The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man identified in a viral video assaulting another individual with a machete near a fuel tanker.
The suspect, Dawuda Sumaila, a driver’s mate, was apprehended on April 9, 2025, through an intelligence-led operation, according to a police statement released on Thursday, April 10.
Sumaila is accused of violently attacking a young man with a machete in a disturbing incident that occurred on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Anyinam in the Eastern Region.
The video of the assault has since circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage.
He is currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations into the incident.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that the matter is being treated with urgency and that further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Ghanaian gospel musician Emmanuel Jackson, popularly known as ‘GodsNation’, has shared his past experiences in fraud, money rituals, and near-deaths prior to his conversion to Christianity.
In an interview with Hitz FM on April 9, 2025, GodsNation recounted how he was introduced to Christ while battling a mysterious illness that left him hospitalized with a “rotten abdomen” and unable to walk for more than three minutes.
“The doctors did all the tests on me but couldn’t find anything. But I was dying. I told God if He healed me, I would change my ways and preach the gospel for life,” he said.
Prior to his transformation, Jackson admitted to engaging in fraudulent schemes and traveling around the country in search of wealth through occult means.
He revealed a chilling incident where a friend secretly used him for money rituals.
“There was even a time one of my friends used me for money rituals. I didn’t even know until my head started swelling up and I was rushed to the hospital. Even when the doctors tried injecting me, boils started appearing on my skin.
“It was until a prophet called my mum and they prayed for me before I was healed. When I went back to school, the person approached me and was like ‘If not for your mother, you would have been dead,” he narrated.
Despite the close call, GodsNation said he continued his desperate pursuit of money, even visiting shrines in Suhum where he and his friends were given bizarre choices including sacrificing their manhood and worshipping idols, among others.
“I remember suggesting the idol option, but my friends were scared, so we went for the sack of money option.
“We were told to get a particular oil to use but we couldn’t find it and we lost out on that opportunity,” he added.
Now a changed man, GodsNation has warned others against the dangers of greed and occultism.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has hinted of maintaining the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 crop season.
Acting Chief Executive in charge of operations at COCOBOD, James Kofi Kutsoati, in a letter dated April 8, 2025 to the Licensed Cocoa Buyers’ Association of Ghana (LICOBAG) said the decision, “stems from a thorough assessment of the operational and financial implications for the local cocoa industry”.
It said the decision is also aimed at preserving stability and long-term sustainability within the cocoa sector.
While COCOBOD acknowledged Côte d’Ivoire’s increased price, it hinted of potential review of fees and margins for stakeholders in the 2025/26 crop season.
The cocoa producer price currently is GH₵3,100 per 64kg bag, from the previous rate set in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.
Both countries, produce over 60% of the world’s cocoa, and have continuously worked together to coordinate better prices to improve the livelihood and incomes of farmers.
President John Mahama earlier this year also asked the management of COCOBIOD to be innovative, adopt modern technology to help increase productivity to sustain the cocoa sector.
Accra, April 10, GNA – Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong II, Chief of Kwahu Aduamoa and Kwahu Benkumhene, has commenced the 2025 Kwahu Easter celebrations with an exciting Gala Soccer Tournament held at Asikam.
The tournament featured teams representing eight towns: Asikam, Mota Aduhima, Nkwakwasem, Asuoyaa, Mota Mireku, Aduhima, Suminakɛse, and Aduamoa.
The friendly competition aimed to promote togetherness and healthy involvement among adolescents and communities.
The semi-finals and grand finale are set to take place on Saturday, April 19, at the Aduamoa R.C. Park, capping off the Easter festivities in style.
During the tournament’s opening ceremony, Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong II stressed the need for togetherness and teamwork for the overall growth of both local communities and the nation.
He further took the opportunity to educate his subjects on the importance of proper land documentation, urging all landowners and prospective buyers to engage with the Aduamoa Customary Stool Lands Secretariat, which oversees all land matters within his jurisdiction.
Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong II also highlighted the critical importance of regular health check-ups, reminding everyone that good health is essential for a fulfilling and productive life. He advised all residents to take personal healthcare seriously to prevent unexpected health complications.
Nana Stephen Appiah, the Nkosuohene (Development Chief) of Kwahu Aduamoa, also addressed the gathering stating the need for unity.
He also conveyed Nana Ahea Tutu Brempong II’s deep love and commitment to the welfare of his people, assuring them that the soccer tournament would be institutionalised as an annual event to be celebrated every Christmas.
The programme concluded with a public forum led by the District Stool Lands Officer in collaboration with the Aduamoa Customary Stool Lands Secretariat, focussing on land administration and proper documentation procedures to help residents better understand their land rights and responsibilities.
The reported attempt to arrest the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, who is the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, has divided public opinion.
A section of the public believes the attempt to arrest the legislator was an abuse of power by the John Dramani Mahama government, as it violates the immunity that legislators are supposed to enjoy.
The Minority Caucus of Parliament has also argued that Ntim Fordjour made the allegations about two planes that arrived at Kotoka International Airport being used to smuggle cocaine and launder money while speaking on behalf of the caucus, as its leader on security matters and as a member of the Defence and Interior Committee.
Therefore, they argue, he cannot be arrested or invited for questioning over comments made in that capacity.
Others argue that the MP made serious allegations of criminal activity and must therefore provide evidence to the security authorities for investigation.
They contend that parliamentary immunity does not apply in this case because Rev Ntim Fordjour was not performing any parliamentary duty at the time of the attempted arrest, which took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
So, who is right? What do the laws of the country say about parliamentary immunity?
Both the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Standing Orders of Parliament address the issue of parliamentary immunity.
Here is what the 1992 Constitution says:
Article 116:
Article 116 of the Constitution, which is titled “Immunity from Proceedings for Acts in Parliament”, comprehensively explains the issue of immunity of legislators.
The first clause of the article basically states that MPs cannot be subject to criminal proceedings if they are deemed to have made defamatory statements in the performance of their duties.
It states that, “Subject to the provisions of this article, but without prejudice to the general effect of article 115 of this Constitution, civil or criminal proceedings shall not be instituted against a Member of Parliament in any court or place out of Parliament for any matter or thing brought by him in or before Parliament by petition, bill, motion or otherwise.”
Article 116 (2) says that MPs who are accused of having done wrong in the line of duty are to be investigated by a committee of the House and, if found culpable, made to render an apology.
“Whenever in the opinion of the person presiding in Parliament a statement made by a member is prima facie defamatory of any person, the person presiding shall refer the matter for inquiry to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges which shall report its findings to Parliament not later than thirty days after the matter was referred to it.”
Clause 3 of the article adds that, “Where the committee referred to in clause (2) of this article reports to Parliament that the statement made by the member is defamatory of any person, the member who made the statement shall, within seven days after that report, render an apology at the bar of Parliament, the terms of which shall be approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges and communicated to the person who has been defamed.”
Additionally, Article 116 (4) states that in the case that the MP found culpable refuses to apologise, he or she shall be suspended by the Speaker of Parliament, as well as lose his or her “parliamentary privileges, immunities and remuneration, but they shall be restored to him if, at any time before the end of the session, he renders the apology as required by clause (3) of this article.”
Clause 5 of the article mandates MPs to publish their apology “with the same prominence as he published the first report.” Failure to do this, according to clause (6), will lead to them not being “protected by privilege.”
The question now is whether Ntim Fordjour was performing his parliamentary duties when he made the allegation on April 1, 2025, while Parliament had been in recess for weeks, for the provisions of Article 116 to come into play, i.e. for a committee of Parliament to investigate his claim as suggested by the Minority Caucus.
Article 117:
The Constitution also, in Article 117, states that MPs cannot be arrested while performing their parliamentary duties.
“Civil or criminal process coming from any court or place out of Parliament shall not be served on, or executed in relation to, the Speaker or a member or the Clerk to Parliament while he is on his way to, attending at or returning from, any proceedings of Parliament,” the article states.
Rev Ntim Fordjour was at his home when he was going to be arrested. There had been no parliamentary proceedings for him to be attending or returning from.
Article 118:
Article 118 also protects MPs from being compelled to answer questions on a matter while performing their parliamentary duties:
“(1) Neither the Speaker, nor a member of, nor the Clerk to, Parliament shall be compelled, while attending Parliament, to appear as a witness in any court or place out of Parliament.
“(2) The certificate of the Speaker that a member or the Clerk is attending the proceedings of Parliament is conclusive evidence of attendance at Parliament,” it reads.
Again, in this instance, the Assin North legislator was at his home.
Standing Orders of Parliament:
The Standing Orders of Parliament also echo the points made in the 1992 Constitution on the immunity of Members of Parliament.
Additionally, the orders list actions by MPs that are deemed contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege.
They include:
-Deliberate misleading of Parliament.
– Misconduct or corruption in the execution of official duties by Members or officers of Parliament.
– Publication of false, perverted, misleading, distorted, fabricated or scandalous reports, books or libels reflecting on the proceedings in Parliament.
– Causing or effecting the arrest of a Member or officer of Parliament during the proceedings of Parliament or in the course of his duties.
– Molestation of Members or officers in connection with the performance of their duties in or out of Parliament.
– Attempted intimidation by threats of Members in the conduct of their duties.
From Ntim Fordjour’s actions and the attempt by NIB to arrest him, who is guilty of contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege?
Power of Speaker to ‘release’ MPs to National Security:
The Standing Orders of Parliament also give the Speaker of Parliament the power to endorse arrest warrants for MPs who fail to produce documents requested by National Security.
Order 105 states that: “(1) If a person fails to appear before the House or a Committee as ordered or when a person fails to produce a document as ordered, except in so far as the production of the document is certified by either Mr Speaker or the National Security Council as being injurious to public interest, or prejudicial to the security of the State, Mr Speaker shall have power to issue a warrant to arrest the person and bring him before the House or the Committee. Such warrant shall be executed by a police officer.
“(2) Mr Speaker may endorse the warrant with a direction that the person to be arrested should be released after arrest if he enters into such a recognisance before a judge or Chairman of Regional Circuit or Community Tribunal or such judicial officer, however designated, as may be stated in the endorsement.”
