Minister of Energy, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured Ghanaians of a stable power supply despite the national grid recording record peak demand, particularly during the festive season.

The Minister gave the assurance while addressing participants at a health walk organised by the Ministry, in collaboration with its agencies, under the theme “Recharge, Refocus and Reconnect.”

“Let me assure the people of Ghana that those of us in the Ministry will continue to work very hard. It is challenging, but so far, we are holding on, making significant improvements, and we will continue to work to deliver on our mandate,” Dr Jinapor said.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by rising energy consumption, Dr Jinapor revealed that the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) had recorded an all-time high generation peak of approximately 4,300 megawatts.

“We are seeing a huge increase in energy consumption, and that also presents a challenge. It means that we have to work very hard to sustain power supply and keep the lights on,” he noted.

He stressed that the Ministry and its allied agencies would need to double their efforts to ensure a reliable power supply. This, he explained, would involve not only managing immediate pressure on the national grid but also strengthening petroleum production and rolling out renewable energy projects to reduce long-term strain on the system.

Dr Jinapor also addressed legal professionals from the energy sector who participated in the walk, highlighting their critical role.

“I want to call on you, particularly the lawyers, to continue reviewing all our contracts and ensure that negotiations are conducted properly. I encourage you to give your best and work very hard,” he said.

The health walk, which attracted legal staff from the Ministry and its agencies, was commended by the Minister as a valuable initiative for networking and personal well-being. He proposed that it be made a quarterly, sector-wide event to promote stronger collaboration among energy sector workers.

Concluding his remarks, Dr Jinapor reiterated his reassurance to the public, “Let me assure the people of Ghana that those of us in the Ministry will continue to work very hard. We are making improvements and will remain committed to delivering on our mandate.”

Shatta Wale thrill fans at UG sports stadium

The University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday night, December 20, 2025, was filled with excitement and full-blown entertainment as one of Ghana’s celebrated dancehall musicians, Shatta Wale, took center stage to thrill fans and spectators at the Legacy Rise boxing showdown with an electrifying performance.

His arrival on stage turned the whole place up and fully energized the crowd, as fans and attendees braced themselves for a sterling show.

During his high-energy performance, Shatta Wale dropped the legendary and famous “smiling mafia” phrase.

He acknowledged the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, who was in attendance.

He said, “Say smiling mafia! You get president wey dey smile wey san be mafia. You no go get for anywhere.”

The statement drew loud cheers and excitement from his fans as they repeated the words after him.

LIVE FROM LEGON SPORTS STADIUM | Legacy Rise boxing showdown | WoezorTV

Shatta Wale further blended music, social commentary, and playful ad-libs into his performance, solidifying his brand as an unapologetic entertainment within the Ghanaian music scene.

He also declared his admiration for the president by adopting his name with a loud bang on stage.

“Shoutout to my daddy. You know today I want you guys to know that my surname is Shatta Mahama and my father is a president. Thank you very much, I love you guys,” he said.

Watch the video of Shatta Wale on stage below:

Shatta Wale stirs the crowd at the UG Sports Stadium with: ‘You get president wey dey smile, wey san be mafia#BerryPulseNews pic.twitter.com/7vMPILZT16

— Berry Pulse Media Inc (@BerryPulseM_Inc) December 21, 2025

Watch Ofori Amponsah discuss interesting issues surrounding Lumba’s death, career path on this episode of Talkertainment:

SP/EB

Check out videos from the GTCO Music Concert below:

Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia was studying in Latvia before his death

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly rejected claims that the death of a Ghanaian engineering student in Latvia was a suicide.

According to him, there is evidence of foul play, indicating that the deceased was ‘subjected to inhumane treatment.

Family raise suspicion of foul play in death of 18-year-old Ghanaian student in Latvia

Ablakwa, speaking at an event, explained that Ghanaian diplomats dispatched from the country’s Berlin mission had assessed the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and reached a troubling conclusion, that it was not a suicide, as been purported.

“A couple of days ago, we issued a statement about a Ghanaian student who travelled to Latvia to study engineering, who was subjected to inhumane treatment and lost his life under very mysterious circumstances.

