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Trump administration invades Venezuela, captures President Maduro, wife

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Donald Trump announced the arrest of Nicolas Maduro Donald Trump announced the arrest of Nicolas Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been captured and flown out of Venezuela after the US carried out a large scale strike on the capital city of Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced.

He adding that there will be “further details to follow.”

A CNN team earlier witnessed several explosions in Caracas and reported some areas of the city were without electricity.

The first blast was recorded at approximately 1.50 AM local time on Saturday (0.50 AM ET).

Trump has repeatedly warned that the US is preparing to take new action against alleged drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López had earlier said the US attack on Saturday impacted urban areas across Venezuela, with missiles and rockets fired from American combat helicopters.

He said Venezuela is currently gathering information about the number of people killed and wounded, and confirmed the Fort Tiuna military installation in Caracas was attacked.

Lopez insisted the country would resist the presence of foreign troops in the country.

“This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has suffered,” he added.

Bawa Rock qualified from 31 Aggregator applications

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has clarified that Bawa Rock Company Limited was the only applicant that met the eligibility requirements for an aggregator licence during GoldBod’s first year of operations in 2025.

Speaking amid concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament over the licensing process on News  File on Saturday January 3, Mr Gyamfi said claims that GoldBod deliberately created a monopoly are based on a misunderstanding of how the Board’s gold trading and licensing system operates.

According to him, GoldBod operates a four-tier gold buying licence system. These include tier one buyers, tier two buyers, self-financing aggregators, and aggregators. All four categories are authorised to buy gold on behalf of GoldBod, not only aggregators.

He explained that tier one buyers are grassroots buyers licensed to purchase gold directly from licensed small-scale miners, while tier two buyers are permitted to buy from both miners and tier one buyers. Self-financing aggregators, he said, use their own funds to buy gold for GoldBod, unlike aggregators who are primarily funded by GoldBod to carry out purchases.

Mr Gyamfi disclosed that in 2025, GoldBod issued a total of 900 buying licences. Out of these, 269 were issued under the tier one category, 578 under tier two, 52 self-financing aggregator licences, and only one aggregator licence.

He noted that 31 applications were received for the aggregator category, but only Bawa Rock met the eligibility criteria required for approval in 2025.

Mr Gyamfi further clarified that the approval of aggregator licences is not done by him as Chief Executive Officer. He said management only makes recommendations, while the governing board of GoldBod is solely responsible for approving or rejecting applications.

He added that the aggregator licensing process is ongoing and has not been closed, stressing that the number of aggregators can change at any time. According to him, licences can be suspended or revoked, and additional applicants can be approved once they meet the required standards.

The clarification follows concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament, who questioned the decision to license Bawa Rock as the sole aggregator, arguing that it has reduced competition and transparency in the artisanal gold sector. GoldBod has, however, maintained that its operations are transparent and that its licensing decisions are based strictly on eligibility and regulatory requirements.

Read also

Minority questions Bawa Rock’s sole licence under GoldBod scheme

VIP drivers ditched my church for Philadelphia members – Bishop Obinim laments

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Bishop Daniel Obinim is the Founder of the International God’s Way Church Bishop Daniel Obinim is the Founder of the International God’s Way Church

Founder and Leader of the International God’s Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, has expressed frustrations over what he claims is the fact that some VIP drivers failed to transport his church members during the just-ended December 31st Crossover Service.

In a video shared on TikTok on January 2, 2025, Bishop Obinim, who was preaching to his congregation, stated that he had wept bitterly after the bus company allegedly diverted its services to transport members of Prophet Adom Kyei Duah’s Believers Worship Centre.

He explained that he was the first person to book the buses from the company; however, later in the evening, the drivers failed to pick up his calls.

“I have cried from 6 PM until now because the drivers at the VIP station, who charged us for both the pick-up and drop-off of church members, failed to show up.

“They were supposed to arrive at the church premises at 6 PM. We started calling them from 6 PM to 9 PM. Only one person picked up the call, and that was how he told me what happened,” he said.

Watch Obinim’s vision of former President Kufuor for 2026

According to him, the driver who answered the call alleged that members of the Philadelphia Movement decided to pay double the original amount, despite the fact that he had booked the buses first.