The Speaker used this power to release two MPs to the National Security even when Parliament was in session and the said MPs had the duty of attending proceedings. In the current circumstance, Parliament is on recess.
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Co-Coordinator of the Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform, Obed Owusu-Addai
The Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP) has expressed its discontent over a recent letter circulating on social media, which addresses the Licensed Cocoa Buyers’ Association of Ghana regarding the farm gate price for the 2025/2026 cocoa crop season.
In the letter, the Acting Deputy CEO of COCOBOD, Dr. James Kutsoati, stated that the board’s decision to maintain the producer price at GH¢3,100 per 64kg bag was aimed at ensuring long-term stability and sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa sector.
However, the GCCP has raised concerns, arguing that the decision contradicts promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 general elections, specifically, the party’s commitment to increasing cocoa prices to improve the livelihoods of farmers.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business on April 10, 2025, Co-Coordinator of the GCCP, Obed Owusu-Addai, expressed dissatisfaction with COCOBOD’s position and called for a reevaluation of the price.
He stated that the decision undermines the expectations and welfare of cocoa farmers.
“We need to understand that the international market price is still very high. That being said, the initial reaction from the platform is one of disappointment. This government, when they were in opposition, made several interesting promises to cocoa farmers. The current Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Opoku, said a lot. Just recently, on his Facebook page, he posted that the government intends to revive the cocoa pricing strategy by ensuring farmers receive not less than 70 percent of the international market price.”
He further explained, “If that is to be believed, then cocoa farmers in Ghana should be receiving no less than US$5,000 per tonne, which should translate to not less than GH¢6,000 per bag. That is our initial reaction, one of disappointment. With this decision, they have essentially set themselves up for a reduced cocoa output this season.”
SP/MA
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There’s nothing like a big win to get the vibes going and Christopher Bonsu Baah and Tolu Arokodare made sure of that. The duo turned the dressing room into a mini party after Genk’s victory over Anderlecht on Sunday, April 5, 2025, with the Ghanaian-Nigerian link-up in full effect.
Both players were in fine form as Genk secured all three points, with Baah pulling the strings down the wing. Although the youngster didn’t get on the scoresheet, he delivered a stellar performance against Anderlecht, creating three chances, completing all four of his dribbles, and winning all four of his tackles.
Arokodare also didn’t add to his goal tally, but the contributions of both players were crucial as Genk cemented their place at the top of the standings.
After the game, the pair celebrated the win in style, dancing to music by Cabo Snoop.
Genk will now travel to Brugge to face Club Brugge on Sunday, April 13, 2025, as they continue their chase for Champions League football in the 2025/2026 season.
Watch the video below:
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
The Boko Haram insurgency has left more than two million people homeless and killed more than 40,000
The governor of Nigeria’s Borno state has warned that jihadist group Boko Haram is making a comeback after its fighters staged a series of attacks and seized control of some parts of the north-eastern state.
Babagana Zulum called for more military assistance for soldiers fighting the insurgency.
The Nigerian government has downplayed the governor’s fears, saying security in the country has improved in the last 18 months.
Borno state has been at the centre of a 15-year insurgency by Boko Haram, which has forced more than two million people to flee their homes and killed more than 40,000.
At the height of its insurgency in 2015, Boko Haram controlled huge areas in Borno state before being beaten back.
The militant group gained international notoriety in April 2014 when it kidnapped more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok, also in Borno state.
Following a relative lull, the militants have been targeting army bases, police stations and rural communities.
In January, an ambush by the Boko Haram breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), reportedly killed at least 20 Nigerian soldiers, while another attack in the same period left 40 farmers dead.
Governor Zulum said it was disheartening that the group now attacked and kidnapped people in many communities almost on a daily basis.
In a meeting with national security officials, he said that Borno State was “losing ground,” against the jihadists.
Security analysts say the concentration of soldiers in north-western Nigeria to deal with banditry and kidnappings has led to a reduction in the number of troops on the frontline with Boko Haram in Borno and other parts of the north-east.
The fight against the militants became even more challenging after neighbouring Niger withdrew its troops from a regional force set up to tackle the jihadist group.
Another analyst, Hamisu Sani, told the BBC that it wouldn’t be easy to defeat Boko Haram but it wasn’t impossible.
“No matter how our military weaken them, they can always regroup and will remain a threat,” he said.
“The solution would be to crush the fighters in their entirety – which is possible given the right support to our military.”
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The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and a key member of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has responded to the ongoing standoff between Rev Ntim Fordjour, the Minority spokesperson, and the government.
Speaking on JoyNews Desk, Mr. Awuah clarified that the issue at hand is not Rev. Fordjour’s actions, but the government’s reaction to his calls for transparency and answers.
He stressed that Rev Fordjour’s intention was never to accuse the government but to seek clarification on essential matters.
“Rev Ntim Fordjour is not the problem. He only demanded answers; he never accused the government,” Mr Awuah explained, defending Fordjour’s position.
He continued, stating that Rev Fordjour, speaking on behalf of the Minority, raised concerns about the government’s inconsistent responses to his legitimate questions.
Mr Awuah emphasised that the press conference held by Rev Fordjour was not meant to accuse the government but to seek clarity.
“The press conference was to seek clarity, not to accuse anyone,” he said. Despite Fordjour’s reasonable approach, the government’s responses were inconsistent, which led to increased frustration and confusion.
“Do you think it’s appropriate to put everything out in the public domain? Is that what you want us to do?” he asked, highlighting the importance of responsible management, especially when dealing with national security issues.
While Mr Awuah acknowledged that the government had initially shown some willingness to cooperate, he expressed disappointment at the subsequent dismissal of the issue by government spokespersons.
“The government showed some initial intention to cooperate, which was commendable. However, when a government spokesperson dismissed the entire issue, it raised questions about their sincerity,” he said.
Mr Awuah continued to criticise the government’s lack of cooperation and its apparent disinterest in resolving the matter.
“The very people who should be interested in this have acted in bad faith. The government has shown a clear intention not to cooperate,” he remarked, suggesting that the government’s failure to engage only exacerbated the problem.
He also explained that the Minority had hoped to address the issue through the Parliamentary Select Committee on Interior and Defence, which he described as the most appropriate, trusted, and secure forum for handling such sensitive matters.
“These matters need to be handled in a trusted and secure forum, not just aired in the public domain,” Mr Awuah added.
In defence of Rev Fordjour’s cautious approach, Mr Awuah pointed to his extensive experience in government and security matters.
“Don’t forget, Rev Fordjour has been a Minister of State before. He is a ranking member of the Interior and Defence Committee. He understands the importance of security and how to handle sensitive matters carefully,” he said.
Mr Awuah made it clear that the issue does not lie with Rev Fordjour’s actions but with the government’s failure to engage responsibly with the concerns raised.
“Rev Ntim Fordjour is just being cautious. He is acting in the best interest of national security, something the government is failing to provide,” he concluded.
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AIDEC Digital, a subsidiary of the AIDEC Group of Companies, has officially launched its state-of-the-art Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre in Accra, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation journey and solidifying the country’s position as an emerging hub for global digital outsourcing services.
The launch event was held under the theme – ‘Global Competitiveness and Strategic Partnerships: Positioning Ghana as a top digital outsourcing hub through strategic collaborations and job creation’.
Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDEC Group of Companies, Sir Ambrose Yennah, said the launch marks yet another milestone after several others by AIDEC in the digital landscape.
“Our vision is to tap into the market potential by positioning Ghana as a hub for digital outsourcing, taking advantage of our growing digital ecosystem, skilled youth, and strategic location in Africa,” he added.
The new BPO facility positions Ghana to capture a larger share of the global BPO industry, currently valued at US$321 billion and projected to reach US$525 billion by 2030. Africa currently accounts for just 2 percent of this market, with South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco dominating the continent’s share at 87 percent.
Nonetheless, a combination of factors, including a young, upwardly-mobile, english-speaking and political stability, are adding to Ghana’s appeal.
“Ghana has all the attributes of a favorable destination for BPO services—political stability, English as the first language, a high percentage of university graduates, and a strategic location in Africa. AIDEC’s investment in this sector demonstrates confidence in our ability to compete globally,” David Gowu, CEO of Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana (BOSAG) explained.
Chief Technology Officer of AIDEC, Emmanuel Gbeve, highlighted the centre’s technical capabilities and regulatory compliance, stating, “We have secured authorisation from the Cyber Security Authority and implemented robust security measures to ensure we meet international standards for data protection and service delivery.”
A central focus of the AIDEC Digital Hub is addressing youth unemployment through job creation and skills development. The facility will provide employment opportunities for graduates and IT professionals while offering specialised training programmes in digital customer relations, IT support, and digital marketing. “BOSAG have an ambitious five-year target of creating one million jobs in the BPO sector and companies like AIDEC will be leading this initiative to provide meaningful employment for young people,” Mr. Gowu stated.
The BPO centre represents the latest development in AIDEC’s evolution since 2020, which has included establishing Ghana’s first AI Centre of Excellence. Since 2021, AIDEC Digital has steadily expanded its footprint in Ghana’s tech ecosystem, beginning with the Africa Digital Forum and Tech Engineers Roundtable in Accra.
The following year, it launched Africoursity (MOOC) and AIDECIA (ERP), both SaaS-based platforms, alongside a 30-seater Tech Lab for IT training and Ghana’s first AI Centre of Excellence for research. In 2024, AIDEC Academy was established to enhance IT education, followed by Tech NewsGlobal for technology updates.
The stakeholders agreed that the success of Ghana’s BPO sector hinges on collaboration across the technology ecosystem. The establishment of BOSAG in November 2024 represents a strategic move to position Ghana as Africa’s premier BPO destination.
“This is not about competition; it is about collaboration. We need to work together to push this conversation forward and help businesses understand the potential of the BPO industry,” Kafui Amanfu, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) noted.
National Project Coordinator for Ghana’s Tech Sector at the International Trade Centre, Isaac Newton Acquah, added, “It is going to be centre with excellence and experience, with BOSAG and IIPGH coming together as a community that will allow us to lobby government locally and internationally to move the IT/BPO sector forward.”
