The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Engineers and Planners and Dzata Cement, Ibrahim Mahama, has extended support to persons with disabilities through a donation to the Disabled Christian Fellowship International and the Accra Rehabilitation Centre.

The donation, made on Wednesday, December 24, through Engineers and Planners Corporate Limited, formed part of the company’s humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable groups during the festive season.

Items presented included 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of corned beef, 20 cartons of mackerel, and 20 cartons of cooking oil.

Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Executive Director of the Disabled Christian Fellowship International and immediate past President of the Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA), Francis Adjetey Sowah, expressed deep appreciation to Mr Mahama for coming to the rescue of people living with disabilities. He said the timing of the donation was very important to its members.

According to Mr Sowah, many persons with disabilities struggle to access basic food items, especially during festive celebrations. He noted that the donation would bring relief and a sense of inclusion to beneficiaries who are often overlooked.

He praised Mr Mahama for remembering the disability community at a time of joy, describing the act as worthy of emulation.

He further said the support had renewed hope among members of the fellowship, adding that the gesture would remain memorable to them.

“This recognition gives us strength, dignity, and a sense of belonging,” he indicated.

The items were presented on behalf of Mr Mahama by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, who reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities.

He revealed that Engineers and Planners Company Limited are considering future initiatives focused on capacity building and innovative programmes for the disability community.

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.

A senior Republican on the US House armed services committee has said that the country’s recent military strikes in Nigeria and Syria are consistent with American foreign policy to combat Islamic extremism that have existed across Donald Trump’s two presidential terms.

Mike Turner, an Ohio congressman, said on Sunday that the strikes are a “continuation of our conflict with [the Islamic State]”.

“It’s been, you know, around the world, Iraq, Syria. You’re seeing it now in Nigeria,” Turner said.

Turner denied that the strikes represent a different second-term approach to military force. With respect to the Islamic State (IS), he told ABC’s This Week, US policy is “very consistent” in defeating it whether in Iraq, Syria or “here in Nigeria”.

Turner said the US is “seeing that [IS] around the world has not been defeated but will continue to be a target and something that, with our allies, we’re going to have to continue to respond to or they’re going to continue to be a threat”.

His comments came three days after the Pentagon launched a cruise missile strike on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria during what Trump later called a “Christmas present” for IS militants in Nigeria.

The president later amplified his comments on WABC radio in New York, calling IS “butchers” who “got a very bad Christmas present”. Trump, referring to the persecution of Christians in the region, said he “told Nigeria, and I told the people around Nigeria, that if you do it, you’re going to get hit.”

US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said on X that Trump had made it clear that “the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end”. He added that the defense department, which the Trump administration has rebranded the war department, “is always ready, so [IS] found out tonight – on Christmas. More to come.”

The consistency of the US approach, Turner said, applied to the its position on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Turner said the Russian president Vladimir Putin’s Christmas Day strikes in Ukraine and overnight on Saturday were a reminder “that we can’t be for this”.

“When we address the issue of whose side we’re on, you can’t be America first and be pro-Russia,” Turner remarked. “Russia is a self-declared adversary of the United States. They are mercilessly killing Ukrainians and trying to take Ukrainian land. So, the president has rightly said we need to end this war.”

Imagine waking up one day only to discover your birthday has been… stolen. Shocked? Or as I would say, “shock-prised?”
Come along as I tell you a story.

Recently, during a journalism fellowship in Cairo, Egypt, I met Sakina – a calm, brilliant, soft-spoken Nigerian colleague I fondly teased as my “noisy West African neighbour.” Within days, we bonded like siblings who had known each other for years.

Sakina was turning a year older during the training. A continental birthday, I joked – how many people get to celebrate a new age across 15 African nationalities? But what made this even more special was the backstory.

Life had not been entirely smooth growing up. She grew up in an environment where birthdays were simply not priority – not because they couldn’t afford them, but because they were not something the family really valued. Still, she always admired those who were celebrated when they turned a year older.

And life did not pause for her either. After school, marriage came early and with it came full responsibility mode – caring, nurturing, building a home and celebrating others, even when she herself had rarely experienced that joy firsthand. She handled it with grace, faith and strength, never complaining – only living.

So when a few of us – led by the ever-energetic Munan’ye from Kenya – decided to make this one memorable, it wasn’t just a party. It was redemption. It was love. It was Africa at its best.

Our hosts graciously sponsored a beautiful cake. As usual, I appointed myself official paparazzi. The plan was perfect: reconvene quietly at the hotel restaurant, call Sakina in unsuspectingly and explode into joy.

And oh, Africa delivered!

The minute she walked in, Munan’ye grabbed her hand and the room erupted into singing. The happiness on Sakina’s face was priceless. She laughed, shed some tears and glowed all at once. I nearly cried behind the camera. It was pure joy – her very first real birthday celebration.

And then… drama.

Just when the cake was ready to be cut, our Congolese brother Jay suddenly announced, in his best broken English,

“We have two birthdays today! Sakina and our sister from Mauritania!“

Two? Since when? All day, we only knew of one birthday on our WhatsApp group. Eyes widened. Mouths froze.

