Relegation-threatened Dynamos FC have signed two Ghanaian players; Felix Hammond and Mohammed Issaka in a desperate bid to beat the drop in Zimbabwe.

Hammond, formerly of Nsoatreman FC, is a striker and joins a on free transfer.

Centre back-cum-left back Issaka also last played for Nsoatreman in the 2023/24 season where he featured in the CAF Confederation Cup.

He also played for Elmina Sharks and Legon Cities FC in the Ghana top-flight.

Dynamos FC are second from bottom (17th) on the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League table with 15 points.

The Harare-based club are six points above bottom-placed Kwekwe United.

Director-General of the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), Divine Selasi Agbeti

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the Director-General of the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), Divine Selasi Agbeti, for two weeks over alleged misconduct involving a uniformed military officer.

Agbeti is alleged to have used the military officer as a personal bodyguard during public appearances without obtaining the necessary clearance. The action has raised concerns about protocol breaches and national security procedures.

According to a citinewsroom.com report, a letter signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, and dated July 15, 2025, conveyed the presidency’s strong disapproval of Agbeti’s actions, describing his conduct as “inappropriate and embarrassing to the government.”

Defence Minister Dr Omane Boamah had earlier issued a directive warning state officials against using military personnel as personal bodyguards without official clearance.

Government insiders suggest that further disciplinary action could be taken depending on the outcome of ongoing internal investigations.

Agbeti was appointed Director-General of the NCSA in March 2025, succeeding Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, who had led the authority since its establishment in 2017.

AM/SEA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Mobile Phone and Accessories Dealers Association of Ghana has raised concerns over the increasing presence of foreigners in the retail market.

Eric Gyamfi, Chairman of the Association, stated that foreigners have taken over their retail activities, causing significant problems for local dealers.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted an increase in criminal activities, which he claims are mostly influenced by foreigners.

He said, “When you encounter five thieves, four of them are foreigners, and that’s creating a serious challenge for us. Our retail market has been affected to the extent that the police have flagged the Circle phone and accessories market as a red zone.

“The situation is terrible, and we want to correct it and restore our image. We are therefore appealing to authorities to enforce the laws and prevent foreigners from operating in the retail market.”

He also lamented that these foreigners, particularly Nigerians, have taken over the repair market, creating uncomfortable situations for Ghanaian dealers.

He added that the Chinese have also begun to dominate the business, to the point where they are directly competing with Ghanaian retailers.

“These Chinese will sell a product to a wholesaler for Ghc10 and later open a retail store, selling the same product at Ghc9 as a retail price. This situation is destroying our businesses and affecting our capital. We don’t hate anyone, but we are only interested in having the law enforced so that foreigners will not engage in retail and tabletop businesses,” he stated.

He accused the foreigners of bringing inferior goods into the Ghanaian market and using unapproved routes to enter the country.

Eric Gyamfi maintained that they want authorities to deal with the situation before it escalates, or they will “advise themselves” (implying they will take their own action).

“The relevant enforcement agencies should take immediate action. We are exasperated with the presence of foreigners in our retail market. We are advocating for justice and seeking government assistance in our endeavor.

“If they fail to address the situation, we will take matters into our own hands and address the foreign presence. We want them to vacate our markets. If existing laws are not being enforced by our authorities, then we will take necessary measures to address our concerns.”

Goalkeeper Cynthia made two saves as the Black Queens qualified for the semifinals

Black Queens midfielder Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has praised goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan for her “amazing” performance against Algeria.

Ghana cruised over Algeria with a 4-2 penalty shootout win in the quarterfinal on Saturday afternoon to book a place in the last four.

Goalkeeper Cynthia made two saves as the Black Queens qualified for the semifinals for the first time since 2016.

“Amazing, I told the whole of Ghana to believe in us,” Chantelle said.

“We pushed it, we gave a couple of heart attacks, but [the belief from everyone] pushed us through.

“Cynthia [goalkeeper] made it easy for us. She put us ahead by saving. In my eyes, a goalkeeper should never save a penalty. She did amazing, and we are grateful we’ve got her in goal.”

Ghana will now face the host nation, Morocco, in the semifinal on Tuesday, July 22, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

The upcoming clash will be a stern test for Ghana, who are chasing their first WAFCON final appearance since 2006.

Grammy-nominated Ghanaian musician, Rocky Dawuni

Grammy-nominated Ghanaian musician, Rocky Dawuni, has urged the government and media to implement deliberate cultural policies that support local music as a key component of Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda.

Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Starr 103.5 FM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Dawuni criticised the widespread reliance on foreign-curated playlists in Ghanaian clubs and media, warning that such trends stifle the growth of the country’s creative economy.

“Playlist is becoming global. We sit here and we take somebody else’s playlist,” he said. “I’ll go to clubs and our DJs are playing playlists that somebody in ‘abrokyire’ has put; all of the African artists they think should play in our market.”

He emphasised the need to “grow local” if Ghana is serious about boosting economic contributions from the arts and entertainment sector.

“If you don’t grow artists that are local, we won’t have the capacity to increase that economic contribution of the artists to our economy,” he said.

Rocky Dawuni then tied the issue directly to the broader national conversation about building a 24-hour economy. “If we are talking about 24-hour economy… 24 times Ghanaian artists should be played on Ghanaian radio,” he urged. “We should look at it and say, there’s a policy for it. 24 hours.”

When host Bola Ray followed up, asking if this extended to music played in taxis, trucks, and commercial vehicles, Dawuni responded, “Yes! They should be playing. And not playing only the ones that we feel that… all should be covered, including Rocky Dawuni’s own.”

His comments reinforce growing calls for intentional efforts to elevate Ghanaian music and culture at home as a tool for economic empowerment, job creation, and national identity.

Algeria, who had qualified for the knockout stage for the first time, may possess a miserly defence well marshalled by N’Gazi, but up front they only managed one goal in four outings during their stay in Morocco.

Their best chance of the quarter-final came as early as the third minute when the North Africans worked the ball across the box to Lina Boussaha, only for the winger to scuff her left-footed shot straight at Konlan.

Ghana had the ball in the net midway through the first half after Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah was released down the right flank and her cut-back was picked up by Nyamekye, who stepped inside onto her right foot and lashed high into the net from just inside the area.

Yet the effort was chalked off after a lengthy VAR check, which showed London City Lionesses forward Boye-Hlorkah had been ahead of the last defender by mere inches.

With few clear cut chances, and Algeria in particular labouring in attack, penalties appeared inevitable from midway through the second half.

Les Vertes were immediately on the back foot in the shootout when Dafeur, after a long wait for the referee’s whistle, placed her left-footed effort too close to Konlan.

N’Gazi had been named as the best goalkeeper from the group stage but had little chance of reaching Ghana’s well-placed penalties and her opposite number saved again in the third round when she leapt to her left to palm away full-back Belloumou’s strike.

