Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is demanding the immediate and total repeal of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, popularly called the “Dumsor Levy”.
The Effutu MP insists that the government’s indefinite postponement of its implementation is an insulting half-measure.
“This postponement is not a solution. It is a shameful retreat that exposes this government’s incompetence and hypocrisy,” he declared in a statement on Saturday.
The Ghana Revenue Authority had announced that the levy’s implementation, originally scheduled for June 16, had been indefinitely postponed after consultations.
But Afenyo-Markin says this only proves how poorly planned and badly executed the policy is.
“It shows they didn’t consult properly. They rushed the law, and now they’re forced to backtrack. That’s trial-and-error governance,” he said.
He accused the government of doing the very thing it once criticised.
“This is the same administration that berated us for pointing to global shocks like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war. Now they are using the Middle East crisis as an excuse? That is the height of political dishonesty.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin didn’t hold back on what he sees as betrayal.
“President Mahama promised to bring relief, not more taxes. Yet here we are, with a government that wants to tax fuel during an economic crisis. It’s unacceptable.”
The Minority is not impressed with the reasoning behind the levy.
The government had claimed the funds would help stabilise the power sector and service legacy debts.
But Mr Afenyo-Markin said this justification is hollow.
“Akufo-Addo ran a stable power sector without burdening Ghanaians with more taxes. Why can’t this government do the same?”
He stressed that the postponement is a diversion.
“Don’t use the delay to buy time or blame the power crisis on our call to repeal the law. The worsening dumsor is your doing, not because the tax is suspended.”
He pointed to deep-rooted problems at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as the real issue.
“There are expired meters still in use. People are consuming power without paying because of defective systems. It’s not tax money we need — it’s reforms.”
He called out the Ministry of Energy for abandoning the Loss Reduction Programme that was designed under the Akufo-Addo administration.
“You have companies ready to supply meters, but the programme is frozen. Meanwhile, communities are crying for meters. Where is the leadership?”
The Minority Leader insists Parliament must be brought back to repeal the levy without delay.
“We demand a certificate of urgency to reverse this cruel policy completely. Any half measure will not be accepted — not by us, not by the people.”
He ended with a call to Ghanaians to “Join us in resisting this wicked levy. We cannot allow this government to break its promises and worsen our pain.”
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MI6 will be led by a woman for the first time in the foreign intelligence service’s 116-year history.
Blaise Metreweli, who joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, will become the 18th chief of the organisation and take over from Sir Richard Moore later this year.
She is currently responsible for technology and innovation at the service and said she was “proud and honoured” to have been asked to lead.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the appointment “historic” at a time “when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital”.
MI6 is tasked with gathering intelligence overseas to improve the UK’s security, with its core aims being to stop terrorism, disrupt the activities of hostile states, and bolster cybersecurity.
Its chief, commonly referred to as ‘C’, is the only publicly named member of the service.
Ms Metreweli, 47, is currently Director General ‘Q’ – head of the crucial technology and innovation division that aims to keep the identities of secret agents secret, and come up with new ways to evade adversaries like China’s biometric surveillance.
“MI6 plays a vital role – with MI5 and GCHQ – in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”
Ms Metreweli, who studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge, has previously held director level roles in MI5 – MI6’s sister, domestic security agency – and spent most of her career working in the Middle East and Europe.
On the King’s overseas and international birthday honours list in 2024, she received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for her services to British foreign policy.
Speaking to the Telegraph in December 2021 when she was at MI5, under the pseudonym of “Director K”, Ms Metreweli said threats to UK national security “really are diverse”.
“The threats we are looking at primarily exist around protecting government, protecting secrets, protecting our people – so counter-assassination – protecting our economy, sensitive technology and critical knowledge,” she said.
She added that “Russian state activity – not Russia itself – remains a threat” and that China was “changing the way the world is and that presents amazing opportunities and threats for the UK”.
The organisation she will be running faces unprecedented and multiple challenges.
Geographically, these emanate primarily from Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, as the four nations co-operate ever more closely to undermine UK and Western interests across the globe.
But there are technical challenges too.
MI6’s role is to recruit human agents to steal secrets from Britain’s adversaries, which include both hostile nations and non-state groups like al-Qaeda.
In an age of rapid digital innovation, MI6 is having to pedal ever faster to stay ahead of its enemies and to remain relevant, when so much intelligence is now gathered online and from space.
Last September, outgoing chief Sir Richard – alongside then-CIA chief William Burns – warned that the international world was “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War”.
Writing in the Financial Times, the pair said that beyond the war in Ukraine, the two foreign intelligence services were continuing to “work together to disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe being waged by Russian intelligence”.
Sir Richard and Mr Burns added that they saw the rise of China as the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the century. They also said they had pushed “hard” for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East.
On Sunday, Sir Richard, who will step down in the autumn after five years in the role, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the “historic appointment” of his colleague.
“Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology,” he said.
“I am excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who Ms Metreweli will be accountable to as MI6’s new chief, said she was the “ideal” candidate and will ensure the UK is able to tackle the challenges of “global instability and emerging security threats”.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his service and leadership,” he said.
“I have worked closely with him over the past year and thank him for his valuable contribution enhancing our national security and protecting the British public.”
Sir Keir also thanked Sir Richard for his “dedicated service”.
“I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our county and keep our people safe,” he added.
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Arsenal and Ghana midfield maestro Thomas Teye Partey etched his name into the history books last Saturday night after being crowned Footballer of the Year for a record third time at the 2025 Ghana Football Awards in Accra.
The midfield enforcer, who first clinched the top prize in 2018 and 2019, completed his awards hat-trick in front of a star-studded audience — a fitting tribute to a stellar season that saw him play a key role in Arsenal’s journey to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and their second-place finish in the English Premier League.
Partey also stood tall in the national colours, delivering commanding performances for the Black Stars in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
He edged out strong competition from Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams, whose impressive form in the spanish La Liga made him a serious contender for the honour.
But it was Partey’s leadership, consistency and impact across club and country that ultimately won him the votes — and he didn’t walk away with just one trophy.
Veteran sports journalist, Ken Bediako, is flanked by Herbert Mensah (left) and Harry Zakkour (right) to display the living Legends awards
The former Atlético Madrid star also scooped the Football for Good award, jointly with Brighton and Ghana wing-back, Tariq Lamptey, in recognition of their philanthropic work off the pitch.
Gracious in victory, Partey thanked fans and paid tribute to his fellow professionals.
“First of all, I want to thank the organisers — this is the third time and I really appreciate it,” he said after receiving the trophy from the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams.
“I also thank everyone who voted for me. I know it’s not easy; I’ve got so many teammates who deserve this too. I’m not the only one playing well. But I love it, and I’m grateful.”
Now in its seventh year, the Ghana Football Awards once again delivered a glittering celebration of the nation’s footballing excellence, honouring standout performers across 16 categories.
Hearts of Oak’s rising star Benjamin Asare was named Goalkeeper of the Year after breaking into the Black Stars setup, while former Black Queens forward Doris Boaduwaa took home Female Footballer of the Year honours.
In-form Nations FC attacker Razak Simpson was the night’s big local winner, scooping Home-Based Footballer of the Year and Goal of the Year for his sensational strike against Hearts of Oak.
Black Stars legend and Sudan coach Kwasi Appiah was recognised as Men’s Coach of the Year, with Women’s Coach of the Year going to Abu Kassim.
In a moment that warmed hearts, legendary administrators Harry Zakkour and Herbert Mensah — former rival CEOs at Hearts and Kotoko — were jointly honoured as Living Legends, alongside celebrate veteran sports journalist, Ken Bediako.
The ceremony also recognised passionate fans, with a posthumous Special Fans Award given to Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as ‘Pooley’ of Asante Kotoko.
Delivering a passionate speech, Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams praised the organisers for consistently spotlighting excellence and urged the corporate sector to support football’s revival.
“Football is more than just a sport,” he said. “Government is committed to working with stakeholders to invest in infrastructure, funding and reforms to help clubs retain players longer — not just for quick transfers.”
He added: “I salute our club owners and managers. Your commitment is the backbone of our local game. I urge corporate Ghana to partner events like this to drive progress and passion in our football.”
Full List of Winners – Ghana Football Awards 2025
Footballer of the Year: Thomas Partey Women’s Footballer of the Year: Doris Boaduwaa Best African International Footballer: Achraf Hakimi Men’s Coach of the Year: Kwasi Appiah Women’s Coach of the Year: Abu Kassim Goalkeeper of the year: Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare Home-Based Male Player of the Year: Razak Simpson Home-Based Female Player of the Year: Mary Berkoe Goal of the Year: Razak Simpson (vs Hearts of Oak) Most Vibrant Club on Social Media: Medeama SC Male Team of the Year: Bibiani Gold Stars Female Team of the Year: Police Ladies Best Club CEO: John Peter Amewu (Hohoe United) Living Legend Awards: Harry Zakkour, Herbert Mensah, Ken Bediako Football for Good Award: Thomas Partey & Tariq Lamptey Odartey Lamptey Future Star Award: Jerry Afriyie Special Fans Award: Late Francis Yaw Frimpong (Pooley, Asante Kotoko)
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has published a list of 25 newly approved private Senior High Schools (SHSs) now available for selection by Junior High School (JHS) students.
This announcement comes alongside an extension of the school selection deadline to Wednesday, 25th June 2025, allowing students more time to consider their options.
“This extension ensures candidates have ample opportunity to make informed decisions,” said Prince D. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division, in an official statement. “We encourage students and parents to review the new additions carefully.”
In the notice signed by Mr. Agyemang-Duah, the GES emphasized: “This extension will allow students and parents to carefully consider these new options before making their final selections.”
The newly approved private schools span across all regions, including notable institutions such as Gulf College Japan in the Greater Accra Region, Watkins Academy in the Volta Region, and Golden Gate SHS in the Western Region. A full list of the approved schools is available for reference.
Regional Directors of Education have been directed to promptly disseminate this information to all JHS heads.
The GES further noted that while new options have been added, all existing selection guidelines remain unchanged.
“Students are strongly advised to consult with their teachers and parents to make the best possible choice during this extended period,” the notice concluded.
Players of Bibiani Gold Stars celebrating their victory with the trophy
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Bibiani Gold Stars were officially crowned champions of the Ghana Premier League last Saturday following their goalless draw against Medeama SC at Dun’s Park.
The coronation marked a historic moment for the Bibiani-based side, securing their first league title in their 27 years of existence.
Gold Stars’ triumph was all but assured a week earlier, when a dominant 4–0 home win over relegated Accra Lions confirmed their place at the summit of Ghanaian football.
The match against Medeama was more than just a formality — it was a day of celebration for the team, their fans, and the entire town of Bibiani.
Supporters filled Dun’s Park and the surrounding streets in their green and yellow colors, singing, dancing, and cheering a remarkable journey that has captured the imagination of fans across the country.
MP for Bibiani Anhwiaso Berkwai, Bright Asamoah Brefo, fulfills his promise by presenting GH¢50,000 to the team
Led by captain Yakubu Dzia Ull-Haqq and head coach Frimpong Manso, Gold Stars received their trophy in a festive ceremony amid fireworks and cheers from passionate supporters.