“The only driver who picked up my calls told me that members of the Philadelphia Movement decided to double the amount they charged me, especially after they realised that I had already booked them,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@officialkwamegh1 @NaaJacque @Lil Win ♬ Very Sad (Extended) – Enchan

JHM/AE

Watch as Kobi Rana calls for unity in the creative arts industry:

Watch Sarkodie’s electrifying performance at Promiseland 2025:

Christmas Doomsday Scammer Ebo Noah Nabbed

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The Ghana Police Service have arrested self-styled prophet Ebo Noah, also known as Evans Eshun, age 33, after his widely shared end-time prophecy failed.

The arrest happened around New Year’s Eve and is believed to be linked to his prediction of a global flood on December 25, 2025.

Ebo Noah had predicted a catastrophic flood would destroy the earth on December 25, 2025, and built an ark to save people.

He claimed to have received a divine message from God, similar to the biblical story of Noah. His prophecy gained widespread attention on social media, with some believing him and others criticizing his claims.

However, on December 24, 2025, Ebo Noah announced that God had changed his mind and would not destroy the world due to his prayers and fasting.

The Elmina police declared him wanted after his prophecy failed to materialise, and he was later arrested for spreading misinformation.

However, Ebo Noah made a surprise appearance at Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert on December 25, 2025, at the Grand Arena in Accra. He introduced Sarkodie on stage, and the crowd went wild. Ebo Noah claimed the flood he predicted didn’t happen because he prayed against it, and many others, including social media users, also prayed for the disaster to be averted.

The appearance sparked mixed reactions, with some fans defending his right to a platform, while others criticized him for misleading people with his prophecy. Some attendees even expressed disappointment, accusing him of deceiving the public.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

Burial Details of Nollywood Actress, Allwell Ademola Emerge

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The family of Nollywood actress, Allwell Ademola, has announced details of her burial.

Recall that the actress passed away after a short illness, and many of her colleagues have been left in deep sorrow.

Naija News reports that, in a statement shared via Instagram on Saturday by Nollywood actor, Rotimi Salami, Ademola’s family announced that a Service of Songs will be held on January 8, followed by a Candlelight procession.

The statement added that Allwell Ademola will be laid to rest on January 9, 2026, at the Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos.

Rotimi also revealed that a customised T-shirt will be provided at the venue, adding that white is the dress code on the day of the burial.

He captioned the statement, “THE BURIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR PRINCESS ALLWELL ADEMOLA

Note: On Thursday, A Customised t-shirt will be provided at the venue.

While on Friday for the burial, you can come wearing a white shirt with Jeans. Colour code is white. Thank you, everyone.”

Meanwhile, the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN)  recently shared details about the final moments of Allwell Ademola, whose death shocked the movie industry.

According to the Guild of Directors under TAMPAN, Allwell had complained that she was not breathing well.

She was taken to Ancilla Catholic Hospital in Agege, where she was placed on oxygen.

Doctors later confirmed that she had passed on December 27, 2025.

TAMPAN described her as a loyal and hardworking member who was always present and active in the Guild of Directors and the wider association.

My husband is facing near jail time for stealing from his employers

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File photo of a worried woman File photo of a worried woman

Dear GhanaWeb,

My husband has been working in a mall here in Ghana since 2023. He eventually got promoted at work, making him quite comfortable financially but then he and other people started taking items from the mall home and selling them.

He brought home appliances, utensils and a whole lot. He was even dealing in them. Whenever someone needed it, he would bring it to them at a lower rate.

That is how he was making a lot of money on the side since last year. We have been very comfortable, but I was never happy about it because I was scared he might get caught.

He told me that they won’t ever find out because he wasn’t alone and the people he worked with all have a share. He also said that he and the others were in charge of some places where they take these items through and so I shouldn’t worry. Every time I raised it, he convinced me that I shouldn’t worry.

Two weeks ago, he didn’t return from work. I called him several times but there was no response. He didn’t also return until the next day. I got worried and went to the workplace, only to be told that he was arrested the previous day because the CCTV had captured him several times stealing some items from the warehouse.

We have tried all we can but they are still processing him to court. All those he was working with said they had no idea.