Badu was left to win it – and make amends for the chance she passed up late in the game – to put the Black Queens into the last four for the first time since 2016.

The West Africans have finished as Wafcon runners-up three times and will now have to pull off an upset against Morocco if they are to go on and claim their first continental title.

Some officers of the Ghana Armed Forces

The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces, while cautioning military personnel against engaging in unauthorised guard duties.

Dr Boamah issued the warning during a working tour of military installations under the 1 Garrison in Tema. His visit covered key units including the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), the 1 Infantry Battalion (1BN), the 851 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, the Base Ammunition Depot, and the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills.

The visit was part of a broader initiative to assess the operational readiness, infrastructure, logistics, and welfare concerns affecting military effectiveness.

Welcoming the Minister, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, Garrison Commander and Flag Officer Commanding the ENC, described the visit as a testament to the government’s active interest in the operational and welfare needs of the Armed Forces.

He expressed hope that it would translate into tangible improvements, particularly in naval infrastructure and maritime security along Ghana’s eastern coastline.

In his address to officers, Dr Boamah stressed the importance of professionalism and accountability, warning that any personnel involved in unauthorised duties—or those who direct such actions—would face disciplinary consequences.

“The Ghana Armed Forces must maintain the highest standards of discipline. Unauthorised deployments undermine our credibility and will not be tolerated,” he stated.

He acknowledged the Navy’s critical role in securing Ghana’s maritime domain and vital national assets such as the Akosombo Dam, Adomi Bridge, and offshore oil installations.

He noted that growing threats—including piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, oil theft, and terrorism—demand greater vigilance and investment in both coastal and inland security.

To enhance operational capacity and improve personnel welfare, Dr Boamah announced a series of initiatives under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, including:

Expansion of the Armed Forces’ manpower.

Construction of 10,000 new housing units and completion of previously stalled accommodation projects to reduce the housing deficit of over 17,000 units.

Replacement of obsolete military vehicles to improve troop mobility.

The minister also announced plans to introduce solar energy solutions alongside conventional generators to improve energy efficiency and surveillance operations.

On healthcare, he highlighted the newly launched Mahama Care Foundation, which will provide financial support for dialysis, emergency surgeries, and other critical medical needs for serving personnel and veterans.

Dr Boamah concluded his visit by assuring troops that the government is fully committed to equipping the Armed Forces with the tools, resources, and support necessary to protect Ghana’s national interests.

“Our mission is clear—to build a professional, well-resourced, and combat-ready military force capable of addressing current and emerging threats to our nation,” he emphasised.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has issued a compelling call to West African leaders, urging them to fortify the regional architecture dedicated to combating Money Laundering (ML), Financing of Terrorism (TF), and Weapons Proliferation.

Speaking at the 2nd Extraordinary Meeting of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Accra, the Vice President underscored the indispensable link between robust financial crime prevention and the sub-region’s security and sustainable development.

GIABA, established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a FATF-style regional body (FSRB), plays a critical role in assisting member states to implement international standards against financial crimes.

Its efforts are crucial in a region where illicit financial flows are estimated to cost African economies billions of dollars annually, often fuelling corruption, organised crime, and insurgency.

The Vice President commended GIABA members for their dedication to ensuring that West African states adopt adequate measures in line with acceptable international practices and standards.

“Your work, often behind the scenes, is of great importance to regional security and sustainable development.

This is an opportunity for reflection and foresight, and to reimagine how our regional institutions respond to emerging threats, adapt to evolving contexts, and expand the frontiers of cooperation,” she stated, acknowledging the complex and evolving nature of financial crimes.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed the urgent need for a resilient and adaptive regional framework.

“As leaders and stakeholders, our responsibility is to ensure that our regional architecture for combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Weapons remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking. That architecture must be capable of addressing emerging threats within stable jurisdictions and across all of West Africa,” she emphasised.

This call is particularly pertinent given the escalating security challenges in the Sahel and parts of West Africa, where terrorist groups rely on illicit financial networks to fund their operations and acquire weapons.

The effective disruption of these financial lifelines is a key component of counter-terrorism strategies.

A significant aspect of the Vice President’s charge was the imperative for GIABA to engage “all ECOWAS countries, including countries currently in transition.”

This directly references nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have experienced recent military takeovers and are currently suspended from some ECOWAS political bodies.

Their political instability often creates governance gaps that can be exploited by illicit financial actors, making their inclusion in AML/CFT efforts crucial for regional security, even amidst political differences.

Concluding her address, Professor Opoku-Agyemang called for unwavering unity and collaboration among member states. “Let this meeting serve not only as a forum for policy, but also as a platform for a partnership that will lead to a more united and resilient West Africa,” she urged.

Ghana, as a stable democracy and active member of ECOWAS, regularly hosts and participates in regional security and economic initiatives.

The Vice President’s address reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to playing a leading role in fostering collective action against threats that undermine the stability and prosperity of the West African sub-region.

The success of these efforts hinges on sustained political will, enhanced cross-border cooperation, and the rigorous implementation of international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards across all member states.

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The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, is advocating for a robust legal framework to enshrine the recent government directive reinstating Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in basic and secondary schools across the country.

His call comes amidst concerns that, without legislative backing, future administrations could once again sideline these vital community structures in education.

Rev. Owusu made the appeal while addressing the media during the opening of the “Teaching Together” workshop, a collaborative initiative between GNAT and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), held at the GNAT Institute for Research and Industrial Relations in Abankro.

He emphasised GNAT’s long-standing advocacy for the revitalisation and institutionalisation of PTAs, which he described as “essential structures for promoting collaboration between parents and educators in managing schools and improving educational outcomes.”

The Ghana Education Service (GES) officially announced the full reinstatement of PTAs in all pre-tertiary schools on Thursday, July 17, 2025, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.

This directive marks a significant reversal of a 2019 policy under the previous administration, which effectively suspended PTAs and banned mandatory levies, replacing them with less influential “Parent Associations” (PAs) in the wake of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

President Mahama had, in June 2025, described the sidelining of PTAs as “unacceptable,” promising their full restoration to the education system.

According to Rev. Owusu, the restoration of PTAs “effectively returns the management of schools to the community, and any reversal would be a setback to inclusive governance in education.”

He underscored the need for Parliament to “enact legislation that would offer legal protection to PTAs, preventing future governments from arbitrarily dismantling or sidelining them.”

This legislative measure, he argued, would provide the necessary stability and long-term assurance for PTAs to effectively contribute to school development.

PTAs in Ghana have historically played a crucial role in school governance, infrastructure development, and student welfare.

Their contributions have included providing teaching and learning materials, supporting school renovations, enforcing student discipline, and even organising extra classes.

Studies have shown that strong PTAs foster collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community, creating a more conducive learning environment.

