Nigerian music icon 2Baba recently made headlines after an update about him was shared on social media.
His new partner, Natasha Osawaru, revealed that he is involved in a project in her hometown. This announcement encouraged fans and netizens to engage in a dialogue about the contributions 2Baba has made to his own state.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Afenyo-Markin, the minority leader, has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to overturn a decision rendered by the First Deputy Speaker on March 5, 2025, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that threatens parliamentary democracy.
The Effutu MP argues in a written submission to the Speaker that the decision, which maintained a preliminary objection against Private Members’ Motion No. 16 on the grounds of sub judice, was unconstitutional and in violation of the law.
A contentious directive from the Chief of Staff demanding the wholesale revocation of public sector appointments was the subject of the motion, which was struck out in March, and attempted to spark parliamentary discussion. The Supreme Court had already heard the case in Henry Nana Boakye v. Attorney General, thus Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker, decided that the issue was sub judice.
However, Afenyo-Markin contends that the ruling misconstrued the sub judice rule and effectively “subordinates Parliament’s constitutional mandate to the mere existence of related litigation.”
He said that permitting ongoing legal proceedings to silence Parliament would discourage legislative inquiry and encourage calculated lawsuits meant to stifle accountability.
“Parliament’s role as the voice of the Ghanaian people cannot be silenced by misapplied procedural rules,” he argued.
According to the Minority Leader, the Supreme Court made it clear in its Vincent Ekow Assafuah v. Attorney General ruling on May 6, 2025, that constitutional bodies must go on with their operations unless specifically ordered to stop by a court order.
“No such restraint exists in this case, nor could it constitutionally exist absent extraordinary circumstances,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.
He also cited a 2012 decision by then-Speaker Joyce Bamford-Addo, which he claimed upheld Parliament’s authority to discuss issues of public interest even when there were precedents in the relevant court cases.
“The impugned ruling… strikes at the heart of democratic principles by subordinating Parliament’s constitutional mandate to the existence of litigation,” he said.
Thus, in order to examine and reverse the March 5 decision and reaffirm Parliament’s independence in matters of national importance, the Minority Leader is pleading with the Speaker to use Standing Order 127.
“The Constitution demands, and the people deserve, robust legislative oversight of executive action, particularly where such action affects the livelihoods and welfare of thousands of citizens and their dependents,” he concluded.
The Speaker is anticipated to make a decision regarding the proposal in due time.
KA
File photo of a deceased person
Awudu Gariba, a 14-year-old candidate for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), tragically passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, after collapsing at the Adiembra Examination Centre in the Assin South District of the Central Region.
According to reports, Awudu, a student of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, had begun showing signs of illness during the examination the previous day. He was sent to the Assin Adiembra CHPS compound for treatment.
However, due to the ongoing strike by nurses, he was not attended to.
On Friday, June 13, Awudu collapsed during the first paper of the day. He was rushed to the Assin Fosu Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead.
Isaac Opoku, the District Education Director for Assin South, confirmed the incident to Citi News and expressed deep sorrow over the student’s untimely death.
“Arrangements are being made to officially inform Awudu’s parents about the tragic incident,” Mr. Opoku was quoted as saying by CitiNewsroom.com.
Frederick Agyei, headteacher of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, recalled that Awudu had exhibited signs of illness during the examination the day before.
He expressed sadness over the loss, emphasized the school’s efforts to seek timely medical assistance, and urged the community and fellow students to remain calm during this difficult time.
KA
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has bemoaned Ghana’s over-reliance on the importation of food products that could equally be grown in the country.
He urged the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to work towards drastically reducing the importation of food that could easily be produced in Ghana.
The Asantehene also called on the government to put in place urgent interventions that will whip up interest in agriculture, especially among the youthful population.
He urged the government to consider reintroducing, ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ initiative, as was done during the Acheampong era, if it becomes necessary to revive the country’s agricultural sector.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks when the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, led officials of the Ministry to pay a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, June 13, as part of a working visit to the Ashanti Region.
“It’s sad we import tomatoes and onions. Work hard to ensure that the importation of food is ceased. Even if we import, there should be a reduction so that we grow in Ghana. I will be watching you closely. Ensure the provisions of irrigation to farmers,” he said.
The Asantehene also urged chiefs and other traditional authorities to offer lands as equity for farming activities to help boost agricultural development.
Group demands cancellation of KGL’s lottery license
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Featured
Delali Sika
Showbiz News
2 minutes read
Ghanaian actor, Melvin Dain has shared his insights on the craft of acting, noting that it’s not just about memorising lines, but living truthfully in someone else’s skin.
According to the actor, who plays the role of Sena Klu in the new M-Net/Akwaaba Magic series, House of Klu, authentic acting required a deep understanding of the character’s emotions, experiences, and motivations.
“For me, acting is not just about memorising lines, it’s about living truthfully in someone else’s skin.
“With Sena, I had to dig deep. He’s complex, he’s been through pain, he’s smart, he’s dangerous, and sometimes vulnerable. My job is to make the audience feel every bit of that,” he told Graphic Showbiz in a recent interview.
Melvin Dain’s performance as Sena, a young man from the slums who rises to power, is captivating.
He brings the character to life with his strong presence and careful attention to detail, making Sena a compelling figure to watch.
“Sena is one of the most versatile characters I’ve ever played. He challenges me every day on set. I see parts of him in people I know, even in myself sometimes. That’s what makes it so real but as an actor, that’s exactly the kind of role you pray for,” Dain noted.
Melvin’s acting skills is no surprise to those who’ve followed his career. He first caught attention with ENO, a Showmax Original series, as lead actor.
And in For Love and Country, a Shirley Frimpong-Manso film that features Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson, Naa Ashorkor, and Caroline Sampson, he equally made a good impression.
Keke Palmer shared during an appearance on Scott Evans’ House Guest podcast how she and her ex, Darius Jackson, came up with their son’s name
The former couple welcomed their son Leodis in February 2023
Palmer told Evans that the name was a combination of both her first name, Lauren, and Darius’s first name
Keke Palmer is sharing how she landed on her son’s name.
While appearing on Scott Evans’ House Guest podcast, the One Of Them Days actress, whose real name is Lauren Palmer, opened up about how she and her ex, Darius Jackson, decided on the name for their 2-year-old son, Leodis.
“Darius actually made his name. He wanted both our names, which is so crazy,” she said, joking about how the practice of combining the parents’ names is seemingly common in Chicago. “So yeah, that was him trying to put like Darius and Lauren, like Leodis, like it was just too much, but I said, ‘Hey, let’s do it. It’s adorable.’ “
“I was pregnant, anything went. It’s adorable, … and then also it sounded like an old name,” she said. “He sounded like he was marching with [Martin Luther King Jr.]. It’s like Leodis Andrellton Jackson. He’s gonna be on somebody’s campaign.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Emmy award winner, 31, welcomed her first child on Feb. 25, 2023, with her ex-boyfriend. Since welcoming Leo, the actress hasn’t shied away from posting about him on social media. Between silly videos and heartfelt tributes, Palmer has been relishing in motherhood.
“Mommy’ing is coming along if you were looking for an update. I have juggled quite a few careers but this is my greatest gig of all,” Palmer wrote on Instagram in March 2023. “I will never be the same again, but if you thought I was a bad mama jamma before, you can’t imagine the greater purpose my son has given my life!”
The Nope actress has a different outlook on life now that she’s a mother. Palmer previously told PEOPLE that life is “always a juggling act” these days as she navigates motherhood and her demanding career as an actress, musician and business owner.
“I do feel like being 30, it’s put me in a different head space that’s allowed me to kind of feel more observational about my life,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m not so in the weeds of everything. I’m really trusting and having faith that everything will work out as it should. I think so much of that peace has come from my son.”
The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
The True Jackson VP alum and Baby, This is Keke Palmer podcast host celebrated her son Leodis’ second birthday with several posts on both her and her son’s Instagram pages. In the sweet tribute on her Instagram, she shared a collection of photos and videos from the past two years. In the post, Palmer included a video of her doing her son’s hair and another of her kissing him on the cheek as a baby.
She also shared pictures of her and her son, including one where they both were sticking their tongues out. Another snap showed Palmer lying on the floor as he sat on her stomach and looked at the camera.
“My life can and will never be the same. You have made me who I will forever be, a MOTHA,” Palmer wrote in her caption. “Leodis from the moment you were in my stomach I knew you were a strong little boy. I could just feel it!”
“Even though you are no longer in my stomach you are in fact my greatest strength,” she continued. “Idk if it’s telepathy or what but you have taught me that I can do anything and as long as you are watching I promise I won’t let you down. Strong baby, strong mommy!!!”
Read the original article on People
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, has attributed the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) decision to suspend its nationwide strike to the strategic and respectful posture adopted by the Committee during negotiations.
The GRNMA suspended its strike today after nearly a week of service disruptions in public health facilities nationwide. A final round of negotiations is expected on June 26, which will determine whether the government’s response meets the nurses’ expectations — and whether the truce will hold.
