The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found no evidence of corruption and subsequently cleared former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
In a public notice issued Tuesday, August 19, the OSP said certain media outlets had inaccurately reported that the FBI “found no evidence of corruption” or “no direct evidence of corruption,” while others went further to publish that the Bureau had cleared Ms. Dapaah altogether.
The festival is themed ‘Bridging Rhythms, Cultures and Spirits’
Ghana and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural relations through the upcoming Afro-Brazilian Ghanaian Festival, scheduled for December 12–13, 2025, at the Gold Coast Bar and Grill in Accra.
At a preparatory meeting held at the Black Star Experience Secretariat, Rex Omar, CEO of the Secretariat and Fuseini Mohammed, CEO of Big Twins Africa, met with Alexandre Souto, Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Brazil in Ghana, together with representatives from Big Twins Africa Music and Dance Ensemble, the festival’s lead Ghanaian organizers.
The discussions focused on building strategic partnerships, curating artists in line with the festival’s vision and budget and ensuring performances reflect the deep cultural essence of the celebration.
The festival, themed “Bridging Rhythms, Cultures and Spirits,” will feature traditional and contemporary music and dance, a cultural symposium, art and food exhibitions and a collaborative concert showcasing the shared heritage of Ghana and Brazil.
Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has refuted circulating rumours on social media that he had been arrested in the United Kingdom.
In a recent video, the MP appeared visibly relaxed, filmed while lounging in bed, as he addressed the claims.
“There are those who do not see all the good works that I do. All they seek is evil, and circulate unfounded rumours about me,” he said.
The Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has dismissed rumours circulating on social media suggesting that he had been arrested in the UK.
In a live video, the legislator appeared relaxed in bed while commenting on the rumours. He also shared a… pic.twitter.com/qUvPlpStQI
He played a WhatsApp voice note from a supposed female teacher in his constituency who had expressed joy over the supposed arrest.
He described it as shocking.
Mr Frimpong entered Parliament following the 2024 elections as an independent candidate.
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 Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the Energy Commission, has launched the Ghana Green Cooling Programme (GGCP), a major initiative to transform the country’s air conditioning sector into a climate-friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable industry.
The programme, funded by the Switzerland-based KliK Foundation under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of “green” split air conditioners (ACs).
These units use the natural refrigerant R290, which is climate-friendly and consumes far less energy than conventional appliances.
The GGCP focuses on three key areas, namely, financial incentives, capacity building, and end-of-life management.
The programme will provide subsidies for up to 150,000 climate-friendly ACs to make them affordable for households and businesses, starting with incentives for the first 5,000 units.
It will also train AC trainers and technicians nationwide on safe installation, maintenance, and lifecycle management, while supporting the collection, recycling, and disposal of old ACs and refrigerants.
The Chief Executive of EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, said demand for cooling in Ghana is rising sharply due to urbanisation and population growth, with the split AC sub-sector alone responsible for about 80% of national emissions.
“To address this, Ghana’s Green Cooling project aims to shift the sector towards low-carbon technologies. Beyond environmental benefits, it will also reduce electricity bills, create jobs, and enhance technical skills across the country,” she said.
Prof. Klutse stressed that the programme is as much about building a sustainable cooling ecosystem as it is about replacing equipment.
Gunnar Wegner of GIZ’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Cluster said Ghana is making a significant step towards a low-carbon future.
He noted that the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol had placed pressure on the refrigeration industry to adopt refrigerants with lower global warming potential, adding that GIZ has supported Ghana’s cooling sector for more than a decade through awareness and technology adoption.
Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, Eunice Biritwum, highlighted the Commission’s role in promoting green cooling by educating stakeholders on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) process, which considers both cost and environmental impact.
“The Commission remains committed to working with partners to foster sustainable cooling practices, helping Ghana build a cleaner and cooler future,” she said.
Nigerian makeup artist Theresa Emegwara has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest makeup application by an individual.
This is contained in a statement released by her media aide, Robert Ekat, on Tuesday in Lagos.
The statement said that Emegwara, popularly known as TesGlam, broke the record on August 19 at 7.15 am, when she clocked 103 hours, 25 minutes, and 34 seconds to beat the previous record.
According to the statement, the artist, who is aiming to set a new milestone by a significant margin of 144 hours, will continue her quest after breaking the previous record.
It added that the 28-year-old, who launched her quest under the banner of Glam 4-144, commended family and friends for their support in helping to achieve the new record.
“I am filled with immense gratitude and energy from the support of everyone cheering me on. This has really tested me; I have cried and nearly given up. We are not yet done. The aim is 144 hours,” the statement quoted her.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ghana’s Akosua Mantey Roselyn, the previous record holder, set the last record on April 3, 2024.
NAN further reports that Emegwara’s quest, Glam-4-144, was approved by Guinness World Records to commence on August 14.
The artist’s quest for 144 hours of nonstop makeup application is expected to run for approximately six days.
Her achievement adds to the growing list of record-breaking feats by Nigerians recently, including Tunde Onakoya’s chess marathon and Chef Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon.
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has boldly stated he will never forgive Media General TV3.
He accused TV3 of having evil plans and a diabolical agenda against the NPP.
Alhaji Osman Masawudu narrated how Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), stopped him from pushing away TV3’s microphone at the NDC headquarters.
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated and sworn into office the newly constituted Gold Board Tribunal under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025.
The tribunal has been set up as an ad-hoc appellate body to handle disputes and appeals arising from decisions of the Ghana Gold Board, including licensing matters and cases referred from the Dispute Resolution Committee.
At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Chairperson, Biadala Mortey Akpadzi, together with members Hamidu Mariam and Justin Pwavra Teriwajah, took the official oaths of office. The tribunal’s rulings carry the same legal weight as judgments of the High Court, although parties dissatisfied with its decisions may appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Dr. Forson said the establishment of the tribunal marked a major step towards enhancing transparency, accountability and fairness in the gold sector. He noted that the body would provide a vital balance between regulatory oversight and the protection of the rights of players in the mining industry.
The Finance Minister urged the newly sworn-in members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and professionalism as they begin their work.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced a by-election for the Tamale Central Constituency, following the passing of its Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Murtala Muhammed Ibrahim.
In a statement on August 19, 2025, the commission indicated that the by-election will be held on September 30, 2025, in accordance with Article 112 (5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the conduct of a by-election within 60 days after a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.
“The Electoral Commission wishes to announce for the information of the General Public that, following the unfortunate death of the Member of Parliament for the
Tamale Central Constituency: Hon Murtala Muhammed Ibrahim, the seat of the Constituency in Parliament has become vacant.
“In accordance with Article 112 (5) of the Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Commission will hold a By-Election in the Constituency on Tuesday, 30th September 2025,” the statement said.
It further indicated that; “Accordingly, the commission will receive nominations from prospective candidates for the election of a Member of Parliament for the said constituency. The nominations will be received at the Tamale Metropolitan Office of the Commission from 8th September 2025 to 10th September 2025 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on each day.
“Interested Candidates are required to download the Nomination Forms from the Commission’s website (www.ec.gov.gh) from 19th August 2025 to 10th September 2025,” part of the statement said.
According to the EC the filing fee for the nomination has been pegged at GH₵10,000 per candidate.
PLAYBACK: Final burial rites for Dr Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru
However, female aspirants and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will pay a reduced fee of GH₵7,500.
The by-election follows the death of Murtala Muhammed Ibrahim, who was serving as the MP for Tamale Central.
Murtala was among 8 individuals who all died in a Z9 helicopter, which belonged to the Ghana Armed Forces.
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; former Central Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sgt Ernest Addo Mensah.
AM/AE
Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures:
Ghana is taking steps to ensure its partnership with the United Nations delivers more meaningful results.
The Ministry of Finance held high-level talks with UN agency leaders in Accra to improve coordination and align foreign support with national priorities. For years, multiple UN programs have operated alongside each other, sometimes leading to fragmented efforts and diluted outcomes.
The meeting focused on harmonizing UN assistance with Ghana’s Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Apem emphasized the need for a unified vision. “We recognise that the UN System’s support is catalytic,” he said. “This engagement is about moving from scattered efforts to a shared vision.”
Key priorities emerged from the discussions, including better use of data, synchronized planning cycles, and stronger accountability measures. The goal is to direct resources more effectively and avoid duplication. UN Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury welcomed the government’s leadership, noting that deeper collaboration will help accelerate Ghana’s development agenda.
Both sides have committed to regular follow-up sessions to sustain momentum. This renewed partnership aims to make development interventions more inclusive and sustainable, positioning Ghana as a model for effective international cooperation.
The two were remanded on the request of the prosecution for further investigation
Two female constituents of the Nhyiaeso Constituency in the Ashanti Region have been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court.
According to a report by asaaseradio.com, the young women, identified as Priscilla and Charity, and in their 20s, were arrested by operatives of the National Security and transferred to Accra on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The two, who were arrested in connection with comments they made against President John Dramani Mahama during a live video stream on TikTok, were subsequently held in custody for days before being transferred to the Cantonments Police Station in Accra.
