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Afenyo-Markin waives immunity in police probe

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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has voluntarily waived his parliamentary immunity in connection with an alleged assault case involving a police officer, expressing readiness to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Tuesday May 6, Afenyo-Markin revealed that he had not yet received any formal communication from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or his office regarding an official invitation for questioning.

However, he emphasised that due to the sensitivity of the matter, he would not wait for the usual parliamentary protocols to be followed before availing himself for investigation.

“On the issue of the invitation, I have been in Parliament the whole of today. I have checked with the Speaker’s Secretariat. It appears at the time I reached out, no such letter from the IGP’s office had been sent,” he said.

“However, considering the fact that this matter is so critical, I wouldn’t even want to wait for a police invitation. I would want to waive that privilege of mine and walk to the police,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin, a lawyer and seasoned legislator, further extended an open invitation to the Ghana Police Service, requesting that any officer or team handling the case contact him directly to facilitate the process.

“If there is any particular person who is handling the case and would want to see me, they can give me a ring…This is an open invitation. Whoever is handling the case or the team handling the case can reach out to me,” he said. “I would want to waive off that right so that we don’t have the Speaker having to call and schedule a date. This must be dealt with swiftly.”

He expressed confidence in the investigative process and emphasised the need for transparency and swift resolution, saying, “I believe that in the end, the Ghanaian public will be able to know the truth, and we will put it to a peaceful rest.”

Read also

Be humble, don’t be rude and disrespectful – Mahama to appointees

Former NUGS President eyes NPP Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser role

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Former NUGS President eyes NPP Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser role
Former NUGS President eyes NPP Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser role


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A former President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Yiadom Boakye Emmanuel, popularly known as YB, has declared his intention to contest for the position of Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Yiadom, in an interview, confirmed his readiness to file for nominations when the process opens, saying he is heeding calls from party faithful who believe he is best suited to serve the party’s youth front in the region.

“There have been calls thus far. It’s a call to serve, and I won’t turn down the party’s request at any moment. When nominations are ready, I will surely I will contest,” he stated.

The aspirant noted that his involvement in the party’s activities over the years, coupled with mentorship under experienced leaders, has prepared him for the role. He said these experiences have equipped him with the needed skills to lead and mobilise the youth effectively.

“I have worked assiduously over the years as a committed and dedicated Member of the New Patriotic Party by persistently and consistently contributing my quota to the positive preservation of the political fortunes or image of the New Patriotic Party,” he explained.

Mr Yiadom believes his strong interpersonal skills, humility, and active participation in youth programmes position him as the ideal candidate to energise the party’s grassroots support base.

He further stressed the importance of attracting floating voters as the NPP looks ahead to the 2028 general elections, suggesting that youthful engagement would be pivotal to the party’s long-term electoral success.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the NPP, Mr Yiadom pledged unwavering dedication to the party’s mission and values if given the nod to serve.

The contest for regional executive positions is expected to intensify in the coming months, with several aspirants likely to enter the race as the NPP prepares to reorganise its base ahead of the next national election.

Here are 10 key points from the Code of Conduct for Mahama’s appointees

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President John Dramani Mahama has officially released a new Code of Conduct for political appointees as part of ongoing efforts to promote professionalism, civility, and ethical governance in public service.

The Code, launched on Monday, May 5, 2025, and issued publicly on Tuesday, May 6, outlines the expectations and responsibilities of ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, CEOs of state institutions, members of the Council of State, and other executive appointees.

The initiative is part of the Mahama administration’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity within government operations.

The Code emphasises high standards of conduct, including integrity, impartiality, respect, and adherence to constitutional and legal obligations. It also seeks to prevent conflicts of interest, misuse of public office, and unethical behavior, thereby reinforcing public trust in government.

Read below the 10 key instructions appointees must now adhere to under the Code of Conduct:

1. Product Endorsement

No Minister shall endorse any product or service on television or other media, except when appearing in party political advertisements or in non-political public service type advertisements or announcements (e.g. promoting water safety).

The Minister should not expect or accept any fee where the appearances and endorsements are permitted for the public good

2. Prohibition from Purchasing State Assets

a. Ministers are prohibited from purchasing state assets, whether directly or indirectly through surrogates or proxies, with a view to hiding their ownership of the same. This includes lands, buildings, vehicles, farms, equipment, shares and any other movable or immovable property.

b. Where a Minister is found to be in the process of purchasing, or to have purchased, any state asset, either directly or indirectly, he/she will have his/her appointment terminated immediately.

This policy is designed to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in the management of state assets. It prevents political appointees from using their positions to gain undue advantage in the acquisition of government-owned properties, vehicles, land or businesses. By prohibiting appointees from the purchasing state property, the government ensures that asset disposal remains open, competitive, and accessible to all Ghanaians

3. Declare assets or face dismissal

All appointees must declare their assets. Those who took office before March 31, 2025, had until May 7 to comply or risk losing three months’ salary or even dismissal.

4. No use of public funds for gifts or hampers

The Code prohibits the use of public funds, including internally generated funds, to purchase hampers or gift items, except modest ones given for staff excellence or retirement with prior approval.

5. Declare conflicts of interest

Appointees must disclose all business interests, especially those connected to government agencies. They are forbidden from using their positions to benefit relatives or associates.

6. Ban on nepotism and influence peddling

Using influence to secure contracts or appointments for friends or family is outlawed. Even the appearance of bias is grounds for investigation.

7. Ministerial Travels

a. Where a Minister incurs travel, accommodation and related costs for unofficial activities, the expenses must be covered by the organizers or by the Minister, using personal funds.

b. Where travel and accommodation and related costs are incurred by a Minister for official activities, these expenses should not be reimbursed by Government if they are paid for by recognised third-party event organisers.

c. The following rules apply to ministerial travels:

i. The Minister must seek permission from the Chief of Staff (CoS) before traveling outside the country,
whether the trip is official or not.

8. Sanctions for breach of code

Offenders face penalties ranging from reprimand and suspension to dismissal. The President made clear that “there will be no sacred cows.”

9. Online reporting system for citizens

A digital portal is being established to allow citizens to confidentially report suspected breaches, ensuring community oversight.

10. Gifts

To avoid the creation or appearance of an obligation, gifts in cash or kind are not to be solicited or accepted from commercial enterprises or any other organizations. An exception to this rule is the acceptance of a gift presented during an official visit to an institution.

The exchange of gifts during official government visits is an accepted practice and refusing such a gift may cause offence. Such gifts are considered tokens of the office rather than personal endorsements for the Minister.

a. The Minister must submit any gift received, in Ghana or from overseas, to the Secretary to Cabinet for appropriate display;

b. Where the Minister wishes to retain gifts received, he may do so only if the estimated value does not exceed GHC20,000.00;

c. Where the estimated value of the gift is more than GHC20,000.00, the Minister may retain the gift during office but must declare it to Cabinet in the interest of transparency;

d. Upon leaving office, the Minister must relinquish, to Cabinet, any gift estimated to be worth over GHC20,000.00, unless the Minister obtains the express permission of the President to retain it

Be humble, don’t be rude and disrespectful – Mahama to appointees

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GAVI Applauds Ghana for Strong Immunisation Efforts 

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By Muniratu Akweley Issah 

Accra, May 6, GNA – Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, has lauded Ghana’s health sector for its commitment and efficiency in immunisation, describing the country as a leader in vaccine coverage across Africa. 

She said Ghana had demonstrated strong leadership in immunisation over the past two decades and stressed the need to sustain the gains as Gavi phases out its support by 2030. 

Dr. Nishtar made the remarks after visiting health facilities in the Gomoa East District. 

She said that Ghana was at the forefront of immunisations, and its achievements were a direct result of its own efforts, adding that Gavi felt proud and honoured to be a partner in the process. 

“We have deep appreciation for our long-standing collaboration with Ghana to celebrate and we are proud to be part of this journey. 

“Ghana can of course lead by example, not only by maintaining high immunization performance, but also by sustaining domestic financing efforts and promoting inspiring their work in local and regional manufacturing,” she said 

Gavi, a global health alliance, works to expand access to immunisation in low-income countries, helping protect children from preventable diseases since its inception in 2000. 

Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, said government was taking steps to prevent vaccine stockouts and ensure that every child was captured and immunised. 

He said government had taken co-financing commitments seriously, streamlining internal processes and removing the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) cap, which was already yielding results. 

“I have authorised a US$5 million interim transfer to UNICEF to ensure critical vaccines are available while we await the final approval of the NHIL allocation formula and broader effort to maintain a responsive and reliable supply chain,” he stated. 

“As Ghana prepares to transition from Gavi support by 2030, we are focused on sustainability. Our Interagency Coordinating Committee is developing an Investment Case for Immunization to secure long-term funding and enhance system performance, a key part of our roadmap to full ownership,” he added. 

The minister commended Gavi for its continued support over the past two decades, which had enabled Ghana to introduce new vaccines, build resilient health systems, and reach children in hard-to-reach areas. 

Dr. Kwame Amponsah-Achiano, Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), said vaccinations had strengthened health systems and contributed to reducing under-five mortality. 

He said confirmed malaria cases among children under five had reduced due to the introduction of malaria vaccines.  

Hospital admissions and deaths from malaria in this age group had also declined. 

Dr. Amponsah-Achiano noted challenges, including inequities in vaccination coverage in urban and peri-urban districts and frequent breakdowns of cold chain equipment at the district level. 

To address these, he said EPI would focus on Ministry of Health-led collaboration to implement Ghana’s immunisation self-financing roadmap (2025–2029), introduce the HPV vaccine into routine vaccination in 2025, add a Hepatitis B birth dose to the schedule, and scale up malaria vaccine use in five remaining regions. 

GNA 

KAS 

Court jails NSS ‘side chick’ 45 days for contempt of court

Deborah Seyram Adablah was involved in a legal battle with a banking executive Deborah Seyram Adablah was involved in a legal battle with a banking executive

Deborah Seyram Adablah, a former National Service personnel embroiled in a widely publicised legal battle with top banking executive Ernest Kwasi Nimako, has reportedly been jailed for 45 days for contempt of court.

