South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos has assessed the atmosphere surrounding the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the tournament lacks the energy and identity traditionally associated with AFCON.
Speaking candidly after his side’s latest outing, Broos compared the current environment to previous editions in Ivory Coast and Gabon, where he believes the tournament spirit was impossible to miss.
According to the Belgian tactician, AFCON has always been about more than football, it is the sights, sounds and constant engagement of fans that make it special.
“I don’t feel the same vibe I felt in Ivory Coast or Gabon. There is no vibe here; there is no typical AFCON atmosphere. It’s fine that we play the games and have the stadiums and everything we need, but something is missing,” he said.
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Broos pointed to the visible contrast in fan participation, recalling how packed stadiums and street celebrations defined previous tournaments.
He explained that during earlier AFCON editions, supporters lined the streets, waved flags and followed teams to training grounds, creating a carnival-like mood around the competition.
“That’s what made AFCON unique. When we took the bus to training, people were waving and carrying flags. Here, you see nothing,” he added.
Canadian woman, Ghanaian boyfriend arrested for allegedly burning down Oyarifa apartment
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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of two individuals, including a Canadian national, for allegedly causing extensive unlawful damage at a residence in Oyarifa.
In a press release dated December 27, 2025, the Service stated that “the Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with a case of causing unlawful damage at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.”
The suspects were identified as Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, a Canadian, and her Ghanaian boyfriend, Mohammed Issah. They were arrested on December 23, 2025 and December 25, 2025, respectively.
According to the police, the arrests followed “investigations into an arson incident at the apartment.”
Preliminary police findings point to a deliberate act. “Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment, deliberately set the property ablaze on 23rd December 2025, completely destroying it without any apparent provocation,” the release detailed.
The sequence of arrests saw Mohammed Issah apprehended first. “Suspect Mohammed Issah was arrested by the Ayimensah Abokobi Police on the same day the incident occurred,” the statement explained.
His alleged accomplice, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, initially evaded capture. She “went into hiding and was later arrested from her hideout on 25 December 2025.”
Both individuals are now in custody as inquiries continue. The CID confirmed that “both suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, and they will be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law.”
The press release was signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, the Public Relations Officer for the Criminal Investigation Department.
Christmas Eve turned bloody near Anwiankwanta in the Ashanti Region when police gunned down three suspected armed robbers in a fierce shootout, foiling what authorities say was a planned highway attack.
The incident occurred in a bush between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu Junction, where a gang of five had reportedly converged to strike on the busy Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.
According to a police situational report (SITREP), the suspects opened fire on officers upon sighting them. The police returned fire, killing three of the men instantly, while two others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.
The deceased have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, alias Tijani, 25. They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Police retrieved two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds each, an unbranded pistol, a sack containing 25 live cartridges, and six spent cartridges from the scene.
The SITREP noted that Seidu, Tijani, and their accomplices were already on the police wanted list in connection with a string of robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, and Anwiankwanta all in Ashanti.
The operation was described as intelligence-led, with four service vehicles deployed to raid the gang’s hideout. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the accomplices and retrieve the guns,” the report stated.
Police have assured residents of intensified patrols along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi highway and surrounding communities to curb the rising spate of armed robberies in the area.
Prof Priscilla Mante has been featured in the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum
Professor Priscilla Kolibea Mante, an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has been featured in the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum, a newly launched global digital space showcasing scientific stories from around the world.
This development was shared on the Facebook page of Voice of KNUST on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
“KNUST scientist Prof Priscilla Kolibea Mante has been featured in the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum, a newly launched global digital space showcasing scientific stories from around the world,” the post stated.
Meet Prof Marian Ewurama Addy: Ghana’s first female professor of natural science
The Virtual Science Museum was developed within the framework of the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) and aims to make science accessible, inclusive and engaging through storytelling, culture and diverse perspectives.
The platform brings together contributions from museums, scientific institutions and partners across regions, highlighting how science connects to everyday life and global challenges.
According to a report by KNUST news, “Her inclusion forms part of the museum’s inaugural exhibition, Women in Science – A Story in Motion, which highlights women scientists across time and cultures whose work is pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.”
Meet Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe, Ghana’s first female professor in photogrammetry
Here is a brief profile of Prof Mante
Prof Mante is a leading African neuroscientist, with an extensive research portfolio on the neurobiology and pharmacotherapy of mental and neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and neuroinflammation.
Her work explores the therapeutic potential of African medicinal plants and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug-resistant epilepsy.
Beyond her research, she has played a critical role in advancing the inclusion of young scientists in global policy and research dialogues.
She previously served as Co-Chair (LMIC) of the Global Young Academy (2022–2024) and Chair of the Ghana Young Academy (2019–2022).
Read the post below:
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#TrendingGH: Mixed reactions greet church members on 2025 Christmas celebration
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has reiterated the institution’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and ensuring sustainable practices in Ghana’s gold sector.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points program, Gyamfi emphasised that environmental protection is central to GoldBod’s mandate, and the agency is taking concrete steps to enforce it.
“When we took over, there was no real fight against illegal mining. We did not maintain the status quo, highlighting the proactive measures already implemented,” he said.
He noted that Legislative Instruments 23 and 24, which previously permitted certain mining activities in protected areas, have been revoked.
“Mining is no longer permissible in forest reserves, and NAIMOS is actively cracking down on illegal miners everywhere. You have seen the videos,” he added.
Goldbod to fully take over gold trading and reserves in 2026
Gyamfi stressed that GoldBod has institutionalized environmental protection by making it illegal to purchase gold sourced from unauthorized mining activities.
He explained that under Section 59 of the GoldBod Act, any purchase of gold from illegal mining operations constitutes an offense.
The CEO also addressed criticisms about the pace of implementing traceability measures.
While Ghana has a long history of gold procurement dating back to colonial times, he believes the introduction of a national traceability program is a landmark initiative.
“We have given timelines for the traceability program to be fully operational. Every gram of gold bought by the state will be traceable to its mine of origin, and it must come from a sustainable mine,” he explained.
He noted the challenges posed by decades of unregulated gold trading and smuggling, which have historically undermined both the environment and the national economy.
“Our approach balances economic benefits with environmental responsibility, ensuring that Ghana’s gold sector contributes to development without compromising our natural heritage.”
SP/EB
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates | BizTech:
Did you know that Enayat Qasimi, Ken Ofori-Atta’s international lawyer, is in many ways the Ken Ofori-Atta of Afghanistan? History has a sense of humour. Sometimes it even hires counsel.
Mr Qasimi is no small name. He is a Washington D.C.-based attorney, partner and co-chair of international practice at a respected American law firm, armed with decades of experience and a confident baritone for television interviews.
When Ken Ofori Atta needed a global defender to fight extradition, contest Red Notices, and lecture Ghana on due process, Mr Qasimi stepped forward like a man who knows the terrain well.
And he should. He has been there before.
Before the tailored suits and BBC soundbites, Enayatullah Qasimi was Afghanistan’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and a legal adviser to President Hamid Karzai. A powerful office. Public money. Aircraft procurement. And then, allegations.
Afghan prosecutors accused him of misappropriation and abuse of authority over an aircraft deal said to be overpriced by millions.
He was detained. Released on bail. Restricted from travel. The case never resolved into public exoneration. Instead, geography intervened. Kabul faded. Washington emerged.
A man once accused of abusing public office now stands as the loudest voice insisting that another man accused of abusing public office is a victim of politics.
A former minister who once faced questions now demands that questions be treated as persecution when they approach his client.
Mr Qasimi insists that Ken Ofori-Atta is not evading justice. He is merely abroad. Recuperating. Misunderstood. That Red Notices are unnecessary.
That Ghana’s prosecutors are overreaching. That constitutional rights are being trampled. It is a familiar melody. Those who know the song often learned it when the chorus first came for them.
Agbedor Kofe (V/R), Dec. 28, GNA – Ms Rose Xetsa Hadzide, a trainer, has urged women to acquire relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills to enable them to attain economic empowerment and financial independence.
She said skills acquisition was critical in modern times, stressing that women should not depend solely on their husbands or partners for their livelihood and basic needs.
Ms Hadzide made the call at a liquid soap-making training workshop organised for residents of Adzonkor and Agbedor Kofe at Agbedor Kofe in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region.
The training, which attracted several women and young people, was aimed at equipping participants with practical skills to start small-scale businesses and improve their income levels.
Ms Hadzide, also a final-year Nursing student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, encouraged the participants to put the knowledge and skills acquired into practice and to extend the training to others in their communities to help reduce unemployment.
She noted that the government alone could not provide jobs for everyone, making it necessary for individuals, especially women, to create employment opportunities for themselves through entrepreneurship.
“As women, we must empower ourselves with skills that can earn us income and make us self-reliant. When you learn something useful, practise it and teach others,” she advised.
Ms Kafui Latsu, a beneficiary of the training, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the initiative and, on behalf of the participants, pledged to put the skills acquired to good use to improve their livelihoods.
She said the training had opened new opportunities for them to venture into small businesses and support their families financially.
The family of Nollywood actress and producer, Allwell Ademola, has mourned her death, clarifying that she was 49 years old at the time of her passing.
In an official statement released and signed by Adeboyega Adebayo on Sunday, on behalf of the Ademola family, it was stated that the late actress passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
“With heavy hearts and total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing of our beloved sister, mother, and aunt, Princess Allwell Ademola, who departed this life on Saturday, the 27th day of December, 2025, at the age of 49,” the statement read.
The family described Ademola as a proud daughter of the Ademola family of Ogun State and a great-granddaughter of the Alake of Egbaland, noting that she was deeply committed to the creative arts.
“From childhood until her passing, she distinguished herself as a thespian, actor, singer, and filmmaker, touching many lives through her art, talent, and unwavering dedication to the creative industry,” the family said.
They also expressed gratitude to colleagues, friends, and well-wishers for the outpouring of support since her death.
“The Ademola family sincerely appreciates the overwhelming love, prayers, and messages of condolence from her colleagues, friends, and well-wishers across the world during this difficult time,” the statement added.
The family said details of the burial arrangements would be communicated later.
The clarification follows earlier reports within the entertainment industry that the actress died at the age of 43 after suffering a heart attack at her residence before being taken to the hospital.