However, appearing in court on Tuesday August 19, 2025, the prosecution appealed for further detention of the suspects while informing the court that investigations into the case remain underway.
NPP activist arrested for threatening President Mahama and First Lady Lordina released
Lawyer for the suspects, Enoch Afoakwah, however, argued for the release of his clients, describing their detention as unlawful and adding that they had already spent 96 hours in custody before being arraigned before the court.
“Our clients’ detention beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit is unlawful. Yet the court has given its blessings to this without taking their pleas or considering their health conditions,” the report quoted the defence lawyer.
The court, however, granted the prosecution’s request for further detention, noting that additional investigations remain necessary.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah, has condemned the action, noting that the treatment being meted out to his constituents is unacceptable and a threat to the rule of law.
NPP’s Sir Obama Pokuase re-arrested after being granted bail
“I detest unsavoury social media comments, and I am for punitive actions for such. But to abduct young girls, move them across regions, and keep them in custody for days as if they have committed a coup, that is unacceptable,” he said.
The MP stated that the women had already apologised for their remarks and that the manner in which they are being detained amounts to torture.
He called on the Christian Council, the National Peace Council, the National Chief Imam and relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intervene in the matter, which he noted was a misdemeanor and not a major criminal offence.
“This is not the rule of law we envisaged,” he said.
The case of the two women follows a similar arrest of two activists from the opposition New Patriotic Party, Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof.
The two were arrested following a controversial TikTok livestream after the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight government officials, including two cabinet ministers and three crew members.
The viral livestream featured individuals who made mocking comments and wished that the victims were specific government officials, including the president, instead.
Other participants are alleged to have made threats against the president.
TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof arrested over controversial helicopter crash livestream
Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof, who were arrested by the police to assist in their investigation, have since been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court.
GA
Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
Samuel Atta Mills is a Ranking Member on the Public Accounts Committee
The Ranking Member on the Public Accounts Committee, Samuel Atta Mills, has publicly called out Dr Kennedy Osei, a former staff of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, for failing to fulfill his bond obligations after receiving government sponsorship to study abroad.
During a committee sitting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, it came to light that the length of the bond was 4 years and served for 8 months and he owes the government.
UTAG condemns proliferation of fake degrees and honorary titles
Samuel Atta-Mills made a passionate appeal to the former staff of the gender ministry to settle the outstanding amount.
“Dr Kennedy Osei, the country sent you to Australia, you got your PhD, but look at your negligence, it has brought the Minister here.
Presidential Candidate, Minister, MPs: Meet 8 public figures GTEC is chasing for using ‘fake’ titles
“So tomorrow, should we sponsor somebody else to go and get a PhD? Dr Kennedy Osei come and pay”, he stated.
The Member of Parliament Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) further noted that Dr Osei’s actions had placed an unnecessary burden on the Ministry and all those who guaranteed his bond.
“This is fraud, you are supposed to serve four years, you serve eight months and then you go away,” Atta Mills remarked.
He warned that law enforcement could be engaged to retrieve the amount owed if repayment was not made.
Dr Kennedy Osei, we know you are watching us, come and pay otherwise; we will take the next step”, he added.
Watch the video below:
“Dr. Kennedy Osei, I know you are watching us come and pay your money”,
-Ranking Member on Public Accounts Committee , Samuel Atta Mills calls out former staff of the Ministry Gender, Children and Social Protection pic.twitter.com/gRzjvh7km2
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has refuted media reports suggesting that former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has been cleared of corruption allegations.
In a statement issued by the OSP on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the office described the media coverage as “inaccurate” and a mischievous misrepresentation of its Half-Yearly Report.
The OSP clarified that on page 9, bullet point 2.26 of the report, the findings stated that “no direct and immediate evidence of corruption was found”, a carefully defined legal standard that is materially different from blanket phrases such as “no evidence” or “has been cleared.”
DDEP: Government disburses GH¢9.7 billion to bondholders
The statement further revealed that the case had been referred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after signs of suspected money laundering and other offences within EOCO’s jurisdiction were uncovered.
However, the previous EOCO leadership failed to take action and returned the case file to the OSP. The file has since been resubmitted to EOCO under its new leadership.
OSP clears Cecilia Dapaah of corruption but flags ‘possible’ money laundering
The OSP also urged the media to report with precision and to reflect the actual text of official documents to ensure accuracy on matters of national interest.
In a posthumous nod that blends football cheekiness with Ghanaian musical heritage, ESPN UK recently featured “Aben Wo Ha,” a classic hit by Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba, in a playful highlight referencing Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
The Ghanaian superstar, who passed away on July 26, 2025, remains a towering figure in African culture, and ESPN UK’s shout-out was a fascinating cultural crossover.
The context? During a pre-season friendly in the US against Everton, Amad Diallo misfired a clearance that deflected off his own teammate Ayden Heaven, resulting in a bizarre own goal that led to Everton’s equaliser.
In the aftermath, Diallo cheekily took to Instagram, posting a picture of Heaven as a prank, presumably teasing him for the mishap.
The match itself ended in a dramatic 2–2 draw. United had initially surged ahead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty, followed by a slick strike from Mason Mount.
Ugandan fans turn jerseys into walking memes at CHAN 2024
But defensive frailties were exposed. Manchester United twice squandered the lead, conceding first through Iliman Ndiaye before the own goal sealed Everton’s point.
ESPN UK’s lighthearted use of “Aben Wo Ha”, a well-known Lumba song from 1998, in connection with this scene felt emblematic: it signalled a moment of humour amidst sporting chaos, and served as a subtle tribute to a music icon who remains beloved in Ghana and beyond.
Diphtheria cases and deaths have risen sharply this year in Somalia, where the response has been curtailed by vaccine shortages and U.S. aid cuts, Somali officials said.
More than 1,600 cases, including 87 deaths, have been recorded, up from 838 cases and 56 deaths in all of 2024, said Hussein Abdukar Muhidin, the general director of Somalia’s National Institute of Health.
Diphtheria, a bacterial disease that causes swollen glands, breathing problems and fever and mostly affects children, is preventable with a vaccine that became widely available in the mid-20th century.
Childhood immunisation rates in Somalia have improved over the past decade, but hundreds of thousands of children are still not fully vaccinated.
After fleeing fighting between government forces and Islamist militants in the central Somalia town of Ceeldheere three months ago, all four of Deka Mohamed Ali’s children, none of whom was vaccinated, contracted diphtheria.
Her 9-year-old daughter recovered, but her 8-year-old son died and two toddlers are now being treated at a hospital in the capital Mogadishu.
“My children got sick and I just stayed at home because I did not know it was diphtheria,” she told Reuters from the bedside of her 3-year-old son Musa Abdullahi whose throat was swollen to the size of a lemon from the infection.
Health Minister Ali Haji Adam said the government had struggled to procure enough vaccines due to a global shortage and that U.S. aid cuts were making it difficult to distribute the doses it had.
Before President Donald Trump cut most foreign assistance earlier this year, the United States was the leading humanitarian donor to Somalia, whose health budget is almost entirely funded by donors.
“The U.S. aid cut terribly affected the health funds it used to provide to Somalia. Many health centres closed. Mobile vaccination teams that took vaccines to remote areas lost funding and now do not work,” said Adam.
Muhidin separately echoed his comments about the closures.
Overall U.S. foreign assistance commitments to Somalia stand at $149 million for the fiscal year that ends on September 30, compared with $765 million in the previous fiscal year, according to U.S. government statistics.
“The United States continues to provide lifesaving foreign assistance in Somalia,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said when asked about the impact of its aid cuts in the country.
“America is the most generous nation in the world, and we urge other nations to dramatically increase their humanitarian efforts.”
Aid group Save the Children said last month that the closure of hundreds of health clinics in Somalia this year due to foreign cuts has contributed to a doubling in the number of combined cases of diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, cholera and severe respiratory infections since mid-April.
Besides the U.S., Britain, France, Germany and other major Western donors are also cutting aid budgets.
Somalia’s government has also faced criticism from doctors and human rights activists for its limited funding of the health sector. In 2024, it allocated 4.8% of its budget to health, down from 8.5% the previous year, Amnesty International said.
The health ministry did not respond to a question about that criticism. It has said it is planning to launch a vaccination drive but has not given details when.
Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Alison Williams
Kevin Taylor has issued some serious threats to Dr Osei Kwame Despite over an issue with media personality Nana Yaa Konadu
In a video, the US-based political activist also blasted the Peace FM presenter over her recent comments on live radio
Kevin Taylor’s threats to Despite came days after his name popped up in a discussion about Fante Comedy and Yayrah Abiwu’s arrests
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US-based Ghanaian political activist Kevin Taylor has issued a warning to renowned businessman Dr Osei Kwame Despite amid an alleged feud with media personality Nana Yaa Konadu.
Kevin Taylor threatens to expose Dr Osei Kwame Despite after Nana Yaa Konadu mentions his name on Peace FM. Photo source: @kevinekowtaylor, @despite_one, @talklifegh Source: Instagram
On the recent episode of his With All Due Respect show, the popular NDC activist threatened to expose the Despite Media Group founder if he failed to hire individuals he deemed competent at his media stations.
