign economies, denying Ghana the opportunity to retain and reinvest those resources.  

“Just imagine the thousands of you who attended this Diaspora Summit. If all those tickets had been bought on our own airline, that money would have stayed in the Ghanaian economy,” the Minister said.  

He noted that a functioning national carrier would convert travel spending into direct investment in national growth.  

Mr Ablakwa said beyond revenue retention, the restoration of Ghana Airways would enhance access to Ghana for Africans in the diaspora by enabling targeted incentives such as discounted fares for major national and Pan-African events. 

He said such measures would encourage more frequent travel, deepen people-to-people connections, and strengthen diaspora participation in development.  

The Foreign Minister disclosed that a technical committee established by President John Dramani Mahama to examine the feasibility of restoring the national airline was nearing the completion of its work. 

He said the government was determined to ensure that the airline’s return would be sustainable, professionally managed, and insulated from the challenges that had undermined similar ventures in the past.  

He described Ghana Airways as more than a transport enterprise, saying its restoration would represent a powerful statement of confidence in Ghana’s ability to manage complex national institutions.   

Mr Ablakwa linked the airline project directly to Ghana’s broader Pan-African and diaspora engagement agenda, noting that improved air connectivity would position Ghana as a preferred gateway between Africa and its global diaspora. 

He said easier and more affordable travel would support tourism, trade, cultural exchange, and investment flows.  

The Minister said the airline’s revival would complement other measures aimed at strengthening diaspora ties, including the planned introduction of an e-visa policy in the first quarter of 2026. 

Under the new policy, he said, special dispensations would be granted to Africans in the diaspora to simplify travel to the country and reduce associated costs.  

He said the combined impact of an efficient national airline and a simplified visa regime would significantly lower barriers to diaspora engagement, making it easier for Africans abroad to return, invest, and collaborate with partners in Ghana.  

Mr Ablakwa stressed that Ghana’s economic reset would proceed alongside its pursuit of reparatory justice and that the two objectives were not mutually exclusive.   

He said while Ghana would continue to advocate for restitution and historical justice, it would remain focused on using its limited resources prudently to drive domestic development and create opportunities for young people.  

He said the focus would be on building a resilient airline capable of competing effectively while serving Ghana’s strategic national and continental interests.

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.

Cardiothoracic centres in Ghana urged to collaborate and share resources

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Cardiothoracic centres in Ghana urged to collaborate and share resources – Ghana Business News



















Gov’t to roll out E-Visa policy in 2026 – Ablakwa

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Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced government’s plan to introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system in the first quarter of 2026 as part of measures to make travel to Ghana easier and more affordable for Africans in the diaspora.

The policy direction was unveiled at the closing session of the maiden Diaspora Summit held in Accra on Saturday, December 20, 2025, where the Minister described the initiative as a directive from President John Dramani Mahama aimed at strengthening Ghana’s connection with Africans abroad.

“I am delighted to announce to you that this government, under strict instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, will be rolling out an e-visa policy in the first quarter of next year, 2026. We have discussed with management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that we are going to have a special dispensation for Africans in the diaspora so that you will not have to make the same payments as others will make, and you can travel to the motherland easily, smoothly and more conveniently,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

He explained that the new regime will be guided by reciprocity, stressing that visa fees charged by Ghana would reflect what Ghanaians pay when travelling to other countries.

“How much we pay when we want to go into their country, we will make sure we are all paying the same in the spirit of reciprocity, so we can all raise the funds that we need to develop our country,” he added.

Beyond easing travel, the Foreign Affairs Minister linked the e-visa initiative to broader economic ambitions, arguing that increased diaspora inflows could significantly boost domestic investment and national revenue.

He cited the potential benefits of reviving national aviation capacity, noting, “Imagine if all the tickets of those who flew into the country were on Ghana Airways; that money would have been an investment in the Ghanaian economy and not in the other countries… where those ticket resources are going to.”

Reinforcing the economic implications of the policy shift, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Augustus Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, urged members of the diaspora to see the reforms as an opportunity to invest in Ghana’s productive sectors.