This follows a bench warrant issued by the Accra High Court over comments she made about the judge presiding over her case, as well as her refusal to hand over a vehicle to the court registrar.

According to a report by Joy News on its Facebook page dated May 6, 2025, Adablah has been arrested and sentenced to 45 days in jail for contempt of court.

Adablah’s legal troubles began after she filed a lawsuit against her former partner, Ernest Kwasi Nimako, a banking executive at the institution where she completed her National Service. She accused him of breaching promises made during their intimate relationship.

Her claims included demands for monetary compensation and ownership of a Honda Civic, which she said had been gifted to her.

On May 16, 2023, the court ordered Adablah to surrender the vehicle, with registration number GC 7899-23, to the court registrar for safekeeping pending the final determination of the case. However, reports indicate that she defied this directive.

Further aggravating her situation, Adablah released two videos on social media in which she launched personal attacks on the presiding judge, Justice John Bosco Nabarese.

In the videos, she accused the judge of bias and unprofessional conduct, questioned the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary, and dismissed the contempt proceedings as “dead on arrival.”

See the post below:

ID/MA

Deborah Seyram Adablah jailed for 45 days over contempt of court

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Deborah Seyram Adablah was involved in a legal battle with a banking executive Deborah Seyram Adablah was involved in a legal battle with a banking executive

Deborah Seyram Adablah, a former National Service personnel embroiled in a widely publicised legal battle with top banking executive Ernest Kwasi Nimako, has reportedly been jailed for 45 days for contempt of court.

This follows a bench warrant issued by the Accra High Court over comments she made about the judge presiding over her case, as well as her refusal to hand over a vehicle to the court registrar.

According to a report by Joy News on its Facebook page dated May 6, 2025, Adablah has been arrested and sentenced to 45 days in jail for contempt of court.

Adablah’s legal troubles began after she filed a lawsuit against her former partner, Ernest Kwasi Nimako, a banking executive at the institution where she completed her National Service. She accused him of breaching promises made during their intimate relationship.

Her claims included demands for monetary compensation and ownership of a Honda Civic, which she said had been gifted to her.

On May 16, 2023, the court ordered Adablah to surrender the vehicle, with registration number GC 7899-23, to the court registrar for safekeeping pending the final determination of the case. However, reports indicate that she defied this directive.

Further aggravating her situation, Adablah released two videos on social media in which she launched personal attacks on the presiding judge, Justice John Bosco Nabarese.

In the videos, she accused the judge of bias and unprofessional conduct, questioned the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary, and dismissed the contempt proceedings as “dead on arrival.”

See the post below:

ID/MA

I don’t know the names of some of the Kotoko players – Karim Zito admits

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Interim head coach of Asante Kotoko Abdul Karim Zito has disclosed that he does not know the names of all the players on his team, having signed for the club recently.

He explained that he is still in the process of adjusting and adapting to the team’s environment and finding the best ways to suit the side.

Zito noted that he will do his best to ensure the team reach its best level and competes for the Ghana Premier League title and other competitions to restore the club’s glory.

“I don’t even know the names of some of the players I’m working with… I don’t need to follow the media, I need to follow my experience to work in a way that will suit the boys. We had many counter-attacks in the game ” he said while speaking to the press after Kotoko’s goalless draw against Accra Hearts of Oak, as reported by GhOne TV.

Abdul Karim Zito replaced Prosper Ogum as the head coach of Asante Kotoko on April 21, 2025, following a dismissal.

He was appointed as interim head coach while the club restructured its technical team. He had previously been the coach of Dreams FC and Ghana’s U-20 team.

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko played out a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, with both teams failing to convert their chances in a keenly contested Ghana Premier League match.

The draw keeps Asante Kotoko in fourth place with 51 points, while Hearts of Oak sit sixth with 46 points, with their slim hopes of a league title all but extinguished.

Watch Karim Zito’s remarks below:

SB/MA

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The cedi is stable not because Ato Forson is doing anything special – Afenyo Markin

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Alexander Afenyo Markin the Minority Leader in Parliament has claimed the cedi is stable not because the finance minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is doing anything special.

According to Afenyo Markin, the Ghanaian cedi is stable because the Mahama government since assuming office have not been spending.

He asserted that contractors are not being paid, it is because there is no liquid circulating in the economy.

Narrow Supreme Court ruling validates legal merit of CJ suspension challenge

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Former Attorney General Godfred Dame has emphasized that the Supreme Court’s narrow 3-2 decision against granting an injunction in the case challenging the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo demonstrates the legal strength of the arguments presented, despite the ruling not favoring his position.

The injunction application, filed on behalf of Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, aimed to halt ongoing proceedings related to the Chief Justice’s removal, citing unresolved constitutional concerns regarding judicial independence and due process.

While the majority of justices dismissed the request, Dame highlighted that the dissent of two Supreme Court justices signals the seriousness and credibility of the legal issues at stake.

Dame, who is representing the applicant, also raised concerns about the impartiality of Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie presiding over a matter that directly involves the suspended Chief Justice. He questioned the appropriateness of Baffoe-Bonnie’s role in the case.

Speaking in an interview following the court’s decision on Tuesday, May 6, Dame stated, “This is incongruous in our judicial history. If anyone benefits from these developments, it is the acting Chief Justice. It’s quite intriguing that the acting Chief Justice himself sat on these proceedings.”

He added, “The 3-2 narrowness of the decision itself indicates clearly that the application no doubt had merit. We await the court’s full reasoning before determining our next steps.”

Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed two objections raised by Dame, who sought the recusal of Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and a reconstitution of the panel hearing the injunction motion.

Dame argued that the Acting Chief Justice stands to benefit from the outcome of the proceedings and should therefore step aside. He also objected to changes made to the original panel, which had included Justices Samuel Asiedu, Ernest Gaewu, Richard Agyei Frimpong, and Yaw Asare Darko, and was initially presided over by Justice Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu.

The reconstituted panel now comprises Justices Yonny Kulendi, Amadu Tanko, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, and Ernest Gaewu, and is presided over by Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.

With the injunction now dismissed, the Supreme Court is expected to proceed to hear the substantive constitutional issues surrounding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

 

Supreme Court dismisses Assafuah’s injunction application against CJ’s removal process

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NDC Greater Accra Constituency Organisers demand fair share of appointments

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Constituency organisers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra Region are calling on President John Dramani Mahama and the party’s national leadership to recognise their contributions by allocating a fair share of government appointments to them.

At a press conference held in Accra, the organisers expressed frustration over what they described as continued neglect and lack of recognition despite their critical role in securing electoral victories for the party.

Third Force alliance backs CJ suspension

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The Third Force Alliance Ghana has declared its support for the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, describing the move as lawful.

According to the coalition, the action taken by President John Dramani Mahama was not politically motivated, and none of his actions suggest that he acted outside the constitution.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Tuesday, May 6, General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Awudu Ishaq, stated that the suspension of the Chief Justice demonstrates that judicial officials must be held accountable for misconduct.

“The suspension of the Chief Justice is not a celebration of anyone’s downfall but a celebration of constitutionalism. President Mahama’s decision is not partisan but a renewal of faith in the rule of law,” he said.

The Coalition also criticised the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), calling it flawed and reflective of the party’s declining credibility.

“The much-publicised demonstration held yesterday was monumentally flawed and reflective of the sinking image of the New Patriotic Party. What a whole micro minority leader, Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin, did paints nothing but a clear picture of a group of people desperately trying to rebuild their tattered political ground,” the coalition added.

Further addressing the matter, the group made several recommendations, including a constitutional amendment to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

“We recommend that the initial determination of a prima facie case, even in the case of the Chief Justice, be conducted by an independent judicial body rather than the President in consultation with the Council of State. This will ensure greater impartiality,” they proposed.

The Third Force Alliance is a coalition of some registered political parties in Ghana, including the CPP, PNC, GFP, GCPP, and APC.

IMANI petitions CHRAJ over EC’s constitutional and procurement breaches

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Franklin Cudjoe and Jean Mensa, Chairperson of EC Franklin Cudjoe and Jean Mensa, Chairperson of EC

Executive Director of IMANI Center for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe, has formally petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana for what he describes as “constitutional, statutory, and administrative breaches” in connection with the controversial disposal of electoral equipment as scrap.

In a petition to CHRAJ on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and signed by Franklin Cudjoe, IMANI argued that the EC has failed in its duty to manage state assets prudently, especially amid Ghana’s ongoing economic crisis.

“This morning, I directed that IMANI files a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to investigate the Electoral Commission of Ghana for constitutional, statutory, and administrative breaches in respect of its conduct in the infamous ‘firesale of electoral equipment for scrap’ scandal.

“At a time when the nation cannot service its debts and is in the midst of a tight IMF-supervised fiscal regime, such egregious conduct cannot be tolerated,” it noted.

IMANI further argued that the premature retirement and disposal of tens of thousands of laptops, fingerprint verifiers, scanners, printers, and digital cameras were driven by motives that conflict with the EC’s legal responsibilities.

“We lamented that the EC’s conduct… has been motivated by a conflict between its duties under various laws to judiciously apply the resources of this country for the good of the citizenry, on the one hand, and its tendency to take decisions favourable to various commercial vendors and transactors, on the other hand.

“We stated our belief that the EC’s most recent conduct has been necessitated by a need to curtail transparency and accountability, and thus was motivated by a collective conflict of interest and potential corruption,” it stated.

IMANI also accused the EC of attempting to erase “inventory records and physical evidence of the blatant falsehoods it has told over the last four years regarding the purchase history of expensive electoral equipment.”

It stressed that many of the devices cost over US$3,000 each and should have been donated to other government agencies or transparently sold under the Public Procurement Act.

