If you’re anything like me, then your idea of breakfast heaven includes an ice-cold glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The trouble is that this sweet citrus drink has been demonised for some time.

While oranges themselves are packed full of vitamins, in drink form, experts warn that orange juice delivers a sudden rush of sugar to the blood. Over time, this daily sugar spike could lead to insulin resistance, raising the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Or so the thinking goes. Yet actually, research is starting to show that despite its high sugar content, a daily glass of orange juice could bring all manner of health benefits.

Why we got orange juice wrong

To begin with, cohort studies – which track tens of thousands of people over time – show that individuals who eat lots of citrus fruits are less likely to go on to suffer from heart disease and stroke.

However, most of these large studies asked people about how much fruit they ate, not how much fruit juice they drank. Eating whole fruit can have a substantially different effect on the body compared with drinking fruit juice.

“First of all, it’s the speed of eating,” says Federico Amati, a nutrition scientist at Imperial College London, UK. Amati points out that if you eat two or three oranges – the average amount it takes to make a small glass of orange juice – “it’s going to take you longer to eat them, chew them and swallow them”.

He adds, “In fact, most people probably wouldn’t want to eat two or three, as that’s quite a lot of oranges. Whereas when you’re drinking a small glass, in a couple of seconds it’s gone.” 

Whole fruit is also rich in fibre, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut, and is linked to health benefits such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. Fibre also slows down the flow of sugars into our bloodstream. Orange juice – and other fruit juices – are made by crushing and pulping whole fruits, which strips them of most of their fibre.

The end result is that if you compared a person’s blood sugar response from eating a whole orange versus drinking a juice, the whole orange would result in a fairly gradual rise, whereas a glass of orange juice has a more dramatic effect.

“[In orange juice], the sugars have been freed from their fibre capsules, and so they are absorbed very rapidly in the mouth and in the stomach. So that will lead to quite a rapid, quick rise in blood sugar,” says Amati. 

However, for most people, such a rise is not a problem because insulin is released, which then removes sugar from the bloodstream. However, for someone with diabetes, a glass of OJ may not be such a good idea. 

“I think the challenge with fruit juices generally is that they are technically free sugars, but that’s not all they are,” says Amati. “So yes, they do make your blood sugar go up, but – especially if they’re freshly squeezed – they also have bioactive nutrients in them like vitamin C. So it’s not about just freaking out because of the sugar, it’s really contextualising it into the whole diet.”

Heart and brain health

There are signs that frequent orange juice drinking could still confer benefits, despite high sugar content. For example, one meta-analysis which pooled the results of 10 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) found that drinking 500ml (17 fl oz) of orange juice a day was associated with lower blood glucose levels, improved insulin function and lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as “bad cholesterol” – all signs of good heart health.

Another meta-analysis found that drinking a glass of orange juice every day for a matter of weeks was enough to lower systolic blood pressure in overweight and obese adults, as well as raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as “good cholesterol”.

It isn’t just heart health; orange juice could be good for the brain, too. In one trial, 24 healthy men aged between 30 and 45 drank either 240ml (8 fl oz) of 100% orange juice, or a sugary drink containing the same amount of calories. The participant’s mood and cognitive function were tested before and six hours after drinking the beverage. Not only did the mental faculties of the OJ group increase after gulping down the drink, but their subjective feelings of alertness also did.

“For the placebo, what we saw is a decline [in cognitive performance] over the day, with a much worse performance after six hours,” says Daniel Lamport, associate professor of nutritional neuroscience at the University of Reading, UK, who led the study. “That’s what you normally see, as people tend to get more tired and fatigued throughout the day.”

However the participants who downed orange juice managed to retain their alertness. A glass of orange juice could therefore be a better choice than a sugary drink, potentially boosting brain power and focus in the short term – a good thing if you’ve got an important meeting scheduled in your diary.

There are signs orange juice could have a long-term impact on brain health and ageing too. In a second study, Lamport and his team asked 37 healthy older adults aged 60-81 to drink either two glasses of 100% orange juice every day for eight weeks, or two orange-flavoured drinks which contained a similar amount of sugar and calories. Older adults who drank orange juice had significantly better cognitive function compared to the placebo group after eight weeks.