Speaking in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday June 13, Dr Afriyie emphasised that the Committee’s unified and constructive approach played a significant role in easing tensions and encouraging cooperation from the GRNMA leadership.
“It is just the posturing… The Parliamentary Committee were of a posture of a kind that we were seeking the cooperation of the nurses,” he stated. “We were a very solid, organised team and we know their rights.”
He acknowledged that the nurses’ demands were not out of place, pointing out that other healthcare professionals had already signed their revised conditions of service under the previous government.
According to him, nurses are the only cadre within the health sector yet to have their agreement fully implemented.
“It is not like anything they are asking for is new… So we told them some first principles — that you are right,” he noted.
Dr. Afriyie added that the Committee’s bipartisan support was crucial. He highlighted how the minority caucus openly sided with the nurses, giving them the confidence that their concerns were being fairly heard.
“The good thing is that they were hearing it from the Minority who sided with them. We side with them — except we asked that, on the face of what is right before Ghanaians and before God, can we give an opportunity for two weeks so that we can pursue the concerns through a legislative angle,” he said.
He revealed that the Committee proposed a compromise: for the government to initially meet half of the GRNMA’s demands — four out of eight key concerns — with the remaining issues addressed in the next budget cycle.
“We pleaded with them to get some four out of the eight they are asking for, so that we can ask the government to do some four now, and then in the next budget, they can do the remaining four,” Dr. Afriyie explained.
Read also
Suspending strike was tough decision – GRNMA
According to The Nation, afrobeat sensation Tiwa Savage has recently opened up about the financial strain she endures as a single mother, especially in the face of Nigeria’s tough economic situation.
The award-winning artist used her Instagram story to share a candid message with her followers, expressing her exhaustion and the constant demands for financial assistance she receives from those around her.
In her heartfelt post, Tiwa Savage revealed that despite her fame and success, she is not immune to the financial challenges that many Nigerians are currently experiencing.
The pressure of being a provider, coupled with her responsibilities as a single mother, has made her reality even more demanding.
She emphasized the relentless hustle she has had to maintain in order to meet her obligations and support her household.
“Because even me sef the economy don show me shege. I am a single mother abeg, I dey hustle night and day. May God bless us all,” she wrote.
Her words resonated with many, shedding light on the broader economic difficulties facing ordinary citizens across the country.
Tiwa’s post served as a reminder that even those in the limelight are grappling with rising costs, dwindling opportunities, and the overwhelming pressure to assist others financially.
Tiwa Savage’s honesty underscores the need for empathy and understanding in a time when many people are silently struggling.
By speaking out, she not only humanizes her own experience but also gives a voice to countless other single parents working tirelessly to make ends meet.
The singer’s revelation is especially poignant given her role as a mother to her son, Jamil, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Teebillz.
The couple welcomed their child on July 22, 2015, in a hospital in London.
Since then, Tiwa has been balancing her demanding music career with the responsibilities of motherhood—often with little support.
Her message struck a chord with fans and followers, sparking conversations about the unspoken burdens that many women, particularly single mothers, carry.
In a society where expectations are high and support systems are often limited, Tiwa’s post serves as both a reality check and a call for compassion.
Through her platform, Tiwa Savage continues to advocate for awareness and solidarity, reminding everyone that success does not exempt one from struggle, and that kindness and understanding are more important now than ever.
In response, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel, which have reportedly been intercepted.
Aviation disruptions were reported in several countries as tensions escalated in the region.
“So many flights have been cancelled mainly coming from Gulf states to Beirut Rafik Hariri Airport,” an Airport aviation source told dpa.
Emirates Airlines announced that it has cancelled flights from four countries.
Emirates, headquartered in Dubai International Airport, announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran due to the current situation.
The airline stated that it will not accept passengers transiting through Dubai whose final destination was Iraq, Iran, Jordan or Lebanon until further notice.
It added: “We apologize for any inconvenience and continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees, and operations remains our top priority.”
“Flight disruptions are expected through today (Friday) at Zayed International Airport. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest status of their flights before travelling to the airport,” the Abu Dhabi airport said in a statement on X.
Syrian Airlines also announced a temporary suspension of all flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia Friday, due to the temporary closure of Jordanian and Iraqi airspace as a result of current tensions in the region.
The airline clarified in a post on its official Facebook page that it is continuously following developments in the situation and will announce any developments related to the resumption of services.
PDC
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine is the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has responded to a journalist’s question on the difference between a Non-Prosecution Agreement and a plea bargain.
During a press briefing on Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) at the Information Service Department on June 13, 2025, he said NPA is a possible outcome of plea bargaining where prosecutors agree not to prosecute a suspect in exchange for cooperation or other benefits.
“A non-prosecution agreement (NPA) is an aspect of a plea bargain,” Dr Ayine explained.
According to him, the agreement grants protection from prosecution, allowing suspects to avoid trial.
NPAs can be conditional or unconditional, depending on the terms negotiated.
“When we sign a non-prosecution agreement, we usually immunize the person from prosecution—sometimes on certain conditions or sometimes unconditionally,” he stated.
“A plea bargain is simply a negotiation between the prosecutor and someone suspected of a crime,” he further explained.
He noted that plea bargaining could lead to various outcomes, including dropping charges in exchange for a fine or penalty, offering immunity if the suspect serves as a key witness, and negotiating terms that lead to a non-prosecution agreement.
Dr Ayine also clarified that these legal mechanisms are recognized under Ghanaian law, specifically through amendments to Act 30 under the Plea Bargain Act.
Addressing public concerns, he stressed, “I have never approached anyone for a plea deal. Those under prosecution usually send people to my office to ask whether I’m open to it,” he said.
He concluded that such negotiations remain confidential until finalized, and form part of the government’s broader effort to recover stolen state funds through legal and strategic means.
DR/AME
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has credited the timely intervention of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health as a decisive factor in its decision to suspend the nationwide strike that disrupted public health services this week.
Speaking after the announcement of the suspension of the strike in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday June 13, GRNMA Vice President Samuel Alagkora Akologo described the Committee’s involvement as both timely and necessary, particularly at a point when assurances from the Health Ministry were no longer enough to persuade the union’s members to return to work.
“The intervention by the Parliamentary Select Committee was very prompt and at the appropriate time,” Akologo stated. “We were at the stage where the continuous assurance of the minister was not giving us enough information to be able to communicate to our members to relax them so that we can ask them to suspend or call off the strike.”
He added that the engagement in Parliament was fruitful and provided a level of clarity and reassurance that previous negotiations had lacked. According to Akologo, this helped GRNMA leadership take steps to advise their members to stand down—at least temporarily.
“What was discussed yesterday in Parliament was very fruitful. We are waiting for the 26th June meeting to come. It is from that meeting that we will know whether the conversation with the Parliamentary Select Committee actually yielded the fruits we felt yesterday,” he said.
The strike, which began on June 9, 2025, was in protest of the government’s proposed delay in implementing revised conditions of service until 2026 — a move the GRNMA strongly opposed. The action led to significant disruptions across the country’s public health sector, with emergency and maternity services among the worst affected.
Although the strike has been suspended, the Association maintains a cautious stance. GRNMA President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo has called on the government to demonstrate genuine commitment during the upcoming negotiations. She warned that failure to follow through on assurances could lead to a resumption of industrial action.
The June 26 meeting between the GRNMA and government negotiators is now viewed as a crucial test of good faith, with both the public and the health sector watching closely.
Read also
Nurses and Midwives suspend nationwide strike
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has described its decision to suspend its nationwide strike as a very difficult one.
The decision followed a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, striking nurses, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Friday, June 13, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Philemon Gyapong, explained that the leadership faced immense pressure from members who were adamant about not returning to work without concrete assurances.
He revealed that during negotiations, government representatives proposed a compromise which required the association to select a few of its listed demands to be addressed immediately, while others would be postponed until next year.
Without revealing the specific reason for the suspension, he noted that the stakeholder meeting was productive, leading to the union’s decision to call off the strike.
“It was a very difficult and tough one. As leaders, our hands were tight because our members had given us a tough time that they would not return to work until we had reached some level of engagement that is pleasing to them, and this, I say, was a difficult call.
“At a point, we were made to choose within the list, some of these allowances which they will take steps to work on while the rest were pushed to the next year, and it is not easy to select, looking at how important and segmented these allowances are,” he said.
The GRNMA demands the full implementation of its 2024 Collective Agreement, which includes the payment of a 13th-month salary, fuel and medical allowances, rural incentive allowance, and the renewal of professional licenses. The association has also raised concerns over delayed postings and unpaid allowances.
The strike has significantly affected healthcare delivery across the country, with the government urging continued dialogue to reach a resolution.
Suspending strike: Health Minister’s promises fell short, but Committee acted Swiftly – GRNMA
News Hub Creator6h
Mini flounce dresses with high-low hems offer youthful energy, ideal for summer parties or daytime events where freedom of movement matters. Maxi versions with asymmetrical flounce details provide sophistication for evening wear, their elongated ruffles creating mesmerizing effects under soft lighting. Bodycon styles with flounce accents at the sleeves or waist cleverly combine structure with fluidity, flattering curves while maintaining elegance. Pastel-colored flounce dresses radiate soft charm for garden weddings, while bold jewel tones make powerful statements at cocktail parties. Designers often incorporate flounce elements into wrap dresses, where the ruffles enhance the natural draping of the fabric for a universally flattering fit.