The final whistle triggered a carnival-like atmosphere that stretched into the evening, reflecting a deep sense of community and accomplishment.
With the domestic crown secured, Gold Stars now turn their sights toward the continental stage. As champions of Ghana, they will represent the country in the preliminary rounds of the 2025–26 CAF Champions League, eager to make their mark in Africa’s elite club competition.
For now, the town of Bibiani is basking in a moment of glory — a triumph forged through perseverance, unity, and hard work — as Gold Stars celebrate their first-ever Premier League title.
Coach Frimpong Manso of Bibiani Gold Stars receiving his medal from Oduro Sarfo (right)
A hotly contested stoppage-time penalty awarded by referee Selorm Bless Yaw proved decisive as Kumasi Asante Kotoko edged second-tier Golden Kick SC 2-1 to clinch the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon yesterday.
With the match poised at 1-1 and seemingly heading for extra time, the Porcupine Warriors launched a final attack that ended in controversy. Kwame Opoku, Kotoko’s leading marksman, broke through on goal and collided with Golden Kick goalkeeper Kelvin Kofi Saaba inside the penalty box.
Penalty controversy
The referee initially appeared to wave play on, suggesting a clean challenge, but moments later stunned the stadium by pointing to the spot, sparking outrage from Golden Kick players, officials and fans alike.
The play was delayed for several minutes as furious protests ensued. But once calm was restored, Opoku stepped up and coolly sent Saaba the wrong way to fire Kotoko ahead deep into injury time, amid a chorus of boos from the crowd.
The late goal sealed Kotoko’s 10th FA Cup triumph and brought an end to the fairytale run of Golden Kick, who had defied the odds to reach the final from Ghana’s Division One League.
Determined not to suffer another giant killing like their infamous 2011 final loss to Nania FC, Kotoko asserted early dominance with slick possession and quick interchanges.
Golden Kick, however, remained disciplined and dangerous on the break, nearly drawing first blood in the 14th minute when a blistering counter-attack forced a crucial save from Kotoko’s goalkeeper, who required treatment after the clash.
Kotoko responded minutes later, winning a free-kick on the right flank. Lord Amoah delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, which was flicked on by Joseph Ablorh into a packed goalmouth. Amid the scramble, Kwame Opoku rose highest to head home the opener, sending the Kotoko faithful into raptures.
Spirited fight back
But the underdogs refused to lie down. Spurred on by the setback, Golden Kick grew into the game and mounted pressure on the Kotoko defence.
Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when the impressive Bless Ege curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner, levelling the scores and stunning the Kotoko supporters into silence.
Kotoko’s Albert Amoah (left) gains the upperhand during a pursuit for the ball with his Golden Kick marker
Golden Kick nearly snatched the lead just before half-time, but again the Kotoko shot-stopper was equal to the task.
The second half offered a cagey affair, with both sides probing for an opening. While Kotoko enjoyed more attacking forays, Golden Kick matched them stride for stride, showing composure, organisation and flashes of brilliance on the ball.
As full-time approached, Kotoko missed a golden opportunity to settle the tie. Opoku, once again the architect, glided through midfield and squared to Peter Amidu Acquah, who narrowly missed the target with the keeper beaten. Moments later, Gilbani Dongani Samba skied an effort from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, came the game’s most decisive—and debated—moment. Opoku’s darting run and the ensuing contact with Saaba saw referee Yaw reverse his decision and point to the spot, much to the disbelief of Golden Kick.
Opoku, unfazed by the pressure and protests, dispatched the penalty to snatch a dramatic win and deliver the 10th FA Cup to Kotoko while breaking the hearts of the Division One side that had won many admirers throughout the competition.
For Kotoko, it was redemption after failing to win the Premier League title. For Golden Kick, it was heartbreak, but their spirited performance will long be remembered as one of the great FA Cup stories in recent Ghanaian football history.
Ghanaian gospel musician Broda Sammy has once again stirred controversy after performing a secular song during a church event.
The outspoken and unconventional worship minister surprised many when he took the microphone at Prophetess Mama Vida’s birthday celebration on Sunday, June 15, 2025, and delivered a rendition of King Paluta’s hit song “FOKO.”
The event, held at the Vida Bethel Prayer Center, saw church members and guests erupt in cheers and applause as Broda Sammy began singing.
Some worshippers were seen lifting their hands in joy while echoing the song’s catchy chorus.
Broda Sammy, born Samuel Opoku, has in recent years gained a reputation for bridging the gap between secular and gospel music in ways that challenge traditional norms.
It should be noted that this is not the first time Broda Sammy has reimagined a secular tune. He previously made headlines for performing “Grace” by Amerado and Lasmid, and has also been spotted at several worship events covering classics by Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, and even Shatta Wale.
President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Finance and Energy Ministers to take action to protect the gains gained in reducing petroleum product costs, as escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have started to raise the price of crude oil.
During his June 14 Thank You Tour of the Savannah Region, President Mahama praised Ghana’s recent efforts to stabilize its economy but also issued a warning about the potential effects of world events.
“Despite the work we have done in stabilising the economy, Ghana is not immune from the shocks of global events,” President Mahama said.
According to him, the recent missile strike between Iran and Israel has caused a significant spike in the price of crude oil, which will probably undermine Ghana’s efforts to lower the cost of petroleum goods.
“Recent events in the Middle East, which involve an exchange of missiles between Israel and Iran, have started to escalate crude oil prices dramatically.
“I’ve asked our Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy to keep a close eye on the development and model the possible impacts on our petroleum prices and prepare measures to protect the recent gains that we have made,” he added.
When the policemen came for Albert Ojwang, the Kenyan blogger whose death in custody sparked protests this week and prompted a rare acknowledgement of police brutality by the president, his wife initially thought he would be safe.
Unlike the dozens of political activists abducted by suspected security agents over the last year, the 31-year-old schoolteacher was taken to a police station, and officers shared their phone numbers with his family.
“When they came, they were so soft. They were not violent,” said Nevnine Onyango, who was present when the officers arrived, accusing her husband of insulting their “boss”. “So that is what gave me even more confidence.”
The next morning, a family member called with the news that Ojwang, the father of their three-year-old son, was dead.
In the week since, the blogger’s death has become a lightning rod in a nation just one year removed from mass youth-led protests that were fuelled, in part, by disgust at pervasive police violence.
Hundreds took to the streets of the capital Nairobi this week, with vehicles set ablaze and the police responding with teargas.
Demonstrators cited Ojwang’s death as evidence that nothing had changed one year after more than 60 people were killed during protests initially sparked by proposed tax hikes.
Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay, in western Kenya, as part of an investigation triggered by a formal complaint from the deputy chief of the national police force, Eliud Lagat, according to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Kenya’s government-funded police watchdog.
Lagat had stated he was the target of alleged false and malicious information published on the social media platform X, IPOA said.
Kenya’s police chief initially implied that Ojwang had died by suicide but later apologised after an autopsy found that his wounds – including a head injury, neck compression and soft tissue damage – pointed to assault as the cause of death.
President William Ruto said on Wednesday that Ojwang had died “at the hands of the police”, which he said was “heartbreaking and unacceptable”.
Three people have so far been arrested in the case: the policeman in charge of the police station in Nairobi where Ojwang was found dead, a police constable and a closed-circuit television technician at the station.
Reuters was not able to reach Lagat for comment. A police spokesperson said Ojwang’s death resulted from a crime committed by “a couple of individuals” who are not representative of the national police service.
“We want to see justice served,” the spokesperson said.
SUPPOSED TO PROTECT, NOT HARM
It is not clear what Ojwang posted that got the attention of the police. His social media accounts no longer appear to be active.
According to IPOA, which is investigating his death, Lagat’s complaint triggered a probe that led to the arrest of another blogger.
Interrogations of that blogger identified Ojwang as a person of interest, IPOA said.
And so, last Saturday at lunchtime, police officers arrived at Ojwang’s home on motorcycles.
“There are some remarks that he had made about their boss, that the boss is corrupt,” his wife Onyango said they told him. They did not identify their boss.
They first took Ojwang to the local police station before telling his family they would transfer him to Nairobi, nearly 300 km (185 miles) away, she said.
She last heard from him at around 9 p.m. (1800 GMT) the Saturday of his arrest when he called her from Nairobi’s Central Police Station. She said he sounded worried and asked if she would be able to come to the city.
Onyango is now hoping for answers – and accountability – from IPOA’s investigation.
“We always see these things on television, and it actually reached my door,” she said of police abuses. “These people are supposed to protect us. They’re not supposed to harm us.”
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Foreign investors have pulled $3.7 billion out of South African equities since October in the longest such streak of outflows in five years, a report showed, as the continent’s biggest equity market struggles to attract international portfolio flows.
International investor confidence in stocks listed in Africa’s most industrialised economy has been fragile for years, with equities having suffered annual outflows since 2022, calculations by the Institute of International Finance show.
But the latest streak marks a sharp acceleration, coming in at double the $1.9 billion of outflows across 2023 and 2024, the IIF said.
South Africa is at risk of missing out on moves by global fund managers reallocating into regions outside of the U.S. without growth, said analysts, even as stocks trade at discount prices.
“Investors are looking to diversify outside of the U.S., but that doesn’t automatically make South Africa a primary destination,” said Graham Tucker, portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group.
The local market was “relatively cheap”, he added, but that reflected a decade of declining per capita income and depressed growth.
Emerging stocks as a global asset class have suffered outflows more widely since October. But that changed in May when major emerging stock markets from Brazil to Turkey and from Taiwan to South Korea attracted fresh inflows, according to IIF data.
Latin American countries are especially well-placed to benefit from the U.S. market shifts.
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has also seen higher volumes of investments in recent weeks, but rising purchases are matched by rising sales, the bourse’s data shows.
South African equities have delivered a 29% return in dollar terms year-to-date, placing them among the top five performers globally behind only Greece, Spain, Germany, and Italy, Bank of America said.
The lines chart shows the year-to-date trend in purchases and sales of South African stocks by offshore investors.
In the week to last Friday, non-residents bought more than 30 billion rand in South African stocks, the highest weekly value in years, but that also coincided with heavy selling of 24.70 billion, the JSE data shows.
So far this year, non-residents have been net sellers of $5.9 billion, a billion more compared to the same period in 2024.
“Foreign investors, if anything, behave like tourists. They will come for a trade, especially in gold stocks when the commodity runs, but they won’t stay without long-term policy certainty,” said Tucker.
Higher offshore volumes mostly reflect global uncertainties, as the country’s growth fundamentals have not improved significantly, Nedbank economist Isaac Matshego said.
Data from the country’s statistics agency showed last week that the country’s gross domestic product stagnated in the first quarter, mainly owing to six straight months of contractions in the mining and manufacturing sectors.
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Mariah Carey has been praised by fans as she performed her biggest hits at Wembley Arena on Sunday for Capital’s Summertime Ball.
The music legend, 56, was one of the headline acts for this year’s concert and didn’t disappoint.
Appearing on stage, Mariah showed off her incredible physique in a figure-hugging black mini playsuit with black tights.
