Legendary Nigerian musician, Innocent Idibia, also known as 2Baba or 2Face, has apologised to his new lover, Natasha Osawaru, kids and fans over the remark that he cannot be sexually committed to only one woman.
Naija News reports that the singer made the controversial statement five months after announcing his separation from his wife, Annie Macaulay-Idibia.
The decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to rerun parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency has sparked a wave of outrage from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Some senior party figures, in a strong criticism, have accused the Commission of succumbing to pressure from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling government.
The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has expressed strong confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to restoring credibility and legitimacy to governance.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, July 2, Mr. Goosie Tanoh highlighted the President’s achievements within his first 120 days in office, describing them as a clear signal of renewed purpose and dedication to national transformation.
“I think that the social contract, the 120-day contract, and the fact that he has achieved all those milestones show a new, renewed determination and purpose.
“And that sets the landscape for what is to come, and so, in that sense, yes, I think he has demonstrated clearly that he means business, he also means to promote, protect and expand business,” he noted.
Mr. Tanoh clarified that the 24-Hour Economy goes beyond extended working hours, explaining that it represents a broader transformation in how the state interacts with citizens, businesses, and institutions.
“One of the interesting things is that the reset [agenda] is also about the state and the way the state relates to the citizenry, relates to businesses and other institutions. Because without an efficient and friendly state, investors will run away, and it will also become a barrier and a bar to progress and development,” he stated.
He also pointed to the President’s anti-corruption drive, highlighting the newly introduced Code of Conduct for public officials as a demonstration of the administration’s resolve to enhance transparency and accountability.
“Some of the anti-corruption things he has done, such as the Code of Conduct, are to lead the way that this our dispensation we mean business and we will do it,” he added.
Mr. Tanoh’s remarks follow the launch of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, which seeks to create jobs, boost productivity, and promote inclusive economic growth by encouraging round-the-clock operations in critical sectors including healthcare, transport, retail, and manufacturing.
NPP rejects EC’s decision to rerun Ablekuma North polls
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Accra, Jul 3 (PTI): India and Ghana have elevated their ties to the level of comprehensive partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming that New Delhi is a co-traveller in the African nation’s development journey.
Modi made the remarks on Wednesday after holding wide-ranging talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
In his media statement, Prime Minister Modi said both sides have set a target of doubling the two-way trade in the next five years and that India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana’s development journey.
The delegation-level meeting between the two leaders took place hours after Modi arrived in this capital city of the West African country on the first leg of his five-nation tour.
In a special gesture, the prime minister was received at the airport by President Mahama. It is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.
Following the Modi-Mahama talks, the two sides inked four pacts that will provide for cooperation in several areas including culture and traditional medicine.
“Today, the president and I have decided to elevate our bilateral partnership to a Comprehensive Partnership,” Modi said, adding, “India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana’s journey of nation-building.” The prime minister also highlighted the upswing in trade relations between the two countries.
“Indian companies have invested nearly two billion dollars in about 900 projects. Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade in the next five years,” he said.
“In the field of FinTech, India is ready to share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana,” he noted.
The prime minister also said that Indian companies will cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals.
The prime minister said both sides were unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity and that it was decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in countering the menace.
“We are unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism,” Modi said.
“In this context, we have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism,” he said.
In the field of defence and security, we will move forward with the mantra of “security through solidarity”, he added.
India-Ghana cooperation will be enhanced in areas such as training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply and cyber security, he added.
The prime minister said both sides expressed serious concerns over the conflicts in West Asia and Europe and called for finding solutions to the problems through dialogue and diplomacy.
“This is not the era of war; problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” Modi said.
The two leaders also touched upon issues facing the Global South.
“We are both members of the Global South, and are fully committed to its priorities. We thank Ghana for its positive participation in the Voice of Global South Summit,” Modi said.
“It is a matter of pride for India that the African Union got permanent membership of the G20 under our G20 presidency,” he added.
Calling the talks with President Mahama “extremely fruitful”, Modi in an X post said, “We have elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, which will be beneficial for the people of our nations. We discussed ways to improve trade and economic linkages. Cooperation in FinTech, skill development, healthcare and other such sectors were also deliberated upon.” India and Ghana also see immense scope in working closely in areas such as critical minerals, defence, maritime security and energy, he said, adding that enhancing cultural linkages was also discussed.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Both leaders reaffirmed the warm and time-tested ties between India & Ghana, and discussed ways to expand cooperation in key areas…” “The leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. They reiterated their commitment to democratic values, Global South solidarity, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development & global peace,” he added.
The bilateral relations between India and Ghana, one of the fastest-growing economies in West Africa, are marked by a robust trade and investment partnership.
India is among the top trading partners of Ghana and is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, driven largely by India’s import of gold.
Ghana is undergoing a major economic restructuring and Prime Minister Modi assured the country of all possible assistance in this regard. PTI MPB ZH GRS GRS GRS
(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs had pleaded ‘not-guity’ to all charges
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty on two counts of ‘transportation to engage in prostitution’ but acquitted of the more serious charges of ‘racketeering conspiracy’ and ‘sex trafficking’ by a federal jury in Manhattan on July 2, 2025.
The split verdict marks a partial victory for Combs, who faced the possibility of life in prison if convicted on all counts.
The jury, composed of eight men and four women, deliberated for three days before reaching their decision.
Combs, 55, was convicted under the Mann Act, which criminalises transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.
Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, meaning he could face up to 20 years in prison, though legal experts suggest a significantly shorter sentence is more likely.
Key Charges and Why the Jury Rejected the Most Serious Counts
1. Racketeering (RICO) Conspiracy – Not Guilty
Prosecutors alleged that Combs ran a criminal enterprise involving kidnapping, bribery, and forced labor. However, the jury found insufficient evidence to tie him to a coordinated criminal operation.
The defense successfully argued that his business dealings were legitimate and that key witnesses, including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, stayed in relationships with him voluntarily.
2. Sex Trafficking – Not Guilty
The jury was not convinced that Ventura and another woman, referred to as “Jane,” were coerced into participating in drug-fueled “freak-offs” with male escorts.
Text messages showing the women’s apparent enthusiasm for the encounters significantly weakened the prosecution’s claim of coercion.
3. Transportation for Prostitution – Guilty
The convictions stem from evidence that Combs arranged travel and payments for male sex workers involved in the encounters.
Prosecutors emphasised Combs’ use of drugs (including ketamine and ecstasy) and his financial control over the women to secure their compliance.
Combs remains in custody pending a judge’s decision on bail. Prosecutors are opposing his release, citing his history of witness intimidation and drug use, while his lawyers have proposed a $1 million bond.
Sentencing is expected later this year.
ID/MA
The Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has stated that the calls for a declaration of a state of emergency to fight galamsey must first be backed by actionable policies.
According to him while the call remains a vital step in fighting the menace, there is the need for accompanying mechanisms to give effect to such declarations.
Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews on Monday, July 1,2025, Schandorf explained that at the moment, government is focused on deploying the right measures that will make such declarations yield the results.
This he said is not an excuse for the present non-declaration, adding that the declaration of a state of emergency remains a viable alternative on the table.
“The truth of the matter is that, again I am reiterating, the calls for a state of emergency were valid back then and they still are appropriate in our current circumstances; except that if you’re going to declare a state of emergency and you have not put in the relevant mechanisms that will give the effect to that declaration, then perhaps the declaration itself may be moot, it may be much to do about nothing”, Schandorf noted.
He continued, “If it (declaration of a state of emergency) is done today, I can assure you we would have that applause from the entirety of the populace, the optical bliss would come, the commendations will come from all quarters and everybody would be happy.
“But if the fundamental issues on the grounds which is sometimes the complicity of traditional leaders and all the other nitty gritties are not addressed, you would declare a state of emergency, but you may not be able to see the substantive results. Nothing will give effect to that declaration. And that is why we have consistently said that look, we are not necessarily backtracking or pussyfooting the issue”.
The comments by the ministry’s spokesperson comes on the back of renewed calls for a declaration of a state of emergency, following the NDC’s promise to do so while in opposition.
According to critics, the party is now retreating from its initial pledge, but the ministry’s spokesperson says otherwise.
Citing the scenario of an armed robber who has promised to stop stealing but is yet to discard his guns, Paa Kwesi Schandorf noted that a declaration of a state of emergency without the relevant supporting policies may be likened to such a pointless pronouncement.
He therefore stressed that government is working to institute the right measures that will ultimately make galamsey a thing of the past.
Meanwhile government has so far rolled out some interventions to deal with the issue.
These include the inauguration of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), as well as the ongoing operations of the Blue Waterguard among others.
Despite the critics, government insists that these measures will go a long way to eradicate the prevailing environmental hazard and restore the country’s lands and water bodies.
AM/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Phil-Manuel Kpobi is a Ghanaian student from Sterling International School
Phil-Manuel Kpobi, a 12-year-old Ghanaian student from Sterling International School, has developed an innovative mobile application designed to connect farmers directly with traders, Graphic Online reports.
Phil, who is also a member of the Ghana Code Club, built the “Agro App” using the Python-based Flet framework.
The application is designed to streamline the farm-to-market process, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure fair pricing for both farmers and buyers.
According to Graphic Online, some of the Agro App’s impressive features include:
Online Produce Listings – Farmers can easily list their available crops for sale.
Location-Based Search – Traders can find nearby farms and products based on their location.
Built-In Chat – Real-time messaging between farmers and buyers for smooth communication.
Order and Delivery Tracking – Users can track transactions from order placement to delivery.
Integrated Mobile Payments – Secure payments through local mobile money platforms.
Photo Uploads – Farmers can upload images of their produce to attract buyers.
Phil-Manuel’s ingenuity, coding skills, and passion for solving real-world challenges through technology have earned him widespread recognition.