“We posit that the EC’s approach to disposing of these electoral items was partly dictated by a need to suppress inventory records and to evade accountability, in light of the spirited campaign by civil society activists in 2020 to debunk the EC’s claims that the equipment in question all date from 2011, and are therefore obsolete, and partly by a need to facilitate undue commercial profiteering by the beneficiaries of the EC’s disposal methods. The abuse of public resources and power for private gain is the universally acknowledged definition of corruption.

“Ultimately, the EC’s conduct in this affair breaches the high standards expected of such a major constitutional body, and constitutes other infractions of laws, regulations, and standard protocols relating to the management of electoral systems, data protection, and public financial management,” it added.

In 2020, the EC undertook a controversial procurement exercise to replace the country’s existing Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS), which includes biometric devices, voter registration kits, ABIS software, and data centers.

The EC justified this move by claiming the existing system, in use since 2011, was obsolete.

However, IMANI Center for Policy and Education disputed this claim, revealing that many of the devices were acquired as recently as 2018 and 2019, and that the EC had previously maintained a practice of replacing only faulty components rather than entire units.

Despite this, the EC, backed by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government, proceeded with a costly procurement of entirely new BVMS components.

The process was marred by allegations of bid rigging, manipulation, and lack of transparency, particularly regarding the ABIS software.

In 2024, IMANI discovered thousands of these supposedly obsolete devices dumped at a recycling facility in Accra, raising suspicions of attempts to erase inventory records and avoid accountability.

JKB/MA

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4 Die In Galamsey Pits

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One of the abandoned galamsey pits

 

About four persons were confirmed dead after mistakenly falling into some illegal mining or galamsey pits in the Akontombra District of the Western North Region.

The sad incidents happened at Ankra, Essase, and Sampa, all in the district.

Reports indicated that the victims slipped and fell into the abandoned galamsey pits created by illegal miners, which contained water.

The Sefwi Akontombra Police Commander, ASP Samuel Atta, who confirmed the story, said the police in the area are putting in all efforts to bring the galamsey menace under control.

Meanwhile, some residents have appealed to the government to swiftly intervene as the illegal miners are destroying the water bodies and lands in the district.

They said activities of the illegal miners have not only resulted in the loss of lives, but also polluted water bodies, destroyed cocoa farms and vegetation.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi

Side chick case: Deborah Adablah jailed 45 days after social media posts targeting judges

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Deborah Seyram Adablah, the former National Service person at the center of a high-profile legal dispute with a banker, has been sentenced to 45 days in prison.

The May 6 sanction is for contempt of court after posting disparaging remarks about judges handling her case.

She was summoned to the Accra High Court to appear in court to explain why she should not be held in contempt for two viral videos in which she criticized the judiciary.

The videos, which circulated widely on social media, were previously played in open court and deemed to undermine the authority and dignity of the court.

The case stems from Adablah’s long-running legal battle with a banker over alleged breach of contract in a widely publicized dispute that began two years ago.

The court ruled in November 2023 that the case lacked merit after it agreed that no substantive issue was raised by Deborah Seyram Adablah in her suit.

The recent videos, however, shifted focus to her direct criticism of the judiciary, prompting the court to summon her.

In the end, the court proceeded to convict and sentence her to 45 days’ imprisonment for contempt.

Background

Ms. Adablah’s lawsuit, filed on January 23, 2023, alleged that Mr. Ernest Kwasi Nimako, whom she referred to as her “sugar daddy,” had made several promises to her.

Among the promises were the purchase of a car, payment for her accommodation for three years, a monthly stipend of GH¢3,000, marriage after divorcing his wife, and a lump sum to start a business.

Adablah claimed that Mr. Nimako took back the initially registered car after just a year and paid for only one year of accommodation, despite the promised three years.

In her court plea, Ms. Adablah sought an order for the “sugar daddy” to transfer the car’s title to her and return the vehicle. She also demanded the court order Mr. Nimako to fulfill the promised lump sum for starting a business.

Additionally, Ms. Adablah requested the court to instruct Mr. Nimako to pay the outstanding two years’ accommodation and cover her medical expenses resulting from a family planning treatment advised by the defendant.

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‘Removal of Charlotte Osei was wrong’ – Minority Legal Adviser admits

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John Darko is the Legal Adviser to the Parliamentary Minority John Darko is the Legal Adviser to the Parliamentary Minority

The Legal Adviser to the Parliamentary Minority, John Darko, has reignited debate over the controversial 2018 dismissal of former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Charlotte Osei, branding the Akufo-Addo administration’s decision as unjust.

The former EC Chair and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa, were removed from office by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in June 2018, following the recommendation of a committee led by then-Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, which cited alleged procurement breaches under Article 146(1) of the Constitution.

However, in an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, May 5, 2025, the Suame MP did not mince words in criticising Charlotte Osei’s removal.

“My position on Charlotte Osei is that it was wrong. I’ve made that point clear; I’ve never supported the removal. I think that removal was wrong. What happened to Charlotte Osei was wrong,” he said.

His comments come at a time when the judiciary is once again under public scrutiny, following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

However, John Darko was quick to distinguish between the two cases.

“Let us not mix the two; it’s not really tit for tat. This one is going up and beyond,” he added, referring to the ongoing investigation into the Chief Justice, which stems from three separate petitions and a prima facie case established under Article 146(6) of the Constitution.

FKA/MA

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‘Your bench warrant is funny’ – Seyram Adablah speaks amid court contempt saga

Social media influencer, Deborah Seyram Adablah, has issued a bold response to the Accra High Court’s issuance of a bench warrant for her arrest, following alleged disparaging comments he made against the presiding judge in her ongoing legal case.

In a video circulating on social media, Adablah, who, in 2023, sued her former lover, banker Ernest Kwesi Nimako, for breach of promise, dismissed the bench warrant and labelled it as laughable.

“A fan just reached me with this screenshot and it’s funny because this is the same bench warrant, I have been fighting for since the beginning of the brouhaha of my case.

From petitioning against the judge on my case and the police disrespecting his orders… I never knew there was a bench warrant, but it has been issued against me,” she said.

Despite her criticism, Seyram Adablah stated that she has no intention of evading the law and will comply with the court’s order.

“I’m not going to run away. I will present myself before the court because I am a bona fide Ghanaian. I won’t run from anyone or any case,” she asserted.

She went on to clarify her comments about Justice John Bosco Nabarese, the judge presiding over her case, who reportedly had issue with a recent video in which she criticised aspects of his ruling.

“This judge, John Bosco, claims I insulted him because I spoke against a ruling in which he admitted the execution was wrongly done but still refused to set aside the application. I simply advised everyone to be cautious about their workplaces,” she said.

Seyram added that her comments about menstruation and taxpayer’s money were not personal attacks but reflections on broader systemic issues.

“I’m menstruating, and we buy pads all the time. It’s taxpayers’ money that pays government officials, and they’re sidelining us when we need help. I won’t keep quiet about it. If this is what the judge considers an insult, then we should all sit down and point out what exactly the insults are.”

Meanwhile, the court has ordered her to appear and explain why she should not be held in contempt.

Watch the video below:

JHM/EB

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President Mahama’s Code of Conduct for government appointees

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President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a comprehensive Code of Conduct on May 5, 2025 President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a comprehensive Code of Conduct on May 5, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday May 5, 2025, unveiled a comprehensive Code of Conduct designed to foster integrity, accountability, and discipline among political appointees.

The new Code sets out clear ethical guidelines for ministers, public officials, and heads of state agencies. It also underscores the President’s commitment to restoring public trust and combating corruption in government.

The Code covers a wide range of conduct, including rules on gift-taking, asset acquisition, conflicts of interest, and official travel.

One key provision prohibits appointees from accepting gifts from individuals or organisations with a vested interest in government decisions. Any gift valued above GH¢20,000 must be declared and, unless expressly permitted by the President, must be surrendered upon the appointee’s exit from office.

To prevent the misuse of insider knowledge and power, the Code also prohibits political appointees from acquiring state assets, either directly or indirectly. Any breach of this rule, according to the document, will result in immediate dismissal.

See the full document below:

MA

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Gold Board is a game changer for Ghana’s economy

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Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has noted that the government’s current economic measures, rooted in John Mahama’s vision, are proving effective, particularly with the introduction of the Gold Board.

“We’ve not exited the woods yet, but we’re finally managing well,” he said.

According to him, the establishment of the Gold Board has not only restored confidence in Ghana’s financial ecosystem but is quickly becoming the “single most important policy to anchor stability.”

“The Gold Board is already having a visible impact on the interbank market. Even before it becomes fully operational, we’re seeing relative stability return,” he stated in an interview on GHOne TV’s State of Affairs, monitored by MyNewsGh.

Adongo credited this progress to a team led by Sammy Gyamfi and the Ministry of Finance, applauding their early achievements in reducing pressure on the forex market.

He emphasised that speculative demand for the dollar has significantly declined.

“The forex bureau market has been tamed. We now enforce that dollars are used strictly for transactional purposes, not for hoarding,” he explained.

The MP added that gold trade, once informal and riddled with loopholes, is now being centralised under the Gold Board, which pegs gold prices to interbank forex rates.

This, he said, has dismantled the speculative behaviors that once destabilised the currency market.

“We’ve effectively neutralised Abochi’s dollar dominance. In fact, Abochi doesn’t even have the dollar anymore,” he added, referencing informal market dealers.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

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Champions League semifinals and the decisive El Clásico; bet on the top matches

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1xBet recommends checking out the essential information for winning bets 1xBet recommends checking out the essential information for winning bets

The best sports betting site (meilleur site de paris sportif international) has prepared a preview of next week’s superb clashes. 1xBet recommends checking out the essential information for winning bets and reminding you to play responsibly, not to your own detriment!

Inter vs Barcelona, May 6

The show put on by Lamine Yamal and the fantastic efficiency of Denzel Dumfries led to a 3-3 draw in the first leg, one of the season’s best matches. But now the teams are starting from scratch, as the duel score is tied. This game could also be very high-scoring, so it’s unlikely that the coaches will reinvent their tactics. Simone Inzaghi and Hansi Flick are constrained by time, player fatigue, and squad issues.