Mariah closed the ball, and kicked off her setlist with her 1995 hit Fantasy, before Emotions and Hero.
The diva then serenaded the crowd with Always Be My Baby as well as Type Dangerous, Touch My Body and It’s Like That.
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Mariah Carey has been praised by fans as she performed her biggest hits at Wembley Arena on Sunday for Capital’s Summertime Ball
The music legend, 56, was one of the headline acts for this year’s concert and didn’t appear to disappoint as fans flocked to social media
Appearing on stage, Mariah showed off her incredible physique in a figure-hugging black playsuit with black tights
The All I Want For Christmas singer brought the Summertime Ball to a close with her 2005 single We Belong Together.
Reacting to her live performance, Mariah was showered in praise by fans who claimed it was her ‘best vocals in years’.
Taking to social media, one concert-goer said: ‘Mariah at the #SummerTimeBall – best live vocals from her in years…and hit after hit after hit. Bring on Brighton Pride.’
A second posted: ‘Mariah killed it at the #Summertimeball looking and sounding incredible.’
While a third enthusiastic fan wrote: ‘MARIAH F****** CAREY What a performance! Omg! NO ONE can say s**t! That voice is HEALTHY, confidence is BACK, and baby that mic was ON!’
It comes after fans had claimed Mariah had been ‘replaced by AI’.
She returned to the music scene with a new rap single last week called Type Dangerous, but a lot of fans have pointed out that Mimi sounds different compared to before.
‘Is it just me or it doesn’t sound like Mariah at all,’ asked one confused listener.
Reacting to her live performance, Mariah was showered in praise by fans who claimed it was her ‘best vocals in years’.
‘Is it just me or does Mariah’s new song sound like a JLo song? Also… she sounds nothing like herself, the overproduction is weird. Doesn’t sound like her even a little,’ wrote another.
A third wrote, ‘Now who is singing bc that doesn’t sound like Mariah.’
However, other fans argued that the talented vocalist was just using a different style of singing.
It comes after Mariah left some of her Australian fans confused after appearing disinterested as she sat down for an interview with The Project.
The pop diva gave a series of short answers, sometimes uttering single word reposes in a bored monotone while speaking with host Georgie Tunny.
When asked how she handles criticism, Mariah replied simply: ‘By not coping is what I do.’
After a pause she continued: ‘I mean, just don’t pay attention to it, you know? And everybody else goes through it, so… whatever.’
The singer was also asked what she’d like on her tour rider for her upcoming Aussie tour, to which Mariah oddly replied in deadpan: ‘A kangaroo.’
President John Mahama has ordered the military to ensure the safe passage of goods and passengers along the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road in the Upper East Region.
This is a vital trade route linking northern Ghana to Burkina Faso and Togo.
The directive follows rising security threats and disruptions on the corridor.
The President’s order responds to concerns raised by the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohaga Abdulai Mahami, during Mahama’s recent visit to the region.
The Overlord expressed frustration over the absence of security escorts for Mamprusi residents and traders travelling to Bawku, contrasting it with the heavy military presence accompanying Kusasi vehicles through Walewale and other routes.
“This apparent imbalance in the treatment of citizens is not only disheartening, but it also risks derailing the delicate peace efforts we have all been working so hard to sustain,” Naa Bohaga stated, calling for equal protection for all communities.
Tensions have escalated since the establishment of a new Kusasi market in Bawku, which has triggered a wave of banditry and attacks on Mamprusi traders along the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom and Bawku–Missiga–Kulungugu highways.
In September 2023, nine Mamprusi traders were killed near Pusiga. An operative of the Defence Intelligence Unit was also killed near Missiga, prompting brutal retaliatory attacks on Kusasi travellers, vehicles, and other targets in Walewale.
Since early June 2025, more than 40 Mamprusi cargo trucks transporting perishable goods have been stranded in Bolgatanga for nearly a month, awaiting security escorts. Authorities had yet to respond.
The Overlord demanded urgent action: immediate security escorts for the trucks, clear communication from the Regional Coordinating Council and Ghana Police Service, and a long-term plan to secure movement in conflict-prone areas.
In response, President Mahama ordered the military to deploy and provide protection for all vehicles travelling through the Bawku–Pulmakom–Bolgatanga and Walewale–Bolgatanga corridors.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I’ve instructed the Armed Forces to provide armed escort and protection to all vehicles travelling within the Bawku area and along the Bawku–Pulmakom–Bolgatanga corridor, and also along the Walewale–Bolgatanga corridor,” President Mahama stated.
Military deployment is to begin immediately. The Ghana Armed Forces, working with regional security agencies, will establish checkpoints, intensify patrols, and offer escort services for high-risk convoys using the corridor.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the intervention. Alhaji Ibrahim Musah, a transport union representative in Bawku, described the move as timely.
“The insecurity has been hurting businesses and endangering lives. We thank the President for listening and acting decisively,” he said.
The Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road remains a critical artery for trade and cross-border movement.
With instability across the wider Sahel region threatening to spill over, the government’s swift military response is being seen as vital to protecting both livelihoods and national security.
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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.
In this movie, in a desperate attempt to save her dying father, she agrees to marry the son of a woman believed to be living overseas. But when the reality of her decision sets in, she longs to escape.
Kenyan authorities arrested a senior policeman on Friday in connection with the death of a blogger in police custody last week, the police watchdog said, in a case that has sparked violent protests and shone a spotlight on police misconduct.
The police apologised after initially claiming Albert Ojwang died by suicide in a cell in Nairobi’s Central Police Station on Sunday, two days after his arrest. An independent autopsy pointed to assault as a more likely cause of death.
The policeman in charge of Central Police Station was arrested on Friday, along with a closed-circuit television (CCTV) technician called to dismantle the CCTV at the station, said Samati Kemboi, commissioner of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the police watchdog.
The CCTV system at the station had been interfered with, and records “changed and formatted” in the early hours of Sunday, according to a report by IPOA, which is conducting an investigation.
The 31-year-old’s case has drawn close scrutiny of the country’s security services, which have been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances for many years, a source of mounting outrage for many Kenyans.
Hundreds of protesters angered by his death demonstrated in Nairobi on Thursday. Vehicles were set ablaze, and police fired tear gas to disperse crowds, who called for the country’s Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat to resign.
On June 4, Lagat filed an official complaint that an X account reportedly associated with Ojwang had published “continuous false and malicious publications” about him, the IPOA report said.
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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.
Waste management firm Zoomlion Ghana Limited has stated that, contrary to what some media sources have claimed, the government did not cancel or terminate its contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), which naturally ended in September 2024.
In a statement released in response to a letter from the Office of the President dated June 11, 2025, Zoomlion stated that the Street Sweeping Program contract had ended after being extended by six months past its initial expiration date of March 2024.
“The contract has therefore reached its natural conclusion and expired. Contrary to claims in some media reports, this expiration does not constitute a termination or cancellation of the agreement by the government, and that is not what the Office of the President stated.”
Following a petition by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, the Presidency announced in a letter that the contract would not be renewed and that competitive tendering will be used to award future sanitation contracts.
The letter also detailed efforts to enhance working conditions for sanitation personnel and audit all post-expiration payments to Zoomlion.
Zoomlion applauded the government’s efforts to improve procurement and accountability.
“Zoomlion Ghana Limited fully supports and welcomes this approach,” the company stated.
According to the statement, the company is ready to compete on future contracts under the new method, and the YEA contract that expired was itself competitively procured in 2019.
“We are well prepared and eager to actively participate in any forthcoming competitive procurement processes.”
The company stated that it supports the Presidency’s decision to audit any payments made after the contract’s expiration in terms of accountability.
“As a responsible corporate entity, transparency, integrity, and delivering value for money are core to our operations,” Zoomlion is quoted by citinewsroom.com to have said.
The impact of extreme heat on women isn’t merely about discomfort – it is physiological, economic, and deeply personal.
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By Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu
Scorching sun, no shade, and temperatures soaring to 32C – the relentless heat takes its toll on Auntie Fausty, a hardworking woman in her mid-50s, who ekes out a living selling bags in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, at the brimming Makola Market. As she sits in a worn plastic chair, her eyes scan the crowded market, searching for customers.
But the heat is suffocating, draining the life from her very pores. Auntie Fausty wipes the sweat from her brow with a tattered rug, her face a map of deep lines and creases. And yet, despite the oppressive heat, she remains steadfast, her beautifully arranged bags a testament to her unyielding spirit.
“After the harmattan season in January, the heat becomes intense, lasting till the rains arrive in May or June,” she shares, her voice laced with resilience and resolve. She describes her typical day: “I face harsh conditions from morning till 3 pm, sweating profusely and drinking plenty of water to cope, all while worrying about making ends meet.”
54-year-old Auntie Fausty. Photo: Ernest Ankomah.
Women Bear the Heat
Just a short walk away at Tema Station market, Ama Serwaa meticulously arranges her collection of local spices beneath the fragile sanctuary of a faded umbrella. Like Auntie Fausty, she battles not only the economic pressures of urban survival but also the physical assault of rising temperatures.
“The afternoon sun feels like punishment,” Ama confides, her voice dropping to a whisper as though the heat might overhear and grow stronger. “The headaches come like clockwork – throbbing, blinding pain that only painkillers can touch. Sometimes, all I can do is close my eyes and rest, even as customers walk by.”
As both women speak, others move through the market carrying heavy loads balanced precariously on their heads. The scene presents a stark visual metaphor – Ghana’s women literally bearing the weight of economic necessity while simultaneously enduring the crushing burden of climate change’s thermal consequences.
Their reality stands in sharp contrast to those who spend days in air-conditioned offices. For these market women, there is no escape button, no thermostat to adjust when the heat becomes unbearable. Their workplace is exposed to the elements, their bodies the frontline in a climate battle they never asked to fight.
The Female Body Under Fire
The impact of extreme heat on women isn’t merely about discomfort – it is physiological, economic, and deeply personal. According to Kathy Baughman McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of Climate Resilience for All, biology itself places women at greater risk.
“Ecologically, women’s bodies respond differently to heat stress,” McLeod explained. “It’s not just perception – their cardiovascular systems, skin structure, and hormonal fluctuations create unique vulnerabilities that science is only beginning to properly document.”
The consequences extend far beyond temporary discomfort. McLeod’s voice grew solemn as she shared observations from partner communities in South Asia: “We’ve documented daily skin rashes, chronic dizziness, debilitating headaches – and most devastating of all, miscarriages directly attributable to extreme heat exposure. Last May alone, six women from our community partners died from heat-related causes while working outdoors.”
Caryn Agyeman Prempeh, Health Director at La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly, added medical context to these lived experiences. “Heat stress triggers cortisol release in women’s bodies, creating hormonal imbalances that manifest as visible skin conditions like acne and eczema, but also as invisible threats to reproductive health.”
“When a woman experiences prolonged heat exposure day after day, her entire endocrine system can be affected. The body perpetually believes it’s under attack.”
Women walk along a street market in Accra, Ghana. Photo: Ernest Ankomah.
Fertility Amidst Flames
The consequences of heat on fertility are particularly devastating for women, as rising temperatures disrupt the intricate physiological processes that regulate reproduction.