The “Teaching Together” workshop, being held at the GNAT Institute, brought together over 300 educators from the Northern, Bono, Ahafo, and Upper West Regions.

It is the first batch of over 600 teachers scheduled for training under the project, which focuses on “teachers teaching teachers to teach,” enhancing pedagogical skills in areas like inclusive education, technology education, gender and culture, and classroom management.

Rev. Isaac Owusu also took the opportunity to call on the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, to prioritize education in fiscal policy.

He urged the Ministry to “ensure that teachers’ welfare is given the necessary attention.” He highlighted the persistent challenges faced by educators across Ghana, including inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and delayed allowances, stating that these issues “negatively affect teacher motivation and educational delivery.”

Ghana’s education sector continues to grapple with these challenges. A 2022 Ghana Education Service (GES) report indicated that nearly 30% of basic schools in rural Ghana lack the required number of teachers, leading to issues like multigrade teaching.

Teacher motivation is often impacted by insufficient professional development opportunities and a perceived lack of adequate remuneration, despite recent efforts to improve conditions. GNAT, as the largest teacher union in Ghana with an estimated membership of over 200,000, plays a critical role in advocating for these systemic improvements

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Thirty people have been injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd queuing to get into a nightclub in Los Angeles.

Seven were critically injured and six were in a serious condition after the crash in East Hollywood, the LA Fire Department (LAFD) said.

A line of mostly women were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood music venue when the car struck at 02:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the crash as an intentional act because the driver made a U-turn before ramming through the crowd, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said that when officers arrived, bystanders had dragged the driver out of the Nissan Versa and were attacking him. One assailant had shot the driver.

The driver was taken to hospital for surgery, the LAPD added. His condition is unknown.

The vehicle drove through a taco stand, through a valet podium, and then into the crowd, said police.

Pictures from the scene show a grey car on a pavement with debris strewn on the ground, and a large police presence.

The nightclub was hosting a reggae/hip hop event at the time, according to its website.

A law enforcement official told CNN the driver is believed to have been intoxicated.

Police have described the suspect who opened fire during the melee before fleeing on foot as a bald Hispanic man. He was wearing a blue jersey and potentially armed with a silver-coloured revolver.

In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy”.

“The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning – a full investigation into what happened is under way,” she said.

The victims have all been taken to hospitals or trauma centres, LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen told reporters at the scene.

“It was a very chaotic scene,” Capt VanGerpen said, adding that “a lot of bystanders by the club came out to help people”.

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Fally Ipupa headlines electrifying first night as Congo takes centre stage in global celebration of music and culture.

The rhythm of Congolese Rumba echoed through the capital on Wednesday as President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo officially opened the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa, setting the tone for a landmark event that merges culture, tourism, and diplomacy under the theme “The Rumba Route for Peace.”

The opening ceremony, held at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), brought together cultural leaders, artists, international partners, and dignitaries from across the globe. President Tshisekedi thanked the Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili and his team at of UN Tourism for partnering with the Congolese government to bring the maiden edition of the festival to life, noting that the DRC would leverage this platform to promote peace, unity, and tourism development.

In his first official visit to the DRC, Pololikashvili addressed a packed hall of dignitaries, artists, cultural leaders and Congolese citizens. In a deeply personal and forward-looking speech, he noted that “it is a great honour to join you in Kinshasa, a city full of rhythm and energy.”

“Today, the DRC is making history. You are not only hosting a festival. You are sharing Congolese Rumba with the world. This music, recognised by UNESCO, tells the story of your people. It is a living link between Africa and the Americas.”

He also stressed the global significance of the festival. “Both music and tourism are instruments of peace. They break down barriers, foster understanding, and remind us of our common humanity. This festival shows what African tourism can be – inclusive, authentic, and proudly rooted in culture.”

The official opening was elevated by stirring choral performances and traditional Congolese music and dance, which brought vibrancy and local flavour to the ceremony in a rich cultural setting. The audience – made up of government officials, cultural leaders, international partners, and artists – was visibly moved by the authentic expressions of Congolese identity and artistry.

After the ceremony, President Tshisekedi led high-level dignitaries to tour the Cultural Village, an immersive exhibition space showcasing Congolese fashion, crafts, gastronomy and visual arts.

As the sun set, the celebration continued with a massive open-air concert headlined by Fally Ipupa at the People’s Palace, on the forecourt of the National Assembly. 

Drawing thousands of people, the show blended Rumba’s timeless melodies with urban rhythm and pop flair, bringing Kinshasa to life and marking a thrilling conclusion to Day 1. Fally’s performance – powerful, polished and deeply rooted in tradition – embodied the spirit of the festival: Congolese excellence with global resonance.

On Day 2 – Thursday, July 17

Day 2 of the World Music and Tourism Festival will focused on dialogue, innovation, and industry development at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC). Key highlights included “Transatlantic Rhythms for Peace,” a high-level roundtable exploring music as a tool for diplomacy between Africa, the Americas and beyond, as well as the “Fair Play” session, which tackled issues around copyright, artist rights, and equitable participation in the music tourism economy.

 A dedicated masterclass also provided artists and stakeholders with practical insights into intellectual property and sustainable business models.

Additional sessions explored music’s role in destination branding through the panel “Music at the Heart of Tourism,” and how digital platforms and youth-led innovation were reshaping the creative landscape in “From Vinyl to Viral.”

 A fireside chat with renowned Congolese musician Jean Goubald Kalala, moderated by Kojo Bentum-Williams, will offer a personal perspective on the evolution of Congolese Rumba. 

The World Music and Tourism Festival continues through Friday 18 July, with Kinshasa proudly at its centre – where the beat of Rumba becomes the heartbeat of peace.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans by his administration to introduce a regional quota system for recruitment into the country’s security services.

He made the announcement on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, during a durbar at Juaboso in the Western North Region as part of his nationwide “Thank You Tour.”

According to Mr Mahama, the proposed system is aimed at addressing longstanding imbalances in the recruitment process, which, he said, has historically favoured urban areas and individuals with political connections.

“We also promised to decentralise recruitment into the security services,” Mr Mahama told the gathering. “We’re waiting for financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, and when we get it, every region is going to have a quota to send young people into the security services.”

He added that under the proposed arrangement, each region would be allocated a fixed number of slots, and any attempt to bypass the process with politically backed lists would not be tolerated.

“When that time comes, if your region has 100 slots and you go and bring a protocol list with 200 names, we will just throw that list away,” he said.

Mr Mahama’s remarks follow growing public concern over the transparency of recruitment processes within the country’s security services. In recent years, many young people—especially those from rural areas—have complained about being sidelined by so-called “protocol” arrangements, which they claim favour the well-connected.

He said the policy is intended to enhance fairness, ensure regional balance, and restore public trust in the operations of the security services.

Although financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance is still pending, Mr Mahama assured that once approval is received, the new recruitment model will be rolled out.

The Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, and other security agencies are expected to adopt the regional quota system upon implementation of the policy.

The NPP 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Aowin Constituency, Fuseini Yakubu Abanga (NPP Abanga), has openly attributed his electoral defeat to the active campaigning of his twin brother, who holds the position of Third National Vice Chairman of the NDC (Abanga NDC).

The revelation came to the limelight during an interview with Joy News at the NPP National Delegates Congress, highlighting the intricate and often volatile intersection of family ties and partisan politics in Ghana.

“In fact, I can even blame him for losing my seat in Aowin. I won,” NPP Abanga declared, revealing the depth of the political chasm between the siblings.

He confirmed, “Yes, he was behind. He came to campaign against me and politics.”

This personal account provides a rare glimpse into the dynamics of Ghanaian elections, where individual relationships can be strained by fierce party loyalties.

NPP Abanga painted a clear picture of the ideological divergence that pits him against his twin.

“In fact we don’t share the same ideology. He’s an NDC, I’m an NPP; there’s nothing NDC that I support. Same way, nothing MP that he will support, and for that matter, the chemistry is something which is there,” he stated.

The interview also touched upon the recent allegations against NDC Abanga regarding his alleged involvement in “galamsey” (illegal mining) activities, specifically backing fake anti-galamsey taskforces.

While NPP Abanga initially maintained that he “can’t defend any NDC person”, he later added, “Any NDC person is capable of doing anything, but to me, I’ve never seen him doing galamsey. I know him to be a legitimate man who holds concessions.”

This nuanced response suggests a personal belief in his brother’s legitimate business dealings, even amidst the political mudslinging.

Beyond Family Feuds: Internal Party Debates:

Beyond his personal electoral woes, NPP Abanga also weighed in on critical internal NPP discussions at the ongoing congress. He notably expressed strong opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment to raise the age limit for the National Youth Organiser position to 35.

“I don’t support the 35,” he asserted, explaining that he had engaged with youth organisers from all 275 constituencies and their deputies.

Despite falling within the proposed age range himself, NPP Abanga stressed the importance of democratic principles over personal gain.

“You don’t have to be selfish. I’m a political science student… I believe in democracy and I don’t think I should be so selfish that because it will favor Abanga. In this case, if that thing should come to it means I’m going to be the only contestant of which I should have been happy that I don’t I don’t have to be so selfish that I should think of myself of living members.”

This public stance on a contentious internal party matter demonstrates NPP Abanga’s broader commitment to what he perceives as democratic fairness within the NPP, even as he navigates the complexities of his political rivalry with his own twin.

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Speakers at a policy dialogue on pensions for Ghanaian creatives have called for greater commitment towards a workable scheme to secure the future of Ghanaian creatives to preserve Ghana’s heritage.

They indicated that ad hoc support schemes for creatives, particularly for pensions, left the sector unattractive for the young ones.

Several speakers urged the establishment of feasible and dependable schemes that would provide decent retirement conditions for Ghanaian creatives.

The dialogue was organised by the Centre for Research, Culture and Creative Arts of the School of Creative Arts (CeRCCA) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

It aimed at bringing attention to the need for a sustainable pension scheme for Ghanaian creatives and a sustainable national apprenticeship programme.

The dialogue highlighted two technical research reports on a pension scheme for the creatives and a sustainable apprenticeship programme.

It was attended by representatives from the Musicians Association of Ghana (MUSIGA), Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) and the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), among others.

A professor with the School of Creative Arts of UEW, Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, speaking on the Developing Pension Scheme for Ghanaian Creatives and Artisans, said the current Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Pension scheme did not fully address the welfare needs of creatives.

That, he indicated, was due to factors, including the volatility of incomes in the sector, the informal nature of the sector and policy gaps.

The situation, he said, had left many in the sector without dignified retirement welfare and support.

 Threat

Prof. Acquah said this posed a threat to the creative sector, which, he said, held great potential to contribute significantly to the national economy.

He called for a legal framework for creatives’ pension scheme and the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee the scheme for efficiency and sustainability.

The speakers and some dignitaries at the programme

The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, said the creative industry remained a powerhouse, but the lack of a comprehensive retirement security scheme made the industry unattractive and posed an existential threat to practitioners as they age or are incapacitated.  

“We have witnessed it. We have seen it. People who were doing very well all of a sudden, begging some people to pay their rent, and as a result of stress, within a few days, they just die off,” he stated. 

He disclosed that CeRCCA research proposed policy recommendations for a tailored guidance for creatives’ pension scheme to address these gaps, noting, “By securing our creatives, we secure Ghana’s soul”.

He commended the CeRCCA for the initiative and called for stronger collaboration with other organisations to create a significant impact on culture and creative art for livelihood empowerment, culture preservation and promotion.

The Dean of the School of Creative Arts, Prof. Evans Asante, said the topics had long occupied the periphery of national dialogue and policy discussion despite their immense contribution to national development.

Prof. Osuanyi Quaicoo Essel said Ghana needed a sustainable apprenticeship model that would address the gaps in training and employment. 

He said studies had confirmed that people with skills were easily employed, explaining that a robust national apprenticeship programme would help deal with the high unemployment problem.

The Chief Executive Officer of GHAMRO, Jackson Brefo, called on academia to collaborate with industry to equip up-and-coming creatives on creative laws and ethics.

ActionAid Ghana has handed over five mechanised boreholes and five urinal facil­ities to five public basic schools in the Northern Region, as part of efforts to improve access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in educational institu­tions.

The beneficiary schools included Kalariga Saqafat Islamic Primary School, Kpanvo Islamic Primary School in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and Kul­nyevila Primary School, Dimala Zion Primary school and Gbari­ma M /A Primary School in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly.

The facilities, which were hand­ed over during a brief ceremony, are expected to benefit hundreds of school children by providing clean drinking water and improved sanitation infrastructure.

This intervention forms part of ActionAid’s broader commitment to give back to schools located in the region with the ultimate aim of promoting children’s health and well-being.

Mrs Beatrice Yanman, Office Representative, speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Pro­gramme Manager of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Esther Boateng, emphasisied the essence of proper hygiene and sanitation in schools.

She highlighted the lack of ade­quate water supply and sanitation facilities in many basic schools and urged school authorities to ensure these amenities are well-maintained and utilised effectively.

She further stated that the importance of sanitation in the de­velopment of every child however, cannot be downplayed.

‘’Good health and environmen­tal sanitation in schools and institu­tions of higher learning could only be achieved if schools have access to adequate toilet facilities and drinkable water at 87.7 per cent and 77.7 per cent respectively,’’ she noted.

According to her, most basic schools in Ghana do not have basic sanitation facilities: ‘’ and situations where they exist, they are either not functional, do not have separated facilities for boys and girls or are not near the school premises.’’