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has challenged the government’s claim that gold bars and foreign currencies seized during a high-profile security operation in Sapeiman were counterfeit.
Speaking during an interview on Atumpan, a current affairs programme on AsaasePa 107.3, Mr. Kodua questioned the authenticity of the narrative being put forward by state authorities.
“The gold bars and the dollars are not fake,” Kodua stated. “They thought the warehouse belonged to an NPP member, but their investigations proved otherwise—that it belonged to an NDC member, and they know. That’s why they’re saying the currencies are fake.”
The NPP official also referenced key details from the ongoing investigation, noting that the foreign currency discovered during the raid was reportedly found in boxes labeled by the Bank of Ghana. “These are currencies contained in Bank of Ghana boxes, which they admit. If so, how can we say that the contents are also fake?” he questioned.
The operation, which surfaced in February 2025, exposed a network operating from a building disguised as a battery-charging shop. Law enforcement officers uncovered ten 40-foot containers filled with what were initially described as forged Ghanaian cedis, U.S. dollar notes, and gold-plated metals. Investigators believe two more containers connected to the operation were relocated shortly before the raid.
Central to the investigation is a man known only as “Alhaji,” who has been identified by authorities as a key suspect. Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, indicated that strong evidence links Alhaji to the Sapeiman crime scene and to a broader financial crime network.
“Alhaji is a central figure in this syndicate, and efforts are underway to bring him to justice,” Jakpa stated.
The case has sparked significant public and political debate, with questions emerging over the true nature of the seized assets and the extent of involvement by high-profile individuals. Kodua’s comments have added to growing calls for full transparency and an independent inquiry to ensure public trust in the outcome of the investigation.
Transport company Caitec has yet to comply with a presidential directive to reverse the illegal reclamation of portions of the Weija Ramsar site.
President John Dramani Mahama, during a tour of flood-prone areas in Accra, ordered the company to undo the reclamation at their own cost to allow for easy dredging as Accra prepares for the rains.
However, an inspection conducted by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has revealed that the president’s orders have not been heeded.
Speaking to the media on the matter on Thursday, April 10, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo expressed disappointment at the company’s failure to act.
She stressed that the government would not hesitate to take matters into its own hands if the company continued to defy the directive.
“We came here, and His Excellency told them that they should do two things: they should scoop all the materials that they used to fill this place and also dredge the place at their own cost. We sent a letter to them only for us to come here today and see what we are seeing. So we will go back, remobilize, and come back with our machine to do whatever we want to do.
“There are a lot of machines there, so releasing the machine shouldn’t be a problem for them. So this is intentional, and I don’t know who is compromising with them and the entire assembly to overlook the messages that have been sent to them.
“They are aware that the exercise is to start today, only for us to come and meet what we just met. So we will go back and do what we have to do. If the company refuses, we will enforce the law,” she stated.
From L to R: Kuami Eugene, Mr Eazi, M.anifest, and Mr. Drew
Over the years, several Ghanaian artistes have faced controversy after being accused of copyright infringement by their colleagues, both locally and internationally.
While some of these musicians publicly admitted to the accusations, others claimed ignorance regarding the technicalities pertaining to copyright issues.
This article highlights some of Ghanaian musicians who have been accused of copyright infringement in the past years
Mr. Drew
Mr. Drew became the subject of public discussion in 2020 after American-Nigerian artist Rotimi accused him of “stealing” his song “Love Riddim.”
Drew created a cover of Rotimi’s single and titled it “Eat,” and subsequently it brought out issues.
However, after a back-and-forth between his management and Rotimi, both musicians publicly acknowledged the issue.
In an interview later that year, Mr. Drew admitted he did not have in-depth knowledge about copyright issues and apologised to Rotimi for his actions.
The song, which featured Dancehall musician Stonebwoy, was subsequently removed from all streaming platforms.
Team Eternity
Gospel music group Team Eternity, after gaining recognition for their hit song “Defe Defe,” became embroiled in controversy.
The group was accused of incorporating lyrics from Hallelujah Voices’ song into theirs and titled it “Defe Defe.”
On June 17, 2024, Executive Music Producer Kwame Mickey took to Facebook Live, accusing Team Eternity of using unoriginal elements in their composition without copyright clearance.
He demanded that the group do the needful and take the song down or face a lawsuit.
However, both parties later reached a consensus and settled the issue.
Kuami Eugene
Former Lynx Entertainment signee Kuami Eugene faced criticism on two separate occasions for allegedly stealing lyrics for his hit songs.
The musician was accused of borrowing lyrics for his song “Confusion” from a Malian artiste and also using parts of Ice Prince’s song in his “Wish Me Well” hit.
MOG Beatz
In 2024, music producer MOG Beatz called out up-and-coming musician Deon Boakye for allegedly sampling his beat without permission.
MOG Beatz took to social media, threatening legal action against the musician for using his work without clearance.
M.anifest
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has also been once accused of sampling songs without proper clearance.
He was scrutinised when musician and producer Ivan Duran accused him of stealing his beat for the hit song “Someway Bi.”
After the controversy in 2013, M.anifest acknowledged Ivan Duran’s intellectual property and credited him accordingly.
Mr. Eazi and Sarkodie
In 2019, Nigerian veteran artiste Zaaki Azzay accused Sarkodie and Mr. Eazi of copyright infringement on social media after the two released their song “Do You.”
Zaaki Azzay claimed that the artistes had “robbed” lines from his 1996 hit song “Marry Am” without consent.
He also threatened legal action if they did not address the issue appropriately.
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Sam George warns Ghanaians about rising online recruitment scams:
Renowned Ghanaian highlife musician, songwriter, and producer, Obiba Sly Collins, has proposed that music stakeholders cultivate a passion for the highlife genre in order to inspire many musicians to perform the genre.
He asserted that highlife music should be purposefully promoted by stakeholders and music lovers alike, noting that the more we do so, the more enticing it will be to younger listeners.
While there are many ways to promote highlife, many performers will continue to pursue the genre, according to Obiba Sly Collins, who recently gave an exclusive interview with the Daily Guide Network (DGN) on the preservation of highlife music.
However, he made some recommendations for ways to support and promote highlife music in Ghana and beyond.
He stated that sponsoring and promoting highlife music, which is exclusively Ghanaian, is one method of fostering the sense of national identity.
According to him, “Highlife is a national treasure. It is our heritage. Highlife unites us as people. It is time that we find ways to ensure the continued development, advancement, promotion, and preservation of this unique national art form.”
He stated that Ghanaian highlife music is a beautiful genre which, when promoted, will gain world recognition to promote the music industry.
The lack of a concerted effort by Ghanaian music industry players to promote the genre is one of the reasons highlife’s appeal is declining, Obiba Sly Collins pointed out.
“Ghana should stand firm with highlife music, improve it and grow it,” he indicated.
Credited with a number of love and peace songs, Sly Collins said it was about time that highlife was recognised and instituted formally as a national art treasure and heritage.
He indicated that every country has its own music, and wondered why we have to ignore highlife and chase other genres like afrobeat, dancehall, among others, adding that it is quite sad that our radios are supporting the promotion of other genres, which is a total deviation.
Obiba Sly Collins is prepared to dominate the highlife music market once more this year with his most recent singles, which can be downloaded and streamed on all digital platforms.
‘Let’s Come Together’, one of Sly Collins’ songs, has been ranked as a top production by a section of music industry professionals who have had the chance to hear it.
His followers have responded positively to the song’s potent message, which has struck a deep chord with them.
The song is ready to raise the bar for Ghanaian highlife music as it gains international acclaim.
Obiba Sly Collins, who has been playing music for over forty years and need no introduction in the Ghanaian music scene, is one of a select group of highlife musicians who aspire to advance the highlife music scene.
He is prepared to release more highlife songs on the market in order to retain his reputation on the music industry.
Seventeen-year-old Adongo Angelous Akurugu has been named among the referees for the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship, set for April 21–26 in Accra.
A standout product of the Catch Them Young Refereeing Project, Adongo hails from Navrongo in the Upper East Region and currently studies at Navrongo Senior High School.
Since his discovery, he has officiated at key competitions including the KGL U-17 tournament, the Division One League Super Cup in Abrankese and Nsoatre, and last year’s West African Football Union (WAFU) Africa Schools Qualifiers in Niger.
Most recently, he took charge of the MTN FA Cup quarterfinal between Attram De Visser and PAC Academy at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Adongo’s consistent performances mark him as a rising star in African refereeing, with this latest appointment highlighting his growing reputation on the continental stage.
During a live broadcast of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on April 9, 2025, a fiery exchange unfolded between Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, and Yaw Asani Tano, the National Organiser of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), centered on the ongoing controversy surrounding two suspicious flights that recently landed in the country.
According to reports from GhanaWeb, Yaw Asani Tano sharply criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing it of having a longstanding history of engaging in propaganda.
He cited political history dating back to the era of J.B. Danquah to support his claims, suggesting that misinformation has long been part of the party’s tactics.
His remarks drew immediate backlash from Adomako-Mensah, who accused him of unfairly targeting the NPP and serving as a mouthpiece for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The MP warned that such repeated attacks would not go unanswered in the future, implying that others within the party were also taking note of Tano’s comments.
“I can tell you that the political party I belong to we are also observing you. Maybe, one day, you might meet someone who will respond to you in equal measure,” he warned.
Adomako-Mensah expressed disbelief at attempts to link the NPP to the recent drug trafficking and money laundering allegations, which stemmed from the landing of two foreign aircraft at Kotoka International Airport under suspicious circumstances.
He questioned the relevance of bringing J.B. Danquah into the conversation and challenged the logic behind blaming the NPP for the situation.
He also took issue with Asani Tano’s perceived support for figures aligned with the current administration, especially following comments made by a government spokesperson, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, who allegedly described a sitting MP as a clown.
Adomako-Mensah criticized Tano for aligning himself with such rhetoric.
The heated exchange follows public accusations by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, who raised alarms about the nature of two aircraft that arrived in March 2025.