Following the news of her death, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues in the film industry.
Actress Faithia Williams wrote on Instagram, “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.”
Other actors, including Mide Martins, have also expressed shock and grief over her passing, as fans and colleagues mourn the loss of the actress.
“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the family said.
The Accra Sports Stadium pitch has emerged in impressive condition following the high-profile BHIMFEST 2025 concert headlined by Stonebwoy, easing long-standing concerns about the impact of non-football events on Ghana’s premier sporting venue.
BHIMFEST 2025 was staged on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, one of several major concerts held at the venue during an intense festive season.
Despite the heavy foot traffic, stage installations and large crowds, the playing surface has remained largely intact, thanks to newly acquired pitch covers.
The NSA confirmed that the protective covers were installed ahead of recent events as part of measures to preserve the stadium’s playing surface during non-sporting activities.
Installation began at the Accra Sports Stadium weeks ago, with more events scheduled in the coming weeks.
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Following the festive run of events, recovery work on the pitch is now almost complete.
Groundsmen have carried out minor repair works, grass treatment and surface leveling to ensure the pitch meets required standards for competitive football.
Early visual checks show the pitch still looking green and firm, a significant improvement compared to previous years when concerts often left the surface damaged.
Actress Allwell Ademola singing in last Instagram post
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, a social media post from Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola, has gone viral following the report of her sudden death on Saturday.
Barely 24 hours before she was reported dead, the 43-year-old actress shared a video on her Instagram page where she was seen singing a soulful prayer, with lyrics that focused on surviving the year.
“In the name of Jesus, I will see the end of this year; this year will not see my end,” the lyrics read.
The video, which initially appeared to be an end-of-year post, has since become a digital memorial, with fans and colleagues flooding the comment section to express shock and grief over her death.
Some fans and colleagues, including actress, Kemi Apesin, pleaded that she should pick up her calls or reply to their messages to debunk the news of her death.
Others focused on her last post, expressing grief over the irony that she passed away just four days before the start of 2026.
#bun_mmie wrote, “See the song she sang not even up to 24hrs, as if she knew.. Ah God.”
#Iamii_royale wrote, “To think the last song on her last post was ‘I will see the end of this year.”
“It’s barely 24 hours since her last post. My God! What is this life!” Missbehwarjy wrote.
#toyin_moni commented, “I don’t want to believe this oooo …. I commented on your post yesterday evening before going to bed, so it’s not true….. You can’t die. Ha! No, now. How?”
PUNCH Online reports that Ademola was said to have suffered a heart attack at her residence before she was taken to the hospital.
Several colleagues in the entertainment industry, including actresses Fathia Balogun, Mide Martins, and Bidemi Kosoko, have taken to social media to mourn and pay their tributes to the late actress.
This year will not see my end, actress Allwell Ademola sings in last post before death.
Platinum artist, KiDi, was elated when one of his music idols, Ofori Amponsah joined him on stage at this year’s ‘Likor On The Beach’.
The veteran highlife musician pulled a huge surprise at the event which happened at the Polo Beach Club in Accra on December 23.
KiDi’s admiration for idol is known by his fans and evident in how he drew inspiration from the veteran for his 2024 hit record ‘Sika’ alongside DJ Vyrusky and King Paluta.
The young acts interpolated instrumentals of Ofori Amponsah and Daddy Lumba’s popular tune ‘Auntie Atta’ in their recent collaboration.
Ofori Amponsah mounted the stage singing ‘Odwo’ and later transitioned to ‘Emmanuella’ before delivering KiDi’s favorite ‘Auntie Atta’.
The ‘Lomo Lomo’ hitmaker humbly thanked the highlife artiste for showing up to support him at the third edition of ‘Likor On The Beach’.
This year’s event saw KiDi deliver yet another enchanting performance with the live band while melodiously interacting with patrons.
Gyakie, King Promise, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Cina Soul, OliveTheBoy, Efya, Kojo Blak, Sister Deborah and Mr. Drew were among popular faces that performed at the 2025 ‘Likor On The Beach’.
Sports betting has exploded across Ghana, transforming from casual entertainment into what health experts now describe as a public health crisis. Recent data from GeoPoll’s 2025 report shows that 71% of Ghanaians have placed bets, with young people comprising the majority of participants. The confluence of widespread smartphone access, mobile money platforms, and aggressive marketing has created conditions ripe for addiction among a generation already grappling with limited employment opportunities.
According to TGM Research, approximately 41.7% of Ghanaians have engaged in sports betting within the last 12 months, making the country one of the leading sports betting markets in sub-Saharan Africa. The industry has become impossible to ignore, with betting centers now as ubiquitous as food vendors in urban and rural areas alike. What concerns authorities most is the pace of this growth and its concentration among vulnerable populations.
The technology driving this boom operates with ruthless efficiency. Almost every young Ghanaian now carries a smartphone, typically affordable brands like Tecno, Infinix, or Samsung that handle betting applications smoothly even on limited data. Mobile money services from MTN, Vodafone, and Telecel have eliminated traditional banking barriers, allowing deposits and withdrawals in seconds. This frictionless access has transformed betting from an occasional activity into something far more consuming.
Football remains the primary betting focus, capitalizing on Ghana’s deep passion for the sport. GeoPoll’s 2025 survey found that 60% of respondents mainly bet on football matches, though newer options like Aviator, a fast-paced digital game, have rapidly gained popularity. The emotional connection to teams and players creates a psychological hook that betting companies exploit relentlessly through sponsorships and celebrity endorsements.
In May 2025, the Gaming Commission of Ghana partnered with the Mental Health Authority to launch awareness campaigns at universities, warning that irresponsible gaming is destroying lives and careers. The initiative brought together lawmakers, university administrators, and health professionals to address what they described as an urgent crisis. Even public figures have spoken out about their own struggles with betting addiction, lending credibility to warnings that previously fell on deaf ears.
A May 2025 initiative revealed that nearly 70% of young people participate in some form of gambling, often starting for entertainment or to cover daily expenses. The problem extends beyond casual participation. A cross-sectional study in the Volta region involving 403 participants found significant links between sports betting and psychological distress, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress. Males and individuals experiencing problematic gambling showed especially high rates of mental health challenges.
The human cost manifests in tragic ways. In 2020, a 16-year-old boy described as a betting addict allegedly committed suicide in the Kwabre East district of Ashanti Region. Students skip classes to visit betting centers, families experience financial strain, and traditional support systems buckle under the weight of gambling-related problems. Religious leaders note social disruption in their congregations, while schools report concerns about students whose families have been affected.
The industry generates substantial revenue, with Statista projecting Ghana’s sports betting market to reach approximately 87.61 million United States dollars in 2025. The Ghana Revenue Authority hopes to raise one billion Ghana cedis annually in direct taxes from the gaming industry. Betting companies have sponsored at least eight Ghana Premier League (GPL) teams over the past five years, positioning themselves as supporters of sports development.
However, the economic paradox is stark. While the industry provides tax revenue and employment, the hidden costs of gambling addiction may far outweigh these benefits through decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, higher crime rates, and social service demands. Problem gamblers and their families often require government support, creating a cycle where short-term revenue gains fuel long-term social costs.
Spending patterns in Ghana show variety, with 43% reporting they spend less than ten United States dollars monthly, but concerning numbers emerge at higher tiers. Some individuals spend hundreds of dollars monthly, funds that might otherwise support education, business ventures, or family needs. The government introduced a 10% withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings in August 2023, attempting to curb participation and generate revenue, though its impact remains unclear.
Advertising regulation has become a flashpoint. Television gambling advertising features prominent Ghanaian athletes, football team shirts display gambling logos, and the gambling industry currently sponsors the Ghana Premier League. These tactics normalize betting for children and young people who see their idols promoting what health experts consider harmful products. In 2020, the Gaming Commission restricted betting firms from using celebrities as brand ambassadors, but enforcement has been inconsistent.
The Institute of Community Sustainability recently called for a complete ban on celebrity sports betting promotions, directing appeals to multiple government ministries and Parliament. The organization noted that Ghana has no dedicated treatment centers for gambling addiction despite a population exceeding 38 million. Only five psychiatric hospitals serve the entire nation, and none offer specialized treatment for gambling-related issues.
Studies in Ghana have found gambling linked to financial stress, including people incurring debts they cannot repay and stealing to stake bets, along with poor mental health, poor academic performance, and challenges in personal and social life including family breakdown and crime. The Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721) regulates betting through the Gaming Commission of Ghana, which works with the Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators to supervise the market and promote responsible gaming.
Research gaps complicate policy responses. Ghana lacks comprehensive data on gambler profiles and which marketing strategies prove most effective at encouraging betting. What evidence exists paints a troubling picture of an industry that has grown faster than regulatory capacity to oversee it. Weak advertising regulations and poor operator monitoring have created favorable conditions for rapid expansion at the expense of public health, particularly among the most vulnerable.
Some individuals defend betting as a legitimate economic opportunity. Lucky winners occasionally emerge, turning small stakes into substantial payouts that provide temporary financial relief. In 2023, a Ghanaian bettor won 196,093.60 Ghana cedis on Sportybet, while another winner collected six million cedis. These stories circulate widely on social media, fueling dreams of transformation through the right bet. The reality for most participants looks starkly different.
The path forward requires comprehensive intervention. Health professionals emphasize that gambling addiction shares characteristics with substance abuse disorders, requiring professional treatment and long-term support. Cognitive behavioral therapy, addiction services, and online treatment courses represent evidence-based approaches, but these remain largely inaccessible to most Ghanaians. Awareness campaigns at universities and schools provide education, but awareness alone cannot address the structural factors driving betting participation.
Experts argue that Ghana must treat gambling addiction with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, viewing it as a public health crisis that demands immediate, comprehensive, and sustained action. This includes stricter regulation of advertising, particularly content targeting young people, enforcement of age restrictions, expansion of treatment options, and addressing the underlying economic conditions that make betting attractive. The alternative is watching a generation pursue illusory wealth while sacrificing education, mental health, and long-term economic prospects.
The betting industry will likely remain a fixture of Ghana’s economic landscape. The question confronting policymakers, parents, educators, and young people themselves is whether society can establish guardrails that preserve individual choice while protecting public health. That balance has proven elusive so far, with commercial interests often outpacing regulatory capacity and public awareness. As the crisis deepens, the cost of inaction grows more apparent with each young person who trades their future for the promise of a winning ticket.
During the festive season, airports across Africa and around the world record high numbers of departing seats and travellers, as families, groups, and friends reunite or embark on holiday trips.
Members of the diaspora also return home for the holidays and the New Year.
According to aviation industry analytics based on one-way departing seats scheduled for December 2025, Cairo International Airport has emerged as Africa’s busiest airport.
Here is a list of the top ten busiest airports in Africa in 2025:
International air passenger throughput on track for strong 2024 performance
1. Cairo International Airport
Cairo handled approximately 1.7 million departing seats during the month, representing a 7.8 percent increase compared to December 2024.
This places Cairo International Airport at the top of Africa’s busiest airports by departing seat capacity in December 2025, consolidating its position as the continent’s largest aviation hub amid rising travel demand.
2. Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport
O.R. Tambo International Airport ranked second among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 1,224,799 seats.
This was up from 1,146,425 seats in December 2024, representing a 6.8 percent increase. It is South Africa’s largest airport and the main hub for South African Airways, connecting Johannesburg to all six inhabited continents.
The airport has separate international and domestic terminals.
3. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ranked third among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 1,173,631 seats.
This was up from 1,112,537 seats in December 2024, reflecting a 5.5 percent increase.
It is Ethiopia’s main international gateway and the primary hub for Ethiopian Airlines, connecting Africa to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
4. Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport ranked fourth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 684,337 seats.
This was up from 582,622 seats in December 2024, representing a 17.5 percent increase. It is Morocco’s main aviation hub, connecting Casablanca to more than 96 destinations worldwide through about 50 airlines.
5. Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport ranked fifth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 663,879 seats.
This was up from 629,456 seats in December 2024, a 5.5 percent increase. It is South Africa’s second-busiest airport, linking the Western Cape to domestic and international destinations.
6. Marrakech Menara International Airport
Marrakech Menara International Airport ranked sixth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 587,925 seats.
This was up from 517,393 seats in December 2024, a 13.6 percent increase.
It serves as the main international gateway to Marrakech, connecting the city to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
7. Houari Boumediene International Airport
Houari Boumediene International Airport ranked seventh among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 552,147 seats.
This was up from 501,896 seats in December 2024, representing a 10 percent increase.
The airport is Algeria’s main international gateway, connecting Algiers to more than 80 destinations through 26 airlines.
8. Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ranked eighth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 505,114 seats.
This was slightly up from 504,122 seats in December 2024, representing a marginal 0.2 percent increase, the smallest year-on-year growth among the top 10 airports.
It is Kenya’s primary international gateway, connecting Nairobi to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
9. Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport ranked ninth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 495,635 seats.
This was up from 489,385 seats in December 2024, representing a 1.3 percent increase. It is Nigeria’s busiest airport and the country’s main international gateway, linking Lagos to destinations across Africa, Europe, and North America.
10. Hurghada International Airport
Hurghada International Airport ranked tenth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025, recording 469,149 seats.
This was up from 443,629 seats in December 2024, representing a 5.8 percent increase.
SP/MA
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates | BizTech:
When Sudan player Ammar Taifour first heard gunfire outside his hotel room, he shrugged it off and went back to sleep. He had a soccer match to play.
But hours later, gunfire erupted again and gunmen surrounded the hotel in Omdurman, central Sudan, trying to seize control of the area. Taifour, a 28-year-old American-Sudanese midfielder, didn’t realize the shots marked the beginning a brutal war that would claim tens of thousands of lives and displace millions.
“We saw them from the windows all around the hotel holding guns,” Taifour told The Associated Press at the Africa Cup of Nations this week. “They were shooting at army aircraft. It was completely unexpected.”
Taifour and his teammates, coaches and medical staff were trapped inside the hotel for more than two days, as food and water supplies ran low. They left only after the gunmen withdrew, and Taifour flew back to the United States, leaving his career in Sudan behind as he searched for a new team.
His experience mirrors that of other Sudanese players forced to flee the country, leaving family members behind in the war-torn African nation while attempting to pursue soccer careers at the highest level.
Sudan’s Abo Eisa controls the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
The war in Sudan was labeled by the U.N. as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. It erupted in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting, with widespread mass killings and rapes, and ethnically motivated violence.
The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people according to U.N. figures, but aid groups say the true number could be many times higher. More than 14 million people have been displaced, as disease outbreaks and famine spread in parts of the country.
But the Sudanese national team, known as the Falcons of Jediane, is persevering, and it qualified for the Africa Cup despite training and playing every qualifying game abroad. Sudan even defeated Ghana, denying the African powerhouse qualification for the four-week tournament.
Sudan’s players pose for the team picture before the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
For many Sudanese, the team has become a symbol of hope and unity and a rare source of joy to escape wartime hardship. Ahead of their team’s opening match against Algeria in the Moroccan capital Rabat, Sudanese supporters erupted in celebration, waving national flags and honking car horns. Hundreds chanted “Sudan!” and danced as they made their way to stadiums and fan zones.
“The war has destroyed many parts of the country and killed far too many innocent people,” national team player Mohamed Abuaagla told the AP. “Playing and winning games brings happiness to our people back home. We are trying to plant a small seed of a smile in them, despite the hardships they are enduring.”
The players themselves have faced many challenges. With the league suspended due to the war, players were forced to play abroad, often in neighboring Libya.
FILE.- Sudanese families displaced from El-Fasher reach out as aid workers distribute food supplies at the newly established El-Afadh camp in Al Dabbah, in Sudan’s Northern State, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali,File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Sudan’s two largest clubs, Al Merrikh and Al Hilal, compete in Rwanda’s league. Previously, they played in Mauritania’s championship, with Al Hilal going on to win it. Last year, the Sudan Football Association organized what it called an “elite league,” an eight-team competition that lasted less than a month.
Abuaagla lost his uncle during the war.
“He was sick, but we couldn’t take him to a hospital because they were all deteriorated from the fighting,” Abuaagla said, fighting tears.
Both players said the war is a driving force for Sudanese players on the field. They carry the weight of their compatriots’ struggle, whether at home or abroad, and feel a greater responsibility to represent Sudan now than ever before.
Sudan’s Mo Eisa, right, takes a shot at goal next to Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi during the Africa Cup of Nations group E soccer match between Algeria and Sudan in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Sudanese rally behind their team because it serves as an apolitical symbol of the country, political and security risk analyst Thomas O’Donoghue told the AP. It can unify people and remind them or something worth celebrating, he said.
“But I don’t think the soccer team alone can push the warring parties toward a cease-fire or mediation,” O’Donoghue said. “The conflict has been ongoing for nearly three years and involves numerous domestic and international stakeholders, many with economic interests in Sudan.”
Sudan lost its opening Africa Cup match against Algeria and will hope to progress from its group with good results against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. But the team has also been plagued by injuries, with three forwards, the team captain and a full back all ruled out.
“It’s a difficult situation. Sometimes I don’t feel comfortable talking about it, but I just have to deal with those who are available and how best you can use them,” Sudan coach James Kwesi Appiah said after the loss to Algeria.
The players competing in Morocco are determined to go as far as possible, and the dream of lifting the trophy.
“Before each game, I pray for the people back in Sudan,” Taifour said. “They deserve happiness, and I try to do my best to bring that to them.”
The Ga Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Emmanuel Nii Adotey Allotey, has cautioned persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the municipality against begging on the streets, stressing that government support is available to help them earn a decent living.
He said the Mahama-led government remains committed to empowering PWDs through skills training and the provision of income-generating tools to promote self-reliance and dignity.
According to him, the era of street begging must give way to productive economic activity.
Speaking during an engagement with disability groups in the municipality on Saturday, December 27, Mr Allotey disclosed that 5% of the District Assemblies Common Fund has been allocated to support PWDs with items that can help them establish small businesses and sustain themselves.
“We are pleading with them. If you are a person with disability in Ga Central, we do not want to see anyone standing by the roadside begging for alms. Government has provided income-generating items to support you, and these must be put to good use,” he said.
He explained that beneficiaries had requested and received items such as refrigerators, motorbikes, corn milling machines, and other tools suited to their chosen trades. These, he noted, were meant to help them engage in viable economic activities and earn steady incomes.
Mr Allotey urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly and channel them into productive ventures that would improve their livelihoods and reduce dependence on handouts. He warned that the assembly would not tolerate street begging by PWDs who have already been supported.
A man walks past a campaign billboard of President and presidential candidate Faustin-Archange
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera is seeking a third term on Sunday as the chronically unstable country holds national elections, touting security gains made with the help of Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers.
The 68-year-old mathematician oversaw a constitutional referendum in 2023 that scrapped the presidential term limit, drawing an outcry from his critics who accused him of seeking to rule for life.
A Touadera victory – the expected outcome – would likely further the interests of Russia, which has traded security assistance for access to resources, including gold and diamonds. Touadera is also offering access to the country’s lithium and uranium reserves to anyone interested.
Polling stations opened on time at 6 a.m. (0500 GMT) in the capital, Bangui, a Reuters witness said. They were due to close at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), with provisional results expected by January 5. Nearly 2.4 million people were registered to vote.
Casting her ballot in Bangui, shopkeeper Beatrice Mokonzapa said women had “suffered greatly” during the Central African Republic’s years of conflict but that the situation had improved.
“We have security today. I hope it continues. And for that, President Touadera is best placed to guarantee our security,” she said.
SIX OPPONENTS CHALLENGE TOUADERA
The opposition field of six candidates is led by two former prime ministers, Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, both of whom survived attempts by Touadera’s supporters to have them disqualified for allegedly holding foreign citizenship.
Though both men remain on the ballot, Touadera is still seen as the favourite given his control over state institutions and superior financial resources, analysts say.
In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Dondra said the playing field was “unbalanced” and that he had been unable to travel as widely as Touadera to campaign. He nevertheless predicted he would have a strong showing.
The challenges to the candidacies of Dologuele and Dondra “aligned with an apparent pattern of administrative manoeuvring that has disproportionately impeded opposition politicians while favouring the ruling United Hearts Party”, Human Rights Watch said last month.
Voting in the capital early on Sunday, teacher Albert Komifea said he wanted a change, without specifying who he had backed.
“They did everything they could to prevent the opposition from campaigning effectively, in order to reduce their chances,” he said. “But the ballot box will confirm that change is now.”
RUSSIA AND RWANDA REINFORCE TOUADERA
In 2018, CAR became the first country in West and Central Africa to bring in Russia’s Wagner mercenaries, a step that has also taken by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Two years later, Rwanda deployed troops to shore up Touadera’s government as rebel groups threatened the capital and tried to disrupt the 2020 elections, ultimately preventing voting at 800 polling stations across the country, or 14% of the total.
The country is more secure now after Touadera signed several peace deals with rebel groups this year.
But those gains remain fragile: Rebels have not fully disarmed, reintegration is incomplete, and incursions by combatants from neighbouring Sudan fuel insecurity in the east.
Beyond the presidential contest, the elections on Sunday cover legislative, regional and municipal positions.
If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, a presidential runoff will take place on February 15, while legislative runoffs will take place on April 5.
Pangea-Risk, a consultancy, wrote in a note to clients that the risk of unrest after the election was high as opponents were likely to challenge Touadera’s expected victory.
A smooth voting process could reinforce Touadera’s claim that stability is returning, which was buttressed last year with the U.N. Security Council’s lifting of an arms embargo and the lifting of a separate embargo on diamond exports.
In November, the U.N. Security Council extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission. The U.S. opposed the decision, calling for a shorter extension and a handover of security to Bangui.
play videoStonebwoy filled the Accra Sports Stadium to the brim on December 24, 2025
Following a successful tenth edition of the BHIM Concert held at the Accra Sports Stadium on December 24, 2025, Public Relations Officer of Burniton Music Group, Vida Adutwumwaa, has hinted that BHIM Nation President Stonebwoy will be taking his music to every stadium possible across Ghana.
Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz on December 27 2025, Vida Adutwumwaa disclosed that the nationwide stadium tour will kick off in March 2026, coinciding with Stonebwoy’s birthday, with the first stop set for the Ho Sports Stadium in the Volta Region.
According to her, the stadium events form part of an effort by Stonebwoy to share his talent with people across the country.
From Osibisa, Daddy Lumba to whoever, no one has worked harder than Stonebwoy – Bullgod
“In 2026, we are hosting events in every stadium possible in Ghana. We will start from Ho Sports Stadium in March 2026, where Stonebwoy will let everyone have a share of his talent. The Bible even says that if you are given a talent and you do not use it, you will account for it,” she said.
The announcement comes on the back of a thrilling night at the Accra Sports Stadium, which was packed to capacity as Stonebwoy marked a decade of musical dominance with the BHIM Festival.
The atmosphere on December 24, 2025, was electric, filled with non-stop energy, passion, and hit-making excellence.
Thousands of BHIM natives gathered to witness the President of BHIM Nation take the stage in grand style. Stonebwoy’s entrance was nothing short of epic, appearing like a crowned king with golden bull horns as he opened with his popular hit song, “Send Them a Prayer.”
The concert stood as a celebration of Ghana’s music scene, featuring captivating performances from Peter of Psquare fame, Fantan Mojah, Kwabena Kwabena, and several others. Acts such as Dope Nation, Cartel Big J, and Kwaw Kesse also kept the crowd on their feet.
Watch the video below:
“2026, we are playing every stadium 🏟️ possible in Ghana, we are starting it from HO (VOLTA REGION) on Stonebwoy birthday, March 2026” – Stonebwoy PR Vida Adutwumwaa on United Showbiz pic.twitter.com/ck3hifyRMS
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola declined to confirm or deny reports linking the club with a January move for Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, as speculation around the Bournemouth forward continues to gather pace.
Semenyo has been strongly linked with several Premier League clubs following his impressive form this season.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea are all reported to have shown interest, with Tottenham said to have offered a lucrative salary package and Chelsea making a late approach.
Arsenal were also believed to be high on the player’s preference list, but their hesitation allowed other clubs to move ahead in the race.
Liverpool were previously tipped as frontrunners before Manchester City emerged as a leading contender.
Bournemouth are preparing for renewed interest in the January transfer window after rejecting offers during the summer.
The 25-year-old has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which is expected to come into effect in the winter, placing him at the centre of a potential bidding battle.
Asked about the transfer links following City’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Guardiola refused to engage with the speculation.
When questioned about Semenyo during his post-match interview with TNT Sports, the City boss responded briefly with, “Next question.”
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola declined to confirm or deny reports linking the club with a January move for Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, as speculation around the Bournemouth forward continues to gather pace.
Semenyo has been strongly linked with several Premier League clubs following his impressive form this season.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea are all reported to have shown interest, with Tottenham said to have offered a lucrative salary package and Chelsea making a late approach.
Arsenal were also believed to be high on the player’s preference list, but their hesitation allowed other clubs to move ahead in the race.
Liverpool were previously tipped as frontrunners before Manchester City emerged as a leading contender.
Bournemouth are preparing for renewed interest in the January transfer window after rejecting offers during the summer.
The 25-year-old has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which is expected to come into effect in the winter, placing him at the centre of a potential bidding battle.
Asked about the transfer links following City’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Guardiola refused to engage with the speculation.
When questioned about Semenyo during his post-match interview with TNT Sports, the City boss responded briefly with, “Next question.”
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola declined to confirm or deny reports linking the club with a January move for Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, as speculation around the Bournemouth forward continues to gather pace.
Semenyo has been strongly linked with several Premier League clubs following his impressive form this season.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea are all reported to have shown interest, with Tottenham said to have offered a lucrative salary package and Chelsea making a late approach.
Arsenal were also believed to be high on the player’s preference list, but their hesitation allowed other clubs to move ahead in the race.
Liverpool were previously tipped as frontrunners before Manchester City emerged as a leading contender.
Bournemouth are preparing for renewed interest in the January transfer window after rejecting offers during the summer.
The 25-year-old has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which is expected to come into effect in the winter, placing him at the centre of a potential bidding battle.
Asked about the transfer links following City’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Guardiola refused to engage with the speculation.
When questioned about Semenyo during his post-match interview with TNT Sports, the City boss responded briefly with, “Next question.”
The Mamprugu Traditional Council has condemned the arrest of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who was enskinned by the OverLord and King of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II, on 15 February 2023 as the 15th Bawku Naaba.
In a press statement issued on Friday (26 December 2025), the Council condemned Naa Sheriga’s arrest, the unlawful killing of two innocent Mamprusis during his arrest, and the abduction and arrest of Alhaji Abdul Majeed Inusah Badigamsira, an executive member of the Mamprugu Youth Association, on 23 December 2025 at his Gbimsi residence.
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel George, says government actions have made Ghana an increasingly unattractive destination for cybercriminals, forcing those involved in such activities to rethink operating in the country.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One Newsroom on December 27, Mr George disclosed that security agencies have arrested close to 1,000 people for cybercrime-related offences this year alone, following sustained intelligence-led operations that have been ongoing for several months.
He explained that the fight against cybercrime goes beyond Mobile Money fraud and romance scams, noting that some cases are deeply linked to human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
READ ALSO: Cybercrime Crackdown: 141 MoMo fraud suspects arrested in Tabora and Lashibi
According to the Minister, foreign nationals are often lured into Ghana by criminal ‘chairmen’, have their passports seized upon arrival, and are forced to work in so-called ‘straw farms’ under inhumane conditions.“In some of these operations, we are not just arresting criminals; we are freeing people from human slavery,” he said.
Mr George cited a major operation carried out around Dodowa in July this year, during which about 450 victims were rescued in a single raid involving a Chinese-Nigerian syndicate.
He stressed that government has deliberately begun publicising these operations to serve as a warning to criminal networks and to assure both locals and the international community that Ghana’s laws are being firmly enforced.
‘We will find them. We will hunt them down. We will pick them up and subject them to the laws of the land, because our international reputation is at stake,’ he stated.
Hon. Sam George noted that cybercrime poses a serious threat to Ghana’s global image, warning that unchecked criminal activity could lead to the stigmatisation of Ghanaians abroad and negatively affect foreign investment and international relations.
He also revealed that authorities have expanded the scope of enforcement to include landlords who knowingly rent their properties to criminal enterprises.“You cannot be a landlord with 100 people in your house who never step out during the day and claim you don’t know what is happening,” Mr George said, accusing some landlords of prioritising high rents over national security.
READ ALSO: I’ll take on Akufo-Addo after Kissi Agyebeng is removed – Martin Kpebu
According to him, some property owners rent to criminal groups because they can afford to pay three or four times the market rate, a situation he said is making housing unaffordable for ordinary Ghanaians.
Mr George assured that government will continue to clamp down on cybercrime and all related activities, describing the fight as a multifaceted effort aimed at protecting Ghana’s security, economy and international standing.
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with an arson incident that led to the complete destruction of an apartment at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.
The suspects have been identified as Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, a Canadian national, and her Ghanaian boyfriend, Mohammed Issah. Their arrests followed police investigations into a fire outbreak at the apartment on December 23, 2025, which authorities say was deliberately caused.
According to preliminary findings, the two were tenants occupying the apartment at the time of the incident. Police say evidence gathered so far suggests the suspects intentionally set the property on fire, resulting in extensive damage. Investigators noted that the act appeared unprovoked.
Mohammed Issah was arrested by officers of the Ayimensah Abokobi Police on the same day the incident occurred. However, his partner, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, reportedly went into hiding immediately after the fire.
Police say Tomlinson was later traced and arrested from her hideout on December 25, 2025, bringing both suspects into custody as investigations intensified.
The Regional Police Command has confirmed that the two suspects are currently assisting with investigations. They are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days to face charges related to unlawful damage and arson.
Police have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring that persons who engage in acts that threaten lives and property are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Peduase (E/R), Dec. 28, GNA – The African Continental Unity Party (ACUP) has unveiled a broad Pan-African political vision, declaring its intention to contest Ghana’s 2028 general elections as part of a wider strategy to build a continent-wide political movement driven largely by youth and women.
Mr. Ken Ameovi Gbeve, the Interim Chairman of ACUP, who disclosed this, said the party was formed out of the need for African youth to unite around a shared political and ideological purpose.
He explained that ACUP was positioning itself as a vehicle to promote African self-reliance, unity and people-centred governance, starting from Ghana.
“We are not here to make up the numbers. We are here to win political power, starting from Ghana, and to rule Africa beginning from Ghana,” Mr. Gbeve said.
“The youth have bought into us, and that is our greatest selling point.”
Mr. Gbeve disclosed this in an interview with the media during an “End of Year Pan-African Health Walk” organised by the Party to rally support from the grassroots over the weekend.
He also revealed that ACUP currently had a presence in several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, with a global coordinating team supporting its expansion.
He confirmed that Ghana would be the party’s first electoral testing ground in 2028.
ACUP was granted a provisional certificate by the Electoral Commission (EC) in July 2023, allowing it to operate pending the fulfilment of all requirements for full registration as a political party.
Under the law, the ACUP is expected to complete all appointments of its executives up to the constituency level.
They are also expected to acquire a national office, regional offices in all the 16 regions and offices in at least two-thirds of districts in each region.
They are also required to draft their own constitution devoid of plagiarising the constitution of existing political parties.
According to Mr. Gbeve, those requirements had largely been met, and the party was awaiting gazetting by the EC.
“We have gotten to the zenith of our preparation. When there is a glitch, the EC calls us and we fix it. Now we are only waiting for gazetting,” Mr. Gbeve added.
Mr. Kwadwo Agyei Yeboah, the Interim General Secretary of the Party, said ACUP distinguished itself from other smaller parties by what he described as an “organised people’s agenda,” aimed at mobilising citizens directly rather than relying on personalities or external influence.
“ACUP is not a party for one individual. The vision is the leader,” he said.
“If ACUP comes to power and fails, then it means the people have failed, because this is the people’s party.”
Mr. Yeboah claimed that Ghana’s political stagnation stemmed from repeated alternation between the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), without a fundamental reorganisation of citizen participation.
He called on Ghanaians dissatisfied with the status quo to rally behind ACUP as a structured alternative.
He also disclosed the Party’s plan to formally organise substantive national executives after receiving its final certificate from the Electoral Commission, ahead of preparations for the 2028 polls.
Ms. Nana Ama Dankwa Konadu, the Interim Women’s Organiser, said ACUP intended to prioritise women by grooming women for substantive leadership and decision-making roles.
“We are not giving women quota. We are grooming women to become a substance of decision-making,” she said.
“In ACUP, every woman counts, and every woman has a role to play before, during and after elections.”
Mr. King Augustine Kumakuma Sarpong, the Interim Eastern Regional Chairperson of the Party, described ACUP’s Pan-African agenda as a response to poor leadership and instability across parts of the continent, including the spate of coups in West Africa.
“The future depends on the youth, and ACUP is here to structure things so the youth can advance the cause of Ghana and Africa,” he said.
At the regional level, he pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that ACUP ended the dominance of the two major political parties in the region.
Peduase (E/R), Dec. 28, GNA – The African Continental Unity Party (ACUP) has unveiled a broad Pan-African political vision, declaring its intention to contest Ghana’s 2028 general elections as part of a wider strategy to build a continent-wide political movement driven largely by youth and women.
Mr. Ken Ameovi Gbeve, the Interim Chairman of ACUP, who disclosed this, said the party was formed out of the need for African youth to unite around a shared political and ideological purpose.
He explained that ACUP was positioning itself as a vehicle to promote African self-reliance, unity and people-centred governance, starting from Ghana.
“We are not here to make up the numbers. We are here to win political power, starting from Ghana, and to rule Africa beginning from Ghana,” Mr. Gbeve said.
“The youth have bought into us, and that is our greatest selling point.”
Mr. Gbeve disclosed this in an interview with the media during an “End of Year Pan-African Health Walk” organised by the Party to rally support from the grassroots over the weekend.
He also revealed that ACUP currently had a presence in several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, with a global coordinating team supporting its expansion.
He confirmed that Ghana would be the party’s first electoral testing ground in 2028.
ACUP was granted a provisional certificate by the Electoral Commission (EC) in July 2023, allowing it to operate pending the fulfilment of all requirements for full registration as a political party.
Under the law, the ACUP is expected to complete all appointments of its executives up to the constituency level.
They are also expected to acquire a national office, regional offices in all the 16 regions and offices in at least two-thirds of districts in each region.
They are also required to draft their own constitution devoid of plagiarising the constitution of existing political parties.
According to Mr. Gbeve, those requirements had largely been met, and the party was awaiting gazetting by the EC.
“We have gotten to the zenith of our preparation. When there is a glitch, the EC calls us and we fix it. Now we are only waiting for gazetting,” Mr. Gbeve added.
Mr. Kwadwo Agyei Yeboah, the Interim General Secretary of the Party, said ACUP distinguished itself from other smaller parties by what he described as an “organised people’s agenda,” aimed at mobilising citizens directly rather than relying on personalities or external influence.
“ACUP is not a party for one individual. The vision is the leader,” he said.
“If ACUP comes to power and fails, then it means the people have failed, because this is the people’s party.”
Mr. Yeboah claimed that Ghana’s political stagnation stemmed from repeated alternation between the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), without a fundamental reorganisation of citizen participation.
He called on Ghanaians dissatisfied with the status quo to rally behind ACUP as a structured alternative.
He also disclosed the Party’s plan to formally organise substantive national executives after receiving its final certificate from the Electoral Commission, ahead of preparations for the 2028 polls.
Ms. Nana Ama Dankwa Konadu, the Interim Women’s Organiser, said ACUP intended to prioritise women by grooming women for substantive leadership and decision-making roles.
“We are not giving women quota. We are grooming women to become a substance of decision-making,” she said.
“In ACUP, every woman counts, and every woman has a role to play before, during and after elections.”
Mr. King Augustine Kumakuma Sarpong, the Interim Eastern Regional Chairperson of the Party, described ACUP’s Pan-African agenda as a response to poor leadership and instability across parts of the continent, including the spate of coups in West Africa.
“The future depends on the youth, and ACUP is here to structure things so the youth can advance the cause of Ghana and Africa,” he said.
At the regional level, he pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that ACUP ended the dominance of the two major political parties in the region.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed that the nationwide teacher promotion examinations will be held as scheduled on Monday, December 29, and Tuesday, December 30, warning that no candidate without an official index number will be allowed to write the papers.
In a statement dated December 26, 2025, and signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the Service assured teaching staff that all arrangements had been completed for the conduct of the examinations.
According to the statement, candidates for the ranks of Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent will write their examinations on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Assistant Director I and Deputy Director candidates are scheduled to sit for their papers on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, within the same time frame.
The GES explained that the shortlisting of candidates was carried out strictly in line with approved eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, noting that some applications were consequently not considered.
It said all shortlisted applicants had been notified through official SMS messages indicating their Staff ID, index number, and designated examination centre.
The Service stressed that participation in the examinations would be strictly by index number, adding that only candidates who had been issued index numbers were permitted to report to examination centres. Teachers who did not receive an official SMS and were not issued an index number were cautioned not to present themselves at any examination venue, as they would not be allowed to write the papers.
“Only candidates who have been issued index numbers are permitted to report to examination centres to write the examination. Teachers who have not received an official SMS and have not been issued an index number must not report to any examination centre,” the statement said.
The statement further indicated that candidates must present a valid national identification card on the day of the examination and clearly write their Staff ID and index number on all examination papers.
However, the GES provided a window of redress for teachers who believe they were wrongly omitted. Teachers who obtained their last promotion in or before 2021, met the required qualifications and applied for the current promotion cycle, but neither received an SMS nor found their names on the official shortlists at Regional or District offices, are to submit their last promotion letter and proof of application to their respective Regional Education Offices for review.
The GES appealed to candidates to comply fully with the guidelines, saying adherence would ensure a smooth, credible and well-coordinated promotion exercise.
It added that all enquiries should be directed to officially designated phone numbers and email addresses, stressing that any further communication would be made only through official GES channels.
Founder and leader of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie has sent a word to his critics, accusing them of deliberately editing his old videos to suit their interests.
In a post shared on his social media platforms and sighted by MyNewsGh, the outspoken cleric condemned what he described as calculated attempts to twist his prophetic messages, stressing that prophecy is not static.
Wa, (UW/R), Dec. 28, GNA – The Blissful Sight for Kids (BS4Ks) project, a children-centred eye screening initiative, has ended the year 2025 with a free eye screening exercise for residents of Tumu in the Sissala East Municipality.
A total of 360 people, most of them children, were screened during the exercise, out of which 39 were found to have normal eyesight, while 301 presented various pathological conditions and were provided with medication.
Additionally, 16 people were diagnosed with refractive errors and given eyeglasses, while four others were found to have cataracts and glaucoma.
The BS4Ks project is an initiative of Bliss Eye Care, a private eye clinic in Wa, in partnership with Ghana Vision, a Swiss-based charity organisation, and is aimed at eradicating childhood blindness through free eye screening and early intervention.
Since its inception about a decade ago, the project has reached thousands of children in the Upper West Region and beyond, helping to address eye conditions that could hinder children’s access to quality education.
Some parents whose wards benefited from the screening exercise in Tumu at the weekend expressed gratitude to the benefactors, as access to specialised eye care services, particularly in rural communities, remained a major challenge.
Madam Niamatu Nuhu, whose daughter was screened and provided with eyeglasses, expressed joy and appreciation, and said the intervention would significantly improve her child’s vision and academic performance.
“It was her teacher who drew my attention to her eye problem. I also monitored her and realised that if she wanted to read from a book, she had to bring it closer to her eyes.
I took her to the hospital here in Tumu, but I was told they did not have the machines to detect the child’s problem,” she explained.
Madam Nuhu, however, said she was informed that a team of eye specialists would be coming to Tumu to conduct free eye screening, which she took advantage of.
Dr Zakarea Al-Hassan Balure, the Manager of Bliss Eye Care, expressed concern that some parents did not take the eye health of their children seriously and sometimes relegated it to the background even when children complained of eye problems.
“Children are always pushed to the background, and even when they complain of eye conditions, they are not taken seriously because people feel that eye diseases are more common among adults than children.
We think that once we address these conditions early, it gives the child a brighter future because he or she can learn better, see better in class, and comprehend what is happening around them”, he observed.
Dr Balure, an optometrist, encouraged parents and guardians to prioritise their children’s eye health, stressing that the eyes were irreplaceable and if damaged could negatively affect a child’s holistic development.
The Tema Oil Refinery Limited (TOR) has announced the resumption of crude oil refining operations.
This follows several years of inactivity, marking a historic milestone in the revitalisation of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
A statement issued by management stated that this achievement followed the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), executed within three months from August 01, 2025, to October 30, 2025.
It added that the maintenance works were undertaken in strict compliance with international engineering, safety, and operational standards.
According to management, following the completion of the TAM, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) conducted
comprehensive regulatory inspections and confirmed TOR’s full compliance with all mandatory safety and operational requirements.
“Consequently, the NPA granted clearance for the resumption of refining activities.”
It noted that with the required regulatory clearance, refining operations began on Friday, December 19, 2025, with
all the line of petroleum products going to storage for the first time in several years.
“As part of a phased transition toward full operational capacity, and in advance of the refinery’s official
recommissioning, TOR will continue operating over the coming months to stabilise systems, optimise
performance, and ensure sustained operational reliability.”
Management further stated that TOR has completed the installation of a new furnace, F-61, which would soon be commissioned and integrated into the CDU.
This critical upgrade, it added, would enable the refinery to restore its original nameplate capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), up from the current operating level of 28,000 bpsd, with a clear strategic pathway to expand the capacity to 60,000 bpsd in the medium term, following the installation of a new air cooler.
It stated that the government of Ghana would formally commission and tie in the F-61 furnace at a later date to be communicated to stakeholders.
Management expressed its deepest appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his continued support, vision, leadership, and steadfast dedication and commitment to the restoration of TOR as a critical pillar of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
“The refinery also extends profound appreciation to the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), whose dedication, technical oversight, and policy leadership have been instrumental in restoring TOR to operational life.”
TOR further commended its Board of Directors, management, and entire workforce for their enthusiasm, resilience, professionalism, and unwavering sense of purpose throughout this revival journey.
“The staff of TOR remain committed to sustaining the refinery’s renewed operational momentum and achieving excellence across all aspects of refinery performance.”
play videoBullgod is an artiste manager and entertainment pundit
Artiste manager and entertainment critic Bullgod has labelled Afrodancehall artiste Stonebwoy as the hardest-working musician Ghana has ever seen.
Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz on December 27, 2025, Bullgod said that although he was not around when Ghana music began, he believes Stonebwoy has worked harder than every artiste from Osibisa to Daddy Lumba to Amakye Dede.
#BHIMFEST2025: Stonebwoy shuts down Accra with sold-out stadium concert
He questioned whether artistes like Osibisa, Kojo Antwi, or Daddy Lumba had ever collaborated with major international acts and brought them to Ghana, noting that Stonebwoy consistently does this.
“I wasn’t around when Ghana music began, but I can say authoritatively that Stonebwoy has worked more than everybody who found themselves in the music industry, from Osibisa to whoever. Did you ever see Osibisa work with the Jackson 5? Who did Daddy Lumba ever feature outside Ghana? Have you seen Amakye Dede ever work with a foreign act and bring them to Ghana?” he said.
Bullgod added that while talent cannot be compared, Stonebwoy’s work ethic stands out. “You cannot compare talent, but I’m saying the work, and Stonebwoy has overworked, and he will go down in history as one of the people who purposely championed Ghana,” he said.
On December 24, 2025, Stonebwoy hosted the tenth edition of his annual Bhim Concert, which has consistently brought major international artistes to Ghana, including 10Tik, Spice, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Davido, and others.
The Accra Sports Stadium pitch has emerged in impressive condition following the high-profile BHIMFEST 2025 concert headlined by Stonebwoy, easing long-standing concerns about the impact of non-football events on Ghana’s premier sporting venue.
BHIMFEST 2025 was staged on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, one of several major concerts held at the venue during an intense festive season.
Despite the heavy foot traffic, stage installations and large crowds, the playing surface has remained largely intact, thanks to newly acquired pitch covers.
The NSA confirmed that the protective covers were installed ahead of recent events as part of measures to preserve the stadium’s playing surface during non-sporting activities.
Installation began at the Accra Sports Stadium weeks ago, with more events scheduled in the coming weeks.
Valencia coach Fernando Martín and his three children die in tragic accident
Following the festive run of events, recovery work on the pitch is now almost complete.
Groundsmen have carried out minor repair works, grass treatment and surface leveling to ensure the pitch meets required standards for competitive football.
Early visual checks show the pitch still looking green and firm, a significant improvement compared to previous years when concerts often left the surface damaged.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled dramatic changes to the country’s asylum system
The United Kingdom has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accusing its government of failing to cooperate with its new policy on the return of undocumented migrants and those who commit criminal offences.
The UK Home Office announced the measures in a statement late on Saturday. It also said that Angola and Namibia have agreed to step up efforts to take back their citizens.
The agreements mark the first major change under sweeping reforms unveiled by Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood last month to make refugee status temporary and speed up the deportation of those who arrive without documents in the UK.
There was no immediate comment from the DRC, Angola or Namibia.
The Home Office said the DRC failed to meet the UK’s requirements for cooperation and has now been stripped of fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision makers.
Mahmood said the UK could escalate measures to a complete halt of visas for the DRC unless cooperation rapidly improves.
“We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” she said.
“I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.
“This is just the start of the measures I am taking to secure our border and ramp up the removal of those with no right to be here,” she added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s centre-left government unveiled sweeping changes to the UK’s asylum system last month, including drastically cutting protections for refugees and their children, as part of a bid to stem the arrivals of irregular migrants that have fuelled rising anger on the far-right.
More than 39,000 people, many fleeing conflict, have arrived in the UK on small boats this year, more than for the whole of 2024 but lower than the record set in 2022, when the Conservatives were in power.
Mahmood told lawmakers that the reforms, modelled on Denmark’s strict asylum system, would discourage refugees and asylum seekers from crossing the English Channel from France on small boats.
She described the current system as “out of control and unfair”, adding that it was an “uncomfortable truth” that the government must face.
Under the reforms, refugee status will become temporary and will be reviewed every 30 months. Refugees will be forced to return to their home countries once those are deemed safe.
They will also need to wait for 20 years, instead of the current five, before they can apply for permanent residency.
The government has also said it will legislate to make it harder for irregular migrants and foreign criminals to use the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to stop deportation.
Since July last year, the UK has “removed more than 50,000 people with no right to remain”, a 23 percent increase on the previous period, and instructed diplomats to make returns a top priority, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Yvette Cooper said.
The policy has been facing criticism, however, with Mark Davies, a former adviser to the Foreign Office, calling it “shameful” and a departure from “Britain’s historic commitment to support refugees”.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also described the policy as “draconian”, adding that it tries to “appease the most ghastly, racist right-wing forces all across Europe”, while undermining the UN Convention on Human Rights.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, urged the government to reconsider, warning the plans “will not deter” crossings, and that refugees who work hard should be able to build “secure, settled lives”.
Official figures cited by the AFP news agency showed that asylum claims in the UK are at a record high, with about 111,000 applications made in the year to June 2025.
But the number of initial positive decisions the UK authorities granted fell from 2023 to 2024.
Most asylum seekers and refugees arrive in the UK legally. Net migration reached a record high of 906,000 in the year to June 2023, before it fell to 431,000 in 2024, partly reflecting the tighter rules.
Prof. Patrick Asuming, Economist, has emphasised the need for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to support its claims with comprehensive accounting.
Prof. Asuming said such oversight of state institutions is both expected and necessary, particularly when national resources are involved.
Speaking during an interview with TV3, Prof. Asuming stated, “This is for the country of Ghana,” he stated. “When institutions of state are doing things and people comment, it’s not necessarily an attack.”
Prof. Asuming also noted a change in the Gold Board’s communication style. He observed that while earlier statements appeared confrontational, recent explanations acknowledge losses while highlighting that the benefits outweigh the costs.
“The earlier statement came across as defiant,” he said. “But now the position seems to be that yes, there are losses, and the benefits outweigh the costs. That is a point of view.”
His remarks come amid claims that the Bank of Ghana is allegedly concealing losses linked to the Gold-for-Reserves programme. The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) had earlier rejected assertions in an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report that the Bank of Ghana incurred losses of approximately $214 million under the programme.
The IMF had flagged these reported losses as a potential risk to Ghana’s broader macroeconomic stabilisation efforts, attributing them to transactions involving artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) dore gold, as well as what it termed “GoldBod off-taker fees.”
In a detailed response posted on social media, GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, described the claims as inaccurate and based on misconceptions about the Board’s operations.
He stated that GoldBod has not recorded any losses under its gold trading programmes and is on track to declare an income surplus of no less than GH¢600 million for the 2025 financial year, according to unaudited financial statements published on the Board’s website.
Later, speaking on TV3, Gyamfi clarified that the issue is not about denial but rather about accounting treatment and financial reporting standards.
“The Bank of Ghana is not running away from any loss. These are accounting matters that have been referred to external auditors to ensure fairness and balance,” he said.
A taskforce operation led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, targeting commercial drivers who charge unapproved fares, has resulted in the arrest of six drivers in the Central Business District of Accra.
The enforcement exercise began around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday December 27, and covered major routes from the COCOBOD section of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to the Farisco traffic light, areas that experience high passenger traffic during peak hours. Commuters heading to destinations including Kaneshie, Awoshie, Kasoa, and Lapaz were directly affected.
During the operation, the Mayor and his team stopped trotros and other commercial vehicles to verify fares charged against approved rates, cross-checking with passengers onboard. While many drivers adhered to the approved fares, six were found overcharging and were subsequently arrested.
The Mayor later cautioned and pardoned the drivers, explaining that the exercise was the first day of the enforcement operation and intended to serve as a firm warning.
“Sustained enforcement is necessary to ensure fairness in public transport pricing and deter drivers who exploit high demand to overcharge passengers,” he said.
In a gesture aimed at easing commuter burden, Mayor Allotey paid full lorry fares for all passengers on a bus headed to Lapaz, reinforcing the Assembly’s message that passengers should not pay beyond approved rates.
The Mayor confirmed that enforcement would continue across the metropolis, with strict monitoring and penalties for defaulters.
He also cautioned both drivers and traders against practices that undermine public order, assuring that the Assembly would maintain a visible presence along key corridors to protect road users and maintain discipline.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has reiterated the institution’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and ensuring sustainable practices in Ghana’s gold sector.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points program, Gyamfi emphasised that environmental protection is central to GoldBod’s mandate, and the agency is taking concrete steps to enforce it.
“When we took over, there was no real fight against illegal mining. We did not maintain the status quo, highlighting the proactive measures already implemented,” he said.
He noted that Legislative Instruments 23 and 24, which previously permitted certain mining activities in protected areas, have been revoked.
“Mining is no longer permissible in forest reserves, and NAIMOS is actively cracking down on illegal miners everywhere. You have seen the videos,” he added.
Goldbod to fully take over gold trading and reserves in 2026
Gyamfi stressed that GoldBod has institutionalized environmental protection by making it illegal to purchase gold sourced from unauthorized mining activities.
He explained that under Section 59 of the GoldBod Act, any purchase of gold from illegal mining operations constitutes an offense.
The CEO also addressed criticisms about the pace of implementing traceability measures.
While Ghana has a long history of gold procurement dating back to colonial times, he believes the introduction of a national traceability program is a landmark initiative.
“We have given timelines for the traceability program to be fully operational. Every gram of gold bought by the state will be traceable to its mine of origin, and it must come from a sustainable mine,” he explained.
He noted the challenges posed by decades of unregulated gold trading and smuggling, which have historically undermined both the environment and the national economy.
“Our approach balances economic benefits with environmental responsibility, ensuring that Ghana’s gold sector contributes to development without compromising our natural heritage.”
SP/EB
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Okafor issued the apology during a livestream uploaded by DavePlayBlogger on Sunday and seen by SaharaReporters on X, where he acknowledged wrongdoing while disputing several allegations made against him.
Pastor Chris Okafor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries, also known as Grace Nation Liberation City, has publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala following days of controversy that culminated in her arrest and subsequent release by the Nigeria Police.
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged arson incident at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.
In a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, on December 27, the Police confirmed the arrest of a Canadian national, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, and her Ghanaian boyfriend, Mohammed Issah, following investigations into the incident.
Confirming the arrests, the Police said, “The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with a case of causing unlawful damage at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.”
The statement explained that preliminary investigations point to a deliberate act by the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment at the time of the incident.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment, deliberately set the property ablaze on December 23, completely destroying it without any apparent provocation,” the statement added.
The Police also provided further details on how the suspects were apprehended. “Suspect Mohammed Issah was arrested by the Ayimensah Abokobi Police on the same day the incident occurred, while suspect Jennifer Mae Tomlinson went into hiding and was later arrested from her hideout on December 25,” it stated.
The Command said both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“Both suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, and they will be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.
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.
Sammy Darko is the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communications at the OSP
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has stated that it has saved Ghana millions of cedis by exercising its preventive mandate to identify and halt corruption risks before they result in financial losses.
This was made known by the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communications, Sammy Darko, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, on Facebook.
Special Prosecutor has survived two assassination attempts – Sammy Darko reveals
Explaining the impact of the OSP’s work, he said the office has focused not only on investigations and prosecutions but also on preventing questionable transactions that could harm the public purse.
“The OSP…using its preventive powers,” he noted, has played a critical role in protecting national resources.
He cited the now-suspended Agyapa Royalties deal as a major example of effective intervention.
According to Darko, the OSP raised concerns about corruption risks surrounding the transaction, which ultimately prevented its implementation.
“The OSP saved Ghana millions of cedis when it raised corruption risks around the Agyapa royalties deal.
“Those concerns stopped a bad deal that could have cost the country far more in the long run. That money stayed with Ghana, not private interests,” he said.
Darko also pointed to the planned sale of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), where similar concerns were flagged.
“The same thing happened with the planned sale of TOR. The OSP flagged corruption risks in a proposed partnership, and the sale did not go through,” he indicated.
He stressed that without the OSP’s intervention, the country could have lost a strategic state asset.
“Without that intervention, a key state asset would likely have been lost,” he added.
Beyond major transactions, the OSP has also helped curb financial leakages within the public sector payroll.
Darko revealed that the office uncovered ghost names despite existing Ghana Card verification systems.
“These were people being paid even though they did not exist or no longer worked there,” he explained.
According to him, removing such names from payrolls prevented continuous losses to the state.
‘No wonder things don’t get done at the OSP’ – Kpebu berates Sammy Darko
He concluded that these examples demonstrate the value of preventive anti-corruption measures by the OSP.
Darko’s comments follow the reopening and operation of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), which, according to him, was one of the institutions the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) prevented from being sold after it flagged corruption risks in a proposed partnership with Tema Energy and Processing Limited around 2023–2024.
MAG/EB
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Paul van Zuydam is South Africa’s newest billionaire
Paul van Zuydam has become South Africa’s newest dollar billionaire, joining the ranks of the country’s wealthiest individuals tracked by Forbes.
According to Forbes’ real-time estimates in December 2025, van Zuydam’s net worth stands at $1.7 billion (about R28.4 billion), ranking him as the world’s 2,186th richest person.
His addition lifts South Africa’s total number of billionaires on the global list to eight, alongside prominent names such as Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer.
At 87, Van Zuydam is the owner and chairman of French cookware maker Le Creuset, a company he acquired in the late 1980s when it was struggling financially.
He transformed the brand into a global household name, best known for its hand-finished cast-iron cookware and stringent quality standards at its foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, northern France.
Under his leadership, Le Creuset concentrated production in France, invested heavily in automation, and broadened its product range.
Manufacturing capacity was doubled, output rose to more than 20,000 pieces a day, and the company expanded aggressively into the United States and Asia.
The business also diversified into ceramics and other cookware categories while keeping its signature cast-iron manufacturing rooted in France. Since 2001, Le Creuset has grown without taking on external debt.
Today, the company generates more than $850 million (around R14 billion) in annual revenue, cementing van Zuydam’s place among Africa’s dollar billionaires.
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play videoHundreds of underprivileged were provided meals during the Feeding with Dignity initiative
Donsey Kitchen and Grills, in collaboration with the Firm Health Foundation and GhanaWeb, on December 26, 2025, launched its annual Feeding with Dignity initiative in Accra, Ghana.
The project aimed to provide nutritious meals to 3,000 underprivileged individuals living on the streets of Accra.
Speaking at the event, the MD of Donsey Kitchen and Grills, Joseph Sena Donnie explained the inspiration behind the Feeding with Dignity initiative.
Chinese community in Ghana, UNESCO donate over GH¢300,000 to Motherly Love Orphanage
“It all started with my birthday. I decided not to be doing party again, but rather party with the kids at the orphanage,” Donnie noted.
Joseph continued that, “last year I decided to give the street because I realised there’s a lot of hunger on the street, so that was when we did 1,500. This year, I decided to champion in more and I spoke to Firm Health and GhanaWeb and they loved it. So here we are today.”
Dr. Sylvester Akpah of Firm Health Foundation, a partner of the Feeding with Dignity initiative, highlighted the nutritional standards put in place and explained why they chose to partner with Donsey Kitchen and Grills.
“As a foundation, which is health bias, we also believe in some social interventions. And the typical social intervention is this. When Donsey Kitchen and Grills approached us with this project, we thought that it actually falls in line with our core values, and we gave it some deep thought and we decided to partner with them,” he said.
He concluded by saying, “Cooking for a large number of people, there’s a need that you need to ensure, that there are no spread of any diseases as we have it. So in terms of the environment in which the meals were prepared, we needed to make sure that those environments are clean. Even those who were preparing the meals, we needed to ensure that they follow every critical standards to ensure that the meals that we serve are meals that are nutritious and very wholesome.”
The Feeding with Dignity initiative concluded with 3,000 underprivileged individuals living on the streets being served with nutritious meals.
Rapper Michael Owusu Addo, known within the creative space as Sarkodie, has shared the important role his elder sister, Veronica, played in his music career and expressed deep gratitude to her.
Speaking at his sister’s wedding reception on December 26, 2025, Sarkodie looked back on his journey and told the crowd how instrumental she was to his rise in the music industry.
According to the rapper, his sister went out of her way to connect with top musicians at the time, including Castro and KK Fosu, consistently introducing him and putting his name out there. He said she stood by him and believed in his talent when many doubted his future in music.
Rapperholic 2025: Sarkodie’s unforgettable Christmas bash lights up Accra
“My sister did everything she could to reach top musicians like Castro and KK Fosu just to introduce me to them. She has been my biggest manager. When nobody believed in my future, she knew I would become something great,” he said.
Sarkodie assured his sister of his continued support, even as she begins a new chapter in marriage, acknowledging the sacrifices and encouragement she gave him throughout his career.
He also congratulated his brother-in-law, noting that marrying his sister was the best choice he could have made. Sarkodie ended by wishing the couple a happy and enduring marriage, praying for their success together.
For years, Denis Omedi lived a life few professional footballers could relate to.
While others focused solely on training and matchdays, the Ugandan striker was splitting his time between hospital wards and football pitches.
After graduating in 2019, he joined the Uganda Prisons Service as a nurse, working full-time shifts and then rushing off to train, often exhausted but never discouraged.
Progress was slow and sometimes cruel. Omedi was not fast-tracked, not hyped, and not protected by shortcuts.
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He simply stayed patient, trusting that persistence would eventually speak louder than age or circumstance.
That belief was tested repeatedly, but he never walked away from the game.
At 31, six years into his professional journey, Omedi finally arrived on the biggest stage of his career, the Africa Cup of Nations. His debut against Tunisia was not ceremonial.
Introduced just after the break, he seized the moment, scoring Uganda’s consolation goal and turning years of quiet sacrifice into a statement heard across the continent.
The Tunisia strike was only the beginning. Four days later, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Omedi again stepped out of the shadows.
Brought on in the 65th minute, he became the difference-maker, showing maturity and clarity beyond the pressure of the moment.
His assist for Uche Ikpeazu’s equaliser earned Uganda their first point of the tournament and confirmed his growing importance. The point has also put the Cranes in a position to qualify for the knockout stages.
A win in their last group game against Nigeria could be enough to send them through. He played his club football with Rwanda’s APR in the 2024/25 season and was part of the Ugandan team that finished second in the 2026 CAF World Cup qualifiers.
Supporters of Guinean leader and presidential candidate Mamadi Doumbouya hold posters of him
Guinea began voting on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to hand Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, a seven-year mandate, completing the West African nation’s transition back to civilian rule.
The former special forces commander, thought to be in his early 40s, faces eight other candidates in a fragmented field with no strong challenger. Ousted President Alpha Conde and longtime opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo remain in exile.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT) in the capital Conakry, with only slight delays in some cases as small queues of people waited outside. Some voters described the election as a formality and the outcome as a foregone conclusion.
“The most important thing is that the country returns to normal. I’m pragmatic. I voted for the one who is in office and who ensures the continuity of the state,” shopkeeper Moussa Kaba told Reuters.
About 6.7 million people are registered to vote and polling stations were due to close at 6 p.m. (1800 GMT), with provisional results expected within 48 to 72 hours of polls closing.
RICH IN BAUXITE AND IRON ORE
Guinea holds the world’s largest bauxite reserves and the richest untapped iron ore deposit at Simandou, officially launched last month after years of delay.
Doumbouya has claimed credit for pushing the project forward and ensuring Guinea benefits from its output.
His government this year also revoked the licence of Emirates Global Aluminium’s subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation following a refinery dispute, transferring the unit’s assets to a state-owned firm.
The turn toward resource nationalism – echoed in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – has boosted his popularity, as has his relative youth in a country where the median age is about 19.
“For us young people, Doumbouya represents the opportunity to send the old political class into retirement,” said Mohamed Kaba, a mechanic in Conakry. “There is a lot of corruption right now, but I hope these things will be sorted out.”
DOUMBOUYA EXPECTED TO ENTRENCH POWER
If elected, Doumbouya “will likely utilise his position to further entrench his power and that of the military over Guinea, said Benedict Manzin, lead Middle East and Africa analyst at risk consultancy Sibylline.
“In particular, he is likely to position his allies and associates to benefit from the expected economic boom associated with the launch of production” at Simandou, Manzin added.
A transition charter adopted after the coup barred junta members from contesting elections. But in September, Guineans overwhelmingly backed a new constitution removing that clause, extending presidential terms to seven years, and creating a Senate.
Official results showed turnout in the ballot was 92%, though opposition figures disputed that.
Abdoulaye Barry, a civil engineer, told Reuters on Sunday that he would not vote, lamenting that the country was “allowing a man who swore not to run to do so.
OPPOSITION ACTIVITY RESTRICTED DURING CAMPAIGN
Political debate has been muted under Doumbouya. Civil society groups accuse his government of banning protests, curbing press freedom and restricting opposition activity.
The campaign period “has been severely restricted, marked by intimidation of opposition actors, apparently politically motivated enforced disappearances, and constraints on media freedom,” U.N. rights chief Volker Turk said on Friday. These conditions “risk undermining the credibility of the electoral process,” he added.
The government did not respond to a request for comment.
Doumbouya kept a low profile during the campaign, leaving officials and supporters to make his case.
At a closing rally on Thursday in Conakry, he skipped a speech, although he danced with his wife while Congolese star Koffi Olomide performed.
He wore a white baseball cap and a track jacket emblazoned with the name of his movement: “Generation for Modernity and Development.
Reporting by Guinea newsroom; Additional reporting by Portia Crowe; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Louise Heavens and Helen Popper
Moises Caicedo and his Blues team-mates are determined to bounce straight back from our loss to Aston Villa, to finish 2025 on a high in front of the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder was part of the side which lined up against Aston Villa in our penultimate Premier League fixture of the year at the Bridge yesterday.
The Blues put in an impressive performance for an hour to dominate a visiting side which had recorded 10 consecutive victories across all competitions, taking the lead through Joao Pedro’s first-half goal from a Reece James corner.
However, we were unable to convert that into points, as Villa fought back and found the net twice in 20 minutes to leave Chelsea to reflect on a frustrating afternoon and disappointing 2-1 defeat.
‘It’s painful because we were controlling the game,’ admitted Caicedo. ‘The first half was so good and we started the second half well and could have won, even after the first goal they scored.
‘For sure we were frustrated because we were doing a great job, but when you do not concentrate for the whole game in the Premier League it’s going to happen.’
Caicedo and his fellow Blues won’t have to wait long for their chance to bounce back, though. We end the calendar year with another home game at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, when we host Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
It is an opportunity the Ecuadorian is determined to take advantage of, by showing the team has learned from this tough result.
‘We need to keep learning from this because we were there, up, but in the Premier League you need to be consistent to stay up,’ he said.
‘So we need to keep learning. This is not just a loss, it’s a chance to learn, and for sure we’re going to come back even stronger.
‘It’s important for us, for the fans, to end the year in a good way. So we’re just going to learn from this and focus on the next game because we want to give everything.’
Caicedo and Chelsea will be hoping to put that lesson into practice on the pitch and make it a happy new year for the Blues when Bournemouth come to west London on Tuesday 30 December, with kick-off at the Bridge at 7.30pm.
Nollywood was thrown into mourning on Saturday, December 27, following the sudden passing of actress, Allwell Ademola.
A check on her Instagram page showed the 43-year-old actress shared a video on her Instagram page where she was seen singing a prayer song of ending the year alive.
“In the name of Jesus, I will see the end of this year; this year will not see my end,” she sang the lyrics out
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally responded to Ghana’s request for information regarding investigations into the tragic death of a Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei, in Latvia.
The development follows reports, including a widely circulated video, alleging the killing of a Ghanaian student identified as Nana Adjei in Latvia.
Upon receiving the information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately initiated investigations through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
Mr Ablakwa has since met with the family of the late Nana Agyei Ahyia, assuring them of the government’s commitment to uncovering the facts surrounding the incident. He further informed the family that a fact-finding mission would be dispatched from Ghana’s Embassy in Germany, which holds concurrent accreditation to Latvia, to support the investigations.
According to the Minister, Latvian authorities have indicated their readiness to receive the Ghanaian delegation in Riga on January 20, 2026, to facilitate direct engagement and cooperation.
“I promised regular updates in the interest of transparency, accountability and justice, and I shall continue to do just that,” Mr Ablakwa stated. “As I have reiterated, the Mahama administration values every Ghanaian life, whether at home or abroad, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to safeguard the dignity of all Ghanaians.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured the public that it will continue to work closely with Latvian authorities and keep the family and the nation informed as investigations progress.
Borle Music is a rising name in the Afro-Swing scene
“Die With You” by Borle Music is a smooth Afro-Swing love song that mixes deep emotions with a calm and steady rhythm.
The song talks about unbreakable love and shares a message of devotion and loyalty.
It shows two people who choose to stand together through all of life’s moments.
With soulful melodies and warm Afro rhythms, the song creates a peaceful and romantic feeling.
Borle Music is a rising name in the Afro-Swing scene, steadily gaining attention for music that blends heartfelt emotion with smooth, rhythmic African influences.
Known for creating calm yet meaningful soundscapes, Borle Music focuses on love, commitment, and emotional connection, themes that resonate strongly with listeners who value depth and sincerity in music
“Die With You” is more than just music.
It is a promise of love, trust, and togetherness.
Borle Music delivers a song that reminds listeners of the beauty of true commitment.
Agya K, the father of late Ghanaian TikToker Osanju, has passed away a few months after his son and wife died
Oheneba Jude confirmed the death of Agya K in a video on social media, amidst tears and sobs
Netizens who watched the video on social media thronged the comment section to mourn Agya K
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Agya K, the father of the late Ghanaian TikToker Osanju Frimpong Elvis, has died a few months after the deaths of his son and wife in 2025.
The popular TikToker passed away on September 1, 2025, five months after his mother’s burial. Osanju’s mother’s death was confirmed on January 20, 2025.
Agya K, the father of the late Osanju passes away. Photo credit: MrSanjus, NahBaffdotcomm Source: TikTok
Following the deaths of his wife and son, Agya K appeared deeply saddened. However, other family members stayed close to him to help ease his grief.
Oheneba Jude confirmed Agya K’s death in a social media post.
Watch the video below:
Netizens mourn Osanju’s dad
YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the death announcement of Osanju’s father. Read them below:
nyarkoabronomaa1 said:
“He died from too much sorrow. The loss was too much 😔 RIP Agya K.”
Manye_Padikie👸 wrote:
“The man died the day his wife died 🤦♀️. May their souls rest peacefully 🙏🏻💔.”
Pape Matar Sarr was an unused substitute as Senegal drew with the DR Congo on matchday two of the Africa Cup of Nations.
A winner of the continental tournament with his nation in 2021, Pape was named amongst Senegal’s substitutes for the second successive game as they faced their 2026 World Cup qualifying rivals once again.
A side they pipped to qualify for next year’s tournament in North America earlier this season with Pape scoring a dramatic late winner as Senegal came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, the nations are now in the same AFCON group, but nothing could separate them this time in Tangier.
Actor, Alesh Sanni, has slammed his colleagues for quickly posting about the passing of actress, Allwell Ademola, even though they never posted her movies while she was alive
Allwell passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 27.
In the video he posted this morning, Alesh said he was supposed to attend a dinner with late Allwell but that she passed away hours before the dinner they had both planned to attend.
Displeased with his colleagues who were quick to mourn her via social media, Alesh said
“What I don’t understand is why are people so quick to post bad news.
Thisis disturbing! This is disheartening! Someone will do birthday andyou guys will never post them like this…She was a producer. You people wouldn’t repost any of her movies, so why are you posting now? Someone hasn’t d!ed beyond 30 minutes and the news is all over your pages…why?”
Hugo Broos is the head coach of South Africa
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The Tema Oil Refinery Limited (TOR) has announced the resumption of crude oil refining operations.
