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These Beloved Stars Started 2024 with Us but Didn’t Make It to 2025 – Heartbreaking

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2024 has been a year of unexpected heartbreak for Ghanaians as we bid farewell to several beloved stars who didn’t live to see 2025.

These figures, who had a significant impact on the entertainment industry and touched countless lives, started the year with us but were tragically taken too soon.

The news of their untimely deaths has left fans devastated, with tributes pouring in from across the country and beyond.

Among those we lost were well-known figures in music, film, and social media, whose legacies will forever be etched in the hearts of their supporters.

The grief is palpable, as fans struggle to comprehend how these shining stars, full of life and promise, were taken away so suddenly. Many took to social media, sharing heartfelt messages and photos, expressing their sorrow and honoring their memory.

One of the most emotional tributes came from Instagram, where fans flooded the pages of @littlemercysmith, @official_c_confion, and @koda, paying respects to those who were no longer with us.

The outpouring of love and grief has been overwhelming, as Ghanaians come together to mourn these icons.

While their deaths are a reminder of life’s fragility, it is clear that their influence will not fade. Their music, movies, and social media moments continue to inspire and uplift, ensuring their legacies live on.

As we remember these stars, we find comfort in knowing that, though they may no longer be with us physically, their impact will resonate for years to come. Rest in peace to these incredible souls.

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Rev. Owusu-Bempah Warns of Severe Consequences for NDC Supporters Who Ignore Fast on January 6

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Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, the Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, has instructed supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to observe a fast on January 6, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m as reported by Ghana Web on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

In his message during the 31st December Watchnight Service, Rev. Owusu-Bempah urged the party’s members and sympathizers, including those who support President-elect John Mahama, to take the fast seriously, warning that failure to comply would bring severe consequences.

“I want to send a message to the NDC party, and they should take what I am about to say seriously,” Rev. Owusu-Bempah said, emphasizing the importance of the fast.

He also directed key figures within the party, including Asiedu Nketia and Julius Debrah, to ensure that the fasting exercise takes place.

The clergyman, known for his prophetic declarations, did not elaborate on the reason for the fast but stressed that it was a spiritual directive.

He added that he had received divine instruction to deliver the message and warned that anyone who dismissed it would be speaking against God’s will.

In a further statement, Rev. Owusu-Bempah stated his previous prophecies regarding political outcomes, including predicting a significant defeat for the NPP in the elections.

He expressed confidence that the fast would help thwart any negative plans against the NDC, urging his followers to participate actively.

President-elect John Mahama, who won the December 7, 2024, election with 56.55% of the vote, is set to be inaugurated on January 7, 2025.

Radiologist granted GHC500,000 bail as police await report on gender

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The Police say they are waiting for the report on the gender of an accused person in a fraud case.

Meanwhile, Christabel Suphar Sarkodie Tuffour, the accused, has been admitted to bail in the sum of GHC500,000 with three sureties, one to be justified.

The GNA had gathered that the Police still needed the report of the accused to prosecute her other cases.

This is because the accused in some cases had posed as a man and in some cases posed as a woman.

Due to the uncertainty of the accused’s gender, the court made an order to the Police to send her to the hospital for her gender to be ascertained. She had declined a physical examination to be conducted by the Police.

Christabel was charged with five counts of defrauding by false pretences.

She pleaded not guilty.

Christabel is alleged to have collected a total of 42,889 pounds, 8,500 Euros, $5,000 and GHC230,000 from 15 individuals, promising to assist them in obtaining visas to Germany and Canada.

Police say Christabel, a radiologist, claimed she handed over the money to one Ebenezer but he denied receiving any funds.

The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Ramatu Asumah earlier on revealed that the complainants were young individuals seeking to travel abroad for better opportunities.

Christabel, while studying in Europe, falsely claimed to have worked with the German Immigration Service in Frankfurt.

She and her accomplice, Ebenezer, who had no experience in travel and tourism, deceived the complainants into believing that they could help them secure visas.

The prosecution said Ebenezer introduced the complainant to Christabel, further solidifying the illusion of legitimacy.

The court heard that Christabel provided her bank account details to some of the victims, while others paid her in person during meetings in Osu and Lancaster Hotel.

The accused arranged a fake marriage to Kwasi Gyimah at La Nkwantang District Court, claiming it would help secure a spousal visa upon her return to Germany.

Through these tactics, Christabel successfully obtained large sums of money from 15 complainants.

After her arrest, she admitted in her caution statement to handing over the funds to Ebenezer although he denied receiving them.

National unity key to addressing Ghana’s challenges – Mahama

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2025: Ghanaians must support national development goals – CNIR-GH

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Accra, Jan. 01, GNA – Engineer Dr. Dzabaku Kudiabor Ocansey, Executive Director, Center for National Interest and Research (CNIR-GH), has urged the citizenry to support the country’s development goals in 2025 and beyond.