Cold-shoulder flounce dresses add contemporary edge to the romantic aesthetic, blending modern and classic influences seamlessly. The versatility extends to sleeve treatments, with fluted cuffs or ruffled cap sleeves offering alternatives to traditional designs. Metallic-threaded flounces catch the light differently with each movement, creating dimensional effects that photographs beautifully. These dresses transition effortlessly between seasons when styled with tights and boots for winter or sandals for summer. Whether choosing subtle ruffles at the hem or dramatic all-over flounces, these dresses guarantee head-turning appeal by merging movement with timeless style. The right flounce dress becomes more than clothing—it transforms into a wearable expression of joy and confidence.
One axed Love Island contestant had a warning for his co-stars seconds after his exit was shown onscreen.
Blu was booted out of the villa by some of his own co-stars during Friday night, after a tense final showdown with bombshell Shea. It had been down to them two after a recoupling, with it confirmed one of them would be going home.
The trouble was they had to choose which one of them left, which led to them both refusing to exit the villa. The other Islanders were then tasked with making the choice for them, and ultimately it was Blu sent home by his villa pals.
Just moments after he learned he would be going home, Blu shared a warning of sorts with his pals as he said his goodbyes. Blu told some of the boys that they needed to “enjoy” their time in the villa while they still could.
He added their own departures could happen at any time, before sharing his sadness to be leaving. He said: “Enjoy your time in here, you never know when your last day is gonna be.” He added: “I was waiting for that spark to find with someone.”
READ MORE:
Love Island’s three newest bombshells revealed as truths exposed in hidden camera twist
Blu then made a final dig at Shea as he left the villa doors. He said to camera: ” I don’t think I was the right person to go. I think I had a bit more character in the villa I’d say.”
Meanwhile, everyone was left reeling when it was announced that Blu and Shea would have to decide between themselves which of them stayed, and who was sent packing. Blu was shown giving reasons why he should stay, even suggesting he had a spark with Toni which left her utterly baffled.
Then Shea did the same back, making a dig at his co-star as he revealed why it should be him that stayed. Shea commented on Blu having been there for days longer than him, believing there was no connection to be explored. Soon enough the other Islanders were tasked with making the decision for them as neither of them would go.
Earlier this week, viewers predicted which former Love Island star could be set to enter the famous second villa, Casa Amor later this series. After Sophie Lee was axed from the show on Tuesday night in a brutal dumping, after her partner Harry was stolen by Shakira, fans were quick to predict she might be back very soon.
Taking to X, fans guessed the twist would happen with one fan writing: “I reckon Sophie will re-enter the villa as a bombshell by the end of next week at the latest or she will re-enter in Casa Amor.” Another said: “Dw Sophie you’ll be back in 4 weeks for Casa Amor.”
A third viewer begged: “Nah bring Sophie back for Casa Amor she deserves a chance.” A fourth fan agreed: “Bring her back for casa amor!!” as a fifth viewer posted: “Gutted for her and bring back Sophie as a bombshell or Casa Amor.”
The comments kept on coming with one reading: “They better bring Sophie back as a Casa bombshell. Justice for Sophie.” Another said: “BRING SOPHIE BACK FOR CASA AMOR!”
Love Island 2025 airs every night at 9PM on ITV2 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
NIGERIA – A house agent, identified as Olamilekan Olaitan from the Odo Ado area of Ado-Ekiti, has landed in trouble after allegedly diverting a client’s ?225,000 which is equivalent to GHS 1.5K meant for rent into online gambling, Bet9ja.
According to reports, Olaitan collected the money under the pretence of securing accommodation but failed to deliver any property.
African music continues to command global attention, and nowhere was that more evident than at the just-ended 2025 BET Awards, where Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr clinched a major win, building on the momentum set by Tyla’s historic breakthrough last year.
As African genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Highlife redefine the global soundscape, the conversation around representation, recognition, and reward in international award circuits is becoming increasingly urgent.
Just had a brief chat with @BBCAfrica unpacking African music’s global moment after #BETAwards2025. From @AyraStarr’s win this year, to last year’s historic win by Tyla, and the uncomfortable truths about how int’l awards schemes still treat African artistes. @BETAwards… pic.twitter.com/uBmguki5Qa
— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) June 11, 2025
In an interview with BBC Africa on June 11, Ghanaian culture journalist Kenneth Awotwe Darko unpacked the wins, the challenges, and the business behind Africa’s rising music stars. Reflecting on the state of African artistry in international spaces, he highlighted the dual reality of success and systemic sidelining, and what it means for the future of African music on the world stage.
Speaking to BBC’s Focus On Africa in the wake of Ayra Starr’s latest win and last year’s history-making moment by South Africa’s Tyla, who became the first non-American to win “Best New Artist” Kenneth provided critical context on the milestones, challenges, and global business value of African music.
“African artists have made valuable strides in recent years,” he said, “with acts like Tyla winning Best New Artist. But challenges persist, like categories such as Best International Act: Africa being sidelined to pre-recorded segments in the past.
Despite those concerns, Kenneth acknowledged that African genres particularly Afrobeats, have emerged as dominant cultural forces, driven by streaming platforms, social media virality, and high-profile collaborations.
“Afrobeats’ fusion of traditional rhythms with hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall makes it universally appealing,” he noted. “It’s infectious, it’s social, and it celebrates African identity while critiquing societal issues, so it resonates both at home and abroad.”
On the tangible impact of nominations and awards, Kenneth pointed to the growing commercial and artistic benefits for African talent.
“Nominations and wins validate artists’ global appeal, open doors to collaborations, and boost streaming numbers, one of the biggest sources of revenue for artists today,” he explained.
“It also leads to better negotiation power for artistes in respect of record labels and even tours. It played out in the lives of Ghana’s Black Sherif and Burna Boy for Nigeria as well,” he added.
Still, the conversation didn’t shy away from critiques around diversity and inclusion.
He also highlighted that while international awards offer prestige and global reach, African award shows remain essential within the continent.
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.
Some security operatives of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) raided the offices of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) on Monday, June 10, 2025, at their offices in Osu and Tema simultaneously, with the support of the National Security Secretariat.
The raid was said to be linked to the OSP’s investigations into the SML scandal, which is at an advanced stage – the same SML scandal in which the OSP is investigating former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, among others.
Following the OSP’s actions, the leadership of SML has strongly criticised and chastised the OSP, citing significant damages to its properties during the raid.
However, the OSP has refuted SML’s claims, maintaining its stance of acting professionally. This has resulted in what appears to be a back-and-forth between the anti-corruption agency and the company, with both providing contrasting statements on what transpired.
What SML is saying?
Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, reacting to the OSP’s raid on its offices in Osu and Tema, described it as unlawful, stating that they were not shown any warrant permitting the searches.
Speaking on JoyNews on June 11, 2025, the Director of Support Services for SML, Dr Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, stated that; “We want to place on record that we didn’t see any warrant or be served to our staff in any meaningful way or verifiable way during the raid. When they went to Osu, they said they had a court order. When our officer there asked them they said they have a court order. Give it to us and the person walks away.
“When they went to Tema and the officer they met asked for warrant, they pointed something to her, not something that they allowed her to read or verify in any way or even take a copy. So we don’t have a retained copy of the search document that they claim they have, which is the warrant that was obtained way back in April. We don’t know which year and this undermines procedure integrity of the operation that went on yesterday in our place.”
She added that the company will seek redress in court.
“We are on the table consulting and preparing ourselves to go to court. In Osu they didn’t assault them but in Tema, the force they used was traumatic. The server room is a security zone and it’s locked. A field officer doesn’t have access to a server room. They don’t have password to the server room so, they broke the door to the server room which is a security door, and then asked them to give the password,” she said.
She also stated that; “When they saw military men, they were traumatized. They [operatives] were trying to access their personal computers that they have brought to work. They were trying to put it in their desks and they went through the CCTV camera and then they slapped them.”
What the OSP is saying
But according to the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication, Samuel Appiah Darko, the search conducted at SML offices was lawful and backed by a search warrant issued by a competent court, granting them the authority to proceed with their duties.
He also explained in an interview with the Daily Graphic that their officers acted professionally, contrary to claims, and refuted allegations of manhandling, assault, or destruction of SML properties.
Sammy Darko also noted that the search was necessary to obtain information and items from the company to aid in their investigations into the SML scandal.
“Our investigators went to the SML offices for a lawful search to take possession of certain information and items which we need to help us in our investigation.
“We did not destroy any property and we filled the seizure notice duly signed by our officers and representatives of SML,” Darko said as quoted by graphiconline.com.
He maintained that the search was part of the OSP’s standard procedures, adding that an inventory list was made of the items seized during the operation.