He suggested the flights may be linked to illicit activities, claims that have sparked significant political tension and a strong reaction from various quarters.
Outgoing President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah, has issued a strong caution to the government against the infiltration of partisan politics into the management and development of sports in the country.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Nunoo Mensah stressed that politics should be kept separate from sports administration to ensure growth and international credibility.
“Individuals in sports who do not understand the way international sports work may think that sports has to be political. No, I don’t agree with them,” he said.
“I’m very much part of the NDC structure in my constituency, but it only stops in my house. When I wear the cap of GOC President, I’m not political. That is what the IOC demands us to do.”
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) charter, which promotes political neutrality in sports administration.
“Anybody who believes in the charter of the IOC will caution any government who wants to make sports political. It will not be good for the long-term development of our sports, especially when it has to do with the Ghana Olympic Committee or national federations,” he stated.
Nunoo Mensah, who played a significant role in Ghana’s successful hosting of the 13th African Games in Accra last year, urged government officials to allow stakeholders within the sports federations to manage their affairs independently.
“Let the stakeholders run these things, and I’m sure they know what’s good for the federations that they belong to,” he added.
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.
Abu Kansangbata, former Deputy Upper West Regional Minister
A former Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Abu Kansangbata, has assured Ghanaians that the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, will bounce back in good health to continue her duties of resetting the nation from the economic hardship and poverty, alongside President John Dramani Mahama.
He took to his Facebook page to state that “No amount of political propaganda agenda will see the light of day. Mom, we wish you a speedy recovery.”
Additionally, Kansangbata stated that; “By the grace of the Almighty Allah, Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang would bounce back strongly to continue with her duties as the first female vice president, to support H.E. John Dramani Mahama to roll out his vision of resetting our dear mother Ghana from the excruciating economic hardship and poverty, the prospects are good for our dear nation in the hands of John and Jane.”
Background:
Earlier official communications from the Office of the President announced that the Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, was in the hospital on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, it followed a sudden illness of the vice president after work hours on Friday, March 28.
“The Vice President, Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Saturday due to a sudden illness that occurred after work on Friday, March 28, 2025,” the statement said.
It added that although she had since been attended to at the UGMC, she would travel for further medical attention.
The statement clarified that this is due to expert opinion.
“Based on expert medical opinion, she will seek further care abroad,” the statement added.
The statement ended with well wishes to the vice president, stating, “We wish the Vice President a speedy recovery.”
VA/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Sam George warns Ghanaians about rising online recruitment scams:
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced government’s intention not to renew its contract with KelniGVG, a private company behind Ghana’s telecom traffic monitoring system, when it expires.
Addressing the press in Accra on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Sam George cited unsustainable costs as the key reason for the decision.
The Common Monitoring Platform (CMP) contract, introduced in 2018, was designed to prevent revenue leakages from international inbound telecom traffic.
However, George said the cost of operating the system has sharply increased from 28% of the revenue accrued in its early years to a staggering 84% by October, 2024.
“I wish to announce that on the back of the foregoing, I will not be extending the Common Monitoring Platform contract, popularly called KelniGVG, beyond its current terminal date. This means the state is paying far more to monitor the revenue than it retains. This contract has become unsustainable for the state”, he stated.
The US$89 million contract has faced widespread criticisms over the years.
Civil society groups like IMANI Africa previously challenged its cost-effectiveness while Parliament questioned the transparency of the procurement process.
Also some telecom operators have cited technical inefficiencies in the platform’s performance.
As part of a transition plan, the minister has instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to prepare to take over the responsibility of monitoring telecom revenues.
The NCA will begin by conducting an operational audit of the current monitoring system before assuming full control.
SP/AE
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Deceased Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju
Four individuals have been invited for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
The invitation marks the commencement of an inquiry led by a seven-member committee established to probe the tragic incident.
In a letter sighted by GhanaWeb, the individuals invited include Alhaji Toufiq Muritala, Chairman of the Promotion Committee; Isaac Amankwah, a leading member of Ace Power Promotions; Mr. Gordon Frimpong, a member of Osebo Promotions; and Fadi Fattal, a member of Imax Promotions.
The quartet, per the letter, is scheduled to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 10, in the conference room of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Sector minister Kofi Adams announced the appointment of a seven-member committee to investigate Olanrewaju’s death on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The committee comprises Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio, Peter Zwennes Esq., Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels Esq., Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo Esq. (Secretary), and Dr Martin Engmann.
The ministry has given the committee 21 days to compile a comprehensive report on their findings.
The committee has been tasked with investigating five key areas as part of the ministry’s efforts to bring closure to the incident.
Their tasks include investigating the circumstances that led to Olanrewaju’s death, assessing the security and safety measures implemented by the event’s organizers and promoters, determining whether the boxer received proper clearance from the Nigeria Boxing Authority for the bout, evaluating the conduct of officials during and after the incident and providing recommendations for medical procedures at boxing events.
Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju tragically passed away after collapsing during a fight in Ghana.
He was later pronounced dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Olanrewaju collapsed during his bout against Ghana’s John Mbanugu on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
EE/BB
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
The payments are the first under a 2020 deal between the state and the former farm owners
Zimbabwe’s government has announced an initial pay-out of US$3m (£2.3m) to white farmers whose farms were seized under a controversial government programme more than two decades ago.
It is the first payment to be made under the 2020 compensation agreement signed between the state and the local white farmers in which Zimbabwe committed to pay $3.5bn (£2.6bn) for seized farmland.
Thousands of white farmers were forced from their land, often violently, between 2000 and 2001.
The seizures were meant to redress colonial-era land grabs but contributed to the country’s economic decline and ruined relations with the West.
The payment announced on Wednesday will cover the first 378 farms, out of a total of 740, for which compensation had been approved.
It represents 1% of the total $311m allocated for the first batch of payments.
The remainder will be paid through US-dollar denominated Treasury bonds, said Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
“One of our commitments as we try to reform the Zimbabwe economy, to clear our arrears, is really to compensate the former farm owners who lost their farms during the land reform programme,” he said.
“We have now begun to honour that agreement.”
Harry Orphanides, one of the farmers’ representatives, told the BBC that more farmers have now indicated an interest in signing up for the compensation.
However, the majority of former farmers have not signed up to the deal, and are still holding onto their title deeds.
The government has only agreed to compensate former farm owners for “improvements” made on the land and refused to pay for the land itself, arguing it was unfairly seized by colonialists.
It had prioritised foreign-owned farms under separate negotiations.
In January, Zimbabwe began paying compensation for foreign investors whose farms were protected under bilateral investment agreements.
In 1980, Zimbabwe gained independence, ending decades of white-minority rule. At that time, most of the country’s most fertile land was owned by some 4,000 white farmers.
Land reform was focused on redistributing white-owned land to black farmers, following colonial-era policies when thousands of black farmers were forced from their land and the country’s most fertile areas were reserved for white people.
In 2000, then President Robert Mugabe supported land invasions by a mix of government forces and vigilante groups, sparking international condemnation.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who replaced Mugabe in a 2017 coup, has sought to engage Western governments to restore ties.
Mnangagwa has previously said land reform cannot be reversed, but committed to paying compensation as a key way of mending ties with the West.
The southern African country has been locked out of the global financial system for more than two decades, leaving the struggling economy with a huge foreign debt.
Analysts say the land payment marks an important step in repairing relations with Western nations and avoiding international judgements against Zimbabwe.
The President’s nominee for the District Chief Executive (DCE) position for Bodi in the Western North Region, Stephen Baidoo, has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the 16 assembly members.
He secured all the votes cast, representing a unanimous 100 per cent endorsement by the assembly members.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Baidoo expressed his gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress government for their trust in him.
He promised to serve the district diligently and support the party’s agenda to drive development in the Bodi District.
The DCE expressed his appreciation to the national, regional, constituency executives, the Western Regional Minister and assembly members for the confidence reposed in him.
He assured them of his commitment and dedication towards the resetting agenda and the fulfilment of the aspirations of the people.
The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, expressed his readiness to support the new DCE to fight against illegal mining activities in the area.
Ghanaian rapper Darlington Agyekum, popularly known as D-Cryme, has declared his intention to contest for Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President at the Methodist University.
D-Cryme, who made the announcement in a social media post on April 7, 2025, is known for his contemporary hiplife rap style that combines English and Ghanaian languages.
“Dear fellow students, the time for transformational leadership is NOW! Team D-Cryme is here to champion a new era of transparency, accountability, and action. Our mission is clear: to build a campus that supports, protects, and uplifts every student,” he wrote on Facebook.
He indicated that his vision for the SRC is bold, dynamic, and driven by the needs of every student.
This will be the third time in the past few years that a Ghanaian musician is contesting for student leadership position.
On August 23, 2022, reggae/dancehall artiste Samini was sworn in as the President of the SRC of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Currently, Maradona Adjei Yeboah, also known as Guru, is also the SRC President at the University of Ghana (UG).
D-Cryme is known for songs such as ‘Kill Me Shy’, ‘Me Ne Woaa’, ‘Fine Fine Girl’, and ‘My Lady’, among others.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has called on commercial banks to adopt a measured and transparent approach in adjusting lending rates.
Speaking at the central bank’s maiden post-MPC meeting with CEOs of commercial banks in Accra, Dr. Asiama stressed the need for banks to be mindful of the impact of the rate increase on both businesses and households.
He urged financial institutions to maintain clear communication with their clients during this period of monetary tightening and to ensure that viable businesses are not priced out of access to credit.
“While the policy tightening will affect funding costs and credit pricing in the near term, the financial system is well-positioned to absorb these effects. We therefore urge banks to exercise prudence in adjusting lending rates and maintain transparent communication with clients,” he said.
Acknowledging the impact the increase will have on businesses and households he urged the banks to support struggling sectors with targeted financial support.
“The policy rate increase also strengthens external buffers, supports the cedi, and signals our commitment to macroeconomic stability at a time of heightened global uncertainty. However, we also recognize that the policy rate hike will affect borrowing costs for businesses and households. Viable businesses should continue to receive support, and tailored solutions should be explored to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable sectors,” he added.