Barcelona lost Jules Koundé, but there’s hope that Alejandro Balde (whose absence was strongly felt in the duel with Dumfries) and Robert Lewandowski might return. Marc-André ter Stegen is already fit and could replace Wojciech Szczęsny, who performed disappointingly. Inter have Benjamin Pavard injured, Lautaro Martínez is unlikely to feature, and although Marcus Thuram scored against Barça, he’s clearly not at his best due to a recent injury.

Odds: W1 – 3.09, Х – 4.01, W2 – 2.232

Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal, 7 May

In the first match, Arsenal outperformed the Parisians in terms of xG, but experts agreed: the visitors deserved the win, as Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet, controlled most of the game.

Arsenal is known for its patience and ability to make the most of set pieces. Compared to the first clash, the squad situation should improve in Gunners’ favor: Thomas Partey returns from suspension, while the brilliant Ousmane Dembélé, who has scored 25 goals in 2025, may miss the second leg. PSG previously lost at home to Liverpool and almost let a 4-goal advantage in their duel with Aston Villa. Thus, in this struggle, nothing has been decided yet.

Odds: W1 – 2.162, Х – 3.74, W2 – 3.44

Barcelona vs Real Madrid, May 11

The decisive struggle in the La Liga title race. FC Barcelona, official partner of 1xBet, has beaten Real Madrid in all three matches this season, and now even a draw would be enough for Blaugranas — just like it was in the regular time of El Clásico in the Copa del Rey final. Barça will play this match 5 days after facing Inter, so the team should have sufficient time to recover.

Real may struggle to capitalize on its supposed freshness advantage. Due to injuries to Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy, Los Blancos are left with almost no defenders. Eduardo Camavinga is also in the infirmary. Things are far from perfect in attack: Vinícius’ effectiveness in recent months has been low, while Rodrygo has been inconsistent.

Odds: W1 – 1.905, Х – 4.37, W2 – 3.785

The most favorable odds for its clients are offered on 1xBet — the best sports betting site (meilleur site de paris sportif international)! We are sure that our preview will help you to correctly assess the chances of the teams in the main matches of the week. Choose your predictions responsibly and win with 1xBet!

Kenya’s cardinal to miss papal vote because of ill health

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Cardinal John Njue retired as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2021 Cardinal John Njue retired as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2021

The Catholic Church in Kenya has responded to concerns that the country’s only cardinal will not be participating in the election of the next pope because he had not been asked to attend.

Following Pope Francis’ death last month, senior Catholic leaders, known as cardinals, who are younger than 80, are eligible to elect his successor.

They are due to begin meeting in the Vatican on Wednesday, but Kenyan Cardinal John Njue, 79, was quoted in a Kenyan newspaper saying that he had not been invited and he did not know why.

Catholic officials in Kenya later said that he had been invited but was not able to go because of ill health.

“Although [the cardinal] is eligible to participate and was officially invited… owing to his current health condition [he] will be unable to travel to Rome,” a statement signed by Archbishop Philip Anyolo said.

“Let us also continue to pray for the good health of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue.”

The archbishop did not explain the health issues further.

Tuesday’s statement by the Nairobi archdiocese noted that it was reacting to concerns over Cardinal Njue’s participation and “various enquiries” about whether he would be at the cardinals’ meeting, known as a conclave.

The Daily Nation newspaper had quoted him as saying that he had not been invited adding that “it is not because of health… I don’t know really… it’s difficult to comment about it”.

Cardinal Njue was the Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 until his retirement in 2021.

He was appointed a cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI becoming the second cardinal to have come from the country.

He and Spain’s Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, 79, are the only cardinals who will not be participating in the papal vote out the 135 who are eligible.

A two-thirds majority, or at least 89 of them, are required to elect the new pontiff and successor of Pope Francis to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Deborah Adablah jailed 45 days for contempt

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The Accra High Court has sentenced Deborah Seyram Adablah, former NSS person who sued her alleged ‘sugar daddy’ for breach of promise, to 45 days in jail after finding her guilty of contempt.

The ruling comes amid a high-profile legal battle involving Adablah and former First Atlantic Bank executive Ernest Kwesi Nimako.

Adablah, who gained public attention in 2023 after suing Nimako for breach of promise, was cited for contempt following her recent social media outbursts against the judiciary.

Reports indicate that she defied a court order and made disparaging remarks about the presiding judge, Justice John Bosco Nabarese, accusing him of bias and unprofessional conduct.

In videos shared online, Adablah openly criticised the court’s handling of her case, questioning the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary and warning the judge to be fair in his rulings. Her comments, which were played in open court, influenced the judge’s decision to issue a bench warrant for her arrest.

Read also

Kidnapping case: Two victims were lured through romance scam – Police

Iyabo Ojo Quizzed by EFCC Over Currency Spraying at Daughter’s Wedding

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Popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, popularly known as the Queen Mother, has opened up about her recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following an official invitation.

In a post shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, the actress revealed that she was contacted by the anti-graft agency while she was in the United Kingdom, adding that she honoured the invitation and appeared before the EFCC on Monday, May 5, 2025.

She disclosed that she was quizzed on some details, including her daughter’s recently concluded wedding ceremony.

The post shared alongside a picture reads, “I recently had an experience with the EFCC in Nigeria after receiving an invitation letter while I was in the UK. Upon my return, I visited the EFCC on the 5th day of May 2025, where I was asked several questions relating to my personal bio data, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others.”

She further stated that the officials showed her a video extracted from her recently concluded daughter’s wedding where guests were spraying naira and foreign currencies.

“The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding where guests, including colleagues and friends, were spraying Naira and foreign currencies.

“I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offense.”

Iyabo said she was surprised to hear that spraying of foreign currency was also illegal and advised Nigerians to stop spraying and mutilating the naira.

“The EFCC officials clarified that spraying money, including on people’s bodies, is prohibited. I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including Dollars, is also not allowed.

“Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid issues with the EFCC.”

Recall that PUNCH Online reported that Iyabo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo, tied the knot with Tanzanian heartthrob, Juma Jux in a lavish ceremony last month.

NPP’s Akua Afriyie threatens to ‘frustrate’ endorsement of NDC organiser as Ablekuma North MCE

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Nana Akua Afriyie (L) and Adamu Mussah Kalamu Nana Akua Afriyie (L) and Adamu Mussah Kalamu

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Afriyie, appears to have threatened to frustrate the nomination of Adamu Mussah Kalamu as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area.

Speaking in an interview with Citi TV during the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo on Monday, May 5, 2025, she suggested that she intended to give Adamu Mussah Kalamu, the Ablekuma North Constituency Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a taste of his own medicine.

“The NDC organiser has been nominated. I’m 100% aware. I’m only laughing,” the NPP parliamentary candidate said while giggling.

Using an Akan proverb, she hinted at retaliating for what she claimed was Kalamu’s persistent effort to frustrate her campaign to be elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, in collaboration with the NDC parliamentary candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn.

“In Akan, we say something like, ‘If you don’t allow your friend to harvest the number 9, you will not be able to harvest 10,’” she said.

When asked whether her statement constituted a threat, Akua Afriyie responded with a question, “You should also answer me. If you don’t allow your friend to harvest the number 9, will you be able to harvest 10?.”

The Ablekuma North Constituency remains the only constituency without representation in the 9th Parliament of Ghana.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana annulled the declaration of the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn as the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat.

Since then, efforts to recollate the election results have proven futile, with the process repeatedly marred by violence and misunderstanding.

BAI/MA

Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’

Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges

NPP’s Akua Afriyie threatens to ‘frustrate’ endorsement of NDC organiser as Ablekuma North MCE

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Nana Akua Afriyie (L) and Adamu Mussah Kalamu Nana Akua Afriyie (L) and Adamu Mussah Kalamu

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Afriyie, appears to have threatened to frustrate the nomination of Adamu Mussah Kalamu as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area.

Speaking in an interview with Citi TV during the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo on Monday, May 5, 2025, she suggested that she intended to give Adamu Mussah Kalamu, the Ablekuma North Constituency Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a taste of his own medicine.

“The NDC organiser has been nominated. I’m 100% aware. I’m only laughing,” the NPP parliamentary candidate said while giggling.

Using an Akan proverb, she hinted at retaliating for what she claimed was Kalamu’s persistent effort to frustrate her campaign to be elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, in collaboration with the NDC parliamentary candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn.

“In Akan, we say something like, ‘If you don’t allow your friend to harvest the number 9, you will not be able to harvest 10,’” she said.

When asked whether her statement constituted a threat, Akua Afriyie responded with a question, “You should also answer me. If you don’t allow your friend to harvest the number 9, will you be able to harvest 10?.”

The Ablekuma North Constituency remains the only constituency without representation in the 9th Parliament of Ghana.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana annulled the declaration of the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn as the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat.

Since then, efforts to recollate the election results have proven futile, with the process repeatedly marred by violence and misunderstanding.

BAI/MA

Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’

Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges

Precision and Sustainable Agriculture: The Path to Ghana’s Food Security 

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By Francis Ntow 

Accra, May 6, GNA – Experts have urged innovation in precision farming and regulatory support to modernise Ghana’s agriculture for food sustainability and security.   

 The call came at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank breakfast meeting held on the theme: “Future of food, the critical place of sustainable practice.”   

 The discussion follows government initiatives like Feed Ghana Programme, Feed Industry Programme, Agriculture for Jobs, and Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) to boost food production and security.   

 Speakers warned illegal mining, extreme weather, and global trade tensions posed a “serious threat” to Ghana’s food systems.  

They called for a shift to organic farming, data-driven technology, financial investment, and government support.   

 Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi, Chair of the National Cyber Intelligence and Cyber Defence Research Project, urged the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture.   

 “In the future, there will be sensors… that will communicate with other external systems in terms of, if you eat this particular amount, what will happen to you,” he said, adding that such technology will aid farming and food storage.   

 He emphasised ‘precision agriculture,’ which optimises resources through technology to ensure long-term food security.   