“This is called the Form 3 and it’s titled ‘Inventory of items seized or detained during search by an authorised officer,’” he added.
The OSP also indicated that the Director of IT at SML, Samuel Jacob Prempeh, signed on behalf of SML, witnessed by his colleague Rev Michael Nyamitei, as well as a Principal Staff Officer who signed on behalf of the OSP.
He added that this was done lawfully with the consent of SML staff, denying accusations by SML.
OSP investigations
The OSP has indicated that it is examining agreements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) concerning petroleum and mineral revenue oversight.
Under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, SML was engaged by the GRA to provide real-time monitoring and audit services aimed at enhancing tax compliance and revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector.
In 2023, the scope of the contract was significantly expanded to include upstream petroleum activities and the mining sector, triggering heightened public scrutiny.
The government under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo eventually suspended the contract in 2024, following an audit by KPMG.
An amount of GH¢1.06 billion had already been paid to SML by the time the contract was suspended.
If allowed to proceed, the total cost to the state was projected to reach GH¢5.17 billion over five years.
In the wake of all these happenings, Civil Society Organisations mounted a strong response to the findings, with a coalition of five Non-Governmental Organisations filing a lawsuit against the previous government, seeking to recover GH¢1 billion already paid to SML.
MAG/AE
Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to vacate a ruling made by the First Deputy Speaker on March 5, 2025, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” that undermines parliamentary democracy.
In a written submission to the Speaker, the Effutu MP contends that the ruling, which upheld a preliminary objection against Private Members’ Motion No. 16 on grounds of sub judice, was legally flawed and constitutionally unsound.
The motion, which was struck out in March, sought to trigger parliamentary debate on a controversial directive from the Chief of Staff ordering the mass revocation of public sector appointments. However, the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor ruled that the matter was already before the Supreme Court in the case of Henry Nana Boakye v. Attorney General and was therefore sub judice.
But Afenyo-Markin insists the ruling misconstrued the sub judice rule and effectively “subordinates Parliament’s constitutional mandate to the mere existence of related litigation.”
He argued that allowing pending court cases to gag Parliament would create a chilling effect on legislative scrutiny and embolden strategic litigation aimed at stifling accountability.
“Parliament’s role as the voice of the Ghanaian people cannot be silenced by misapplied procedural rules,” he wrote.
Citing the Supreme Court’s May 6, 2025 decision in Vincent Ekow Assafuah v. Attorney General, the Minority Leader noted that the apex court made it clear that constitutional bodies must continue executing their functions unless explicitly restrained by court order.
“No such restraint exists in this case, nor could it constitutionally exist absent extraordinary circumstances,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.
He also referenced a 2012 ruling by then-Speaker Joyce Bamford-Addo, which he said affirmed Parliament’s right to deliberate on matters of public concern despite the existence of related court cases.
“The impugned ruling… strikes at the heart of democratic principles by subordinating Parliament’s constitutional mandate to the existence of litigation,” he noted.
The Minority Leader is therefore urging the Speaker to invoke Standing Order 127 to review and overturn the March 5 ruling and reaffirm Parliament’s independence in matters of national significance.
He concluded: “The Constitution demands, and the people deserve, robust legislative oversight of executive action, particularly where such action affects the livelihoods and welfare of thousands of citizens and their dependants.”
The Speaker is expected to rule on the submission in due course.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has refuted claims that the government has dismissed 15 two-star generals from the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Genfi described the reports as false.
“We never dismissed 15 two-star generals in the Ghana Armed Forces. That’s a lie,” he said.
He clarified that no two-star generals with six years remaining in their service have been sacked.
Instead, he explained that promotions and retirements in the military follow a strict structure based on age and rank.
“In the military, if an officer reaches the age of 57 without becoming a Brigadier General, they are eligible for retirement. If they become Brigadier General before then, they get an additional three years to 60. If they advance to the rank of Major General (two-star), they receive another three years, retiring at 63,” he noted.
Mr. Genfi confirmed that there are currently 15 Major Generals in the Ghana Armed Forces—the highest number in recent history.
He added that this increase began in 2022 and may be aimed at improving service efficiency.
Out of the 15 generals, eight are due for retirement and are currently on terminal leave, in line with military regulations which grant one month of leave for every year served.
“These officers are simply proceeding on their scheduled retirement and are not being dismissed. President Mahama has not sacked anyone,” Mr. Genfi stressed.
Featured
Graphic Showbiz
Showbiz News
2 minutes read
The National Anti-Piracy Committee of the Copyright Office of Ghana has issued a stern warning to all television stations in the country, cautioning them against the unauthorized use, broadcasting, or distribution of copyrighted content.
In a press statement signed by William Bonsu, Principal State Attorney, Copyright Office of Ghana, it mentioned that the Committee has noted that some TV stations are engaging in the illegal practice of downloading and airing copyrighted materials, such as films, series, documentaries, and sports broadcasts, without obtaining the necessary licenses or permissions from the rights holders.
The Committee emphasized that this practice constitutes a serious offense under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), as amended, and may result in severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or both. (Read NFA to revoke licences of TV stations airing content without authorisation)
The unauthorized use of protected works not only undermines the creative industry but also deprives creators of their rightful earnings and contravenes Ghana’s national and international obligations.
To avoid legal repercussions, the Committee advises all TV stations to:
Cease and desist from broadcasting any content without express rights or licenses
Obtain proper authorization from rights holders or licensing agencies before airing third-party content
Maintain clear records of content acquisition and licensing agreements for inspection
The National Anti-Piracy Committee, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities nationwide to clamp down on copyright infringements. The Committee will not hesitate to take legal action against any station found culpable.
Call to Support Ghana’s Creative Economy
The Copyright Office urges all broadcasters to respect intellectual property rights and support the growth of Ghana’s creative economy by adhering to the law. By doing so, they can help promote a vibrant and sustainable creative industry that benefits all stakeholders.
See press release below:
Appointments Committee to screen seven Justices nominated by President Mahama to the Supreme Court.
Parliament’s Appointments Committee will begin vetting seven nominees to the Supreme Court on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The exercise, scheduled to run until Wednesday, June 18, follows nominations made by President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the delay in the disbursement of common funds to the local Assemblies, more than a week after the Finance Minister’s announcement.
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on June 3, told Parliament that GH¢987 million had been released to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for distribution to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). But the Minority says the money is yet to reflect in the accounts of the Assemblies.
Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu voiced the caucus’ concern in Parliament, lamenting the operational challenges at the local government level.
“Your assemblies are crying, they are dry, they are hiding, they are doing nothing… The Minister of Finance will come and promise that he has released money, meanwhile, there is nothing at the assembly. No assembly has been given one kobo,” he said.
“What will they use to manage the assembly? You appoint people, and yet you cannot provide them with the necessary funds for them to work.”
He called on the Majority Leader to follow up and give clarity on when the funds would actually reach the Assemblies.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said he had seen official communication indicating the release of funds two weeks ago.
“I haven’t received the testimony of one Chief Executive that he has not received any funds. Now that it has been raised, I will follow up. But I saw the letter releasing the funds about two weeks ago,” he said.
Mr. Ayariga also announced that the Mid-Year Budget Statement is expected to be presented to Parliament in July.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former personal assistant, Jonathan Perez, testified about staff members setting up ‘king nights’ for the rapper, which he described as Diddy “going to a hotel to have private time with a female”. Perez, who worked for Diddy between December 2021 and September 2024, told the court that whichever assistant working in the evening would be the one setting up the “king night”.
According to Perez, he only set up five of the nights as he usually worked during the day. He went on to testify at Diddy’s trial, which has entered its 23rd day, how there was “a lot of packing materials” and “making sure that he would have everything he would need for 12 to 24 hours without having to bother anybody”.
Diddy, 55, is currently facing a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.
READ MORE:
P Diddy trial LIVE updates: Shopping list of item’s for ‘king nights with women’ revealed
He was arrested in September and strongly denies all allegations made against him. He has been in prison since his arrest, and a number of bail requests have been rejected.
The music mogul’s ex-assistant told the court that he brought food, liquor, music, red lights, condoms, lubricant, and sometimes honey, which he said “enhances the man’s libido”.
Perez said he sometimes went to sex stores to buy adult outfits and heels, paying with the company card of money he received from security.
According to the ex-assistant, who typically worked 9am to 9pm, Diddy had three or four personal assistants and added how Diddy’s chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, would make him aware of the “king nights” and the staff would get two hours to a day’s notice to set it up.
During Perez’s testimony, the jury were shown messages between Khorram, Perez and another assistant about setting up a hotel room for a “king nights”.
In another conversation shown to the jury, Khorram asked another assistant how cleanup of a “king’s night” was going. The assistant responded: “Slipped & fell twice”.
Messages sent by Perez to Diddy and “Jane”, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend using a pseudonym during the trial, on August 12, 2023, saw him speak about the hotel nights.
“Just left two candles and room phone in front of room door. I’m only 9 minutes away if y’all need anything,” he said.
Another message between Diddy’s assistant, chief of staff and another assistant saw him say he was heading to a store to buy outfits for Jane to wear.