He explained that the 24-Hour Economy programme is designed to drive growth through integrated value chains, stating that it would “organise production around integrated value chains in strategic sectors, linking agriculture to processing through agro-industrial partnerships supported by logistics hubs.”

Ghana Embassy, Ghanaian Lawyers in U.S. strike diaspora-first partnership

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Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has taken a significant step to strengthen support for Ghanaians in America by formalising a strategic partnership with the Association of Ghanaian Lawyers of the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

The move was announced during a high-level courtesy visit at the Ghanaian Embassy on Saturday, December 13, where both parties outlined a series of “diaspora-first” initiatives aimed at demystifying U.S. legal processes and providing guidance for Ghanaians facing legal challenges abroad.

A centerpiece of the collaboration is the proposed “Law Day” envisioned as a recurring open forum where experienced Ghanaian-American lawyers will offer free legal education and general guidance to the public.

Ambassador Smith highlighted the preventive benefits of the initiative, emphasizing that it will equip citizens with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, thereby encouraging early intervention before legal issues escalate into life-altering crises.

“The initiative could help demystify legal processes, equip citizens with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, and encourage early intervention on legal matters before they escalate,” the Ambassador noted.

In addition to education, the partnership aims to tackle urgent cases involving Ghanaians in U.S. detention. While consular support has traditionally been provided by the Embassy, Ambassador Smith proposed a collaborative framework that leverages the expertise of Ghanaian lawyers in the U.S. to ensure detained nationals receive more than just a visit they are guaranteed fair treatment and due process.

Men Are Now Chasing Single Mums, They Want To Marry Us – Iyabo Ojo

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Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has shared her thoughts on how society now views single mothers.

Naija News reports that in a video, the mother of two said the attitude has changed as more men are openly seeking serious relationships with women who already have children.

The actress spoke on December 20, 2025, while addressing the growing confidence among single mothers and how they are now better accepted in relationships and marriage.

This video of President Mahama, Shatta Wale will make your day [Watch]

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The highlight of the Sharaf Mahama Legacy Rise Sports Boxing Showdown on Saturday wasn’t just the boxing or the music, it was the unforgettable moment between Shatta Wale and President John Mahama.

After delivering an electrifying performance, Shatta Wale knelt in respect before embracing the former president.

The gesture was met with cheers from the crowd, who quickly recognized the warmth and admiration shared on stage.

Adding to the charm, President Mahama joined in the excitement, singing along to Shatta Wale’s with enthusiasm that mirrored the energy of the packed stadium.

The scene was a genuine, rare moment of connection between a music superstar and a national leader.

‘You failed to protect your baby mama’ – Vim Lady wades into Kennedy Agyapong-Adwoa Safo feud

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According to Vim Lady, Agyapong should have stood by Adwoa Safo during her difficult times play videoAccording to Vim Lady, Agyapong should have stood by Adwoa Safo during her difficult times

Ghanaian media personality Afia Pokuaa, popularly known as Vim Lady, has taken a swipe at New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, accusing him of failing to defend Sarah Adwoa Safo, the mother of his children, during her difficult period.

According to Vim Lady, Kennedy Agyapong should have stood by Adwoa Safo, the former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, when she faced intense public criticism and political backlash.

Speaking on her Gyaso Gyaso show, Afia Pokuaa alleged that the recent fallout between Kennedy Agyapong and Adwoa Safo goes beyond politics and has deep personal undertones.

She argued that although Adwoa Safo is married, her husband is relatively new in her life, whereas Kennedy Agyapong, who has two children with her, knows her better and should have been her pillar of support.

“What Kennedy Agyapong did was wrong because he failed to protect her. I don’t blame Adwoa Safo for criticising him because this is not about politics, that is her baby daddy,” Vim Lady stated.

She further suggested that Adwoa Safo’s controversial absence from Parliament and her social media activities at the time were influenced by health challenges.