Research reveals that rising temperatures interfere with the hypothalamus – the brain’s regulator of reproductive function. In heat stress on reproductive function and fertility in mammals, studies show that under heat stress, the hypothalamus falters, disrupting the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This results in erratic hormonal signals throughout the body. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, both crucial for egg maturation, fail to function properly, leaving ovarian follicles stranded and unable to develop. The system that should enable life is left out of sync, and ovulation is brought to a halt.
For pregnant women, the dangers are even more dire. Elevated body temperatures do not just affect the mother – they place the unborn child in jeopardy. Heat stress transforms the womb, once a sanctuary, into a hostile environment. Miscarriages, stillbirths, and severe birth defects are far more likely when heat overwhelms the body’s natural processes. The future, once filled with the potential of new life, is suddenly erased, as heat robs it before it even has a chance to form.
In Zimbabwe’s Kusile rural district, where climate change and inadequate healthcare intersect, pregnant women face an existential threat. This nightmare is a devastating reality for far too many. Meck Sibanda, Executive Director of the Christian Youth Volunteers Association Trust, bears witness to this crisis: “Rural women embark on perilous journeys to access basic healthcare, including maternity care. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of life and death.”
Men are not exempt from the impact of heat, though their struggle is less visible. Heat was found to affect men’s testes, the organs responsible for sperm production. Excessive heat can impair the function of the cells within the testes, leading to reduced sperm production and compromised sperm quality. Sperm counts may drop, and DNA integrity can be affected. However, these changes are often reversible once temperatures return to normal.
Both men and women face the wrath of heat, but women bear the heaviest burden. The damage to female fertility can be irreversible, robbing them of the chance to conceive. While male fertility may recover, women’s reproductive systems are often left permanently altered. In the fight against a warming world, heat is not just a physical stress – it is a thief of life, stealing futures and leaving bodies in its wake.
More on the topic: South Sudanese Women Disproportionally Affected By Climate Change-Fueled Heat: Study
Northern Heat, Northern Pain
Travel northward to Bolgatanga in Ghana’s Upper East Region, and the temperature climbs even higher. Here, where the mercury regularly touches 40C, another deadly consequence of extreme heat emerges from the parched landscape.
Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) cases surge during peak heat periods, turning temperature into a matter of life and death. The northern regions have recorded thousands of cases over recent years, with fatality rates that send shudders through local health systems.
Here too, women bear additional burdens. As primary caregivers, they typically carry on with their domestic responsibilities even when sick. They walk farther for increasingly scarce water. They maintain households while their own health deteriorates under the double assault of heat and duty.
“We are the nurses when clinics are too far away,” said Adisa Adams, a mother of three from a village outside Bolgatanga. “We are the ones who must remain strong when others fall ill. But who cares for us when the heat makes us weak?”
Science Behind the Sweat
Ghana’s rising temperatures are no accident or natural fluctuation. A 2014 paper documented how greenhouse gas emissions from fuel consumption, deforestation, and agricultural practices have accelerated since 1990, pushing Ghana toward a climate tipping point despite its relatively small global emissions footprint.
By 2020, all of Ghana’s ecological zones had surpassed 2C warming – a threshold once considered a distant concern. Projections for 2050 and 2080 suggest continued temperature increases that threaten to remake the country’s environmental and social landscape.
The consequences ripple through every sector. Agriculture yields decline as crops wither under intensifying heat. Hydropower generation falters as rainfall patterns shift. Public health crises multiply with increased incidence of malaria and cholera. And at every point of impact, women – especially those with limited economic resources – absorb the harshest effects. A study published in April delivered even more sobering news: heatwaves across Ghana are becoming more frequent, longer in duration, and more intense in their peak temperatures. The northern regions, particularly the Sudan Savannah zone, experience the most severe conditions, yet they receive the least attention in climate adaptation planning.
Ghana’s temperature has already passed the 2C warming mark, and is forecast to increase further in the decades to come. Photo: Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu, AWiM.
The Gendered Cost of Climate
Extreme heat does not affect all Ghanaians equally. Women – especially those who work outdoors, care for families, or live in poverty – are disproportionately exposed and less protected. Their labor is invisible, their suffering normalized.
“We must view heat stress as a gendered health crisis,” said Prempeh. “The public sees women in markets but rarely thinks about what that exposure does to their organs, their fertility, or their future.”
Beyond markets, women working as farmers, cleaners, food vendors, and teachers are increasingly reporting chronic fatigue, heatstroke, and productivity loss. Yet policies remain gender-neutral – blind to the fact that equal isn’t always equitable.
Despite these challenges, women across Ghana demonstrate remarkable adaptability. The World Health Organization recommends simple preventive measures: staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours, wearing appropriate clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
Pushing For Change in a Burning Landscape
Christopher Gordon, former director of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies at the University of Ghana, identified the vicious cycle trapping Ghana in escalating heat.
“We’re cutting down forests while cocoa yields decline,” he said. “Farmers, desperate for income, sell land to illegal gold miners. The result? More deforestation, polluted water bodies, and temperatures that climb even higher.”
His analysis revealed the interconnectedness of environmental degradation and climate consequences. Deforestation reduces natural cooling, accelerates soil erosion, and diminishes water retention – all factors that intensify heat impacts, particularly in rural communities where women are central to agricultural production.
For the first time, Ghana has appointed a dedicated Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability – Baba Issifu Seidu. This institutional recognition of climate challenges offers new hope for policy interventions that might specifically address heat’s gendered impacts. Minister Seidu’s engagement with University of Ghana academics signals a promising shift toward evidence-based climate policy. For this approach to succeed, it must recognize and address the specific vulnerabilities of women while amplifying their essential role in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Cooling Communities Through Collaboration
Innovation emerges from necessity. Across Ghana, women are not merely victims of climate change but pioneers of climate solutions.
The national tree-planting initiative represents one scalable approach to heat mitigation. Millions of trees planted annually provide essential shade, cool surrounding air through evapotranspiration, and help reduce urban heat island effects that make cities particularly dangerous during extreme heat events.
More targeted interventions also show particular promise. The Heat Adaptation Benefits for Vulnerable Groups in Africa (HABVIA) project has implemented a roof-painting initiative in communities including Ga-Mashie in Accra and Nkwantakese in Kumasi. The program applies specialized reflective paint to approximately 30 homes in each location, significantly reducing interior temperatures.
“Before the white roof, my children couldn’t sleep at night because of the heat,” explained Maamle Sackey, a participant in Ga-Mashie. “Now our home stays cooler, and we rest better. My headaches have lessened too.”
Doreen Larkailey Lartey, a researcher with the University of Ghana Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, believes in women’s capacity to cool their environments through small-scale interventions.
“Urban women have extraordinary power to transform microclimates,” Lartey said. “Home gardens, reduced energy consumption, and water conservation—these seemingly small actions multiply when communities embrace them collectively.”
Her vision is both practical and inspirational: thousands of small gardens transforming Ghana’s urban heat profile while improving food security and enhancing biodiversity. “Women already hold ecological knowledge,” she insisted. “They simply need resources and recognition to deploy it effectively.”
As rising temperatures scorch the West African nation of Ghana, the heat is on to act. Women, often the most vulnerable to the climate crisis, bear the brunt of droughts, floods, and storms. To shield them and future generations from the worst impacts of climate change, Ghana must adopt policies that prioritize their needs and perspectives. Integrating climate change mitigation, public health protection, and social equity will forge a resilient, equitable, and thriving future. The time for collective action is now – Ghana’s women, and its very future, depend on it.
Featured image: Ernest Ankomah.
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About the author:
Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu is a science journalist specializing in the gendered impacts of climate change across West Africa. This report was supported by the African Women in Media (AWiM) with support from the Fojo Media Institute.
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In this Nigerian family movie, Fred continues to neglect his responsibilities as a husband and father. His indifferent attitude toward finding work and providing for his family is placing them at serious risk. The question remains: will he ever step up and take accountability?
Mali’s government will establish a state-controlled gold refinery with Russia’s Yadran to boost bullion revenue as West African nations aim for greater resource returns amid rising commodity prices, the country’s finance minister said.
The new company, SOROMA-SA, will be 62% owned by the Malian state, with the remainder held by Yadran, Economy and Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou said.
The refinery, set to be built on a five-hectare site near Bamako’s airport, will process 200 metric tons annually, almost quadruple Mali’s current output of approximately 50 tons, Sanou said.
Mali’s National Transition Council approved the shareholding on Thursday, Sanou said, adding the company would assist miners to comply with the revised code.
Mali, Africa’s second-largest gold producer, has adopted a revised mining code boosting state stakes in mining firms, raising gold royalties, and requiring domestic gold processing, following similar policies in Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea that rattled western investors as they pivot to Russia and China.
Mali’s two gold refineries lack certifications, such as by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), forcing miners to process gold abroad, according to the Mines Ministry. A senior Mines Ministry official, who requested anonymity, said Yadran would help secure certification, a key obstacle that has prevented the country’s existing refineries from accessing global markets.
Mali’s military leader Assimi Goita will commission the refinery’s construction later in June, according to mines ministry spokesperson.
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.
Ghanaian media executive and culture curator, Ruddy Kwakye, has said in a recent interview on Joy FM that a lot of Ghanaian events don’t make gains because they give out too many free tickets.
Ruddy told Kwame Dadzie on Showbiz A-Z that a number of Ghanaian event organisers usually give out the tickets for free so they could fill the venues.
“You charge a 100, 000 cedis to do a show in Ghana but the reality is you can’t sell a 100,000 dollars of tickets. Half of your December shows by your favourite artistes were all free.
They just gave tickets to people to fill it up. It’s an ego trip. Because there is a system; you market in a certain way you would get your money back but there is no short cut around it, thinking we sold the tickets, therefore [we should make profit],” he said.
He made this statement while discussing why a lot of event organisers usually complain they made losses from their events after announcing they sold out their venues.
For playwright Latif Abubakar, making profit from events goes beyond just ticket sales. He said on the show that there are other avenues of raising funds to complement ticket sales.
“I always say tickets are insignificant to the cost of a production. Because the amount of money we charge when it comes to ticketing is very small. You can’t depend tickets to produce your events.
There are other elements of raising funds for production. We talk about sponsorships, partners, investors, and then you create other portfolios,” he said.
Latif noted that he creates a portfolio of exhibition where companies exhibit their wares and pay him.
For most event organisers taxes taken by the Ghana Revenue Authority put a lot of pressure on their enterprises.
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 Prince and Princess of Wales have shared new photos of Prince William with their three children to mark Father’s Day.
One is a portrait shot showing the prince standing with his arms around Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10, while seven-year-old Prince Louis stands in front of him – the other is a landscape image in black and white showing the four lying on the grass laughing in an embrace.
The two photos, shared on the couple’s official social media account, are accompanied with the caption “Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L” along with a heart emoji.
It comes as the family attended Trooping the Colour on Saturday, celebrating the King’s official birthday.
A family photo from Saturday’s event was shared on the same Instagram account featuring Prince William dressed in uniform, Catherine and Charlotte in blue dresses, with George and Louis in suits with red ties.