The trial continues.
A 14-year-old Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate, Gariba Awudu, has died after falling ill during the ongoing exams at Assin Adiembra in the Central Region.
Awudu, a pupil of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, reportedly showed signs of illness during Thursday’s paper. According to information gathered by Radio Fosu/Adom News, he was taken to the Assin Adiembra CHPS compound for medical care after completing the exam.
However, due to the ongoing nurses’ strike, no medical personnel were available to attend to him. He was subsequently rushed to the Assin Fosu Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Assin South District Education Director, Isaac Opoku, described the incident as shocking and confirmed that arrangements are being made to officially inform Awudu’s parents.
Frederick Agyei, headteacher of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, said the school authorities acted swiftly to get the student medical help, but the outcome was tragic.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and called on the community and students to stay calm during this difficult period.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has credited the timely intervention of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health as a decisive factor in its decision to suspend the nationwide strike that disrupted public health services this week.
Speaking after the announcement of the strike’s suspension in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday June 13, GRNMA Vice President Samuel Alagkora Akologo described the Committee’s involvement as both timely and necessary, particularly at a point when assurances from the Health Ministry were no longer enough to persuade the union’s members to return to work.
“The intervention by the Parliamentary Select Committee was very prompt and at the appropriate time,” Akologo stated. “We were at the stage where the continuous assurance of the minister was not giving us enough information to be able to communicate to our members to relax them so that we can ask them to suspend or call off the strike.”
He added that the engagement in Parliament was fruitful and provided a level of clarity and reassurance that previous negotiations had lacked. According to Akologo, this helped GRNMA leadership take steps to advise their members to stand down—at least temporarily.
“What was discussed yesterday in Parliament was very fruitful. We are waiting for the 26th June meeting to come. It is from that meeting that we will know whether the conversation with the Parliamentary Select Committee actually yielded the fruits we felt yesterday,” he said.
The strike, which began on June 9, 2025, was in protest of the government’s proposed delay in implementing revised conditions of service until 2026 — a move the GRNMA strongly opposed. The action led to significant disruptions across the country’s public health sector, with emergency and maternity services among the worst affected.
Although the strike has been suspended, the Association maintains a cautious stance. GRNMA President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo has called on the government to demonstrate genuine commitment during the upcoming negotiations. She warned that failure to follow through on assurances could lead to a resumption of industrial action.
The June 26 meeting between the GRNMA and government negotiators is now viewed as a crucial test of good faith, with both the public and the health sector watching closely.
Read also
Nurses and Midwives suspend nationwide strike
Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka (M) with the 15-member Governing Board of NACOC
The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has inaugurated a 15-member Governing Board of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), charging them to intensify efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Ghana.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister described drug trafficking as a transnational organised crime with no borders and devastating effects, particularly on the nation’s youth.
He underscored the government’s commitment to tackling the menace through transparency, competence, and professionalism.
“The inauguration of this board is a clear demonstration of our dedication to an open and proficient approach in the fight against narcotics,” he stated.
In a 3news.com report on June 13, 2025, it said Muntaka urged the board members to execute their duties with boldness, humility, and integrity, while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.
He also tasked the chairman with fostering unity and excellence among the members.
“I am confident this board will work with a shared sense of purpose and honour the oaths they have taken in service to the nation,” he indicated.
Chairman of the NACOC Board, COP (Rtd) Bright Oduro, assured the public of the Commission’s readiness to intensify public education on the dangers of illegal drug use.
He pledged the board’s commitment to diligently pursuing its mandate.
The appointment of the new NACOC Board marks a renewed push by the government to strengthen the country’s drug control framework and safeguard the future of Ghanaian youth, the report added.
MRA/AE
Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:
A 14-year-old Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate, Awudu Gariba, tragically passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, after collapsing at the Adiembra Examination Centre in the Assin South District of the Central Region.
Awudu, a student of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, reportedly began exhibiting signs of illness during the previous day’s examination and was taken to the Assin Adiembra CHPs compound for medical attention.
But he was not attended to as a result of the ongoing strike action by nurses.
Consequently, the candidate collapsed while taking the first paper for today, Friday, June 13, and was rushed to the Assin Fosu Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead.
The Assin South District Education Director, Isaac Opoku, who confirmed the news to Citi News, expressed profound shock over the untimely demise of the student.
He noted that “Arrangements are being made to inform Awudu’s parents about the tragic incident.”
Frederick Agyei, the headteacher of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, recounted that Awudu had shown signs of illness during the previous day’s examination.
He emphasised the school’s efforts to seek medical assistance promptly, expressing deep sorrow over the loss and urged the community and fellow students to remain calm during this difficult time.
IMF to assess cedi’s appreciation in upcoming programme reviews
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
![We’ll join nurses in next strike if… – Minority [Listen]](https://www.ghanamma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/04aa041459491109249c87ca41c04e35.jpeg "We’ll join nurses in next strike if… – Minority [Listen]")
The Minority in Parliament is urging the government to honour its commitments under the May 2024 Conditions of Service agreement with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, expressed solidarity with the nurses and warned that the Minority will join them should they resume strike action.
“We got to a position where four of their demands were to be implemented this year. With Parliament mediating, we guaranteed that at least two will be fulfilled. We’ve asked the nurses to deliberate and revert,” the Effiduase-Asokore MP stated.
He emphasized the Minority’s full support for the nurses, adding, “If this deal breaks down, the Minority will join them. This will not be mere politics—we’ve crossed the threshold of reasonableness, and entrenched positions may follow.”
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is entreating traditional authorities to offer their land as equity to farmers.
This, he says, will help address issues of the land tenure system stifling the development of agriculture.
The Asante overland has indicated that the present order, where traditional authorities sell lands to farmers, is contributing to food insecurity in the country.
He spoke at the Manhyia Palace when the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, paid a courtesy call on him.
“When farmers approach chiefs for land, they often quote figures for them to pay; I propose the lands are offered as equity for farming. In the olden days when there wasn’t civilization, our forefathers were doing that,” he said.
The Asantehene acknowledged challenges with land acquisition for large-scale farming.
He further proposed that subsistence farmers on lands earmarked for large-scale farming should be absorbed to co-exist.
“If someone is looking for a place for large-scale farming but the land has subsistence farmers on it, we can make them co-exist on the same land. The subsistence farmers can be given the seedlings the large-scale farmer wants to grow and roll it out together,” he added.
The Asantehene believes agriculture holds the key to the country’s economic development, indicating industrialization and other sectors depend on agriculture.
The neglect of the agriculture sector by the youth is identified as one of the factors hindering agriculture growth.
Efforts to drive more youth into the sector, according to the Asantehene, should be made to get young people into the sector.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has indicated government’s plans to introduce the ‘Feed Ghana’ program to improve food security.
The program aims to promote home gardening and also improve institutional farming.
By this, the country is hoping to save foreign exchange spent on food importation.
“We spend 24 million dollars to import onions annually, this amount when saved can impact the local economy positively,” Mr. Opoku said.
Already some public schools are showing interest in starting farms within the schools.
The minister added that one of the institutions has made applications for poultry farming.
“The school wants to start poultry farming as well. Their aim is to be able to give students eggs as part of their meals. We will support them to realize the target,” he added.
The Minister indicated the military, prisons service and National Service Secretariat are among institutions being supported to establish farms.
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.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to provide armed escort and protection for vehicles operating within the Bawku area.
According to him, the directive is aimed at curbing the ongoing security crisis in Bawku, where civilians have been targeted and killed in recent incidents.
Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the North East Region, on Friday, June 13, Mahama stressed the need for enhanced military presence to ensure the safety of residents as processes are ongoing to restore calm in the area.
“Peace is not negotiable. As commander-in-chief, I have instructed the Armed Forces to provide armed escort and protection to all vehicles travelling within the Bawku area. And also along the Walewale-Bolgatanga corridor.”
NSA Scandal: GH¢8.2m paid into Ezwich account of former NSA Boss Osei-Assibey — Ayine
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
The Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s best-known heroes tend to be those with many appearances under their belt, yet there are some one-and-done characters that have left an indelible mark on fans. More than a decade ago, the comic book franchise got its feet off the ground through its mainstay heroes like Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) — all of whom remain enshrined in audience’s memories to this day. In such a vast interconnected universe, it would seem a challenge for a character to make a strong impact in a single movie or TV show, but some MCU personalities have done just that over the years.
The following seven MCU heroes, villains, and anti-heroes appeared in just one project, but they still stand out as memorable characters the franchise.
Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) made his MCU debut alongside his twin sister Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) in the post-credits scene of 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier before featuring in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Beginning as allies of Ultron, the siblings later switched sides to fight with the Avengers in the Battle of Sokovia. Tragically, Pietro lost his life while shielding a civilian from gunfire.