There are plausible explanations for why orange juice might improve health. Oranges are packed full of vitamin C, which boosts immunity, aids iron absorption and helps make collagen for skin. They also contain other vitamins and minerals such as folate, calcium, potassium and thiamine (vitamin B1).

Antioxidant benefits

However the molecules thought to be behind orange’s protective role in heart and brain health are known as flavonoids – a class of plant compounds found in fruits and vegetables that give plants their vibrant colours and help protect them from stress and infection. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties, which means they can neutralise so-called “free radicals” – extremely reactive chemicals that can damage cells and accelerate biological ageing. Flavonoids are also well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. 

“Inflammation is an important part of the immune response, but when you have excessive inflammation, or if you have sustained inflammation that doesn’t calm down, it damages your tissues and it’s detrimental for pretty much every body system,” says Amati. “By having anti-inflammatory compounds available when your body wants to switch off inflammation, it’s like having the fire hydrants available when you need to put the fire out.” 

One compound in particular that has received a lot of interest is hesperidin – a flavonoid present in citrus fruits. Hesperidin is thought to be behind orange juice’s ability to influence blood pressure. For example, a 2025 study suggests that orange juice – and hesperidin – could work its wonders by activating genes that help to lower inflammation and help blood vessels relax.

The study tracked 85 adults who drank 500ml of pure pasteurised orange juice every day for two months. After the 60 days were up, blood tests showed that many of the genes associated with triggering inflammation and high blood pressure had become less active. 

It’s thought that flavonoids, and hesperidin in particular, help blood vessels relax by increasing levels of the gas nitric oxide in the inner lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium. 

“The endothelium has this function of making your vessels stiffer if you need your blood pressure to go up, for example, if you need to run away,” says Amati. “But then it also needs to be able to relax as well, because otherwise you’d continuously have stiffened blood vessels, which would put too much pressure on the heart and the lungs. So you need the endothelium to be able to relax and squeeze when needed.”

Improved blood flow could also explain the cognitive benefits of OJ. Research shows that Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia may be – at least in part – caused by altered blood flow in the brain.

According to Lamport, there is also good evidence showing that flavonoids generally can improve cognitive function and mood. For instance, he cites research showing that eating flavonoids improves the performance of rodents on a maze task and results in more neuronal connections being formed in the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for forming new memories. Other foods that are rich in flavonoids include blueberries, tea, grapes, wine and dark chocolate. 

“One possible mechanism is that [flavonoids] essentially improve blood flow to your brain, so that then makes you feel more alert, and able to do better on cognitive tasks,” says Lamport.

According to Lamport, increased blood flow over a longer time period could also improve the brain’s ability to form new connections between neurons, or protect against the decline of such connections.

“That’s why – potentially – flavonoids are so helpful in older adults, because this is a time period where you naturally see this decline in neuronal plasticity and neuronal connections, so [flavonoids] could slow that process,” says Lamport.

Other explanations for OJ’s superpowers could relate to its ability to influence the gut microbiome – the bustling community of bacteria, viruses and yeasts that inhabit the small and large intestines. 

For instance in one study, 12 overweight women drank 500ml of orange juice every day for four weeks. At the end of the trial period, the women had significantly lower blood pressure. Although the composition of the gut microbiome itself did not change, the bacteria upped their production of chemicals known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – which are known to reduce inflammation.

Which orange juice is best? 

However, both nutritionists the BBC spoke to were keen to emphasise that whole fruit remains the preferred option and the healthier choice. Not only do oranges contain more fibre, but they also retain more flavonoids that are so beneficial for health. Polyphenols are the wider class of plant compounds to which flavonoids belong.

“When you eat a fresh orange, the vitamin C and some of the more oxygen-sensitive nutrients [such as flavonoids] don’t oxidise as much because they’re still encapsulated within the fibre,” says Amati. “Whereas when you juice an orange, you destroy the food matrix and those nutrients become exposed to the air, and so they oxidise, which reduces their potency.”

As fibre is so hard to digest, it also helps to carry polyphenols and flavonoids all the way to the colon where they can be feasted on by beneficial microbes, enhancing their benefits. 

However, if juice is your preferred choice, then freshly squeezed oranges at home or in a restaurant will retain more health benefits than commercially available juice, as more fibre will remain. Industrially produced orange juice, on the other hand, will have been pasteurised and heated – which could kill off some of the more oxygen-sensitive nutrients, such as vitamin C. 