This comes after the the Bank of Ghana, recently hiked the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28%, the first time since September 2024.
Dr. Asiama reiterated that the decision was “aimed at reinforcing the disinflation process, which, while underway, remains too gradual to secure lasting stability. The decline in headline inflation from 23.8 percent in December to 22.4 percent in March confirms that recent policy actions are having the intended effect. However, inflation expectations remain elevated, and core inflation is still above the medium-term target.”
Outlook and Concerns in the Banking Sector
Despite recent challenges, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, expressed cautious optimism about the state of the banking sector. He noted that, even in the absence of relief measures, the sector has shown sustained improvement, driven by gains in solvency, asset quality, liquidity, and profitability.
However, Dr. Asiama highlighted ongoing concerns regarding solvency issues in a few domestically controlled and state-owned banks, where recapitalization efforts remain unclear.
“Addressing these capital shortfalls remains a top priority,” he stated. “We are working closely with the affected institutions to achieve sustainable capital levels, restore depositor confidence, and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.”
Introduction of New Framework to Boost Banking Sector Resilience
Dr. Johnson Asiama, also announced plans to enhance the central bank’s supervisory and crisis resolution tools.
Central to this initiative is the upcoming launch of a Resolvability Assessment Framework, designed to ensure that banks remain well-capitalized and are adequately prepared for distress scenarios—particularly in an increasingly interconnected financial landscape.
This framework he noted, draws on lessons from past bank resolutions and forms part of a broader strategy to bolster crisis preparedness.
“To build true resilience, we must move decisively beyond traditional, reactive supervision toward a more forward-looking, risk-sensitive, and system-aware model,” the Governor stated.
Dr. Asiama also reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the sector through effective policy, open dialogue, and collaboration, aiming to build a more inclusive and stable financial ecosystem that meets the needs of all Ghanaians.
A video has surfaced on social media platform X alleging to be the moment the Assin South member of parliament Rev Ntim Fordjour saw some operatives of the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) at his residence.
According to the alleged voice purported to be the voice of Ntim Fordjour, he was asking for data to send information to someone for fear his phone would be taken.
Ghana’s Minister for Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that over two-thirds of the country’s trained health professionals are actively considering leaving the country, a development he described as deeply concerning.
Mr Akandoh made the remarks on 9 April 2025 during a National Policy Dialogue held in Accra, organised by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization.
The two-day forum was themed “Transforming Ghana’s Health Workforce for UHC: Align, Invest, and Sustain.”
“Over 66 percent of our health workers have expressed intentions to migrate,” Mr Akandoh said.
“If this is not addressed urgently, it could undermine our entire effort to provide equitable healthcare across the country.”
According to him, economic factors and limited employment opportunities are the major reasons behind the growing interest in migration.
While the government has scaled up training of health professionals in recent years, poor working conditions, underemployment, and the absence of long-term incentives continue to drive many to seek better prospects abroad.
Mr Akandoh urged all stakeholders to reassess current workforce policies and adopt practical strategies that would improve retention.
“We must be bold and rethink our approach to workforce planning,” he said.
“We cannot achieve our health goals if we continue to lose trained personnel to other countries.”
In his welcome address, Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, acknowledged that while the country has seen growth in its public health workforce, the challenge lies in retaining staff and ensuring equitable distribution.
“The public sector workforce density has increased from 16.56 to 41.92 per 10,000 people over the past two decades,” he said.
“But urban-rural imbalances and the threat of migration remain pressing concerns.”
The meeting brought together senior officials from relevant ministries, private and quasi-government health institutions, professional associations, and development partners.
Discussions focused on how to improve health worker welfare, address imbalances in deployment, and create durable funding mechanisms to support human resources in health.
The Ministry of Health said outcomes from the dialogue will inform policy measures aimed at strengthening Ghana’s capacity to meet its Universal Health Coverage targets.
play videoFormer Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam
The then Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, in August last year apologized to Ghanaians for the economic hardships.
This was after the NPP government rolled out the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) which affected many.
Read the full story originally published on August 7, 2024 by www.ghanaweb.com.
Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, has apologized to Ghanaians for the difficulties they have faced due to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
His apology follows recent calls from prominent members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to acknowledge and apologize for economic management mistakes.
During a town hall meeting in Accra on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Dr. Amin Adam explained that the DDEP was a necessary measure imposed to stabilize the economy.
He emphasized that the government never intended to impose hardships on the citizens.
“We decided to restructure our debts because it was one of the requirements by the IMF. We started with the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. The DDEP was a very successful programme, achieving 95% participation. And on this note, I would like to appeal to the people of Ghana to forgive us, forgive us.
“It is never the intention of any government to impose hardships on its people. More so, the NPP government has demonstrated that we want to reduce the burden on the Ghanaian people,” myjoyonline.com quoted him as saying.
He continued, “It was a necessary, very important decision at the time, that if we had avoided it, our economy would not recover as it has recovered today. The decisions we made, and all the support you gave us during the DDEP, have contributed largely to the recovery our economy is seeing today.
“This is why I want to appeal to you to forgive us. But also to thank you on behalf of the president for the sacrifices, for the efforts that you all have made participating in the DDEP that saved our economy.”
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One moment, little Tracy Shay was dancing with no care in the world. Now, she’s gone viral and is receiving love from none other than Wendy Shay–her favorite artist.
Who would’ve thought a 30-second video could unlock such a blessing? That’s the internet for you! The pre-teen, whose viral dance moment sparked lots of wholesome interactions online, has finally received her flowers today. Wendy Shay paid a surprise visit to her biggest fan in school today with hugs, gifts, and an even bigger promise.
The video, which hit the interwebs on April 3rd, saw little Tracy Shay joyfully grooving to Wendy Shay’s ‘Too Late’ at the All Ashaiman Schools Festival at Ridona JHS. And the multiple award-winning star’s reaction was priceless. She pledged to cover the educational expenses for Tracy through university with some wise words.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a talented, confident child abused,” Wendy Shay said, subtly clapping back at the negativity. She added, “I was touched and wanted to show appreciation to little Tracy. I wanted to encourage her to stay awesome and outgoing without any fear or limits. I also wanted to sponsor her education so she can become the best version of herself.”
With the advent of Easter season amplifying acts of kindness, the ‘Sapiosexual’ hitmaker’s latest gesture has trended nationwide, like her single ‘Too Late’, which is getting tons of love. But it did more than just become the talk of the country; it was a corrective action that sought to silence internet trolls who took jabs at Tracy Shay following the video’s wide reach.
Wendy Shay used her visit as an opportunity to donate some goodies to the school, which were met with warm appreciation by the school’s teaching staff and administration. These came in the form of custom-branded exercise books and Peeva beverages, alongside a 43-inch Hisense TV and an undisclosed sum of money for the girl of the hour, Tracy Shay.
For Tracy and her classmates, the encounter was a reminder to always express joy; for fans, a reminder that it never hurts to be nice and appreciative. Meanwhile, the song that started it all, ‘Too Late,’ continues to make waves in countries like the US, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Liberia, and beyond. Since Tracy’s video went viral, the 2024 hit has become one of the most Shazamed songs as it receives more attention.
Talented Dangme rapper, Stephen Tetteh Deever, known in the music scene as Minazy Yaazo, has made a loud entrance into the music scene with his debut studio album titled ‘Genuine Intentions’.
The album, released late last year, features sixteen tracks that showcase his unique blend of style and storytelling.
Minazy Yaazo’s creative use of the Dangme language adds a rich cultural depth to his music, making it a compelling listen for fans of diverse musical genres.
From the opening notes of the album, it’s clear that Minazy Yaazo has poured his heart and soul into this project. Tracks like ‘Akwetey’ and ‘Holy Ghost Fire’ demonstrate his ability to craft songs that are both catchy and meaningful, blending traditional Dangme influences with modern hip-hop elements.
The album’s thematic depth is evident in its exploration of personal growth, cultural identity, and social commentary, and the songs range from afrobeats through highlife to reggae gospel and other fusions.
While each track offers something unique, ‘Carry Me Go’ stands out for its uplifting vibe, showcasing Minazy Yaazo’s ability to create motivational anthems.
‘The Dangme Time’ highlights his pride in his cultural heritage, using the Dangme language to convey powerful messages. The album also features collaborations that enhance its overall appeal, such as ‘On God’ featuring Kwesi Amewuga, which adds a spiritual dimension to the album.
Minazy Yaazo’s use of the Dangme language is a creative highlight of the album. Using his native tongue, which isn’t widely used in mainstream contemporary music, he not only pays homage to his roots but also brings a unique flavour to his music. This linguistic blend enriches the listening experience, making ‘Genuine Intentions’ a standout in contemporary African music.
The album has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with Minazy Yaazo’s reputation as a multiple award-winning artist preceding him. His dedication to his craft is evident in the meticulous production quality and lyrical depth of ‘Genuine Intentions’.
This debut album not only solidifies Minazy Yaazo’s position in the Ghanaian music scene but also sets him up for broader recognition across Africa and beyond.
His manager, Benjamin T. Nartey, describes Minazy as, “An artiste who will definitely take Ghanaian music across borders due to his amazing talent and delivery.”
According to Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, aka Daddy Bosco, “Minazy’s music is a refreshing and a welcome addition to the ecology of Ghanaian music.”
He adds, “Genuine Intentions is more than just a debut album. It’s a statement of intent from an artist who is here to make a lasting impact. It’s loaded musically with thoughtful lyrics and infectious energy, and a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant sounds of contemporary African music.”
Accra, April 10, GNA – President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic on Thursday departed Accra home, after a three-day State Visit to Ghana.
President Pavel is the first world leader to pay a State Visit to President John Dramani Mahama, after his inauguration for a second term on January 7, 2025.
He was seen off at the Kotoka International Airport by Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at Ghana’s Presidency.
Other senior Government officials at the Airport to see President Pavel off include Mr Samuel Okudzeto, Foreign Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, and Mr Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff to the Vice President.
KRIF Ghana Ltd, distributors of office equipment and security solutions is set to launch its premium European Brands on April 24, 2025.