‘’As a result, teenage girls in such schools miss up to four days of classes each month during their menstrual periods. This situation contravenes the 1992 constitution of Ghana, which guarantees the right to education for all. It is also deemed a violation of the girls’ right to education, effec­tively excluding them from full participation in school.

“Clean water and good sani­tation are essential to the health of our children and their ability to stay in school. We urge school management to take full respon­sibility for the upkeep of these facilities,” she stressed.

She also noted that the pro­vision of boreholes and urinal facilities forms part of Action­Aid’s efforts to curb absenteeism, especially among girls, who are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation in schools.

Alhaji Mahamadu Issahaka, the Circuit Director of Education for Dabokpa, applauded Action­Aid for its continued support in addressing sanitation challenges in schools in the region.

“This support will go a long way to improve the overall school environment. We commend Ac­tionAid for consistently support­ing educational development in the region,” he siad.

The Chief of Kalariga, Abdul Rahaman Zakaria, also expressed appreciation to ActionAid on behalf of the local community for the kind gesture.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chan­cellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., expressed deep appre­ciation for MODEC’s continued partnership and support.

“Our longstanding relationship with MODEC is built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and capacity-building. This part­nership exemplifies how industry and academia can collaborate to empower the next generation of maritime professionals,” he mentioned.

Dr Brooks described Handler 2 as an essential tool in maritime education, underscoring its role in developing practical seamanship skills such as mooring, anchoring, line handling and navigation.

“Students will gain hands-on experience in vessel operation, engine and propulsion systems, and emergency drills,” he noted.

“This aligns with the IMO’s Standards of Training, Certifica­tion and Watchkeeping (STCW), which requires practical safety training that workboats deliver effectively,” he added.

He assured stakeholders that Handler 2 will be fully integrat­ed into RMU’s academic and training programmes, offering students immersive, real-world maritime experience.

MODEC Managing Direc­tor, Mr Theophilus Ahwireng, emphasised that the donation is a long-term investment in maritime education and offshore capabilities for Ghana and the wider West African region.

He revealed that MODEC and its partners have invest­ed over $2.3 million in RMU projects, including a state-of-the-art Welding Training Centre developed in collaboration with Tullow Oil at a cost of $1.8 million.

“We urge all users of the workboat to be diligent stew­ards of this valuable resource,” Mr Ahwireng indicated, while commending RMU’s leadership for upholding international stan­dards and fostering impactful collaborations.

Your Excellency, former Vice President and former flag bearer of our party, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and your dear spouse, our respected former colleague, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, and former running mate of our dear party, members of the diplomatic corps, national executives of our great party, distinguished members of the Council of Elders, second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, colleagues in leadership, honourable, mighty minority members of Parliament, regional executives, constituency executives, distinguished delegates, representatives from our external branches, fellow patriots, members of TESCON, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen. 

Let us recall the piercing whistle of our revered former President, John Agyekum Kufuor. It is better to be a cleaner in a party in power than the General Secretary of a party in opposition.

These words echo with urgency today as we gather in the shadow of our 2024 defeat, a loss that stinks not because we failed but because Ghana is now paying the price for trusting the NDC’s hollow promises. 

Barely months into the alternative, the NDC’s betrayal is clearing. New levies on fuel have spiked pump prices.

Crashing ordinary Ghanaians. Their plight to end galamsey has collapsed into chaos. The President calls it a national emergency, yet refuses to declare a state of emergency to chaos.

Their vow to reset our nation has become a brazen assault on our judicial, starting with a shameful vilification of our Chief Justice. 

Their promise of change, a sham, with schemes afoot to funnel our mineral wealth to their cronies. 
Worst of all, their questionable Ablekuma rerun, where NDC-affiliated attacks have tired our candidates, Nana Ekua Afriyie, former MP Hawa Koomson, and journalists expose their willingness to trample democracy with violence. The message is clear. NDC is a failure. Ghana deserves better.

Our 2024 loss exposed our cracks, internal rifts, fortune resolved, and a message that didn’t connect. Yet this defeat is not our end. It is our crucible, fortifying us for the battles ahead.

You must channel this moment of disillusionment into a movement of renewal, turning pain into purpose. 
Let me share a story that should humble all of us. In 2005, a democratically elected leader stood at the gate of the American Embassy in New Delhi, holding a valid passport, but facing an insurmountable barrier.

The United States had denied Narendra Modi a visa, not for any criminal conviction, but because the world had judged him guilty. Imagine that moment of profound isolation. 

Here was a man who had won the trust of millions, yet reduced to persona non grata on the global stage.

The humiliation was complete. The path forward seemed impossible, but Modi made a choice that day that would define not his future, but the destiny of his party and some 1.5 billion people. 

Today, that same man commands audience at the G20, addresses joint sessions of the United States Congress, and leads one of the world’s most growing economies.

Recently, he visited our republic and addressed our parliament, stating, true democracy promotes discussions and debates. It unites people. It supports dignity and promotes human rights.

I couldn’t agree more. Modi’s journey from global barrier to world state offers us the NPP, a road map from our current wilderness to future victory. Modi’s resurrection began with a revolutionary principle.

In a nation fractured by castes, religious, ethnic, and linguistic differences, he declared, all the citizens, all the voters are my countrymen. 

Fellow patriots, look around us this very afternoon. Look at the divisions that have sprouted like weeds since our defeat.

We cannot, we must not allow 2024 to become the year that destroyed the NPP. From this moment, we speak with one voice. We move with one resolve.

We are not Achem, Ashanti, Fante, Mamprushi, Gonja, Ga or Ewe. We are NPP. We are not north or south.

We are Ghana first. Modi’s transformation was built on principles that never wavered. Service before self.

Performance over promises. Dignity through opportunity. These values are not foreign to us.

They are our foundation. Busia believed in service before self. Dankwa championed dignity through opportunity.

Tumbo sacrificed his leadership rights and fought for performance over promises. We have not lost our way because we forgot our policies. We have lost our way because we abandoned our principles.

Modi’s political resurrection was built on methodical grassroots mobilization. From the mid-1980s onwards, he dragged to villages others ignored. Sat with farmers others dismissed and listened to the dreams others regarded as impossible.

Perhaps we became a party talking to itself in Accra. We must become a party of Ghana talking to Ghana. Our constituency executives must master every polling station.

Our polling station chairpersons must know every voter. Our electoral area coordinators must understand every community’s dreams. Modi’s greatest achievement was rebranding not just himself but India’s entire narrative.

The country known for poverty became known for possibilities but this rebranding wasn’t cosmetic. It was substantive. We cannot rebrand ourselves through better slogans.

We must rebrand ourselves through better results and strong character. This conference marks a pivotal moment in our party’s journey. 

As we gather under the theme rebuilding together with our values, we are called not only to reflect but to renew.