Kevin Taylor insinuated that Dr Osei Kwame Despite had some issues he had hidden from the public and threatened to cut off the source of funding for the employees in his various media outlets.
He claimed that he had some information that could potentially tarnish the business mogul’s reputation and that he had yet to take any action due to his profound respect for him.
He said:
“If Kwame Despite does not advise himself and employ proper people on his radio station, he will see. I have shown him respect for a long time. There is no one in Ghana without any issues. I am saying this on authority. If you try me, I will cut off where you receive your salary. I know how to do it.”
Kevin Taylor noted that he would directly target Dr Osei Kwame Kwame if he did not speak to his staff at the Despite Media Group.
He also called out Nana Yaa Konadu over her silence when some individuals were arrested for making unsavoury remarks about former president Nana Akufo-Addo during his tenure.
The videos of Kevin Taylor threatening to expose Dr Osei Kwame Despite are below:
Why is Kevin Taylor threatening Despite?
Kevin Taylor’s threats to Dr Osei Kwame Despite stemmed from some remarks Peace FM presenter Nana Yaa Konadu recently made about him on air.
Veteran Ghanaian media personality Nana Yaa Konadu Yiadom calls out Kevin Taylor after Fante Comedy and Yayrah Abiwu’s arrest. Photo source: @talklifegh Source: Instagram
The media personality called him out for his verbal attacks on people while discussing NPP activist Fante Comedy and the North Tongu constituency Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yayrah Abiwu’s arrest for alleged threats towards President John Dramani Mahama and his wife.
Nana Yaa Konadu raised questions about Kevin Taylor’s legal victory in Ghana and how his verbal attacks have had negative influences on people online.
Kevin Taylor’s threats to Despite stir reactions
YEN.com.gh has gathered some comments from social media users below:
mrjunior commented:
“Someone who can’t employ 5 people just dey talk anyhow because of politics. Ooh Ghana.”
Alvin RayMonney said:
“Dabiaa, I know how to do it, but you have never done anything.”
Kofi wrote:
“Do people still listen to this guy? You presented a fake doctor for an appointment, and you never came out to apologise to Ghanaians.”
Joe Agyemang835 commented:
“This man thinks that the whole of Ghana belongs to him.”
Shatta Wale issues threats to Despite
In another story reported by YEN.com.gh, Shatta Wale issued threats to Dr Osei Kwame Despite after MC Yaa Yeboah mentioned his name on Peace FM.
In a video, the SM boss claimed that he had damaging information about the business mogul that could create many issues for him.
Shatta Wale’s threats to Dr Osei Kwame Despite triggered mixed reactions from Ghanaians on social media.
Once a hallmark of ’80s and ’90s fashion, crop tops have firmly re-established themselves as a must-have in the modern woman’s closet. No longer just a passing trend, this midriff-baring garment has evolved into a versatile fashion piece that blends comfort, style, and individuality.
A Stylish Comeback
Crop tops first rose to popularity through pop culture icons and fitness influencers, but their resurgence in recent years is more than a nostalgic throwback. Today, crop tops are being reimagined in endless forms — from elegant wrap styles to sporty tank versions — making them suitable for almost any occasion. Whether you’re heading to brunch, lounging on a beach, or attending a semi-formal gathering, there’s a crop top to match the vibe.
As fashion stylist Mia Torres puts it, “The beauty of the crop top lies in its adaptability. It’s no longer just for summer or for certain body types — it’s for everyone who wants to feel confident and expressive.”
Style Without Limits
One of the main reasons crop tops continue to trend is their incredible versatility. High-waisted jeans, flowing skirts, structured trousers — crop tops can be paired with virtually anything. Want to dress it up? Layer it with a sleek blazer or a long cardigan. Going for a relaxed look? Pair it with denim shorts or joggers and you’re good to go.
Different cuts also offer various levels of coverage. For those who prefer a subtle reveal, longer crop tops that just graze the waistband provide a modern, comfortable option without showing too much skin. Others may gravitate toward more daring cuts, embracing deep necklines, bold prints, or even backless designs.
Fabric & Functionality
Crop tops are made in a wide range of fabrics to suit both daily wear and special events. Cotton and jersey versions are breathable and ideal for casual outings, while satin, silk, or embellished styles bring a touch of glam to evening wear. During colder months, long-sleeved crop tops made from thicker materials offer a cozy yet fashionable solution.
Breaking the Stereotypes
Perhaps the most powerful shift around crop tops has been their inclusion in the body positivity movement. Today’s fashion culture promotes the idea that clothing should empower rather than restrict. That means celebrating diversity in shape, size, and age — and crop tops are no exception.
Social media and inclusive fashion campaigns have helped challenge outdated norms, encouraging women to wear what makes them feel comfortable and confident, regardless of conventional standards.
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has commended for granting amnesty to 998 prisoners nationwide.
He has also urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to direct its scrutiny toward unaccredited religious titles rather than targeting Deputy Health Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah.
Rev Dominic Yeo, Chairman of World Assemblies of God Fellowship
The World Assemblies of God Fellowship (WAGF) has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana over the tragic loss of the two Cabinet Ministers – Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Alhaji Dr. Mutarla Muhammed and six others in the recent helicopter crash.
A statement signed by the Chairman of the Fellowship, Rev. Dominic Yeo, assured President Mahama of the solidarity and prayers of the umbrella body for 451,000 Assemblies of God churches in the world.
“We ask that the Lord surround you, your leadership team, and bereaved families with His unfailing love, comfort and peace.”
“May His presence strengthen you and give you wisdom as you lead the nation in these difficult days,” the statement concluded.
President Mahama is a member of Assemblies of God, Ghana, and worships regularly at the Ringway branch in Accra.
The Government of Ghana has paid GH¢9.7 billion as part of its debt obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the payment amounted to GH¢9,698,815,220.17.
This brings the total payments made under the programme this year alone to GH¢19.4 billion.
According to the minister in a facebook post, the payment shows government’s commitment to honouring agreements made under the DDEP and is expected to boost investor confidence in the economy.
He stated that government has also created two sinking fund accounts one in cedis and another in US dollars to help manage future debt payments.
These funds, introduced he said is in line with the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and backed by the Public Financial Management Act, meant to ensure that upcoming loan obligations due between 2026 and 2028 are paid on time.
The Finance Minister assured investors and the public that all future debt commitments, including those under the DDEP, will be fully honoured without delays.
Security personnel stationed at Atwima Trabuom and Nweneso Snap Check duty post, in collaboration with the Foase Patrol Team, have arrested three individuals in connection with the unlawful possession of firearms.
The suspects, identified as Mohammed Ali (25) and Haruna Issah (42), both believed to be of Fulani descent, were apprehended on Saturday, August 17, 2025, around 4:00 p.m.
The duo was intercepted while riding an unregistered Haojin motorbike during a routine check. A search conducted on them led to the discovery of three locally made pistols concealed in a small bag belonging to Mohammed Ali.
Following their arrest, Mohammed Ali confessed during preliminary interrogation that he obtained the firearms from a blacksmith in Nkawie. Acting on this lead, police extended investigations to Nkawie, where a 55-year-old blacksmith, Yaw Appiah, was identified and subsequently arrested.
A search of Appiah’s premises yielded no further incriminating evidence, but he remains in custody as investigations continue.
All three suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The firearms have been secured and will serve as key exhibits in the case.
Authorities have assured the public that swift legal action will be taken, and the suspects will be arraigned before a competent court as soon as possible.
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The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four soldiers for conducting illegal raids at Simpa Junction in the Tarkwa Nsuaem District of the Western Region.
The arrests were made during a tactical operation on Monday, August 18, 2025.
According to officials, the taskforce seized the weapons and equipment of the errant soldiers, who had been carrying out unauthorized raids.
The four suspects are believed to be members of outlawed groups that conduct illegal anti-mining operations in the region under the guise of National Security.
In a statement, the Lands Ministry disclosed that the suspects have been handed over to the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces at Apremdo for investigations and appropriate disciplinary action.
The arrest is expected to bring relief to legitimate mining companies and individuals engaged in lawful businesses in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
Meanwhile, NAIMOS says it will continue aggressive operations with other state security agencies to tackle the galamsey menace, while government has pledged its commitment to the fight against illegal mining and its associated effects.
Accra, Aug. 19, GNA – Ghana has commissioned a $3.5 million fertilizer plant at Shai Hills to enhance agricultural productivity and improve national food security.
The facility, developed by Invess Agriculture Ltd in partnership with Nitron Group and managed by AAA Infrastructure Ghana Ltd, is expected to produce 385,000 metric tonnes of granular fertilizer annually, including 20 specialised formulations approved by COCOBOD.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, described the investment as “a decisive step toward sustainable agribusiness growth, job creation, and strengthening Ghana’s position in regional trade.”
She said the plant’s output would reduce reliance on fertilizer imports and empower farmers to increase yields.