Shock was written all over Sheila’s face as she drummed away with two plastic bottles, and the same look was plastered on her compatriot Emmanuel, our ever-faithful backing vocalist from Malawi. Meanwhile, Gaël from Côte d’Ivoire bounced around in pure excitement – understandably so, since he didn’t speak much English and couldn’t follow things as closely as Caroline from Kenya or Kheiti from Morocco.

Even now, when I replay the video in my mind, I still see it vividly: Munan’ye stood there like an Egyptian mummy carved in disbelief. But hey, we are Africans. If one birthday is good, two must be better. I told myself: Let’s celebrate both. Unity, right?

Except something didn’t sit well with me.

This ‘second celebrant‘ – let’s call her Mia – was suddenly shy, resisting, hesitant, almost guilty. Her Algerian friend, Jack Toronto, however, pushed her into cutting the cake alongside Sakina.

The candles were blown. The cake was sliced. And then came another twist – Jay again announced publicly that Jack Toronto sponsored the cake.

Interesting.

After the celebration, the ‘interrogation committee‘ on our WhatsApp group got to work. Questions flew. Stories changed. Facts twisted. Eventually, the truth crawled out like a guilty cat.

Then came the moment of clarity – South Africa’s Aka and Zambia’s Chichi calmly dropped the ultimate evidence: screenshots of Mia’s passport bio page, clearly showing her birthday was nowhere near April. Case closed.

There was no second birthday.
Mia’s birthday was in July, not April.
Jack Toronto didn’t buy the cake.

And yes – they deliberately hijacked Sakina’s moment.

To make it worse, when organisers – thinking they had “wronged” Mia – later gave her another cake, she and Jack Toronto ate it secretly by the poolside like a Netflix crime scene.

But here is the twist of grace.

The only person not angry… was Sakina.

She laughed. She thanked everyone. She wrote:

“I have received love from all over Africa today. Yes, there was drama – but what is a birthday without a plot twist? I am happy. Truly happy.“

That day, a Nigerian woman standing calmly in the middle of African confusion taught me one of life’s greatest lessons:

Kindness loses its meaning the moment ego hijacks it.

And unity shines brightest when we choose grace over chaos.

We wanted to give Sakina a birthday. In the end, she gave us something far greater – maturity, forgiveness, humour and strength.

Her birthday may have been ‘stolen,‘ but she left Cairo with something thieves can never snatch: dignity, love and a continent full of brothers and sisters who will never forget her.

Because sometimes, Africa’s greatest stories are not in the headlines we write – but in the humanity we live.

Emmanuel Dzivenu is a broadcast journalist with The Multimedia Group Limited, specialising in human interest journalism with a strong focus on disability, education, health and climate reporting. His work spans television, radio, and digital platforms, producing in-depth documentaries, special reports and feature stories that spotlight underreported communities and national issues.

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.

Jaiden Osei is a co-founder of Supercar Spectacle

Jaiden Osei, the co-founder of Supercar Spectacle has lauded the events patronage and turnout during its maiden edition.

The recent Supercar Spectacle event held at the Borteyman Sports Complex showcased some of the world’s most luxurious and high-performance vehicles, attracting a remarkable turnout of car lovers and enthusiasts.

Osei expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “People really love cars, and that was evident at the turnout for Supercar Spectacle.”

The event featured a stunning array of supercars, providing attendees with the opportunity to admire and interact with some of the finest automotive engineering available today.

The success of the Supercar Spectacle reflects not only the growing interest in luxury automobiles but also the event’s ability to unite car enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

Osei highlighted the passion of the community and the importance of creating spaces where automotive culture can flourish.

The Supercar Spectacle has set a new standard for automotive events in Ghana, and with Osei at the helm, the future looks bright for car lovers.

Watch videos from the first edition of the Supercar Spectacle:

Influencing in Ghana has moved far beyond just posting cute selfies and waiting for brand deals to locate you.

It’s now a full-blown career path, with creators shaping conversations around fashion, tech, politics, lifestyle, comedy, and even education.

From TikTok skits filmed in single rooms to Instagram reels shot in traffic on the Osu stretch, Ghanaian influencers are proving that creativity can thrive anywhere.

But let’s be honest: influencing is not all soft life and free PR packages. It takes consistency, strategy, thick skin, and sometimes explaining to your auntie that “yes, this is work.”

Algorithms change, trends expire, and netizens will humble you quickly if your content is boring. To survive, you need more than vibes; you need intention.

As we enter a new year, aspiring influencers should treat their pages like small businesses. Growth doesn’t come by chance; it comes by planning, experimenting and sometimes embarrassing yourself for the plot. If you’re serious about becoming a successful influencer in Ghana next year, here are 10 resolutions to guide you.

Read also

How to live on GH¢1,000 a month at the University of Ghana in 2026

1. Pick a niche as a Ghanaian influencer

You cannot be a food reviewer on Monday, a relationship therapist on Tuesday, a prophet on Wednesday, and a fashion icon on Thursday. Choose one main lane and own it.