 “This approach doesn’t just promise better yields—it offers a sustainable path forward for a nation where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy,” Prof. Quist-Aphetsi said.   

 He noted that university students were developing precision agriculture technologies locally, reducing reliance on costly foreign imports.   

 “With continued support for these educational initiatives and broader adoption of student-developed technologies, Ghana could position itself as a leader in agricultural innovation for the entire continent,” he said.   

 Prof. Francis Atsu, a Climate Risk Professional, called for integrating climate change, land, energy, and water systems while shifting to ‘organic and natural farming.’   

 “Ghana must adopt global scope of agricultural practices, including the use of climate resilient inputs, early yielding materials, harvesting of rain for irrigation purposes, and stop the use of synthetic chemicals,” he said.   

 Kwamena Asomaning, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Ghana, called for systemic reforms, warning that “failure to act today will make the hunger and inflation tomorrow more severe.”    

 Proposed reforms include boosting rural storage and cold infrastructure, expanding irrigation, providing targeted financing, adopting agritech, and implementing supportive government policies. 

GNA 

KAS 

Be humble, don’t be rude and disrespectful

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President John Dramani Mahama has called on his appointees to exhibit humility and refrain from any form of rudeness or disrespect toward citizens in the discharge of their duties.

This guidance is outlined in the newly released Code of Conduct, issued on Tuesday, May 6, as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to foster professionalism and civility in public service.

According to the government, effective public service and good governance hinge on principles of courtesy, respect, and civility. As such, the Code urges appointees to avoid offensive or provocative language or behavior, and to carry themselves with dignity in all official dealings.

Appointees are further encouraged to:

  • Be open to giving and receiving constructive criticism

  • Use decorous language, even in challenging circumstances

  • Take reasonable care to uphold the integrity and reputation of their office

The Code was officially launched by President Mahama on Monday, May 5, 2025, as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within the executive branch.

The term “Minister” in the Code applies not only to Cabinet Ministers but also to Deputy Ministers, Presidential Staffers, CEOs and Deputy CEOs of state and para-statal institutions, members of the Council of State, and other political appointees.

Click Here to read the FULL DOCUMENT

Mahama appoints Prof. Seidu Alidu as Executive Secretary of Water Resources Commission

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Code of Conduct for President Mahama’s appointees

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President John Dramani Mahama has rolled out a new Code of Conduct tailored for political appointees, reinforcing his administration’s focus on ethical leadership and transparent governance.

The code, officially launched on Monday, May 5, 2025, forms a key component of the government’s ongoing reforms to instill accountability and uphold high standards of public service across all levels of executive authority.

NPP’s Akua Afriyie threatens to ‘frustrate’ appointment of NDC organiser as Ablekuma North DCE

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Nana Akua Afriyie (L) and Adamu Mussah Kalamu Nana Akua Afriyie (L) and Adamu Mussah Kalamu

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Afriyie, appears to have threatened to frustrate the appointment of Adamu Mussah Kalamu as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area.

Speaking in an interview with Citi TV during the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo on Monday, May 5, 2025, she suggested that she intended to give Adamu Mussah Kalamu, the Ablekuma North Constituency Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a taste of his own medicine.

“The NDC organiser has been nominated. I’m 100% aware. I’m only laughing,” the NPP parliamentary candidate said while giggling.

Using an Akan proverb, she hinted at retaliating for what she claimed was Kalamu’s persistent effort to frustrate her campaign to be elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, in collaboration with the NDC parliamentary candidate, Ewurabena Aubynn.

“In Akan, we say something like, ‘If you don’t allow your friend to harvest the number 9, you will not be able to harvest 10,’” she said.

When asked whether her statement constituted a threat, Akua Afriyie responded with a question, “You should also answer me. If you don’t allow your friend to harvest the number 9, will you be able to harvest 10?.”

The Ablekuma North Constituency remains the only constituency without representation in the 9th Parliament of Ghana.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana annulled the declaration of the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn as the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat.

Since then, efforts to recollate the election results have proven futile, with the process repeatedly marred by violence and misunderstanding.

BAI/MA

Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’

Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges

‘Make the president look good in the eyes of Ghanaians’ – Julius Debrah to appointees

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The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has issued a stern warning to all government appointees, emphasising that their diligent performance is essential to upholding President John Dramani’s reputation among Ghanaians.

Speaking at the launch of the new Code of Conduct on Monday, May 5, 2025, Debrah made it clear that every action taken by an appointee impacts the public image of the entire administration.

He drew an analogy between running the government and managing a boarding school, explaining that just as schools rely on strict checks, balances, and discipline to function effectively, government operations also demand unwavering accountability.

According to him, there would be no excuses for negligence, insisting that underperforming appointees would be held strictly responsible for their actions.

He also urged government officials to comply with the newly introduced Code of Conduct by President John Dramani Mahama, warning that breaches will not be tolerated.

“I will encourage each and every one of you, once you get your copy, to study it just like your Bible, because there shall never be any excuse whatsoever when you cross the line.

“The only time you will not be able to reach the president is when we are about removing you. I wish we are never going to have that bad experience of removing any one of you. But don’t forget that if you play ignorance, it’s never an excuse,” he noted.

He also stated that; “On that note, I wish you all the best, do your best; let’s make the president look good in the eyes of Ghanaians.”

The Code of Conduct is part of ongoing efforts by the Mahama-led administration to promote good governance and integrity in public office.

VKB/AE

Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity

How the term ‘Detty December’ originated

Bernard Kafui Sokpe coined the term 'Detty December' Bernard Kafui Sokpe coined the term ‘Detty December’

In recent years, “Detty December” has become synonymous with Ghana’s vibrant end-of-year festivities, attracting tourists and members of the African diaspora eager to partake in the country’s rich cultural celebrations.

However, the term has recently come under scrutiny, with Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin expressing concerns over its implications for Ghana’s international reputation.

The genesis of ‘Detty December’

The term “Detty December” was first coined in 2019 by Ghanaian brand consultant Bernard Kafui Sokpe during a December concert for popular Nigerian artiste Mr. Eazi.

“At that time, we used to call him ‘Detty Boy’. So for that December concert, ‘Life is Easy’, we decided to call it ‘Detty December because it was just going to be a fun December, an exciting December. It was like showing the full limits of enjoying December to the max,” he said in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie.

According to him, “Detty” is a playful adaptation of the Ghanaian expression “dirty your body,” which refers to engaging in fun activities that might leave one physically messed up but emotionally happy.

“It’s like when kids go out to play and come back home dirty; that shows they really had a good time,” he added.

Over time, “Detty December” has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, marked by a series of events, concerts, and gatherings that celebrate Ghanaian heritage and attract visitors worldwide.

This term further exploded when the ‘Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives took effect.

Speaker Bagbin’s concerns

Despite its popularity, Speaker Alban Bagbin expressed strong objections to the term “Detty December,” arguing that it portrays Ghana as a destination for unchecked revelry.

During a traditional durbar at the forecourt of Job 600 to mark Labour Day, Bagbin recounted an encounter in the United States where a woman expressed her intent to visit Ghana for “Detty December”.

He questioned the term’s meaning and was told it referred to a period when people come to Ghana to “do whatever they want for free and go back.”

Bagbin expressed alarm over this perception, stating, “This is what is happening and it is destroying our country. We must all stand up and fight it.”

However, Sokpe disagrees, stating that the Speaker’s perspective was just a misunderstanding.

“I don’t blame him. I just think he comes from an era where a lot of things might come off as literal for him. So, him hearing someone say, ‘Detty December’, might come across like, ‘Hey, people are just coming here to do bad things,” Sokpe said.

He emphasised that “Detty December” is not about promoting immoral behaviour but celebrating Ghanaian culture and boosting tourism.

He also pointed out that other countries, like Nigeria, are seeking to capitalise on similar events by implementing structures to monetise the influx of visitors.

“If the Speaker of Parliament has gone out there for a foreigner to see that they know Ghana because of this, now come back to the drawer and say, ‘If this is what they know Ghana for, how can we expand on it, and how can we differentiate it?'” he suggested.

ID/MA

Afenyo-Markin petitions IGP over alleged assault by police during #SavetheJudiciary demo

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, calling for an investigation and disciplinary action against a police officer who allegedly assaulted him during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration held at Parliament House, on Monday, May 5 ,2025.

According to him, the officer, identified as Constable Forson, who was stationed at the entrance of Parliament House to provide security during the demonstration, assaulted him.

“Constable Forson assaulted me at the entrance of Parliament House during the demonstration,” he indicated.

In a press release dated May 5, 2025, Afenyo-Markin alleged that Constable Forson, a tall, fair, and heavily built officer, deliberately struck him on the chest without provocation.

Afenyo-Markin has urged the IGP to address the incident promptly to ensure accountability and, crucially, to correct what he described as “misleading narratives circulating in the public domain” about the circumstances of the incident.

“To address this incident and to correct misleading narratives circulating in the public domain, I have issued a public statement detailing the events as they occurred,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has also announced that it has invited Afenyo-Markin to assist with investigations following allegations that he assaulted a police officer during a demonstration on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Accra.

According to the police, following a review of the incident, the service has written to the Speaker of Parliament requesting the release of Afenyo-Markin to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Read the full statement below:

MRA/AE

Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity

AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields pause merger talks on Iduapriem and Tarkwa mines

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File photo of a mining pit File photo of a mining pit

Mining giants AngloGold Ashanti PLC and Gold Fields have announced a pause in discussions regarding a proposed joint venture to merge their Iduapriem and Tarkwa gold mines in Ghana. This decision comes two years after initial talks began in March 2023.

The proposed merger, which aimed to create Africa’s largest gold mine, was initially met with optimism. Both companies engaged in prolonged negotiations with the Ghanaian government to secure the necessary regulatory approvals.

However, in a recent statement, AngloGold Ashanti revealed that it had made significant discoveries within its updated standalone mine plan for Iduapriem, prompting a reassessment of its strategic priorities.