The Minister later led a delegation on a guided tour of the facility, observing its advanced blending and quality control systems.
Mr. Patrick Ohene-Djan, Chief Executive Officer of AAA Infrastructure, highlighted the plant’s alignment with the government’s industrialisation drive and the 24-hour economy vision.
“Each shift undertaken, each unit produced, and every pound of fertilizer blended at our facility directly impacts families throughout Ghana, reinforcing the agricultural sector that underpins our nation’s future,” he stated.
Invess Agriculture also announced plans to establish a five-million-litre liquid fertilizer plant to serve the ECOWAS market, further positioning Ghana as a regional hub for fertilizer production
Ghana’s Ministry of Finance pays GH¢9.7billion domestic debt coupon
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The Ministry of Finance has announced the successful fulfilment of a major coupon payment obligation under the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
In a press release dated August 19, 2025, the Ministry confirmed a disbursement of GH¢9,698,815,220.17, bringing the total amount paid under the programme for the year to GH¢19.4 billion.
The payment is described as a demonstration of the government’s “unwavering commitment to honouring the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed under the exchange programme.” The Ministry stated that this action “is expected to strengthen investor confidence and support fiscal credibility.”
Furthermore, the release outlined a key fiscal measure from the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, revealing the establishment of two dedicated sinking fund accounts. “Government has established two dedicated sinking fund accounts—a Cedi Sinking Fund Account and a US Dollar Sinking Fund Account—as mandated by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as amended.”
According to the Ministry, these funds are designed to “provide liquidity buffers to ensure the timely redemption of loan obligations, including bonds maturing in 2026, 2027, and 2028.”
The statement concluded with a firm assurance to the market, stating, “Government assures investors and the public that subsequent debt obligations, including DDEP obligations, will be honoured fully and on time.”
At the Marcus Garvey Fundraising Awards Gala, held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, reggae musician Osagyefo underscored the global resonance of his music as he received recognition from the Marcus Mosiah Garvey Foundation (MMGF).
Known offstage as Dennis Affram, Osagyefo has built a reputation for weaving messages of African pride, love, and social justice into his lyrics — a style that has won him international regard as a voice for political awareness and cultural empowerment. His body of work, steeped in the consciousness championed by Marcus Garvey, has made him one of Ghana’s most consistent exponents of socially charged reggae.
In his acceptance remarks, Osagyefo described the award as a powerful motivation, saying it affirmed that his music is not only appreciated locally but also acknowledged by the wider global community. “This recognition strengthens my resolve to keep spreading messages that cut across borders,” he said.
Osagyefo stood out as the only musician honoured at the event, which also celebrated individuals advancing causes in education, commerce, youth empowerment, and the arts. Other awardees included Ubalda Mensah, Worlase Fiagbedzi Afatsiawo of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Vanessa Louise Mixon Alawiye, and Jahzara Agyemang.
play videoStephen Owusu is Head of Legal, Governance, Regulatory and Research at RTI
The Head of Legal, Governance, Regulatory, and Research at the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, Stephen Owusu, has disclosed that the Commission received a total of 123 complaints in 2024, the majority of which were resolved through mediation.
He made this known during the Commission’s fifth anniversary launch on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
“In 2024, regarding the complaints we received as a Commission, we are talking about 123 complaints, in addition to 30 complaints carried over from 2023,” he noted.
Stop using honorary academic titles – Assemblies of God orders pastors
Owusu emphasised that the increase in complaints reflected growing public awareness and use of the RTI law.
He explained that many of the petitions stemmed from delays or outright denials of information, while others came from applicants dissatisfied with the responses they received.
He further disclosed that the full 2024 report is yet to be laid before Parliament, noting that the Commission has remained consistent in promoting awareness of the law.
Improve public access to information – RTI urges institutions
Championship side Leicester City have placed a price tag of €45 million on Ghanaian attacker, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, as the 2025 summer transfer window remains open.
According to reports from England, the winger is attracting interest from Premier League clubs, including Sunderland and Everton, who want to sign him.
It was indicated that one of the interested clubs recently submitted a bid worth €30 million, which was rejected by the Foxes, who believe the player is worth more than that amount.
‘He was a legend, king’ – Chelsea fans react to Michael Essien’s 20-year anniversary
Reports state that despite placing a price tag on Issahaku, Leicester City are determined to keep hold of the player as they battle for Premier League promotion from the Championship.
Issahaku joined Leicester City in 2023 from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and has been key for the club since his arrival.
How a jersey fight with Ivory Coast fired up Zambia to AFCON 2012 glory
After playing 57 matches across all competitions, the Black Stars forward scored seven goals and made significant contributions through assists and winning set pieces with his dribbling skills.
Upon his recovery from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, he has played two games in the 2025/2026 season.
SB/VPO
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians predict top scorer for 2025\26 season on GhanaWeb TV below:
President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tanaka Akihiko, has described the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) as a significant moment for reimagining development cooperation in Africa.
The conference, scheduled for August 20–22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan, will bring together global leaders to focus on Africa, a continent marked by diversity, resilience, and vast potential.
In a statement issued yesterday, Mr. Tanaka said TICAD9 comes at a pivotal time as the world grapples with climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, and economic inequality.
“This year’s conference arrives at a critical moment as the world confronts pressing challenges, including climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, and economic inequality,” he noted.
He stressed that partnerships built on mutual respect, innovation, and strategic collaboration are vital in addressing these global challenges, highlighting Africa’s youth as central to this vision.
By 2050, he said, one in four people worldwide will be African, presenting a historic opportunity for a demographic dividend driven by a young and dynamic workforce.
Mr. Tanaka, however, cautioned that this potential can only be realized through sustained investments in education, healthcare, and job creation.
“If we fail to invest in our youth, we risk deepening poverty and instability,” he warned, underscoring the urgency of empowering Africa’s next generation.
He added that discussions at TICAD9 are expected to centre on innovative strategies and partnerships aimed at unlocking Africa’s potential and promoting sustainable development.
JICA Ghana Chief Representative, Momoko Suzuki, also highlighted JICA’s long-standing partnership with Ghana, noting that the agency has been active in the country for over 60 years since 1963.
“We have worked in diverse sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, industry/SMEs, health, education, and governance. Throughout, JICA has emphasized a people-centered approach, capacity development, self-reliance, and sustainability,” she said.
Ms. Suzuki revealed that more than 300 Ghanaians have benefited from JICA scholarship programmes such as the ABE Initiative and JDS, studying in Japanese universities.
Additionally, she said over 33,000 SMEs have received Kaizen training to improve business operations, while the methodology has also been applied in hospitals and the public sector to enhance service delivery.
According to her, since 1977, 1,554 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers have supported Ghana’s development efforts.
She expressed hope that beneficiaries of JICA projects will serve as bridges to strengthen Ghana–Japan ties, co-creating innovative solutions in line with TICAD9’s theme.
The Ghana Police Service has planned to deploy 10 officers to every polling station in the upcoming Akwatia parliamentary by-election as part of measures to ensure peace and order during the polls.
This was disclosed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy Director of Elections, Mahdi Jibril, who confirmed the security arrangements following a high-level stakeholder meeting between the Police Administration and political parties.
The Ministry of Finance has announced the successful completion of another coupon payment under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
In a statement, the Ministry confirmed that a total of GH¢9,698,815,220.17 was disbursed for this obligation.
This brings total payments under the DDEP in 2025 alone to GH¢19.4 billion.
According to the Ministry, the latest payment reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to honouring the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with investors under the exchange programme. Officials say the move is also expected to strengthen investor confidence and bolster Ghana’s fiscal credibility.
As part of measures to safeguard future debt repayments, the Government has created two dedicated sinking fund accounts in line with the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and the provisions of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as amended.
These include a Cedi Sinking Fund Account and a US Dollar Sinking Fund Account, which will serve as liquidity buffers to ensure the timely redemption of bonds maturing in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The Ministry further assured both investors and the public that all subsequent debt obligations, including those under the DDEP, will be honoured fully and on schedule.
A NORMAL play among children turned disastrous after one of the children accidentally fell into a deep well, which was filled with water to the brim, and died instantly.
The deceased, who has been identified by the police as Lawrence Obrimpong Asare, and his friends were playing with sticks on Saturday, August 16, 2025, around 3:30pm.
In the course of playing, Asare’s stick fell into the well and in an attempt to retrieve the stick, he accidentally fell into the well, which unfortunately ended his life in a tragic manner.
The sad incident was said to have sparked melancholic scenes in Sreso Timpom, a farming community near Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region, the police has confirmed in a report.
“On 16/08/2025 at 1640 hours, Kwame Adjei, the Unit Committee Chairman of Sreso Timpom, accompanied by Abdul Majid Lukman, came to the station and the former reported that at about 1530 hours same day, he received a report that a boy, aged about five years, had fallen into a well.
“That some youth managed to rescue him and sent him to Sreso Timpom Community CHIP compound but he was pronounced dead on arrival,” part of the police report which has been sighted by the paper disclosed.