In a new year message, the Organisation encouraged the populace to prioritise national interest over personal and political party affiliations to help build a “prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Ghana”.

“Ghana needs professionals from all fields who will stand their ground for fairness and progress of the national interest…We can’t succeed as a country if we continue to have heads or institutions that are more loyal to political parties and governments than the State.

“As we embark on this new year, let us endeavour to build a society full of opportunities for everyone to succeed.

“A new Ghana where everyone feels a sense of belonging, irrespective of their political affiliations or tribes…A society where you don’t need to only occupy political office to be rich,” he stated.

Dr. Ocansey emphasised a shift from “extreme partisan politics” and “divisiveness” to a paradigm “where everyone has access to equal opportunities”.

“It is time for us to come together and strive for a first-world status on or before 2057…Let us work together to make this vision a reality,” he noted.

He called on the youth to use their energy, creativity, and innovation to drive economic and social progress.

CNIR-GH said it would continue to conduct evidence-based research, provide education and training programmes, and advocate good governance and accountability.

It also intends to pursue an initiative dubbed the “Centenary Agenda” and the “New Ghana Project”, which aims to “transform the nation into a developed country by 2057”.

He congratulated President-elect, Mr John Dramani Mahama, and praised all political parties for their active participation in Ghana’s democratic process.
GNA

Akufo-Addo hails Ghana’s economic recovery in final New Year’s message

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Ghana’s economy is witnessing a remarkable recovery, with key economic growth indicators serving as evidence, outgoing President Akufo-Addo has claimed.

In his final New Year’s message to Ghanaians, the president attributed the growth to a strong 7.2% growth rate achieved in the third quarter of 2024.

He stated that Ghanaians have been resilient in the face of challenges, and through the efforts deployed by his administration, the economy has seen positive growth despite both global and domestic hurdles.

“Additionally, our economy is rebounding impressively, as demonstrated by the remarkable 7.2% growth achieved in Q3 of 2024, with the year’s growth rate projected at 6.8%.

“These achievements are not just numbers or statistics. They are stories of lives changed and futures made brighter. But I also acknowledge the challenges we have faced. The road has not always been smooth, and there have been times of difficulty and sacrifice.”

“The post-COVID-19 years have tested us to our limits, but they have also reminded us of who we are—a people who rise together, no matter the odds.”

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National unity key to addressing Ghana’s challenges – Mahama

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President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called on all political parties that participated in the 2024 elections to unite and contribute to Ghana’s transformation.

Addressing congregants at the 31st all-night service held at the Sanctuary of Wind and Fire Assemblies of God in Tamale on December 31, Mahama emphasised the importance of national unity and collective action in tackling the country’s challenges.

He also underscored the role of faith and spiritual renewal, encouraging his appointees to remain grounded as they prepare to fulfil their mandate to the nation.

“All of us, National Democratic Congress, New Patriotic Party, New Force, Movement for Change, Convention People’s Party, People’s National Congress, All People’s Congress, all of them, it will take everybody to get on board, even those who don’t belong to any party to be able to change this country to what we want it to be.

“The easy part of the campaign and election is over, now the difficult part begins, now the real work begins. If we prayed and fasted to have a successful election, then now is the time to pray and fast even more, that God will raise our nation and like my little daughter said ‘make it the black star of Africa once again’. Our country is in crisis we all know it.”

Ghanaians usher in 2025 with prayers and fireworks

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NDC’s suit challenging NPP’s mandamus application unfounded – Afenyo-Markin

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The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has rejected the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenge to a mandamus application submitted by four parliamentary candidates from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He underscored that the Electoral Commission (EC) is currently resolving the contested results in four constituencies through its administrative procedures.

In remarks made following the High Court’s decision to schedule a ruling on the NDC’s objection for January 1, 2025, Afenyo-Markin pointed out that the EC had previously indicated that irregularities in the collation process contributed to the results announced for Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Dome Kwabenya.

“The EC itself has stated emphatically that there was no earlier valid declaration of results in these constituencies. The argument that results were declared is neither here nor there.”

Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of the current legal proceedings, drawing a distinction between this and what he characterized as the NDC’s initial reaction to the contested results.

“At least, we’ve managed to bring them to civility in the courtroom. We believe in the rule of law and are confident in the outcome.”

The mandamus application submitted by the NPP candidates aims to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to finalize its collation and announcement of results, a procedure that the EC had already intended to undertake again through administrative means.

The High Court’s decision on January 1 will determine whether it can advance to consider the mandamus application or reject it in light of the NDC’s objection.

