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CAA President Meets Ghana Olympic Committee Before May Athletics Championship

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CAA President Meets Ghana Olympic Committee Before May Athletics Championship

Caa President Meets Ghana Olympic Committee
Caa President Meets Ghana Olympic Committee

Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, ahead of the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships scheduled for May in Accra.

Malboum, accompanied by CAA officials, expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to organize a successful competition. The visit precedes the championship, which will run from May 12 to 17, 2026, at venues in the Ghanaian capital.

The CAA President noted that Ghana hosted a successful competition during the 13th African Games and believes facilities remain in excellent condition for the upcoming athletics event. The African Games were held in March 2024, leaving infrastructure that can support major continental competitions.

Richard Akpokavie, President of the GOC and a lawyer, warmly welcomed the athletics delegation. He emphasized his concern for athlete welfare, particularly regarding facilities and remuneration, and expressed optimism that the Ghana Athletics Association will deliver another strong event.

Akpokavie stated that organizers must put all hands on deck to deliver a memorable and successful world class event. His comments reflect awareness of the international scrutiny that accompanies hosting a continental championship.

Bawa Fuseini, President of the Ghana Athletics Association and Deputy Secretary General of the GOC, assured visitors that Ghana will deliver on its commitments. He expressed hope that participating countries would send their best athletes to make the championship competitive.

Mohammed Muniru, Secretary General of the GOC and also a lawyer, assured the CAA that the competition will succeed, citing strong public interest in track and field events across Ghana. The domestic enthusiasm for athletics provides a foundation for creating an engaging atmosphere during the six day championship.

Following the GOC meeting, Malboum visited the University of Ghana Sports Stadium at Legon, one of the venues expected to host championship events. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ghana and the CAA was subsequently signed at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, formalizing arrangements for the continental competition.

The African Senior Athletics Championships represent the continent’s premier track and field event, attracting elite athletes competing for continental titles and qualification opportunities for global competitions. Ghana last hosted a major CAA event during the African Games, which featured athletics as part of a broader multi sport program.

The May championship will test Ghana’s organizational capacity and infrastructure while providing African athletes with crucial competitive opportunities in an Olympic qualification year. Preparations are now entering their final phase with venue inspections completed and formal agreements in place.

Venezuela’s PDVSA says oil supply negotiations with US progressing

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Venezuela’s PDVSA says oil supply negotiations with US progressing

The logo of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA is seen on a fuel tank truck The logo of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA is seen on a fuel tank truck

Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA said on Wednesday it is progressing in negotiations with the United States for oil sales, as a board member for the company told Reuters the U.S. will need to buy cargoes at international prices.

On Tuesday, Washington announced a deal with Caracas to get access to up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude, a sign that Venezuelan government officials are responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that they open up to U.S. oil companies or risk more military intervention.

Trump has said he wants interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, installed this week after the U.S. deposed President Nicolas Maduro, to give the U.S. and private companies “total access” to her country’s oil industry.

PDVSA said in a brief statement that the parties have been talking about similar terms as those in place with foreign partners such as Chevron (CVX.N), opens new tab, the company’s main joint venture partner, which currently controls all oil exports to the U.S.

“The process … is based on strictly commercial transactions under terms that are legal, transparent and beneficial for both parties,” the company said.

PDVSA board member Wills Rangel, who is also a union leader, told Reuters the U.S. will need to buy cargoes at international prices if the country wants Venezuelan oil.

“If they want to buy it, they will have it in due time, sold at the international price,” Rangel said. “Not the way (Trump) intends, as if that oil belongs to them because we supposedly owe them. We do not owe anything to the United States.”

Chevron, which has a special U.S. license to export Venezuelan crude despite sanctions, is the only company currently exporting crude from the South American country, Rangel added, as a U.S. blockade on Venezuela keeps exports bound to China, the main destination of its oil, paralyzed.