We are called to look inward and ask ourselves the hard questions. Who are we? What binds us? And where are we going? We are in a season that demands sober reflection, radical unity and a return to first principles. This is a time of transition.

A time when we are repositioning as a party in opposition. It is a time to rebuild. A time to reconnect with our grassroots.

To re-express our ideals with clarity and reconnect to the Kenyan people with bold new vision for the future. 

We are at a critical juncture as a party not because our tradition is broken but because it is being tested. 

Tested by an electoral defeat, internal tensions, unmet expectations and the competing ambition of people who want to say.

But let us remind ourselves ambition must never override party loyalty. Competition must never erode patriotism and political differences must never poison the well of unity. 

Dear patriots, every political tradition, every movement that has endured storms and achieved victories has been built on one unshakable foundation, unity.

Without unity we are just individuals with ambition. But with unity we become a force, a party with direction, discipline and destiny. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity.

It doesn’t mean we all agree on everything. It means loyalty to a shared purpose. It means commitment to the flag, the same values and the same future.

The NPP has never been nearly a political organization. We are a tradition built on the sacrifice and convictions of patriots who came before us. Patriots who believed in liberty, human dignity, the rule of law and the boundless potential of the Ghanaian people.

Realized through the active participation of the private sector, these values must be our compass especially now. For us as a party, the muddy story is instructive. The lesson for us is simple.

It is possible to rebuild and leadership is empty without a united party. Like the BJP, we have known both power and opposition. We have faced criticism and internal differences.

But unity is not the absence of disagreement. It is a decision to prioritize collective strength over individual ambition. If we are to reclaim our position of leadership and trust, we must first reclaim the spirit of unity, discipline and shared purpose that build this party.

We must reconnect with the base, re-engage the grassroots and rise together, not as isolated contenders, but as a unified movement driven by conviction and clarity. Like the BJP, our party too must rediscover the principle and the ethos that define our founding fathers. We must rebuild, yes, but not as a scattered stone.

We must rebuild together, brick by brick, anchored in our values and in the unshakable belief that no individual, no individual, no individual is bigger than the MPP. That belief must reflect our tone, our language, our strategy and most importantly in our posture towards one another. Internal discord, suspicions and disunity have cost us.

We must learn from our losses and must do so quickly. And I ask again, what are our values? Our party guided by the enduring motto, development in freedom, stands for democratic accountability, the rule of law, free enterprise and national self-confidence. 

Rooted in the Dankwa-Busia tradition, we are inspired by a deep sense of perseverance, resilience and an unyielding faith in Ghana’s manifest destiny as a free, just and prosperous society of opportunities.

We believe in building a nation where every Ghanaian, regardless of their circumstance of birth, gender, ethnicity or religion, must be offered the chance to rise through merit, effort and enterprise. 

Our vision of a property-owning democracy has evolved beyond land or housing to mean giving every citizen a stake in national progress through education, healthcare, financial inclusion and decent jobs. Every child and youth must be equipped with the skills, values, confidence and opportunity to be entrepreneurial or to climb the professional career ladder.

From rural development and both social interventions to neutralization, the NPP remains committed to inclusive growth, law and order and empowering all Ghanaians to shape their own destinies in a free society. We believe in inclusive growth that lifts farmers, teachers, traders and students together. 

We stand for law and order, the bedrock of peace and progress. We uphold democratic accountability where leaders serve, not rule. Because in this party, we believe Ghana’s greatness lies in the hands of their people. Your sweat, your courage and your dreams. 

In freedom, you the Ghanaian are the author of your destiny. This is our covenant. They are the binding principles of the NPP.

The NPP has never been a party of despair. We are a party of destiny, but that destiny will slip from our hands if we allow disunity, bitterness, anger and self-interest to consume us. Let us end the hate campaigns and the subtle sabotage.

It is time to choose unity over evil and party over self. If we fight one another, we will end up falling together. But if we fight for one another, we shall rise together.

We have known victory and defeat. We’ve made mistakes, but we are not a broken party. We are only a battle-tested party.

We must not allow current challenges to blur our vision or break our ranks. Yes, we have differences.  Yes, we’ve made mistakes, but we must never forget we are what we stand for and where we are going.
Let this be a reminder. 

No matter how talented a leader is, they are nothing without a united, disciplined and visionary party behind them. That symbiosis, leader and party rising together, is what we must seek to achieve.

No individual can make it alone. Everyone needs the party. Since the NDC government assumed office in January, we’ve witnessed a very disturbing development, intimidation of our party members and a dangerous trend of persecution of our leaders and supporters.

These attacks are not random. They are strategic attempts to weaken us, but they will fail. They will fail because our response will be unity.

Our motto moving forward from today should be, touch one, touch all. When one of us is touched, all of us must rise. We are one family and the strength of our family is its loyalty in crisis.

If we choose unity over ego, purpose over personal ambition, no force, no force can ever stop us in 2028. When we are united, no external force can divide us, but when we are divided, even our strength can be used against us. Rebuilding does not mean avoiding or overlooking our differences.

It means confronting them with maturity. It means refusing to let factions become permanent fractures. It means calling each other back to the centre, the core which brought us this far.

Your servants in parliament hereby assure you through me that the MPP caucus remains resolute. We are not retreating. We are strong, united and committed to the values and ideologies of our party.

We shall continue to defend the legacy of our party in parliament, hold government accountable and show the Ghanaian people that we remain the better alternative. To our aspiring candidates, let this be a season of sober reflection. There is room for all of us at the table, but there is no room for selfish ambition.

Let us rise above the temptation to win at all costs and choose instead to serve at all costs. Delegates, the future of our party lies in the choices we make today. Let us choose unity over division.

Let us all rally around our elected leaders and reignite hope among our base. To our grassroots, you are the lifeblood of this great tradition. Your sacrifices, your patience and unwavering loyalty have kept us afloat in seasons of triumph and in valleys of loss and so to you, I say, hold on. Do not lose hope. We shall rise again.

The elephant has only stumbled. It has not been defeated. You have never given up on us and we, your servants in parliament, will never give up on you either and to our youth, you have formed a majority and your energy, your voice and your ideas are not just welcome, they are essential. Tescon, this is your moment. Stay grounded to our values.

Stay focused on the bigger picture. Know that the future of this party belongs to you, the Tescon youth and our youth scattered all over the country. Learn from the elders in parliament, don’t insult them, engage them, absorb their wisdom and grow with a strong conviction of our party and what it stands for.

That way you can also lead with clarity, build with purpose and sustain the NPP legacy that has been entrusted to you. It is time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Yes, we lost 2024 elections in a big way, but let us be clear, this was not a defeat born out of failure.

It was a perfect storm of adversity no government in the fourth republic has ever had. From the banking crisis that threatened to collapse our financial system, which we spent billions fixing, restoring confidence and stability, to the global COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to its knees.