The police, the statement indicated, on receiving the report, swiftly moved to Sreso Timpon Community CHIP Compound and found the body of the deceased lying in a supine position on a stretcher.
“Abdul Majid Lukman, the uncle of the deceased, identified the body as Lawrence Obrimpong Asare, aged five years. The body was inspected and no marks of assault were found,” the report noted.
According to the police, as part of their investigations into the case, they visited the scene and found a well dug behind an uncompleted building for the construction of a house, which is located at the outskirts of the town.
Further information gathered by the police “indicated that the deceased and his peers were playing with sticks around the uncompleted building and his stick fell into the water in the well. That he decided to pick it but fell into the well.”
The body of the five-year-old boy has since been conveyed and deposited at the Nyinahin Community Morgue, awaiting autopsy to determine the cause of death, as police investigations are ongoing.
Manasseh Awuni: “Professor” Grace Ayensu-Danqua, GTEC and the truth that should end the debate
Manasseh Awuni: “Professor” Grace Ayensu-Danqua, GTEC and the truth that should end the debate
AdomOnline.com3h
During the vetting of Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah (MD) as the deputy minister-designate for the Ministry of Health, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, confronted her with the “Professor” title she uses. (She uses Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah on Facebook.)
“I am a full Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah and a Professor of Global Surgery,” Dr. Ayensu-Danquah claimed in response to the question after taking an oath to speak the truth.
To back her claim, she added, “I have defended two theses. I have written so many publications, too numerous to count. And I have done a lot of research, too numerous to count.”
I don’t know the prolificity of Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s research and publications, which fueled the claim that her research and publications are “too numerous to count.” Her CV, which she presented to parliament for her vetting, lists only 13 research works, including her master’s thesis, most of which were orally presented and a few published. The heading, “Research Work,” does not indicate that she selected these from a larger body of work.
So, the too numerous to count claim may be questionable, but what has clearly emerged is that she lied about her title as “a full professor” when she responded to Afenyo-Markin’s question.
She is not a full professor and cannot use the title, as directed by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
There is nothing about confusion in jurisdictional interpretation. This is not the case that someone is a lawyer in the United States and is being asked not to claim she’s a lawyer in Ghana until she’s been called to the Ghana bar. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is not a “full professor” of anything anywhere in this world.
An August 7, 2025, letter from the University of Utah to GTEC says she is an “adjunct assistant professor at the department of surgery.” That letter is signed by W. Bradford Rockwell, the Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in charge of Surgery.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s CV indicates that she’s been an adjunct assistant professor at Utah for seven years, from 2018 to present.
An August 8, 2025, letter written by Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s lawyers to GTEC also states that she “was appointed an assistant professor of surgery by the University of Utah in the United States of America.” The three-page letter written by her lawyers omitted the “adjunct” from her position. Interestingly, she is referred to as “Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah” throughout the letter. The lawyers omitted the title “Professor” even though that letter opposes GTEC’s position that Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has not earned the title of a professor and must desist from using it.
An adjunct assistant professor is equivalent to a part-time lecturer in our jurisdiction. It is nowhere near “a full professor” in the Commonwealth jurisdiction or even in the United States. A part-time lecturer cannot claim to be “a full professor” and prefix her name with the title “Professor,” whether in the United States or elsewhere.
This semester, I’m an graduate teaching assistant at my university, here in the United States. My students are likely to refer to me as their “professor”, the same way we refer to our university teachers as “lecturers” back home in Ghana.
An assistant professor is an entry-level placement for newly appointed lecturers here in the United States. Some of our friends who have completed their PhDs here are assistant professors. Back home, they would have been lecturers.
After about five years, an assistant professor is assessed based on his or her research, publications, conference presentations, and teaching. If the team of assessors finds the body of work adequate, the assistant professor will be promoted to an associate professor.
One must meet certain criteria as an associate professor before being awarded a full professorship. Full professors use the title “Professor” before their name.
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is only a part-time assistant professor. The requirements of her role even differ from those of full-time assistant professors. Assistant professors have a greater chance of advancing to the next step on the academic ladder than adjunct assistant professors.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah is not an associate professor. And she’s not “a full professor” as she falsely claimed at her vetting. In the most charitable terms, her use of the title Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is disingenuous.
Information available to me indicates that the GTEC tried to quietly persuade Dr. Ayensu-Danquah to stop using the title “Professor,” but she has been adamant about it, leading to the recent escalations.
On July 31, 2025, the Board Chairman of GTEC, Professor Mahama Dawiejua, met Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah in an office at the Civil Aviation Training School to discuss the matter, over which GTEC had received petitions after her vetting. She reportedly defended her claim to the “Professor” title and left the meeting without agreeing to drop it.
From the available facts, GTEC is right and she’s wrong. She and her lawyers should spare GTEC and Ghanaians the legal threats. If they still have a face to save, they should keep the lower part of it shut and apologise to Ghanaians.
If Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s service to humanity as a medical doctor, her election as the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, and her appointment as deputy minister are not adequate, clinging to a “Professor” she has not earned will not do her any good.
GTEC must be commended for stepping up to rid our society of claimants of false titles. It may not be the institution’s main function, but we must not belittle their efforts.
Recently, the government was embarrassed by the NHIS board’s appointment of a lady who had falsely claimed on TV to be a medical doctor.
In 2021, I investigated and exposed the activities of a fake doctor who used his health facility at Gbawe in Accra to sexually abuse scores of women who went to him for treatment. His victims, some of whom are educated middle-class members of our society, were surprised when I revealed that the “Dr.” Jonathan Ohene Nkunim displayed on his call card was not backed by any certificate.
Academics in Ghana are often berated by the anti-intellectual base of our society for wielding “useless” titles. Their attackers usually claim that some people without formal education have succeeded in business and made money, while those with “big titles “are mostly paupers. But the same people who are used as the benchmark to judge academics are buying titles they have not earned and using them to confuse society. If people feel they are inadequate without academic titles, they should earn them legitimately. Fraudulently appropriating an unearned title speaks of low self-esteem and must be discouraged.
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that about 70 to 80 percent of equipment in the country’s health facilities are no longer functioning, posing a serious threat to healthcare delivery nationwide.
According to him, the last comprehensive retooling of health facilities took place in 2014, when hospitals and clinics were supplied with essential working equipment, staff capacity and other critical resources.
“As I speak to you now, the last time we did major retooling of our health facilities was in 2014,” he said on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday.
However, a decade on, most of the equipment has broken down, leaving the sector severely constrained.
“And I can tell you that about 70 to 80 percent of these equipment are obsolete. We can’t even get more than 10 to 20 percent in the system. Even before these ten years, there were others that when they were bought, they couldn’t serve the facilities more than two years,” he mentioned.
The Minister noted that the government is considering two options to address the challenge: partnering with the private sector or implementing a state-sponsored intervention.
“We are looking at how we can go back to Private Public Partnership, how the private can also come and partner the health facilities. We are also looking at how government can look for some money to buy some strategic equipment.”
While admitting that the health sector is confronted with numerous challenges, Dr Akandoh expressed optimism that with the right strategies, the situation can be turned around.
“It has not been easy; the system is a critical one. The are a lot of challenges in the system, but I can assure you that we are fixing them,” he emphasised.
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 Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance has disbursed GH¢9.7 billion to bondholders as part of its latest coupon payment under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The Ministry of Finance, in a statement, said the payment of GH¢9,698,815,220.17 was made on Tuesday August 19, 2025, bringing the total payout under the programme in 2025 alone to GH¢19.4 billion.
According to the Ministry, the disbursement demonstrates government’s determination to honour its commitments, boost investor confidence, and restore credibility to Ghana’s debt management framework.
Fitch upgrade due to DDEP completion, sinking fund reactivation – Sharif Khalid
To reinforce this commitment, government has also introduced two new safety nets, a Cedi Sinking Fund and a US Dollar Sinking Fund, to provide financial buffers for the repayment of bonds maturing in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
“This payment shows our unwavering commitment to meeting our obligations on time,” the Finance Ministry stated, adding that all future debts, including those under the DDEP, would be honoured in full.
Background
The DDEP, introduced in December 2022, was a central component of Ghana’s debt restructuring strategy designed to restore macroeconomic stability and secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) support programme.
Under the arrangement, government exchanged existing domestic bonds for new ones with longer maturities and lower interest rates.
The move was aimed at reducing Ghana’s unsustainable debt servicing costs but sparked public debate and resistance, particularly among pensioners and individual bondholders, who feared heavy financial losses.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry insists the programme remains critical to stabilising the economy, lowering debt vulnerabilities, and regaining investor trust.
‘This is only the beginning’ – Dr Ato Forson declares as Ghana secures Fitch upgrade
Following a wave of media buzz since its release, the film “Captain Ibrahim Traoré,” produced by Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah ‘LilWin’, has received an international nomination at the New Zealand Film Festival.
In an Instagram post shared on August 18, 2025, LilWin announced that his movie has been nominated for Best African Movie at the New Zealand International Film Festival.
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He explained that his film came top among over 500 movies pitched during the nominations.