Atta Mills is the best president Ghana has ever had – Martin Kpebu

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Atta Mills is the best president Ghana has ever had – Martin Kpebu

Martin Kpebu (R) praised the late Prof Atta Mills for his integrity Martin Kpebu (R) praised the late Prof Atta Mills for his integrity

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has said that the late President John Evans Atta Mills was the best leader of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Speaking in an interview on JoyPrime, Kpebu praised the former president for his integrity and firm anti-corruption stance, stating that he would “without hesitation” choose Atta Mills as the best president of the period, despite his short tenure.

He acknowledged that the former president’s time in office was short but argued that the quality of his leadership far outweighed its duration.

“Atta Mills never took our pesewa. When the life of the leader itself speaks volumes, it helps to drive the nation,” he added.

He noted that such integrity strengthens the fight against corruption and accelerates development.

Kpebu further shared an incident which occurred at the Tema Port in 2011, where customs officers allegedly fled upon President Mills’ unexpected arrival.

“The president called them back and told them, ‘Look, don’t run away; I am human,’” he said.

Five Enduring Legacies: Remembering the late President Mills on his 81st birthday

Kpebu cited this as a testament to the respect and moral authority his integrity commanded.

He further suggested that the character of Atta Mills’ leadership influenced international engagement, noting that it contributed to former US President Barack Obama’s decision to visit Ghana.

“There are numerous examples that underscore Atta Mills’ character and leadership style. Any day, I would vote for Atta Mills. He stands tall among them,” he concluded.

John Evans Atta Mills (1944–2012) was a distinguished law professor and tax expert who served as the 11th president of Ghana from 2009 until his death in 2012.

He was inaugurated on January 7, 2009, having defeated the governing party candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the 2008 Ghanaian presidential election.

Known as the “Asomdweehene” (King of Peace), he is remembered for his humble leadership and commitment to economic stability, which led to Ghana achieving record-breaking growth and single-digit inflation during his tenure.

Before his presidency, he served as Vice President under Jerry Rawlings (1997–2001) and spent decades teaching at the University of Ghana.

Mills was the first Ghanaian head of state to die in office, passing away in July 2012, and remains a symbol of integrity and peaceful democratic transition in African politics.

ID/BAI

You can also watch more videos from Naser Toure’s funeral below:

2026 will test Ghana, but bring new opportunities – President Mahama

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2026 will test Ghana, but bring new opportunities – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned Ghanaians to brace themselves for a demanding year ahead, while pledging that development and progress will reach every part of the country.

Speaking at a non-denominational thanksgiving service to mark his first year in office, President Mahama warned that 2026 would test the nation’s resolve, patience and discipline, but insisted it would also present opportunities to accelerate growth.

“The year ahead will demand even more from us. It will test our resolve, our patience, and our discipline,” Mr Mahama told the gathering, which included traditional leaders, clergy, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians and the judiciary.

“But it will also offer us opportunities. Opportunities to deepen the reforms we have started. Opportunities to accelerate our growth and ensure that development and progress touches every part of our country.”

The thanksgiving service, held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, brought together dignitaries from across the religious and political spectrum as the President reflected on a year he described as one marked by difficult decisions and necessary reforms.

President Mahama acknowledged that the foundations laid by his government “may not yet be visible” but stressed that they were essential for sustainable progress. 

He cited economic stabilisation, institutional reform, social protection and the restoration of both domestic and international confidence as key priorities over the past 12 months.

“The work we have begun is far from finished, but today reminds us that progress is not measured only by numbers and by charts and diagrams. It is also measured by hope that is restored, by trust that is rebuilt, and by the correct direction that is regained,” he said.

The President used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to what he described as ethical leadership, service above self and governance anchored in integrity, competence and compassion. 

He pledged to listen particularly to the vulnerable, the youth and those who feel excluded from national development.

President Mahama described leadership as “stewardship” that is “temporary and fleeting”, adding that authority is “a fleeting trust held on behalf of the people”.