Then came the Russian-Ukraine war, unleashing the harshest course of living, crisis in generation and through it all, we govern with a hung parliament and an opposition speaker. 

No government, no government in our democratic history faced this scale of compounded crisis. Yet, in the driving seat, we held the line.

We do not downplay the struggle the Ghanaian people had to endure, but we should commend them because it was a sacrifices day, including the bondholders made, which led to the big economic recovery we started witnessing from early 2024. 

We endured, the people endured, and still we delivered. There was leadership tested best in major crisis.

We should not be shy of the mighty gains we made under very difficult circumstances under Nana Akufo-Addo. We fixed the crisis and handed over an economy with stronger GDP growth than what we inherited in 2017. 

We built historic levels of gold and foreign exchange reserves, reserves the current administration is now relying on to prop up the city and support the economy.

We created jobs, we built more roads than any government in eight years span, and implemented free SHS, a globally unprecedented feat in a country where most students are borders. 

We industrialized like never before, from 1D, 1F and industrial parks to an emerging automotive sector that positions Ghana as a manufacturing hub of Africa’s single market. We expanded health infrastructure, re-fertilized agriculture, so boldly.

The STEM education agenda, we successfully rolled it out to equip our youth with skills for the jobs of tomorrow, thanks to Matthew Opoku-Prempeh and Dr Adutwum. We set Ghana on a reversible digitalization path, placing our nation at the forefront of promising digital economy and after. 

Fellow veterans, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, let us face the truth.

We took the hard, necessary decisions to save this economy, and now Muhammad’s government is taking propaganda credits, reaping where it has not sown, when they talk about resetting, where it is the so-called 24-hour economy, the gold board or anything else. 

They are simply rebranding our achievements and marketing them as their own. Let no one be deceived, the foundation they are standing on was laid by this party, by our sacrifices, by our bold leadership in the face of crisis.

So no, this party has no reason to hang its head at all. In closing, I want to reiterate our theme, rebuilding together with our values. 

It is a charge, it is a call to realign, to renew and to rise together, and we rise again in unity and in the enduring spirit of our party, our great NPP.

And I say to all of you, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil.  Let us go back to our roots, let us rebuild with courage, let us reimagine our future, and let us reclaim the spirit that built this party, a spirit of sacrifice, of loyalty, of conviction. 

We’ve done it before, we can do it again, and let it be that by the grace of God, we will.

God bless us all, God bless the NPP, and God bless our beloved nation Ghana. Thank you so much. 

Thank you very much.

ActionAid Ghana has handed over five mechanised boreholes and five urinal facil­ities to five public basic schools in the Northern Region, as part of efforts to improve access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in educational institu­tions.

The beneficiary schools included Kalariga Saqafat Islamic Primary School, Kpanvo Islamic Primary School in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and Kul­nyevila Primary School, Dimala Zion Primary school and Gbari­ma M /A Primary School in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly.

The facilities, which were hand­ed over during a brief ceremony, are expected to benefit hundreds of school children by providing clean drinking water and improved sanitation infrastructure.

This intervention forms part of ActionAid’s broader commitment to give back to schools located in the region with the ultimate aim of promoting children’s health and well-being.

Mrs Beatrice Yanman, Office Representative, speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Pro­gramme Manager of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Esther Boateng, emphasisied the essence of proper hygiene and sanitation in schools.

She highlighted the lack of ade­quate water supply and sanitation facilities in many basic schools and urged school authorities to ensure these amenities are well-maintained and utilised effectively.

She further stated that the importance of sanitation in the de­velopment of every child however, cannot be downplayed.

‘’Good health and environmen­tal sanitation in schools and institu­tions of higher learning could only be achieved if schools have access to adequate toilet facilities and drinkable water at 87.7 per cent and 77.7 per cent respectively,’’ she noted.

According to her, most basic schools in Ghana do not have basic sanitation facilities: ‘’ and situations where they exist, they are either not functional, do not have separated facilities for boys and girls or are not near the school premises.’’

‘’As a result, teenage girls in such schools miss up to four days of classes each month during their menstrual periods. This situation contravenes the 1992 constitution of Ghana, which guarantees the right to education for all. It is also deemed a violation of the girls’ right to education, effec­tively excluding them from full participation in school.

“Clean water and good sani­tation are essential to the health of our children and their ability to stay in school. We urge school management to take full respon­sibility for the upkeep of these facilities,” she stressed.

She also noted that the pro­vision of boreholes and urinal facilities forms part of Action­Aid’s efforts to curb absenteeism, especially among girls, who are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation in schools.

Alhaji Mahamadu Issahaka, the Circuit Director of Education for Dabokpa, applauded Action­Aid for its continued support in addressing sanitation challenges in schools in the region.

“This support will go a long way to improve the overall school environment. We commend Ac­tionAid for consistently support­ing educational development in the region,” he siad.

The Chief of Kalariga, Abdul Rahaman Zakaria, also expressed appreciation to ActionAid on behalf of the local community for the kind gesture.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chan­cellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., expressed deep appre­ciation for MODEC’s continued partnership and support.

“Our longstanding relationship with MODEC is built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and capacity-building. This part­nership exemplifies how industry and academia can collaborate to empower the next generation of maritime professionals,” he mentioned.

Dr Brooks described Handler 2 as an essential tool in maritime education, underscoring its role in developing practical seamanship skills such as mooring, anchoring, line handling and navigation.

“Students will gain hands-on experience in vessel operation, engine and propulsion systems, and emergency drills,” he noted.

“This aligns with the IMO’s Standards of Training, Certifica­tion and Watchkeeping (STCW), which requires practical safety training that workboats deliver effectively,” he added.

He assured stakeholders that Handler 2 will be fully integrat­ed into RMU’s academic and training programmes, offering students immersive, real-world maritime experience.

MODEC Managing Direc­tor, Mr Theophilus Ahwireng, emphasised that the donation is a long-term investment in maritime education and offshore capabilities for Ghana and the wider West African region.

He revealed that MODEC and its partners have invest­ed over $2.3 million in RMU projects, including a state-of-the-art Welding Training Centre developed in collaboration with Tullow Oil at a cost of $1.8 million.

“We urge all users of the workboat to be diligent stew­ards of this valuable resource,” Mr Ahwireng indicated, while commending RMU’s leadership for upholding international stan­dards and fostering impactful collaborations.

Ghana’s Black Queens have progressed to the semifinals of the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they will clash with host nation Morocco. The Queens sealed their spot after an electrifying 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Algeria in the quarterfinals, with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan rising to the occasion as the hero by […]

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Published:
Sunday, 20 July 2025

Only four teams remain. The group stage filtered the hopefuls, the quarterfinals tightened the field, and now the elite stand tall. The final four of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 showcases the continent’s finest, a host nation propelled by a rare wave of home support, a Ghanaian side on a mission, the reigning champions still standing, and the historical giant with an unmatched pedigree.