Possessing super-speed abilities thanks to HYDRA’s experimentation on him using the Mind Stone, Quicksilver had the potential to be one of the MCU’s coolest heroes. His close bond with Wanda and unique powers set him up as a compelling anti-hero and valuable asset to fellow combatants. The baffling decision to kill off Pietro in his first full appearance still doesn’t sit right with many MCU fans. Even though Pietro deserved so much more, he remains a major highlight of Age of Ultron and an outstanding model of courage in the face of danger.
2018’s Black Panther introduced a vast band of characters to the MCU — among which was the Wakandan warrior W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya). Although once aligned with T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), W’Kabi took the side of Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) in the film. When T’Challa came back and defeated Killmonger to reclaim the throne, W’Kabi surrendered and was imprisoned.
Loyal to his country yet disillusioned with its leaders, W’Kabi offers a fascinating perspective in the MCU. Kaluuya delivered an impressive performance as the character, illustrating W’Kabi’s complexity in only one movie. Not much is known about W’Kabi’s future in the MCU, as Kaluuya missed out on 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever due to a scheduling conflict. There’s still a chance he could return in Black Panther 3, but for now, W’Kabi ranks among the best one-and-done MCU characters.
The lovable coven of witches at the heart of 2024’s Agatha All Along series includes Lilia Calderu (Patti Lupone), a divination witch. Due to her abilities, Lilia experienced her life out of sequence, unknowingly fortelling the future of the coven’s journey on the Witches’ Road. After over 400 years on Earth, Lilia died by sacrificing herself for her fellow witches on the road.
Clever, sarcastic, and determined, Lilia brought so much humor and witchy personality to Agatha All Along, fitting in well with the likes of Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), and Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke). Lilia’s captivating story arc beautifully culminated in Agatha All Along Episode 7, in which she put the pieces of her life together to pass the Divination Trial and complete her story. In a show brimming with compelling characters, Lilia was among the best.
Read Next
10 Most Powerful MCU Heroes Introduced Since Avengers: Endgame
Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung) epitomizes a what it means to be a tragic villain. A powerful conqueror and the father of Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), Wenwu served as the primary antagonist of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Following the murder of his wife Ying Li (Fala Chen) returned to a life of crime with the Ten Rings organization. Estranged from his children, Wenwu reunited with Shang-Chi and Xialing in the movie and died during the final battle.
Wenwu’s arc is complicated and engrossing, cementing him among the most interesting villains to ever feature in an MCU movie. His powers while wielding the Ten Rings are amazing to watch, but Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings ensures that Wenwu’s status as a skilled fighter and his dark past are both apparent in his characterization. In just one film, Wenwu forcefully embodies tragedy and strength, which is why he’s a great sympathetic villain.
Quentin Beck/Mysterio is among the MCU’s most underrated villains, and his lone appearance in 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home proves that he’s one of the greatest one-and-done MCU characters. An ex-employee of Stark Industries, Mysterio created his own powers using holographic technology and fabricated dangerous threats to save the world from. Mysterio initially tricked Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) into trusting him, but the web-slinging hero eventually figured out his illusion.
Donning stylish attire and possessing awesome-looking abilities, Mysterio is more than a vengeful villain. He deftly performed his con and somehow managed to fool Spider-Man, himself — a truly impressive feat. Even though Mysterio met his demise at the end of the movie, Gyllenhaal’s character was enjoyable to watch. Mysterio may not stack up to legendary Spider-Man villains like Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina), but he still left a lasting impression on the iconic hero’s tenure on the big screen.
Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) was another coven member who didn’t make it out of Agatha All Along alive. Functioning as the coven’s protection witch, Alice endured her fair share of bad luck in life before facing her family’s generational trauma on the Witches’ Road. Sadly, she died at the hands of Agatha’s magic-absorption power and was led to the afterlife by Rio/Death (Aubrey Plaza).
Despite her untimely and heartbreaking death, Alice was a valuable member of her coven, as the group enabled her to find a purpose in life. In her final moments, Alice was at peace with her past and knew while bravely defending her fellow witches. Those who watched Agatha All Along won’t soon forget Alice’s poignant story of self-actualization. It’s a shame she won’t return to the MCU, but her lone appearance was one to remember.
2017’s Thor: Ragnarok injected new life into the God of Thunder’s realm of the MCU while introducing a bold new villain. Hela (Cate Blanchett), the goddess of death and brother of Thor and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), was an immensely powerful being. Imprisoned by her father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) for thousands of years, Hela reemerged in the wake of his death, aiming to take over and rule Asgard. Thor, Loki, and their allies defeated Hela by initiating Ragnarok, which destroyed all of Asgard.
Having bested Thor in battle, Hela proved an otherworldly threat throughout the events of Ragnarok. Her lust for control over Asgard likens her to many other movie villains seeking world domination, but her fascinating lore and unbeatable strength make her far more compelling from the standard power-hungry big bad. Moreover, Blanchett, among the most talented actors the MCU has had at its disposal, effortlessly radiated Hela’s wickedness and power. The MCU arguably could have used Hela beyond one movie, but she’s still a force to be reckoned with in Ragnarok.
Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has revealed that a whopping GHC548,333,542.65 was lost to the criminal enterprise perpetrated by executives, directors, and staff at the National Service Authority (NSA).
Providing a breakdown during a press briefing today, June 13, the A-G stated that “In the 2022/2023 service year, 350,926,977.12 was lost to the state.
British heavyweight boxing sensation Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua has arrived in Ghana, igniting excitement among fans as he gears up to attend the highly anticipated “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event at the iconic Bukom Boxing Arena tonight.
The two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, known for his charisma and prowess in the ring, was spotted showcasing Ghanaian dance moves and even playfully riding a fan’s motorcycle, endearing himself to the vibrant local crowd.
The event, organized by Legacy Rise Sports and spearheaded by CEO Sharaf Mahama, son of Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, promises to be a landmark night for boxing in Ghana.
Dubbed the “biggest boxing event in recent times,” the “Battle of the Beasts” will feature ten high-stakes bouts, showcasing a blend of Ghanaian talent and international contenders at the 4,000-seat Bukom Boxing Arena, a venue renowned for producing legends like Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey.
Joshua, born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, to Nigerian parents, Robert and Yeta Joshua, is no stranger to the global boxing stage. Rising from an amateur career that saw him win a gold medal at the ABA Championships and a silver at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships, Joshua has become a household name in the heavyweight division.
Antony Joshua arrives ahead of Sharaf Mahama’s event tonight ! Battle of the Beasts. Bukom Arena pic.twitter.com/eoy0x9nnA3
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) June 13, 2025
His presence in Ghana underscores his commitment to supporting the sport’s growth in Africa, particularly in a boxing hotbed like Bukom, a coastal neighborhood in Accra that has produced eight world champions.
One highlight of the undercard is the clash between rising star Abubakar Kamoko, known as “Bukom Tilapia” and son of Ghanaian boxing icon Bukom Banku, and Stephen Ackon, promising a thrilling showdown.
While Joshua is not fighting tonight, his appearance is a major coup for the event, which is also backed by Amir Khan Promotions.
The “Battle of the Beasts” comes at a poignant time for Ghana’s boxing community, still reeling from the tragic loss of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed and passed away during a bout at the same arena in March 2025.
<!– –>
<!–
(function(w, d) {
var s = d.createElement(‘script’);
s.src=”//cdn.adpushup.com/45999/adpushup.js”;
s.crossOrigin=’anonymous’;
s.type=”text/javascript”; s.async = true;
(d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0] || d.getElementsByTagName(‘body’)[0]).appendChild(s);
w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {que:[]};
})(window, document);
–>
<!– –>
A civil society group, Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana (GGAGG), is demanding the immediate cancellation of what it calls an “illegal exclusive license” granted to KGL Technology Limited by the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).
In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, GGAGG called on NLA Managing Director, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, to initiate an independent forensic audit into all contracts, transactions, and liabilities involving the authority and KGL.
The group accused the NLA of breaching the National Lotto Act (Act 722), specifically citing violations of Sections 2(2), 5(1), and 15.
“We are calling on the current Managing Director of the NLA to take urgent and public steps to cancel the illegal exclusive license granted to KGL, restore legal compliance with Act 722, and re-establish the NLA as a sovereign state institution, free from private capture and political interference,” the statement said.
According to GGAGG, KGL entered the lottery sector with its own product, Lucky 3, but subsequently moved to market the 5/90 lottery game—traditionally under the exclusive mandate of the NLA—in direct contravention of the law. The group said the move had previously attracted sanctions from the NLA, yet the arrangement continued unchecked.
“The entire arrangement is illegal and amounts to a privatised takeover of a public mandate. It has not been sanctioned by any legislative reform, nor by a public competitive process,” the group stressed.
GGAGG warned that failure to reverse the alleged irregularities could erode the legitimacy of the NLA.
“End the KGL monopoly. Restore the NLA. Or shut it down,” the statement concluded.
Nurses and Midwives suspend nationwide strike
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Frank Annoh-Dompreh alleges constitutional breach over mining lease extension without parliamentary approval.
The Minority in Parliament has accused government of constitutional breaches in the extension of the mining lease agreement with Goldfields Damang.