People should know why they are following you, not be confused every time you post.

2. Post consistently as a Ghanaian influencer

Yes, the likes are low. Yes, only your friend and one stranger commented. Post anyway. Consistency trains the algorithm and builds discipline. Today it’s 200 views; tomorrow it’s 200,000. Rome was not built with one viral video.

3. Invest in camera as a Ghanaian influencer

You don’t need an iPhone 15 Pro Max Ultra Plus, but please use only clean audio and steady videos. Natural light is free, and so is standing still. Your content may be funny, but if it looks like CCTV footage, people will scroll.

4. Learn trends, don’t become copy-paste Ghanaian influencer

Read also

Ronaldo, Salah and 7 Famous Footballers Who Don’t Have Tattoos

Jump on trends, but add your personality. Ghanaian audiences can smell imitation from afar. If everyone is dancing, maybe you can add commentary. If everyone is joking, maybe you exaggerate. Be familiar, not forgettable.

5. Engage like Ghanaian influencer, not celebrity already

As a rising influencer, you must reply to as many as you can, if not all. Like posts of your top followers and other influencers for brand visibility.

Laugh with your audience. Influencing is social media, not silent media. The people supporting you early are the same ones who will defend you when Twitter is dragging you.

6. Take breaks from validation

One day your post will blow; the next day it will flop terribly. That’s normal. Don’t delete your entire page because one reel did not perform. Protect your mental health; algorithms have moods too.

7. Treat brands like business, not begging

As someone who aspires to be among the best influencers in Ghana, stop sending messages to brands to advertise their product. Create a media kit, know your value, and communicate professionally.

8. Learn to tell Stories, not just post content

Read also

Ghanaian lady shares four vital tips for fresh university students

People connect to stories, not just aesthetics. Whether it’s how you started, what you failed at or why you love what you do, storytelling builds loyalty. Viral moments bring followers; stories make them stay.

9. Be online, but have a life offline

Influencing should add to your life, not consume it. Touch grass. Talk to real humans. Live experiences give you better content anyway. Plus, burnout is not cute and cannot be filtered.

10. Start now, not next month

The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Post the video. Write the caption. Embarrass yourself a little. That’s how every successful influencer started.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Poisoning Beyond Accident
Poison any substance that can cause harm or death when introduced into the body exists in many forms in Ghana: pesticides, household chemicals, contaminated food, and environmental toxins. While many exposures are unintentional and accidental, poison has also been implicated in deliberate acts of harm often born out of conflict, jealousy, personal vendettas, or social tensions. These intentional cases are less common in official crime reports but remain part of public discussion and concern.

What Poisoning Looks Like in Ghana
Accidental and Environmental Poisoning

Healthcare data show that poison exposures are not rare in Ghana. Health facilities record an average of about 20 poison-related cases per month, involving accidental ingestion of harmful substances such as household chemicals, bleaching agents, pesticides, and drug overdoses. These can affect children, adults, and even agricultural workers.

Environmental contamination such as mercury and cyanide pollution from illegal mining (galamsey) also exposes communities to poison through water, soil, and food chains. This is sometimes described by activists as a kind of “silent poisoning” of entire populations, with long-term health consequences.

Intentional Poisoning: Crime and Conflict

Confirmed and Reported Cases
While deliberate poisoning is not the dominant form of homicide in Ghana, there have been reported incidents that suggest some individuals have used poison to harm others:

At a social gathering: A man identified as Kojo Aquaye allegedly died after consuming poisoned food and drinks at a naming ceremony in the Central Region. Locals speculated that frustration with his behavior particularly theft when intoxicated may have motivated those who served him poison. Police investigations were ongoing.

Family tragedy: A teenager in the Assin-Praso area allegedly poisoned his own newborn son with weedicide a tragic act reportedly intended to avoid the responsibilities of parenthood.

Alleged poisoning and theft: Social media reports described an incident where a gatekeeper allegedly poisoned his employer (though details are unverified and based on a victim’s account online).

Such cases highlight how poison, often readily accessible as household or agricultural chemicals, can be misused in criminal acts.

Legal Consequences
Under Ghanaian criminal law, administering poison with harmful intent is a criminal offence. If someone maliciously causes poison to be taken by another, and endangers life or causes harm, they may face severe penalties.

Cultural Perceptions and Social Beliefs

In Ghanaian communities, stories and beliefs about poisoning often blend fact and folklore. Some people believe that jealous rivals, wealthier relatives, or people with grudges might resort to poisoning to harm successful or “undesirable” individuals. While many of these narratives circulate informally particularly on social media and in personal testimonies they reflect a wider societal anxiety about trust, safety, and interpersonal conflict.

There are also traditional beliefs involving spiritual or supernatural forms of harm, such as curses (often discussed in relation to terms like duabɔ), which psychologically overlap with concerns about poisoning but do not necessarily involve actual toxic substances.