“When Adwoa Safo was away and doing TikTok, she was not herself. It was sickness. And when someone is vulnerable, that is when you expect loved ones to be there for the person. If nothing at all, the baby daddy you have two children with should support you,” she said.

Vim Lady criticised Kennedy Agyapong for publicly attacking Adwoa Safo instead of shielding her from public ridicule.

“Kennedy should have been behind her and protected her, but he went to UTV to fire her. That is where I feel he went wrong,” she added.

Meanwhile, Sarah Adwoa Safo has urged delegates of the NPP, ahead of the party’s upcoming flagbearer election, not to vote for Kennedy Agyapong, with whom she shares two children.

What Kennedy Agyapong said that angered Adwoa Safo

The tension between the two dates back to February 2022, when Kennedy Agyapong, then Member of Parliament for Assin Central, publicly criticised Adwoa Safo over her prolonged absence from Parliament while she was outside the country.

At the time, the ruling NPP required the full attendance of its MPs to conduct government business, as Parliament was operating under a hung legislature.

Speaking on Asaase Radio, Agyapong accused Adwoa Safo of refusing to return to Ghana due to what he described as personal demands. He further claimed that then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was being too lenient with her, a situation he said undermined party discipline and weakened the government’s legislative agenda.

AM

Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025

The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.

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Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate

Channel One TV’s Paul Egbenya wins Best Parliamentary Cameraman Award

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Channel One TV’s Paul Egbenya has been adjudged Best Parliamentary Cameraman by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin at the 2025 Parliamentary Media Soirée and Recognition Night.

The honour recognises his exceptional skill and artistry in capturing the essence of parliamentary proceedings.

A citation presented to him noted: “Your keen eye, steady hand, and dedication to visual storytelling have significantly enhanced public understanding of the mandate of Ghana’s Parliament.”

Egbenya’s technical expertise and commitment to journalistic integrity were highlighted as key qualities that ensure the public receives clear, accurate and unbiased coverage of activities in the House.

The event was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin; Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor; Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietror; and officials from Parliament’s Media Relations and Public Engagement departments.

Martin Amidu calls efforts by Asantehene in Bawku crisis “a gargantuan scam”? Must try harder!

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Are the peace efforts to end the Bawku conflict “a gargantuan scam”, as the debut special prosecutor, Martin Amidu, declared?

Amidu has morphed into a controversial voice who occasionally seeks attention in the public space in relation to national issues. The former special prosecutor’s description of the Asantehene’s mediation role in the Bawku conflict as “a scam” is the latest in a growing list of unsavoury utterances one does not expect from a senior citizen.

‘Robbed’ – Fans divided over Jonathan Tetteh’s win against Freezy Macbones

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Jonathan Tetteh defeated Freezy Macbones after eight rounds of boxing Jonathan Tetteh defeated Freezy Macbones after eight rounds of boxing

Jonathan Tetteh’s unanimous decision victory over Seth Gyimah, also known as Freezy Macbones, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium has sparked heated debate among boxing fans, with social media buzzing over the controversial outcome.

While Tetteh celebrated his WBA Africa light heavyweight title, reactions online revealed a divided fanbase.

Some supporters praised Tetteh for his discipline, ring intelligence, and tactical approach, noting that his early dominance and effective clinching played a key role in securing the win.

“Worldwide beat him, Freezy couldn’t land clean punches,” tweeted one fan, echoing many who backed Tetteh’s performance.

Jonathan Tetteh dominates Freezy Macbones to capture WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title

Others, however, argued that Freezy Macbones had done enough to claim victory. Many fans highlighted moments where Freezy controlled parts of the fight, suggesting that the points deduction for the alleged bite in the eighth round unfairly influenced the final scorecards.

“The judges killed our morale today. Freezy clearly won,” lamented one disappointed viewer, while others insisted the fight had been far from one-sided.

The judges scored the fight at the final bell, 80-73, 78-74, and 77-75 in favor of Tetteh, confirming his dominance in the contest.