He recently won the Favourite Project Award at the Coolest Projects Ghana showcase for 2025.
VKB/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account
Kian hugging his grandfather
In a moment that quietly echoed decades of Ghanaian football history, Kian Ayew, the youngest son of Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew, shared a tender embrace with his grandfather, the legendary Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’.
Seated humbly on a simple plastic chair at the Nania Park at the University of Ghana, Abedi Pele, once the pride of Real Tamale United and Olympique Marseille, watched as his young grandson approached, eyes bright with admiration.
In the footage that has since warmed the hearts of countless online viewers, Kian walked up to his grandfather with a shy yet eager smile, before wrapping him in a long, gentle hug.
What made this scene so moving wasn’t just the sweetness of a boy greeting his grandfather, but the weight of what connects them, an unbroken chain of football dreams.
Abedi Pele’s brilliance once lit up Ghana and Europe. His sons, André, Jordan, and Rahim Ayew, picked up the mantle, each carving out his chapter in the family’s remarkable story. Now, with Kian, another seed of that legacy is taking root.
Jordan, himself in the prime of his playing days, joined the touching moment too, offering his father a handshake.
The quiet clip needed no commentary: three generations, one passion, and a love that binds far beyond the pitch.
Though Kian is still very young, whispers of his budding talent are already surfacing. Clips from recent training sessions show him dribbling with surprising ease, mirroring the graceful control that once made his grandfather a household name across Africa.
Watch the video below:
Jordan Ayew’s youngest son, Kian, shares special moments with his legendary grandfather, Abedi Pele.
🎥: @O_Meatpie pic.twitter.com/ttECEdYUXo
— BIG KAY🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) July 1, 2025
FKA/EB
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Ghanaian highlife artiste Kuami Eugene has expressed disappointment over recent comments made by social media personality Archipalago, who accused him of being disrespectful.
In an interview on Hitz FM’s with Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie, the hitmaker clarified the incident and dismissed the claims.
Archipalago had earlier alleged that Kuami Eugene refused to speak to him over the phone when he tried to propose a music collaboration through a radio presenter.
“I only called to talk about a possible collaboration, but his attitude was very disrespectful. If he doesn’t want to talk, that’s fine. But he shouldn’t act like he’s above everyone,” Archipalago said in an interview.
Reacting to the accusation, Kuami Eugene said the circumstances surrounding the call were misunderstood and insisted he had no intentions of snubbing Archipalago.
“After the interview, I was going back to my hotel, and the presenter said I should drop her on the way. While we were going to drop her off, Archipalago called her that he heard I was in the studio, and that he had a song he wanted to do with me so she should give the phone to me so he talks to me. And I said I wouldn’t talk to him,” Kuami recounted.
He added that he was already on a call with his mother and didn’t appreciate the pressure to end it for an unsolicited conversation.
“He wanted me to cut the call with my mum and talk to him. And I said I wouldn’t do that. The lady even told him I was doing something so I would call back. I don’t know if he didn’t hear that well.”
Kuami Eugene further noted that Archipalago later took to social media to rant about the incident, which only widened the rift between them.
“Since then anytime he hears my issue he is angry. I pray he doesn’t get heart attack,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuami Eugene has released a new single titled , a track that encourages reflection and personal growth.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces what Solomon Owusu, Senior Communicator for the Movement for Change (MfC) has described as political disintegration, with its internal search for a presidential flag-bearer likened to “looking for a driver for a wrecked vehicle.”
According to him, the party’s electoral prospects are beyond repair, having lost critical political strongholds and public trust.
We’ve all got those wardrobe staples: the trusty plain T-shirt, the classic jeans, that simple black dress. They’re the workhorses of our closets, versatile and comfortable. But sometimes, they can feel a bit… well, basic. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to elevate these everyday pieces. With a few savvy styling tricks, you can make even the most unassuming outfit look far more luxurious and put-together.
It’s all about the details, the clever cheats, and a bit of a strategic eye. Here are six tips to make your basic outfits look undeniably more expensive:
This is perhaps the simplest yet most effective styling trick in the book. A T-shirt left untucked can look slouchy and uninspired. A full tuck into tailored trousers or a skirt instantly creates a cleaner, more defined silhouette, making your outfit look intentional and polished.
2025-07-01T17:38:42+00:00
For a more relaxed yet still elevated vibe, try the half-tuck – just tuck in the front portion of your top. This subtle detail adds shape, highlights your waist, and gives off an effortlessly chic aura. It’s a trick beloved by stylists for a reason.
Seriously, this makes a world of difference. A creased shirt or wrinkled trousers instantly scream “cheap” or “rushed.” Taking a few extra minutes to steam or iron your clothes before wearing them is a non-negotiable step for a high-end appearance.
Smooth fabrics reflect light better, drape more elegantly, and simply look more pristine. It’s a small effort with a massive payoff in perceived quality.
Accessories are your secret weapon. But we’re not talking about just piling things on. Focus on intentional, quality accessories. A sleek leather belt, a pair of classic sunglasses, a structured handbag (even if it’s a high-street find that looks expensive), or elegant gold-toned jewellery can instantly elevate a simple outfit.
Choose pieces with clean lines and minimal fuss. Even a simple silk scarf tied around your neck, your bag handle, or in your hair can add a touch of sophistication that transforms your look. Less is often more; one well-chosen accessory trumps many cheap ones.
Adding layers creates depth, texture, and visual interest, making an outfit appear more complex and thoughtfully assembled. Start with your basic T-shirt and jeans, then add a well-fitting blazer, a tailored trench coat, a chic cardigan, or even a crisp button-down shirt worn open over your tee.
The key here is fit – a well-tailored outer layer instantly adds a sense of polish and luxury, even if the pieces underneath are very simple. This technique gives the impression that you’ve put more effort into your ensemble.
These are often the first things people notice, and they can make or break an outfit’s perceived value. Even if your clothes are basic, investing in classic, well-maintained shoes and a good-quality bag is paramount.
Scuffed shoes or a worn-out, slouchy bag can drag down an entire look. Think clean sneakers, polished loafers, elegant flats, or structured heels. For bags, opt for classic shapes in neutral colours. You don’t need designer labels; just well-cared-for items that look smart and deliberate.
This might be the most crucial tip of all. Clothes that fit well look bespoke, regardless of their price tag. An oversized T-shirt can look sloppy, while one that skims your body just right looks intentional. Even basic pieces can look high-end if they flatter your shape. Consider visiting a tailor for minor alterations if necessary – hemming trousers, taking in the waist of a dress, or shortening sleeves can transform how an item looks on you, instantly elevating its perceived value. A perfect fit truly makes all the difference.
So, the next time you’re staring at your wardrobe basics, remember these tricks. With a bit of mindful styling and attention to detail, you can easily trick the eye and make your everyday outfits look effortlessly luxurious. Which tip will you try first?
Paulina Oduro
Veteran Highlife singer and actress Paulina Oduro has revealed her deep admiration for legendary Ghanaian musician Kojo Antwi, describing a time when she was “besotted” with him but chose not to pursue a romantic relationship.
Speaking in an interview on Adom TV on June 29, 2025, the celebrated entertainer opened up about her feelings for Kojo Antwi, whom she described as a longtime friend. According to her, she once confessed her admiration to him, only to be met with light-hearted dismissal.
“I was totally besotted with Kojo Antwi. I knew him personally; he was a friend. I told him how I felt, but he laughed and said I should stop joking,” she recounted.
Paulina explained that although she felt disappointed by his reaction, she did not press the issue further. She said she valued their friendship and chose to respect the fact that Kojo Antwi was in a relationship at the time.
“I felt disappointed, but I didn’t want to force anything because I valued our friendship. Back then, he was in a relationship, though not yet married, so I held back,” she added.
When asked whether she backed off to avoid interfering in his relationship, Paulina clarified that it wasn’t the main reason.
“That wasn’t really it. I just think he didn’t take me seriously. I was also in a relationship then. I knew it wouldn’t work between us, but I still wanted him to know how much I admired him,” she said.
The singer also revealed that during that period, she was married to renowned guitarist Alfred Bannerman, with whom she shares three children.
“At the time, I was married to Alfred Bannerman. We have three kids together. Though we’re no longer married, we remain very good friends,” she noted.
Paulina Oduro’s revelation has since sparked nostalgia and admiration from fans, who continue to celebrate her legacy in Ghana’s entertainment industry and beyond.
Jean Mensa
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it will conduct a rerun of the parliamentary election in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The decision follows weeks of impasse between the two major political parties the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the validity of results in the area.
The announcement was made after a crucial meeting held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, between the Electoral Commission and representatives of both parties.
The meeting was a continuation of earlier discussions that began on Thursday, June 12, 2025, aimed at resolving the controversy surrounding the December 7, 2024, parliamentary election in the constituency.
At the heart of the dispute is the legitimacy of 37 scanned Pink Sheets used in the collation of results. The NDC contended that a rerun should be conducted in all 37 polling stations, arguing that the scanned Pink Sheets were provided solely by the NPP.
On the other hand, the NPP maintained that results from only three outstanding polling stations should be collated, citing that both parties’ agents had already verified and confirmed the scanned Pink Sheets.
The Electoral Commission clarified that the 37 scanned Pink Sheets in question were used after several originals were destroyed when political party supporters stormed the collation centre in the wake of the 2024 general elections.
Following extensive consultations, the Commission resolved to conduct a rerun in 19 of the 37 polling stations.
According to the Commission, while all 37 scanned results had the approval of party agents, only 18 were verified and confirmed by the respective Presiding Officers. The remaining 19 did not receive such verification from the officers in charge, necessitating the rerun to uphold the integrity of the process.
“The Commission was able to secure the Presiding Officers’ verification and confirmation for 18 scanned Polling Station results Agents of both parties also approved same. A rerun will therefore not be held in those Polling Stations,” the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Mr. Samuel Tettey, stated in an official release.