The Executive chairman of KRIF Ghana Ltd, Rev. Kennedy Okosun, at a press briefing in Accra said the Premium European brands which has been in existence for over 500 years is noted for quality, innovation, and excellence.
The portfolio of the Premium European brands includes Durable, Herlitz, Olympia Business Systems, Pelikan, Fellowes, Bantex and Donau.
According to him, the launch is part of series of celebrations marking its 39th anniversary, as a significant milestone in its journey to celebrate the achievement of the company that has served many individuals and institutions on the continent for almost four decades.
He said, “We believe that our customers are not just patrons, but partners in our business. We value the insight and unwavering support they provide in shaping our products and services. This event is a testament to our commitment to building strong relationships with our customers and recognising their contributions to our success.”
The Executive Chairman further stated that the company will provide an opportunity for customers and the public to learn more about the premium European brands, meet with representatives from each brand, as well as acquire hands-on experience with the products.
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will today, Thursday, April 10, 2025, embark on a demolition exercise aimed at removing structures illegally constructed on the Weija and Dansoman Ramsar sites.
The decision to carry out the operation follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to several Ramsar sites and flood-prone communities in Accra.
The main awards ceremony of the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards will not be held on 3rd May 2025 as earlier advertised.
The organisers of the awards, Charterhouse Productions, have announced that the new date for the ceremony is May 10, 2025.
The much-anticipated event will be held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.
According to a statement released by the organisers, “this change, regrettably affects the calendar of activities leading to the main awards ceremony.” This means the following events will take place on their new dates: – Master Class: Thursday, 8th May 2025 – Pre-Party: Friday, 9th May 2025.
In the meantime, voting lines are now open for the Telecel Ghana Music Awards. Fans can vote for their favorite artistes by dialing *1767# and submitting the artiste’s code, then following the prompts. Alternatively, fans can vote for free at www.GhanaMusicAwards.com.
So far, there have been fierce debates and conversations who potential winners of the various categories, particularly the Artiste of the Year. Apart from music fans and social media influencers engaging in these debates, some artistes have employed public relations persons to help project their work to the public.
Winners of the popularity categories of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards are adjudged by three voting blocks: Board, Academy and Public, while the technical categories are catered for by the Board and Academy.
The 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards will recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the Ghanaian music industry, featuring high-fashion statements on the red carpet, live performances from the industry’s most talented artistes, and awards presentations to the most deserving artistes.
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.
Kofi Tonto, member of the Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party
A member of the Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kofi Tonto, has expressed his displeasure with President John Dramani Mahama’s government’s inability to provide detailed information on the alleged cocaine busts despite the numerous conversations on the matter in the country.
According to him, the ongoing controversies on the issue could be resolve if the relevant institutions in charge had provided all required documents to the public to avoid further doubts and allegations on the case.
He also stated that Ghanaians are entitled to the information of the cocaine busts since it has been made public.
“$350 million cocaine bust. $150 million cocaine bust. Both in one month. Update the country on these critical issues and stop the useless and needless arrests of innocent people. Intolerant Government!” he wrote on Facebook.
He added that Ghanaians expect updates on these issues, not the arrest of persons who blow the whistle or demand answers.
Tonto was reacting to the incident where National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officials stormed the home of Assin South lawmaker, John Ntim Fordjour, over the comments he has been making concerning some aircrafts supposedly carrying drugs into the country.
Background:
Rev Ntim Fordjour has alleged that two aircrafts, which recently landed in the country, were involved in money laundering and illicit drug trafficking.
He has since called on the government to investigate the matter and address the public on the issue.
Following his statement in a press briefing at Parliament, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, responded, refuting the allegations and describing his comments as false.
He explained that the aircrafts landed in the country due to minor technical faults and other legitimate reasons.
The development has since sparked political tensions between the two major parties, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
VA/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Sam George warns Ghanaians about rising online recruitment scams:
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) ended Wednesday, April 9, 2025, on a lower note as the benchmark GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) dropped by 1.74 points to close at 6,099.60 points, trimming its Year-To-Date (YTD) return to 24.77%.
The Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) also declined to 3,060.79 points, reflecting a YTD gain of 28.56%.
Market capitalisation dipped by GH¢0.93 million to settle at GH¢135.54 billion.
Trading activity was subdued, with the volume of shares traded plunging by 68.41% to 114,794 shares, generating a total trade value of GH¢2,831,848.89.
On the equities front, GLD emerged as the biggest gainer, rising by GH¢7.14 to close at GH¢458.79, while CAL Bank lost GH¢0.02 to settle at GH¢0.70.
Among the most actively traded stocks, MTN Ghana (MTNGH) led with 67,742 shares exchanged at a total value of GH¢207,955.74.
CAL, ETI, GLD, and SIC followed in that order as the top five traded equities.
SP/AE
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Retired Ghanaian boxer Brimah Kamako, popularly known as Bukom Banku
Retired Ghanaian boxer Brimah Kamako, popularly known as Bukom Banku, has taken charge of the Bukom astroturf as its caretaker, daring residents to report him to President John Dramani Mahama.
The former boxer has taken over the facility, which was previously managed by a committee appointed in 2024.
Speaking on Max TV, Bukom Banku stated that he was born and raised in Bukom, and as such, no one can force him to relinquish control of the astroturf.
He confirmed that, as part of his role, he collects fees from individuals who intend to use the facility, with payments made directly to him.
“I’m from Bukom, and no one can bully me because of the astroturf. I’m the caretaker. If you like, go and tell President John Mahama, the Vice President, or the MP. They pay directly to me because I’m the caretaker,” he said.
When asked why he had seemingly taken over a role meant for the assembly, he explained that the primary duty of assembly members is to ensure cleanliness in the community.
“This issue has nothing to do with the assemblyman. The assemblyman cannot be the caretaker of the astroturf. His job is to clean the gutters and clear refuse to keep the community clean.”
He also clarified that all funds received from the use of the astroturf are strictly for its maintenance, emphasizing that it is a community-owned facility.
“I use the money to maintain the turf because it belongs to the community. It is a community park, so someone must be in charge—but not just anybody.”
The Bukom astroturf was commissioned in 2020 after the previous government transformed the original sandy park into a modern facility as part of its sports infrastructure development agenda.
However, by 2022, the pitch had deteriorated, with residents blaming the government for rushing its construction.
The park was renovated in 2024, with an administrative office added.
EE/BB
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
A High Court in Accra has acquitted and discharged the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, who was accused of making a false claim in a bid to acquire a Ghanaian passport in the run-up to the 2020 parliamentary election.
This was after Justice Mary Yanzuh, the presiding judge, held that the prosecution could not lead evidence to substantiate the allegations levelled against the MP.
Mr. Quayson had been charged, among others, for deceiving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by making a false statement that he did not have a dual citizenship in order to acquire a Ghanaian passport.
He was arraigned in January 2020 and was facing five counts of deceit of public officer, forgery of passport of travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory statement, perjury and false declaration of office.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and the prosecution called five witnesses to prove its case.
While the criminal trial was ongoing, the Supreme Court injucted him from performing his duties as an MP and later annulled his election.
This resulted in a by-election which he won, giving him an opportunity to resume his duties.
The prosecution, after calling five witnesses, closed its case and his lawyer, Tsatsu Tsikata filed a motion for submission of no case to answer.
The trial judge, in her ruling yesterday, held that there were discrepancies in the evidence, documents and dates of the prosecution’s case.
The court held that since Mr. Quayson had submitted an application for renunciation, his declaration was not dishonest, adding that such dishonesty must coincide with criminal intent before he could be pronounced guilty.
Justice Yanzuh also held that she was not confident that Mr. Quayson had no reason to believe that he owed allegiance to any country other than Ghana when he had applied for renunciation.
She, therefore, concluded that there was not enough evidence to call on the MP to mount a defence and therefore acquitted and discharged him.
Mr. Quayson, in a statement, described the court’s decision as a “triumph of justice,” thanking God the trial is over and his innocence has been confirmed.
He thanked the chiefs and people of Assin North, the Chairman and other executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency for their support during the trial.
He used the opportunity to call on Ghanaians in the diaspora, who also wish to come and serve back home, that his triumph of justice should be a clarion call to them.
“They should not hesitate in their wish to come and serve, especially at this time of President Mahama leading us in building the Ghana we want together,” he added.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed suggestions that large sums of cash and metal seized during a recent National Security operation in Sapeiman were counterfeit, instead asserting that the materials are genuine and linked to a prominent member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The operation, which unfolded in February in the Ga South Municipality, involved a raid on a concealed warehouse operating behind the façade of a battery-charging shop. Security personnel recovered an unspecified amount of Ghanaian cedis and U.S. dollars, much of it hidden in wooden boxes filled with cement. Ten 40-foot containers holding forged local currency, foreign notes, and suspected gold-plated bars were confiscated during the exercise.
However, speaking on AsaasePa 107.3’s Atumpan programme on April 9, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua questioned the official narrative surrounding the authenticity of the seized items. He insisted that the foreign currency and gold bars were not counterfeit and hinted at political implications in the handling of the case.
“The gold bars and the dollars are not fake,” Kodua said. “They thought the warehouse belonged to an NPP member, but their investigations proved otherwise—that it belonged to an NDC member, and they know. That’s why they’re saying the currencies are fake.”
He further challenged claims of forgery by pointing to official packaging associated with the seizure. “These are currencies contained in Bank of Ghana boxes, which they admit. If so, how can we say that the contents are also fake?” he added.
Two additional containers, believed to be part of the operation, were reportedly relocated shortly before the raid.
Investigations are ongoing, with attention focused on a man identified only as “Alhaji,” who is suspected to be the central figure behind the illicit operation. Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, confirmed that evidence links the suspect to the Sapeiman site and suggests his involvement in a wider financial crime network.
“Alhaji is a central figure in this syndicate, and efforts are underway to bring him to justice,” Jakpa said.
The case has stirred debate among political stakeholders, with demands for transparency growing as security officials continue to unravel the full extent of the operation.
Accra, April 10, GNA – President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic has commissioned the 40-bed Kpone Municipal Hospital in the Greater Accra Region.