Poisoning in Social Conflict: Rumors vs. Reality

It’s important to differentiate anecdote and rumor from confirmed legal cases:

Rumors and fear: Many Ghanaians recount stories of people being poisoned due to jealousy, targeted harm, or social enmity. These stories often spread through word of mouth or online platforms but may lack official confirmation.

Official reporting: To date, systematic crime statistics do not show poisoning as a leading method of murder compared with firearm or knife violence in Ghana. Confirmed criminal poisoning cases are rarer and typically attract significant media coverage when they occur.

Despite this, the fear of poisoning persists shaping how people view food, offerings from others, and even social hospitality.

Broader Public Health Context
Aside from criminal use, poisoning remains a significant public health concern in Ghana:

Children accidentally ingesting harmful substances is a frequent issue.

Misuse of pesticides contributes to both accidental and intentional poisonings.

Environmental contamination (e.g., from galamsey) exposes entire communities to toxic chemicals.

These challenges point to a need for stronger education on safe handling of chemicals, better food safety practices, and robust poison control systems.

Conclusion: Navigating Fear and Facts
Poisoning in Ghana occupies multiple realms:
It is a public health issue, seen in accidental exposures and environmental contamination.

It appears in isolated criminal incidents, where individuals have allegedly used poison to cause harm.

It also exists in social narratives and cultural beliefs, where fear and rumor sometimes outpace verified facts.

Understanding poisoning in Ghana requires balancing evidence and perception: acknowledging real cases and risks while challenging unverified claims that can fuel fear and mistrust.

Key takeaway: Intentional poisoning does happen in Ghana, but it is relatively rare and often sensationalized. Most poison-related harms are accidental or environmental. Efforts to prevent poisoning accidental or deliberate should emphasize public education, legal enforcement, and community awareness.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical Science communicator.
Private Investigator and Criminal
Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,
International Conflict Management and Peace Building. Alumni Gandhi Global Academy United States Institute of Peace.

[email protected]
+233-555-275-880

By Benard Worlali Awumee 

Anloga (V/R), Dec 28, GNA – The Anlo Dukor (State) has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of Agbotadua Kumassah, a revered traditional officeholder, distinguished historian, and custodian of Anlo-Ewe heritage. 

An official communication from the Kumassah Family to the Anlo Dukor Council, dated December 22, 2025, and made available to the Ghana News Agency, confirmed that the late Agbotadua Kumassah, known in private life as Mr John Fred Kwaku Kumassah, passed away on December 9, 2025, at the Tema General Hospital. 

Until his demise, Agbotadua Kumassah served as the Agbotadua (Linguist) to the Tay Agbozo Stool of Dzelukofe, a position of immense customary significance within the Anlo traditional system. 

 He also acted as the principal spokesperson to the Awomefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri II, a role that placed him at the heart of traditional governance, diplomacy, and customary interpretation in the Anlo State. 

Beyond his formal traditional responsibilities, the late Agbotadua Kumassah was widely celebrated as a historian and storyteller, whose life’s work was dedicated to preserving and transmitting the history, identity, and collective memory of the Anlo-Ewe people. 

He was a leading voice in narrating the Anlo-Ewe exodus, cultural philosophy, and oral traditions, bridging ancestral knowledge with contemporary scholarship. 

He authored several books and historical texts on the history and migration of the Anlo-Ewe people, works that continue to serve as valuable reference materials for researchers, students, traditional authorities, and cultural enthusiasts both within Ghana and beyond.  

His intellectual contributions have left an enduring imprint on the documentation and preservation of Anlo heritage. 

In accordance with custom and tradition, the Kumassah Family, together with its allied families, has formally notified the Anlo Dukor Council of the royal home call and is currently undertaking the necessary funeral arrangements.  

The family has indicated that details regarding the burial and final funeral rites will be officially communicated once consultations and customary processes are concluded. 

Given the late Agbotadua Kumassah’s status, lineage, and customary responsibilities, the family has humbly sought the guidance and direction of the Anlo Dukor Council, particularly on matters relating to chieftaincy protocols, customary rites, and funeral observances, to ensure that he is accorded a dignified and befitting burial in line with tradition. 

The passing of Agbotadua Kumassah marks a profound loss not only to his family but to the entire Anlo-Ewe community, traditional institutions, and the broader cultural and academic community. He is remembered as a man of wisdom, eloquence, humility, and deep cultural conviction, whose voice gave life to history and whose words carried the soul of a people. 

As Anlo mourns, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating a life devoted to service, knowledge, and the preservation of ancestral truth. His legacy remains firmly etched in the cultural consciousness of the Anlo-Ewe people. 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah / Lydia Kukua Asamoah 

A galamsey operator at Bompieso in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality has been sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labour by the Tarkwa District Court One for slashing a student twice on the back with a blade. 

The convict, Bismark Owusu, was charged with causing unlawful harm and pleaded guilty to the offence. 

Prosecuting, Inspector of Police Patrick Essien told the court, presided over by Charles Owusu Nsiah, that the complainant, Bright Akwasi Aboagye, was a student residing at Bompieso. 