Read some of the reactions below:

FKA/EB

‘Robbed’ – Fans divided over Jonathan Tetteh’s win against Freezy Macbones

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Jonathan Tetteh defeated Freezy Macbones after eight rounds of boxing Jonathan Tetteh defeated Freezy Macbones after eight rounds of boxing

Jonathan Tetteh’s unanimous decision victory over Seth Gyimah, also known as Freezy Macbones, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium has sparked heated debate among boxing fans, with social media buzzing over the controversial outcome.

While Tetteh celebrated his WBA Africa light heavyweight title, reactions online revealed a divided fanbase.

Some supporters praised Tetteh for his discipline, ring intelligence, and tactical approach, noting that his early dominance and effective clinching played a key role in securing the win.

“Worldwide beat him, Freezy couldn’t land clean punches,” tweeted one fan, echoing many who backed Tetteh’s performance.

Jonathan Tetteh dominates Freezy Macbones to capture WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title

Others, however, argued that Freezy Macbones had done enough to claim victory. Many fans highlighted moments where Freezy controlled parts of the fight, suggesting that the points deduction for the alleged bite in the eighth round unfairly influenced the final scorecards.

“The judges killed our morale today. Freezy clearly won,” lamented one disappointed viewer, while others insisted the fight had been far from one-sided.

The judges scored the fight at the final bell, 80-73, 78-74, and 77-75 in favor of Tetteh, confirming his dominance in the contest.

Read some of the reactions below:

FKA/EB

Why Kennedy Ohene Agyapong Embodies The Courage Ghana Requires In 2028

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Why Kennedy Ohene Agyapong Embodies The Courage Ghana Requires In 2028
Kennedy Agyapong

As Ghana steadily approaches the 2028 general elections, the nation finds itself at a defining crossroads—one that extends far beyond party loyalty, familiar personalities, or political nostalgia. This moment demands honesty rather than habit, courage rather than comfort, and realism rather than sentimentality.

Politics, at its essence, is about people—their struggles, frustrations, and enduring hope that leadership can still make a tangible difference in their lives. Across Ghana, there is widespread fatigue with recycled leadership, cautious rhetoric, and promises disconnected from everyday hardship. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong speaks directly to this emotional reality with a voice that reflects the unfiltered frustrations of ordinary citizens.

It is precisely this authenticity that unsettles opponents. In electoral politics, the most formidable candidates are those who disrupt dominant narratives and mobilize disengaged voters. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong cannot be easily boxed, silenced, or ignored. His presence confronts rather than conforms, and that confrontation resonates deeply with a nation yearning for honesty.

Extended incumbency carries emotional and strategic costs. After years of governance, dissatisfaction accumulates and the electorate naturally seeks renewal. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong offers a contrasting proposition—fearless, independent, and willing to challenge entrenched interests.

At this critical stage, Ghanaians must exercise discernment, especially on social media. Paid political videos, misinformation, and inducement-driven promises are increasingly deployed to manipulate perception and damage reputations. Citizens must reject such tactics and assess leadership based on integrity, evidence, and lived impact.

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s record of economic contribution, job creation, social intervention, and fearless advocacy for accountability speaks louder than any sponsored narrative. His commitment to Ghana and its people is tangible and enduring.

The future of Ghana must not be auctioned in a digital marketplace of deception. It must be shaped by clarity, courage, and collective responsibility.

The era of comfort has passed. The moment for courage has arrived.

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is not merely a candidate; he is a statement.

Vote Number 1. Choose courage. Choose victory.


© 2025 Serwaah Bonsu. All rights reserved.

Ghanaian Lady Returns Home From UK to See the Mansion Her Father Has Been Building in Ghana

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  • A Ghanaian lady from the UK has come to Ghana to inspect the house her father built
  • A video she shared on TikTok showed the huge white mansion’s grand exterior and beautifully landscaped compound
  • The property wowed viewers, who flooded the comments section with admiration and praise for the family’s achievement

A Ghanaian lady living in the UK went back to Ghana to see the big house her dad was building. It’s in a quiet area and has been going up for years, so she really wanted to check it out.