The Ministry of Health said the facility, which was built by the Czech company VAMED Health Projects CZ s.r.o., had modern medical amenities, including an Outpatient Department, Surgical Suite, Delivery Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Laboratory, Pharmacy, and a 40-bed inpatient ward.
It also featured a Services Block, staff offices, and accommodation with a one-year post-completion warranty and maintenance plan.
This initiative was made possible through funding of 71.5 million (seventy-one and a half million) euros, secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna a.s., with an export credit guarantee of 8.6 million euros from EGAP, the Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation of the Czech Republic.
The facility is a significant milestone in enhancing Ghanaians’ access to quality healthcare.
President Pavel in his address during the commissioning expressed his country’s deep pride in its collaboration with Ghana during a recent address.
He noted that the Kpone Municipal Hospital represented not only a significant advancement in infrastructure but also reflects the strengthening relationship between the Czech Republic and Ghana.
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health Minister, said the commissioning also marks progress in a broader project that spans several regions, including Eastern, Ashanti, and Ahafo, with hospitals set to benefit communities such as Jumapo, Nkwatia, Suame, and Mim.
He said that the Hospital would not only improve access to quality health care but also provide employment and economic opportunities for the local population, contributing to health-led development.
The Minister said the Hospital was part of a long-term vision to expand access to health care through strategic investments and the introduction of initiatives like free primary healthcare.
“These efforts are aimed at reducing health inequities and improving overall health outcomes, as evidenced by the decline in maternal and under-five mortality rates in recent years,” he stated.
He reiterated the Government’s pledge to complete and operationalise all hospital projects nationwide, ensuring that healthcare facilities were fully functional and accessible to all Ghanaians.
Sustineri Attorneys, the legal team representing Alabaster Box, has stated that the first 10 seconds of Medikal’s song “Welcome to Africa” allegedly sampled their client’s hit song “Akwaaba” without permission.
In an official notice to Medikal, accusing him of copyright infringement, Alabaster Box, through their lawyers, outlined five key demands from the rapper and his management.
According to the attorneys, these demands are intended to protect the song and hold Medikal accountable for using parts of it without consent.
Here is a breakdown of Alabaster Box’s five demands:
The withdrawal of the infringing song from all distribution and circulation on traditional and digital platforms
They are asking Medikal to take down “Welcome to Africa” from all digital streaming platforms, including YouTube, Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
The music group is also requesting that the alleged song be removed from traditional media platforms, such as radio and television.
To them, the continued availability of the track on these platforms constitutes an ongoing copyright violation.
The cessation of any public performance, direct marketing, and/or sale of the infringing song
The group is seeking an immediate halt to all forms of promotion, sales, and live performances of “Welcome to Africa.”
This means Medikal is expected not perform the song at any events, the song should no longer be played on radio, and all social media promotion of the song should cease.
The termination of any existing agreements for the production, promotion, distribution, and sale of the infringing song, and submission of related contracts and termination notifications
In a strategic move, Alabaster Box is requesting that Medikal and his team terminate any contracts or distribution agreements related to “Welcome to Africa.”
This includes agreements with music distributors, producers, advertisers, and promotional agencies.
Alabaster Box aims to halt all commercial activities related to the song and gain full insight into the behind-the-scenes dealings surrounding the track.
The provision of a detailed account of all revenue from the promotion, distribution, performance, and marketing of the infringing song
The music group is demanding a comprehensive financial report detailing all revenue Medikal has generated from “Welcome to Africa” since its release.
This includes earnings from streaming, licensing, sponsorships, as well as any indirect income from performances or brand endorsements linked to the song.
The specification in writing of all parties or persons who received copies of the infringing song and steps to retrieve them
Lastly, Alabaster Box is demanding a complete list of all individuals and organisations involved in the creation, promotion, and distribution of “Welcome to Africa.”
They are also demanding a detailed report on the steps Medikal and his team are taking to retrieve copies of the song from those parties.
Nigerian superstar Davido has pledged to protect fellow artist Tiwa Savage “with all that he has,” putting to rest a year‑long dispute that began when Savage accused him of threatening her life.
The disagreement dates back to January 2024, after Tiwa Savage posted a photo with Davido’s first baby mama, Sophia Momodu, on social media.
Tiwa Savage subsequently filed a petition alleging that Davido had sent her a threatening message. In the fallout, Savage’s ex‑husband, Teebillz, even warned that he would “teach Davido a lesson.”
Speaking on New York’s Breakfast Club this week, Davido described the incident as a misunderstanding between friends. “We used to stay in the same house,” he said, noting that Tiwa Savage was a close friend of Sophia. He stressed that there was no real animosity between them.
Davido referred to Savage as his “sister for life” and praised her impact on the music industry. “Tiwa changed the game for females. We are family, and I love her and her child,” he said. “It’s just like a brother and sister fight. She did reach out. I will never allow anything to happen to her.”
With both artists now reconciled, fans are hopeful for future collaborations. For now, Davido says his top priority is Savage’s safety. “If anyone ever tries to harm her, they’ll have to go through me,” he concluded.
Kofi Amankwa-Manu (2nd from right) with some of the NPP MPs
The Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has donated GH¢150,000 to support traders affected by a recent fire outbreak at Adum PZ in Kumasi, to alleviate their immediate financial burdens.
Led by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the MPs during a visit to the scene on Monday, April 7, 2025 offered their condolences and support to the victims who had lost their valuable assets in the ravaging fire.
Kofi Amankwa-Manu, who is a former Deputy Defence Minister, expressed solidarity with the victims and pledged continued support until the reconstruction of the market.
Mr. Amankwa-Manu, addressing the media and traders at the scene, also assured them of the NPP’s commitment to standing by them during this difficult period, emphasising that the donation was just the first step, and the party would continue to assist until the market was fully rebuilt.
“We know the pain you are going through. We are here not just to give you immediate help, but to show our solidarity and commitment to helping you rebuild your businesses. We will continue to support you throughout this process,” Amankwa-Manu assured.
He also pledged the caucus’ commitment to standing by the traders throughout the rebuilding process.
“We recognise your hard work in supporting your families through trade, and we are here to support you during this difficult time,” he said.
The fire, which broke out on March 21, 2025, destroyed over 1,000 shops and left traders with significant losses, amounting to millions of Ghana cedis.
Lawyer Obiri Yeboah, the Member of Parliament for Subin, had previously written to Parliament to inform them of the incident and urged swift action to assist the victims.
In his remarks, he stressed the importance of community efforts in rebuilding the market. He encouraged the traders to come together and rebuild the market with the support of both the NPP and the wider community, assuring that the market could resume operations as quickly as possible.
“We will rally together and support you in every way possible. This fire has not only affected you individually, but it has also impacted the entire community. We are all in this together,” Obiri Yeboah asserted.
Bernard Antwi Bosiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, also known as Chairman Wontumi, who was with the MPs, urged President John Dramani Mahama to offer assistance to the victims, the same way he assisted those affected by the Kantamanto fire disaster that occurred in January this year.
“We urge President Mahama to consider offering the same level of support to the traders here at Adum as he did for those in Kantamanto. The people of this region need help, and together, we can rebuild,” Chairman Wontumi stated.
Chairman Wontumi also appealed to the government to provide soft loans to the affected traders, similar to the assistance given to victims of previous fire incidents in Keta and Kantamanto.
“These traders deserve the same compassion and support. We urge the government to extend financial relief to help them get back on their feet,” he reiterated.
The MPs reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the redevelopment of the Adum market to provide a safer and more secure trading environment.
The fire that devastated the Adum market left many traders uncertain about their future. However, with the generous donation from many other individuals and the Ashanti NPP MPs and their promise of continued support, the affected traders are hopeful that they will soon be able to rebuild their businesses and return to their livelihoods.
As the efforts to support the victims continue, the NPP MPs remain focused on providing both short-term and long-term assistance to help the traders recover.
In a scene more befitting a Hollywood action thriller than a quiet suburb of Accra, heavily armed operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) stormed the residence of Assin South Member of Parliament (MP), Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, in what eyewitnesses have described as a “Rambo-style” raid.
Yesterday, Spintex neighbours of the MP, who is also the Ranking Member for Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, said they were greeted to the screech of tyres and the sudden appearance of mufti-clad figures, who had covered their faces with balaclavas and body armour, leaping from unmarked vehicles, weapons drawn, radios crackling, and orders barked in tense, clipped tones.
According to them, the scene was like something out of a movie and thought they were under attack,but the target, it turned out, was not a criminal kingpin or a fugitive on the run — it was a sitting Member of Parliament and ordained minister.
The NIB operatives, who were said to be acting on undisclosed instructions, allegedly linked to the two suspicious flights that landed at the Kotoka International Airport allegedly carrying drugs and cash,engaged in a standoff with the MP.
The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that the standoff occurred because Rev. Fordjour declined to cooperate with the security officers.
“NIB officials are currently at Ntim Fordjour’s residence. They have an arrest warrant. He is refusing to cooperate. They have given him time to cooperate, failing which they will act,” he asserted.
But before the operatives could carry out their mission, however, Minority MPs as well as officers and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) arrived en masse at the MP’s residence, foiling the arrest of Rev. Ntim Fordjour.
Chanting “No intimidation!” and “We are all Fordjour!”, the MPs formed a human shield around their colleague.
“If you want to arrest him, arrest us all!” thundered Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, intimating that the country is not a banana republic. “This is the Republic of Ghana — a democracy governed by law, not by fear.”
The Minority in Parliament has raised strong concerns over what it describes as acts of intimidation and harassment by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), calling on President John Mahama to rein in state institutions and protect the democratic legacy of his administration.
Speaking at a press conference, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the attempt by NIB operatives to arrest Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, saying the move amounted to an abuse of power and a dangerous step backward for Ghana’s democracy.
“This morning, we were shocked to hear of this intimidation and harassment from the NIB. We least expected such a step from the government, using agents of the state,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He called on President Mahama to distance himself from such actions and to focus instead on cementing his legacy. “I don’t see him just as a politician. I see him as a statesman. This is his final term. Those working under him should help him leave a legacy—not tarnish it with episodes like this,” he said.