On October 7, at about 12:00 noon, the complainant was riding a tricycle at Bompieso with one Ishmael on board when he suddenly saw a group of illegal miners holding a young man, accusing him of stealing gold-bearing stones. 

Inspector Essien said Owusu was among the group and that the suspected thief was being beaten when the complainant intervened and struck one of the attackers to stop the assault. 

The prosecutor said the illegal miners, unhappy with the complainant’s intervention, warned him to leave the scene. 

According to the prosecution, Owusu also took offence at the complainant’s conduct and picked a fight with him and Ishmael, but they were separated, and each went their separate ways. 

Later that same day, the complainant and Ishmael were at a game centre when Owusu confronted them and warned that the earlier confrontation was not over. 

Inspector Essien told the court that Owusu later attacked the complainant, slashing him twice on the back with a blade before fleeing when the victim started bleeding. 

He said residents who rushed to the scene sent the complainant to the Bompieso Clinic for medical treatment, after which he reported the incident to the police. 

Owusu was arrested the same day and handed over to the police for prosecution. 

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

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

The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG)

The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has raised serious concerns about Parliament’s recent approval of an agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and TRUEDARE Investments Limited for the introduction of a digital customs tracking and artificial intelligence (AI) audit system.

TAGG said the deal, which is meant to supplement the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), demands urgent public scrutiny in the interest of transparency, value for money, and its potential long-term impact on traders and consumers.

According to reports from the Finance Committee of Parliament and various media outlets, the agreement is intended to introduce a digital inspection system for tracking imported cargo containers, strengthen documentation and monitoring processes, and improve revenue mobilisation.

Government sources have maintained that the system will operate at no additional cost to the state, a claim TAGG said should be carefully examined given the scale and sensitivity of customs operations.

TAGG notes that ICUMS, which has been in operation since 2020, was designed as a comprehensive, end-to-end electronic customs platform.

The system already incorporates risk assessment, cargo tracking, post-clearance audits, and data analytics aimed at reducing costs, limiting human discretion, and curbing revenue leakages.

In the group’s view, any assertion that ICUMS has fundamental gaps requiring a parallel system must be backed by publicly available technical assessments.

The advocacy group argued that without full disclosure of the analyses that informed the new agreement, stakeholders are left with unanswered questions.

TAGG insists that transparency is especially critical where customs reforms can directly influence the cost of imports, the ease of doing business, and ultimately the prices paid by consumers across the country.

As part of its own inquiry, TAGG said it reviewed official corporate records of TRUEDARE Investments Limited in Cyprus.

The group reports that the company was incorporated on 28 December 2024 and lists its business activities as general trade, with no clear indication of specialisation in customs technology, artificial intelligence, or digital inspection systems.

TAGG further noted that the company’s issued share capital stands at €1,545, with ownership attributed to two individual shareholders resident in the European Union and one former corporate shareholder.

According to the records reviewed, there is no evidence of significant assets or encumbrances that would typically be associated with a firm undertaking a large-scale national digital infrastructure project.

These findings, TAGG said, raise questions about the technical capacity, financial strength, and overall suitability of TRUEDARE Investments Limited to deliver a system that could significantly influence Ghana’s customs administration and revenue collection framework.

In light of these concerns, TAGG is calling on Parliament, the Ministry of Finance, and the GRA to make public the full agreement, procurement process, and technical justifications underpinning the deal.

The group maintains that customs reforms must be driven by the public interest and subjected to the highest standards of accountability, given their direct impact on traders, consumers, and the broader economy.

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

Mozambique ended a 40-year wait for victory at the Africa Cup of Nations as they beat Gabon 3-2 in Agadir.

Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila earned the southern African side a deserved victory in which they were led by 42-year-old winger Elias Pelembe. It is their first win at the continental finals since their debut in 1986 in what was their 17th game.

The result means Gabon are facing an early exit from the tournament having lost their opening two games in Group F. Mozambique have three points from two matches, the same number as Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday. If that match ends in a draw, Gabon will be eliminated.

Gabon stayed in the contest thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, but back-to-back defeats mean their hopes of reaching the last 16 are hanging by a thread with a match against defending champions Ivory Coast to come on Wednesday.

By Perdita AGYARKO

In a sharply worded statement released on Tuesday, the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) doubled down on its criticism of Parliament’s recent approval of a partnership between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Cyprus‑registered TRUEDARE INVESTMENTS LIMITED. The deal, which introduces a digital customs‑tracking and AI‑audit system as a “no‑additional‑cost” add‑on to the existing Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has ignited a fresh wave of controversy among Ghana’s business community.