The Electoral Commission has called on the Ghana Police Service to provide the necessary security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process on the scheduled date.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency and fairness in the electoral process and urged all stakeholders to support a smooth rerun in the affected polling stations.
By Daniel K. Orlando
Special Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, Goosie Tanoh, has underscored that the policy is a dynamic and evolving programme guided by science and anchored in strong social democratic principles.
Speaking at the official launch of the 24-Hour Economy on Wednesday, July 2, Mr. Tanoh described the initiative as one that is designed to adapt to emerging challenges and changing realities within Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
“We at the secretariat are confident that we will continue to receive constructive criticism and suggestions for further improvement. Criticism is always welcome. We see the 24-hour programme as a living programme, rooted in science and firm social democratic principles, but flexible enough to respond tactically to a changing environment,” he said.
He emphasised that the success of the programme hinges on its ability to embrace continuous learning, stakeholder feedback, and policy recalibration.
“We will learn many lessons along the way and make numerous adjustments. This is the only way a programme can transform our society in the short, medium, and long term,” he stated.
Mr. Tanoh also commended President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and vision in driving the initiative forward.
“We can say without a doubt that our President is a true champion of responsible entrepreneurship and national transformation,” he declared.
He concluded with a call to national confidence, expressing optimism about Ghana’s capacity to deliver on the promise of the 24-Hour Economy.
“We, as a country, we, as a people, have what it takes to succeed,” Mr. Tanoh affirmed.
The 24-Hour Economy policy, a flagship promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), aims to boost national productivity, expand job creation, and position Ghana as a resilient and competitive economy driven by round-the-clock economic activity.
Saliu Maja, shared his story of a significant fall from grace.
He was previously mentioned in songs by Fuji artist King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1).
In a video by content creator Charismatic Oba, Saliu expressed his emotional struggles with current hardships.
A Nigerian man, who identified himself as Saliu Maja a former affluent car dealer once famously mentioned in the songs of Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate) has shared a deeply emotional account of his dramatic fall from grace.
Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo Boateng, popularly known as “Dada Joe Remix,” has been extradited successfully to the United States to face romance scam charges.
This was made known on the Embassy’s Facebook page on July 1, 2025, following a collaborative effort between the Embassy’s Diplomatic Security Service special agents and Ghanaian authorities who offered support to the FBI in the operation.
Mr Boateng has been charged with leading a fraud ring that targeted Americans through
President John Mahama says Ghana is seeking to deepen its partnership with India in key areas including trade, agriculture, renewable energy, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, July 2, President Mahama said both countries had agreed on the urgency of expanding their collaboration across strategic sectors.
“We agreed on the urgency of deepening our collaboration in areas of shared strategic interest, particularly in agriculture, agribusiness and renewable energy, digital innovation, health and youth empowerment,” he said.
He commended India’s contribution to Ghana’s development through concessional loans, technical support and landmark infrastructure projects such as the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, the Komenda Sugar Factory, the Elmina Fish Processing Plant and the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
President Mahama further observed that India’s rapid economic growth presents opportunities for Ghana and the rest of Africa to integrate more competitively into global value chains, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area headquartered in Accra.
He also saluted the Indian business community in Ghana for their continued contribution to national development and described them as a vital bridge between both countries.
“As we mark this significant occasion, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to deepening a partnership founded on mutual respect, shared prosperity and the aspirations of our people,” Mahama added.
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.
Accra, Jul 2 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s national honour, for his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership”.
Modi received the award from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’,” the prime minister said in an X post.
In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him.
“I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians,” he said, dedicating it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of India, its cultural traditions and diversity, and the historical ties between Ghana and India.
The award was conferred on the prime minister in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.
Thanking the people and government of Ghana for the special gesture, the prime minister noted that the “shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership”.
He said the award “further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties.” Modi asserted his confidence that his “historic” state visit to Ghana would impart a new momentum to India-Ghana ties, according to the MEA.
Earlier, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Mahama, after which India and Ghana elevated their ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership.
The prime minister is in Ghana on the first leg of his five-nation tour.
It is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades. PTI GRS GRS GRS
(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)
V12 Origenator clashed with DKB over the ‘Tonga’ music video
A heated debate flared up live on Accra-based Hot 93.9FM as well-known stand-up comedian DKB and rising rapper V12 Origenator clashed over V12’s controversial “Tonga” music video.
The “Tonga” music video, filmed in the US, has been a hot topic since its release a few weeks ago.
Featuring bright visuals and vibrant video vixens, the video is designed with two well-coordinated scenes that tell the song’s story.
However, its explicit content has sparked considerable controversy on social media, dividing entertainment personalities.
Social media personality Code Micky has publicly supported the video, praising V12 Origenator as a great rapper and encouraging public support.
DKB, on the other hand, holds a strong opposing view. In a viral video, the celebrated Comedian called for the music video to be banned. During an interview on Hot FM’s “Ay3 HU,” DKB didn’t hold back by labeling V12 Origenator a “Porno” artiste.
He argued that as a new and talented rapper, V12 shouldn’t follow in the footsteps of artistes like Lord Paper, whose career, according to DKB, suffered due to sexually explicit videos.
“As a new artiste and a talented rapper, you have to focus on producing ‘porn-free content’…this is what Lord Paper did, and now his career has dipped”. DKB said
V12 Origenator, who joined the show by phone, swiftly responded to DKB’s criticism. He asserted that he wouldn’t “flop” like Lord Paper. He explained that the “Tonga” music video merely depicted the song’s lyrics
To further accentuate his point and diffuse the tension, the “TONGA” rapper revealed astonishingly that his next song might even be Gospel.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia pioneered Ghana’s medical drone service in 2019
When Ghana launched her innovative Zipline medical drone service in 2019, it was a rare global novelty changing medical delivery in the country.
With limited operational services in Rwanda, Ghana led by then Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, engaged the services of Zipline medical drone— a partnership which turned out to be the biggest drone medical delivery service in the world, gaining global plaudits.
With six centers making over 2000 daily delivery of essential medical supplies to remote villages, this innovation has resulted in massive transformation in Ghana’s health sector ensuring real-time air transport of medical supplies.
Interestingly, while Ghana launched this service six years ago, health officials in England, only last year, announced it was getting ready to launch its medical drone service.
Following this announcement, a CNN report has shared what it portrays as a fascinating medical drone delivery in London from a journey of 30 plus minutes to two minutes.
The CNN health report, described this as a “new way of delivering time-sensitive blood samples”.
What health officials in London are portraying as remarkable success, Ghana has, six years earlier, achieved it on a national scale under the remarkable leadership of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
AME
Fuel prices reduce at the pump
Fuel prices have seen some adjustments as the first pricing window of July 2025.
Prices of petrol have reduced marginally, but prices of diesel have increased.
Market leader, GOIL, reduced the price of a litre of petrol from GH₵12.38 to GH₵12.07.
It is, however, selling diesel at GH₵13.20 from the old price of GH₵12.88.
Shell has increased the price of a litre of petrol to GH₵12.08 from GH₵11.98
It has increased the price of a litre of diesel from GH₵12.85 to GH₵13.25.
PETROSOL is selling a litre of fuel for GH₵11.98, while diesel is selling for GH₵13.98 per litre.
Industry players projected an increase in the prices of fuel at the pump due to the increase in global oil prices.
But, oil prices have seen a downward trend on the global market due to easing tensions in the Middle East.
The next pricing window is likely to witness a price hike due to the implementation of the GH₵1 Energy Sector Levy.
SSD/KA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account
Gyokeres and his girlfriend have reportedly split up
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly ended his relationship with his model girlfriend, Ines Aguiar, as part of his determination to cut all ties with Portugal and push through a summer move to Arsenal.
The Swedish striker, who enjoyed a sensational season with Sporting CP, netting 54 goals across all competitions, has been one of Europe’s most talked-about transfer targets, with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Juventus all showing strong interest.
But behind the scenes, the transfer saga has taken a personal turn. According to Portuguese outlet TV Guia, Gyokeres and Aguiar, who is from Lisbon, have quietly split after a “relationship crisis” that began before the player left on vacation.
Sources close to the forward claim the split is directly tied to his decision to leave Sporting and “remove all ties to Portugal” as he eyes a Premier League return.
Ines Aguiar had reportedly promised to convince Gyokeres to remain in Lisbon for another season.
But with the Gunners pushing hard to land a new No.9 this summer, the 27-year-old striker is said to have made up his mind, and didn’t want any distractions or personal connections holding him back from the biggest move of his career.
“Viktor doesn’t want anything to tie him to Portugal, especially because he has already decided that he won’t continue at Sporting next season,” a source told local media.
Gyokeres, who previously played for Brighton and made his name at Coventry City with 38 league goals in two seasons, is now closing in on a blockbuster return to England.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, eager to add a prolific striker to his title-chasing squad, has made Gyokeres a top target alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
FKA/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Celebrated gospel musician Diana Hamilton has shared how her childhood dream of becoming an architect unexpectedly shifted towards nursing, influenced by her aunt’s guidance.
Speaking on on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, Mrs. Hamilton revealed that growing up, she was passionate about creativity and technical drawing, which made her believe she would become an architect.
“At a point in time, I thought I was going to be an architect because I was very good at technical drawing. I think that informed my creativity. Nursing was never part of the dream,” she said.
However, after completing her secondary education at Ghana National College, her plans took a surprising turn.
“I had finished Ghana National College and was deciding whether to go to KNUST. A lady walked up to my father and said, ‘Let Diana go and do nursing.’ My father agreed, and surprisingly, I didn’t object,” she disclosed.
Reflecting further, Diana highlighted that her interest in nursing had been unknowingly planted much earlier during Junior Secondary School, when her mother’s sister, a nurse battling terminal breast cancer, came to live with their family.
