The Northern Ghana Foto Festival has received a major cultural endorsement following a private audience with the Yagbonwura, Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, in a ceremony that highlighted the growing role of visual storytelling in promoting Ghana’s cultural identity and tourism potential.

The engagement, marked by traditional rites and a special prayer led by the Yagbonwura, underscored the palace’s support for youth-driven creative initiatives.

In his address, the Overlord expressed deep appreciation for the festival’s mission, commending the young visual
storytellers for using photography to project Northern Ghana—and Ghana at large—to the global stage.

He noted that powerful imagery has the ability to preserve heritage, correct misconceptions, and strengthen national pride, urging the festival team to remain committed to authenticity, discipline, and cultural respect.

Speaking at the ceremony, Alhaji Sulley Ahmed, Savannah Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), described the Northern Ghana Foto Festival as more than an artistic gathering, calling it “a development tool, a cultural archive, and a strategic tourism promotion platform.”

“In today’s world, images speak louder than brochures, and visual stories travel faster than words,” he said. “What this festival is doing is redefining how the world sees Northern Ghana  beyond stereotypes to stories of beauty, resilience, creativity, and opportunity.”

Alhaji Ahmed emphasised that the festival aligns strongly with the Ghana Tourism Authority’s vision of positioning the Savannah Region as a must-see destination, rich in culture, landscape, and lived experiences.

He assured the organizers of the Authority’s readiness to support initiatives that promote responsible tourism, heritage preservation, and positive storytelling.

Geoffrey Buta, Team Lead of the Northern Ghana  Foto Festival, described the audience with the Yagbonwura as both symbolic and transformative for the team.

“This moment affirms that our work matters not just as photographers, but as custodians of memory and identity,” Buta said. “We are intentional about telling our own stories, from our own perspective, with dignity and truth.”

He stressed that the festival was born out of the need to challenge dominant narratives about Northern Ghana and Africa more broadly, using visual storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation, advocacy, and social change.

“We are not waiting for the world to define us,” he added. “Through this festival, young people are reclaiming the narrative and showing the richness, complexity, and beauty of our communities.”

Buta also expressed gratitude to the Yagbonwura for his encouragement and to the Ghana Tourism Authority for its continued support, noting that collaboration between traditional leadership, creative professionals, and public institutions is essential for sustainable cultural promotion.

The Northern Ghana Foto Festival brings together photographers, visual journalists, and storytellers from across the region and beyond, using exhibitions, workshops, and community engagements to spotlight culture, heritage, wildlife, and everyday life in Northern Ghana.

With the endorsement of the Gonja Kingdom and the backing of tourism authorities, the festival is increasingly being seen as a key platform for cultural diplomacy and creative-led tourism development in Ghana.

As preparations continue for upcoming festival activities, organizers say the vision remains clear:
to tell honest stories, empower young creatives, and position Northern Ghana as a destination of
global cultural significance.

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.

A brutal war

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.

Symbol of hope

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.

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.

Something to celebrate

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 but recovered Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. 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.

Sunday’s win revived hopes of progress from Group E, with a showdown against Burkina Faso coming on Wednesday.

“This team brings joy despite the pain we have endured in Sudan over the past three years,” supporter Badr-Eddine Zambel told the AP.

The players are determined to go as far as possible, and they 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.”

Pressure on the Ghana cedi is easing as the year draws to a close, marking a notable turnaround after years of sustained volatility.

The improved stability is offering relief to businesses that rely heavily on predictable exchange rates for planning, pricing and cross-border transactions.

Last week, the Ghana cedi started trading on the interbank market at GHȼ11.50 to the US dollar, GHȼ15.36 to the Pound Sterling, and GHȼ13.47 to the Euro. By midweek, it had strengthened slightly, with rates at GHȼ11.36 to the dollar, GHȼ15.31 to the pound, and GHȼ13.37 to the Euro.

The improvement eased concerns about currency volatility, which in the past has often followed seasonal spikes in foreign exchange demand.

The cedi entered this week on a strong footing as the year draws to a close, with the interbank market quoting the dollar at GHȼ11.11, the pound at GHȼ15, and the Euro at GHȼ13.08.

This marks a sharp contrast to the same period last year, when the dollar traded at GHȼ14.71, the pound at GHȼ18.49, and the Euro at GHȼ15.33.

The easing pressure on the cedi is a combination of factors including a decline in seasonal forex demand linked to festive imports and higher inflows from the diaspora, which have boosted foreign exchange supply and supported currency stability.

The gains are also underpinned by a current account surplus, complemented by favorable balances in the capital and financial accounts, strengthening Ghana’s external position and providing a cushion for the local currency.

Businesses and individuals that rely on a stable and appreciating cedi are hopeful that the positive trend will continue into the New Year, helping to reduce the cost of doing business.

Ghana has been ranked 61st out of 163 countries in terms of peace, dropping six places from its previous position.

The country has also fallen from 4th to 7th most peaceful in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting concerns over rising security issues, governance, and localized tensions.

This development has raised concerns among stakeholders, prompting the Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) to take a bold step in championing peace development through friendship globally.

The President of UFO, Samuel Adobah, has been at the forefront of promoting peace and stability through friendship for years. The organisation’s mission is to promote peace, understanding, tolerance, and unity among diverse communities.

Through his tireless efforts, Adobah has drawn attention from organisations worldwide, culminating in his recent recognition at the Global Peace Ambassadors Awards.

The organisers of the Global Peace Ambassadors Awards have taken notice of Adobah’s dedication to promoting peace and unity, awarding him the Youth Peace Advocacy of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to his leadership and commitment to creating a more peaceful world.

In a congratulatory message, Adobah reiterated the importance of collective efforts in promoting peace and unity, emphasizing that peace is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of all.

He also expressed concern about the Bawku conflict and its devastating impact on the nation, calling for a more sustainable and inclusive approach to peacebuilding.

The Global Peace Ambassadors Awards ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations making a positive impact on global peace and development.

Other notable awardees included former Black Stars player Samuel Nkum, renowned musician Madam Akosua Agyapong, and Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South Constituency, Hon. Ernest Adomako, who were recognized for their contributions towards peacebuilding.

The Universal Friendship Organisation’s efforts to promote peace and unity have been commendable, and Adobah’s recognition at the Global Peace Ambassadors Awards is a testament to the organisation’s impact.

As the organisation continues to champion peace development through friendship globally, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of its work.

The brother of the late actress, Allwell Ademola has called out actress Iyabo Ojo, Lateef Adedimeji and other A-list Nigerian actors for not supporting his sister.

He called out the actors after sharing pictures of his late sister on their social media page.

DAILY POST reports that Allwell Ademola, a popular actress and movie producer died on Saturday December 27 2025, barely 24 hours after singing “this year will never see my end” song in her last post.

See More ❯

Ghanaian business magnate and media entrepreneur, Osei Kwame Despite, has dissociated himself from the legal and family disputes involving the widows of the late highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The billionaire businessman has rejected claims that he is supporting one of the late musician’s wives, Odo Broni, or playing any role in the tensions that have emerged within the family following Daddy Lumba’s death.

In a viral audio recording circulating online, Despite stated that his relationship with Akosua Serwaa is closer than has been portrayed publicly, dismissing assertions that he favours Odo Broni.

Explaining his position, Despite disclosed that he donated GH₵100,000 to Daddy Lumba’s family after receiving news of the musician’s passing, describing the gesture as a personal responsibility to a longtime friend.

He further revealed that after Akosua Serwaa returned to Ghana, she contacted him and arrangements were made for her, her children and other family members to visit him ahead of the one-week observance. During the visit, he said he also provided financial support for her and the children’s upkeep.

Despite noted that although he was unable to attend the one-week memorial event in person, he still made financial contributions and supported the family in other ways including providing Akosua Serwaa with a car.

He added that, his presence at Daddy Lumba’s funeral was solely to honour a close friend on his final journey and not an indication of support for any side in the ongoing disagreement. Despite stressed that he has no interest in the dispute between the two women and would rather see unity prevail within the family.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has warned the youth against the use of illicit drugs, describing drug abuse as a major threat to health, social life, and the future of young people.

According to the Minister, while the government has put measures in place to support drug addicts through rehabilitation services, prevention remains the most effective solution. He stressed that staying away from drugs entirely is the safest and best choice for the youth.

Dr Amoakohene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the sale and use of hard drugs and urged young people involved in drug abuse to desist immediately. He also encouraged addicts who are willing to change to seek help from rehabilitation centres to protect their health and secure a better future.

“As a young person, one does not need any booster to perform a task. Any drug taken should be prescribed by a health professional. Unfortunately, we are often tempted to experiment with drugs in our youth, which poses a threat to our health. This is why rehabilitation centres have been established to help addicts who are ready to overcome their addiction. Staying completely away from drugs is, however, the safest approach,” he said

The Minister made these remarks on the sidelines of a donation exercise by the FrankCare Foundation, during which assorted items, including soft drinks, toiletries, packs of bottled water, rice, and other essentials, were presented, alongside a cash donation of ten thousand Ghana cedis each to the Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre and the Kumasi Cheshire Home.

Speaking after the donation, Dr Amoakohene explained that the gesture forms part of efforts to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left out of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

These political actors were all caught in some very controversial happenings in the year

Ghana’s political landscape in 2025 was shaped by a myriad of dramatic events that kept the nation’s attention firmly fixed on issues of power, accountability and the rule of law.

From unprecedented actions involving senior public officials, to outbreaks of electoral violence and controversial security operations, the year was marked by moments that stirred public outrage and intensified political divisions.

Several of these incidents did not only dominated headlines but also raised fundamental questions about the strength and independence of Ghana’s democratic institutions, as citizens, civil society groups and political actors openly debated governance standards, constitutional limits and the protection of civil liberties.

In this 2025 review story, GhanaWeb looks at five of some significant events that dominated public discourse during the year.

From Flights Saga to Mass Dismissals: Mahama’s first 92 days rocked by 5 controversies

1. Ken Ofori-Atta declared a fugitive

Former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) after repeatedly failing to appear for questioning over alleged corruption-related matters.

The investigations covered the National Cathedral project, the termination of the ECG–PDS contract, and revenue assurance agreements between the Ghana Revenue Authority and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

An Interpol Red Notice was issued, and extradition proceedings from the United States were initiated, although legal challenges delayed the process.

2. Suspension and dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following petitions alleging misconduct against her.

A five-member committee was eventually established to investigate the claims, triggering widespread legal and political debates.

Justice Torkornoo challenged the suspension in court and later addressed the nation where she explained that she was being unfairly treated in the matter.

On September 1, 2025, she was dismissed, becoming the first sitting Chief Justice in Ghana’s history to be removed from office.

3. Dollar gift saga involving Sammy Gyamfi

Public outrage followed the circulation of a video showing NDC Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi handing US dollar notes to Evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

The incident raised concerns about public conduct and potential breaches of Ghana’s Foreign Exchange and Currency Act.

The incident, on May 11, 2025, captured in widely circulated social media footage, showed Sammy Gyamfi, who is also the CEO of the GoldBod, presenting the cash to Nana Agradaa after a brief interaction between the two.

Critics argued that this action potentially conflicted with President John Dramani Mahama’s Code of Conduct for public officials, emphasising integrity and transparency.

In a fiery press conference on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the NPP laid out several reasons to justify sanctions against Sammy Gyamfi.

Sammy Gyamfi later apologised, stating that the gesture was private but was unfortunately captured on camara, while opposition parties called for his interdiction.

4. Violence during Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun

A parliamentary rerun at Ablekuma North was marred by violence across some of the 19 polling stations where the exercises took place.

Former Member of Parliament Mavis Hawa Koomson and several journalists were assaulted during the disturbances.

Five drastic actions John Mahama has taken in five days after assuming office as President

The Ghana Journalists Association strongly condemned the attacks and demanded accountability.

Eight individuals were subsequently convicted and sentenced for their roles in the violence.

5. Demolition of McDan’s warehouse

Security operatives demolished a warehouse owned by businessman Daniel McKorley, widely known as McDan, without prior notice.

Workers were reportedly prevented from retrieving personal belongings before the demolition.

The incident drew criticisms from political analysts and traditional leaders, who described the action as heavy-handed and potentially politically-motivated, and called for adherence to due process.

Together, these incidents highlighted some of the intense political tensions that characterised Ghana’s 2025 political landscape, fueling renewed conversations around accountability, the rule of law and the resilience of democratic institutions.

MRA/AE

Supreme Court suspends Kpandai constituency election re-run

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah/Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA  

Accra, Dec. 29, GNA – The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament has demanded a full-scale bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into the alleged $214 million losses incurred through Goldbod’s purchases under the gold reserves scheme.   

Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, speaking on behalf of the Caucus in Parliament House on Monday, said the group had formally submitted a motion to the Clerk of Parliament for onward transmission to the Speaker.   

He explained that the motion seeks to summon Members of Parliament to constitute a bipartisan committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the losses, assess accountability, and recommend measures to safeguard the country’s financial interests. 

According to the Minority, data submitted by the Government to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that Ghana lost $214 million in just the first nine months of 2025 under the Gold-for-Reserves programme. 

The Minority said Ghana risked losing over $300 million by the end of 2025 through the government-backed gold trading initiative. 

 They argued that the losses were not merely market fluctuations but the result of a flawed system design that forced the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to absorb exchange-rate losses while intermediaries remained protected. 

Central to the Minority’s concerns was the role of Bawa-Rock Ltd, owned by one Alhaji Bawa, which had been granted exclusive rights as the sole aggregator licensed by GoldBod to purchase artisanal gold across the country.  

The Minority questioned why a monopoly was created in an industry where competition is essential for fair pricing and transparency. 

They demanded public disclosure of the criteria used to select Bawa-Rock Ltd and the identities of its beneficial owners. 

The Minority recalled that under the original Gold-for-Reserves programme, Ghana’s reserves grew from 8.7 tonnes to 31 tonnes within two years under the previous NPP government without losses, as the Bank of Ghana purchased physical gold directly. 

They indicated that the current administration had shifted the focus from building reserves to speculative trading, resulting in minimal reserve growth—only from 31 tonnes to 38 tonnes—despite large volumes of gold passing through GoldBod. 

They stressed that the $214 million loss could have funded 12 fully equipped district hospitals, tens of thousands of boreholes, or salaries for teachers and nurses, underscoring the human cost of the scheme. 

Beyond financial losses, the Minority highlighted the environmental devastation linked to illegal mining, including poisoned rivers, destroyed forests, and eroded cocoa farms. 

The Minority accused GoldBod of failing to meet international traceability standards, thereby enabling state-sanctioned laundering of gold sourced from destructive galamsey operations. 

The Minority has, therefore, called for a Parliamentary Ad-hoc Investigative Committee with subpoena powers to examine contracts, licences, and intermediaries. 

It said full national disclosure of fee structures, pricing formulas, and foreign-exchange arrangements tied to GoldBod. 

 Environmental emergency measures, including suspending permits in forest reserves and introducing blockchain-based mine-level traceability.  

The Caucus urged chiefs, faith leaders, civil society, students, unions, and the diaspora to rise in defense of Ghana’s patrimony. 

 “Gold may glitter, but truth endures. This is not a moment for spectators. It is a moment for citizens,” the Caucus declared. 

GNA 

Edited by Linda Asante Agyei 

As the world continues to grapple with the harsh realities that trailed Monday’s accident involving former World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua, attention has been shifted to the two gentlemen who lost their lives in the accident.

Below are fresh facts on the two crew members who passed on in a fatal accident that occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State.

1. The two people who died in the Anthony Joshua crash, Latz and Sina Evovle, were coaches and close friends of his.

2. Sina Evovle was Anthony Joshua’s strength & conditioning coach. Sina was seen preparing him for his Jake Paul fight 2 weeks ago. He was full of life and excited when the crew landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday. He was seen posting videos of their arrival, and the social media is awash with his last post after he passed on a few hours later

3, Latif, aka “Latz” / “Healthy_Mindset” on Instagram, was a close friend, AJ’s personal trainer. Latif was a physical trainer and a devoted muslim with over 11.6k subscribers on Instagram

Although Latif’s nationalities is still sketchy as at the time of filling this report, Sina was originally from Syria even though it is not yet confirmed if both men were carrying a British passport before their death. Tributes continued to pour in for both men on all social media handles, with Latif’s Instagram page filled with hundreds of condolence messages from fellow Muslim brothers.

The boxing champion, 36, was on his way to see family when the Lexus SUV he was travelling in the back of smashed into a stationary truck shortly after 11am today on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun. Images of the SUV’s crumpled wreckage were released by Nigerian officials, while a Mitsubishi believed to be part of Joshua’s convoy sat undamaged just yards away.

Five people were involved in the collision, with photos revealing how the vehicle was destroyed, with the car’s doors ripped out and the roof smashed out of place. Footage posted online earlier shows the former heavyweight world champion shirtless and looking dazed as he sat in the wrecked vehicle among shattered glass.

But while two of the five people involved in the collision died, Joshua miraculously cheated death and was later seen in the front seat of an emergency vehicle speaking to officials.

Joshua was seated behind the driver during the crash and survived despite two fatalities in the collision. He was later seen in an emergency vehicle speaking to officials. A relative expressed shock at the news, hoping for Joshua’s speedy recovery and offering prayers for those who lost their lives. Joshua was reportedly on holiday visiting family when the accident occurred and had shared a video of playing table tennis just hours before.

Nana Susu Bribi, popularly known as Arafat, who is Otumfuo’s Chief Security and the Abusuapanyin (family head) of the late John Kumah’s family, has strongly criticised people attacking the remarriage of the former wife of the late Ejisu MP.

He defended Lilian Owusu Kumah, now known as Lilian Aryeequaye, saying she has committed no offence, sin or wrongdoing by remarrying after the death of her husband, the late John Kumah, a former Deputy Minister of Finance.

See More ❯

Guineans are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the country’s first presidential election

Guineans are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the country’s first presidential election since the 2021 military coup, with high expectations that the vote could mark a turning point after years of political uncertainty.

Polls closed on Sunday following a tightly controlled election widely expected to favor junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya, who led the coup that removed former president Alpha Condé and has overseen a four-year political transition. For many voters, the priority is less about personalities and more about development and stability.

“I want him to develop Guinea, because we can’t choose someone who cannot move our country forward,” said voter Mafoudia Camara. “But I hope that my candidate will move Guinea forward.”

The election was held under a new constitution that allows military leaders to run for office and extends presidential terms from five to seven years. Only nine candidates were approved, with several prominent opposition figures barred or living in exile. Some opposition parties boycotted the vote, citing concerns over transparency, contributing to low turnout in parts of the country.

Still, voters who cast ballots say they are looking ahead. “After the election, what I will say is that I hope the party that wins will help us evolve the country so that our country can move forward,” said Mohamed Soumah.

Despite Guinea’s vast natural resources, including bauxite and iron ore, more than half of its population faces poverty and food insecurity. As provisional results are expected within 48 hours, many Guineans say their hope is simple: that whoever wins will finally deliver economic progress and lasting stability.

Daniel Agbesi Latsu, GNA  

Kadjebi (O/R), Dec. 29, GNA – Some Assembly members in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region have expressed divergent views on the proposed election, qualifications and term limits of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). 

This follows recommendations by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) to President John Dramani Mahama. 

The CRC has proposed amendments to Article 246 (b) of the 1992 Constitution to allow for the election of MMDCEs instead of the current system where they are appointed by the President. 

Mr Phillip Obornie, the Assemblyman for the Dodo-Amanfrom North Electoral Area, welcomed the recommendation, saying the election of MMDCEs would enhance accountability and deepen grassroots democracy. 

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that elected MMDCEs would be more responsible to the electorate rather than relying on presidential appointment. 

“Election of MMDCEs will make them accountable to the people they serve and not just the appointing authority,” he said. 

On qualifications, Mr Obornie told GNA that first degree should be considered sufficient for the position, adding that additional experience should not be made mandatory. 

“A first-degree holder is academically and mentally mature enough to handle the responsibilities of the office,” he stated. 

However, he disagreed with the proposal to extend the term of office of MMDCEs to five years, arguing that the current four-year term was adequate for performance assessment and delivery. 

“Four years is enough for a MMDCE to demonstrate results,” he noted. 

Mr Noah Kwame Wadja, a former Presiding Member of the Kadjebi District Assembly, engaging with the GNA, held a contrasting view, particularly on the election of MMDCEs. 

He cautioned that elections could favour wealthy individuals who might influence voters with money, rather than competent candidates with the requisite managerial and administrative capacity. 

“Election could open the door for people with money but without the needed competence to manage the district,” he said. 

Mr Wadja therefore advocated for the retention of the appointment system, describing it as more suitable for ensuring qualified leadership at the local level. 

On qualifications, he insisted that a first-degree certificate should be the minimum requirement for aspiring MMDCEs, stressing that a senior high school certificate should not be accepted. 

Regarding tenure, Mr Wadja told GNA that the extension of MMDCEs’ term of office to five years should only be considered if the President’s tenure was similarly extended. 

“If the President’s term is extended to five years, then it will be fair to extend that of the MMDCEs as well,” he added. 

The differing opinions reflect the broader national debate on local governance reforms aimed at strengthening decentralisation and improving service delivery at the district level. 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christabel Addo  

Makuochi Okafor
Reporting from Lagos, Nigeria

Image source, Getty Images

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua was born in Watford,
England, but has often spoken proudly about his Nigerian heritage.

The Joshua family is well known in Sagamu, in south-west Nigeria, and traces
its ancestry there across several generations.

His great-grandfather, Daniel Adebambo Joshua, was a wealthy
landowner and merchant, who is believed to have taken the Joshua surname after
converting to Christianity.

One of the clearest signs of Joshua’s pride in his heritage is a tattoo of the African
continent on his right shoulder, with Nigeria clearly outlined.

During his fights, the Nigerian flag is regularly displayed
alongside the Union Jack in the ring, including after his victory against Jake Paul
earlier in the month.

In Ogun, where Joshua is a sports ambassador, there are plans to build a new indoor boxing venue named after the former heavyweight world champion.

Image source, Getty Images

By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA   

Tema, Dec. 29, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has cautioned parents and guardians to take extra measures to protect children from domestic fires during the school vacation. 

Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I (ADO I) Richmond Asamoah Frimpong of the GNFS, Tema Regional Command, said children were more vulnerable to fire-related accidents during holidays when they spent longer hours at home. 

ADOI advised parents to always supervise children around hot items such as stoves and grills and to store chemicals and flammable substances out of their reach. 

He gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema and urged parents to create physical barriers around heat sources such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces by using baby gates. 

He added that they must also keep flammable items like blankets and curtains away from children, especially when they were left at home. 

He further advised parents to keep matches and lighters inaccessible to children, ensure electrical appliances were switched off before leaving the house, and observe basic electrical safety measures. 

“Parents should teach children to call for help from a safe location after evacuating and never go back inside a burning building for any reason,” he said. 

ADO I Frimpong also advised households to use flashlights instead of candles during power outages to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks. 

GNA 

Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo 

Anthony Joshua has been injured in an accident

British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua was injured in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that reportedly claimed the lives of two people, according to multiple reports.

The incident occurred on a busy highway in Makun, Ogun State, on Monday, December 29, 2025, shortly after Joshua returned to Nigeria during the festive period following his bout with Jake Paul in Miami.

As reported by The Telegraph, citing eyewitnesses and additional accounts, a vehicle carrying the two-time world heavyweight champion collided with a stationary truck on the road.

Initial reports indicate that Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash.

However, the accident had tragic consequences, with two people said to have died at the scene.

Football in Africa is under serious attack – Former Ghana coach Claude Le Roy

Nigerian outlet Punch published images showing a shirtless Joshua seated inside the damaged vehicle shortly after the incident.

The publication added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

An eyewitness provided details of the moments surrounding the incident.

“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash,” he told Punch.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement, as investigations continue into the cause of the accident on the Ogun State highway.

FKA/JE