However, for people who love an ice cold glass of OJ for breakfast, there is no need to feel guilty.

“I think for everyday life, I would say that a small glass of orange juice – as long as it’s 100% orange juice and there’s no other sweeteners or sugar added – you’d be fine to have three or four times a week,” says Amati. 

* This article has been updated to correct an error that stated nitric acid helped blood vessels releax. This should have read nictic oxide. 

That burden has now been eased with the intervention of philanthropist and businessman Alhaji Seidu Agongo, who commissioned an eight-bed facility at the Ghana Police Hospital on December 30, 2025, dedicated to the care of “unknown” patients—individuals brought in without identification or family support.

Hospital officials say the new ward will help ease congestion, improve infection control, and restore dignity to patients who are often neglected.

Beyond the facility, Alhaji Agongo has pledged to support some of the hospital’s quarterly mass burials and to cover medical bills for unknown patients.

The initiative, described as unprecedented, marks the first time a private individual has stepped in to share this responsibility, offering renewed hope to the hospital and the vulnerable people it serves.

Watch videos of the commissioning below:

The operation, conducted on 31 December, targeted several galamsey sites at Gwira Banso in the Evalue Gwira District of the Western and Western North Regions. Communities situated directly along the Ankobra River were the focus of the raid, following intelligence reports of persistent illegal mining on and around the river’s banks.

Illegal miners fled upon sighting the NAIMOS team at the various locations. The operation aimed to flush out operators whose activities have continued to degrade the Ankobra River and its surrounding environment.

During the raid, the Taskforce destroyed several dredging platforms, including chanfang machines, pipelines, and water pumping equipment used to facilitate illegal mining.

In addition, multiple makeshift structures erected along the banks of the river to support galamsey operations were set ablaze.

The Ankobra River remains one of the most threatened water bodies due to illegal mining, prompting renewed enforcement efforts by the task force in the region.

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The soldiers, aged between 20 and 30, were found in possession of dozens of military items, including firearms and explosive devices. They were reportedly arrested near the border community of Wuru, about a one-hour drive east of Tumu.

According to officials of the Ghana Immigration Service, the armed men were in the process of setting up a combat position using sandbags when residents spotted them and raised the alarm.

“We received a distress call from community members about armed elements establishing a combat position.

“We responded swiftly, successfully ambushed them, and transported them together with their weapons to our office,” an official said.

During interrogation, the men claimed they were soldiers of the Burkinabè army on routine patrol who had lost their way.

Despite this explanation, they were detained for several hours until about 9:00 p.m., when a directive was received from national authorities ordering their release.

Their weapons were released the following day after a delegation led by staff of the Ghanaian Embassy in Burkina Faso visited.

The Wuru community lies within the Nazinga Forest range. Between 2022 and 2023, residents reported frequent sightings and movements of armed men suspected to be terrorists within farmlands inside the forest.

Residents complained that these activities negatively affected farming, hunting, and other economic activities in the area.

Intelligence reports indicating the return of these suspected terrorists began circulating in December 2025.

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The price cuts, which took effect in the early hours of the New Year, reflect a continued downward trend in petroleum costs, providing relief for both commercial and private transport users.

Market leader Star Oil was among the first to update its digital displays, setting a competitive benchmark for the industry. The company’s latest price list shows significant dips across its main products:

• Petrol: GH¢10.86 per litre
• Diesel: GH¢11.96 per litre
• RON 95: GH¢13.56 per litre

Star Oil management said the decision to lower prices was driven by a “favourable domestic and external cost environment,” citing the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi and a slump in international refined product prices as key factors enabling them to pass savings onto consumers.

The current reductions may be just the beginning for January.

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has projected further price declines this month, suggesting that competitive pressures will prompt more OMCs to follow suit. In its January pricing outlook, COMAC provided the expected percentage reductions:

• Petrol: up to 4.80%
• Diesel: around 3.77%
• LPG: approximately 2.19%

The relief at the pump is being driven by two main factors. First, the Ghana cedi has shown remarkable resilience against the US dollar, lowering import costs. Second, global refined petroleum markets are currently in surplus, resulting in lower benchmark prices.