South Korea’s presidential aides offer to resign amid political crisis

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Senior aides to South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol offered to resign en masse on Wednesday, a day after his office expressed regret over acting President Choi Sang-mok’s approved of two new judges to a court set to decide Yoon’s fate.
Yoon’s chief of staff, policy chief, national security advisor and special advisor on foreign affairs and security, as well as all other senior secretaries, tendered their resignation, his office said in a statement, without elaborating.

The aides had repeatedly expressed their intent to step down in the wake of Yoon’s botched attempt to declare martial law on Dec. 3, but their resignations have not been accepted, said a presidential official, who declined to be identified owing to political sensitivities.
The official said the senior secretaries have been assisting Choi since he took over as acting president. Two other officials said the aides do not participate in day-to-day government operations, but are required to report to Choi and attend meetings when necessary.

The aides’ latest offer came a day after Choi’s surprise approval to fill two vacancies on the Constitutional Court handling the impeachment trial against Yoon.
It brought the total number of justices to eight on the nine-member court. Any decision in the Yoon case will require the agreement of at least six judges.
Yoon’s ruling People Power Party criticised Choi’s decision as “dogmatic” and lacking sufficient consultations.

Finance Minister Choi assumed the role of acting president on Friday after the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had been acting president since Dec. 14 when Yoon was suspended from power.
Yoon faces investigations on allegations that he led an insurrection, and a Seoul district court on Tuesday granted approval for his arrest, the first for a sitting president.

Source: Reuters

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie settle their divorce, closing an 8-year legal dispute

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(From left) Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 (From left) Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007

After a legal battle lasting more than eight years, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have settled their divorce, according to court documents obtained by CNN.

The settlement was filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court on December 30, court records show. Financial records were not disclosed, nor were details of the former couple’s custody arrangement related to their two minor children.

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over,” Jolie’s lawyer James Simon of Hersh Mannis told CNN Monday.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Pitt for comment.

Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016.

Once one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples, Jolie and Pitt were together about a decade and became parents of six before they married in 2014.

The length of their ongoing divorce can be attributed to a number of factors, including a contentious custody trial, fallout from a 2016 dispute on a private plane and a complicated legal battle relating to Jolie’s sale of her stake in Château Miraval, the French winery they once co-owned and the property on which they were married.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the 2016 plane incident emerged in August 2022, when a heavily redacted FBI report, provided to CNN by a source at the time, revealed that Jolie had accused Pitt of physically assaulting her and verbally abusing their children while they were aboard the private jet, traveling to the US from France.

Pitt was never arrested or charged with any crimes, according to an FBI statement at the time.

Jolie filed her divorce petition days after the flight, citing irreconcilable differences.

She requested the court to grant her sole physical custody of the couple’s then-minor children – Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne, who were between the ages of 8 and 15 at the time – with visitation rights for Pitt, who would retain joint legal custody.

In April 2024, Jolie claimed in a legal filing in the winery case that Pitt’s “history of physical abuse of Jolie started well before the family’s September 2016 plane trip.” The filing did not go into further detail about the alleged prior abuse.

According to that filing, Jolie chose not to press charges against Pitt in relation to the plane incident at the time because she believed “the best course was for Pitt to accept responsibility and help the family recover from the post-traumatic stress he caused.”

Jolie and Pitt were granted a dissolution in status only of their marriage in 2019.

In an interview with Vogue India the following year, Jolie said that she “separated” from Pitt for the “wellbeing” of her family.

“It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing,” she said. “They are six very brave, very strong young people.”

The French winery they once co-owned remains the center of a contentious and ongoing legal feud, stemming from Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake that Pitt has since claimed was unlawful.

Selecting my appointees has been a daunting task

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President-elect John Dramani Mahama President-elect John Dramani Mahama

President-elect John Dramani Mahama is hoping he is able to appoint a crack team of selfless individuals who will work towards making Ghana better.

According to him, he cannot tell what people have in their minds and their hearts as they take over the administration of the country.

He is, therefore, counting on God’s wisdom and the Lord’s discernment to choose people who will work for the betterment of Ghana.

John Dramani Mahama made this known when he was addressing a congregation on December 31, 2024.

“I have a huge task ahead of me. No man has yet invented a machine that can see into the minds or hearts of human beings, and yet you have to choose a team to work with you. I pray that God gives us the sense of discernment so that we can choose a team that will work for this country,” he indicated.

Adding further that, “We need to be selfless so that we can gain back the trust of our young people that democracy indeed worked. It is going to be 32 years from the day when, in 1993, we gathered at Independence Square, where we started the 4th Republic.

“The 4th Republic has been the most enduring Republic in the history of Ghana because it has lasted long. We are going to go there on January 7, and yet many of our young people believe that the country is not working for them; it is not opening opportunities for them.