“LilWin’s movie Captain Ibrahim Traoré, directed by Jackson K Bentum, has been nominated for best African Movie at New Zealand International Film Festival,” the post reads.
The Kumawood actor added that only 10 movies were nominated among the over 500 films.
Director of Lilwin’s controversial Ibrahim Traoré movie speaks
“The movie came out as an outstanding piece of work in over 500 movies, and only 10 movies were nominated,” he added.
Meanwhile, LilWin has been honoured by Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, after he recently launched a movie about the Stateman.
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LilWin first premiered his much-anticipated movie on August 2, 2025.
The movie talks about how Captain Ibrahim Traoré became the leader of Burkina Faso following a coup on September 30, 2022.
It also talks about Traoré being a symbol of anti-imperialist sentiment and youth-driven reform in the country.
Read the post below:
JHM/VPO
Meanwhile, watch the tense standoff in Bonteso as anti-galamsey unit seizes excavators, arrests four:
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, claimed that President John Dramani Mahama’s recent trip to Japan involved the use of a private jet.
In a Facebook post shared on August 18, 2025, after the announcement of President Mahama’s departure for a two-nation official visit to Japan and Singapore, he alleged that a private jet had been hired for $15,000 per hour.
“This private jet, M-BAEP, left Accra this morning around 7 a.m. It is estimated to cost $15,000 per hour to rent this flight. A simple calculation shows that the 7-hour journey already covered amounts to $105,000. If the flight proceeds to Japan, which is likely to take about 12 hours, that would be another $180,000,” he wrote.
‘Defiant’ Assafuah rubbishes claim that Mahama used commercial flight for Japan, Singapore trip
He added, “If it then continues to Singapore, approximately 7 hours away, that would add another $105,000. Finally, if the jet flies directly to Germany and then back to Accra, a total of about 20 hours return trip, that would add another $300,000. Altogether, the cost comes to an incredible $690,000 without including waiting times and/or stopovers.”
Although Assafuah did not initially state that his post referred to President Mahama, his subsequent interviews confirmed that he was making the allegation in relation to the president’s trip to Japan and Singapore.
In an interview with JoyNews on August 18, 2025, Assafuah argued that even though the government explained that President Mahama travelled on a commercial flight, this did not rule out the possibility of a private jet being used at some point during the trip.
He suggested that President Mahama may have boarded a commercial flight from Kotoka International Airport only to connect to a private jet elsewhere.
“I’m not interested in the president; I’m interested in the president and the delegation. Because in their own statement, they mentioned that the president was travelling with a delegation.
“Why are you singling out the president? Is it the case that the jet is meeting the president, or, if you like, some other people, somewhere? That is why the president, probably, if what they are alleging is the case, used a commercial airline which we don’t even know. If what they are saying is true, the president did not use the aircraft that I’m talking about, it does not mean that the president will not use it along his trip,” he alleged.
Luxury Travel Claims: Government hits back at Vincent Assafuah’s false allegations
What the government has said about the claims
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, dismissed the claims as false propaganda.
According to him, Assafuah’s allegation that President Mahama travelled abroad on an expensive private jet was “a mediocre attempt at propaganda.”
In an interview with Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, August 18, 2025, Kwakye Ofosu insisted the claims lacked credibility:
“He does not have any facts. He is just wasting everybody’s time with claims that are false… President Mahama has not travelled by private jet.
“President Mahama travelled to Japan via Emirates, and it is something that you can check. It is not a secret,” Kwakye Ofosu said.
Facts
Movement of the private jet – M-BAEP
GhanaWeb checks indicate that the private jet referenced by Vincent Assafuah, the M-BAEP, did not travel anywhere near Japan or Singapore.
Flight data from FlightAware, as of Tuesday, August 19, 2025, showed that the private jet, a Canadair Challenger CL60, landed in Berlin, Germany, more than a day earlier.
The jet departed Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 7:13 a.m. and arrived in Berlin the same day at 4:12 p.m.
Use of an Emirates commercial flight
GhanaWeb’s check on FlightAware affirms the arrival of the flight to Japan. Details on FlightAware show that EK 318 arrived in Japan exactly 4 hours and 17 minutes ago as at 1:00 p.m.
The flight moved from the Dubai International Airport in Dubai to the Narita International Airport in Japan.
This indicates that President Mahama travelled via Dubai, not directly to Japan.
A review of Emirates flights departing Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, August 17, also showed that the only flight was an Emirates 787, which left Accra at 12:47 p.m. for Abidjan before continuing to Dubai.
More details of the Emirates 787 show that it has been plying the Accra, Abidjan and Dubai route.
When President Mahama left Ghana
Contrary to Assafuah’s claim that President Mahama left around 7:00 a.m., the president was in Accra at the Thanksgiving Service for the late Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, at Christ the King Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the same day.
The event was covered and streamed live by several media outlets, including GhanaWeb.
Therefore, President Mahama could not have been on the private jet, which left Accra at 7:13 a.m.
Analysis
Vincent Assafuah claimed President Mahama left Accra at 7:00 a.m., but evidence shows he was at a public event in Accra until midday.
The private jet, M-BAEP, left at 7:13 a.m. for Berlin, confirming Mahama was not aboard.
Flight records confirm President Mahama flew to Japan on Emirates flight EK 318 via Dubai, not on a private jet.
Verdict
The claim by NPP MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah that President Mahama travelled to Japan on a private jet is false.
BAI/MA
Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
Maize and Soybeans drive record year for the Ghana Commodity Exchange
The 2024 Financial Stability Review shows that liquidity on the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) recorded a trade turnover of GH¢24.3 million, largely driven by strong demand for maize and soybean contracts.
According to the report, trading volumes climbed 107 percent year-on-year to 5,161 metric tonnes, while the value of executed trades rose 115 percent from GH¢11.29 million in 2023.
Settlement values also increased by 113 percent to GH¢23.31 million, reflecting improved liquidity and faster deal execution.
GCX attributed the growth to higher market participation, the use of aggregation funds, the introduction of a T+1 settlement cycle, expanded warehouse infrastructure, and stronger trader confidence.
By commodity, maize dominated activity, with traded volumes nearly doubling to 4,604 metric tonnes.
Soybeans recorded the sharpest gains, rising 190 percent to 512 metric tonnes, supported by higher demand from processors and export markets.
Cedi gains push down BoG gold coin prices
Maize prices advanced 34 percent to GH¢4,396 per tonne, while soybean prices more than doubled to GH¢8,311 per tonne, driven by export demand and rising input costs. Prices for sorghum, sesame, and rice remained largely stable.
GCX expanded its warehousing network from eight to nine facilities, increasing storage capacity by 9 percent to 6,000 metric tonnes.
In total, 4,898 contracts were executed during the year, representing a 122 percent increase.
Bank of Ghana raises GH¢4.83 billion through its 56-day bill
SP/MA
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Johnson Abotsi (M) flanked by some of Ghana’s athletes
Ghana’s young weightlifters delivered an impressive performance on the opening day of the 2025 African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships.
The tournament, taking place from August 18 to 22, 2025, at the Ga-Mashie Hall, Trust Sports Emporium in Accra, saw Ghana secure a bronze medal and set a new national record, a testament to the growing strength of the country’s youth sports programme.
The event features strong competition from 18 African countries, with Nigeria’s Ezenwa Chinaza Cecilia winning three medals in the 48kg youth category, underlining the high level of talent on display.
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Ghana’s athletes, competing across various weight classes, brought pride to the nation, building on the country’s successful organisation of the weightlifting component of the 2023 African Games, which earned them hosting rights for this championship.
In an interview, head coach of the Ghana junior weightlifting team, Michael Johnson Abotsi, expressed pride in his athletes.
“You cannot expect a three-month-old baby to walk. I only trained this team for three months, and seeing one set a national record and another win a bronze medal makes me very happy,” he said.
He added, “You need to thank the coach for a good job. To train athletes for just three months under hardship and difficulties and still win a medal is not easy.”
The championships, an essential platform for young athletes aiming to qualify for the Africa Youth Games in Angola and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, have spotlighted Ghana’s rising prominence in African weightlifting.
Identity of Liverpool fan who racially abused Semenyo revealed
ALL/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians predict top scorer between Kudus and Semenyo on GhanaWeb TV below:
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The United Nations (UN) logo displayed inside the General Assembly Hall in New York City, US
Burkina Faso has declared United Nations (UN) regional coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak persona non grata over a UN report alleging violations against children in the West African country, a government spokesperson said on Monday.
Burkinabe authorities were neither involved in the preparation of the UN report, titled “Children and Armed Conflict in Burkina Faso”, nor informed of the study’s conclusions before publication, the government spokesperson said in a statement.
The United Nations expressed regret over the decision, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.
“The Organisation is accorded privileges and immunities, including the right for its staff members to remain in Burkina Faso to perform their functions on behalf of the Organisation,” he said.
The government accused the UN of making baseless assertions and stating falsehoods in the report, without citing relevant investigations or court rulings.