“While I was in Junior Secondary School, my mother’s sister came to live with us. She was a nurse, and everything I admired. She was battling breast cancer and was dying, but she taught me how to care for her. She showed me how to give injections, dress her wounds, make her bed — she taught me everything about nursing, long before I ever considered it as a career,” she recounted.
This deeply personal experience became the foundation of her response during her nursing school interview at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
“They asked me why I wanted to be a nurse. I said, my aunty had just passed from breast cancer. She was a beautiful woman who loved fashion, but also knew how to switch roles and be a professional nurse. I wanted to be like her,” she recalled.
That pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey that led her to become a registered nurse and eventually practice in the United Kingdom.
When asked why she didn’t continue nursing in Ghana, Diana explained that most of her music opportunities were coming from the UK, making frequent travel exhausting.
“I did my rotation at Korle Bu for about two years. Within that time, I was in and out of London. Most of my musical gigs were in the UK. Traveling frequently between Ghana and the UK became too stressful, so I decided to stay in the UK,” she noted.
Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), UK Chapter, Mr Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong, has stated that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia cannot be held accountable for the party’s humiliating defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Mr Agyapong, affectionately called Wofa K, asserted that the party had a broken and weaker structure prior to the elections.
News Hub Creator55min
Every birthday is a chance to shine, to celebrate the gift of life, and to step fully into your spotlight and what better way to do so than in a gorgeous, shimmering white gown? These ethereal looks are the perfect blend of grace and glamour, designed for the modern celebrant who wants to leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a bold mermaid silhouette, a flowing ball gown, or a chic fitted design adorned with sequins, lace, or delicate embellishments, these gowns bring all the drama and elegance your big day deserves.
White symbolizes new beginnings, purity, and power and when paired with sparkle, it becomes a statement of confidence and celebration. These stunning gowns are ideal for birthday shoots, dinner parties, or grand events, offering the perfect balance between regal and radiant. With their flattering cuts and luminous finishes, these dresses don’t just make you look good they make you feel unstoppable.
So to all birthday queens out there, it’s your moment to dazzle, glow, and slay unapologetically. Let these shimmering white gown inspirations guide you toward finding that perfect show-stopping look that reflects your personality, style, and essence. After all, you deserve to feel like royalty on your special day.
Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has highlighted the urgent need for strategic investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as Ghana positions itself for growth in the digital age.
He made the call during a working visit by a delegation of Zimbabwean Members of Parliament on a fact-finding mission to explore Ghana’s innovation ecosystem and educational development models.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, July 2, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged that while progress has been made in the ICT space, more deliberate efforts are required to establish innovation hubs nationwide and expand digital infrastructure.
“The government and the president have allocated an equivalent of almost $45 million for our national research fund. Our institutions are doing pretty well, and ICT is still not the best. We have to get more connected and deploy more fibre and broadband. Internet connectivity and its usage are not the best, but I can only agree with you that Africa still has a governance deficit and governance challenge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Thokozani Khupe, leader of the Zimbabwean delegation, urged African governments to invest significantly in empowering the youth through information technology and entrepreneurship.
“We now want to produce job creators and not job seekers, so that when our students graduate from university, instead of them starting to look for a job, we want them to create jobs. So we are saying that if a student has an idea, the student must be given a space in the innovation hub so they can start working on their product, so that at the end of the day, they can produce a product that is ready for market,” she said.
The visit forms part of ongoing regional cooperation efforts to promote innovation-led education and youth entrepreneurship across Africa.
Nineteen out of the 37 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency will undergo a rerun of the 2024 parliamentary elections.
This is because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.
The election will be held on Friday, July 11. The new development was announced by the Electoral Commission (EC) on Wednesday, July 2.
According to EC, the decision
Efia Odo is a Ghanaian socialite
Ghanaian socialite and media personality Andrea Owusu, popularly known as Efia Odo, has stated she won’t allow society to pressure her into having a child just because of her age.
In a post shared on her social media, Efia Odo explained that many people believe women must give birth before turning 30.
However, she disagrees with that idea. According to her, no one has the right to force a woman into motherhood if she isn’t ready, especially when there’s no stable home or loving environment for the child.
She noted that she would rather wait until she’s in her 40s to have a child, if that’s when she feels fully prepared to raise the child in a peaceful, loving home.
“One thing y’all are not going to do is pressure me to give birth. I’m not bringing a child into a broken home nor am I bringing a child into the world cuz society has told me that by my 30s I should’ve given birth,” she wrote.
Efia Odo also criticised the double standards in society. She pointed out that the same people who pressure women to give birth at a certain age are often the ones who insult or mock women raising children alone, known as “born ones.”
“Y’all are always talking down on born ones but stay pressuring women to give birth cuz you feel their time is up. No one can tell me what to do with my life and when to do it,” she added.
Efia odo to vex ooo 😂😂 what’s happening pic.twitter.com/oi8y7ikFe0
— SENATOR (@likehakeemm) July 1, 2025
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
AK/EB
Richard Ahiagbah is Director of Communications for the NPP
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has stated that the Electoral Commission (EC) yielded to pressure from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to conduct a rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election.
In a post shared on his X page on Wednesday, July 2, 2024, he wrote, “The EC has capitulated under the backbreaking pressure of the NDC and government to re-run the Ablekuma North parliamentary election in 19 stations, which differs from how they resolved Dome Kwabenya. Why didn’t the EC do a re-run in Dome Kwabenya?
“The will of the good people of Ablekuma North will stand. Victory no matter what…”
The EC’s latest decision follows unsuccessful attempts to re-collate the results.
The seat is being contested by Ewurabena Aubynn of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Nana Akua Afriyie of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His comments come after the Electoral Commission of Ghana announced a rerun of the parliamentary election in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency, following disputes over the authenticity of results from the December 7, 2024 general election.
According to the EC, the rerun is necessary because, although the scanned pink sheets from the constituency were approved by party agents, they were not verified by the presiding officers.
The rerun will take place in 19 of the 37 polling stations in the constituency, as the remaining 18 stations were not affected by the dispute.
Read his post below:
The EC has capitulated under the backbreaking pressure of the NDC and government to re-run the Ablekumah North parliamentary election in 19 stations, which differs from how they resolved Dome Kwabenya.
Why didn’t the EC do a re-run in Dome Kwabenya?
The will of the good…
— Richard Ahiagbah (@RAahiagbah) July 2, 2025
JKB/MA
Meanwhile, watch as woman who told ‘kidnappers’ to kill her brother expresses regret
Remitly, a global money transfer platform, will support this year’s Ghana Party in the Park as it marks the 20th anniversary.
This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Barnet Playing Fields, London, United Kingdom, promises lots of excitement.
The musical concert will be headlined by award-winning rapper Kweku Smoke, with the likes of King Promise, DopeNation, MOLIY, Beeztrap KOTM, Cina Soul, Fuse ODG and AratheJay also set to feature at the concert.
Speaking about the recent partnership with Remitly, Mr Dennis Tawiah, CEO of Akwaaba UK, organisers of the event, welcomed his new partners on board.
“We are happy about your decision to join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ghana Party in the Park, which is the biggest Ghanaian event in the diaspora.
“It has been 20 years of thrills, and this year’s lineup will be one of the best in recent memory, and fans are excited about the lineup.
“We are happy to partner with one of the strongest brands in world money transfer, and together we will make this event a memorable one,” he said.
Among the new attractions is Expo Ghana, a business expo aimed at fostering trade and cultural exchange between Ghana, the African diaspora, and Europe.
In addition to live music, this year’s event would feature a fashion show, food fair, gaming zone, and business exhibition, providing a rich and immersive experience that highlights African heritage while entertaining patrons of all ages.
This year’s Ghana Party in the Park is themed, “20 Years of Reshaping Ghana’s Narrative; The Next Chapter.”
Asante Kotoko has completed the signing of midfielder Seth Kwadwo on a four- year deal, following the successful completion of his medical.
The 23-year-old joins from Bechem United after making 72 league appearances in recent seasons. He came through the ranks at Asokwa Deportivo, where he began to build his reputation as a tough, reliable presence in midfield.
Kwadwo is a combative and disciplined midfielder who adds bite and balance to the middle of the park. His signing is a timely one, following the injury to Andrews Ntim Manu, and provides added depth to the squad ahead of the new season where there’s the CAF confederation cup on the table.
“This is a big step in my career and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Kwadwo said when speaking with Kotoko Media. “I spoke with Aziz and Francis before making the move, and they had nothing but good things to say about the club. That gave me a lot of confidence. I’m excited to get started and ready to give everything to help the team win.”
Via Asante Kotoko SC
The event drew leading figures from the hospitality, tourism, and education sectors
Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has made a compelling call for the country’s private sector to embed culture and service excellence at the heart of every hospitality experience.
“In every hotel room, every tour vehicle, every restaurant, there must be a sense of who we are,” the minister said at the official launch of the Eagles Hospitality School in Accra.
“Every guest we serve is an ambassador, and every moment is a chance to shape a global perception of Ghana; hence, there is a need to train for excellence, not just for jobs,” she said.
The event, which drew leading figures from the hospitality, tourism, and education sectors, marked what the minister described as “not just the opening of an institution but the beginning of a movement for service excellence in Ghana”.
Drawing on her personal upbringing in Burma Camp, Gomashie emphasized the foundational values of discipline, respect, and cultural pride, values she said must guide every interaction within the tourism and hospitality industry.
She expressed concern over the fading use of culturally respectful phrases such as “Yes, please,” and simple gestures like standing to greet.
“The true value in tourism is not measured by the size of our attractions alone,” she said. “It is found in the warm smile of a receptionist, the cultural depth of a tour guide, and the memorable encounters that make visitors storytellers when they return home.”
With major cultural events like PANAFEST, Emancipation Day, and the Black Star Experience on the horizon, Gomashie stressed the urgency of elevating service delivery and deepening cultural identity within every touchpoint of the visitor experience.