So that day when we are all going to Independence Square, even though I will be the centre of attraction, lifting that sword, sitting on that chair, it is all of us lifting that sword, and I pray that our country Ghana becomes great and strong”.

‘My injury paved the way for Bruno Fernandes’ – Ahmed Barusso

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Ahmed Barusso, former AS Roma midfielder Ahmed Barusso, former AS Roma midfielder

Former AS Roma midfielder Ahmed Barusso has disclosed how an injury he sustained while playing for Novara created an opportunity for current Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

At the time, Fernandes was a young player, making 21 appearances for Novara during the 2012/13 Serie B season.

According to Barusso, Fernandes’ breakthrough came as a result of the injury that sidelined him.

In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, the 40-year-old explained that the constant play on synthetic pitches contributed to his knee injury, which kept him out for a significant part of the season.

This he said, opened the door for Fernandes, who was then part of the youth team, to be promoted to the senior squad.

“We played and trained on synthetic pitches, which took a toll on me. As a result, I was sidelined for the season with a knee injury, and that gave them the chance to promote Fernandes from the juvenile side to the senior team,” Barusso recalled.

Fernandes went on to make a name for himself, earning a move to Udinese the following season.

Over the next few years, he continued to impress, eventually joining Sampdoria in 2017 and moving to Sporting CP the year after, where he became one of the most sought-after midfielders. Fernandes later signed with Manchester United.

Barusso said his injury forced him to return to Ghana before making a move to Arezzo in Serie C, where he began winding down his career in the lower leagues.

He also represented Ghana at the 2008 African Cup of Nations, playing two matches as the team secured a bronze medal.

FKA/EB

Mozambique opposition leader calls for unity ahead of renewed protests

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Venâncio Mondlane is currently in hiding in an unknown country Venâncio Mondlane is currently in hiding in an unknown country

Mozambique’s main opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for unity ahead of a fresh round of protests against the outcome of presidential elections.

In a live broadcast on his Facebook page, Mondlane – who is in self-imposed exile – urged citizens to join hands in their neighbourhoods at 11.45pm and sing the national anthem until 2025 kicks in.

“We must find ourselves again as Mozambicans,” he said.

Mozambique has faced one of is bloodiest weeks since October, when Mondlane first called for protests after rejecting his defeat in the elections.

A local monitoring group, Plataforma Decide, said that 179 people died in riots last week, after the country’s highest court confirmed that the ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, won the election.

This brought the death toll to 278 people since demonstrations began after the electoral commission declared Chapo the winner of elections in October, extending Frelimo’s 49-year rule.

The fatalities include protesters, children and members of the security forces.

Mondlane fled Mozambique, saying his life was in danger after two of his aides were shot dead in October.

In his latest address, he urged people to “cook and socialise” in their neighbourhoods, before a new wave of protests begin on 2 January.

“I am ready to lose my life for this fight,” he added.

He previously said he will install himself as president on 15 January – the day Chapo is due to be sworn in – despite the constitutional court upholding his rival’s victory.

It is unclear how Mondlane intends to take office, given he is in self-imposed exile.

In a statement, Chapo said he would serve as “the President for all” after his inauguration.

“We will soon work together on solutions to the problems caused by this unfortunate situation,” he added.

The electoral commission declared Chapo the winner of the election with 71% of the vote, compared to Mondlane’s 20%.

The constitutional court revised the result last week, giving Chapo 65% and Mondlane 24%.

International election observers previously said the vote was flawed, pointing to doctored numbers and other irregularities during the counting process.

The ensuing protests have dealt a severe blow to Mozambique’s economy.

More than 12,000 people have lost their jobs and more than 500 companies have been vandalised, Onorio Manuel, vice-president of the country’s Confederation of Economic Associations, told local news website O Pais.

Along with businesses, Frelimo offices, courts, police stations and road toll booths have been torched.

Last week, the police reported that more than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a maximum security prison, taking advantage of the political unrest.

Neighbouring countries have also felt the impact of Mozambique’s unrest. Several thousand Mozambicans have fled across the border into Malawi as a result of the violence.

And a concerned South Africa dispatched a special envoy, Sydney Mufamadi, to Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, to discuss the crisis with President Filipe Nyusi, who is due to step down at the end of his two terms.

Mufamadi said the discussion focused on understanding the nature of the crisis and exploring how South Africa could help resolve it.

South African officials say they have stepped up intelligence and security operations along the border in order to prevent criminal elements from crossing.

Watch Shatta Wale’s Full Performance In Jamaica

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Yesterday, December 31, whilst numerous people were at their various churches, dancehall musician, Shatta Wale was performing in Jamaica.

Following his performance in Jamaica, videos from the musician’s performance have gone viral.

In videos available at the news desk of Gh Page, Shatta Wale was seen on a big stage with Jamaica’s Vybz Kartel.