COMAC explained that these anticipated cuts reflect a “favourable domestic and external cost environment,” noting that lower global prices and a stronger local currency have eased the exchange-rate pressures that typically push ex-pump prices higher.

For commercial drivers—locally known as Trotro operators—the reductions provide a vital reprieve. Fuel is a major operational cost, and these marginal decreases help stabilise transport fares, which in turn can curb food price inflation.

Industry analysts suggest that if the cedi maintains its current trajectory and international crude prices remain below $80 per barrel, Ghanaians could see even more substantial relief by the second pricing window in mid-January.

In a joint statement, the two institutions acknowledged rising anxieties around utility pricing, particularly its impact on workers and households, but emphasized that no unilateral decisions have been made outside the established regulatory framework.

The PURC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the tariff-setting process, noting that labour unions remain key stakeholders whose views are being considered in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate.

The TUC, meanwhile, confirmed it has been actively engaging the PURC to ensure that workers’ interests are protected, especially as cost-of-living pressures remain high.

Both institutions stressed that tariff adjustments are guided by law and evidence-based assessments, taking into account production costs, the sustainability of utility service providers, and the need to maintain a reliable power supply to support economic growth.

The joint statement further urged the public to rely on official communications and avoid misinformation, assuring that any final decisions would be shared clearly and responsibly.

The TUC and PURC reiterated their commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and safeguarding the public interest, pledging to continue engagements that balance affordability with the long-term stability of Ghana’s power sector.

Click here for full statement

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According to a press release from ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the Tema Regional Police Headquarters, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, after police acted on credible intelligence about an imminent robbery plot within the Tema Metropolis and surrounding communities.

The statement explained that on Friday, December 27, 2025, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) of the Tema Region received information that a group of armed suspects was planning coordinated attacks. Acting swiftly, police officers were deployed to strategic locations and placed on surveillance.

At about 1:00 a.m. on December 29, officers on patrol spotted four suspects attempting to break into a residential property at Afienya‑Mataheko. When police moved in to arrest them, the suspects opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which all four sustained gunshot wounds.

Three of the suspects—Kwabena Azuwebi, also known as “Lastman,” Yaro Bawku, and Faisal—were rushed to the Police Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. The fourth suspect, Kassim Hussein, was initially recaptured and taken to the hospital for treatment but later died while receiving medical care.

Police recovered several weapons and items from the suspects, including one AK‑47 rifle, one Taurus pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses, and two motorbikes—one unregistered and the other bearing registration number M‑25‑GT‑4243. All recovered items have been retained to support ongoing investigations.

The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy, while investigations continue to track down and arrest any accomplices linked to the foiled robbery attempt.

The Tema Regional Police Command has reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help combat crime in the region.

Zelensky said the remaining 10% of the agreement to end nearly four years of conflict would “determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe”.

In his own New Year speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his troops that “we believe in you and our victory”.

Earlier on Wednesday, Moscow also released what it said was evidence of Ukraine using drones to target Putin’s private home on Lake Valdai in north-west Russia, allegations Kyiv has strenuously denied.

It included a map allegedly showing that the drones were launched from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine and a video of a downed drone lying in snowy woodland. A serviceman standing next to the wreckage claims it is a Ukrainian Chaklun drone.

The BBC hasn’t been able to verify the footage, and it is not possible to locate where it was shot.

Russia would review its position on the ongoing peace negotiations as a result of the alleged incident, the Kremlin said.

However, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, on Wednesday described the Russian claims as a “deliberate distraction” and an attempt to derail the peace process.

In his 20-minute address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukraine did not want peace “at any cost”, adding that “we want the end of the war – not the end of Ukraine”.

He said that a Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region means “everything will be over”, a reference to Russia’s maximalist demand that Moscow secure full control of the industrial area in any peace agreement.

Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions are known collectively as Donbas.

Its fate has been a major obstacle throughout negotiations, with Russia consistently unwilling to compromise on its aim to seize full control of Donbas.

In the address, Zelensky thanked leaders that have supported Ukraine, but said that “intentions must become security guarantees, and therefore – be ratified”.

Following talks between Zelensky and his US counterpart Donald Trump in Florida earlier this week, the Ukrainian leader said Washington had offered security guarantees for 15 years – but a time frame for their implementation is not yet clear.

“Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war,” Zelensky said in his address. “Either the world stops Russia’s war, or Russia drags the world into its war.”

By comparison, Putin’s New Year address was much shorter.

Addressing the war in Ukraine, which Moscow describes as a “special military operation”, Putin said: “We strive to bring joy and warmth through our care for those in need of support and, of course, to stand by our heroes – the participants in the special military operation – in both word and deed.”

Separately, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his New Year message to praise the “invincible alliance” between Pyongyang and Moscow, while praising soldiers who are fighting in “alien lands”.

North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia in its invasion, along with missiles and long-range weapons, South Korean officials have said.

At least 600 of those soldiers have died, according to South Korean estimates.

Zelensky has expressed a desire for peace negotiations to resume and accelerate this month with the involvement of both US and European officials.

French President Emmanuel Macron said European states and allies who are due to meet in Paris on 6 January “will make concrete commitments to protect Ukraine and ensure a just and lasting peace on our European continent”.

On Wednesday, Trump’s advisers held talks with Zelensky and national security advisers from the UK, France and Germany about ending the war in Ukraine.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said they discussed “strengthening security guarantees and developing effective deconfliction mechanisms to help end the war and ensure it does not restart”.

But any deal will ultimately need Russian buy-in, which does not seem forthcoming – and which the alleged drone incident over Putin’s residence may have pushed further into the distance.

This followed the conclusion of a massive ‘Watch Night’ service by the Believers Worship Centre, also known as the Philadelphia Church or the Second Chance Church, led by Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah.

The gridlock, which centred around the Atwidie stretch of the N6 Highway, was triggered by the synchronised departure of thousands of worshippers from the major religious camp meeting hosted by the Philadelphia Church.

As the 24-hour New Year’s Eve vigil concluded, an overwhelming surge of private vehicles and chartered buses merged onto the main artery, overwhelming the road’s capacity.

Commuter Nightmare: A Three-Hour Standstill

For many travellers attempting to make the cross-country trip to Accra for New Year’s Day celebrations, the journey became an endurance test.

Reports indicate that the tailback extended for several kilometres, affecting key transit points including Juaso and Konongo.

Maame Adepa, a distressed traveller who spoke to reporters while stuck in the heat, described a frustrating start to the year.

“I have been stuck in this traffic for three hours since 4:00 a.m. this Thursday,” she lamented. “We thought leaving Kumasi at dawn would give us a clear path to Accra, but we have barely moved a few metres since reaching the Atwidie area. It is a complete standstill.”

She was not alone in her distress, as another traveller said he had been on the road since 10:00 p.m. the previous night, indicating that he had been stuck in the traffic for more than six hours.

The “Philadelphia” Surge: Logistics vs. Faith

The Philadelphia Church camp meeting, which reportedly drew participants from across the northern and middle belts of Ghana, is one of several large-scale religious events held annually during the “Crossover” season.

While the events bring spiritual renewal, the logistical fallout on the N6 Highway—Ghana’s most vital commercial corridor—has reignited calls for better traffic management during religious holidays.

Local residents in Atwidie noted that the lack of adequate parking within the camp grounds forced many buses to pick up passengers along the shoulders of the highway, further narrowing the available lanes for through-traffic.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he said, “People will come and go. Adu Boahen came, he left. Kufuor came, he left. Akufo-Addo came, and he has also left. We have to worship the NPP. Our first loyalty has to be to the party and not an individual.”

He added that while members may support the flagbearer, that support should come after prioritising the party.

“Even before we transfer that loyalty to whoever gets elected as flagbearer—and in this case I am praying that person will be me—even if it’s not me, it is nothing, as it is a party we are all joining,” he said.

Kwabena Agyepong, who has served as the NPP’s General Secretary, also defended his role as a custodian of the party’s history.

“I have been in the party for long, and I believe I am a custodian of the real historical record of this party. So, if someone is saying something and it’s not true, I have the right to correct it,” he stated.

He further stressed the need for strong leadership to address national challenges.

“I am here to campaign, and I urge Ghanaians that we need a leader who will change the country. We are making things worse in this country, and so we need change,” he said.

Mr. Agyepong concluded by reiterating the importance of prioritising the party over individuals. “We have to serve the NPP, not an individual,” he stressed.