“The companies have decided to pause discussions around the joint venture to allow them to focus on improving the current, standalone performance at their respective sites, while also allowing AngloGold Ashanti to consolidate the improvements to its long-term mining plan, which currently shows the highest value of its options,” part of the statement from AngloGold Ashanti PLC read.

Located in Ghana’s Western Region, the Iduapriem mine lies about 70km north of Takoradi and just 10km southwest of Tarkwa, creating a compelling case for operational synergy.

Iduapriem has been producing gold since 1992 and became part of AngloGold Ashanti’s portfolio through its merger with Ashanti Goldfields in 2002.

In 2024, the mine produced 237,000 ounces of gold at a cash cost of $1,118 per ounce.

While the merger could have significantly increased efficiency and output, both companies are now prioritising the optimisation of their individual operations.

No timeline has been provided for a potential resumption of talks, but both firms have left the door open for future collaboration, depending on evolving operational and market dynamics.

SP/MA

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66 fans injured as Gor Mahia vs Shabana FC game turns violent

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Fans at the stadium during the game Fans at the stadium during the game

Kenyan football was rocked on Sunday, May 4, 2025, after a highly anticipated Premier League clash between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC descended into shocking scenes of violence, leaving 66 fans hospitalized.

The trouble erupted at Gusii Stadium in Kisii hours before kick-off, as thousands of passionate supporters from both clubs packed into the venue well ahead of the 2 PM start time.

What began as a routine build-up to a top-flight encounter quickly spiraled into chaos when rival fans started hurling stones and other objects at one another inside the stands.

The situation escalated dramatically, with local authorities confirming that 66 individuals sustained injuries, some seriously. Among the most severe cases were two fans who reportedly suffered skull fractures.

Emergency responders and police worked swiftly to regain control, but not before dozens had to be rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital and RAM Hospital.

Despite the unrest, the match eventually went ahead, with Gor Mahia edging past Shabana thanks to a late goal from midfielder Sylvester Owino in the 80th minute. However, the result was quickly overshadowed by the pre-match violence, prompting an outpouring of concern across the Kenyan football community.

Gor Mahia issued a statement shortly after the match, expressing deep regret over the incident.

“We witnessed very sad moments at Gusii Stadium before the game. Police confirm 66 fans were injured and admitted to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital and RAM Hospital. We wish a quick recovery to all those affected,” the club said.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also responded swiftly, condemning the violence in strong terms and emphasizing the need for football to serve as a unifying force rather than a source of division.

“Football must remain a unifying force, not one that endangers lives,” read the FKF statement. “The safety of fans, players, and officials is paramount. We are collaborating with the relevant authorities to uncover the root causes and will take decisive disciplinary action once investigations conclude.”

Local authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, with many calling for a reevaluation of safety protocols at major football venues.

FKA/MA

Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity

Drone strikes pound Port Sudan, putting aid deliveries at risk

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A large plume of smoke rises from a fuel depot in Port Sudan, Sudan, on May 6 A large plume of smoke rises from a fuel depot in Port Sudan, Sudan, on May 6

Explosions and fires rocked Sudan’s main port city and wartime capital, Port Sudan on Tuesday, a witness said, part of a days-long drone assault that has torched the country’s biggest fuel depot, damaging the most important gateway for foreign aid.

A massive column of black smoke billowed from the area around the port, a Reuters video showed, and the witness said blasts had been heard from other areas, though it was not clear exactly where else had been hit.

Sudan’s electricity company said a substation in the city was also hit, causing a complete power outage, part of a systematic assault on infrastructure.

Port Sudan had enjoyed relative calm since the civil war suddenly erupted in April 2023, becoming the base for the army-aligned government after the Sudanese armed forces lost control of much of the capital, Khartoum at the start of the conflict to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people have also sought refuge in the city, where United Nations officials, diplomats, and agencies have also set up headquarters, making it the main base for aid operations in what the UN has called the world’s biggest humanitarian disaster.

Port Sudan’s import and storage depots supply fuel across the country, and the destruction of its facilities risks a major crisis, throttling aid deliveries by road and hitting electricity production and cooking gas supplies.

The attacks, which began on Sunday, open a new front in the conflict, targeting the army’s main stronghold in eastern Sudan after it drove the RSF back westwards across much of central Sudan, including Khartoum, in March.

Military sources have blamed the paramilitary RSF for the attacks on Port Sudan since Sunday, though the group has not yet claimed any responsibility for the strikes.

On Sunday drones struck a military base in the area near Sudan’s only functioning international airport, and on Monday they targeted the city’s fuel depots. One of the targets was a major hotel near the residence of Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, witnesses said.

The attacks came after a military source said the army had destroyed an aircraft and weapons depots in the RSF-controlled Nyala airport in Darfur, the main stronghold of the paramilitary group.

Condemnation

The attacks have drawn condemnation from neighboring Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as expressions of concern from the UN.

Sudan’s army-aligned government has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF, accusations that UN experts have found credible. The UAE has denied backing the RSF and the International Court of Justice on Monday said it could not rule in a case in which the government accused the UAE of fueling genocide.

The war, triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian rule, has displaced over 12 million people and pushed half the population into acute hunger, according to the UN.

With the army’s success in pushing the RSF out of most of central Sudan, the paramilitary has shifted tactics from ground incursions to drone attacks targeting power stations and other facilities deep in army-controlled territory.

The army has continued air strikes in the Darfur region, the RSF’s stronghold. The two forces continue to fight ground battles for control of al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur state, and elsewhere as the battle lines in the war harden into distinct zones of control.

Journalist Saddick Adams Calls on Mahama to Follow Ibrahim Traore, Nationalise Ghana’s Resources

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Ghanaian journalist, Saddick Adams, praised President John Dramani Mahama over a recent call for Africa to take control of its natural resources, urging him to immediately nationalise all of Ghana’s mineral and natural wealth.

Adams, popularly known as Sports Obama, said the time has come for Ghana to completely nationalise its resources, take charge and ensure majority of the wealth created remains in Ghana to benefit its people.

Latest Boubou Gown Styles In 2025

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In 2025, the Boubou gown continues to reign supreme as a symbol of elegance, tradition, and effortless grace. With its rich cultural roots and modern-day fashion relevance, the Boubou has evolved beyond ceremonial wear becoming a staple in contemporary women’s closets for both casual and formal occasions.

This year, designers are reinventing the classic silhouette with bold prints, luxurious fabrics, and intricate embroidery. Whether it’s a floor-length silk Boubou for weddings or a more minimalist cotton version for day-to-day glam, these gowns offer unmatched comfort while exuding royalty. The beauty of the Boubou lies in its free-flowing nature, making it a perfect fit for all body types and ages.

Fashion-forward women are embracing pastel tones, earth shades, and jewel colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy. Add in metallic trims, beaded detailing, or lace overlays, and your Boubou instantly becomes a head-turning masterpiece. In 2025, versatility is key pair your Boubou with high heels for a polished evening look or with sandals and statement earrings for effortless daytime sophistication.  

Aside from aesthetics, the practicality of the Boubou makes it unbeatable. It allows for ease of movement, modesty, and a regal presence without the need for tight fittings or complicated styling. Whether you’re attending a traditional ceremony, a religious gathering, or just dressing to impress, the new wave of Boubou gowns gives you every reason to step out in style.  

From Ghana to Nigeria and across the African continent, the Boubou has become more than just fashion it’s a celebration of identity, femininity, and grace. In 2025, it remains a timeless treasure, now enhanced with modern flair. Don’t be left out elevate your wardrobe with the latest Boubou styles and experience comfort and confidence like never before.

Hearts Hold Kotoko In Goalless Super Clash

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Hearts and Koto players battle for the ball

 

ASANTE KOTOKO’S hopes of securing the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League title were dealt a blow following a goalless draw against rivals Hearts of Oak in the much-anticipated “Super Clash” on Sunday, May 4.

The encounter, held at the Accra Sports Stadium, featured Ghana’s two most decorated football clubs. Kotoko entered the fixture in urgent need of victory to boost their title chances, trailing the top spot by a narrow margin.

Head coach Karim Zito, appointed following the dismissal of Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, was seeking a second consecutive win to maintain momentum. Despite a disciplined performance, his side was unable to secure all three points.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Camara produced a crucial save early in the second half to deny Hearts the opener, while Albert Amoah nearly claimed a late winner for Kotoko but missed narrowly after outpacing his marker.

The result sees Kotoko remain third on the league table, three points behind new leaders Nations FC, with only a handful of matches remaining in the season while Hearts dropped to 6th position.

With the title race intensifying, Kotoko will now need maximum points in their upcoming fixtures to stay in contention for the championship, with just four games left for the season.

 

BY Wletsu Ransford

We’re ready to declare results, but… – EC on Ablekuma North election [Video]

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The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is ready to declare the final results of the Ablekuma North Constituency elections but is awaiting security support from the Ghana Police Service before proceeding.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Director of Electoral Services and Training at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, revealed that the votes have already been counted, with only the collation outstanding.

“We’ve been in touch with the IGP and the police; the only issue now is security,” he said.

Dr. Quaicoe also urged political parties to be prepared to accept the final outcome.

The declaration has been delayed due to incomplete results from three polling stations out of 281, sparking heated disputes between the NDC and NPP—both of whom are claiming victory.

Tensions reached a peak on January 8, 2025, when the Returning Officer resigned following disagreements over pink sheets.

The EC has since suspended the process seven times amidst ongoing clashes between party supporters.

Meanwhile, both the NDC and NPP have erected billboards thanking voters, despite the absence of official results.


Minister highlights the need to protect Ghana’s fibre optic infrastructure

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By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, May 6, GNA – Mr Sam Nartey George, the Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, has underscored the critical importance of standardised specifications in protecting Ghana’s fibre optic infrastructure.

The Minister said just as essential utilities like water and electricity were catered for during roadworks, digital infrastructure such as fibre optic cables must be treated as a vital lifeline.

The Minister made these remarks virtually at the 24th edition of the Chamber of Telecommunications Knowledge Forum in Accra, which was attended by the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecommunications companies in Ghana.