“I’ve read a report from our diplomats who arrived on the scene from our Berlin mission, and they are convinced that there was foul play and that it did not look like suicide,” he said.

Ablakwa said Ghana will not allow the matter to be ignored and will pursue justice to the end.

“We have served notice that we demand justice, we are not going to let that slide, and that nobody harms a Ghanaian life and gets away with it. Nobody,” he said.

The minister framed the issue as a core duty of leadership and public service, arguing that defending the lives and dignity of citizens abroad is not optional but fundamental.

“I believe I will be failing as foreign minister if I cannot stand up. It’s the most basic, the most simple thing to do to just stand up for the lives of the people that you serve all over the world,” he indicated.

He further warned that any failure by Ghanaian authorities to vigorously defend citizens overseas sends a dangerous message.

Ablakwa concluded by emphasising that self-advocacy is essential on the global stage, insisting that respect for Ghanaian lives must be asserted, not assumed.

“If you cannot stand up for them, demand that their dignity be respected, then you have no business serving in this ministry as Minister for Foreign Affairs and if we do not stand up for our own and demonstrate that we value the lives of the people we serve, nobody will. Nobody will do that for us,” he concluded.

About the case:

Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, an 18-year-old Ghanaian international student in Latvia, reportedly died in July 2025 under circumstances his family has described as mysterious and suspicious.

According to family spokesperson Sarah Nimli, the deceased was a first-year Electrical Engineering (Adaptronic) student at Riga Technical University in Latvia, having gained admission to the institution in July 2024.

Citing reasons behind their suspicions of foul play in Oduru Ahyia’s death, the family indicated that three days before his passing on June 1, 2025, Nana Agyei, who had been residing in an apartment on Baznīcas Street in Riga, reportedly sent a distressing voice note claiming he had been poisoned.

Foreign affairs ministry probes death of Ghanaian student in Latvia

He was later reported to have died on June 4, 2025, after authorities informed his family that he had fallen from the sixth floor of his apartment and succumbed to the injuries.

The family stated that efforts to contact the Latvian police proved unsuccessful, leading them to suspect a possible cover-up of the incident, especially as those allegedly involved are believed to be Latvian nationals.

MAG/EB

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

A feature by the Christian Family Lawyers Association

Accra, Dec 21, GNA – Public reactions to the recent High Court judgment involving the late Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, have been loud, emotional and, in many instances, misleading.

A dominant narrative on social media suggests that the Court “allowed a side chick to win”.

See More ❯

Paul Yandoh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Communications Director, has boldly stated that Abu Trica should be made Ghana’s Finance Minister.

The NPP Communications Director noted that Abu Trica has the brain to generate money for Ghana.

According to him, Abu Trica did not put a gun to anybody’s head but used his brain, adding that he could even be made the EOCO boss because of his brain.

See More ❯

This Sunday’s edition of JoyNews’ The Law went behind Ghana’s robust cybersecurity architecture, examining the laws protecting the digital space.

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, cybersecurity expert, author, and former Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, examined how Ghana is building resilience against cyber threats in an increasingly digital world.

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.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei Asare, has called on the government to introduce a dedicated initiative to address Ghana’s health infrastructure needs, separate from the annual budget allocation to the Ministry of Health.

She made the call on Sunday, December 21, while speaking to journalists after handing over a newly constructed two-storey, four-bedroom apartment to doctors at the Akyem Enyiresi Government Hospital.

Ms Osei Asare cited the Big Push initiative for road infrastructure as a model, noting that it allowed for substantial investment outside the routine budget of the Roads Ministry.

“In the Big Push, a substantial allocation was made to support road projects outside the normal budget for the Roads Ministry. A similar approach for health infrastructure would go a long way in addressing the critical gaps we face,” she said.

She noted that compensation accounts for about 85 per cent of the current health budget, leaving limited room to address infrastructure challenges.

“If you look at the allocation, 85 per cent is committed to salaries, leaving very little to address the health infrastructure gap,” she said, adding that a separate funding initiative would allow for meaningful investment in health facilities nationwide.