He reserved special praise for Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as “a woman of dignity and quiet strength” and the first woman to rise to such a position of responsibility in Ghana’s history.

“I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me,” the President said.

He thanked Ghanaians for their trust, constructive criticism, encouragement and enduring belief that the nation can and must do better, describing the past year as one of “shared sacrifice and patience”.

President Mahama called on the nation to move forward with humility, lead with empathy and govern with courage, noting that Ghana’s strength has always come from its ability to rise above division and work together for the common good.

“May the year ahead bring renewed strength to our nation, wisdom to our leaders, peace to our communities, and hope to every Ghanaian home,” he said in closing.

Singer and pastor denies sexual assault allegations, says claims are ‘contrived and untrue’

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Singer and pastor denies sexual assault allegations, says claims are ‘contrived and untrue’

Donnie McClurkin is a renowned American gospel musician and pastor Donnie McClurkin is a renowned American gospel musician and pastor

Renowned gospel musician and pastor Donnie McClurkin has publicly denied allegations of sexual assault, rape, and coercion reportedly lodged against him, describing the claims as false and defamatory.

In a statement issued through his attorney, Gregory S. Lisi, Esq., McClurkin said he was addressing the matter “with all humility, faith, and deep respect” for the global gospel music and Christian ministry community that has shaped his life and calling.

“Many of you are aware of the profane allegations of sexual assault/rape and coercion that have been recently lodged against me,” the statement read. “I want to state clearly and unequivocally that these allegations are contrived and untrue.”

McClurkin acknowledged the seriousness of sexual violence and emphasised that genuine survivors deserve to be heard, protected, and supported. However, he maintained that the accusations against him do not reflect the truth.

“Sexual violence, in any form, is a real and painful reality for many and is not to be used frivolously,” he said, adding that while public opinion may have already formed amid the controversy, he was urging patience and trust that the truth will emerge in due time.

The multiple Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, who is also a pastor and a longtime figure in Christian ministry, said he has always sought to conduct himself with integrity, transparency, and godly responsibility. He categorically denied any misconduct or abuse of power.

“This accusation of salacious engagement or any misconduct that harmed, exploited, or took advantage of anyone, or misused my position, leadership, or influence in any way, is emphatically untrue,” McClurkin stated.

According to the statement, McClurkin has not yet been formally served with an official legal complaint. Nevertheless, he said he is proactively cooperating with the appropriate legal processes and intends to “vigorously defend” himself against what he described as a baseless lawsuit.

“My love for and walk with Christ mean everything to me and are deeply sensitive and sacred,” he said, stressing the need for facts to be established “carefully, responsibly, and fairly”.

McClurkin expressed confidence that he will ultimately be vindicated once all facts are fully known. He also called on supporters to pray not only for him, but also for the accuser.

“I thank everyone for their continued prayers, support, and faith,” the statement concluded. “God bless you all.”

As of the time of publication, no official court documents have been made public, and further details surrounding the allegations remain limited.

See the new statue unveiled in honour of JJ Rawlings

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See the new statue unveiled in honour of JJ Rawlings

A memorial statue honouring the late former President of the Republic of Ghana, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, has been unveiled today, Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana.

The unveiling and dedication ceremony, which took place at the Keta Parks and Gardens, was attended by prominent dignitaries and traditional leaders from the region and beyond.

According to a social media post by 1957 News, the statue, created by Mawuko Dzikunu and Clifford Selasi Kekeshie, was sculpted to honour the legacy of JJ Rawlings, who was Ghana’s longest-serving head of state and helped shape enduring foundations for democracy, justice, and accountability in Ghana.

Meet JJ Rawlings’ Scottish chemist father

The statue depicts Rawlings in traditional Ghanaian attire: a patterned cloth draped over one shoulder and a yellow shirt underneath.

He has a beard, wears glasses and a wristwatch, and his right arm is raised high, holding a carved ceremonial staff or symbol of authority.