“This school must not stand alone,” she stated. “Let it be the heartbeat of a wider movement that celebrates our culture, trains our people, and elevates our place on the world tourism map.”
Founder and Group CEO of the Eagles Hospitality School, Stephen Asante, explained that the institution was born out of a long-held vision to raise the standard of service delivery in Ghana’s hospitality ecosystem.
“We believe that top-class service shouldn’t be a luxury or imported from abroad,” he said. “Our hotels are being converted into classrooms, where students don’t just learn theory but gain hands-on experience from day one.”
Stakeholders from institutions such as Labadi Beach Hotel, ASA Bank, and the Ghana Tourism Authority endorsed the initiative, affirming the growing need for practical training and professional discipline across the hospitality value chain.
Ghana to Host Dual Retreat Packages for Locals and International Travelers Seeking Healing, Wellness & Cultural Connection
In a world marked by mounting stress, fatigue, and disconnection, the Vitality Restored Holistic Health and Healing Retreat offers a sacred opportunity to reconnect with self, spirit, and community.
Set in the heart of Ghana this November 2025, this life-changing retreat offers two distinct experiences—one for Ghanaian citizens/residents and one for international travelers—all united by a common purpose: deep healing, empowerment, and cultural immersion.
Two Powerful Retreat Packages, One Healing Mission
🌿 1. Special Ghanaian Citizens & Residents Package
🗓 Dates: 22nd – 26th November 2025
📍 Location: Prampram, Greater Accra Region
💰 Cost: GHC 24,775
📅 Payment Deadline: 30th September 2025
This 5-day immersive retreat is specially designed for Ghanaians residing in the country.
It takes place in Prampram, where local participants will join the international guests for a shared experience of transformation, learning, and healing.
✨ Highlights Include:
Become a Reiki Practitioner-Receive Reiki Training and Certification, With Reiki Master- Maama Gha, Ms Yocheved Bat-Imedt
FAFAA- First Aid for Asthma Attacks – Learn How you can Help save a life while waiting for Medical Attention when someone is having an Asthma Attack
Massage Therapy Session
Energetic Sound Bath & Breathwork
Reiki Session
Organic Vegan Meals and Food Preparation Workshop
Sacred Ceremonies – Performed by Experienced Spiritual Guides
Workshops with Holistic Healing Arts Practitioners
Guest Speakers
Consultations Included:
Adinkrahene, Nana Bambara
And
Naturopath, Dr. Immanuel Biney
Integration with International Participants – A dynamic, diverse healing circle
📞 Registration/Information (Ghana Only) — Contact the Retreat Coordinator:
Andrew “Eric” Okyere: + 233 24 457 4541 On What’s App
🌍 2. International Holistic Retreat Experience
🗓 Dates: 13th – 26th November 2025
📍 Locations: Five regions across Ghana, including Prampram
💰 Cost: $4,575 USD (All-Inclusive)
This 13-day transformative journey is curated for international participants seeking not only rest and rejuvenation but also deep cultural connection and personal growth.
Travel across five regions of Ghana, spend a night in each, and experience the beauty, traditions, and healing power of West Africa.
✨ Retreat Includes:
Cultural Tours and Historic Site Visits
Overnight Stays in 5 Distinct Regions – A truly immersive Ghanaian experience
Sacred Ceremonies – Performed by Experience Spiritual Guides
Additional Training & Workshops not mentioned
Become a Reiki Practitioner-Receive Reiki Training and Certification, With Reiki Master- Maama Gha, Ms Yocheved Bat-Imedt
FAFAA- First Aid for Asthma Attacks – Learn How you can Help save a life while waiting for Medical Attention when someone is having an Asthma Attack
Massage Therapy Session
Energetic Sound Bath and Breathwork Experiences with Nana Akongua Hemaa
Reiki Session
Organic Vegan Meals and Nutrition Workshop
Guest Speakers
Consultations Included:
Adinkrahene, Nana Bambara
And
Naturopath, Dr. Immanuel Biney
Workshops with Holistic Healing Arts Practitioners
Final 5 Days in Prampram – Integrated healing experience with Ghanaian participants
🔗 Register & Learn More:
👉 https://vitalityrestored.com/events/
🌟 A Retreat Like No Other
Vitality Restored is not a typical wellness getaway—it is a soulful revolution of health, heritage, and holistic wisdom.
Guided by Spiritual Guides and Holistic Health & Healing Arts Practitioners, participants will be immersed in sacred spaces of learning, transformation, and renewal.
Whether you are a Ghanaian seeking a homegrown healing experience, or an international guest ready to embrace West Africa’s warmth, wisdom, and wellness, this retreat invites you to reclaim your vitality and reconnect to your life purpose.
❤🩹 Join the Movement
November 2025 is your chance to step into an empowering, supportive community dedicated to healing, learning, and celebration.
Spaces are limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Please share this opportunity with those who may benefit. Let’s heal—together.
Guns, money and others were retrieved from 10 foreign nationals engaged in illegal gold trading
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), in collaboration with National Security, has apprehended a group of 10 foreign nationals involved in illegal gold trading in the Western Region.
The coordinated operation also led to the seizure of 12 pump-action shotguns, ammunition, calibration equipment, large sums of cash, and quantities of gold.
This development comes just days after GoldBod warned against trading in gold without a valid license issued under its new regulatory framework.
The Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, announced the official commencement of the new gold licensing regime, which revokes all gold trading licenses previously issued under the former Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).
Speaking at a press conference on June 30, 2025, Sammy Gyamfi emphasised that all old licenses became invalid after the non-extendable deadline of June 21, 2025.
He warned that any gold trading activities conducted without the new GoldBod license are now considered illegal.
“If you are not licensed by the Ghana Gold Board, you are committing a crime if you buy gold or engage in any form of gold trading. We will no longer continue to respect the licenses issued under the old regime,” he firmly stated.
He further stressed that the era of illegal gold trading has come to an end, adding that PMMC licenses or those previously issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources are no longer recognized under the current legal framework.
Goldbod, in partnership with National Security, has apprehended a group of foreign nationals engaged in unlawful gold trading. The coordinated operation resulted in the seizure of 12 pump-action shotguns, ammunition, calibration equipment, large sums of cash, and quantities of… pic.twitter.com/hvBvI4ICno
— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) July 2, 2025
Goldbod Taskforce Cracks Down on 10 Chinese gold smugglers in Western Region. pic.twitter.com/dNk80ycuHb
— Ghana GOLDBOD (@GhanaGOLDBOD) July 2, 2025
SSD/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account
Youcef Belaïli was detained by Police at the Paris Airport
Algerian international Youcef Belaïli was briefly detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris after an on-board incident involving his young son’s seatbelt reportedly led to a confrontation with airline staff.
Local reports say Belaïli and his wife refused to fasten the seatbelt of their two-year-old child during the flight, despite instructions from the cabin crew.
A heated exchange is said to have ensued, prompting the flight captain to alert airport authorities.
Upon landing, French police boarded the aircraft and detained the Algerian star, along with his brother Amir, who was also travelling with him.
While Belaïli has since been released following the intervention of the Algerian Football Federation and the Algerian Embassy in France, his brother Amir is understood to still be in custody for further questioning.
Neither French authorities nor Belaïli’s representatives have issued an official statement yet, but the incident has already stirred strong reactions in Algeria and among the player’s fans.
Youcef Belaïli, known for his flair and decisive performances with the Algerian national team, has not commented publicly on the incident so far.
FKA/MA
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
Civil authorities say they are investigating the cause of the crash
A Ugandan military helicopter with eight people on board has crashed at the main international airport in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, an aviation official has told the BBC.
The state-run news agency reported that a fire broke out after the helicopter crashed at the Aden Adde International Airport, but it had been quickly contained by the emergency services. Video footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the airport.
“We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter. The smoke entirely covered the helicopter,” Farah Abdulle, one of the airport staff, told Reuters news agency.
The cause of the crash and the casualty figures are unclear.
The head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Maalim, told the BBC that the helicopter had come down in the airport’s military section after flying in from the Balidogle airbase in the Lower Shabelle region, about 90km (56 miles) north-west of Mogadishu.
He said that an investigation was underway to establish the cause of the crash.
Ugandan troops are part of an 11,000-strong African Union (AU) force helping the government fight the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group, which has been waging a brutal insurgency in Somalia for more than two decades.
The crash delayed the departure of a Turkish Airlines passenger plane, but domestic flights continued to operate normally.
Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on Wednesday of prostitution-related offenses, but cleared of more serious charges after a criminal trial in which two of the music mogul’s former girlfriends testified that he physically and sexually abused them.
Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, a partial win for the former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture.
After the jury read its verdict, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked Subramanian to release Combs on bail.
“This is his first conviction, and it’s a prostitution offence, and so he should be released on appropriate conditions,” Agnifilo said.
Combs faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence on each of the two prostitution counts. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will determine Combs’ sentence at a later date.
The acquittals on the sex trafficking counts mean he will avoid a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He could have faced life in prison if he were convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors say Combs for two decades used his business empire to force two of his romantic partners to take part in drug-fueled, days-long sexual performances sometimes known as “Freak Offs” with male sex workers in hotel rooms while Combs watched, masturbated and occasionally filmed.
During raids of Combs’ homes, authorities found drugs and 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant that he would use in the performances, prosecutors said.
Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty to all five counts. His lawyers acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder, once famed for hosting lavish parties for the cultural elite in luxurious locales like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, was at times violent in his domestic relationships. But they said the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
The seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court exposed the inner workings of Combs’ business empire and gave the 12-member jury an intimate look into his volatile romantic relationships with the rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane.
Ventura sued Combs in November 2023 for sex trafficking, the first of dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Combs, also known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy and once feted for turning artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, settled with Ventura for $20 million. He has denied all wrongdoing.