The forum, on the theme, “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development”, also saw the unveiling of the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual.

This document is aimed at guiding and harmonising the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure across Ghana.

The document is an industry-developed manual which sets the benchmark for fibre optic deployment in Ghana and our collective journey toward resilient and future-ready infrastructure.

He revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to ensure better coordination and protection of these crucial communication lines during infrastructure development projects.

Mr Nartey George expressed strong support for the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications’ initiative in developing industry-wide fibre optic minimum specifications and standards.

This is not merely a technical document but a vital regulatory and governance tool that will ensure uniformity, safety, and interoperability across all fibre deployments, both underground and aerial, he said.

The minister cautioned that without those standardised specifications, Ghana risked fragmentation, continued destruction of infrastructure, inefficiency, and high maintenance costs.

The Minister stressed that those standards, covering aspects from trenching depth to splicing procedures, were essential as the nation pushes towards increased broadband coverage, especially in rural communities.

The Minister stated that the protection of fibre infrastructure is non-negotiable and called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including communication operators, infrastructure providers, municipalities, and contractors.

He urged them to actively participate in shaping Ghana’s fibre future by adhering to and refining standards.

A solid and resilient fibre infrastructure is paramount to achieving this goal and positioning Ghana as a digital hub in West Africa, he emphasized.

He commended the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the technical team, and all stakeholders for their contribution to the significant milestone and supported the regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), in its move to convert these industry standards into national standards.

GNA

SOF

Kusasis and Mamprusis are one people; it’s unfortunate we’re embroiled in this fatal conflict

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Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana

Former Ghana’s Vice President and 2024 NPP presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for ceasefire and peace between Kusasis and in the Bawku conflict.

Speaking in Nalerigu, North East Region on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during the NPP’s thank you tour, Dr Bawumia was saddened over the deadly conflict between the two factions.

“We are the same people with so many things in common and so many things bring us together. Our language is almost the same and we have inter-married, so we are one people.”

“Let us give peace in Bawku a chance through the many things that bring us together.”

“I really want to see peace in Bawku to bring an end to the killings of innocent people and I pray the mediation team by the Asantehene will be able to bring the much-needed peace in Bawku.”

AME

Black Princesses Resume Camp For World Cup Qualifiers

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THE BLACK Princesses have resumed preparations for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with 28 players invited to a training camp at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

After taking a month-long break from their initial training session in March, the team is set to regroup to fine-tune strategies, strengthen squad cohesion, and build momentum ahead of their international fixtures later this year.

The camp, which officially begun yesterday May 5, 2025, will serve as a critical phase for the technical team to assess player performances, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and make key tactical decisions.

One notable addition to the squad is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Blue Barlett-Antwi, who was absent from the previous camp but is now expected to join her teammates in Prampram.

With World Cup qualification on the line, the coaching staff will be focused not only on technical and physical readiness but also on building unity and understanding among the players—factors deemed essential for success on the global stage.

The Black Princesses remain one of Ghana’s most promising youth teams, and their preparations are being closely monitored by fans and football stakeholders across the country.

 

BY Wletsu Ransford

PICTURES: Stars shine at 2025 Met Gala

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Nigerian celebrities lit up the 2025 Met Gala with bold, culturally infused fashion statements, proudly representing Africa on the global stage.

Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the annual high-fashion event once again welcomed some of Nigeria’s finest talents, including music stars Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr, renowned author Chimamanda Adichie and renowned fashion designer Swanky Jerry.

This year’s theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ called for refined interpretations of Black identity and heritage through precision tailoring—a challenge Nigerian attendees embraced with flair and confidence.

Tems (Temilade Openiyi) stunned in a custom African-inspired outfit that beautifully merged traditional Aso-Ebi prints with Western haute couture design. Her appearance turned heads, earning praise for seamlessly blending heritage with innovation.

Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) wore a standout ensemble by Ghanaian-British designer Ozwald Boateng. Describing it as “specially made,” the Grammy-winning artiste’s look drew attention for its elegant craftsmanship. A viral video later showed him celebrating the night alongside UK rapper Central Cee.

Ayra Starr brought her signature “sabi girl” energy in a bold, floor-length gown that was both minimal and striking, capturing her youthful style and fearless attitude.

Chimamanda exuded poise in a powerful red gown, proving her sartorial prowess matched her literary acclaim. She also served on the Met Gala’s 2025 Costume Institute Benefit host committee, joining other prominent figures like Usher, Tyla, Dapper Dan, Ayo Edebiri and Doechii.

Celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, better known as Swanky Jerry, arrived in a head-turning design by Deji and Kola. Sharing his look on social media, he wrote: “On duty for Met Gala 2025, superfine. 

Tailoring black style. When the theme calls for legacy, I deliver. Heritage in every stitch. Legacy in every look. Style crafted. Culture honoured.”

American-Nigerian actress Ayo Edebiri also drew praise for her look, which featured subtle nods to Benin heritage while maintaining sleek Western aesthetics. Her hairstyle and outfit bridged African tradition and global fashion trends.

The Met Gala, held annually on the first Monday in May, remains fashion’s most exclusive night. Officially known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, the event raises funds for the museum’s Costume Institute. Since 1995, it has been led by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who continues to guide the event’s global influence.

An urgent appeal to defend the independence of Ghana’s judiciary

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In the heart of every democracy lies a sacred institution—the Judiciary. It stands as the guardian of justice, the protector of rights, and the final shield against tyranny. Today, in Ghana, this last frontier of our democracy is under siege.

From his days in opposition, President John Mahama and key members of the current ruling party have persistently cast aspersions on the superior courts of our land. Now in power, this hostility has escalated into action. The recent suspension of the Chief Justice, based on ambiguous and questionable petitions, has taken place without the publication of any clear evidence establishing a prima facie case.

This action, cloaked in procedural ambiguity, represents a dangerous precedent—one that threatens the very soul of our Republic. We, in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), along with several concerned political actors, sound the alarm. This is not just an internal matter—it is a national emergency that demands the voice and action of every stakeholder who cherishes the rule of law, democratic balance, and freedom.

We call on:

1. Media Houses and Journalists

Your role as the Fourth Estate is indispensable. A politically captured judiciary silences whistleblowers, criminalises dissent, and enables authoritarianism. If justice can be manipulated, then press freedom is next in line. Ghana’s media must speak boldly, investigate courageously, and hold power accountable.

2. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

You have long stood as the moral conscience of our nation. A compromised judiciary weakens every civic victory, whether it be in human rights, anti-corruption, gender equity, or youth advocacy. The absence of judicial independence will collapse the very scaffolding on which you build progress.

3. Diplomatic Missions and International Partners

Ghana has earned international respect as a beacon of democratic stability. But what is democracy without judicial independence? We urge you to speak out, as you have done elsewhere in Africa and beyond, when institutions are weakened for political convenience. Now is not the time for silence.

4. Foreign Investors

Your investments thrive under the assurance of impartial courts, property rights, and contract enforcement. A politically subservient judiciary puts your capital at risk. The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of economic confidence. Protecting the courts is protecting your bottom line.

5. Ghanaian Businesses and Entrepreneurs

If political influence can determine court outcomes, then no business is safe. Commercial disputes, land ownership, licensing—all rely on credible judicial arbitration. A weak judiciary invites corruption, weakens enforcement, and disrupts fair competition. Your voice matters in defending an impartial legal system.

Ghana’s Executive is in the hands of the NDC. Parliament is under their control. The Judiciary remains our last hope to preserve the balance of power, protect citizens’ rights, and prevent the consolidation of absolute control. Today, it is the Chief Justice. Tomorrow, it could be any judge, citizen, journalist, or entrepreneur who dares to stand for truth.

Let us rise, together, to say: Ghana will not allow its Judiciary to be captured. Let us defend the law, protect our democracy, and secure the future for generations unborn.

This is a call to action. This is a call to conscience. Let us act—before it is too late.

‘You are finished if you touch the anointed’

Founder and Presiding Bishop of Lighthouse Chapel International, Dag Heward-Mills play videoFounder and Presiding Bishop of Lighthouse Chapel International, Dag Heward-Mills

Founder and Presiding Bishop of Lighthouse Chapel International, Dag Heward-Mills, has responded to netizens for lambasting him over his recent comment regarding the payment of church musicians.

In a recent development, Dag Heward Mills who was seen preaching to his congregation in his recent visit to Sierra Leone has dared critics who threatened to slap him to do their worst.

Citing an example from the bible while preaching, Dag Heward-Mills noted that it is wrong for any individual to touch an anointed man of God.

“Come and slap me and see if there is oil on your hand… You are finished if you slap the anointing because the holy spirit is not like Jesus who would tolerate all of these things. If you like go and touch on his anointed,” he said.

Bishop Dag Heward Mills further noted that it is only a “fool” who would speak against a man of God.

“Come and strike me because you don’t like my preaching and you would see what would become of you. You would not be dealing with a man but the holy spirit. God has chosen who he put his anointing on. He doesn’t put his anointing on everyone… You open your mouth and speak like a fool against someone who is anointed,” he added.

Background

One would recall that Bishop Dag Heward-Mills in a viral video firmly stated that he does not believe in paying musicians who play instruments during church services.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ comment sparked reactions from several netizens, including Bullgod, who strongly criticised the pastor.

Bullgod, while sharing his thoughts on the issue during the April 19, 2025, edition of United Showbiz, did not hold back in criticising the Bishop.

He described the Bishop’s comment as “nonsense,” arguing that there is nothing wrong with allocating a small portion of church offerings to support church workers.

“If his statement is a general one, then I am sorry to say that whatever he said was nonsense. Don’t they pay him every Sunday? We have all seen his progress from where he started his church to where he is now. So what is wrong with him giving a small portion of the fortune he has to his church people for their work?” he quizzed.