It appears my husband is all alone and I heard they are investigating to know how many items have been missing from the mall since he was employed so they pin it all on him.

I am scared for him because there is a probability that this will become scarier than it is. I am so worried and I am afraid to invest the money we have into this case because how will we survive if they take him away for long?

I am alone in this matter because his brothers and everyone keep saying they don’t have money. This is a case with rich people who are even foreigners.

They have no pity and there is footage of my husband carrying stuff from the mall; so many I don’t know how it happened because he once told me that they had a guy who used to delete the footage when they go for the items.

Should I use my savings to get a lawyer for my husband? Will it be worth it? I don’t want to use all the resources we have and nothing will come from it. What do I do?

FG/AE

Watch Ofori Amponsah discuss interesting issues surrounding Lumba’s death, career path on this episode of Talkertainment:

JOY FM thanks patrons, apologises over early wrap-up of 90s Jam 2026

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JOY FM has apologised to patrons of its annual 90s Jam after the 2026 edition of the event ended earlier than scheduled, acknowledging that the decision may have disappointed some attendees.

In an official statement issued after the event, JOY FM described 90s Jam 2026 as a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community, noting that the massive turnout and high energy once again confirmed its status as one of Ghana’s most anticipated nostalgia-themed events.

However, the organisers admitted that concerns raised by some patrons over the early closure were valid.

“We acknowledge feedback from some patrons regarding the event ending earlier than scheduled. While operational considerations informed this decision, we recognise that it may have fallen short of the expectations of some guests. For this, we sincerely apologise,” the statement said.

The annual 90s Jam, organised by JOY FM, typically brings together lovers of old-school music for a night of nostalgia, drawing large crowds and performances that celebrate classic hits from the 1990s.

Over the years, it has become a flagship entertainment event in Accra’s social calendar.

Despite the setback, they expressed gratitude to stakeholders who supported the event, including sponsors, vendors, security agencies and the JOY FM team.

The organisers stressed that the feedback will inform future editions as they work to improve the overall experience for patrons.

JOY FM assured fans that it remains committed to delivering even bigger and better events in the future, thanking the public for their continued support of the brand.

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.

Land disputes hampering development in Upper East – Regional Minister 

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Unresolved land ownership, boundary and compensation disputes are increasingly constraining infrastructure development in the Upper East Region, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has said.

He expressed particular concern about the stalled construction of a perimeter fence wall at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, attributing the delay to unresolved compensation claims by landowners.

Mr Akamugri explained that the absence of a perimeter wall posed a major challenge, especially as the hospital had been earmarked for upgrade into a Teaching Hospital to support the training of medical doctors for the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Navrongo.

Already, in July 2025, Professor Richard Adanu, the Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, together with other relevant officials of the College, visited the Regional Hospital and certified it to commence postgraduate medical training in January 2026.

The move marked a major step towards strengthening the healthcare system in the region, particularly in addressing the shortage of critical health professionals and the refusal of some medical doctors to accept postings to the region.

Addressing members of the Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo and Tongo (BONABOTO) Association at Damolg-Tindongo in the Nabdam District during their biennial congress, the Regional Minister said the land compensation impasse was slowing critical projects needed to drive development in the regional capital, which he described as the heart of the region.

“In one troubling instance, a landowner formally petitioned the Regional Health Directorate, threatening to demolish a bungalow situated on his ancestral land unless compensation demands were met,” he lamented.

Although BONABOTO had intervened and offered support to help resolve aspects of the dispute, Mr. Akamugri said the incident underscored the urgent need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to land-related challenges.

He called on BONABOTO to intensify engagement with affected landowners to facilitate progress on stalled projects, while he continued to liaise with the Ministry of Health to ensure the timely payment of compensation.

Additionally, Mr. Akamugri cited the long-standing land boundary dispute between Tongo Beo and Zuarungu, noting that although tensions had eased following BONABOTO’s engagement with traditional authorities at the request of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), the matter remained unresolved.

He stressed that sustained dialogue, community engagement and the active involvement of opinion leaders and privileged citizens were critical to safeguarding public assets, resolving land disputes, and ensuring uninterrupted development in the Upper East Region.

The Regional Minister also raised concerns about security-related disputes in the region, notably the Bolgatanga Skin dispute, which is currently before the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs.