At the trial, jurors saw surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in the hallway of an InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles, where she said she was trying to leave a “Freak Off.”
Jane later testified that Combs, in June 2024 attacked her and directed her to perform oral sex on a male entertainer, even though she told him she did not want to. That alleged attack took place a month after Combs apologised on social media for his 2016 attack on Ventura, footage of which had been broadcast on CNN.
According to prosecutors, physical violence was just one way Combs compelled Ventura and Jane to take part in the performances – an act of coercion they say amounts to sex trafficking because the male escorts were paid.
Both women testified that he threatened to withhold financial support and to leak sexually explicit images of them if they refused to comply.
“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” prosecutor Christy Slavik said in her closing argument on June 26. “He doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Combs’ defense lawyers argued that while Combs may have committed domestic violence in the context of volatile romantic partnerships, his conduct did not amount to sex trafficking.
They argued that Ventura and Jane were strong, independent women who voluntarily took part in the sexual performances because they wanted to please Combs.
Both women testified they spent time with Combs and took part in sexual performances after he beat them. Defense lawyers argued that Ventura and Jane were retrospectively accusing Combs of forcing their participation in the performances because they were jealous he was seeing other women.
“If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t all be here,” Combs’ defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in his closing argument on June 27. “He did not do the things he’s charged with.”
RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY
Besides Ventura and Jane, jurors also heard testimony from Combs’ former personal assistants who said their jobs included setting up hotel rooms for “Freak Offs” and buying their boss drugs.
An InterContinental security guard testified that Combs, in the presence of his chief of staff, paid him $100,000 to hand over what he thought was the only copy of the surveillance tape of his attack on Ventura.
And Scott Mescudi, the rapper known as Kid Cudi, told jurors that Combs was likely involved in an arson on his car after Combs found out he was romantically involved with Ventura.
According to prosecutors, those were all acts Combs and his associates undertook in furtherance of a racketeering conspiracy whose aim was, in part, to facilitate his abuse and keep evidence of his wrongdoing under wraps.
The defence argued Combs was a successful entrepreneur who used drugs recreationally, but kept his professional and personal lives separate.
Combs has been held in federal lockup in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest.
…..
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But it’s not just about employment. AI literacy is also about citizenship in a digital age. Algorithms now determine access to credit, social services, public safety alerts, and even political messaging. Understanding how these systems work — and how to hold them accountable — is a civic right. If young Africans don’t learn how to critically evaluate AI tools, they are vulnerable to misinformation, manipulation, and marginalisation. In a world where power increasingly lies in code, literacy must mean more than reading text — it must include reading systems.
There is also a clear equity dimension. Without AI literacy, Africa’s youth will remain consumers of foreign technology, not creators of homegrown solutions. This deepens dependency on external tech platforms and reinforces global digital hierarchies. Conversely, if young Africans master AI early, they can build tools for their own communities — apps for local languages, systems to improve village health services, platforms to boost local commerce — solutions grounded in African realities.
The gender equity implications are particularly striking. Studies show that when AI and digital skills are taught in inclusive settings, girls excel just as much as boys, and often outperform them. In Nigeria, for instance, a recent pilot study on generative AI use in schools showed that girls gained substantial confidence and critical thinking skills when exposed to AI-assisted learning platforms (ICTworks, 2023). Embedding AI literacy early helps close achievement gaps before they harden.
Inclusion, employment, citizenship, and gender equity — all hinge on how fast Africa integrates AI education into its schools. This is not a technological upgrade. It’s a generational imperative.
And while coding remains a vital entry point, it is no longer sufficient. AI is changing not just how we work, but how we live, learn, and relate to one another. If African youth are not taught to understand it — ethically, practically, and creatively — they risk being ruled by tools they had no hand in shaping.
If Africa is serious about building an inclusive, future-ready economy, then AI literacy must become a core pillar of its education systems, starting now. The roadmap ahead is not abstract. It is practical, achievable, and already in motion in parts of the continent. The challenge is not invention — it is implementation at scale.
First, governments must reform national curricula to embed AI education from the upper primary level onward. This doesn’t mean replacing core subjects — it means enriching them with AI thinking. Students should learn what algorithms are, how they affect decisions, and how data can be used to solve community challenges. AI ethics, fairness, and bias must also be taught, ensuring that the next generation doesn’t just learn how to use AI but how to question it critically.
Second, teacher training must be a top priority. No AI strategy will succeed without educators who understand what they are teaching. Ministries of Education should make AI literacy a mandatory component of teacher training colleges and continuing professional development programs. Teachers must be equipped not just with technical tools but with pedagogical strategies that make AI relatable, inquiry-based, and community-relevant.
Third, infrastructure investments must reach the last mile. Students cannot learn AI from chalkboards alone. Schools must be equipped with basic digital devices, reliable electricity, and internet connectivity — especially in rural and underserved areas. These are not luxuries; they are prerequisites for participation in today’s world.
Fourth, public-private partnerships and diaspora collaborations must be mobilised. Africa’s education transformation cannot be driven by governments alone. Tech companies, civil society, and local startups should be engaged to contribute content, platforms, mentorship, and innovation challenges. And most importantly, the African diaspora — a vast reservoir of global expertise and capital — must be activated in service of continental education goals.
This is precisely where the AiAfrica Project offers an unprecedented opportunity.
Sponsored by the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) with a $2 billion commitment, and led by Knowledge Web Center, the AiAfrica Project is not a pilot. It is a continent-wide, ready-to-deploy solution designed to train 11 million Africans — including youth, teachers, SMEs, and government officials — in AI technologies by 2028. With over 250,000 Africans already trained in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Vanuatu, and Eswatini, and major programs soon launching in Rwanda (3 million trainees) and Imo State, Nigeria (2 million trainees in collaboration with the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo), the project is proving that scale is possible.
Even more compelling: AiAfrica provides free or subsidised AI curriculum materials, teacher certification programs, and localised AI tools tailored to agriculture, education, healthcare, and finance. It is specifically designed to be implemented across different infrastructure levels — from urban schools with broadband to rural classrooms using mobile learning kits.
For any African government looking to rapidly integrate AI education into their school systems without starting from scratch, AiAfrica is the bridge. It offers technical expertise, financial support, and continental alignment. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, The Gambia, and Zambia are already preparing to onboard. Others must act now to join this wave — or risk being left behind.
Time is short. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not waiting. The tools are available. The funding is secured. The question is no longer what needs to be done — it is whether we have the will to act decisively.
Across the continent, a growing chorus of educators, innovators, and youth leaders are echoing one clear message: Africa must move beyond coding to build AI-literate societies — and it must do so now. These are not voices from distant think tanks. They are the passionate advocates teaching in classrooms, designing AI tools, and mentoring students who see the potential — and the peril — of inaction.
“If we don’t teach our kids about AI,” says Dr. Sarah Mensah, an education technologist from Ghana, “we risk raising a generation of app users, not app makers. We’ll have brilliant young people using TikTok and WhatsApp, but unable to question the algorithms that decide what they see, what they’re offered, or whether they get a loan.”
This fear is shared by many across the education sector. Kofi Abudu, a digital innovation advisor in Nigeria, notes, “Coding was step one. AI is the next leap. We taught our kids how to build simple programs. Now we have to teach them how machines think. If we don’t, we’ll be locked out of industries we haven’t even imagined yet.”
Students themselves are increasingly aware of this gap. Aisha, a 17-year-old secondary school student in Kisumu, Kenya, who recently attended a weekend AI bootcamp, shared her revelation: “I used to think AI was just science fiction. But then I saw how it’s used to decide who gets a job or a scholarship. That made me want to understand it more — and maybe even build my own AI someday.”
Many teachers, too, are ready to lead the change — if only given the tools. “My students are curious,” says Mr. Mpho Mlangeni, a STEM teacher in South Africa. “They ask about how Netflix recommends shows, or how Siri answers questions. I want to explain, but I wasn’t trained in AI myself. We need support, training, and a curriculum that’s grounded in African realities.”
That support is beginning to arrive — and it’s African-led. Dr. David King Boison, Lead Consultant at Knowledge Web Center and the strategic architect of the AiAfrica Project, is unequivocal: “This is our moment. We can either empower our youth with AI literacy or continue outsourcing the future to others. The AiAfrica Project was designed for scale, inclusion, and urgency — to help every country, from Rwanda to Imo State, move from pilot to policy, and from awareness to action.”
Experts from across the African Union and international organisations are also urging reform. A recent statement from the African Development Bank’s digital skills taskforce warned, “Unless Africa embeds AI literacy now, we will miss the demographic dividend we talk so much about. Youth potential is not automatic — it must be equipped.” These voices are not calling for perfection — they’re calling for progress. They understand that Africa doesn’t need to copy the global model wholesale. It needs to build its own pathways, grounded in African languages, local data, and community priorities — but informed by global trends. What unites these voices is a shared belief: Africa’s youth are ready for AI. Now, education systems must be ready for them.
Africa stands at a crossroads. One path leads to continued digital dependency, where our youth consume technology built by others, operate systems they don’t fully understand, and compete for jobs already rigged by invisible algorithms. The other path leads to digital sovereignty, where young Africans become the architects of their future, designing intelligent systems that reflect their languages, values, and aspirations.
The choice is ours. But the window is closing.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution will not pause while Africa catches up. The tools of transformation — artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science — are already shaping global economies, governance, and even the boundaries of citizenship. For Africa to lead, we must urgently rethink what it means to educate our children in this era.
Coding was the starting point. But AI is the language of the future. Every African student, from rural Tamale to urban Johannesburg, deserves the right to understand the systems shaping their lives — not just to interact with them, but to create, question, and improve them.
This is not a matter of luxury. It is a matter of justice, opportunity, and long-term survival.