Dignitaries including the Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, Togbe Sri III; the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia; the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu; the Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey; as well as Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Kimathi Rawlings, children of the late President, among others, were reported to have been present at the unveiling.

This adds to a list of edifices in honour of the late president. Earlier in 2025, the government of Burkina Faso named a major street in its capital, Ouagadougou, after Rawlings.

Rawlings, who passed away in November 2020, was laid to rest after a state funeral with full military honours.

See pictures of the statue below:

ID/BAI

You can also watch more videos from Naser Toure’s funeral below:

Bafana Bafana coach urges players to test themselves in top leagues after AFCON exit

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Bafana Bafana coach urges players to test themselves in top leagues after AFCON exit

Hugo Broos is the head coach of the Bafana Bafana Hugo Broos is the head coach of the Bafana Bafana

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has reiterated the need for Bafana Bafana players to compete in more demanding international leagues if the national team is to bridge the gap with Africa’s elite.

Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon in the Round of 16 on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Despite enjoying extended spells of possession, South Africa struggled to penetrate a well-organised Cameroonian defence and were ultimately undone by their opponents’ superior efficiency.

Broos attributed the difference largely to the level of competition players face at club level.

“There are teams at the Cup of Nations with players who play in Europe. We mostly don’t have them, and that is a disadvantage for South Africa,” the Belgian coach said.

He cited Cameroon as a clear example, pointing out that several of their players are active in top European leagues, including 19-year-old striker Christian Kofane, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen.

According to Broos, while South Africa’s Premier Soccer League remains vital to the domestic game, it does not offer the same intensity or competitive demands as elite leagues abroad. He stressed that regular exposure to high-level competition is crucial for developing the sharpness, decision-making, and consistency required at international tournaments.

The coach also noted that arranging occasional high-profile international friendlies provides limited benefit if players are not consistently challenged in their weekly club football.

Looking ahead, Broos said he would conduct a thorough review of South Africa’s AFCON campaign and compile a detailed report as preparations begin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana’s inflation dropped to historic 5.4% in December 2025 – GSS

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Ghana’s inflation dropped to historic 5.4% in December 2025 – GSS

Inflation dropped to a record low in 2025 Inflation dropped to a record low in 2025

Ghana’s inflation rate fell to 5.4% in December 2025, down from 6.3% in November and marking a dramatic drop from 23.8% recorded in December 2024, according to the latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service.

The figure, announced by Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, signals a major milestone in price stability, with the rate now well within the Bank of Ghana’s medium-term target band of 8%.

According to him, this means that prices of goods and services will increase at a much slower pace than in the previous year.

“In December 2025, inflation fell to 5.4% from 6.3% in November 2025 and 23.8% in December 2024. This means prices are rising much more slowly than a year ago, giving households and businesses greater stability to plan, spend, and invest with confidence,” he posted.

Financial analyst Edem Kojo, commenting on the data in a social media thread, noted that the 5.4% reading is the lowest inflation recorded since May 2002.

He also noted that the country still met its economic target ahead of the expected IMF goal.

“5.4% inflation is the lowest recorded inflation since May 2002. The last time we recorded December (Annual) inflation this low was in 1970.

“Ghana has outperformed the 8.0% inflation target it was supposed to hit by the end of the IMF programme ahead of schedule. (This is despite the fact that we missed the IMF’s 2024 end-of-year target of 15%),” he posted.

Inflation for November drops to 6.3%

The sharp deceleration in price growth, from nearly 24% a year ago to single digits, is expected to bolster economic confidence, providing households and businesses greater predictability for planning and investment.

Analysts have attributed the sustained disinflation to tight monetary policy, relative exchange rate stability, and moderating global commodity prices.