Tanzanian riot police disperse demonstrators during violent protests that marred the election

The aftermath of Tanzania’s post-election violence has forced government officials into a firefight they never planned for, dealing a blow to a foreign policy that had sought a smooth path forward.

In May, Tanzania relaunched a foreign policy document promising to uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, while protecting freedoms, justice, human rights, equality, and democracy, and promoting good neighbourliness and African unity.

The policy aims to deepen economic cooperation with development partners; support non-alignment and South-South cooperation; collaborate with the UN on international development, peace, and security; and safeguard Tanzanian social values.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan outlined a “dual-track” strategy: prioritising relations with neighbouring countries, East African Community (EAC) partners and Africa, while separately managing ties beyond the continent.

She argued this would revitalise cross-border trade under EAC harmonised protocols, attract multinational companies, and place economic diplomacy and regional integration ahead of all else. This approach shifts Tanzania from its historic role as a peaceful but somewhat isolated nation to a more economically engaged regional actor.

“This is a journey of new thinking in building our diplomatic presence and positioning our country and government on the international stage,” President Suluhu said on 19 May.

At the time, Tanzania was resolving trade disputes with Kenya, addressing 20 non-tariff barriers after years of conflict. “Trade wars have led to monopolies and protectionism, eroding global commerce and shaking the foundations of our promised globalisation,” she said.

The new policy also commits to strengthening regional infrastructure, including highways with Kenya, the metre-gauge railway to Zambia, and the Standard Gauge Railway to Burundi and the Congo, enhancing trade and security cooperation.

However, Tanzania did not plan to engage in shuttle diplomacy to defend its political developments or address allegations of police brutality and election irregularities.

In the immediate aftermath of the post-election chaos, officials initially denied police abuses and defended the results. President Samia later accused protesters of plotting a regime change with unnamed foreign backers and, even after apologising for the deaths, blamed parents for failing to guide their children.

This stance drew criticism from the UN Human Rights Office, Amnesty International, and a warning from the US that it was reviewing relations.

Dodoma appears to have learned from its missteps, favouring diplomatic engagement over outright denial, while balancing defence of its sovereignty with responses to human rights allegations.

The focus on political damage control has distracted from Tanzania’s core foreign policy pillar: economic diplomacy. This explains the recent push to engage the US, aiming to safeguard $43 billion in pending investment deals.

Former Minister of Education and NPP 2024 presidential running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has criticised the government over the approval of a new legislation amending the names of three public universities.

He questioned why the government renamed C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, and Akenten Appiah‑Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, yet left the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) untouched.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh made the remarks at the 8th “Opɛmsuo Lecture” organised by the Asante Professional Club, held in Kumasi.

He argued that there is nothing wrong with naming institutions after individuals who have made significant contributions to Ghana’s development, especially in education.

“We wake up and they say they have changed the names of some schools, but for KNUST, they do nothing, and you can’t understand it. It feels like discrimination,” he said.

He added that he does not see why a university can be named after Kwame Nkrumah while other contributors cannot receive similar recognition.

Dr. Prempeh also wondered why civil society organisations in the education sector, professors, and opinion leaders have remained silent on the matter.

He noted that KNUST was named after Kwame Nkrumah by the Convention People’s Party (CPP) government.

“I have been in the Education Ministry before, so I know what I am saying. It was Act 80 that allowed us to name the Tech University after Kwame Nkrumah, and that was during the CPP government,” he said.

The former Education Minister warned that frequent name changes by successive governments would not benefit the nation’s progress, particularly in the education sector.

He noted that the current move appears to be an attempt to cut some portion of the country’s history.

“In Ghana, it seems some people want us to start our history from 1979,” he claimed.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The ongoing 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League leaders, Aduana Stars welcome giants Accra Hearts of Oak to the Nana Agyeman Badu Stadium in Dormaa Ahenkro on Sunday, December 21.

The two-time Ghana Premier League champions welcome the Phobians for the matchday 15 fixture on the back of an impressive 1-0 away victory over Kpando Heart of Lions on matchday 14.