We know what must be done. Curricula must be reformed to embed AI literacy from the ground up. Teachers must be trained and supported. Schools must be connected, equipped, and empowered. Policy makers must act, not with timid pilots, but with bold national frameworks backed by funding and resolve.
And we are not starting from zero. The AiAfrica Project, sponsored by the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) and led by Knowledge Web Center, offers a ready-made, African-led solution. With a $2 billion sponsorship, a growing footprint across multiple countries, and a target to train 11 million Africans by 2028, AiAfrica is more than a program — it is a movement.
Countries that act now can leapfrog years of experimentation. They can integrate world-class AI training into national systems, empower teachers, and prepare their citizens to thrive in the global AI economy. Rwanda, Imo State, and others are already moving. The rest must follow — not tomorrow, not next year, but now.
This is a defining moment for African education. One that will be remembered not for what was discussed, but for what was done.
Let us rise to it. Let us ensure that the next generation of Africans does not just inherit the future — they build it.
**********
Abollabora
Dr Ahmed Antwi-Boampong is a Lead Researcher & Senior Fellow, AI in Education, AiAfrica Initiative and Head Industrial Liaison Department at GCTU. He can be contacted via email at [email protected]
Source: Dr, David King Boison and Dr. Ahmed Antwi-Boampong
Jurors in the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Wednesday morning found the hip-hop mogul guilty of two of the five counts filed against him, acquitting him of the other three.
The 12-member panel acquitted Combs of racketeering and sex trafficking, but found him guilty of prostitution-related offenses.
After the verdict was read, Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned court while he weighs whether to grant Combs bail before sentencing. The 55-year-old, who could have been sentenced to life in prison had he been convicted of racketeering or sex trafficking, now faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The jury spent more than 12 hours across three days deliberating the case. On Tuesday afternoon, the panel said that it had come to an agreement on counts two, three, four and five — sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution — but was unable to reach a verdict on count one: racketeering conspiracy.
An hour into its deliberations Wednesday, the jury sent a note telling the judge that it had reached a verdict on all five counts.
Follow the live blog below for the latest updates culled from various reporters and news organizations in the courtroom, including ABC News, the Associated Press, CNN, NBC News, the New York Times and USA Today.
Ghanaian musician Cina Soul (Christie Quincyna Quarcoopome) has filed a formal complaint against Kumawood actor Big Akwes following threatening remarks made during a July 1 television interview on Bryt TV.
The actor described how he would “kill” the singer using supernatural and violent methods while playing a “Kiss-Marry-Kill” game segment.
In a widely circulated clip, Big Akwes stated he would use a “magic mirror” to spiritually summon Cina Soul, repeatedly stab her, and drink her blood. The singer responded on social media, tagging the Ghana Police Service and Ministry of Communications: “I feel genuinely threatened… We must not normalize hate.” She described being “deeply unsettled” by the comments, which prompted public condemnation of both the actor and broadcaster.
This incident follows Big Akwes’ April 2025 criticism of Cina Soul’s attire during an album promotion, where he body-shamed her on Accra-based Max TV. The station later apologized and removed the segment. Cina Soul had previously lamented the focus on her clothing rather than her music.
Bryt TV has not commented on whether the recent segment violated broadcasting standards. The Ghana Police Service confirms receiving the report and is investigating the threats.
Kennedy Agyapong is a former Assin Central MP and NPP presidential aspirant
A member of the camp of Kennedy Agyapong, George Opoku Amponsah has withdrawn from the team to pursue who he believes is the right candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party.
George Opoku Amponsah played an instrumental role in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential elections in 2024, acquiring votes for the former Assin Central lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong, in some constituencies like Juaben and Ejisu.
Although Kennedy Agyapong was beaten mercilessly by his competitor, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana, George’s role in Ken’s communications team cannot be underrated as he was a powerhouse running the campaign.
Ken’s loyalist no longer owes allegiance to him and though his reasons for leaving are not explicitly delineated, grapevine information indicates Ken’s seeming shenanigans and purported disrespect for people may have fueled George’s exit from the team.
“I regret to inform you of my decision to withdraw as a member of Team Ken Communications, effective immediately”, he said in an official statement.
He stressed he is now focusing on the right candidate for the party who, to many people, is Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Read George Opoku Amponsah’s statement below:
George Opoku Amponsah
Plot 4, Block 13, Juaben Estate.
30th June, 2025
Ashanti Regional Campaign Office, Team Ken 2028,
Through Lawyer William Kusi, Kumasi.
WITHDRAWAL FROM TEAM KEN CAMPAIGN AND COMMUNICATIONS
I regret to inform you of my decision to withdraw as a member of Team Ken Communications, effective immediately.
This decision bears no malice against Team Ken, but ultimately intended to firmly establish my unalloyed allegiance and loyalty to a NEW ASPIRANT in the impending presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party.
I wish you well in your campaign.
…….Signed…..
George Opoku Amponsah
(Former Juaben Constituency Coordinator, Team Ken)
AME
Henry Osei Akoto is a leading member of the NDC
A leading member of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Henry Osei Akoto, has said the launch of the 24-Hour Economy by the John Dramani Mahama-government will open up Ghana’s economy for growth.
He explained that the initiative, which he described as bipartisan, is the surest way for Ghana to compete on the global scale when it comes to economic growth and expansion.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb following the launch of the policy, which is also known as 24H+ Agenda, on July 2, 2025, Osei Akoto said Ghana loses more money from the number of hours it sleeps, as compared to the hours the nation stays productive.
“The 24-Hour Economy has been the mantra and policy we have been marketing over the years and every Ghanaian knows it. So, people who say it is an after-thought are mistaken. What we are telling Ghanaians is that the only way to expand the economy, to open up the economy, to create opportunities in the country as we speak now is to work beyond the 8-hour practice we have now. We should be working for 24-hours.
“The country shouldn’t sleep. The hours we use to sleep are monies gone and so if we want to be part of the current dispensation of the 21st century world economy, then we have to open up the country by making sure we are working 24-hours,” he explained.
Calling on all to support the policy of the NDC, Henry Osei Akoto said that the launch by President Mahama is fulfilment of the promise he made to the country.
He added that the 24-Hour Economy will create opportunities for all, especially the youth, and help expand the economy.
He also stressed that with this policy afloat, it places Ghana among many countries of the world who are benefiting from working around the clock, boosting their economies.
“The launch of the 24-Hour Economy by the president today is a laudable idea. We all remember that before the election, he was going around the country telling people that he was going to expand the economy, create opportunities for the youth, and that there was going to be more money in the economy, and he is going to propel that through the 24-Hour Economy policy. Looking at what he’s done today, it really affirms what he said some few months back and Ghanaians should support him.
“It is a good initiative. It is happening everywhere in the world… you don’t go to Europe and after 10PM, the whole country is asleep. No. Not only in Europe, but even in some African countries. Got to North Africa; go to Egypt, go to Morocco and other places and see what is happening there. So, we all have to embrace this thing because it is a good thing that I believe will create opportunities for Ghanaians and will open up the economy for more money and prosperity to come into it,” he added.
The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, also referred to as “24H+,” is a flagship initiative of the Mahama-led administration.
It seeks to re-engineer Ghana’s productivity framework by extending economic activity beyond traditional working hours and integrating key sectors into a seamless, efficient value chain.
The transformative programme comes with a projected cost of $4 billion.
The government is committing between $300 million and $400 million as seed capital to cover viability gaps and attract private sector investments.
MA
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially informed Kumasi Asante Kotoko that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium does not meet the requirements to host matches in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup competition.
In a communication to the club, CAF stated that after reviewing venue compliance and infrastructure standards, only the Accra Sports Stadium currently meets the necessary hosting requirements for CAF competitions.
This decision means Asante Kotoko will be forced to shift their home games to Accra for the duration of their Confederation Cup campaign, unless urgent improvements are made to the Baba Yara facility and a subsequent inspection passes CAF’s criteria.
The news comes as a blow to club who are now expected to liaise with authorities and stakeholders to explore possible solutions or accept the temporary relocation.
AGI urges government to account for environmental levies
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called on the government to provide greater transparency and accountability in the use of environmental levies collected from businesses across the country.
According to John Defor, Director of Policy and Research at AGI, although businesses continue to comply with payments under the Environmental Excise Tax (EET) and Sanitation Levy, there is little evidence of how these funds are being used to tackle the growing plastic waste and sanitation challenges facing Ghana.
“We are fulfilling our tax obligations, but we don’t see the government putting those taxes to the intended use,” Defor said.
The Environmental Excise Tax, introduced in 2013, requires companies importing plastic raw materials to pay 10 percent of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Half of the revenue from this tax is meant to support plastic waste management infrastructure. In addition, the Sanitation Levy – popularly known as the ‘bola tax’ places a 10-pesewa charge on every litre of fuel purchased.
Defor noted that these levies generate significant revenue and should be channelled into waste management, environmental education, and recycling infrastructure.
He recommended the establishment of a dedicated fund to ensure these levies are not absorbed into the Consolidated Fund without proper use.
“With Ghana’s National Plastic Management Policy already in place, we expect stronger government commitment and visible results,” he added.
On the proposed bannig of some plastics, Defor expressed concern about its impact on businesses – highlighting that many companies already practice sustainable plastic use through recycling and second-life solutions.
Private sector efforts to fight plastic waste
Despite these concerns, private sector initiatives like the Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private Enterprises (GRIPE) under the AGI continue to play a leading role in addressing plastic waste.
As part of its ongoing efforts, GRIPE has donated 100 eco-friendly desks and chairs made from recycled plastics to five basic schools in the Ga West Municipal Assembly. Beneficiary schools include Odumase M/A Basic School 1, Medie M/A Basic School, Otsirikomfo M/A Basic School, Kwashiekuma Methodist Basic School, and Afuaman M/A Basic School.
GRIPE president Eric Boamah said the donation aimed at educating and inspiring schoolchildren to embrace recycling and responsible waste management. “We’re solving two problems – educating the youth and promoting sustainability,” he said.
