Wimbledon attracted a record-breaking 69.3 million digital video views for BBC Sport over the two-week competition.

Audiences viewed the matches through BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.

It is a considerable increase from the 50.1 million online requests in 2024, which had previously dropped from 54.3 million in 2023.

The men’s singles final between rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner had a peak TV and online audience of 8.8 million, with nearly all – 8.3 million – watching on BBC One.

In the women’s final, 4.1 million tuned into BBC One to watch Iga Swiatek win her first Wimbledon title with a commanding victory over Amanda Anisimova.

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “This year’s record-breaking digital figures for Wimbledon are testament to the huge appeal of the sport among audiences and the power of digital innovation to bring both new and existing fans closer to the action than ever before.

“The way people are following Wimbledon is changing, but that is exciting for us as we look to tell the best stories in different ways.”

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

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

Deputy National Organiser of the NPP [in smock] being assaulted by some thugs

The Greater Accra Police Command has given assurance that it will soon effect arrest of the perpetrators of the recent electoral violence witnessed at Ablekuma North during the parliamentary elections re-run.

This, according to the police, followed a careful review and analysis of several videos that captured the incidents at the polling stations to identify all persons involved.

A statement issued by the head of the Public Affairs Unit of the command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng disclosed that the command has gathered credible leads that would enable the command to effect arrest soon.

“The Accra Regional Police Command wishes to update the public in relation to violent incidents and assaults recorded during the Ablekuma North Parliamentary re-run held on Friday, 11th July 2025”. The statement read in part.

According to Supt Obeng, the command has significantly progressed to obtain statements from complainants and witnesses to aid in the ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the victims involved in the incidents have been issued with Police Medical Report Forms.

“The Accra Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring that all persons responsible for acts of violence, intimidation, or misconduct during the elections will be held accountable under the law”. The statement said.

Isolated cases of brutal violence were witnessed during the re-run of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency.

In the process, Mavis Hawa Koomson became the worse victim as thugs alleged to be affiliated to the ruling NDC party physically assaulted at the Odokor Methodist Polling Station.

The attack on the former Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya-East at the polling station continues to engender date and concerns especially in parliament.

NAAB/KA

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

Preparations for the highly anticipated 9th edition of the prestigious Ghana Energy Awards are well underway, as the Awards Secretariat and the Awarding Panel have officially commenced deliberations towards the upcoming event.

This key event on the annual calendar of the Ghana Energy Awards took place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Awards Secretariat Head Office, located in the SSNIT Emporium at Airport City.

Members of the Awarding Panel, comprising distinguished leaders from academia, policy, law, and industry, were convened for a session that is expected to play a pivotal role in this year’s awards.

The Awarding Panel is chaired by Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, a seasoned legal practitioner and governance advocate.

Other members include: Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, a renowned economist and international evangelist; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, former Board Chairman of the Energy Commission; Dr. Jemima Nunoo, former Director at the Centre for Management Development, GIMPA; and Professor Felix Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Development), University of Ghana.

This year’s edition holds particular significance, as it marks the first Awards following a transition in national leadership. In response, extensive stakeholder engagements were conducted ahead of the Awarding Panel’s first sitting to capture the evolving landscape of governance, shifting development priorities, and the current state of sector performance.

Ing. Henry Teinor, Event Director of the Awards, emphasized the importance of these preliminary engagements:

“Stakeholder feedback has been instrumental in aligning the Ghana Energy Awards with the operational realities of the sector. Over the past four months, we have conducted a series of engagements with key players across the energy value chain. These conversations gave deeper insights into emerging challenges across the sector. We view this 9th edition as a crucial moment, and the expectations set are rightfully high.”

The Awarding Panel’s first sitting, marked by in-depth discussions, served as a strategic touchpoint to review stakeholder feedback and to evaluate and define the planned activities for 2025.

Speaking on the purpose of this initial sitting, Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the Awarding Panel, stated:

“This first Panel meeting is crucial. It gives us the opportunity to analyze sectoral shifts and ensure that our award categories remain relevant and responsive to current needs. Our aim is to set the right benchmarks for recognition.”