Aduana Stars are also unbeaten at home in the ongoing Ghana Premier League after 14 games, recording 5 victories and drawing the remaining two against Basake Holy Stars and Medeama SC.

Accra Hearts of Oak on the other hand are going into the game after recording their first away defeat on matchday 14 against Karela United at the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre in Nalerigu.

The Phobians haven’t won any of their last 5 away games at the Nana Agyeman Badu Stadium in Dormaa Ahenkro against Aduana Stars.

They have lost all their last 5 away games against Aduana Stars, conceding 7 goals and scoring none.

Watch the livestreaming below:

President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Abubakar, has declared Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.

The declaration was contained in a statement released on Saturday, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof Sambo Junaidu.

According to the statement, “The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any report from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Rajab 1447 AH on Saturday, 20th December, 2025, equivalent to 29th Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH.”

“Therefore, Sunday, 21st December, 2025, will be 30th Jumada Assaniya, 1447 AH.”

The statement noted that, based on this development, the Sultan subsequently approved Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, preceding Sha‘ban (8th) and Ramadan (9th)

It is known as one of the four sacred months during which fighting is forbidden and good deeds are magnified.

It is regarded as a significant time for spiritual preparation for Ramadan, a period for increased worship, seeking forgiveness, and reflection, leading up to the holy month.

By Emmanuel Gamson   

Sekondi (W/R), Dec. 21, GNA – Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has commended personnel of the Ghana Navy for their continuous resilience and dedication to protecting Ghana’s maritime domain.   

He gave the commendation when the Western Naval Command, Naval Logistics Command, and the Ghana Navy Fleet jointly held the annual West Africa Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA), at the Sekondi Naval Base.   

The event brought together civilians, traditional authorities, the military high command, sister security agencies, corporate organisations, and family and friends of personnel to have fun and celebrate the festive season together.   

Rear Admiral Bessing said as part of their duties, the personnel kept watch at sea in both calm and turbulent waters, protected the nation’s offshore assets, and provided a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive.   

“You all deserve my highest commendation for your professionalism, hard work, and dedication to duty.   

“Indeed, your tireless efforts have contributed to making Ghana’s maritime domain one of the safest in a region that continues to record maritime security incidents,” the CNS said.   

He encouraged them to keep working hard, while assuring them that the Naval Headquarters and high command were doing everything possible to address their operational and logistical challenges.  

Rear Admiral Bessing, however, expressed concern about the continuous decline in physical fitness level among personnel.  

He said this situation was particularly worrying as young officers and soldiers, including new entrants, struggled to meet the requirements of Basic Fitness Tests and other physically demanding exercises across the services.  

He said: “The challenge was starkly evident during the just-ended Exercise TIGERS’ PATH, where no officer participant was able to surmount all fourteen obstacles or represent their team in the Assault River Range.   

“The below-average performance of all teams in both the Obstacle Crossing and Assault River Range should concern us deeply if we truly value the future of our Armed Forces.”  

The CNS, therefore, charged commanders at all levels to take a keen interest and institute sustainable measures to reverse the trend.   

As part of the event, awards and citations were presented to some deserving personnel who distinguished themselves in the discharge of their duties during the year.   

GNA  

Edited by Justin Paaga/Christian Akorlie   

John Dramani Mahama is Ghana’s President

President John Dramani Mahama has questioned claims by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration that it constructed 10,000 kilometres of roads across the country.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road project, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, President Mahama said persistent calls from traditional leaders during his campaign exposed the true state of road infrastructure in the country.

LIVESTREAMED: President Mahama cuts sod for TDC Housing Project in Ho

“During the campaigning, everywhere I went the chiefs wanted us to fix their roads. Everywhere I went across the region, meanwhile the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government claimed that they fixed 10,000 kilometres of roads in the country. If indeed they had fixed the roads, where are the roads the NPP claimed they had fixed?” he questioned.

President Mahama cuts sod for a massive Sports Complex at Ghanasco

President Mahama further cited a World Bank report which estimates Ghana’s infrastructure deficit at about 1.5 billion dollars annually, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in road development for socio-economic growth.