Victor Nene Tawiah, Ga West Director of Education, welcomed the gesture – stressing the importance of building environmental awareness among schoolchildren. He called for more support from other organisations to improve infrastructure in public schools.
Both AGI and GRIPE maintain that while private efforts are ongoing, stronger government action and clear use of environmental levies are essential to effectively combat plastic waste and promote sustainable development in Ghana.
How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account
Germany-born attacker of Ghanaian descent, Benjamin Boakye
Germany-born attacker of Ghanaian descent, Benjamin Boakye, has disclosed that he wants to take his career to the next level at his new club, DSC Arminia Bielefeld.
The forward signed for the German outfit from VfL Stuttgart on Tuesday, July 1,2025.
“DSC Arminia has signed Benjamin Boakye from VfB Stuttgart. The 20-year-old attacker will begin team training on Wednesday. Both clubs have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transfer,” the German outfit said in an official statement.
Speaking in an interview after his unveiling, Benjamin Boakye shared his excitement and indicated that he is looking forward to this new chapter of his career.
He added that he wants to take advantage of the opportunities at DSC Arminia Bielefeld to take his career to the next level.
“I am really looking forward to this new challenge in a completely new environment for me. I want to take the next step in my career at Arminia.
“The management has made a lot of effort for me and shown me the development prospects. I can hardly wait to be on the pitch with the team and soon play in front of our fans,” Benjamin Boakye said as quoted on the club’s website.
Military bases have been attacked several times in the last month
Jihadist fighters have launched a series of simultaneous attacks on military posts across numerous towns in Mali, the third major assault on the army over the last month.
Mali’s army said it repelled Tuesday morning’s attacks, allegedly “neutralising” more than 80 militants, without saying if there were any other casualties.
However, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group that said it was behind the attacks, said it had taken control of three army barracks.
For more than a decade, Mali has been wracked by a deadly Islamist insurgency, as well as attacks from separatist movements.
In a statement broadcast on national TV, army spokesperson Souleymane Dembele said: “The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces.”
Col Dembele added that the army recovered weapons, vehicles and motorcycles from the assailants.
Earlier, the armed forces said that the attacks had occurred across seven towns and cities, including Binoli, Kayes and Sandere, near the border with Senegal. There were also attacks further north, near Mali’s frontier with Mauritania.
A resident of Kayes told the BBC that gunshots could be heard “everywhere” during the attack.
“The police station was damaged, as well as the governor’s house,” he said, adding that casualty figures were still unclear.
JNIM called its attack “coordinated and high quality” in a statement posted on social media. They did not detail any casualties.
The group has also said it carried out two other significant recent attacks.
On 2 June, militants targeted both an army camp and an airport in the ancient, northern city of Timbuktu.
Just a day before, a raid killed at least 30 soldiers in the centre of the country.
The attacks, the latest sign of rising insecurity in Mali and the wider Sahel region, came after the United States Africa Command warned about growing efforts by various different Islamist militant groups which operate in the Sahel to gain access to West Africa’s coastline.
During a press conference in May, the commander of United States Africa Command (Africom), Gen Michael Langley, described recent attacks in Nigeria, the wider Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as deeply troubling.
He warned that the groups’ access to the coast would significantly boost their capacity for smuggling and arms trafficking.
Lil Win made a rare public appearance with his ex-wife, Patricia Afriyie, during a recent interview session
The Kumawood actor gave his opinion on his ex-wife’s debut single and threw shades at some top Ghanaian female singers
Lil Win’s public appearance with Patricia Afriyie garnered mixed reactions from fans on social media
According to yen.com.gh Award-winning Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win made a rare public appearance together with his ex-wife, Patricia Afriyie.
The former married couple recently held an interview session with Kumasi-based blogger Papa Jay of Poleeno Multimedia.
During the interview, Lil Win spoke about Patricia Afriyie’s venture into the Ghanaian music industry following the recent release of her debut song, You Go Take Your Lover.
The Kumawood actor shared his endorsement for the new song, which he claimed was a masterpiece from his ex-wife. According to him, the song also contained lyrics that carried a deep message.
Lil Win threw shade at Wendy Shay, Sista Afia, Efya, and other top female Ghanaian singers by claiming that Patricia Afriyie’s song was lyrically better than theirs.
The comic actor also urged fans to anticipate his ex-wife’s upcoming second single, which he claimed was better than her debut song.
When asked why he had yet to sign Patricia to his Wezzy Empire music label, Lil Win noted that he was not a music producer and that he would have signed her if she ventured into the movie industry.
Lil Win and Patricia Afriyie’s public sighting comes amid rumours that they were not on good terms following their split several years ago.
The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has criticised the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) declaration of July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, describing it as a façade for political persecution rather than a sincere expression of gratitude to God.
Speaking on on Tuesday, July 1, Mr Mohammed accused the NDC of hypocrisy, arguing that their recent rhetoric does not match their actions in government.
“Let us be factual and let the people know that your reset is to persecute, and that’s what they are doing. It has nothing to do with thanking God,” he said in response to earlier comments from NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, who claimed that while Ghanaians were renewing their minds in Christ, the NPP remained fixated on politics and numbers.
Mr Mohammed clarified that the concept of a national day of prayer is not new and was already introduced under President Akufo-Addo during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On the 25th of March, 2020, His Excellency Akufo-Addo declared a National Day of Prayer, and this was done across the length and breadth of Ghana. We thanked God, and we prayed to God over a befallen pandemic. So this is not the first time,” he stated.
He added that while the NPP participated in the recent prayer service organised by President John Mahama, the NDC failed to reciprocate during similar events under the previous government.
“They [NDC] didn’t come to thank God when we did ours,” he noted.
“Now they talk about a peaceful election—he should have been clapping for us. If we [NPP] had behaved the way they did during the elections, Ghana would be in a different state.”
Mr Mohammed also raised concerns about worsening insecurity in parts of the country, questioning the NDC’s claims of peace under its administration.
“In his own region, Oti, people cannot sleep. They are killing them day in and day out. Bawku has escalated—peace does not exist in that place,” he said.
Touching on the economy, he dismissed Mr Gbande’s optimism about improvements in the cedi’s performance, citing the high cost of living.
“You talk about the cedi to dollar—but rent has not changed, food prices have not changed, cement prices have not changed,” Mr Mohammed pointed out.
“Ghana’s democracy is deteriorating, and we should be worried.”
He further argued that beyond symbolic gestures, the NDC’s current approach—particularly in its treatment of dissenting voices and the imposition of bail conditions—suggests a government more interested in control than reconciliation.
Myjoyonline.com
Sunday service is more than a spiritual gathering—it’s a moment to reflect, reconnect with faith, and present your best self. As much as reverence is important, style and sophistication also matter. Dressing up for church isn’t just about tradition—it’s about celebrating the day in modest yet modern fashion.
Whether you’re heading to a traditional cathedral or a contemporary worship center, your outfit should reflect grace, decency, and confidence. Here are timeless yet trendy outfit ideas that strike the perfect balance between chic and respectful.
1. Classic Dresses that Speak Elegance
A midi or knee-length dress never goes out of style. Choose refined cuts like A-line, wrap, or sheath styles that flatter your shape while keeping things modest. Soft florals, pastel tones, or even solid hues like lavender, navy, or rose gold make the look vibrant yet serene. Add a structured blazer or a soft cardigan if the weather is cooler indoors.
2. Skirt and Blouse Combo – A Match Made in Heaven
Pair a high-waisted pencil or A-line skirt with a polished blouse. Think silk, satin, or chiffon tops in subtle shades or elegant prints. This combo is perfect for adding variety to your Sunday wardrobe. Elevate the ensemble with pearl earrings, a wristwatch, and a small leather handbag.
3. The Effortless Power of a Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a fashion-forward alternative. A midi-length or full-length jumpsuit in neutral tones or gentle prints brings sophistication and comfort. Go for belted or tailored options to maintain structure. Pair with low heels or flats and a cropped jacket for a complete look.
4. Pantsuits for the Bold and Beautiful
For women who love pants, a pantsuit is the ultimate expression of modern elegance. Neutral colors like grey, beige, or navy keep the outfit polished. Add a silk blouse underneath and finish with gold studs and a structured tote for a refined finish.
5. Accessories: Less is Graceful
Subtle accessories can uplift your entire outfit. A simple clutch, delicate chain, or a thin scarf around your neck adds sophistication without distraction.
Conclusion
Sunday dressing isn’t about extravagance—it’s about grace, modesty, and feeling your best. Whether it’s a dress, a skirt combo, a jumpsuit, or a pantsuit, let your outfit speak volumes of your respect for the occasion while keeping you stylish and confident. Remember, looking your best can be a beautiful form of worship too.
Fresh controversy has emerged surrounding the tragic case of late Nigerian singer Mohbad, as a newly surfaced audio recording has alleged that rapper Zlatan Ibile was aware of the incident involving Mohbad and music promoter Sam Larry but chose to remain silent.
The voice recording, shared online by social media commentator Very Dark Man, claims that Zlatan had full knowledge of what transpired between Mohbad and Sam Larry during a now-infamous altercation, which many believe contributed to the emotional toll that plagued Mohbad in the months leading up to his death.
In the audio, the speaker suggests that Zlatan intentionally refrained from speaking publicly about the incident out of fear of social media backlash.
The revelation has reignited public interest in Mohbad’s case, especially as calls for justice continue following his mysterious death in September 2023. Fans and advocates have often questioned the silence of prominent figures close to the late artist during his turbulent final months.
Zlatan, who had been publicly seen with Mohbad and paid tribute to him after his passing, has not responded to the circulating audio or the allegations as of the time of this report.
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, passed away under controversial circumstances, sparking protests, investigations, and nationwide outrage. The case remains under official investigation.