Flore-Smereczniak, who was forced to leave the country, has more than 20 years of experience in development, security, humanitarian, conflict, and post-conflict settings and was appointed to the post in Burkina Faso last year, according to the UN.
Violence fuelled by a decade-long battle against Islamist militants linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State has worsened in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries, where power was seized in a series of coups from 2020 to 2023.
The UN has in the past condemned what it says have been killings, abuses, and abductions of children in the Sahel regional conflict, as well as the recruitment of child soldiers.
Dujarric reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continue engaging with Burkina Faso’s authorities to support the nation and its people.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has said there was no direct and immediate evidence of corruption by former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah in the graft scandal from 2023.
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The special prosecutor its half-year report said there had been extensive investigations into the matter, starting in 2023.
The report also noted that the FBI had looked into the case for seven months.
“After nearly seven months of extensive investigation by the Office and a parallel inquiry by the federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, no direct and immediate evidence of corruption was found in respect of seized funds and frozen bank accounts linked to Ms. Dapaah and her associates.”
The report, however, noted that the investigation identified strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, beyond the direct mandate of the Office.
TV3 presenter Berla Mundi has turned heads with her stylish custom-made African print dress on Instagram
Over the years, she has continued to inspire her audience not only with her fashion sense but also with her commitment to beauty and self-care
Some social media users have commented on Berla Mundi’s elegant outfit and flawless hairstyle on Instagram
Ghanaian media personality Berla Mundi recently showcased her perfect post-pregnancy figure after welcoming her first child in early 2025.
The popular host of TV3’s morning show has teamed up with the esteemed male fashion designer Yartel GH to unveil a new, chic look aimed at empowering corporate women.
Berla Mundi rocks in a stylish African print dress and designer shoes. Photo credit: @berlamundi. Source: Instagram
Berla Mundi rocks a stylish African print dress
In a striking photo that has since gone viral, the former Miss Malaika beauty queen Berla Mundi captured attention in a custom-made African print dress that beautifully emphasised her hourglass figure.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the flared gown featured a unique pattern that not only flattered her curves but also made a bold fashion statement that resonated with her followers.
To complete her breathtaking look, Berla Mundi opted for a frontal lace blonde hairstyle, which perfectly complemented her glowing complexion and highlighted the effects of her dedicated skincare routine.
Berla Mundi looks gorgeous in stylish outfits. Photo credit: @berlamundi. Source: Instagram
Adding a touch of elegance, she accessorised with exquisite drop earrings that paired beautifully with her designer Manolo Blahnik pumps, enhancing the overall sophistication of her appearance.
Berla Mundi opened up about her transformative journey through pregnancy and motherhood, reflecting on how these experiences have brought about significant changes in her life, especially following her recent intimate wedding.
Berla Mundi slays in a GH¢3,950 dress
In a subsequent post, Berla Mundi made an equally stylish appearance in a Naomi set by acclaimed designer Barkers Woode, marking her first public outing postpartum.
This ensemble, a striking white and blue pleated design valued at GH¢3950, showcased her fashion sense and elegance as she arrived at a star-studded event filled with industry elites.
Her glamour was further enhanced by her expertly applied makeup, which featured perfectly defined eyebrows and a glossy pink lipstick that added a pop of colour to her overall look.
Berla Mundi captivated the crowd with her designer mules that elevated her ensemble, affirming her reputation as one of Ghana’s top female celebrities.
Berla Mundi flaunts her natural face
In addition to her fashion prowess, Berla has also been engaging her followers with insightful skincare tips.
She recently shared the secrets behind her radiant complexion, sharing her favourite beauty products in a captivating tutorial video.
Dressed in a flowing tie-dye maxi dress that reflected her vibrant personality, she effectively demonstrated how to use a Ghanaian-owned skincare line, for which she has proudly taken on the role of brand ambassador.
Berla Mundi’s husband shares skincare tips
Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about Berla Mundi’s husband, who modelled for a Ghanaian-owned beauty brand.
David Tabi shared tips on how Ghanaian men can grow their natural beard in a viral video on Instagram.
Some social media users have commented on Berla Mundi’s husband’s beautiful tutorial video, which circulated online.
Award-winning Ghanaian gospel musician, Diana Antwi-Hamilton, has made a passionate appeal to the public to institute a structure that will stand as a symbol of remembrance for the departed public servants who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash, which occurred on August 6, 2025 in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region.
In a post on her social media pages, the ‘Adom’ hitmaker offered an intensive prayer for the nation, calling on a united front to fight adversity and challenges that may confront the country.
She wrote, “Lord, we lift our cries to You. Reign in our homeland O God. In this period of pain and deep loss, we ask You to ‘cradle the souls’ of our dearly departed eight gallant sons of our land in Your eternal peace. Grant them rest in Your tender embrace, where suffering is no more. Comfort, Lord, the families left behind— their wives, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. Strengthen them through the weight of this grief, and surround them with love that will not falter. “Let this pain not revisit our land, let their memory stir in us a deeper love for country, for peace, and for one another. May their sacrifice never be forgotten. May Ghana always remember. Rest well, brave hearts. You served, you stood, you soared. Now, rest.”
Last Friday, a state funeral was held at the Black Star Square in Accra, to honour the eight victims of the tragic helicopter crash.
The ceremony was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ministers of State, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy, traditional leaders, bereaved families, and citizens from across the country.
The funeral service also featured tributes from government officials, institutional representatives, and family members.
The state funeral served as a moment of national mourning, recognising the dedicated service and sacrifice of the victims.
Dean Adansi and Serge Raymond with the signed agreement
Ghana International Bank (GHIB) has announced a strategic collaboration with Vista Bank Group at the CNVERGE ’25 conference, establishing a comprehensive partnership to enhance trade finance access across West African markets and strengthen intra-African banking cooperation.
The partnership, formalised through a signing ceremony in London, positions GHIB as the primary correspondent banking partner for Vista Bank Group’s operations across Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
The collaboration will leverage GHIB’s established global banking relationships to provide Vista Bank’s clients with enhanced access to international trade finance solutions and cross-border payment services.
“This partnership represents a tangible expression of our commitment to building Africa’s financial infrastructure,” Dean Adansi, Chief Executive Officer of GHIB said during the event.
“This partnership represents a tangible expression of our commitment to be Africa’s bridge to international finance and correspondent banking. We provide African Banking Groups like VISTA the critical access for funding, international trade finance and global payments that allows for expansion and growth. We have kept faith in providing this access to Africa, since 1959, and are honored to now deliver same to the VISTA Group,” Mr. Adansi added.
Vista Bank Group, through Vista Group Holding SA, operates as a pan-African financial services organisation focused on building world-class banking capabilities while contributing to economic and financial inclusion across Africa. The group maintains strategic operations in multiple West African markets, with particular strength in small and medium enterprise banking, trade finance, leasing services, and bancassurance products.
Under the partnership framework, GHIB will provide Vista Bank Group with correspondent banking services, international credit line access, and sophisticated trade finance instruments. This ‘TradeBridge’ approach enables Vista Bank’s clients, particularly small and medium enterprises, to access global markets through established international banking relationships that have historically been difficult for regional African banks to secure independently.
“Ghana International Bank has become our gateway to the global financial system. Where other international banks have been unable to provide the access we need, GHIB has demonstrated genuine commitment to African development through practical banking solutions. This partnership enables us to serve the backbone of African economies—the SMEs in Banjul, Dakar, Freetown, Ouagadougou, and Conakry—with world-class trade finance capabilities,” the Managing Director of Vista Bank France, Serge Raymond said at the signing ceremony.
The collaboration addresses critical market gaps in African trade finance, where regional banks have traditionally faced barriers in accessing international credit lines and correspondent banking services.
Through GHIB’s established global relationships, Vista Bank Group clients will gain access to letters of credit, trade guarantees, foreign exchange services, and international payment processing capabilities essential for participating in global commodity markets.
The collaboration will be implemented through GHIB’s existing infrastructure, utilizing the bank’s correspondent relationships with major international financial institutions to provide Vista Bank Group clients with seamless access to global trade finance markets. Initial services will include trade finance facilitation, cross-border payments, foreign exchange services, and credit line access, with additional capabilities to be developed based on market demand.
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola, has said she can never get over the trauma of watching the assassination of her father, Simeon Apata, a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier-General.
Naija News recalls that Gen. Apata (rtd.) was assassinated by gunmen on January 8, 1995, in Lagos, in the presence of his family.
Eight significant corruption cases involving former ministers, high-ranking public officials, and business companies are currently pending in the courts, according to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
High-profile individuals like former NPA chief Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former IMCIM secretary Charles Bissue, and former PPA chief Adjenim Boateng Adjei are among those involved in the prosecutions, which are described in the OSP’s half-yearly update as of July 2025 and cover industries including petroleum, education, mining, procurement, and payroll administration.
José Mourinho has revealed that Lionel Messi made him a better coach, admitting that facing the Argentine constantly pushed him to rethink his tactics and approach at the highest level of football.