He noted that roads remain critical to trade, access to markets, and overall development, adding that his administration has so far awarded road contracts valued at approximately five billion dollars.

“Roads are very important to socio-economic development. They remain critical for trade, access to markets, and overall growth”, he remarked.

The project is expected to boost economic development, improve transportation, and enhance regional connectivity.

JKB/EB

What Cletus Avoka said that made Otumfuo warn him over Bawku conflict:

Rev Stephen Wengam is the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God

The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has spoken strongly against the abuse of power in political circles, the corporate world, workplaces, and marital homes, describing it as a dangerous tool often used to promote selfish interests or gain undue advantage.

“In the name of acquiring wealth, attaining political power, or gaining promotion at the workplace, some people resort to wicked means to mistreat or eliminate their perceived enemies.

“This is what King Herod attempted against the baby Jesus, and such crude methods must be eschewed by political leaders and private individuals alike,” he said.

Rev Wengam was speaking at the forecourt of the State House in Accra during the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, hosted by the Parliament of Ghana.

The event was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, who read a scripture.

Other scriptural readings were delivered by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin; the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; the Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Professor Amin Alhassan; as well as representatives of the Majority and Minority leadership in Parliament.

Rev Wengam, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Africa Assemblies of God Alliance (AAGA), said the Christmas story presents critical lessons for both personal and national advancement, one of which is reconciliation.

He emphasised that the Christmas message is meaningless unless humanity takes deliberate steps to turn away from sin and seek reconciliation with God, the Creator, who alone guarantees true success in life.

“We must reconcile with God vertically and reconcile with our neighbours, colleagues, spouses, and children horizontally,” Rev Wengam added.

Referencing the obedience of Joseph and Mary to the census decree following the birth of Jesus, he stated, “God would not do by a miracle what people must do through responsibility, common sense, and simple obedience.”

He, therefore, underscored the need for Ghanaians to be law-abiding citizens.

Touching on governance, Rev Stephen Wengam said political leadership must pursue a national vision that transcends narrow partisan considerations, adding that such a vision must be anchored in strong moral values as a compass for holistic development.

He reminded the audience that the once-powerful Roman Empire collapsed largely due to moral failure, particularly sexual immorality, warning that such failures must not be repeated by the present generation.

Rev Wengam also urged the government, Parliament, and other state institutions to intensify efforts to protect human rights and advance the welfare of Ghanaians.

“The security agencies must step up measures to protect the civilian population, while citizens themselves prioritize their personal safety and security,” he said.

Francis Xavier Sosu (L) and Laadi Ayamba (R) have been dragged to court

A private Ghanaian citizen and lawyer has initiated legal action against four individuals, including two Members of Parliament, over their appointment to the board of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The plaintiff, identified in the writ as Tassah Tapha Tassah, is asking the High Court to order President John Dramani Mahama to remove the two lawmakers, Francis Xavier Sosu and Laadi Ayamba, from the GRA board.

He argues that they cannot be appointed as board members because they are not private individuals, as required under the Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791).

President Mahama appoints Dotsei Malor, former CDS, 16 others as deputy ambassadors

The writ, filed on December 17, 2025, and shared by TheLawPlatform and sighted by GhanaWeb, indicates that the plaintiff is seeking a court declaration that, “appointing elected Members of Parliament to the Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority, which is under Parliament’s oversight, weakens transparency, accountability, and the proper functioning of the Authority.”

The plaintiff argued that the GRA Act (2009), among other provisions, mandates the President to appoint the following persons to the governing board: a Chairperson; the Commissioner-General of the Authority; a representative of the Ministry of Finance not below the rank of Director; a representative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry not below the rank of Director; the Governor of the Bank of Ghana or a representative of the Governor not below the rank of Deputy Governor; and four persons from the private sector, two of whom must be women.

According to him, the appointment of the two MPs to represent the private sector contravenes the GRA Act, specifically Section 4(1) of Act 791.

He stated that both Laadi Ayamba and Francis Xavier Sosu, being elected Members of Parliament, cannot be appointed under Section 4(1)(f) as representatives of the private sector.