As the Ghana Energy Awards approaches its ninth edition, anticipation is steadily building. The Media Launch of the 9th Ghana Energy Awards is set to take place soon, where the official theme and award categories will be unveiled, along with the formal opening of the nominations window.

The Ghana Energy Awards is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, its allied agencies, and the World Energy Council, Ghana.

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

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

By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA 

Accra, July 17, GNA  – Staff of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday undertook a clean-up exercise within their shared office complex and its surroundings in Accra as part of activities to mark the 2025 Civil Service Week celebration. 

The initiative forms part of a collaborative effort between the two communication agencies to enhance the aesthetic appeal and hygiene of their working environment. 

The week-long celebration is being held on the theme: “Adapting to Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana.” 

It seeks to spotlight the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the efficiency and responsiveness of Ghana’s public service. 

Ms Bridget Mensah, Head of the Access to Information Division, ISD, and Chairperson of the in-house planning committee for the celebration, underscored the significance of the exercise. 

“The whole celebration was launched yesterday, and some of the activities lined up include this clean-up exercise. Since we are here in the same building with the GNA, we thought it wise to partner with them, and it has been a great success,” she said. 

She emphasised the long-term impact of the activity, noting that it targeted areas often overlooked during routine cleaning, thereby improving the overall cleanliness of the premises. 

Ms Mensah urged all civil servants to take active part in the celebration, encouraging broad participation across all public institutions. 

The Civil Service Week celebration, sponsored by the Government, features a wide range of activities, including an interfaith thanksgiving service and soccer competition on Friday, July 18. 

Other planned events include a policy fair from July 21 to 24, health screenings, cultural exhibitions, and cooking competitions. 

A keynote lecture on: “Civil Service Transformation” will be held on Monday, July 22. 

The celebration will climax with an awards ceremony at the Alisa Hotel on Thursday, July 25, to honour outstanding civil servants. 

The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, is expected to grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour. 

GNA 

Agnes Boye-Doe

Zuba directing traffic in Kumasi

KUMASI MAYOR, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, has become the toast of residents of the boisterous city.

This follows the emergence of a viral video on social media in which he was busily directing vehicular traffic in Kumasi.

According to reports, the Kumasi Mayor, nicknamed as ‘Zuba’, was in his car when he spotted traffic congestion at Ashtown.

Vehicles that were coming from different directions had virtually blocked each other at an intersection on Monday.

The drivers were not ready to pave way for each other to move, a development which created chaotic scenes.

To the surprise of the people at the scene, Zuba suddenly alighted from his vehicle and started to direct the traffic.

Few minutes after Zuba’s intervention, the aggrieved drivers reached a compromise as the traffic started to flow again.

There were voices in the background of the short video showering tons of praises on the Kumasi Mayor.

“He is Zuba, the new Kumasi Mayor, and he is a humble person and very hardworking,” one person remarked.

Another person noted that Zuba has the interest and the transformation of Kumasi at heart, so he should be supported.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi

Featured

Justice Agbenorsi

Politics

Jul – 17 – 2025 , 19:15

2 minutes read

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa yesterday, July 16, 2025 invited Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the man captured in a viral video claiming he intends to establish an Igbo Kingdom in Ghana following an alleged purchase of a tract of land.

According to the Minister at a meeting, Izwe clarified that it was an old 2013 interview which he deeply regrets.

Mr.Ablakwa said the leader of the Igbo Community in Ghana assured that he has long abandoned that idea and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose.

Chukwudi conveyed profuse apologies to the President, Government, Chiefs and People of Ghana for the unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created.

“As I emphasized in the meeting, Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy which is welcoming of all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to keep championing that Pan-African identity — for which we have attained global renown,” the Minister revealed.

According to him, “We however expect all our fellow Africans and guests to adhere to our peaceful and law-abiding traditions and desist from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality.”

Government has therefore called for calm and restraint as well as recalls the inseparable bond of friendship and brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria.

“Let us all in the true spirit of African solidarity guard our commentary so this matter does not degenerate into xenophobic consequences. Long live our incredibly vibrant Ghana Nigeria relations,” he concluded.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong is the GRA’s Commisioner-General

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has received strong recognition at the just-ended 45th Annual Meeting and Technical Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.