Watch the video below:

JHM/EB

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

NPP’s Assafuah withdraws application to stop Mahama from proceeding with CJ removal

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Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, is the lawyer of Vincent Assafuah Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, is the lawyer of Vincent Assafuah

Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, who is the lawyer for the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has withdrawn his client’s application to injunct President John Dramani Mahama from proceeding with ongoing processes on three petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Before withdrawing the case, Dame accused President Mahama of keeping the petitions requesting the removal of Justice Torkornoo for six whole weeks before informing the public or the Chief Justice.

According to GhanaWeb’s George Ayisi, the former Attorney General said that it was unreasonable for the president to keep the petition to himself for “six whole weeks.”

He described the ongoing processes on the petitions as a charade to unconstitutionally remove Chief Justice Torkornoo.

Before withdrawing the injunction application, one of the five justices sitting on the case, Justice Yonny Kulendi, asked Dame to “show us anywhere in Article 146 where a timeline is set in the constitution for a provision of notice to a respondent” in a petition.

Details of the injunction case:

In the application filed through his legal team, Dame and Partners Unlimited, Assafuah argues that based on a proper interpretation of the 1992 Constitution by the apex court, the Chief Justice must be furnished with copies of the petitions submitted to the president for her removal before any consultation with the Council of State can occur.

Assafuah maintains that Article 146 of the Constitution mandates the President to notify the Chief Justice of the petition seeking her removal and to obtain her response before initiating the consultation process with the Council of State.

He is, therefore, asking the court to declare that President Mahama’s failure to comply with this constitutional requirement, and his decision to forward the petitions to the Council of State for further action, is null, void, and of no effect.

The MP made this known on his social media platforms, sharing a copy of the writ filed at the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

His suit follows the [president’s announcement, made through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, that three petitions demanding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo would be referred to the Council of State for consultation.

Assafuah’s reliefs before the court:

(i) A declaration that, upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), 23, 57(3) and 296 of the Constitution, the President is mandated to notify the Chief Justice about a petition for her removal and obtain her comments and responses before referring the petition to the Council of State or commencing the consultation process.

(ii) A declaration that failure by the President to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before triggering the consultation process constitutes a violation of Article 146(6), and infringes on the constitutional protection of the Chief Justice’s security of tenure, as stipulated in Article 146(1).

(iii) A declaration that such failure amounts to unjustified interference with the independence of the judiciary, in breach of Articles 127(1) and (2).

(iv) A declaration that the failure to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her response constitutes a violation of the right to a fair hearing, under Articles 23 and 296, and renders the consultation process initiated by the President null, void, and of no effect.

(v) Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem appropriate.

BAI/AE

Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’

Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges

Inside China’s push to break foreign tech reliance

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Industry insiders suggest the company aims to create a full-stack chip supply chain Industry insiders suggest the company aims to create a full-stack chip supply chain

GhanaWeb Feature by Mawuli Ahorlumegah

In a move that could redefine the global tech supply chain, Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is quietly building a state-of-the-art semiconductor production line, an ambitious step designed to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign technology and counter intensifying Western export controls.

According to a recent Financial Times report, the Shenzhen-based company is rapidly assembling infrastructure and talent to produce advanced chips domestically.

This bold initiative signals China’s escalating effort to insulate itself from geopolitical vulnerabilities in the wake of increasing U.S.-led restrictions targeting its access to cutting-edge semiconductors and manufacturing equipment.

Huawei’s project is being developed in partnership with local governments and state-affiliated entities, underscoring how central the semiconductor battle has become to China’s broader national strategy.

Industry insiders suggest the company aims to create a full-stack chip supply chain, from design to fabrication, bypassing Western firms and minimizing exposure to foreign sanctions.

“Breaking the foreign chokehold on core tech is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. Huawei’s chip initiative isn’t just about survival; it’s about establishing a new global tech order,” a Chinese industry analyst familiar with the matter told FT.

Huawei, once at the forefront of global 5G networks, was placed on a U.S. trade blacklist in 2019, which cut it off from key suppliers like Qualcomm and TSMC. The move crippled its smartphone business and halted progress on advanced chip designs. Yet the company has since staged a quiet resurgence, launching its Mate 60 Pro smartphone in 2023 with a domestically made 7nm processor, an engineering feat many believed was years away.

The new production line aims to take that progress even further. While it remains unclear how soon Huawei can achieve full independence from Western chipmaking tools, many of which are monopolised by firms in the U.S., Netherlands, and Japan, its direction is clear: technological sovereignty.

The initiative dovetails with Beijing’s broader push under the “Made in China 2025” policy, which aims to make the country a dominant force in high-tech sectors including semiconductors, AI, and robotics. State funding, regulatory support, and an emerging ecosystem of chip startups are reinforcing these ambitions.

Still, experts caution that technological independence in semiconductors is an uphill battle. China lags in key areas such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography and high-end fabrication tools, which are critical for producing chips under 5nm.

While Huawei’s initiative is laudable, it may take years and billions in R&D, to match the capabilities of industry giants like TSMC and Intel.

Nevertheless, the company’s resilience is earning it a second wind domestically.

Analysts say Huawei’s new chip line, if successful, could become a national symbol of defiance and ingenuity in the face of Western pressure.

“The world should not underestimate China’s resolve. This is no longer just about Huawei. It’s about rewriting the rules of the global tech game,” another semiconductor expert said.

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade and technology networks, Huawei’s chip gambit may mark a new era, not just for China, but for the entire semiconductor industry.

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Jerry Afriyie set to leave Black Satellites camp after two games

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Ghanaian striker, Jerry Afriyie Ghanaian striker, Jerry Afriyie

Ghanaian attacker Jerry Afriyie will be leaving the Black Satellites camp in the ongoing Under-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament after playing two matches.

This comes after the youngster’s club, Deportivo Lugo, announced prior to the tournament that he would have to return after playing the first two games in the group stage against Senegal and DR Congo.

“Club Deportivo Lugo announces that its player Jerry Afriyie has been called up to the Ghana U-20 national team for the matches corresponding to the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations being held these days in Egypt.

“After expressing his desire to be part of his country’s squad, the Club has authorized the Albivermello forward to travel to Egypt to join his national team’s training camp. Jerry will participate in the first two group stage matches of the U-20 continental tournament, facing the Democratic Republic of Congo this Friday, May 2, and Senegal on Monday, May 5, 2025. The Ghanaian player will return to Lugo on May 7,” the club stated on its website before the start of the competition.

Afriyie’s absence will be a big blow to the team, considering his exploits and attacking instincts that could have helped them.

The striker assisted Emmanuel Mensah’s one goal for Ghana as they edged past Senegal in their second game to earn four points after two games, having drawn against DR Congo earlier.

SB/MA

Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity

Ugandan activist reportedly held by military chief shows signs of torture

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Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is the son of President Yoweri Museveni Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is the son of President Yoweri Museveni

An opposition activist whom Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, claimed to have held captive in his basement has appeared in court “visibly weak” and showing signs of torture, according to the justice minister.

Eddie Mutwe, who acts as the chief bodyguard for Uganda’s leading opposition figure, Bobi Wine, went missing on April 27 after being grabbed near the capital, Kampala, by armed men, according to Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party.

Chief of Defence Forces Kainerugaba, longtime President Yoweri Museveni’s eldest child, said last week that he had detained Mutwe, writing on X that he had captured him “like a grasshopper” and was “using him as a punching bag”.

Kainerugaba also alluded to Mutwe being tortured, saying he had beaten him and shaved his head.

“If they keep on provoking us, we shall discipline them even more,” he said of the opposition.

Mutwe was presented in court on Monday and remanded into custody on robbery charges, his lawyer said.

In a statement released late on Monday, Justice Minister Norbert Mao said Mutwe appeared in court “in a visibly weak condition and showing signs of having been tortured”.

“Bringing illegally detained, brutalised and tortured suspects before the courts of law is an abuse of judicial processes,” said Mao, the leader of an opposition party who was appointed justice minister in 2022.

Mao did not say who was responsible for Mutwe’s condition but called on the courts to deal swiftly with the opposition figure’s case.

Mutwe’s lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, told reporters outside court on Monday that his client had been tortured daily and electrocuted while being detained.

The court case comes amid an escalating crackdown on the Ugandan opposition as Wine has been preparing to launch a “protest vote” campaign in advance of a general election in January.

On Friday, Wine – a former singer whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi and who has become Museveni’s leading opponent – said on X that security forces had “just raided and cordoned off our headquarters”.

He also condemned the abduction of Mutwe, telling the AFP news agency that it was “a reminder to the world as to how law and order has broken down in Uganda”.

Kainerugaba, who is widely viewed as being groomed to succeed his 80-year-old father, frequently makes incendiary comments on social media and has written on X that he wanted to behead Wine.

The Ugandan government has faced international condemnation over the abduction of opposition figures, including veteran leader Kizza Besigye, who was seized in Kenya last year and forcibly returned to face treason charges.

Museveni, who has ruled since 1986 and plans to seek re-election in January, has denied allegations of human rights abuses.

But the Uganda Law Society said the abduction of Mutwe was not an isolated incident.

Instead, it is “part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of young people yearning for freedom”, the group said in a statement.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission, which is tasked with investigating abuses and monitoring the government’s human rights record, said it issued an order on Friday directing the authorities to release Mutwe.

I have never seen a teacher driving Rolls Royce- Shatta Wale

Dancehall musician, Shatta Wale has said that he does not see any sense in the saying that without school one cannot become successful.
Shatta Wale has said that anytime he hears such, he wonders what triggers the speakers to make such articulations.
Shatta believes becoming successful in life has nothing to do with formal education, even though it sometimes facilitates things.
He funnily revealed that despite the saying that without education no one can become successful in life, he has never seen a teacher

Dr. Tony Aidoo Criticizes NPP’s Motives Behind Chief Justice Suspension

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Dr. Tony Aidoo, former Senior Presidential Aide and Head of Policy and Evaluation under the late President John Evans Atta Mills, has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he describes as political propaganda surrounding the suspension of the Chief Justice.

Speaking on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Dr. Aidoo accused the NPP of using the issue to discredit President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, barely four months into his second term.