“… The Plaintiff avers that appointing the elected Members of Parliament as members of the governing Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority impairs the oversight function of the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as Members of Parliament.

“The Plaintiff avers that the elected Members of Parliament who have been appointed on the Board of Ghana Revenue Authority will take decisions on the Boards and thereafter exercise parliamentary oversight over the same institution thereby festering conflict of interest situations,” portions of the writ read.

He is therefore praying the court for:

“that upon a true and proper construction of the Ghana Revenue Authority Act, Act 791, particularly Section 4(1)f and 28 thereof, the 2nd and 3rd Defendants cannot be appointed onto the Governing Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority as representatives of the private sector.”

Meet the six entertainment personalities appointed by President Mahama

He is also seeking:

“A consequential order directed at the president to remove the 2nd and 3rd Defendants and replace them with participants in the private sector and a declaration that appointing elected Members of Parliament to the Board of Ghana Revenue Authority which is under Parliament’s oversight, weakens transparency, accountability and the proper functioning of the said Authority.”

Read the writ below:

MAG/MA

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

The University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday night, December 20, 2025, was filled with excitement and full-blown entertainment as one of Ghana’s celebrated dancehall musicians, Shatta Wale, took center stage to thrill fans and spectators at the Legacy Rise boxing showdown with an electrifying performance.

His arrival on stage turned the whole place up and fully energized the crowd, as fans and attendees braced themselves for a sterling show.

During his high-energy performance, Shatta Wale dropped the legendary and famous “smiling mafia” phrase.

He acknowledged the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, who was in attendance.

He said, “Say smiling mafia! You get president wey dey smile wey san be mafia. You no go get for anywhere.”

The statement drew loud cheers and excitement from his fans as they repeated the words after him.

Shatta Wale further blended music, social commentary, and playful ad-libs into his performance, solidifying his brand as an unapologetic entertainment within the Ghanaian music scene.

He also declared his admiration for the president by adopting his name with a loud bang on stage.

“Shoutout to my daddy. You know today I want you guys to know that my surname is Shatta Mahama and my father is a president. Thank you very much, I love you guys,” he said.

Watch the video of Shatta Wale on stage below:

Shatta Wale stirs the crowd at the UG Sports Stadium with: ‘You get president wey dey smile, wey san be mafia#BerryPulseNews pic.twitter.com/7vMPILZT16

— Berry Pulse Media Inc (@BerryPulseM_Inc)
December 21, 2025

SP/EB

Check out videos from the GTCO Music Concert below:

The Ghana Statistical Service has warned that recent increases in employment figures should not be mistaken for real job security, noting that many of the jobs created are unstable and poorly paid.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday, December 19, Senior Labour Statistician Anthony Oduro-Denkyira explained that Ghana uses a relaxed definition of unemployment to reflect local labour market realities. He noted that unemployment is only one measure of labour underutilisation, adding that underemployment, especially time-related underemployment, remains widespread across the economy.

According to Oduro-Denkyira, “In Ghana, we classify someone as unemployed if they are available for work, even if they are not actively searching.” He cited discouraged job seekers as a key reason for this approach, suggesting that many potential workers have stopped looking for employment due to repeated failures.

The statistician explained that someone may be employed but working fewer than 40 hours a week and still willing to work more, placing that person in the category of underemployed rather than unemployed. This distinction is crucial for understanding the true state of Ghana’s labour market beyond headline employment numbers.

He also clarified that being underpaid does not make someone unemployed, but rather places them in a category known as income-related underemployment. These individuals are working, but their earnings are not enough to meet basic living standards, creating a situation where employment does not translate into economic security.

On whether illegal activities count as work, Oduro-Denkyira said Ghana’s labour statistics only recognise legal economic activities. Any work that is illegal under Ghanaian law, including cybercrime or fraud, is not captured in employment or GDP data, he stressed.

The senior statistician concluded that without deliberate efforts to formalise businesses, expand access to finance, and invest in skills development, employment gains will remain fragile. His remarks highlight the gap between statistical employment growth and meaningful economic progress for workers.