The New Patriotic Party is scheduled to hold its presidential primaries in January 2026 to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Agyepong warned that he would publicly reprimand and even expel any follower who engages in insulting others within the party.

“The insults by party people are not good. We want a harmonised party,” he said. “I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting others. Those who do will face consequences.”

Mr. Agyepong described himself as the most viable candidate, citing his long-standing experience within the party.

 “From my role in the NPP, I have worked with Bawumia, Kufuor, Adu Boahen, and Akufo-Addo. I am the one to bring the party together, especially now when we need a unified front to win the 2028 elections,” he explained.

He recounted advice he received from former President John Kufuor.

“He told us that it’s a battle, and by all means, one person will emerge the winner. My record shows that I have always supported the candidates the party has elected, and I will respect the outcome of the primaries.”

Mr. Agyepong stated that all members must unite regardless of the results.

“We all have to be one and work together to support whoever emerges the winner,” he said, adding that some party members do not understand how to conduct themselves publicly.

“Now you see people acting anyhow in the party, which is bad. We need discipline, respect, and unity,” he noted.

The NPP will hold its presidential primaries in January 2026 to select a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

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The State Department declined to provide a list of the diplomats being recalled. A senior department official said on Monday the move was “a standard process in any administration”, but critics said that was not so.

“An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Nearly 30 senior diplomats were among those ordered back to Washington, people familiar with the matter said.

They were posted to smaller countries where the top U.S. representative has traditionally been from the Foreign Service, which is made up of career officials not aligned with a political party, the people said.

The recalled diplomats were encouraged to find new roles in the State Department, a second U.S. official said.

The American Foreign Service Association representing foreign service officers said it was working to confirm which members were recalled after some reported being notified by phone with no explanation – a process its spokesperson called “highly irregular.”

“Abrupt, unexplained recalls reflect the same pattern of institutional sabotage and politicization our survey data shows is already harming morale, effectiveness, and U.S. credibility abroad,” spokesperson Nikki Gamer said in an email.

The State Department declined to respond to Gamer’s comments.

Trump has sought to place loyalists in senior roles since starting his second term after encountering resistance during his first term advancing his foreign policy priorities within the U.S. national security establishment.

Jeanne Shaheen, ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, assailed the Republican administration’s removal of the diplomats while about 80 ambassadorial posts remain vacant.

“President Trump is giving away U.S. leadership to China and Russia by removing qualified career Ambassadors who serve faithfully no matter who’s in power,” Shaheen posted on X. “This makes America less safe, less strong and less prosperous.”

Dr Boako made the pledge on Monday during a District Assembly meeting, where discussions focused on community development initiatives and strategies to promote culture, talent, and social cohesion within the district.

In his remarks, the MP commended the Assembly for initiating TanoFest, describing it as a timely and impactful platform that aligns with the broader vision of inclusive development for Tano North.

“Festivals and community programmes such as TanoFest play a critical role in uncovering local talent, fostering unity, and providing opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities,” he said, noting that his contribution is intended to complement the Assembly’s efforts and encourage support from other stakeholders, including corporate bodies and private individuals.

Members of the Assembly expressed deep appreciation for the MP’s farm inputs and GH¢10,000 cash donation, describing it as the first time a Member of Parliament has provided such timely and impactful support.

Dr Boako’s pledge underscores the importance of collaboration between elected leaders and local government structures in driving grassroots development and delivering meaningful impact to communities.

The warning was issued in a press statement signed by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, following a leadership meeting with President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, 2025.

The statement condemned what it described as public boasting by governing party officials about using court processes to overturn parliamentary victories in targeted constituencies.

“This transforms election petitions from instruments of justice into tools for seat acquisition,” the Minority said.

The Caucus also raised concerns about systematic harassment of its members, including attempts to remove the Minority Leader from the ECOWAS Parliament and his referral to the Privileges Committee for attending to official duties.

On youth unemployment, the Minority warned that about 1.3 million young people outside education, employment, or training constitute a national security threat.

“This level of idleness and disillusionment drives crime, radicalisation, and political instability,” the statement noted.

The Caucus further urged President Mahama to publicly and unequivocally denounce any attempt to amend the Constitution to allow a third presidential term, stressing that “his legacy hinges on upholding, not weakening, Ghana’s democratic norms.”