Mansion, Real Estate, East Legon, UK, Ghana, TikTok
UK lady travels home to tour her father’s luxurious mansion in Ghana. Image credit: error4043 Source: TikTok

When she got there, she was really wowed by how impressive it was. The house is mostly white and has a current design with fancy touches that show off how classy it is.

You can tell her dad put a lot of work, time, and money into it, from the big outside to the tidy yard.

She was thrilled with how far it had come, so she made a clip of the outside and put it on her TikTok. People could see how huge it was, its cool front, and the big yard, which gave them a good idea of how fancy it is.

She captioned; “When you finally see the house your Dad was building back home”

Her TikTok post quickly got a lot of eyes, and many followers were happy with how huge the house was.

The mansion is both a family home and a symbol of her father’s years of work. The design mixes modern looks with a comfy feel for family and guests.

It seems to have many living spaces, play areas, and maybe a pool or gardens, but the video didn’t show those.

Watch the video on TikTok below:

People online are praising and congratulating the family in the comments. Many said the mansion looks good, and some joked about getting a tour.

The video has people wondering what the inside looks like, and they’re waiting for another post to find out.

This visit let the lady reconnect with her past and celebrate her father’s success. The video is a moment of family pride and shows the hard work it took to build the home.

Check out some comments below:

Everything foreign commented:

“I’m definitely building something similar for my family sooner or later 🙏🔥.”

Elizabeth Safo commented:

That’s what we call a mansion.God bless him. ☺️

x_kabana commented:

“May our children celebrate us like this! Say Amen🙏🏾.”

Cypher K’mani commented:

“This is magnificent…I bet you a lot has gone into it 🥰🔥.”

Factsonfacts commented:

“Interesting, congratulations, dear.”

Inside Ghanaian Footballer Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu's Mansion In Ghana
Agyemang-Badu gives netizens a mini-tour of his house. Photo credit: @agyemangbadu. Source: TikTok

Agyemang Badu’s huge mansion surfaced online

Previously, YEN.com.gh Ghanaian footballer Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu gave fans a glimpse of his stunning home in Ghana when he hosted YouTuber Akua Dimples.

A video shared on Akua Dimples’ YouTube channel revealed the property’s lush compound, beautifully adorned with greenery and flowers.

The impressive home wowed many viewers, who flooded the comments section with admiration and praise for the football star’s taste.

Mahama orders $78m payment to Justmoh to resume Agona–Nkwanta road works

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President Mahama in a chat with road contractors President Mahama in a chat with road contractors

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance to release $78 million to Justmoh Construction Company to clear outstanding debts for work done on the Agona–Nkwanta Road project since 2024.

The payment is expected to enable the contractor to fully resume work on the critical Western Region road corridor.

The directive follows earlier government action to clear more than $70 million in arrears owed to the contractor working on the Ofankor–Nsawam Road, a move aimed at accelerating the completion of that project.

The President said the payments form part of a broader commitment to ensure continuity of infrastructure projects inherited from the previous administration.

Christmas rush deepens traffic woes in Accra Central

“As I promised, we will continue all road projects we inherited from the previous government,” President Mahama said.

“All contractors who were working before we came into office on projects awarded by the previous government, I have asked them to continue, and we are paying them so they can continue the work.”

Briefing the President during an inspection tour of the Agona–Nkwanta Road project, the Roads and Highways minister, Governs Kwame Agbodza announced that contractors working on stalled road projects would be back on site by the first quarter of next year, following parliamentary approval of the Debt Restructuring Agreement.

He said the agreement would pave the way for the resumption of suspended projects, including the PTC Interchange in Takoradi.

I Got Expelled From University For Belonging To Cult – Daniel Etim-Effiong

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Nollywood actor, Daniel Etim-Effiong, has shared how a painful experience during his university days changed the direction of his life and faith.

Naija News reports that the actor revealed in an interview with Taymesan that he was once expelled from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, after being wrongly accused of cultism.