The Father’s Day photos shared on Sunday were taken in Norfolk by Josh Shinner, who has taken pictures of Prince William and Catherine’s family before, including their Christmas card for 2023.
Last year’s Father’s Day photo was taken by Catherine.
It featured the prince standing with his three children, their arms around each other, looking out to sea.
The King and Queen have also wished a Happy Father’s Day “to all Dads everywhere” posting photos of them with their own fathers.
A black and white image posted on their official Instagram account shows the late Prince Philip holding a swing, playing with a young Charles and Princess Anne.
A second photo has also been shared of Camilla with her late father, Major Bruce Shand, arm-in-arm on the day of her wedding to Charles in 2005.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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I Love You With What I Have And Will Become In Life-Toyin Abraham Shares Photos Of Her Husband
News Hub Creator48min
Using her own Instagram account, the famous and gifted Nigerian actress and film producer Toyin Abraham has gushed over her spouse. To her, her spouse was like a little deity.
Among Hollywood’s most accomplished actors and producers, Toyin Abraham stands head and shoulders above the crowd. Her most notable accomplishment is the significant role she played in Yoruba films.
Countless moving and uplifting films have been directed by Toyin Abraham. Thanks to her remarkable performance, Toyin—who is popularly known as Sabi Aunty—has garnered a lot of admirers both at home and abroad.
Toyin Abraham wrote an open and honest declaration of her feelings for her husband in the piece. She told him that no matter what happens in her life, she loves him with all her heart.
The actress shared stunning images to commemorate the special times they spend together.
Her hubby appeared so tender, youthful, and loving in the pictures she shared.
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Popular Ghanaian blogger Esther Xorlali Kugbey, founder of the award-winning blog xorlali.com, has received two nominations at this year’s Volta Media Excellence Awards (VMEAs) 2025.
The young digital entrepreneur was nominated in the categories of Blogger of the Year (WS5) and Blog of the Year (WS3), recognizing her outstanding work in the media and tourism space in Ghana.
Esther, known for her storytelling skills and informative content, runs one of Ghana’s top lifestyle and travel blogs, xorlali.com. Her blog covers trending topics in news, entertainment, travel and tourism, celebrity biographies, and lifestyle.
A voice for tourism and culture in Ghana
Apart from her blogging career, Esther Xorlali Kugbey works as a tour operation officer with Exotic Adventures Ltd, a leading domestic tourism company in Ghana. Through her blog and social media platforms, she promotes cultural heritage sites, local attractions, and travel experiences across the country.
Her nomination comes as no surprise to many of her followers, who describe her as passionate, consistent, and hardworking.
“I’m humbled by the recognition,” she said in a post. “This means a lot not just to me, but to everyone who believes in the power of storytelling and promoting Ghana through blogging.”
How to vote for Esther Xorlali Kugbey
Fans and supporters can vote for Esther by sending the voting codes to the official VMEAs number:
Voting is currently open, and all are encouraged to support by voting and sharing.
About the Volta Media Excellence Awards
Organized by Edy’s Promotion, the Volta Media Excellence Awards aims to recognize and celebrate individuals and media houses contributing to the growth of the media industry in the Volta Region and beyond.
This year’s event has seen increased participation and excitement, with nominees from various sectors including radio, TV, blogging, photography, and more.
Connect with Esther
To learn more about her work, visit www.xorlali.com or follow her on all major social media platforms.
Kotoko clinched their 10th Golden Kick FC MTN FA Cup trophy after beating Golden Kick 2: 1
After a fierce 2-1 victory over Golden Kick FC in an exciting final at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Asante Kotoko added another chapter to their illustrious history by winning their 10th MTN FA Cup trophy.
Both teams came out fire as the game got underway with a lot of intensity. Each team produced risky situations in the first five minutes, demonstrating that this would not be your typical cup final.
Early in the game, Paul Yeboah and Albert Amoah collided heavily, demonstrating the intensity. Fortunately, both players bounced back swiftly and carried on.
A tease from Joshua Fuseini into the area in the 12th minute nearly gave Golden Kick the lead. The goalkeeper for Kotoko, Mohammed Camara, was alert and produced a deft stop to keep Dacosta Owusu from scoring.
Kotoko reacted forcefully. After a strong run down the right wing in the seventeenth minute, Lord Amoah was awarded a free kick. A superb cross that he whipped in found Joseph Ablorh at the rear post.
Kotoko took a 1-0 lead when Kwame Opoku calmly tucked the ball in after Ablorh headed it into his path.
Golden Kick did not take a back seat. They persisted in their efforts and were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Bless Ege beat Camara with a beautiful long-range free kick to tie the score at one. The underdogs were establishing themselves.
Both sides were more focused going into the second half. Henry Ansu’s misdirected header nearly gave Fuseini a chance, but the striker was unable to take it, giving Kotoko the opportunity to give their opponents the lead.
Emmanuel Antwi’s arrival gave Kotoko back midfield dominance. He attempted a long pass in the 54th minute, which ultimately gave Opoku another chance, but the striker was offside.
In the final moments, Golden Kick made another threat. Fuseini was set up by a deft ball from Ege, but the Kotoko defenders did a good job of handling his delivery into the box.
Then the pivotal moment arrived. Following a confrontation between Opoku and Golden Kick goalie Kelvin Saaba in the last seconds of the match, Kotoko was given a contentious penalty. The referee upheld the ruling in spite of objections.
In the ninetieth minute, Kwame Opoku took the initiative and coolly scored from the penalty spot to give the Porcupine Warriors the victory.
Asante Kotoko’s 2-1 triumph guaranteed them a spot in the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup in addition to winning the 2024–25 FA Cup. The victory adds yet another significant event to the club’s illustrious history.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pushed back against claims that the contempt case against New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, has been fully resolved, insisting that the matter remains active and unresolved in court.
This clarification comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision that overturned an earlier contempt conviction against Kumi and barred High Court judge Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe from proceeding with sentencing.
In an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday June 15, the Eastern Regional Secretary of the NDC, Jamal Konneh, accused the NPP of creating a false narrative of total victory, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling addressing only procedural issues and not the substance of the case.
“The NPP filed about five reliefs at the Supreme Court. The first one was that the court should set aside the petition, arguing that the petitioners filed it without a gazette,” Konneh explained. “That was dismissed by a unanimous 5-0 decision of the court.”
He clarified that while the court agreed with the NPP on one point — that the High Court judge should recuse himself — the contempt case itself has not been dismissed. “What was upheld was the fact that the judge sitting on the case should recuse himself. But the contempt case still holds,” he said.
According to Konneh, the court directed that a new judge should take over and handle the contempt proceedings. “That is the impression they [NPP] are creating outside, but the contempt still holds. The court said the judge who sat on that case should recuse himself for another judge to come in and handle that aspect,” he added.
The Supreme Court’s ruling followed a judicial review application filed by Ernest Kumi’s legal team, led by NPP Legal Affairs Director Gary Nimako-Marfo. They argued that the election petition filed by the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, was invalid because it was submitted before the official gazetting of the results — a key requirement under Ghana’s electoral laws.
Despite that argument, Konneh stressed that the substantive election petition has not yet been heard. “The substantive case is still going on. We are yet to go into that case, but they [NPP] are there jubilating that they have won,” he said.
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Supreme Court quashes contempt conviction against Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi
The Minority in Parliament has threatened legal action against the government over its failure to present the renewed mining lease for Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s Damang Mine to Parliament for ratification.
This follows the government’s finalisation of transitional arrangements for the Damang Mine in April, aimed at ensuring operational stability, safeguarding jobs, and paving the way for eventual Ghanaian ownership.
Under the new arrangement, Gold Fields Ghana Limited is to be granted a 12-month mining lease for Damang, but the deal remains unratified by Parliament. The Minority argues that this omission violates the principles of transparency and accountability.
Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, insisted that parliamentary oversight is essential for responsible mining governance.
He further stated that the Minority will proceed with legal action should the government fail to lay the agreement before Parliament.
“We cannot be giving mining lease agreements to companies who will not mine responsibly, companies who will mine and leave very far-reaching and devastating environmental effects on our environment. It is getting out of hand. If they don’t do it, then we will test the law at the law court,” he warned.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee and Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, says Ghana may face serious economic challenges if hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.
Speaking on the possible implications of the ongoing conflict between the two Middle Eastern powers on the Channel One Newsroomon Sunday June 15, Adomako-Mensah highlighted the likely impact on global oil prices and, by extension, Ghana’s fuel-dependent economy.
“We don’t live in an island. I mean these are two powerhouses,” he stated. “Yesterday, just because of this, there was a lot of disruption to international travel. These are two oil-solution countries, and it is definitely going to have a toll on our oil prices.”
His comments come amid growing concerns over the global economic fallout of escalating hostilities in the Middle East, which has already triggered volatility in international oil markets. Brent crude prices have spiked in recent days, raising fears of increased costs for petroleum-importing nations like Ghana.
Adomako-Mensah expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would soon lead to de-escalation, warning that a prolonged conflict could spell serious economic challenges for Ghanaians.
“I am just hoping that, as quickly as possible, peace is brought to reign. Otherwise, we should brace ourselves for very tough times ahead,” he said.
The MP’s statement underscores the vulnerability of Ghana’s economy to external shocks, especially in the energy sector. His remarks also serve as a caution to policymakers to plan ahead for possible disruptions in supply chains and rising costs associated with fuel imports.
The government has postponed the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), partly citing global uncertainties, including the Iran-Israel tensions. While some critics dismissed that explanation as inadequate, Adomako-Mensah’s comments suggest there are legitimate fears about how such geopolitical developments could ripple through Ghana’s economy.
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Forget fuel levy implementation and reform ECG, renegotiate IPPs’ contracts – Collins Adomako to govt
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee and Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has called on the Mahama-led government to completely abandon plans to implement the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) and instead focus on fixing deep-rooted inefficiencies in Ghana’s power sector.
Speaking in response to the government’s indefinite suspension of the controversial levy — popularly known as the “Dumsor Levy,” on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday June 15, he said there are far more urgent and impactful steps the government should be taking to stabilise the energy sector without placing additional burdens on already struggling Ghanaians.
“On our part, we believe two things,” he said. “If you go to ECG, the losses at ECG are enormous, and we are wholly in support of the Minister’s decision to bring reforms to ECG. We think that government should, as a matter of principle and as quickly as possible, bring reforms to ECG.”
He further urged the government to take swift action to renegotiate power purchase agreements signed with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which he said are placing unsustainable financial pressure on the state and consumers.
“Number two, I think they should go back as quickly as possible to renegotiate all IPPs that they signed previously, which is putting a lot of burden on the Ghanaian people,” he stated. “I think these are the two things that government should do at this point in time.”
His comments come as the Minority in Parliament ramps up criticism of the government’s handling of the fuel levy. In a statement released on June 15, the Caucus described the last-minute U-turn on the ESSDRL as a “shameful retreat” that reflects chaotic economic management and a lack of proper stakeholder engagement.
The ESSDRL, introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), was designed to raise funds to tackle Ghana’s estimated $3.1 billion energy sector debt. However, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced its indefinite postponement after backlash from industry stakeholders and public outcry.