*Why the alarm?*
TAGG points to several red flags:

– *A newcomer with minimal capital* – TRUEDARE was incorporated on 28 December 2024 with just €1,545 in share capital and lists its primary business as “general trade,” not customs technology. No public record shows the firm has previously designed or operated large‑scale cargo‑tracking or AI‑audit platforms.
– *Hidden costs* – While the government claims the programme costs the state nothing, TAGG warns that the financial burden will likely be passed on to traders through new fees on consignments, containers or transactions, ultimately raising consumer prices.
– *Redundancy* – ICUMS, launched in 2020, already provides end‑to‑end cargo tracking, risk assessment and post‑clearance audit. TAGG argues that a parallel system is unnecessary without a transparent technical review proving gaps in the current platform.
– *Data sovereignty and security* – The group says there is no clear information on how data will be stored, who will have access, or how the two systems will integrate, raising concerns about cybersecurity and duplication.

*TAGG’s demands*
The advocacy group is calling for:

1. Full public disclosure of the GRA‑TRUEDARE contract, including financial terms and technical annexes.
2. An independent audit to determine whether ICUMS truly needs supplementation and whether TRUEDARE offers value for money.
3. Clear explanation of the remuneration model for TRUEDARE and any new fees that will affect traders and consumers.
4. A moratorium on implementation until all concerns are addressed by Parliament, industry stakeholders and civil society.

Speaking on behalf of Ghanaian traders, TAGG chairman emphasized, “There is no ‘Father Christmas’ in customs; someone always pays. We are not against technology, but we demand openness, proper due diligence and accountability before any further steps are taken.”

*GRA’s position*
The GRA has yet to comment directly on the allegations, but earlier statements highlighted the initiative’s aim to boost revenue collection and improve trade facilitation. The authority maintains that the partnership will be “cost‑neutral to the state,” a claim that TAGG says obscures the true economic impact on businesses.

*What’s next?*
The controversy adds to growing scrutiny of government procurement processes as Ghana gears up for upcoming economic reforms. With traders rallying for transparency, the coming weeks will likely see heightened parliamentary debate, possible hearings, and further pressure on the GRA to open the books on the TRUEDARE agreement.

The Western North Regional Police Command has arrested two persons in connection with the alleged conspiracy and theft of food items meant for students of the Sefwi Bekwai STEM Senior High School at Awaso.  

The suspects have been identified as Bennedicta Nyamadi, a matron, and Rahel Kyeremateng, a cook.  

A press release copied to the Ghana News Agency said the suspects were arrested on December 23, 2025, following intelligence received by the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive on the night of December 22.  

Acting on the information, a joint team, comprising police officers, the Member of Parliament for the area, and the Municipal Chief Executive proceeded to the residence of suspect Kyeremateng at Sefwi Atronsu.  

A search conducted at the premises led to the retrieval of large quantities of food items suspected to have been stolen from the school.  

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to steal the food items from the school’s food store and stored them at the residence of suspect Kyeremateng, with the intention of selling them at a later date.  

Items retrieved included twenty-one 50kg bags rice, four sacks of gari, two sacks of maize, one and a half bags of millet, and one bag of sugar.  

The others were three bags of beans, 40 large tins of tomato paste, four cartons of milk, six gallons of cooking oil, and 54 tins of canned mackerel.  

The total value of the items is yet to be determined, the release said.  

It noted that during interrogation, Kyeremateng mentioned suspect Nyamadi as the source of the items, leading to the arrest of Nyamadi at the school premises.  

Meanwhile, police are making efforts to locate and arrest an assistant matron, Hannah Dufie, who is alleged to have taken part in the crime but is currently at large.  

Source: GNA  

Christmas Eve turned bloody near Anwiankwanta in the Ashanti Region when police gunned down three suspected armed robbers in a fierce shootout, foiling what authorities say was a planned highway attack.

The incident occurred in a bush between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu Junction, where a gang of five had reportedly converged to strike on the busy Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.

According to a police situational report (SITREP), the suspects opened fire on officers upon sighting them. The police returned fire, killing three of the men instantly, while two others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.

The deceased have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, alias Tijani, 25. They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Police retrieved two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds each, an unbranded pistol, a sack containing 25 live cartridges, and six spent cartridges from the scene.

The SITREP noted that Seidu, Tijani, and their accomplices were already on the police wanted list in connection with a string of robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, and Anwiankwanta all in Ashanti.

The operation was described as intelligence-led, with four service vehicles deployed to raid the gang’s hideout. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the accomplices and retrieve the guns,” the report stated.

Police have assured residents of intensified patrols along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi highway and surrounding communities to curb the rising spate of armed robberies in the area.

FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

The government and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have resolved all outstanding issues surrounding a US$750 million facility signed in 2022, ending months of negotiations and clearing a key hurdle in the country’s debt resolution efforts.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, December 25, the Ministry of Finance and Afreximbank said the matter had been closed “to the satisfaction of both parties,” allowing cooperation to continue on future development programmes.

The settlement signals improving creditor relations as Ghana works to steady its debt position under an IMF programme.

The loan was approved by Parliament on July 20, 2022, at a time Ghana had lost access to the international bond market following credit rating downgrades.

Disbursement followed in August 2022 after conditions were met, structured in three tranches — US$187 million, €193 million and US$332 million — and carried a three-year grace period. The first two tranches had a seven-year tenor, while the final tranche extended to ten years.