The Minority Leader noted that Ghana’s democratic journey has been long and hard-won, stressing that heavy-handed tactics by state institutions threaten to undo decades of progress.
“We’ve been building this democracy for years. What we’ve experienced in recent days should not be part of that legacy,” he warned.
He further stated that the caucus had officially expressed its position through Rev. Fordjour, whom he described as not only a reverend minister and politician, but also a legitimate representative of the people.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged the government to redirect its focus to pressing national issues, including unemployment and illegal mining (galamsey), which he said had not received the serious attention they deserve. “There are serious matters for the state to consider—joblessness, the galamsey menace. So far, the government has not demonstrated seriousness in dealing with these. Yet agents of the state find time to engage in political harassment,” he said.
The Minority Leader warned that continued intimidation of political opponents could mark the beginning of the end for the current government.
“This is a democracy. If this continues, it will be the beginning of the end. It is unnecessary. Stop it. We are ready to engage—politically and constructively,” he added.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasised that Rev. Fordjour must not be made a scapegoat or used as a political example. “Let me make this very clear: Rev. Fordjour cannot be made an example—indefinitely or otherwise. We will not stand for it,” he concluded.
Within minutes, the drama had spilled into the political arena, with the National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Salam Mustapha, daring the authorities to proceed.
“He has committed no crime. Let them try — we are ready,” he declared.
The NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, likened the operation to a “militarised ambush,” while Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah called it “an outrageous affront to democratic values.”
Rev. Fordjour, visibly composed in the midst of the turmoil, stepped out and joined his colleagues to address the crowd. “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but I fear no evil,” he said, quoting scripture. “Because I walk with God — and today, I also walk with the strength of 88 Mighty Minority.”
By 2:00 pm, the NIB operatives had quietly withdrawn. No arrests were made. No charges were filed.
An elderly man has been found abandoned in front of a container shop at Community 7 in Tema, located in the Uhuru Electoral Area of the metropolis.
A local resident informed Graphic Online that an unidentified person dropped the man by the roadside opposite the Tema Joint Church on Friday, March 28, 2025, and left the scene on a motorbike. Concerned by the man’s frail condition, an eyewitness approached him.
It soon became clear that the motorbike rider had abandoned him there.
The resident explained that the man appeared to be suffering from memory loss and was unable to provide much useful information about himself, except for an inactive telephone number and his name, which he identified as Richmond Kwame Baffour.
Further questioning revealed that the man claimed to be a former employee of Pioneer Food Cannery and an Uber driver. His telephone number, when searched on Truecaller, came up as “Kwame Uber.”
A police report was filed immediately, and authorities promised to retrieve the man, but despite multiple follow-ups and calls to senior officers, no action has been taken.
Residents also reached out to the Social Welfare office at the Tema General Hospital but were told that a police extract was needed before any intervention could occur.
Currently, the elderly man is being cared for by well-wishers, who have provided food, a bath, and a change of clothes.
However, as he is unable to stand or walk, he has been unable to manage his personal hygiene, leading to discomfort and difficulty.
He sleeps in the open, in front of a container with an extended roof, often enduring rain and harsh conditions. In the first few days after being abandoned, he slept under a table.
When visited by a reporter, the man mentioned that he was married to a woman named Kate, who lives in Tema Community 5, but he could not recall who brought him to Community 7 or where he had been picked up from.
The community has appealed for help from the public, especially residents of Tema, to identify the man’s relatives so that he can receive the necessary care, either at home or in a healthcare facility.
The Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in Tema has confirmed that it is aware of the situation and is working on steps to evacuate the man to a psychiatric hospital, though the department is facing limited resources.
The Head of the Social Welfare Department, Mr. Robert Mensah Gbley, stated that Tema does not currently have a shelter for abandoned individuals.
He also emphasized that most facilities require the presence of a relative or guardian to facilitate the care process, urging the public to assist in locating the man’s family.
Veteran highlife musician Nana Agyeman has argued that there is growing number of songs today labeled as “highlife” that bear little resemblance to the style’s traditional sound and instead lean heavily into afrobeats.
Speaking in an interview with Adom TV, Mr. Agyeman emphasised that authentic highlife is defined by its distinctive instrumentation—particularly the use of lead and rhythm guitars, horn sections, and traditional drum patterns.
“True highlife music relies on the interplay of guitars and specific percussion rhythms that have evolved over decades,” he explained. “When you strip away those guitars and those drums and you start layering in R&B synths or afrobeats-style beats, you lose the very soul of highlife.”
Nana Agyeman, whose career spans more than four decades and includes collaborations with some highlife legends, expressed frustration with contemporary artists who he feels are diluting the genre.
“Many people compose songs and label them as highlife and say music is dynamic,” he said. “But if you compose a song and remove key instruments like the guitar and the drums and add R&B or afrobeats, then that is not highlife. It is afrobeats.”
The musician was equally dismissive of hybrid labels such as “afrobeats mixed with highlife,” insisting that artists must make a clear choice between genres. “If it were highlife you were doing, you wouldn’t have brought afrobeats into it,” Agyeman argued. “You can’t say it is afrobeats mixed with highlife. You have to choose.”
President John Dramani Mahama has said that data from the World Bank shows Ghana’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience.
According to him, this indicates that the government’s economic policies are a step in the right direction.
Speaking at the Ghana-Czech Business Cooperation Seminar on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mahama stated that this upward trajectory positions Ghana as an ideal partner for Czech businesses seeking access to the vast and rapidly growing African market of 1.3 billion consumers.
As of 2023, Ghana exported items worth approximately US$1.12 million to the Czech Republic while exports from the Czech Republic to Ghana were pegged at US$20.82 million.
President Mahama said; “World Bank data indicates that Ghana’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience with a GDP growth rate projected at 4.2% for 2025 — a testament to the soundness of our economic policies. This positive trajectory coupled with our strategic position as the gateway to West Africa and our pivotal role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat positions Ghana as an ideal partner for Czech businesses seeking access to the vast and rapidly growing African market of 1.3 billion consumers.
“This forward-looking policy aligns with the transformative objectives of the AfCFTA which aims to create a single, integrated market for goods, services and people across our diverse continent.”
Mahama further stated that Ghana is ready to collaborate with Czech expertise in machinery, automotive components and advanced agro-processing technologies.
He added that this partnership would help Ghana add substantial value to its abundant agricultural produce and create integrated supply chains that benefit both economies.
SA/AE
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play videoAfenyo-Markin speaking to Rev Ntim Fodjour
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reprimanded the Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, at his residence on April 9, 2025.
Afenyo-Markin, who led a delegation of New Patriotic Party (NPP) leaders and MPs to show support for Rev Fordjour, was at the residence when officers from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) surrounded the building in an attempt to arrest the lawmaker over recent controversies surrounding an alleged cocaine-smuggling aircraft.
While the NPP delegation was present, Rev Fordjour was captured jubilating in front of media cameras, chanting “No intimidation” along with his supporters.
A visibly displeased Afenyo-Markin, who appeared to have warned him earlier, pulled him aside and scolded him in the Fante language.
“What is wrong with you? Abaadze nti na wasua yɛ dzen dɛm?” (Why are you so stubborn?)
According to reports, the NIB officers arrived at the residence of Rev Fordjour in an attempt to arrest him. Although the precise reason for the attempted arrest remains unclear, it is believed to be linked to recent allegations made by the MP involving drug trafficking and money laundering.
Sources say the NIB operatives left the scene after several high-ranking NPP members, including MPs and national executives, arrived and resisted the arrest.
Speaking on behalf of the NPP leadership at the scene, Afenyo-Markin disclosed that about 20 NIB operatives had surrounded the house but later withdrew.
“We will not allow any of our members to be intimidated or harassed by the John Dramani Mahama government,” he declared, emphasizing that the NPP caucus—dubbed “The Mighty Minority” fully supports Rev Fordjour.
The attempted arrest came just days after Rev. Ntim Fordjour alleged at a press conference on April 1, 2025, that two aircraft, one a private jet and the other an air ambulance, may have been involved in drug trafficking or money laundering.
He claimed that one of the aircraft, Air MED flight L823 AM, landed in Ghana on March 20 and remained at Kotoka International Airport for five days without any record of transporting a patient.
In response to these claims, President John Dramani Mahama directed all national security agencies to collaborate fully with the Assin South MP to investigate the matter.
“Ghana has a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, and we will not allow the country to be used as a transit point or final destination for illicit drugs,” the President stated.
He instructed all relevant agencies to work with Rev Ntim Fordjour to uncover the truth behind the two suspicious flights allegedly linked to narcotic trafficking.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
President John Dramani Mahama has said that data from the World Bank shows Ghana’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience.
According to him, this indicates that the government’s economic policies are a step in the right direction.
Speaking at the Ghana-Czech Business Cooperation Seminar on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mahama stated that this upward trajectory positions Ghana as an ideal partner for Czech businesses seeking access to the vast and rapidly growing African market of 1.3 billion consumers.
As of 2023, Ghana exported items worth approximately US$1.12 million to the Czech Republic while exports from the Czech Republic to Ghana were pegged at US$20.82 million.
President Mahama said; “World Bank data indicates that Ghana’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience with a GDP growth rate projected at 4.2% for 2025 — a testament to the soundness of our economic policies. This positive trajectory coupled with our strategic position as the gateway to West Africa and our pivotal role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat positions Ghana as an ideal partner for Czech businesses seeking access to the vast and rapidly growing African market of 1.3 billion consumers.
“This forward-looking policy aligns with the transformative objectives of the AfCFTA which aims to create a single, integrated market for goods, services and people across our diverse continent.”
Mahama further stated that Ghana is ready to collaborate with Czech expertise in machinery, automotive components and advanced agro-processing technologies.
He added that this partnership would help Ghana add substantial value to its abundant agricultural produce and create integrated supply chains that benefit both economies.
SA/AE
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During a live broadcast of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on April 9, 2025, a fiery exchange unfolded between Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, and Yaw Asani Tano, the National Organiser of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), centered on the ongoing controversy surrounding two suspicious flights that recently landed in the country.