The government’s justification for the delay — citing global oil market volatility caused by the Iran-Israel conflict — has been widely criticised. Adomako-Mensah echoed the view that the explanation was unconvincing, especially given the administration’s past dismissal of global factors affecting Ghana’s economy under previous governments.
The Minority Caucus has called for the full repeal of the levy, arguing that rising electricity and water tariffs, inflation, and currency depreciation have already strained households and businesses. They insist the ESSDRL is not only regressive but also unnecessary, pointing to inefficiencies within ECG and poorly structured IPP contracts as the real problems.
“We categorically reject the notion that Ghana’s energy woes are due to the absence of this levy,” the Minority stated. “They are the product of poor leadership and mismanagement.”
Read also
‘Stop the chaos, Scrap Dumsor Tax’ – Minority to Govt
Nkwanta (O/R), June 14, GNA – An accident involving a Motorking tricycle, transporting Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates has left eight students injured, with one reported to be in critical condition.
The accident, occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 13, when the candidates were travelling from Odumase-Basari Akura to the Kechiebi examination centre in the Nkwanta South Municipality, to sit for their exams, when the overloaded tricycle reportedly hit drove into a pothole and veered off the road, and crashed.
The impact caused serious injuries to all passengers.
Seven of the candidates were taken to the Kechiebi CHPS compound for treatment, while one female candidate, identified as Manyina Janet, critically injured, was referred to the Nkwanta South Municipal Government Hospital for further medical care.
Despite the trauma, the seven injured students have expressed their determination to continue writing their exams.
Mr. Jacob Hundo, the Headteacher of Odumase-Basari Akura, commended the pupils for their resilience and courage.
“We understand the pain they are going through, but this exam is a very important step in their academic journey,” he said.
He, however, encouraged them to stay focused and complete.
Mr. Hundo noted that although the students have received support and encouragement, some were visibly struggling to write due to the pain from their injuries.
A visit to the Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital confirmed that Manyina Janet is responding to treatment and is hopeful of returning to the examination centre to continue with her other papers.
The body of a man who drowned during Saturday evening’s heavy rains in Kasoa has been retrieved at Ironcity, bringing fresh attention to the area’s longstanding drainage problems.
The victim, identified as N.K. Godfred, believed to be in his early thirties, reportedly fell into an uncovered gutter while returning home from work during the downpour. Eyewitnesses say he attempted to cross the flooded drain despite warnings from bystanders but was quickly swept away by the strong currents.
“He underestimated the situation. Some people tried to help, but the water was too strong,” a relative told Channel One News.
His body was discovered on Sunday afternoon in a different section of the Ironcity community.
Local authorities and residents have blamed the tragedy on incomplete drainage construction and poor infrastructure planning. Kennedy Acheampong, Assemblyman for the Ironcity-Dokutsekope Electoral Area, said the flooding is a recurring issue that residents have complained about for years.
“We have a drainage problem in Ironcity. We’ve raised it repeatedly, but nothing has been done. We’re pleading with the MCE and authorities to act before more lives are lost,” he said.
NADMO Director for the Awutu Senya East Municipality, Nash Nyandey, confirmed that several structures blocking water flow have been identified, worsening flood conditions in the area.
“We’ll bring engineers to assess the situation and implement measures to safeguard residents,” Nyandey assured.
Meanwhile, MCE Seth Sabah Serwonoo Banini has warned that buildings sited in waterways will soon be demolished as part of efforts to tackle the flooding menace.
“We will not hesitate to pull down any building obstructing water flow. This is about protecting lives, not politics,” he stated.
Saturday’s downpour left several communities under water, including Opeikuma, Krispo City, Joemens Kpometey, and Dokutsekope. Residents are calling for swift intervention before the rains claim more lives.
Will Smith brought his son Jaden on stage during his high-energy set at Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard on Sunday afternoon.
The rapper and actor, 56, was one of the stars on the bill to perform to the packed crowd at Wembley Stadium in London.
During his appearance, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air star sent the crowd into a frenzy when he brought his son Jaden, 26, on stage with him.
Jaden, who is also an established artist, could be heard joking: ‘I’m only joining cause it’s Father’s Day.’
Will then told the 80,000-strong audience: ‘Ladies and gentleman, can you get yourselves up for a second and say hi’.
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Will Smith brought his son Jaden on stage during his high-energy set at Capital’s Summertime Ball on Sunday afternoon
The rapper and actor, 56, was one of the stars on the bill to perform to the packed crowd at Wembley Stadium in London
After telling Jaden he loved him, Will then encouraged the crowd to turn to their kids and tell them they love them, asking them also to embrace for a hug
‘Ladies and gentleman, this is my son Jaden.
‘It’s a very good time to say I love you.’
The proud dad continued: ‘Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there, that’s my guy right there.’
Will then encouraged the crowd to turn to their kids and tell them they love them, asking them also to embrace for a hug.
The star then continued his set, including a short performance of iconic 90s track Prince Of Bel Air, from the beloved sitcom.
He also sang Miami, with DJ Jazxy Jeff joining him on stage to belt out the nostaglic hit.
Will’s appearance comes after he left fans divided as he continues his music comeback.
The dad-of-three released a music video for his new single Pretty Girls on Friday, less than three months after the release of his last studio album, Based on a True Story, which flopped in the charts.
Will also performed his nostalgic hit Miami, with DJ Jazzy Jeff (pictured above) joining him on stage to belt out the track
Will also treated the crowd to a short performance of iconic 90s track Prince Of Bel Air, from the beloved sitcom
The dad-of-three released a music video for his new single Pretty Girls on Friday, less than three months after the release of his last studio album, Based on a True Story, which flopped in the charts
Mariah Carey, Benson Boone, Tate McRae, Myles Smith, Lola Young, Jade Thirlwall and surprise act JLS also took to the stage at the Summertime Ball.
Meanwhile, Jessie J arrived at Wembley Stadium for the concert, just a week after sharing her breast cancer diagnosis with fans.
The singer, 37, flashed a beaming smile as she put on a brave face, wearing a black mini dress layered over a sheer black catsuit.
Adding height with black patent leather wedges, Jessie beamed for the cameras ahead of her highly anticipated performance.
She previously said how her cancer had been caught ‘early’, telling her fans in an emotional video: ‘Cancer sucks in any form but I’m holding onto the word early.’
Jessie revealed that she discovered she had the illness before the release of her hit new single No Secrets, which was released on April 25.
The mother of one said she would be undergoing surgery after performing at the Summertime Ball in London.
The Ga North Municipal Assembly has urged the government to repurpose the stalled Pokuase-Mayera Affordable Housing Project into a modern business and industrial centre to support economic activity and reduce pressure on Accra’s congested markets.
The project, launched in August 2023 under the previous New Patriotic Party administration, was intended to provide 8,000 low-cost housing units under the National Affordable Housing Programme.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by then-President Akufo-Addo and former Works and Housing Minister Francis Asenso Boakye. The housing units were to be constructed on a 203-acre parcel of land to serve low-income earners in the Pokuase-Mayera area.
However, despite its scheduled completion in 2024, the project remains largely unfinished. During a site visit by Channel One News, it was observed that most of the land is still vacant. While some buildings have reached the second or third floor, they remain unplastered and incomplete. The few nearing completion have only their ground floors painted and fitted with doors and windows, far from achieving the target of 8,000 units.
Municipal Chief Executive for Ga North, Akwetey Agbo, disclosed that the Assembly is yet to fully assess the situation but has received reports that some developments on the land are proceeding without permits.
“I’ve had a report that some of the companies don’t have a permit, and they are still going ahead, putting up structures over there. Based on the information that I had, it’s like a group of people partitioned the land among themselves. I don’t even know whether it’s a state-sponsored project or certain individuals hiding behind the state,” he said.
Despite some evidence of construction, including drains and walls, parts of the land are overrun by puddles, overgrown vegetation, and cattle. Channel One News also noted widespread encroachment, with tents for religious gatherings, a soybean mill, and a growing plastic waste collection business set up on the land.
Some locals are concerned that the housing units, if ever completed, would be unaffordable. Instead, they are proposing alternative uses for the land that would benefit the wider community.
Daniel Appiah, a mechanic, noted the project has stalled since the change in government and recommended that the area be transformed into an automobile hub.
“Work has slowed significantly since the change in government. Despite casting our votes, mechanics like us are often overlooked. Perhaps the land could be utilised for an automobile centre, providing opportunities for our trade,” he said.
Other residents, like John Ayitey Okine, are advocating for the development of factories to create job opportunities.
“The project has stalled for a month now. We’d love to see it developed into an industrial hub, creating jobs for the youth. Additionally, when the housing project is completed, the units might be expensive for many, so an industrial hub would be a good alternative,” he said.
Christiana Timothy, a trader, raised concerns about the sequencing of construction activities.
“What exactly is the essence of the drainage systems on the land? They could have completed the houses before constructing the drainage systems. What if the project stalls completely? The drains will be of no use. I wish they’d complete it, to provide jobs for the youth in this area,” she remarked.
Stephen Quarshie, an electrician, believes a technical school would be more useful.
“Given the technical background of most local youth, I believe a technical educational institution would be more valuable than housing. Unfortunately, the houses are out of our budget,” he stated.
The MCE, Akwetey Agbo, emphasised the absence of a proper market in the Pokuase enclave and disclosed that the Assembly has petitioned the Ministry of Works and Housing to consider converting the land into a business centre.
“That land can be used for other useful purposes. The highway has turned into lorry parks and stations and markets. That’s not the way to go. We can’t develop our community that way. We want to engage the central government to come to our aid, and let’s put up a well-structured market, so that we can have at least two thousand to three thousand cars that can park in there and load and have over five thousand women who can transact business there. We want to take the pressure off Accra,” he said.
Agbo added that the Assembly is currently courting investors to help develop industries on the land, which can support both a market centre and industrial facilities.
Man of the moment, Okatakyie Afrifa has disclosed that he will no longer fight Kumawoor actor, Kwaku Manu again.
Okatakyie made his intentions known while speaking during the recent episode of his “For The Records” show.
Many people were in anticipation to hearing from Okatakyie Afrifa after Kwaku Manu had responded to his warnings and dared him to do whatever he wanted.
The government failed to meet its treasury bills target for the third consecutive week.
According to the auction results by the Bank of Ghana, the government missed the target narrowly by 4.38%.
The Treasury got GH¢7.22 billion as against a target of GH¢7.588 billion.
The chunk of the bids came from the 91-day bill, with investors offering GH¢6.025 billion. This represented 83.3% of the total bids.
For the 182-day bill, investors tendered in only GH¢ 995.27 million. All the bids were accepted.
A little over GH¢204 million of the bids came from the 364-day bill. The treasury, however, accepted GH¢173.40 million of the bids.
Meanwhile, interest rates continued to narrow on the shorter end of the yield curve.
The yield on the 91-day bill went down by 9.0 basis points to 14.70%.
That of the 182-day bill also declined to 15.25% from the previous week’s 15.45%.
However, the yield on the 364-day bill went up by 3.0 basis points to 15.74%.