The funds supported balance of payments needs, budget financing, trade flows and infrastructure spending at the peak of Ghana’s economic liquidity strain. But tensions surfaced after the government included the Afreximbank loan in its commercial debt restructuring.

The bank pushed back, arguing that its facility should receive treatment similar to other preferred multilateral obligations.

Talks stretched for months, drawing public scrutiny amid ongoing negotiations with Eurobond holders and bilateral creditors. Analysts viewed Afreximbank’s stance as a test case for how non-traditional lenders would be treated in debt workouts across Africa.

The Ministry of Finance said the resolution was an important milestone as the country rebuilds external confidence.

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved amicably, allowing us to move forward in our shared objective of supporting Ghana’s development,” it noted, stressing that the relationship with Afreximbank remains strategic.

Afreximbank echoed the sentiment, saying the agreement reflects commitment from both sides to maintain long-term cooperation.

“This outcome allows us to focus on ongoing and future interventions that will aid Ghana’s recovery and growth,” the bank said in the statement.

Two people sustained injuries after rival factions clashed over a renewed chieftaincy dispute at Gomoa Nyanyano in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region on Sunday, December 28.

Security has since been tightened in the area, with more than 50 police officers and other security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

The incident occurred in front of the Gomoa Nyanyano chief’s palace, prompting the Central East Regional Police Command to deploy officers to restore calm and take control of the township.

Gomoa Nyanyano has experienced prolonged chieftaincy tensions following the death of Nana Obeng Wiabo, with disputes among factions remaining unresolved for several years.

According to police sources, the violence erupted when one faction organised a float. Upon its arrival in Gomoa Nyanyano, the opposing faction reportedly mobilised and blocked the main road through the town to stop the procession, triggering the confrontation.

Sammy Darko is the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communications at the OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has stated that it has saved Ghana millions of cedis by exercising its preventive mandate to identify and halt corruption risks before they result in financial losses.

This was made known by the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communications, Sammy Darko, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, on Facebook.

Special Prosecutor has survived two assassination attempts – Sammy Darko reveals

Explaining the impact of the OSP’s work, he said the office has focused not only on investigations and prosecutions but also on preventing questionable transactions that could harm the public purse.

“The OSP…using its preventive powers,” he noted, has played a critical role in protecting national resources.

He cited the now-suspended Agyapa Royalties deal as a major example of effective intervention.

According to Darko, the OSP raised concerns about corruption risks surrounding the transaction, which ultimately prevented its implementation.

“The OSP saved Ghana millions of cedis when it raised corruption risks around the Agyapa royalties deal.

“Those concerns stopped a bad deal that could have cost the country far more in the long run. That money stayed with Ghana, not private interests,” he said.

Darko also pointed to the planned sale of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), where similar concerns were flagged.

“The same thing happened with the planned sale of TOR. The OSP flagged corruption risks in a proposed partnership, and the sale did not go through,” he indicated.

He stressed that without the OSP’s intervention, the country could have lost a strategic state asset.

“Without that intervention, a key state asset would likely have been lost,” he added.

Beyond major transactions, the OSP has also helped curb financial leakages within the public sector payroll.

Darko revealed that the office uncovered ghost names despite existing Ghana Card verification systems.

“These were people being paid even though they did not exist or no longer worked there,” he explained.

According to him, removing such names from payrolls prevented continuous losses to the state.

‘No wonder things don’t get done at the OSP’ – Kpebu berates Sammy Darko

He concluded that these examples demonstrate the value of preventive anti-corruption measures by the OSP.

Darko’s comments follow the reopening and operation of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), which, according to him, was one of the institutions the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) prevented from being sold after it flagged corruption risks in a proposed partnership with Tema Energy and Processing Limited around 2023–2024.

MAG/EB

Christmas Festivities: Avenor traders, buyers speak on livestock sales

A young pilot at PassionAir, Ewurabena Ama Amoah, has shared her inspiring aviation journey, describing how early childhood experiences and her family’s guidance ignited a lifelong passion for flying.

Speaking on The Flight Deck on JoyNews, Ms Amoah said her path into aviation was shaped largely by her father, a seasoned pilot who has served as a captain for many years.

“I would like to say that I had a headstart in aviation because my father is a pilot, in fact, a captain. He’s been a captain for so many years,” she said.

She explained that her fascination with aviation took root in her early years, as her father regularly took her to the airport to immerse her in the world of flying.

“When I was a child, he used to take me to the airport, go and meet his friends, watch airplanes take off and land. So it started growing that passion inside me,” she stated.

Ms Amoah also recalled growing up near an aircraft approach path, an experience that created lasting excitement for her and her siblings.

“Usually, on the approach path, where they turn on the landing lights, is around where we used to live,” she said.

According to her, her father cleverly turned those moments into cherished childhood memories by asking the children to step outside at a specific time.

“So he used to lie to us when we were kids that we should come outside at a certain time and come and look at him. If he sees us, he will turn on the light,” she explained.

She said the sight of the landing lights filled the family with joy.