The concerns were outlined in a press statement signed by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh following a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, 2025.

The statement highlighted “profound concern” over the dismissal of approximately 2,802 public servants through directives from the Office of the Chief of Staff, describing the action as “a direct assault on the constitutional principle of an independent and professional civil service.”

Citing Ghana Statistical Service data indicating that about 1.3 million young people are unemployed, the Minority urged the President to halt the dismissals immediately and institute a fair, transparent review process.

“Ghana’s civil service must serve the state, not any governing party,” the statement stressed.

On justice delivery, the Caucus accused the government of selective investigations, including the imposition of punitive bail conditions on New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, while cases involving former National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials are discontinued through nolle prosequi.

The Minority also alleged partisan discrimination in contractor payments, warning that denying payments to contractors perceived to be NPP-leaning is “weaponising the economy, destroying jobs, and pushing viable businesses towards collapse.”

The warning came in a press statement signed by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, following a meeting between the President and Parliamentary Leadership at Jubilee House on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Describing the situation as a “clear and present danger” to national stability, the statement noted that environmental destruction linked to galamsey has intensified alarmingly since January 2025.

The Minority cited reports by Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Authority, which revealed “high levels of poisonous metals contaminating water and soils in small-scale mining areas.” It also referenced verified data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch showing significant increases in river turbidity and forest cover loss.

The Caucus further accused the Ghana Minerals and Oil Board (GoldBod) of indirectly legitimising illegal mining through weak traceability systems.

“The lack of rigorous chain-of-custody risks making the state a formal purchaser of illegally mined gold, thereby sanctioning environmental destruction,” the statement said.

Questioning the effectiveness of the Blue Water Guards, the Minority urged President Mahama to implement fundamental reforms at GoldBod, stressing that “Ghana cannot become a state-sponsored conduit for illegal gold.”

This directive forms a core fiscal control measure aimed at enforcing commitment discipline, preventing unauthorised expenditures, and strengthening transparency and accountability across the public sector.

The list below contains only institutions that have complied with the directive.

Any institution not appearing on the list has failed to comply and therefore remains in breach.

This publication is made pursuant to Regulation 230(1)(b) of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), which empowers the Minister for Finance to publish the names of Principal Spending Officers and/or institutions that fail to comply with the provisions of the PFM laws.

All institutions are hereby advised to submit their Commitment Control Reports to avoid regulatory and administrative sanctions.

The suspects arrived in Ghana aboard an Emirates Airlines flight from Thailand when NACOC officers, acting on intelligence, flagged them for inspection.

A thorough search uncovered a total of 90 vacuum-sealed slabs of suspected cannabis. Sixty of the slabs weighed 32.89 kilograms, while an additional 30 slabs weighed 33.44 kilograms, bringing the total haul to more than 66 kilograms.

The substances have been secured as evidence and are undergoing forensic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.

NACOC has described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in Ghana’s fight against international drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.

The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be processed in accordance with the law, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the wider network behind the attempted smuggling operation.

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The beneficiary institutions include Osu Children’s Home and Christ Faith Foster Home (Frafraha) in Greater Accra; Bethesda and FrankMay Homes in the Bono East Region; and Anfaani and Tamale Children’s Home in the Northern Region.

These donations form part of Mrs. Mahama’s long-standing tradition, through the Lordina Foundation, of providing food and sanitary items to her six adopted orphanages spanning three regions.

Over two decades ago, her foundation adopted these homes as special projects, driven by her compassion for society’s most vulnerable.

She has also maintained a similar pledge to residents of the Gambaga “Witches Camp,” supporting them with essentials for nearly 20 years.

Every Christmas and Easter, the foundation delivers generous supplies to bring joy and inclusion to these groups during festive periods.

This year’s donations included bags of rice and gari, cooking oil, boxes of mackerel and sardines, spaghetti, Milo, Nido milk powder, tom brown, full-cream milk, biscuits, assorted drinks, bottled water, chocolate, tissue paper, sanitary pads, diapers, and liquid soap.

In a special highlight, the foundation partnered with the “La Bonne Femme” group to host a lively party for children at Osu Children’s Home. The event featured a sumptuous meal, snacks, and fun activities including musical chairs, dance competitions, and a bouncing castle.