SECURITIES
BIDS TENDERED (GH¢)
BIDS ACCEPTED (GH¢)
91 Day Bill
6.025bn
6.025bn
182 Day Bill
995.27m
995.27m
364 Day Bill
204.50m
173.40m
Total
7.225bn
7.194bn
Target
7.588bn
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.
Ted Danson and The Good Place creator Mike Schur teamed up again for the Netflix series A Man on the Inside and fans praised Season 1. When a retired professor named Charles (Danson) gets hired to investigate a retirement home, not everything goes to plan, but he does find a new lease on life.
Fatherhood is an embodiment of diverse elements ranging from emotional connection to physical responsibilities. The role of a father is lifelong and beyond. Being the sperm donor makes you a biological father; however, real fatherhood is embedded in actual involvement. An ever-present father is priceless.
A father who embodies the role holistically is spectacular.
Award-winning Writer, poet and spoken word artiste, Nana Fredua-Agyeman Jnr. celebrates his father on Father’s Day. His father, Nana Fredua Owusu-Agyeman, widely known as Nana Fredua-Agyeman, was a writer, journalist and lawyer. He worked as a political correspondent at the Graphic Corporation, now Graphic Communications Group Limited.
He was a two-time awardee by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the 1970s.
In the early 1980s, his newspaper, called ‘Confessions’, grossed approximately a record-breaking one hundred thousand copies per edition.
He was a founding member of the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) in 1991.
In the same year, he founded ‘Young & Old’ and later ‘Top Story’ in the early 2000s. After working as a private legal practitioner for over a decade, he was appointed as the Registrar of the Ghana School of Law from 2008 to 2012. He transitioned in 2019.
FOR MY DADDY by NANA FREDUA-AGYEMAN JNR.
I write because you wrote
I embody statements which are your quote
Your transition pierced me like a pike
And my tears can’t be held back with a dike
My identity bestowed by you makes me stand out in the crowd
I pledge to continuously make you proud
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 stoudents lost their lives tragically when their canoe capsized on the Black Volta River
The Ministry of Education has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of seven students from Lawra Senior High School who drowned on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when a canoe carrying ten members of the school’s cadet corps capsized on the Black Volta River.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 15, and signed by Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the Ministry confirmed that the students were attempting to cross the river near Dikpe, along the Ghana–Burkina Faso border, as part of their routine morning jog.
The students boarded a canoe which tragically capsized midstream, resulting in the deaths of two boys and five girls. Three students survived the incident.
According to the Ministry, it has received confirmation from the Member of Parliament for Lawra and the Upper West Regional Minister that a joint rescue team made up of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Police Service, and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has successfully recovered the bodies of all seven students.
Following the incident, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has directed the headmaster of Lawra SHS, along with the Regional and District Directors of Education, to hold an emergency meeting with the Director-General of the GES to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. A detailed report is expected soon.
“We share in the grief of the affected families and the entire school community,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this extremely difficult time.”
The Ministry also reassured the public of its commitment to student safety and stated that it is awaiting the formal report from the Ghana Police Service to determine the next steps.
Read the full statement below
PRESS STATEMENT
June 15, 2025
Ministry of Education Consoles Families of Seven Lawra SHS Who Perished in Canoe Accident
On behalf of the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu and government, I convey our deep shock and saddeness to the families of the seven students of Lawra Senior High School who lost their lives in a tragic boat incident on the morning of Saturday, June 14, 2025.
In an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events, ten students from the school’s cadet corps, during a routine morning jogging exercise, reportedly attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe into Burkina Faso. The canoe they joined tragically capsized midway through the journey.
We have confirmation through the Upper West Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament for Lawra that three of the ten students were rescued while seven drowned. The bodies of the seven students who lost their lives, five girls and two boys, have since been retrieved by teams from National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Education Service.
The Honorable Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu has instructed the Director General of the Ghana Education Service to convene an urgent meeting with the Regional and District Directors of Education and the Headmaster of the school and to report back urgently.
We share in the grief of the affected families and the entire school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this extremely difficult time. As the Ministry awaits a full report from the Ghana Police Service, we wish to assure Ghanaians that we will continue to do our best to ensure the safety and security of our students.
Waste management company Zoomlion Ghana Limited has clarified that its contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) reached its natural end in September 2024 and was not cancelled or terminated by the government, as some media reports have suggested.
In a statement issued in response to a June 11, 2025 letter from the Office of the President, Zoomlion said the contract related to the Street Sweeping Programme expired after a six-month extension beyond its original March 2024 end date.
“The contract has therefore reached its natural conclusion and expired,” the company said. “Contrary to claims in some media reports, this expiration does not constitute a termination or cancellation of the agreement by the government, and that is not what the Office of the President stated.”
The Presidency’s letter, issued following a petition by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, confirmed that the contract would not be renewed and that future sanitation contracts would be awarded through competitive tendering.
The letter also outlined plans to audit all post-expiration payments to Zoomlion and improve conditions for sanitation workers.
Zoomlion welcomed the government’s push for accountability and procurement reform.
“Zoomlion Ghana Limited fully supports and welcomes this approach,” the company stated.
It added that the expired YEA contract itself was competitively procured in 2019 and that the company is prepared to bid for upcoming contracts under the new system.
“We are well prepared and eager to actively participate in any forthcoming competitive procurement processes.”
On the matter of accountability, the company said it endorses the Presidency’s decision to audit all payments made after the contract’s expiry.
“As a responsible corporate entity, transparency, integrity, and delivering value for money are core to our operations,” Zoomlion stated.
It also reiterated its commitment to sanitation workers, supporting the government’s intent to improve their pay.
“Zoomlion remains deeply committed to ensuring dignified and sustainable livelihoods for sanitation workers across the country.”
The company further clarified that the Presidency’s letter does not impact any of its other contracts or operations with YEA or other government agencies.
Zoomlion also noted that its model is gaining interest beyond Ghana. “Our success and impact in Ghana’s sanitation sector have attracted significant interest from 24 other African nations,” the statement said, referencing ongoing agreements and feasibility studies with countries looking to replicate Zoomlion’s model.
Zoomlion concluded by reaffirming its support for the government’s “RESET” agenda and its ongoing commitment to national development.
“Our shared goal remains to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Ghana for the benefit of all citizens,” the company said.
Read also
Zoomlion-YEA contract won’t be renewed – Presidency
Tensions are deepening within the Wulensi branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern Region, as a group of suspended members has demanded the immediate reversal of what they describe as an unconstitutional decision by constituency executives.
At a press conference in Kanjo on Sunday, June 15, the group — calling itself Concerned Suspended Loyal Members — accused party executives of breaching internal rules by suspending 96 members without due process or a fair hearing.
“We demand the immediate reversal of the suspension and a public apology to all affected members,” said Seth Augustus Tangnun, secretary to the group. “The illegal suspension violates Article 48 Clause 123 of our party constitution, which mandates fair hearing, due process, and proper communication. This is not party discipline — it is political prosecution.”
The suspended members argued that their support for an independent candidate in the 2024 parliamentary elections was strategic, citing the former NDC MP’s disconnect with the grassroots. They claimed their approach helped secure a win for the party since the now-elected independent MP caucuses with the NDC in Parliament.
The 2024 elections were marked by deep internal rifts in the Wulensi NDC, despite efforts at reconciliation by then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama. Following the polls, those who backed the independent candidate were sanctioned by the constituency executives.
Last week, those same executives held a press conference protesting the appointment of a new NADMO District Coordinator, claiming the appointee was not an NDC member and had been installed under the influence of the independent MP.
But the suspended group rejected those claims on Sunday, describing the NADMO coordinator as a loyal NDC member who deserved the position.
They insist their suspension is undermining party unity and pledged continued loyalty to the NDC, despite what they described as unjust treatment by local leadership.
The management of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in Koforidua has declared a zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice ahead of this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), warning that no student will be shielded if found culpable.
Authorities say the growing use of unapproved mobile phones among students is fueling indiscipline on campus and poses a serious threat to the school’s integrity. They are urging parents to play an active role in monitoring their children’s conduct, especially during the exam period.
Speaking at the school’s 67th Anniversary and Speech and Prize Giving Day on Saturday, June 14, Headmaster Rev. Father Benjamin Opoku Ohene stressed that students caught with mobile phones during exams would be handed over for disciplinary action to safeguard the credibility of results.
“Almost all our issues concerning indiscipline, one way or the other, are related to mobile phones. If you are caught in one subject, all your papers will be cancelled. It has started, and the implementation continues. We, the school, are ready to give out to anybody who is going to lead the school to calamity,” he cautioned.
In a related address, the Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Defence and school alumnus, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, encouraged students to embrace the government’s One Million Coders initiative. He described the programme as a transformative step towards digital empowerment.
“We are building capacity to solve real Ghanaian problems—how to improve healthcare with data, protect farms with smart tools, use AI to boost learning in classrooms, and defend our nation more intelligently,” Dr. Omane Boamah said.
The conversation surrounding environmental management and its sustainability in our country has reached a critical point likened to a state of emergency. It is commendable that the president is, among other things, considering a ban on Styrofoam containers, commonly referred to as take-away packs, as well as many plastic products.
During the recent World Environmental Day, I attended a seminar focused on Climate Management that aligned deeply with the ongoing discussions in this field. Notably, there were no plastic materials or writing instruments present at the event. Even during the lunch break, typical bottled water and plastic drink containers were notably absent. Instead, we were provided with beverages in paper cups, served on ceramic plates, and utilised wooden pens for writing. The dustbins were also constructed from heavy paper. This event truly represented the principle that “charity begins at home,” demonstrating leadership by example.
Through thoughtful storytelling and an in-depth examination of the issues surrounding plastic waste and its detrimental effects on nature, it became evident that these challenges should concern every engaged citizen. I found myself ideating on how we arrived at this moment. The competition with waste, whether on land, at sea, or in the air, presents an open and urgent danger that requires immediate attention. The depletion of resources and their consequences on our climate affect everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The health consequences as a result of plastic waste are significant and cannot be evaded, even by the wealthiest individuals.
As we consider our path forward regarding the impact of plastic waste on the environment and climate, it is crucial to adopt a strategic approach that acknowledges our history, assesses our current situation, and anticipates the future of this pressing issue. Understanding the past is essential to effectively addressing the current plastic epidemic we face.
It is essential to address what I refer to as the rethinking taboos as a strategy for combating plastic pollution and other forms of environmental degradation. Every society is rooted in its culture, and Ghanaians, traditionally, have been known for their adherence to taboos that guided their way of life. Years ago, the significance of these taboos was emphasised in educational settings, pointing out their relevance and role in preserving the environment.
However, with advancements in technology and evolving religious beliefs, many of these practices have been overlooked or replaced, leading to behaviours that contribute to environmental challenges. Taboos are often viewed as unacceptable or forbidden practices that are believed to provoke the wrath of deities, and they carry specific consequences. Whether one subscribed to these beliefs or not, the underlying reasons for many of these taboos provided considerable protection for both the environment and its inhabitants.