“When he turned on the light, we were just happy. My siblings and I were just all happy that he’s seeing us,” Ms Amoah added.

She noted that her father would later strengthen the excitement by recalling details of what they wore that day.

“When he comes home, he will ask our mother or anyone who was taking care of us at the time what colour of dress you were wearing, so he could just tell us that, ‘I saw you; you were wearing this orange dress,’” she said.

Ms Amoah revealed that her father’s belief in her future began long before she could speak properly.

“He used to introduce me to everybody as his daughter who is going to be a pilot or his daughter who is a pilot before I even knew how to speak,” she stated.

Reflecting on her upbringing, the PassionAir pilot said those formative experiences quietly shaped her destiny.

“So I would like to say I was brainwashed into becoming a pilot,” she added.

Her story underscores the powerful impact of early exposure, encouragement, and positive role models in shaping career aspirations, especially for young women pursuing careers in aviation.

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 Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, received a heroic welcome in his constituency during the Christmas celebrations.

In a video that has gone viral on X, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam is seen standing on an open vehicle, waving and acknowledging cheers from jubilant constituents who gathered in large numbers to welcome him home for the festive season.

Ato Forson warns against audit infractions by Internal Audit Committee

The warm reception follows widespread commendation of Dr Forson’s leadership, particularly his demonstration of fiscal discipline, stabilisation of the cedi, and implementation of credible economic reforms.

President John Dramani Mahama has also praised Dr Ato Forson and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, for their joint efforts in steering Ghana’s economy toward recovery.

The President made the remarks during a durbar of chiefs and people at the Wa Jubilee Park in the Upper West Region on Thursday, May 15, 2025, as part of his thank-you tour following his resounding victory in the 2024 general elections.

Government, Afreximbank resolve issues surrounding $750m loan facility

“I wish to commend the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, along with their teams, for the close collaboration and coordination they are displaying in this economic turnaround,” he stated.

Watch the video below:

Ato Forson receives a hero’s welcome home. pic.twitter.com/sY1QKArDcW

— Ghana Chronicles (@_GhChronicles) December 27, 2025

JKB/MA

Christmas Festivities: Avenor traders, buyers speak on livestock sales

Paul van Zuydam is South Africa’s newest billionaire

Paul van Zuydam has become South Africa’s newest dollar billionaire, joining the ranks of the country’s wealthiest individuals tracked by Forbes.

According to Forbes’ real-time estimates in December 2025, van Zuydam’s net worth stands at $1.7 billion (about R28.4 billion), ranking him as the world’s 2,186th richest person.

His addition lifts South Africa’s total number of billionaires on the global list to eight, alongside prominent names such as Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer.

At 87, Van Zuydam is the owner and chairman of French cookware maker Le Creuset, a company he acquired in the late 1980s when it was struggling financially.

He transformed the brand into a global household name, best known for its hand-finished cast-iron cookware and stringent quality standards at its foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, northern France.

Under his leadership, Le Creuset concentrated production in France, invested heavily in automation, and broadened its product range.

Manufacturing capacity was doubled, output rose to more than 20,000 pieces a day, and the company expanded aggressively into the United States and Asia.

The business also diversified into ceramics and other cookware categories while keeping its signature cast-iron manufacturing rooted in France. Since 2001, Le Creuset has grown without taking on external debt.

Today, the company generates more than $850 million (around R14 billion) in annual revenue, cementing van Zuydam’s place among Africa’s dollar billionaires.

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

Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has ruled out the possibility of switching international allegiance from England to Ghana, dealing a blow to the Black Stars ahead of next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who qualifies to represent Ghana through a grandparent, has been closely monitored by the Ghana Football Association as part of efforts to strengthen the national team with dual-nationality players.

However, sources have told BBC Sport that Heaven is keen on continuing his international future with England and has no plans to change allegiance.

Ghana are set for a challenging World Cup campaign after being drawn in a tough group alongside England, Croatia and Panama at the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Heaven’s decision means he will not be available for selection despite his eligibility.

London-born Heaven joined United from Arsenal in February, having made just one senior appearance for the Gunners.

He has represented England at several youth levels and was most recently involved with the England U-20s, although an ankle injury suffered against Switzerland in October ruled him out of the November fixture against Japan.

At club level, Heaven’s development has gathered pace in recent weeks.

He made two substitute appearances in the Premier League before earning his first start for United against West Ham on December 4, operating in the centre of a back three.

Despite being booked early and withdrawn at half-time, the teenager has since started all four matches, showing marked improvement with each outing.

He delivered an impressive display in the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on December 21 and followed it up with a man-of-the-match performance in United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, a game that produced only their second clean sheet of the season.

United boss Ruben Amorim was full of praise for the young defender, saying:

“I am really pleased with Ayden. You can feel that he is improving every game.

He is young, but you can feel that he has a good game, slows the thinking and improves during the game.

He trained really well and, if he continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place.”

While Ghana miss out on a promising defensive option, Heaven’s rise at Old Trafford underlines why England remain his priority as he continues his rapid progression at the highest level.