In a press conference addressed by the Minority Chief Whip on Friday, Frank Annor-Dompreh, the group said the government was in breached of Article 268 of the constitution which demands that all mineral agreements be ratified by Parliament.
SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Norway, has launched a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening care systems for vulnerable children across Ghana.
The project, titled “Protecting Children at Risk of Losing Parental Care,” is funded by the Norwegian Government through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and will run from 2025 to 2029.
The launch was marked by a kick-off workshop that brought together key stakeholders in Ghana’s social development sector. The event provided a platform to align project goals with national policy frameworks and donor expectations.
The initiative seeks to prevent the separation of children from their families by offering direct support to vulnerable households. It targets 6,000 children at risk of losing parental care and 2,000 caregivers across 20 communities in the Greater Accra, Volta, Central, and Bono East regions. The project also focuses on empowering community-based child protection committees and strengthening the advocacy capacity of civil society organisations.
A significant aspect of the initiative is the economic empowerment of caregivers, promoting positive parenting practices, and providing literacy support tailored to local contexts. It also aims to improve community readiness to respond to crises, particularly in disaster-prone districts.
With the support of the Department of Social Welfare, implementation will be led by four community-based organisations: Friends of Adaklu, Search for Rural Development, Volta Resilience Foundation, and Youth Rise International.
The project is expected to bring about systemic change in child protection by strengthening families, empowering communities, and ensuring children grow up in safe and nurturing environments. SOS Children’s Villages Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and civil society partners to ensure that no child grows up alone.
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has raised concerns about the recent strike by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), questioning the composition of those leading the action as reported by Ghana Web.
Speaking on Onua TV, Asiedu Nketiah suggested that not all individuals participating in the strike are government employees.
He argued that some members may be working in private health facilities and, therefore, should not be at the forefront of negotiations with the government.
“Not all members of the professional group are employed by the government; some practice privately. Allowing a privately practising individual to lead negotiations with the government, despite not being paid by it, creates confusion in the negotiation process,” he said.
He emphasized that involving non-government employees in negotiations complicates discussions, as these individuals are not directly affected by government employment conditions.
Asiedu Nketiah further cited similar situations in other associations, stating, “Even within the Nurses and Midwives Association though I stand to be corrected I don’t believe all their members are government employees.”
The GRNMA had declared a nationwide strike over unresolved issues with the government.
However, the association announced the suspension of the strike on June 13, 2025, following successful discussions with Parliament’s Health Committee.
The President of GRNMA, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, directed members to resume work from June 14, 2025.
Renowned Nigerian eccentric crossdresser, Denrele Edun, is celebrating his 44th birthday today, Friday, June 13.
The popular media personality has taken to his social media platform to share several regal photos.
Taking to his IG page, Denrele Edun wrote the caption,
“CHAPTER 44: Not just a BIRTHDAY, A CORONATION!
Ghana’s Parliament is calling on the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to allocate $300 million in the upcoming Mid-Year Budget Review to compensate residents whose lands were acquired for the Petroleum Hub project.
The appeal was championed by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who reaffirmed his commitment to the strategic national initiative and emphasised the urgency of unlocking funds to bolster progress.
“Although I lack the authority to issue a decree, I fervently urge the Minister to prioritise provisions for compensation in the Mid-Year Budget Review,” Speaker Bagbin stated in Parliament on Friday, 13 June 2025.
He explained that while he could not issue a directive to the Finance Minister, he would “earnestly appeal to and galvanise” him to include the compensation package in the budget review to demonstrate government’s commitment to the project and attract private sector investment.
“Extensive research on this initiative traces back to the tenure of the late President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills. During John Mahama’s initial term, the project was actively advanced, and H.E. Akufo-Addo sustained its momentum. Now, under H.E. Mahama’s second term, it is manifest that the nation collectively recognises this as a strategic imperative,” he noted.
The Speaker’s comments followed a statement by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, who called for urgent national focus on the Petroleum Hub.
Addressing the House, the Ho West MP highlighted the project’s transformational potential, noting that its completion could position Ghana as a key energy and commercial hub in West Africa.
“The Petroleum Hub project is of paramount national strategic importance. If addressed with the requisite urgency, it holds the potential to revolutionise Ghana’s energy sector, unlock billions in investments, and elevate our nation as a regional industrial and commercial powerhouse,” he said.
Hon. Bedzrah urged that 10 pesewas from the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) be channelled to the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) immediately and reiterated the need for a $300 million budgetary provision to compensate landowners in Jomoro, the site earmarked for the hub.
He added that the project is projected to create direct employment for over 780,000 Ghanaians, making it a critical economic intervention.
Several MPs across party lines echoed the call for expedited action, stressing the economic significance of the project and the need to maintain public trust by fulfilling compensation promises.
The Petroleum Hub is expected to house refineries, petrochemical plants, storage and distribution infrastructure, and marine services—all components geared toward boosting Ghana’s energy independence and regional competitiveness.
Speaker Bagbin said that timely disbursement of compensation would send a clear signal of the state’s commitment and serve as a catalyst for attracting international partners.
“The transformative impact of a petroleum hub, as exemplified by Singapore, is undeniable. We must act now.”
The Minerals Development Fund is aiming to create over 10,000 sustainable jobs in Ghana’s mining communities following the signing of a major investment deal by the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and China’s Isunte(Yixintai) Group.
According to the MDF this latest agreement, signed by Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei in her capacity as Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund and Chief Executive Officer of Hunan Isunte(Yixintai) Group during the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Changsha, Hunan Province of China “marks a significant step towards alternative livelihood empowerment for Ghanaians affected by mining activities”.
Working under a joint project dubbed “Health Ramie Agriculture-Industry-Technology-Commerce Integrated Industrial Chain Project in Ghana”, parties are expected to introduce a large-scale cultivation and processing of the Ramie plant, a hardy fibre crop known for its multiple industrial applications.
The initiative is equally targeted at enhancing the MDF’s core mandate to promote sustainable development in mining communities, not only to strengthen Ghana-China economic ties but also to offer a transformative alternative for communities dependent on mining, addressing both employment and environmental concerns.
The deal was signed in collaboration with Chinese partners as part of Ghana’s participation in the growing China-Africa cooperation platform, which seeks to expand trade, investment, and technology transfer between African nations and Chinese institutions.
Administrator of the MDF Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei in the last few days has started a nation wide campaign of a ‘polluter pay’ policy which she believes will mitigate the impact of illegal mining activities which has led to deforestation in most of Ghana’s forest reserves.
The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) opened Thursday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, drawing a record-breaking of over 30,000 participants from 53 African countries, 11 international organizations and 27 Chinese provincial-level regions, highlighting the dynamic two-way economic ties.
Under the theme “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization,” the biennial event, running through June 15, aims to further harness the shared development potential as a concrete follow-up to the 10 partnership actions announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
From African flavors to tourism offerings, from digital payment solutions to agricultural machinery and clean energy technologies, the expo is expected to further advance the China-Africa partnership in their shared pursuit of modernization.
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.
Dr Bryan Acheampong is the Member of Parliament for Abetifi
The Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong, has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rise above recent tensions and divisions, emphasising the urgent need for unity, discipline, and maturity as the party seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In a statement dated June 13, 2025, he stressed the need for leaders of the party to restore hope within the grassroots and across all ranks.
“As we prepare to reposition our Party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), we must stay focused on efforts to rebuild and rebrand. Tensions have risen, evident through exchanges on social media. While passionate political discourse is natural, division and hostility only serve to weaken us.
“What is required of us all, and in particular the leadership of the party, is to ensure that hope is restored through unity of purpose, maturity in conduct, and discipline in our ranks as we canvass for a renewed energy and commitment to the course,” the statement noted.
It further called for a recommitment to the party’s foundational values.
“I urge all party members, from the grassroots to the top leadership, to remember what binds us: our shared values, our love for country, and our belief in a thriving Mother Ghana,” the statement noted.
Dr Acheampong warned that continued factionalism could derail the party’s rebuilding and rebranding efforts.
“Now is the time to rise above factions and forge a new path built on collaboration, courage and credibility,” it said.
He encouraged party members to look beyond personal interests, stressing that healing and progress must be achieved through dialogue and unity.
“Let us set aside personal differences, engage in constructive discourse, and stay committed to the values that brought us together. This is not just about moving past disagreements; it is about working together, disciplined and united, to build a stronger future for our Party,” it added.
Read the full statement below:
JKB/AE
Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:
Solomon Owusu, a leading member of the Movement for Change has fired shots at Ghanaian lawyers telling former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta not to return to Ghana.
According to Solomon Owusu, those lawyers are nation wreckers
Kofi Bentil, the Senior Vice President of IMANI-Africa shockingly stated he will not ask former finance Ken Ofori-Atta to come to Ghana.
![IGP Tetteh Yohuno [3rd -L] in an interaction with management of the Police Hospital](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/785/78528095.295.jpg "IGP Tetteh Yohuno [3rd -L] in an interaction with management of the Police Hospital")
IGP Tetteh Yohuno [3rd -L] in an interaction with management of the Police Hospital
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, along with members of the Police Management Board, paid a working visit to the Police Hospital in Accra on April 13, 2025, to commend the hospital’s administration and staff for their effective handling of the surge in patients during the strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Commissioner of Police, Dr Otu Nyarko who received the IGP and his team informed them that over the past one week, the hospital saw over 300% increase in the number of patients who visit the hospital to access medical care.