See the posts below:

ID/BAI

You can also watch more videos from Naser Toure’s funeral below:

Rare mountain gorilla twins born in Africa’s oldest national park

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Rare mountain gorilla twins born in Africa’s oldest national park

Mafuko, who is 22 years old, and her twins will be closely monitored by staff at Virunga National Pa Mafuko, who is 22 years old, and her twins will be closely monitored by staff at Virunga National Pa

A pair of twin mountain gorillas has been born in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo – a rare occurrence for the endangered primates, conservationists at Virunga National Park say.

The community trackers, who discovered 22-year-old Mafuko hugging her newborns on Saturday, said the mother and her two baby sons all appeared to be well and healthy.

Twin births are thought to account for about 1% of all mountain gorilla births, though exact data is not widely available.

Virunga, situated in a conflict-prone part of DR Congo, is Africa’s oldest and largest national park and was set up 100 years ago to protect mountain gorillas of which there are fewer than 1,100 left in the wild.

They are only found in the Virunga and in national parks over the border in Rwanda and Uganda, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which compiles a Red List of threatened species.

The last birth of mountain gorilla twins born in Virunga National Park was in September 2020.

Mafuko herself gave birth to twins in 2016, but they both died within a week.

Young gorillas rely entirely on their mothers for care and transport – and are extremely vulnerable in what can be a dangerous environment where poachers and many armed groups operate.

The authorities at the park say additional monitoring and protection measures have been put in place to ensure the twins’ survival during this critical period.

Rangers would closely observe the young family and provide support if needed, they said.

A gorilla’s pregnancy lasts for about eight-and-a-half months, and females usually give birth to one infant every four years.

According to Virunga conservationists, Mafuko has had a remarkable history of survival herself.

Born in 2003 into the Kabirizi family, she lost her mother to armed attackers when she was four years old.

She joined the Bageni family when she was 10 – and to date has been pregnant and given birth five times.

Conservationists at Virunga, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, say her latest offspring represent a significant boost for efforts to protect the endangered species.

Thanks to anti-poaching patrols and community programmes – supported by the European Union and Unesco – mountain gorilla numbers in Virunga have slowly increased over the past decade.

This success, which is documented by the IUCN and other partners, led to their status being upgraded from “critically endangered” to “endangered” in 2018.

Virunga spans 7,800 sq km (3,000 sq miles) and is home to an astonishingly diverse landscape – from active volcanoes and vast lakes to rainforest and mountains.

Another bus smuggling over 1000 ammunition to northern Ghana from Accra intercepted by police at Asankare barrier

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Another bus smuggling over 1000 ammunition to northern Ghana from Accra intercepted by police at Asankare barrier
Another bus smuggling over 1000 ammunition to northern Ghana from Accra intercepted by police at Asankare barrier

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Emmanuel Bonney



2 minutes read

Another bus smuggling over 1000 ammunition to northern Ghana from Accra has been intercepted by the police at the Asankare barrier in the Ashanti Region.

Police personnel on duty at the Asankare Police barrier intercepted a Kia Granbird bus with registration number AK 1309–21. It had 1,050 AAA and BB cartridge ammunition.

The bus was being driven by Mohammed Gzali, aged 42, with his assistant, Mohammed Jabir, 22.

It had 45 passengers on board. 

A police situational report (SITREP) seen by Graphic Online indicated that the vehicle was traveling from Accra to Tamale, en route to Savulegu.

“During the routine check, officers became suspicious that the driver might be conveying incriminating items. The Divisional Commander was immediately informed and subsequently arrived at the scene together with the Juaso District Commander and the Juaso District Crime Officer. Upon their arrival, an extensive search of the vehicle was conducted,” the situational report stated.

In the course of the search, a sack was opened, and it contained 1,050 AAA and BB cartridge ammunition.

When the driver was questioned, he told the police that the sack and the contents were brought to the station by an unknown person as a parcel, to be delivered to one Oboye in Tamale.

“The bus was immediately impounded, and the ammunition was retained as exhibits. The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations,” according to the situational report.

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