On Tuesday, two high-stakes semifinals take center stage, Morocco vs Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and South Africa vs Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Morocco vs Ghana: Ambition Meets Determination

Three years ago, Morocco reached the final on home soil, reigniting national pride in women’s football. In 2025, the Atlas Lionesses have matured, stronger and more composed. With a packed Olympic Stadium behind them, Jorge Vilda’s side has shown new-found maturity. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by an Ibtissam Jraïdi brace, reinforced their momentum. “This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” said Vilda post-match.

However, a different challenge awaits. Ghana has maintained relentless intensity throughout the tournament. The Black Queens, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, hero of their penalty shootout win against Algeria (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)—are a team on a mission. Head coach Kim Björkegren has been clear: “This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up.”

In the group stage, Ghana emerged from a tough pool with South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and finishing with four points. They’ve since ridden a wave of self-belief, exemplified by playmaker Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye—a mix of experience and fierce ambition.

Statistically, Morocco boasts one of the tournament’s best attacks (10 goals in four matches), while Ghana holds the best defensive record (only two goals conceded). The matchup is finely balanced. Home advantage might tilt the scales, but Ghana remains unfazed. “Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,” Kusi smiled.

South Africa vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final

This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s AFCON. Nigeria has impressed with its discipline: three group wins, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia. Within a cohesive squad, full-back Michelle Alozie and midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade have stood out, while Esther Okoronkwo, the tournament’s top assist provider with three, continues to rise.

On the other side, Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. South Africa faced hurdles but endured. After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged Senegal on penalties (0-0, 4-1) in the quarterfinals, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Still, there’s more to this team than meets the eye. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all capable of turning the game on its head. The possession-heavy style that once seemed toothless now looks sharper, and the squad seems to be reliving the spirit of their 2022 triumph. “There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis insisted.

By the numbers, Nigeria dominates most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defense (no goals conceded). However, their most recent meeting in the CAF Women’s AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa.

The final four of this 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encapsulates everything promising about African women’s football. Morocco dreams of its first title. Ghana seeks a return to glory. South Africa eyes back-to-back crowns. Nigeria is out to remind everyone who’s boss.

Saminu Abdul Rasheed has set a blazing new national record in the men’s 100m, clocking an electrifying 9.84 seconds at the 2025 Last Chance Qualifier held at McEachern High School in Georgia.

This marks a significant milestone for the 27-year-old sprinter, who earlier this year broke Benjamin Azamati’s long-standing national record. Saminu has now shaved 0.02 seconds off his previous best, reinforcing his status as Ghana’s fastest man in history.

In a thrilling finish, fellow Ghanaian Mustapha Bokpin claimed second place with a strong 10.09s showing.

NEW NATIONAL RECORD

Saminu Abdul Rasheed shatters his own record with a lightning 9.84s in the 100m in Georgia! pic.twitter.com/HUkXAAUCGI

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) July 19, 2025

Already qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo, Saminu will aim to build on his impressive form and improve on his semifinal finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With this performance, Saminu now ranks as the joint 3rd fastest man in the world this year, trailing only Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (9.75s) and Oblique Seville (9.83s).

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.

Published:
Saturday, 19 July 2025

Under the scorching sun at the Berkane Stadium on Saturday evening, Ghanaian midfielder Grace Asantewaa’s influence stretched across the pitch in a masterful performance that inspired the Black Queens to their first TotalEnergies WAFCON semifinals since 2016. 

Nine years of waiting – impatiently. Asantewaa, who was in the squad at the 2018 edition at home that failed to make it out of the group stages, has found redemption. Finally. It has been a long journey of doubt, hope then doubt, and back to hope. Amidst it all, a love for Ghana. 

“I am very, very, very happy. I have been preparing for this. Ghanaians have been preparing for this. We had to kill ourselves. It is time for us to win this WAFCON. And also, as an individual I want to win this WAFCON. I want my name to be in the history books in Ghana, in Africa and the world. I am very happy, and I know that Ghanaians are happy,” Asantewaa explains with an ear-to-ear smile while squinting her eyes. 

Redemption ticked off to-do-list

The matchup against Algeria in the third quarterfinal was personal. She remembers the pain – emotionally, physically and psychologically of failing to make it to the knockout stages seven years ago. The backlash was brutal. The impact across the board felt like many in Ghana stepped away from the team including those who would have been the go-to support. 

But like they say, “good things take time”. Asantewaa remembers wanting to give up. “I wanted to leave football. It was very tough. But my friends told me not to give up. My family too said they will support me no matter the case. And because of that I continued playing football. I continued preparing for our return to the WAFCON. Honestly, this feels really good. I’m happy.” 

Like the great Queen Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire [modern day Ghana], who was known to be a war leader that commanded Ashanti Kings in the War of the Golden Stool fighting to defend and protect the sovereignty of her people, Grace directed the Black Queens midfield and controlled the game therein throughout regular and extra time. 

At some point, it looked like an orchestra. The conductor in her, dictated the frequency of the game, weaving passes in tandem with Jennifer Cudjoe. Asantewaa was not only relentless without the ball, but she also shaped Ghana’s approach against a stubborn and solid Algerian team that had not conceded a goal in the tournament. 

Midfield Engine and Choir Leader

With the ball, she threaded passes upfront, to the wings, pushed forward to the 18-yard box while constantly getting involved in the communication between the defense and the offense. Asantewaa was relentless. Her heat map will impress many a game analyst. 

Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is in cloud nine after this performance, “She has been stepping up in every game that we have been playing. It seems that if a game is more important, she is going to play even better. That’s really important for us. Both her and Cudjoe worked so hard. Normally, for a central midfielder, you cannot play 90 minutes or 120 minutes in a quarterfinal, but I couldn’t take out those two because they kept going and they did it so well especially Grace.” 

The goalless draw motivated their resolve in the penalty shootout with Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu converting from the spot to ensure a 4-2 deserved victory for the Black Queens. Ghana, who have now been involved in two penalty shootouts at the WAFCON, have won both. The result also means that the Black Queens have won three of their four games at the WAFCON to have gone to extra time. 

Semifinals unlocked

Ghana have now reached their seventh WAFCON semifinal and will meet hosts Morocco at the grandeur Olympic Stadium in the capital Rabat on Tuesday, July 22 at 8pm (local time). 

“We have done a very good job. We are going to the semifinals. We are not ending here. We are taking this mentality to the semifinals. I know for sure that we are going to win the trophy,” says the elated Asantewaa who cannot stop looking at the sky as if to thank the universe. 

Asantewaa is one of four players that had featured at the WAFCON prior to this edition and wants to inspire Ghana to the final. The Black Queens have reached the WAFCON final three times in the past – 1998, 2002 and 2006, losing to archrivals Nigeria on all occasions.