A similar situation was reported at the Police Hospital, Kumasi and other Police clinics across the country. He added that even though this brought some pressure on the hospital, contingency measures were put in place to manage the situation.
In addition, all doctors on annual leave and study leave were called back to duty in order to ensure that no person in need of health care was turned away.
The IGP commended the Medical Director and his team for their sense of duty and thanked them for their invaluable service during such critical moments.
He urged all the officers and the civilian staff of the hospital to continue to work hard to save lives and ensure that every patient who calls at the hospital receives the needed medical attention.
He further noted that the recent commissioning of the Police Hospital at Kumasi could not have come at a better time.
The IGP gave assurances of the Police Administration’s readiness to continue to provide the support necessary to improve service delivery at the hospital and all other Police medical facilities.
KA
Devtraco Plus has unveiled the architectural plan for its new project
Devtraco Plus has unveiled the architectural plan for its new project, the ARLO Cantonments, which is its forthcoming serviced apartment development.
The project, which was launched on June 12, 2025, offers investors an early opportunity to buy into a visionary concept that merges passive income with a vibrant, community-focused living experience.
The Chief Executive of Devtraco Plus, Francis Okine Okoh, said, “ARLO Cantonments is our response to a demand for real estate that is not only a true investment vehicle but also a complete lifestyle destination. By buying off-plan, our early investors secure a unit at the best price and gain a stake in what will be Accra’s most dynamic and sought-after residential community.”
The CEO said the apartments will be located in Cantonments, Accra’s most trusted and secure neighbourhood, designed as a seamless, hands-free asset.
The design incorporates an extensive collection of world-class amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool, a serene zen garden, a private padel court, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, an amphitheatre, and dedicated co-working spaces.
“Today, we are inviting our clients to be partners in a future vision that redefines urban living,” Okine Okoh said.
The design for ARLO integrates a sophisticated technology layer, including a dedicated mobile app for owners to track investment performance and smart keycard access to ensure security.
The project will also offer flexible furnishing options, allowing owners to customise their units or opt for a turnkey solution.
With introductory pricing starting from GH¢989,000, ARLO Cantonments is poised to become one of Accra’s most coveted real estate opportunities, offering a secure path to property ownership and investment growth.
The project will be made up of 1-2 bedroom apartments, penthouses with a starting price of GH¢989,000, with an estimated completion date of December 2027.
It also has a rooftop infinity pool, a State-of-the-Art gym, a full-service spa, a padel court, Zen garden, and a kids playroom.
Watch videos from the launch below:
SSD/AE
Parliament has summoned the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, to appear before the House next week amid mounting pressure over the unresolved Ablekuma North parliamentary results.
The EC is yet to complete the recollation of results from the 2024 elections in the constituency, despite repeated calls from stakeholders. Last week, the Minority Caucus petitioned the Ghana Police Service to provide security for the EC to finalise the process.
Presenting the Business Statement on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 13, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the EC Chair will appear before a Committee of the Whole to respond to two questions related to the electoral impasse.
“The Electoral Commission will be asked two questions, so the EC Chair will appear before the committee of the whole to answer two questions,” Ayariga stated.
He also disclosed that the Ministers for the Interior and for Works, Housing and Water Resources will brief Parliament on Wednesday, June 18, on recent flooding incidents across the country and steps being taken to address them.
The Central East Regional Police Command, through a special operation on Thursday, June 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspects in connection with illicit drug trafficking and robbery activities in the Kasoa Dominase area and the Onion Market in the Central Region.
The operation led to the arrest of suspects: Abubakari Ibrahim, Mohammed Awal, Shafiu Salisu, Hamza Amadu, All Adamu, Balhani Fuseini, Jamal Haruna, Zakari Abdulai, Abdul Aziz, Bera Kalidu, Moro Baki, Anthony Lucky, Razak Yussif.
Others include: Sumani Issah, Sulley Mohammed, Abdul Salifu, Eliasu Bukari, Kamelo Muuk and Osumanu Amadu.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, the police said exhibits retrieved during the operation include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as controlled pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol and Red.
“All 19 suspects are currently in police custody, assisting the investigation and will be put before court in due course,” the statement said.
The Regional command commended personnel who embarked on the operation and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts as far as crime combat is concerned.
The Command also entreated the public to provide relevant information to assist in its continued efforts to clamp down on the menace of illicit drug trade, substance abuse and robbery activities in the communities in order to help maintain a safer environment.
Read also
Over GH¢548m lost to ‘ghost names’ in NSA scandal — Attorney General
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated the Jean Mensa-led Electoral Commission (EC) is not fit for purpose.
The NDC National Chairman once again called for the removal of Jean Mensa citing unresolved electoral issues.
According to him, he will continue to press for the removal of Jean Mensa until a formal petition is filed to trigger the constitutional process.
Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Mr Roey Gilad.
The State of Israel has expressed disappointment in the Government of Ghana for abstaining from a vote supporting a declaration that Iran is in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
On Thursday, 12 June 2025, the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), chaired by Ghana, adopted the resolution for the first time in almost 20 years, raising the prospect of Iran being reported to the United Nations Security Council.
According to the resolution text, as seen by Reuters, “[The board] finds that Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran … constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement with the Agency.”
This decision follows years of tension between the IAEA and Iran—tensions that worsened after then U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, leading to the collapse of the agreement. The vote comes amid heightened geopolitical strain, with the U.S. evacuating personnel from the Middle East and Mr Trump warning of growing danger in the region, reiterating that Washington will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic sources at the closed-door IAEA meeting confirmed that the resolution, sponsored by the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany, passed with 19 votes in favour, 11 abstentions, and 3 against—Russia, China and Burkina Faso.
Read Also: IAEA board declares Iran is in nuclear breach
Israel’s response on Ghana
Reacting to Ghana’s decision in an interview with some journalists at his residence in Accra, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Mr Roey Gilad, voiced his government’s dismay. He said Israel had counted on Ghana, described as a longstanding friend, to support the resolution.
“Ghana abstained in the vote at the IAEA. Eventually, 19 States voted that Iran is in non-compliance with its nuclear programme. We’ve lobbied Ghana very strongly to support the resolution, yet Ghana abstained,” Ambassador Gilad said during a press engagement at his residence in Accra.
He described Iran’s nuclear activities as a global threat and called on Ghana to reconsider its traditional non-aligned stance in such critical matters.
“Iran is completely for the destruction of the Jewish sovereign State of Israel—a State Ghana has considered a good friend since 1957. We thought this was one place where Ghana could express its support for Israel and vote for the non-compliance. It did not happen, and we’re disappointed,” the ambassador added.
Although Ghana’s abstention is in line with the IAEA convention, where the Chair of the Board typically abstains from voting, Ambassador Gilad believes this was a missed opportunity.
“The formal reason is that Ghana is the Chair of the Board of the IAEA, but we felt this is something so crucial to Israel that it warranted an exception,” he stated.
Rethinking Non-Alignment
Ambassador Gilad stressed that Israel respects Ghana’s sovereign decision-making, but urged a re-evaluation of Ghana’s non-aligned policy—particularly when global security is at stake.
“As much as we have full respect for the sovereign decision-making process in Ghana, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry, we believe that the traditional policy of non-alignment that has existed here since 1957 under Nkrumah should be reconsidered.”
“We do it in Israel day in and day out. We check ourselves and our policies constantly. I humbly say that rethinking non-alignment could be healthy for Ghana too,” he added.
No Impact on Bilateral Relations
Despite the setback, Ambassador Gilad was quick to assure that it would not damage the strong Ghana-Israel relations.
“This is not going to cast a heavy shadow on our relations, but we cannot ignore it. We believe in mature relationships, and mature partners must be able to openly discuss and address disagreements. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again,” he concluded.
The IAEA, founded in 1957, is the UN’s specialised agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while working to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
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.
King Paluta won three awards at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards
Music sensation King Paluta is showing no signs of slowing up in the music industry following the release of another hard-hitting love song.
The single titled “Asikyire”, which translates in English as ‘Sugar’, is the third single of the year by the award-winning singer whose music career has sparkled over the past few years.
The new single produced by award-winning music producer Khendibeatz explores themes of love, trust, and honesty in relationships.
The song combines modern beats with soulful melodies, with King Paluta showcasing his amazing songwriting abilities.
The new single has already created a buzz on social media, especially on TikTok, where users are using the sounds for the videos.
Known for being a hitmaker over the past few years, King Paluta’s ‘Asikyire’ is expected to dominate the airwaves, especially after the success of “Foko” and “Thank You” this year.
King Paluta has had a stellar year thus far, especially after winning three awards at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, which included the Popular Song of the Year, Hiplife Song of the Year and Producer of the Year.
Stream here:
