The United States Department of Defense has published video footage documenting military strikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s Thursday announcement of coordinated operations with Nigerian authorities.

The brief clip, labeled as unclassified material, shows a missile launching from a naval vessel. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed conducting strikes in Sokoto State, killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Trump directed the operation alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, according to official statements.

Trump disclosed the Christmas Day action through his Truth Social platform, stating the strikes targeted militants he accused of attacking Christian communities. The president referenced his November warning that threatened military intervention if the violence continued. He characterized the operation as fulfilling that earlier commitment.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the strikes hours after Trump’s announcement. Major General Samaila Uba, the Nigerian military’s director of defence information, said Nigerian forces conducted the operation “in conjunction with” American counterparts, based on credible intelligence. The ministry described the action as part of existing security cooperation frameworks involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination with international partners.

The operation targeted ISIS elements operating in Nigeria’s northwest region. AFRICOM’s statement indicated the strike occurred in what it called “Soboto state,” an apparent reference to Sokoto state. The command emphasized the operation demonstrated American military strength and commitment to eliminating terrorist threats.

Trump’s announcement came after months of public statements regarding religious violence in Nigeria. In October, the administration designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious freedom violations. The State Department subsequently implemented visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of involvement in violence against Christians.

Security analysts suggested Lakurawa, a group prominent in northwestern states, could have been the target, noting the organization has become increasingly deadly this year. The group operates from forest hideouts between states, according to reports.

Nigeria’s government has maintained that armed groups target communities regardless of religious affiliation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posted a Christmas Eve message on X calling for peace “especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs”. He expressed commitment to protecting all Nigerians from violence.

The strikes follow recent American operations in Syria, where forces conducted large scale attacks against Islamic State positions after a suspected ISIS assault killed three Americans earlier this month. Defense Secretary Hegseth indicated additional operations may follow if violence continues.

Details regarding casualties from the Nigeria operation remain undisclosed. The Department of Defense has not released comprehensive information about specific targets or damage assessments beyond confirming multiple militants were killed during the coordinated strikes.

The Chamber also saluted Parliament for its diligence, courage, and statesmanship

The Chamber of Digital Assets and Blockchain Innovation (CDABI-GH) has commended the Bank of Ghana, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Parliament of Ghana for the passage of Ghana’s Virtual Asset legislation.

The Chamber applauded the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, as well as the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) policy and technical teams, alongside the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission and his dedicated professionals, for their discipline, foresight, and unwavering commitment to the national interest.

A statement issued in Accra said their work had transformed a complex, fast-moving frontier into a governed, credible, and investable ecosystem.

“This Act is more than a law. It is a signal.

A signal to innovators that Ghana is open.

A signal to investors that Ghana is safe.

A signal to citizens that Ghana is protected,” it said.

The statement noted that, with this landmark framework, Ghana has moved from experimentation to institution, from ambiguity to certainty, and from promise to policy.

It added that the Virtual Asset Act provides the clarity markets require, the safeguards consumers deserve, and the structure regulators need to supervise with confidence.

The Chamber also saluted Parliament for its diligence, courage, and statesmanship.

“By choosing thoughtful regulation over delay, and national progress over hesitation, Parliament has ensured that Ghana will not chase the future but shape it,” the statement said.

“History will remember this moment, because nations do not become digital leaders by chance; they become leaders by choice,” it added.

The Chamber reaffirmed its full commitment to supporting the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission during the implementation phase.

It said the Chamber is ready to advance compliance, build capacity, educate market participants, and promote responsible innovation across the ecosystem.

US Congressman Riley Moore has hailed recent airstrikes in North West Nigeria as a decisive move to protect Christian communities and tackle the ongoing security crisis in the country.

Speaking on Friday via his X handle, Moore said the strikes, conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, marked “just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians.”

“President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end.

“As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trump‘s resolve in this matter,” the congressman added.

The comments came after reports that US forces, under President Donald Trump’s direction, carried out airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in North West Nigeria. In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation.

“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. The Department of War is always ready…Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth wrote.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the strikes were part of structured security cooperation with international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Moore recently concluded a fact-finding mission in Nigeria to investigate alleged attacks on Christian communities, describing the experience as deeply disturbing.

Leading a five-member congressional delegation, he visited IDPs, survivors of terrorist attacks, Christian leaders, and traditional rulers in Benue State.

The team also met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi.

Speaking on Fox News, Moore recounted harrowing cases, including a woman who lost five children while pregnant, and another who lost her husband, two daughters, and her unborn child, describing the violence as deliberate targeting of Christians.

“This is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria. They are trying to erase Christians in Benue and across Nigeria from their ancestral homeland,” Moore said.

He confirmed that President Trump tasked him and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to submit a report with recommendations by the end of the month, following Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian killings.

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.

The suspected narcotic substance concealed in bags

The Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a man at Kpalsi in Tamale in connection with dried leaves suspected to be marijuana, valued at about GH¢80,000.

The suspect was arrested at the residence of a friend he was visiting after police intelligence led officers to the location.

FULL TEXT: How a 21-year-old Ghanaian was arrested in US for extortion

According to reports, the team had initially gone to the area to arrest the homeowner, who was the primary suspect in the case, but he fled before the officers arrived. The visiting suspect was, however, picked up during the operation.

Speaking after his arrest, the suspect identified himself as Mohamed Alhassan and claimed ownership of the dried leaves.

“My name is Mohamed Alhassan. It’s [the dried leaves] for me,” he said. “There is one man who comes from the Volta Region. When he comes, he’ll call me, and I’ll go, and he’ll sell it for me.”

Alhassan told investigators that the consignment had been delivered in portions over time and that he could not recall the exact date the latest batch was received.

“This one, honestly, I can’t remember [when I received it]. It was not only this one. They brought it before you people came,” he said.

He further alleged that the total quantity initially supplied to him was about 100 kilograms, with portions already distributed before the police operation.

“We call it 50 kilos, so he gave me 100 kilos. This is going to be 200 for 100 kilos. So right now, the one that is left is 50 kilos before you people came,” he stated.

The suspect also claimed he had decided to stop selling the substance shortly before his arrest and was uncertain about what to do with the remaining stock.

“As you people came, I said I want to stop selling the weed. Since I said I want to stop selling, and this thing is with me, I don’t know what to do with it,” he said.

According to Alhassan, he discussed destroying the dried leaves with an associate he identified as Hashim, but was discouraged because of its estimated value.

“So, I told him that I want to burn this thing because I want to stop selling it, and he gave me hope that it is a lot of money,” he said. “As you see this one, it is GH¢80,000. He said GH¢80,000 is big money, I shouldn’t burn it. So, I should give it to him, and then he will sell and give me my money,” he explained to the police.

21-year-old Ghanaian sentenced by US court over $200 Snapchat sextortion

Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing to locate the primary suspect who fled and to identify other individuals connected to the alleged drug distribution network.

The Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a man at Kpalsi in Tamale in connection with dried leaves suspected to be marijuana, valued at about GHS80,000.

The suspect was picked up at the residence of a friend he was visiting. According to reports, the… pic.twitter.com/AhXIW6zPDR

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) December 26, 2025

MAG/EB

Meanwhile watch highlights of Black Sherif’s performance at Zaama Disco 2025

Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi has dismissed claims that the institution recorded losses under the gold reserves programme, rejecting assertions in a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.

The IMF stated that losses from artisanal and small scale mining gold transactions under the Gold for Reserves (G4R) programme reached 214 million dollars by the end of September 2025.

Gyamfi insisted the Ghana Gold Board has made no losses and has instead made a significant profit or surplus under its gold trading programmes in 2025. He disclosed that based on unaudited financial statements, GoldBod is expected to declare an income surplus of not less than 600 million cedis for the year 2025.

The CEO clarified the division of responsibilities between GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana (BoG). He explained that GoldBod’s role in 2025 was limited to buying gold locally, testing its quality, and exporting it for the Bank of Ghana. Gyamfi stated that the selling or trading of gold purchased by GoldBod to off-takers lies in the exclusive domain of the Bank of Ghana, adding that GoldBod is not aware of any 214 million dollar loss incurred by the central bank.