Oduro-Denkyira’s comments come amid government claims of progress in job creation and economic recovery. While official statistics show increasing numbers of people classified as employed, the quality of those jobs remains a significant concern for policymakers and development experts.

Time-related underemployment affects workers across multiple sectors, particularly in informal trade, agriculture, and services where many people work irregular hours or cannot find enough work to occupy a full week. This form of underemployment represents a significant waste of productive capacity in the economy.

Income-related underemployment similarly affects millions of Ghanaians who work full hours but earn wages insufficient to cover basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education. The statutory minimum wage in Ghana remains low relative to the cost of living, particularly in urban areas.

The Ghana Statistical Service conducts regular labour force surveys to track employment trends, unemployment rates, and various forms of underutilisation in the labour market. These surveys provide data that inform government policy decisions and economic planning.

Formalising businesses and expanding access to finance are widely recognised as critical steps toward creating better quality jobs. Informal businesses typically offer less stable employment, lower wages, and minimal benefits compared to formal sector enterprises.

Skills development has also been identified as essential for improving employment quality. Many Ghanaian workers lack the technical and vocational skills demanded by employers, creating a mismatch between available labour and job requirements.

The statistician’s warning that employment gains remain fragile reflects concerns that economic shocks, policy changes, or external factors could quickly reverse recent progress. Without structural improvements in the economy, job creation may remain dependent on temporary or precarious arrangements.

Civil society organisations and labour unions have consistently called for policies that prioritise decent work rather than just employment numbers. Decent work, as defined by international labour standards, includes adequate wages, job security, social protection, and respect for workers’ rights.

Ghana’s informal sector employs the majority of the workforce but is characterised by low productivity, limited access to credit and technology, and minimal regulatory oversight. Transitioning more workers and businesses into the formal economy remains a major development challenge.

The government has implemented various programs aimed at job creation, including youth employment initiatives, entrepreneurship support, and industrial policy interventions. However, the effectiveness of these programs in generating quality employment has been questioned by some analysts.

Oduro-Denkyira’s statement that Ghana cannot claim victory in the fight against unemployment until job quality improves reflects a more nuanced understanding of labour market challenges. Statistical employment rates may rise while workers remain economically vulnerable and insecure.

International development agencies, including the International Labour Organization, have similarly emphasised the importance of employment quality over quantity. Creating millions of jobs means little if those jobs trap workers in poverty and precarious conditions.

The Ghana Statistical Service plays a crucial role in providing accurate data for evidence-based policymaking. Its warnings about employment quality serve as a reminder that headline statistics must be interpreted carefully and contextualised within broader economic realities.

Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX

Tesla boss Elon Musk’s net worth has surged to to $749 billion late on Friday after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Tesla stock options worth $139 billion that had been voided last year, Reuters reported, citing the Forbes Billionaires Index.

The ruling restores Musk’s 2018 compensation package, once valued at $56 billion, which had been struck down by a lower court that described the deal as “unfathomable” On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Supreme Court said a 2024 decision rescinding the pay package had been improper and inequitable to Musk.

The decision capped a week of extraordinary gains for Musk. Earlier this week, he became the first person ever to cross $600 billion in net worth following reports that his aerospace venture SpaceX, was likely to go public.

In November, Tesla shareholders separately approved a $1 trillion pay plan for Musk, the largest corporate compensation package in history, backing his push to transform the electric-vehicle maker into an artificial intelligence and robotics powerhouse.

Elon Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire

Musk’s fortune now exceeds that of Larry Page, the world’s second-richest person, by nearly $500 billion, according to the Forbes billionaires list.

He is now worth three times the second-richest person in the world.

Earlier this month, Tesla shareholders approved a plan to grant Musk up to 1 trillion dollars in compensation if he achieves milestones, including a market capitalization of 8.5 trillion dollars.

The compensation plan is divided into 12 tranches. Each stage outlines a path for Tesla to reach an enormous market capitalisation.

If Musk achieves this, he can claim an additional 12% of Tesla’s stock.

SP/EB

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