The event brought together senior tax administrators and policy leaders from across 47 member countries to deliberate on pressing global tax issues and share country-level innovations.

Ghana’s delegation was led by Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, who is playing a central role in shaping the conference’s discourse.

Sarpong moderated a flagship session on the theme “Implementing Global Tax Standards While Preserving National Interest: Strategies for Adapting International Frameworks.”

In his opening remarks, Sarpong emphasised the need for balanced global frameworks such as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) pillars and digital tax rules.

“Tax administrations in emerging markets face the dual responsibility of remaining internationally compliant while protecting national revenue bases. This session is about finding that common ground and remaining balanced in all frameworks that relate to local developments,” he said.

Discussions during the session focused on key issues such as the adaptation of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures, treatment of digital services taxation, the capacity gaps in lower-income countries, and the role of domestic resource mobilisation in achieving sustainable development goals.

Sarpong’s leadership at this session highlights Ghana’s growing role in global tax reform dialogue.

Ghana’s delegation has actively engaged in technical panels and bilateral discussions throughout the conference, sharing the country’s recent experiences and innovations.

Notable among these is the implementation of Ghana’s 2023–2026 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS), which outlines a coordinated reform program aimed at broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and leveraging technology.

The GRA also highlighted progress in taxpayer education with the introduction of the National Tax Education Strategy, modified taxation, risk-based compliance management, and anti-corruption efforts.

Also representing Ghana at the conference is Lawrence Hotsonyame, Assistant Commissioner and Head of Domestic Tax Technical Training, who also serves as Ghana’s official representative to CATA.

The 45th CATA Conference was hosted by the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea.

The event features a mix of technical workshops, plenary sessions, and closed-door consultations on issues such as international tax cooperation, domestic revenue mobilisation, tax and gender equity, and administrative governance.

Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:

Hamburg, July 16, (dpa/GNA) – German prosecutors said additional parents have contacted authorities, following the arrest of a 20-year-old man believed to be the ringleader of a group of paedophiles, suspected of having sexually abused children online under the alias “White Tiger.”

Some of the parents expressed concern that their children may also have been targeted, Senior Public Prosecutor Mia Sperling-Karstens told dpa. Investigators are reviewing the information provided.

The man, a German-Iranian national, was arrested in mid-June at his parents’ home in Hamburg. He is accused of leading a group of cybercriminals who allegedly coerced at least eight minors aged 11 to 15 from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States into acts of self-harm.

According to German prosecutors, the man targeted children who were struggling, including in suicide forums. He is said to have won their trust before making his victims emotionally dependent on him, in order to make them harm themselves, to the point of suicide.

One 13-year-old boy from the US is believed to have died by suicide, while a 14-year-old girl from Canada reportedly attempted to take her own life.

The suspect, who denies the accusations, remains in custody and faces charges of murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, sexual abuse of children, and possession of child pornographic material.

So far, there is no evidence the international group known as 764, has other members in Hamburg, prosecutors said.

GNA

The Minority in Parliament staged a walkout on Thursday, July 17, in protest against comments made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga concerning the yet-to-be-declared vacancy of the Akwatia parliamentary seat following the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

Ayariga, raising the matter during proceedings, questioned Speaker Alban Bagbin on when the seat would be formally declared vacant.

He referred to a recent visit by Parliamentary leadership to the late MP’s family, noting that the death had been acknowledged during that interaction.

“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if they are aware or not, can he say he is not aware?

“After being informed by the Leader of the Caucus through a statement in this House, the Clerk himself followed up at his house and met the family members of the deceased, and they confirmed to him that the deceased had passed. And this was on national television,” He stated.

In response, Speaker Bagbin clarified that Parliament could not proceed with declaring the seat vacant or notify the Electoral Commission until it receives formal communication from the bereaved family.

The situation grew tense when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already circulated campaign posters featuring the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, indicating her intention to contest the anticipated by-election.

The Minority found Ayariga’s remarks inappropriate and insensitive, describing them as premature and politicising a period of mourning. In protest, they walked out of the chamber.