The IMF report, released as part of its fifth review of Ghana’s three year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme on December 17, flagged the losses as a key risk to Ghana’s broader economic stabilisation efforts. According to the Fund, the losses were largely driven by trading losses incurred under the artisanal and small scale mining gold transactions component of the programme, as well as off takers’ fees linked to GoldBod operations.

Gyamfi rejected the IMF’s reference to GoldBod off-taker fees as false. He stated that there is nothing like GoldBod off-taker fees under the artisanal and small scale mining gold trading programme, insisting that GoldBod does not deal with off-takers, nor does it charge any off-taker fees. He clarified that all off-take agreements are signed and implemented by the Bank of Ghana.

The only charges GoldBod receives from the Bank of Ghana are a statutory assay fee of 0.25 percent and a service charge of 0.5 percent, fees inherited from a 2023 gold purchase agreement between the Bank of Ghana and the former Precious Minerals Marketing Company. Gyamfi stressed there has been no increase by GoldBod of these fees in 2025, explaining that these charges form the bulk of the institution’s internally generated funds.

The GoldBod CEO highlighted what he described as the institution’s significant contribution to Ghana’s foreign exchange position. He stated that GoldBod generated over 10 billion dollars in foreign exchange in 2025 alone through the local purchase of more than 100 tonnes of artisanal and small scale mining gold for the Bank of Ghana. He added that GoldBod also purchases 20 percent of the gold output of nine large-scale mining companies to help shore up national reserves.

Financial analysts have offered a different perspective on the losses. Data tracked using official figures from the Bank of Ghana show that Ghana has historically sold its gold at a discount of 3 percent to 5 percent on the international market. In October 2025, for example, the average world price of gold was 4,054 dollars per ounce, yet Ghana realised about 3,919 dollars per ounce, representing a shortfall of roughly 135 dollars per ounce.

When the Gold Board was established, its initial business model was to act as the sole buyer and exporter of gold from Ghana’s small scale mining sector, to be funded by a 279 million dollar revolving fund provided in the 2025 budget. By the end of September 2025, GoldBod had not received the budgeted funds and now operates primarily as an intermediary.

The IMF warned that this arrangement poses risks to the Bank of Ghana’s financial position, stating plainly that the domestic gold purchase programme poses risks to the financial sustainability of the BoG. The Fund cautioned that losses from the programme should not be borne by the central bank.

Looking ahead, Gyamfi announced changes to GoldBod’s operating structure. He said from January 2026, GoldBod will fully take over the artisanal and small scale gold trading programme, meaning it would no longer operate as an intermediary for the Bank of Ghana. Under this arrangement, GoldBod would be responsible for purchasing, trading and selling gold directly, with no fee obligations to the central bank.

The establishment of GoldBod in early 2025 came after the government restructured Ghana’s gold trading framework following the passage of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140) in April. The law revoked all licences previously issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company and the sector minister, except for those granted to large-scale mining companies.

The losses follow similar significant setbacks recorded under the previous government’s Gold for Oil programme, which the Bank of Ghana acknowledged resulted in losses of 2.137 billion cedis over two years. The central bank reported losses of 317 million cedis in 2023 and 1.82 billion cedis in 2024 before officially ending the initiative on March 13, 2025.

The disagreement between GoldBod and the IMF centres on whether profits recorded by the gold board came at the expense of losses absorbed by the central bank. While Gyamfi emphasizes GoldBod’s operational surplus and foreign exchange generation, the IMF report focuses on the overall financial impact on the Bank of Ghana’s balance sheet. The debate continues as Ghana seeks to balance gold sector formalisation with financial sustainability concerns.

By Goodnuff Appiah Larbi, (Ph.D.) & Elizabeth Asantewah Ofori, Esq 

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming institutions across the globe, and the legal profession is no exception. From legal research and document drafting to case management and judicial administration, AI tools promise unprecedented speed and efficiency. In Ghana, where judicial reforms and access to justice remain ongoing concerns, AI presents both an opportunity and a challenge. This article critically examines the adoption of AI within Ghana’s legal system, arguing that while AI can enhance justice delivery, it must remain a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human judgment, ethical responsibility, and constitutional governance.

Analysis

Technological advancement has always reshaped professional practice. Just as society transitioned from rudimentary agricultural tools to mechanised farming, the legal profession cannot remain insulated from innovation. AI-assisted research platforms, automated drafting tools, and data-driven case management systems are already influencing legal work. These technologies can reduce delays, improve productivity, and support overburdened courts. However, uncritical reliance on AI risks undermining the very values the justice system seeks to protect like fairness, accuracy, transparency, and public confidence.

AI is best understood as a machine-based system designed to make predictions, recommendations, or decisions based on human-defined objectives. Modern AI systems rely on machine learning and neural networks, enabling them to analyse vast datasets and generate outputs that resemble human reasoning. In legal practice, this translates into tools that summarise cases, draft pleadings, predict litigation outcomes, or suggest authorities. Yet AI does not possess understanding, moral reasoning, or legal consciousness. It identifies patterns; it does not interpret justice. Consequently, its outputs are only as reliable as the data and assumptions on which they are built.

The origins of AI can be traced to the mid-twentieth century, notably Alan Turing’s inquiry into machine intelligence and the Dartmouth Conference where the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined. While early AI was largely theoretical, contemporary systems are powerful and widely accessible. This accessibility has intensified their impact on legal practice, making it imperative for lawyers and judges to understand both their capabilities and limitations.

At the heart of Ghana’s legal system lies the demand for competence and integrity. Legal research is the lifeblood of advocacy and adjudication. Accurate citation of authorities ensures consistency, predictability, and fairness in the development of the law. Ethical rules governing the legal profession impose duties of honesty, diligence, and candour to the court. Any conduct that misleads the court or diminishes public confidence in the administration of justice constitutes professional misconduct.

A major risk associated with AI use in legal practice is the phenomenon of fabricated cases and authorities, commonly referred to as “AI hallucinations.” Comparative experiences from jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa reveal instances where lawyers filed court documents containing fictitious citations generated by AI tools. Courts in these jurisdictions have imposed sanctions, emphasising that lawyers bear personal responsibility for verifying every authority relied upon, regardless of whether an AI tool was used. The absence of intent to deceive has not been accepted as a defence; negligence alone is sufficient to attract professional consequences.

For Ghana, these developments offer a cautionary lesson. The use of AI does not diminish a lawyer’s duty to conduct independent and thorough verification of legal authorities. On the contrary, it heightens that duty. Submitting fabricated or unverified authorities, whether generated by AI or otherwise, threatens the integrity of judicial proceedings and risks miscarriages of justice.

AI also raises complex issues in relation to evidence, particularly electronic and digital evidence. Advances in AI-generated audio, video, and images commonly referred to as deepfakes pose serious challenges to authenticity and reliability. Courts must therefore exercise heightened vigilance when assessing electronic evidence, ensuring that traditional rules of relevance, admissibility, and proof are rigorously applied. While technology evolves, the foundational principles of evidence remain unchanged.

Despite growing speculation about automated judging, AI cannot replace judges or lawyers within Ghana’s constitutional framework. Judicial decision-making involves discretion, contextual reasoning, and an appreciation of social realities—qualities that cannot be replicated by algorithms. The 1992 Constitution vests judicial authority in human judges, accountable to constitutional norms and ethical standards. Functions such as the empanelling of judges, entrusted to the Chief Justice, underline the inherently human and constitutional character of justice delivery. AI may assist administratively, for instance by analysing workloads or case durations, but it cannot assume judicial authority.

Given the inevitability of AI adoption, the question is not whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly. Lawyers must treat AI as a supplementary tool, not an authoritative source. Best practices include verifying all AI-generated content against primary sources, maintaining professional scepticism toward unfamiliar authorities, protecting client confidentiality, and ensuring that final responsibility for legal work rests with the lawyer, not the machine. Senior practitioners also bear a duty to train junior lawyers and clerks on the ethical and professional risks associated with AI use.

Institutional responses are equally critical. The Ghanaian Judiciary and the Ghana Bar Association should develop structured training programmes on AI literacy and ethics through the Judicial Training Institute and Bar Conferences. Clear guidelines on the permissible use of AI in legal practice would promote consistency and accountability. Furthermore, existing professional regulations should be strengthened to expressly sanction the submission of fabricated authorities, whether generated by AI or human misconduct. Legal education regulators should also integrate AI ethics and digital competence into academic curricula to prepare future lawyers for an AI-enabled profession.

Conclusion

AI holds significant promise for improving efficiency and access to justice in Ghana. However, its adoption must be guided by ethical discipline, professional responsibility, and constitutional fidelity. AI is a tool, not an arbiter of justice. The future of Ghana’s legal system depends not on replacing human judgment with algorithms, but on ensuring that technology serves the enduring values of fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.

Authored by:

Goodnuff Appiah Larbi; Professional Law Student at the Ghana School of Law. Email: [email protected] & Elizabeth Asantewah Ofori; Lawyer, currently practicing at Verve Legal Email: [email protected]

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By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA    

Ada, Dec. 25, GNA – Madam Catherine Dela Dzivenu, a Board Member of the Ghana Maritime Authority and former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ada East parliamentary aspirant, has reflected on this year’s activities, urging residents to be compassionate as the year comes to an end.  

Over the past year, Madam Dzivenu has remained actively engaged in community development initiatives, humanitarian support and public advocacy, with a particular focus on women, children and other vulnerable groups.  

Some community members testified of how Madam  Dzivenu had positively impacted many lives and strengthened social cohesion.  

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) as part of her Christmas message, she described President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office as “miraculous governance,” noting that she had initially been concerned about the scale of challenges inherited from the previous administration.  

She expressed optimism that the years ahead would be brighter if the current governance trajectory was sustained and expressed hope that the Ada community would benefit fully from national development policies and programmes.  

Madam Dzivenu observed that the festive atmosphere this Christmas had been encouraging, citing relatively affordable food prices as an indicator of improving economic conditions and effective governance.  

She stressed that development was most meaningful when it uplifted everyone, particularly the less privileged, and called on leaders across traditional, political, religious and institutional spaces to serve with unity, purpose and appreciation for those they lead.  

She urged residents to share even the little they had with neighbours to promote love, trust and peaceful coexistence.  

Madam Dzivenu, an advocate for compassion and collective responsibility, encouraged residents to embrace hard work and unity, saying the season presented an opportunity to appreciate resilience, extend kindness and renew commitment to community progress.  

GNA  

Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Christabel Addo   

The Ghana cedi continues to hold steady against major trading currencies after Christmas day.

Data from the Bank of Ghana show that the cedi is trading at GH¢11.10 to the US dollar on the interbank market as of December 26, 2025.

However, a weaker cedi typically leads to higher prices for imported goods, such as food, clothing, electronics, and household items, which increases the cost of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Fuel prices may also rise since petroleum products are imported in dollars, potentially leading to higher transportation costs and increased expenses for businesses.

Overall, the continued depreciation is expected to reduce purchasing power and place additional strain on household budgets.

Cedi holds at GH¢11.51 to $1, a week to Christmas

Here’s how the cedi is faring on the Bank of Ghana interbank market:

⦁Dollar – Buying at GH¢11.09, Selling at GH¢11.10

⦁Pound – Buying at GH¢14.98, Selling at GH¢14.99

⦁Euro – Buying at GH¢13.06, Selling at GH¢13.07

Here’s how the cedi is trading at the forex bureaus:

⦁Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.10, Selling at GH¢12.45

⦁Pound – Buying at GH¢15.90, Selling at GH¢16.80

⦁Euro – Buying at GH¢13.90, Selling at GH¢14.80

SP/EB

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:

Shatta Wale, the late Daddy Lumba, Agradaa, Stonebwoy were embroiled in controversies

The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most chaotic periods in the entertainment history of Ghana.

Away from hit songs and glamorous premieres, several public figures were caught in controversies involving court cases, family feuds and public outrage, keeping social media and traditional media buzzing for days and some even months.

1. Shatta Wale’s seized lamborghini and international fraud links

In August 2025, Shatta Wale’s year took a dramatic twist after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seized his 2019 Lamborghini Urus alleged to be linked to an international fraud investigation.

Reports indicated that US authorities linked the luxury vehicle to proceeds from a $14 million fraud case involving Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving sentence in the United States.

The Dancehall artiste was arrested in August after stating he bought the car for $150,000 from an unnamed individual, whom he labelled as ‘street.’

He was later granted bail, initially set at GH¢10 million and later reduced to GH¢5 million. Online speculation grew as social media users linked him to other fraud-related arrests that dominated 2025.

Tensions escalated when Shatta Wale emotionally defended his associate Kofi Boat during a TikTok Live, accusing critics of judging without evidence. Although he denied any involvement in fraud, he cautioned individuals engaged in illegal activities against openly flaunting wealth.

Shatta Wale cannot identify seller of seized Lamborghini – EOCO drops fresh details

Read more here 👉🏽 https://t.co/vSUN9liMLV#ghanaweb#ghanawebtv pic.twitter.com/cRbDa7fKRW

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) August 21, 2025

2. King Paluta’s London show controversy

Highlife/Hiplife artiste King Paluta came under criticism after a viral video showed him verbally abusing a female fan during a concert in London.

The incident drew condemnation, with many demanding an apology. Instead, the musician responded with a track whom many speculated to be a ‘diss song’, worsening the backlash and reviving debates about professionalism and behaviour of Ghanaian artistes on international platforms.

King Paluta’s performance at the just ended All white boat party in London took a dramatic turn when he rained insults on a guest who allegedly wasn’t vibing with his performance, with claims that she wanted him to stop performing and leave. pic.twitter.com/NB8iOTh6H0

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 29, 2025

3. Sammy Gyamfi vs Afia Schwarzenegger

One of the most talked-about legal battles of 2025 was the defamation suit filed by politician Sammy Gyamfi against social media commentator Afia Schwarzenegger.

While some praised the lawsuit as a necessary stand against irresponsible commentary online, others warned it could threaten free speech.

4. Nana Agradaa sentenced to prison

The sentencing of controversial evangelist Nana Agradaa sent shockwaves across the country. In July, an Accra Circuit Court handed her a 15-year prison sentence with hard labour for fraud and charlatanic advertising.

The conviction was linked to a money-doubling scheme promoted during a 2022 overnight church service, where worshippers were promised supernatural financial returns.

Investigations exposed a calculated operation involving deceptive advertising and intimidation, affecting hundreds of victims.

Nana Agradaa has been jailed for 15 years with hard labour for defrauding by false pretence

Read more: https://t.co/2yLh5BTW5d#ghanaweb#ghanawebtv pic.twitter.com/9V41FaXY4Q

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) July 3, 2025

5. Daddy Lumba’s death and widowhood legal battle

The passing of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba in July triggered a complex legal dispute between two women claiming to be his lawful widow.

Akosua Serwaa referenced a civil marriage under German law, while Priscilla Ofori Atta, widely known as Odo Broni, cited her long-term relationship with the musician and their six children.

In November, the Kumasi High Court ruled that both women qualified as surviving spouses under customary law.

Akosua Serwaa’s absence from Lumba’s burial further fueled speculation, while plans to appeal the ruling and reorganise funeral arrangements kept the issue alive, exposing tensions between customary practices and modern legal interpretations.

6. Nana Agradaa and Empress Gifty’s legal feud

Adding another layer to Agradaa’s turbulent year, she was hit with a defamation lawsuit filed by Gospel singer Empress Gifty. The case reignited conversations around celebrity conflicts, religious leadership and responsibility in public commentary.

7. Guru and Miss UG pageant drama

Rapper and 2024/2025 University of Ghana SRC President Guru was embroiled in controversy following claims by the 2025 Miss UG winner that pageant organisers mismanaged funds and failed to deliver promised prizes, and handed her a faulty vehicle.

Guru denied allegations of wrongdoing, insisting no agreement was made for a brand-new car. However, accusations of intimidation, blocked communication and censorship on social media kept the issue trending.

‘Just yesterday I received an email from EgyptAir thanking me for using their service. That’s when I found out that they used the Miss UG money to book a trip and ticket to Dubai for Antoinnette Opoku, the Women’s Commissioner.’

— Ms Jazmine Saaka (Winner, Miss UG Legon under… pic.twitter.com/TBiKkVc0xC

— Hitz 103.9 FM (@Hitz1039FM) November 26, 2025

8. Stonebwoy’s ‘historic’ post sparked debate

Stonebwoy faced criticism after reposting an old performance clip with the caption “Historic” after Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert in Kumasi.

Although he clarified that the post was not intended as shade but personal reflection, it reignited conversations about rivalry, timing and sensitivity within the music industry.

Historic https://t.co/i33Z5dGLGi

— THE TORCHER (@stonebwoy) September 28, 2025

Meanwhile watch the moment Stonebwoy brought his children on stage at #BHIMFEST2025

AK/EB

• GoldBod exceeded its 100-ton ASM gold export target in 2025

• ASM gold exports generated $10 billion in revenue during the year

• The agency targets $12 billion in ASM gold exports in 2026

Ghana’s GoldBod has exceeded its target of exporting 100 tons of gold from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in 2025, generating $10 billion in revenue over the period. The disclosure was made recently by Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the agency, which was created this year to act as the country’s sole buyer and exporter of artisanal gold.

GoldBod operates as the regulator of Ghana’s domestic gold trade, purchasing output from small-scale miners for re-export. As part of this mandate, the agency set a target of acquiring at least 3 tons of gold per week. This strategy had already generated $6 billion in export revenue between January and August 2025. Reaching the $10 billion mark by year-end therefore concludes its inaugural year of operations, marking a significant result for the country.

For comparison, Ghana’s total gold exports stood at $11.6 billion in 2024, a figure that included both artisanal and industrial gold production. At this stage, export revenues from industrial gold mining in 2025 have not yet been published. This data will be key to assessing the overall evolution of Ghana’s gold revenues this year, at a time when prices have risen by more than 70% since January.

Meanwhile, GoldBod is already forecasting improved operational performance in 2026. In its earlier projections, the agency had estimated artisanal gold export revenues of $12 billion for next year.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou

Preferred creditor status

WAN-Hive Ghana, a female-focused innovation and entrepreneurship hub based in the Bono Region, has marked five years of implementing impact-driven programmes aimed at empowering women, youth, and underserved communities through entrepreneurship, agribusiness, technology, and vocational skills development.

The organisation said its interventions are designed to respond to local economic needs while aligning with Ghana’s development priorities and global goals on gender equality, decent work, and inclusive growth.

Since its establishment in 2020, WAN-Hive Ghana has implemented several flagship initiatives with measurable outcomes.

Speaking during the fifth anniversary celebration, the Chief Executive Officer of WAN-Hive Ghana, Ms. Janat Issifu, said one of the organisation’s core interventions, the Obaasima Business Challenge, has supported young and marginalised female entrepreneurs through structured incubation, mentorship, coaching, and access to start-up capital.

“More than 102 women-led businesses have been trained, with 10 start-ups receiving a combined GH¢150,000 in capital and equipment. The programme has also contributed to the creation of at least 22 direct jobs,” she said.

Ms. Issifu noted that in the agribusiness sector, the Women in Agribusiness Support Programme, launched in 2022, has focused on rural women farmers and agripreneurs. Over 400 women have been trained in productivity enhancement, climate-smart agriculture, and market access, with more than 800 farm inputs distributed, leading to improved yields and incomes.

She added that through its Digital Skills and Innovation Training programme, WAN-Hive Ghana has equipped more than 100 women and young people with skills in website and mobile app development, graphic design, photography, videography, and digital marketing, with about 30 per cent of beneficiaries subsequently linked to job opportunities.

The organisation has also implemented Youth-in-Work and Value Chain Skills Programmes, providing practical training in mango and poultry value chains. More than 70 women have been trained, with 45 per cent securing internship placements and 20 per cent supported to start their own enterprises.

In 2025, WAN-Hive Ghana introduced the SportHER Project, a sports and entrepreneurship initiative targeting young girls. The project has engaged seven junior and senior high schools, empowering over 50 girls in volleyball, basketball, safety awareness, as well as digital and entrepreneurship skills.

WAN-Hive Ghana currently operates two specialised centres to support skills development and enterprise growth. The Digital Makerspace offers hands-on training in digital fabrication, multimedia production, product design, and prototyping, improving employability among young women and supporting small businesses with branding and innovation tools.

The Fashion Creatives Centre, known as Addiz Creatives, supports female fashion designers and tailors through garment production training, shared equipment, mentorship, and business development services. According to Ms. Issifu, the centre has improved product quality, supported business formalisation, and created livelihoods through self-employment and apprenticeships in the creative industry.

Looking ahead, Ms. Issifu said WAN-Hive Ghana plans to scale up its impact over the next decade by supporting more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs and farmers nationwide through expanded incubation and acceleration programmes.

She added that the organisation also plans to establish a full Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Makerspace Centre offering training in fashion, agro-processing, digital manufacturing, and green skills, while strengthening agribusiness value chains through value-addition hubs, market access, export readiness, and climate resilience initiatives.

WAN-Hive Ghana acknowledged that funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, and barriers facing rural women have posed challenges over the years. These challenges, the organisation said, have been addressed through partnerships, phased infrastructure development, shared resources, context-specific training models, post-training mentorship, market linkages, and business formalisation support.

The organisation maintained that sustained investment in women-led enterprises and skills development remains critical to achieving inclusive economic growth in Ghana.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been found guilty in his second major trial linked to the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

The verdict was delivered by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday, December 26, where the 72-year-old faced four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering over the незакон transfer of about 2.2 billion Malaysian ringgit (approximately $539 million) from the state investment fund.

According to prosecutors, Najib exploited his roles as prime minister, finance minister, and chairman of the 1MDB advisory board to channel vast sums of money from the sovereign wealth fund into his personal bank accounts more than a decade ago.

The case forms part of marathon legal proceedings that have stretched over seven years, during which the court heard testimony from 76 witnesses, including Najib himself.

This latest conviction follows an earlier ruling in 2020, when Najib was found guilty of misappropriating about $9.9 million in 1MDB funds and sentenced to 12 years in prison. That sentence was later reduced to six years following a commutation.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has challenged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to shift from lamentation to decisive action as the party rebuilds following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

In a Christmas message shared with party supporters on December 25, 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the period for sympathy had passed and that the party must now demonstrate seriousness, discipline and unity in preparing for the future.

“My dear patriots, the time for sympathy has passed, and the time for action has now arrived,” he stated.

He stressed that the election loss exposed critical lessons, particularly the central role of unity in achieving electoral success, and urged party members to allow that lesson to guide their conduct going forward.

“As a party, we should have learned an important lesson, which is that unity is worth fighting for and sacrificing for. The pursuit of unity leads to victory. These lessons must now guide our conduct, choices and conversations,” he said.

According to the Minority Leader, the NPP is at a defining moment, and how its members conduct themselves in the coming period will determine the party’s future strength and credibility, both internally and in the eyes of the Ghanaian public.

He also referenced persistent public doubts about the party’s preparedness to govern, urging members to respond not with rhetoric but with responsible behaviour.

“Time after time, observers have questioned whether our party is ready for power. Let us prove to them that we have an answer, and that answer is a resounding yes — not yes by mouth, but through our acts and conduct,” Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised.

Touching on the party’s forthcoming flagbearer primaries, he appealed to supporters to safeguard the NPP’s values and heritage, warning against actions that could undermine its foundations.

“As we prepare for our upcoming flagbearer primaries, let us treat our party and its traditions as sacred. What our forebearers put together with their sweat and blood, let no party member put asunder,” he added.

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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.