In the Eastern part of Ghana, where I grew up, it was a strict taboo to urinate or defecate near water bodies, as well as to dispose of waste in such areas. Certain forests were designated as sacred, prohibiting the felling of trees. I recently witnessed an incident at Labadi Beach where fishermen collaborated to return a large turtle to the sea. This is not the first occasion I have observed fishermen at the same beach safeguarding marine life, including the relocation of sea snakes, as they believe these creatures hold spiritual significance.
Turtles, among other species, are increasingly facing survival challenges due to the reckless actions of humans, both directly and indirectly. Human activities have significantly affected climatic conditions, impacting the well-being of various marine organisms. We must re-evaluate our practices and restore the respect that traditional taboos held for environmental conservation.
Research indicates that Accra and Aflao serve as significant breeding grounds for sea turtles that migrate from Brazil to Ghana. In Aflao, the local community often consumes these turtles as a food source, while in Accra, residents regard them as sacred creatures associated with the spirits of the sea, opting to protect them instead. This cultural perspective has resulted in a higher population of turtles in the waters off Accra compared to Aflao. Such traditions exemplify how taboos can play an important role in safeguarding nature from exploitation.
In light of this, I propose a revisitation of traditional practices that respect and protect the environment. For instance, I recall being taught as a child the importance of not speaking while eating, which not only served as a cultural taboo but also promoted mindfulness to prevent choking. Taboos can serve as valuable mechanisms for protecting various species, conserving natural resources such as water bodies, and controlling harmful practices like overhunting.
By revisiting and ‘intellectualising’ these taboos, we can deepen our understanding of cultural practices and align them with modern environmental conservation efforts. It is essential to incorporate these observations into environmental policies across various sectors, including education, industry, and corporate practices.
To achieve this, we must build an appreciation for cultural diversity by educating younger generations about progressive taboos within schools and communities. Teaching taboos through storytelling can be an effective method for imparting knowledge about environmental preservation through these traditional practices.
As we collectively address the pressing issue of environmental degradation, particularly about plastic pollution, it is crucial that we also remain focused on the future. The era of digitisation presents an opportunity to share content on environmental preservation to a wider audience. It presents a broader space to promote the idea of instituting traditional taboos to play a part in preserving Earth.
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.
Ghana is accelerating efforts to boost intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area ,AfCFTA, agreement.
The country recently hosted the Ghana Intra-African Trade Fair ,IATF, 2025 Business Roadshow, which brought together government officials, businesses, investors, and executives from the African Export-Import Bank ,Afreximbank.
Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive under AfCFTA.
The government is providing firm-level support to over 2,000 MSMEs, including sensitization, market readiness training, and trade finance initiatives.
The event focused on promoting intra-African trade, with a theme of “Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness through AfCFTA”.
Ghana aims to move beyond commodity-based trade towards value addition for its traditional exports, such as gold, oil, and cocoa.
The upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair ,IATF2025, in Algiers, Algeria, is expected to attract over 2,000 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and facilitate trade and investment deals worth over $44 billion.
Ghana has been recognized as a leading example in AfCFTA implementation, with the government actively facilitating private sector participation and trade with neighboring African countries.
Chef Abbys will be Ghana’s sole representative for TikTok at the festival
Ghanaian social media influencer and chef, Abena Amoakoaa Sintim‑Aboagye, popularly known as Chef Abbys, will make history as Ghana’s sole representative for TikTok at the 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France from June 16 to 20, 2025.
Chef Abbys, one of only 50 global creators on TikTok’s 2025 Discover List, was recognised in February as a leading ‘Foodie’ creator for her unique ability to merge Ghanaian culinary tradition with modern storytelling and digital engagement.
In Cannes, Chef Abbys will participate in a high-profile Nestlé panel on Wednesday, June 18, and appear at the TikTok Creator Corner on Thursday, June 19.
She will also host an exclusive meet‑and‑greet session during the festival week.
Based in Accra, Chef Abbys, despite an academic background in engineering and construction management, shifted gears to follow her passion for cooking, going on to become one of the biggest digital influencers in Africa, with over 1.4 million followers and 28.7 million likes.
Her content focuses on traditional dishes like waakye, kenkey, jollof, banku, and abomo while promoting cultural heritage.
TikTok’s presence at Cannes Lions is intended to spotlight creators forging new paths in storytelling and innovation on its platform.
Chef Abbys was one of just six from Sub‑Saharan Africa and part of the elite ‘Foodies’ category.
TikTok praises her for sharing “the richness of Ghanaian cuisine with the world,” adding modern flair while remaining rooted in tradition.
Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin is the Minority leader
The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has strongly condemned the government’s last-minute decision to indefinitely postpone the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, dubbed the “Dumsor Levy.”
In a scathing statement, the Caucus accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of “fundamental incompetence and hypocrisy.”
“This postponement exposes a government unprepared and unwilling to consult stakeholders before rushing into legislation,” the Minority declared.
“They criticised the levy as an unnecessary burden on Ghanaians already struggling with high living costs, warning that it would worsen transportation and food prices.
The Caucus also rejected the government’s justification for the levy, which cited global oil market instability.
“This is the same excuse they once mocked the previous NPP administration for using,” they said.
“Now, barely months in power, they’re singing a different tune—proof of their political opportunism.”
Demanding an immediate repeal, the Minority called on the government to table a repeal bill under a certificate of urgency.
“Ghanaians deserve better than trial-and-error governance,” they asserted, adding that the Akufo-Addo administration had maintained stable power without such punitive taxes.
The statement also highlighted failures in energy sector management, accusing the current government of stalling critical reforms.
“The Honourable Minister must present the Loss Reduction Programme documents to Parliament for scrutiny,” they insisted, stressing the need for transparency.
The Minority vowed to resist any further hardship imposed on citizens, urging Ghanaians to unite against the levy.
“This government promised relief, not more taxes. We demand a full repeal—nothing less.”
Asante Kotoko have won their tenth FA Cup title after a hard-fought 1-2 win over lower-division side Golden Kick FC in what was an epic final at the University of Ghana Stadium at Legon earlier this dusk
It was a very explosive start for both teams in the who made four attacks in the opening five minutes in between them, leaving a very open encounter in the early stages
The game was indeed one with high intensity and aggression in the opening minutes which resulted into a huge collision between Albert Amoah and Paul Yeboah but all players rose back to their feet positively to continue the game
Golden Kick with an opportunity in the 12th minute mark, after Joshua Fuseini’s initial cross was cut back to set up Dacosta Owusu at a close range but goalkeeper Mohammed Camara reacted quickly to have it covered
Lord Amoah made a daring run on the right heading towards enemy territory but was brought down for a free kick. The ex- Benab FC and Berekum Chelsea lateral delivered a good free kick to pick up Joseph Ablorh at far post who headed to serve Kwame Opoku, guided into the net at a close range to open the scoring account for Kotoko in the 17th minute
The Blue-Reds never gave up and continued mounting pressure in search of the equaliser which eventually came in the 32nd minute through Bless Ege with a spectacular and well-taken free kick from way out.
Back from recess, both teams bounced back on a good note but it was Henry Ansu who nearly gave away a cheap goal in an attempt to head back to Mohammed Camara but Joshua Fuseini despite that clanger couldn’t make it count
Emmanuel Antwi’s introduction in the second half really helped in terms of midfield control and his decent long ball in the 54th minute got into a build-up with the final ball falling kindly for Kwame Opoku in the box but was flagged off for offside
Golden Kick broke again in the last ten minutes, Bless Ege did well to spot Joshua Fuseini with a clever mirror pass but the latter unfortunately had his final cross dealt with nicely by Joseph Ablorh
In the 84th minute, the Porcupine Warriors with a huge opportunity to restore their lead but Acquah Amidu from close range had his strike missed the target by inches. That was a chance!
Asante Kotoko awarded a controversial penalty after a challenge between Kwame Opoku and goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba in the 90th minute.
Kwame Opoku stepped up and scored to win the game for Asante Kotoko as it finished 1-2 after full-time.
They have won the FA Cup for the tenth time in their history and will represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Confederations Cup
Accra, June 15, GNA – Kwame Opoku scored a late penalty for Asante Kotoko as they defeated Golden Kick 2-1 in the finals of this year’s MTN FA Cup.
It was the 10th FA Cup title clinched by the Porcupine Warriors, who would represent Ghana at the 2025-26 CAF Confederations Cup.
Division One League side Golden Kick started the game on the more dangerous side, putting Kotoko’s defenses on skates with relentless attacking play, especially on the wings.
Kotoko were very composed with play but struggled to put some decent passes together as the opponents dominated them.
Kwame Poku broke the deadlock for Asante Kotoko with a close-range shot in the 19th minute after Golden Kick failed to clear their lines.
Despite going down by a goal, Golden Kick were confident on the ball as they controlled the tempo of the game while creating some good chances.
Golden Kick deservedly pulled parity in the 34th minute after Bless Ege’s free kick stunned Kotoko goalkeeper Camara.
The Porcupine Warriors got lots of joy from corner kicks and nearly struck the lead in the 30th minute, but Petr Amidu’s header sailed wide.
Kotoko goalkeeper Camara pulled off a brilliant save to deny Golden Kick winger Zakari Mumuni on the brink of half.
Kotoko started the second half with a great chance to take the lead, but Peter Amidu’s curler was beautifully saved by Golden Kick goalkeeper Kelvin Kofi Saaba.
The start of the second was end-to-end, and a mistake nearly cost his side, but goalkeeper Camara pulled off a brilliant save.
The Golden Kick lads were dominant in possession, with fans applauding their dazzling play.
The introduction of Emmanuel Antwi midway through the second half seems to have given Kotoko some control in the midfield.
Peter Amidu had a glorious opportunity to win the game for Asante Kotoko in the 84th minute but shockingly missed from close range.
Referee Latif Addari awarded Kotoko a penalty in second half added time, and Kwame Opoku stepped up to win the game.
We may have gotten to know him as a chef, but Anthony Bourdain became known and beloved as a kind of lover of life. Through shows like “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain met with all manner of interesting people, shared his frank and insightful observations, and yes, ate a lot of great food.
A former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has expressed his disappointment over the recent treatment of some former government officials, particularly Ken Ofori-Atta and Dr Ernest Addison as reported by Ghana Web.
Blay criticized the government’s pursuit of the former Finance Minister and the raid on the residence of the former Bank of Ghana Governor, describing the actions as disheartening.
Speaking in an interview on Oyerepa FM, Blay emphasized that both men had made significant contributions to the country’s development during their time in office.
He highlighted Ofori-Atta’s dedication, describing him as “a very fine finance minister. Very resolute and extremely hard on what he believes in.”
Blay argued that such individuals, who have served the nation at high levels, should not be subjected to these forms of investigations and public scrutiny.
He warned that this approach could have long-term effects on national governance, potentially deterring qualified individuals from offering their expertise to the country.
According to him, “It would deter people, would intimidate others from showing themselves, offering their services for this country.”
Blay acknowledged that while there may be disagreements with certain decisions made by these officials, the manner in which they are being treated remains regrettable.
He called for a political culture that does not discourage service and patriotism, suggesting that the current trend might discourage capable individuals from stepping forward to serve in the future.
A former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has expressed his disappointment over the recent treatment of some former government officials, particularly Ken Ofori-Atta and Dr Ernest Addison as reported by Ghana Web.