Godfred Adu Kofi is chairman of the Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association

Correspondence from Ashanti Region

The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association has voiced strong discontent over the continued high import duties at the nation’s ports, despite the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi and the Dollar.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Chairman of the association, Godfred Adu Kofi, expressed their frustration and urged the John Dramani Mahama-led government to address the issue immediately.

“We are here today to express our deep displeasure at the government’s failure to reduce duties at the ports,” stated Adu Kofi. “Despite the cedi’s gains against major trading currencies, duties remain stubbornly high, and in some cases, have even increased.”

The Association highlighted a disconnect between the Cedi’s appreciation and the import duties levied by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). They pointed to examples, such as the Toyota Voxy car, which has seen import clearance costs surge, allegedly due to reclassification.

According to them, the cost of clearing these vehicles has risen from GH¢35,000.00 to as high as GH¢60,000.00.

The dealers are particularly critical of the government’s failure to implement promised reforms. Adu Kofi reminded the government of a campaign promise to implement a flat-rate duty system at the ports. “During the last election campaign, the former president promised us flat-rate duties at the ports. We had hoped this would be addressed in the last budget, but that did not happen,” he recalled.

The Association’s plea is now focused on the upcoming mid-year budget. They are urging the government to consider implementing the promised flat rate system. The dealers also complained about public perception and said that they are being wrongly accused of price abnormality, particularly from commercial drivers, despite the strengthened cedi.

“We implore the President to ensure duties reflect the Cedi’s strength so we can pass on lower prices to the public,” Adu Kofi appealed.

The Association emphasised that a reduction in port duties would be critical for allowing spare parts prices to become more affordable.

President John Mahama has unveiled a development agenda for the Northeast Region, including the establishment of a public university, major road projects, improved health facilities, and agricultural investments to boost economic growth and address youth unemployment.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Thursday, July 17, during a visit by a high-powered delegation from the Nayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu, President Mahama announced, “I’m pleased to reaffirm that my government is actively working on the modalities for the establishment of a public university in the Northeast Region of our country.”

He said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure equal access to higher education.

“This is part of our broader effort to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for all our people in all parts of the country and so that nobody will be left out,” he added.

The president stressed the importance of road infrastructure in unlocking the region’s economic potential.

“We recognise that development cannot be complete without reliable infrastructure, and that is why we are prioritising the completion of major roads critical to connectivity and economic activity within the Northeast Region,” he said.

Key road projects named include the Nalerigu–Gambaga–Walewale road, the Ulugu–Pusiga road, the Nasia–Tanga road, the Nalerigu–Bunkpurugu–Nakpanduri road, the Nalerigu–Bintiri road, the Tamale–Zebilla–Walewale road, and the Nanduri–Kolumbugu road.

He also pledged that the long-delayed Micho Bridge would soon be completed to improve access to remote areas.

Addressing water needs, President Mahama said, “We are providing small-town water systems to Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale to tackle the persistent water challenges.”

On health care, he confirmed plans to construct new district hospitals and CHPS compounds in Jagaba, Mpulugu, Yunyo, and Chereponi. “As also contained in our manifesto, we shall build a modern Regional Hospital in the Northeast Region. This will spare our people the trouble of having to travel all the way to Tamale to get specialised treatment,” he said.

He also announced that all six new regions, including the Northeast, will each receive a modern sports stadium to promote youth development through sports.

Turning to agriculture, President Mahama said the Yagaba–Fumbisi area would be developed into Ghana’s rice production hub. “A modern rice mill is to be built at Dzadema to buy and process all the rice that is produced. The rice will be bought by the National Buffer Stock Company and supplied to our schools and hospitals, and so the farmers will have a ready market for their rice,” he explained.

On youth employment, the president acknowledged the urgency of the crisis. “No task is more urgent than creating hope and opportunities for our young people. We are acutely aware of the unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth in the Northeast Region,” he said.

He highlighted government interventions like the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura initiative. “We are eager to partner closely with your palace and traditional councils to ensure that these programmes are tailored to local realities and benefits,” President Mahama assured the Nayiri and his delegation.

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

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