The Portuguese tactician, who battled Messi in some of the fiercest clashes of his career while managing Inter Milan and Real Madrid, said the Barcelona legend left a lasting imprint on his development as a manager.
Speaking about the opponent who most influenced his managerial career, Mourinho mentioned the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Messi, because every time we played against him, he forced me to think a lot,” he revealed.
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During his time at Inter, Mourinho’s side overcame Messi’s Barcelona in the 2010 Champions League semi-final in what remains one of his most celebrated tactical triumphs.
Later, at Real Madrid, he repeatedly faced Messi in El Clásico showdowns that became global spectacles, with the Argentine often at the heart of Barcelona’s dominance.
Reflecting on those encounters, Mourinho has previously admitted that Messi’s presence changed the way he approached games.
“Messi never played for my team, but he played against me and he has made me a better coach for having to prepare matches [to stop him],” he said in an earlier interview.
FKA/MA
Watch the key highlights from the 2025 GFA Ordinary Congress
MANY ARE questioning the credibility of the recently held Ghana Awards UK following gospel musician Empress Gifty’s Artiste of the Year win.
The awards, which was held last Saturday, has caused a stir on social media, with many questioning how the controversial musician was given the award in a category for the best act whose enviable works have gained the necessary admirations in the year under review.
Empress Gifty, who doubles as entertainment host at UTV, beats the likes of Afrobeat sensation King Promise, Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Diana Hamilton, King Paluta, Joe Mettle, Kofi Kinaata, Fameye, KiDi, and Team Eternity.
A congratulatory post by UTV under the caption, “Congratulations to Empress Gifty for winning Gospel Song of the Year at the 6th Ghana Awards USA,” has generated varied opinions under the comments section.
Maame Adom wrote, “How can you use just ‘watch me, watch me’ to win award. Apuuu.”
Minista Gene also stated, “Someone is asking if it was Hopeson Adorye that organised it anaaa… Hmm eii Ghana foɔ”
Citizen Botwe Ankara wrote, “Artiste of year? Archipelago (Mufasa) even did better than her in the year under review. Apuuuu!.”
Darling Godfred One stated, “Thank God Agradaa is not around like Empress Gifty go see wahala.”
Women from the Yennutoona Foundation-Ghana displaying their placards
“Say No to Conflict: Peace is a Necessary Ingredient,” “Peace is Wealth: Let’s Embrace It,” “Choose Peace, Choose Love,” were some of the statements displayed on the placards by a women’s group from the Naniik and Gberuk communities with the Yennutoona Foundation-Ghana, a non-profit organisation.
The women aimed to appeal to their husbands, who were involved in the ongoing conflict between the Naniik and Gberuk communities, advocating for reconciliation.
Carrying leaves as symbols of peace, love, and surrender, the women marched to the Bimbagu chief’s palace to express their displeasure over the persistent conflict involving their husbands, which has severely impacted economic activities and disrupted the peace of the area.
Their primary appeal is for a ceasefire between the Naniik and Gberuk communities, allowing peace to return to what were once vibrant communities.
From January, 2025, three people lost their lives in the land and chieftaincy-related incident between these communities near Bimbagu in the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District of the North East region.
The violence resulted in the destruction of about 50 houses, with several persons sustaining injuries and properties worth thousands of Ghana Cedis damaged.
A visit to the Naniik and Gberuk communities by DAILY GUIDE revealed empty homes, and markets, as many men had fled their homes, leaving behind their wives and children.
The conflict has also led to the closure of schools and health facilities with looming food insecurity in the various communities because farmers could not farm this season over the fear of being attacked.
Olivia Duut, an entrepreneur and member of the Yennutoona Foundation-Ghana, described the conflict as a nightmare, recounting the incident of that fateful night.
“On that night, we heard gunshots and saw houses burning in our community. My husband and I ran out with our children, but they came to our house and burned it down, causing us to lose everything,” she said.
She recounted how her mini factory, where she baked bread and pastries for the Bimbagu area, was also destroyed.
“Sometimes, when I remember the destruction, I feel suicidal because I have lost everything I worked for over the years,” she recounted.
Olivia noted that living with her three children without her husband has become a challenge.
“My husband has relocated to southern Ghana due to the conflict, as any man seen around is at risk. It’s been very difficult for me to care for the children, especially since I have lost everything and I am currently unemployed. We had to move in with my brother in Nakpanduri, who is taking care of us, and my sisters have provided us with clothes and food,” she explained.
She appealed to the government for intervention to find a lasting solution to the conflict, calling for an urgent need for peace so they can return to their homes.
“This year, we haven’t been able to farm due to the conflict, and we lack the resources to care for our families. The government needs to help us,” Olivia disclosed.
Gatirika Bawa, another victim who lost her son, Bawa Suuk, 36, shared her painful experience with DAILY GUIDE, “They killed my son and burned down our house. We have lost everything and are currently homeless. I was forced to relocate back to my father’s house with my grandson, whose father was killed. I own land, but I can’t farm on it due to the ongoing conflict.”
Duubik Saman, an elder at the Bimbagu Chief Palace, commended the Yennutoona Foundation-Ghana for their efforts to encourage both feuding factions to pursue peace and assured that the palace is open to dialogue to restore peace in the community.
Bimbagu Electoral Area Assemblyman
Baanam Tampiuk, the Assemblyman for the Bimbagu Electoral Area, told DAILY GUIDE that the conflict has created fear and panic among people from neighboring communities.
“Traveling through the two communities to Bunkpurugu has become scary, as anyone can be a target, creating fear among residents of surrounding communities,” he noted.
He assured of his commitment to working towards restoring peace in the Bimbagu electoral area.
Government Intervention
The North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, who visited the affected communities, urged residents to ceasefire and engage in dialogue to resolve the issue.
He assured them that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is collaborating with local chiefs, particularly the Nayiri, and opinion leaders to find lasting solutions.
The Minister assured that security measures have been strengthened in the two communities to protect lives and properties.
Sustainable Development Goal 16
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, directly relating to security. It aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to government to arrest Ralph Saint Williams and others who assaulted a nurse at Ridge Hospital or face a nationwide strike.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to government to arrest the man identified as Ralph Saint Williams and his accomplices for allegedly assaulting a nurse at the Accra Ridge Hospital.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist Daniel Adomako, popularly known on social media as Sir Obama Pokuase, has accused the Ghana Police Service of subjecting him to a dehumanising experience during his arrest on Wednesday, August 13.
The Police, in a statement, claimed he was arrested in an intelligence-led operation targeting the illegal possession and public display of sophisticated weapons. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, followed the circulation of images and videos allegedly shared by Mr. Adomako on social media, showing individuals openly brandishing high-grade firearms.
While the Police insisted he was needed to assist in investigations, the manner of his arrest at dawn has attracted widespread condemnation.
Speaking after his release on Eko Sii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Adomako recounted that he was picked up around 3:45 a.m. when armed officers broke through his kitchen before forcing their way into his bedroom, where he was with his wife.
“They broke into my room, which has a wooden door, and forcibly entered, destroying valuables. Then they entered my bedroom, and I was in shorts, and they whisked me away with two V-8s blaring sirens. These were eight fully armed men,” he narrated.
Mr. Adomako said he was first detained at the National Signals Bureau at Labone before being transferred to the Police CID headquarters, where interrogation began. His lawyers and party elders later joined the process.
He was subsequently charged and put before court, where he pleaded guilty. Upon his lawyers’ request, he was granted bail of GHS 50,000 with two sureties, one of whom had to be a salaried government worker. However, he claimed the Court Registrar declined to process the bail that same day, leading to his continued detention.
“It was really sad. It was as if I were a hardened criminal. If indeed you’re calling me as a suspect to assist in investigations, you don’t treat me like this,” he said.
According to him, he remained in Police custody from Wednesday to Monday before finally being released. His phones, laptops, and other electronic devices were seized as exhibits.
Just after meeting his bail conditions, Mr Adomako said he was informed of another case brought against him dating back to 2020, involving Ghana’s current High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson.
He explained that both parties had filed complaints against each other at the time, but never pursued the matter further. The case, however, was unexpectedly revived following his recent arrest.
Mr Adomako noted that neither of them eventually followed up with the case, and he assumed it was a dead matter until it resurfaced recently following his arrest for a different case.
“So, this matter came to me as a surprise when it came up this afternoon. But as you lawyers say, crime has no expiry,” he remarked.
He, however, disclosed that a compromise was reached and that the matter has since been settled.
Read Also: Fact-check: Sir-Obama Pokuase’s viral gun photo not linked to Ghana – It’s a 16-year-old stock image
Mr Adomako maintains that he is being targeted by political opponents who want to instill fear in him because he is seen as a strong critic. He questioned the genuineness of the reasons given by the Police Service for his arrest, claiming that the video he shared online was rather helpful in aiding police investigations into criminal activity.
Mr Adomako, who has also been very critical of the current Inspector General of Police and has repeatedly demanded his removal on social media, believes that may have played a role in the actions taken against him by the Police.
Watch the interview with Sir Obama Pokuase below:
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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.