While awaiting a final determination, he urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and commit to respecting the outcome in the interest of lasting peace in the regional capital and the wider BONABOTO enclave.

Professor Smauel Awinkine Atintono, National President of BONABOTO reiterated the commitment of the Association to advancing development of the region through advocacy and dialogue.

The Congress which also coincided with the Silver Jubilee of the BONABOTO was held on the theme, “Our Legacy, Unity, Advocacy, Culture and Impact – The Journey Continues.”

Fire guts shops at Circle

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Fire has destroyed several shops at Circle in Accra.

The fire started in the early hours of Friday evening and spread quickly, destroying many shops and properties. Thick black smoke was seen rising into the sky from far away.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. Fire officials have asked the public to stay away from the area to avoid injuries from smoke or collapsing structures while firefighting efforts continue.

But witnesses say the fire spread fast because many of the shops had highly flammable materials inside.

An eyewitness, a carpenter who also knows electrical work, said he rushed to the scene after his wife informed him about the fire. He said he tried to turn off the power lines and fuse to help control the situation.

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service were quickly sent to the area and are still working to put the fire out.

China’s BYD dethrones Tesla as world’s number one electric vehicle seller

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This is the first time BYD has outpaced its American rival in annual sales This is the first time BYD has outpaced its American rival in annual sales

China’s BYD has overtaken Elon Musk’s Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), marking the first time it has outpaced its American rival in annual sales.

Tesla car sales dropped by nearly 9% in 2025 to 1.64 million vehicles sold worldwide, the carmaker said on Friday – its second consecutive year of falling car deliveries.

Those figures placed Tesla behind BYD, which said on Thursday that sales of its battery-powered cars rose last year by almost 28% to more than 2.25 million.

The US firm has faced a tough year with a mixed reception to new offerings, unease over Musk’s political activities and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals.

Tesla’s car sales fell 16% during the last three months of 2025. The drop was partly due to the repeal of a government subsidy that had helped knock as much as $7,500 (£5,570) off the price of certain battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell vehicles.

Wall Street analysts have recently lowered their Tesla sales estimates for 2026, signaling an increasingly gloomy outlook.

Chinese firms such as Geely, MG, and BYD – now the country’s largest electric car company – have put pressure on Western rivals by pricing their vehicles below established brands.

In October, Tesla responded by launching lower-priced versions of its two best selling models in the US in a bid to boost sales.

Musk, who is already the world’s richest man, is tasked with significantly boosting Tesla’s sales and stock market value over the next decade to secure a record-breaking pay package. The deal, which was approved by shareholders in November, could see him getting a payout of as much as $1tn (£740bn).

As part of the agreement, Musk also has to sell a million humanoid robots over the next ten years. Tesla has invested heavily in its “Optimus” product and self-driving “Robotaxis”.

Analysts say Tesla’s robotaxi and self-driving rollout in 2026, which has helped send its share price to a record high, will be crucial to its overall performance.

Though there are big questions surrounding Tesla self-driving ambitions, some remain optimistic. Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities says Tesla will own about 70% of the self-driving market over the next decade “as no other company in the world can match the scale and scope” of the firm.

Besides Tesla, Musk’s business interests also include the social media platform X, the rocket firm SpaceX and the Boring Company, which digs tunnels.

Those commitments, along with running US President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) early last year, led some investors to suggest that Musk was not focusing enough on Tesla.

Musk has since stepped back from his role in the US government.

Despite BYD’s rise in recent years, its sales growth slowed in 2025 to the weakest rate in five years, in part due to fierce competition in China, its key market.

And despite BYD surpassing Tesla when it comes to car sales, the US firm has remained more profitable in recent quarters.

Still, BYD remains a global EV powerhouse as its prices often undercut rival carmakers.

The Shenzhen-based company’s rapid expansion – especially in Latin America, Southeast Asia and parts of Europe – comes despite many countries imposing steep tariffs on Chinese EVs.

In October, BYD said the UK had become its biggest market outside China. The firm said that its sales in Britain surged by 880% in the year to the end of September, driven by strong demand for the plug-in hybrid version of its Seal U sports utility vehicle (SUV).