Board members of the Lordina Foundation attended, alongside dignitaries such as Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.

The foundation’s chairman conveyed festive greetings from the board and First Lady, stating: “On behalf of our mother, the First Lady, and the board members of the Lordina Foundation, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. It is Mama Lordina’s heartfelt desire to see you all happy and smiling, and I believe she would be thrilled to see your joy today.”

Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Technical Director at the Office of the First Lady, delivered a heartfelt message from Mrs. Mahama: “Our mother and First Lady of Ghana asked me to come and celebrate this special day with you.

Though Mama Lordina could not attend in person, she sends her warmest regards. She wants you to know you are not alone, and she loves you all dearly. Be obedient and respectful, and God Almighty will bless you.”

Through these initiatives, the Lordina Foundation continues to inspire hope and compassion among Ghana’s poor and vulnerable, with a special focus on women and children.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov died on Monday morning after an explosive device planted under a car detonated.

Sarvarov, 56, was the head of the armed forces’ operational training department, the committee added.

It said one theory being investigated was that the bomb was planted with the involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services. Ukraine has not commented.

Investigators have been sent to the scene, in a car park near an apartment block in the south of Russia’s capital.

Images from the area show a badly damaged white car with the doors blown out, surrounded by other vehicles in a parking lot.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a number of military officials have been targeted in the Russian capital.

Gen Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car bomb attack in Moscow in April, while Gen Igor Kirillov died in December 2024 when a device hidden in a scooter was detonated remotely.

A Ukrainian source later told the BBC that Kirillov was killed by Ukraine’s security service, though this was never confirmed on the record. As a matter of policy, Ukraine never officially admits or claims responsibility for targeted attacks.

He performed his hit single Nobody on the popular program, which boasts over 50 million viewers, thrilling the American audience and earning widespread praise.

The performance has been widely shared online:

Watch Gambo on Instagram.

Nobody is a thought-provoking track in which Gambo speaks candidly about life’s struggles, particularly the challenges of finding true love and navigating relationships affected by “fake love” and loyalty driven by money.

This appearance marks a significant step in Gambo’s international career, further cementing his status as one of Ghana’s leading music exports.

Teachers celebrated as pillars of development at Abuakwa South awards

‘The Wire,’ actor James Ransone dies by apparent suicide at 46

Rather than focusing solely on accolades, Dr. Agyemang framed the event as a reflection on the enduring impact of teachers on Ghana’s social and economic development.

He described educators as the unseen force behind every profession, shaping not only academic success but also values such as discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Speaking at the event, the MP acknowledged that teaching remains one of the most demanding professions, requiring practitioners to manage diverse learners under often challenging conditions while maintaining high professional standards. He praised teachers in the municipality for their resilience and innovative spirit, assuring them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

To demonstrate his commitment to education in the constituency, Dr. Agyemang highlighted several initiatives introduced under his leadership.

These include academic competitions such as the Kingsley Maths and Science Quiz, Spelling Challenge, Readathon, and Inter-School Debates, as well as the BECE Support Programme, inter-school sports activities, and teacher capacity-building interventions. He explained that the programmes are designed to strengthen teaching and learning while nurturing talent and excellence among pupils and students.

“These are long-term investments in our children and in the future of Abuakwa South,” he said, pledging to deepen and expand the initiatives.

The awards scheme, named after his late mother, Madam Akosua Agyeiwaa, also carried personal significance for the MP. He described her as a passionate teacher who believed in the power of education to transform lives, noting that the scheme honours all teachers who persist in nurturing children despite challenges.

Kibi Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Comfort Ofori-Appiah, expressed optimism that the awards would motivate teachers to redouble their efforts toward improving educational outcomes in the municipality. She, however, raised concerns about a teacher deficit of more than 200, which has forced some educators to manage multiple classes.

Mrs. Ofori-Appiah also highlighted the challenge of posting teachers to deprived communities and called for the provision of staff bungalows to encourage retention and improve performance. She congratulated all award recipients and urged them to continue setting high standards in their classrooms.

As honours were conferred, Dr. Agyemang encouraged the awardees to see their recognition as a call to inspire even greater excellence, reaffirming his appreciation for teachers in Abuakwa South and their role in building the nation, one learner at a time.

List of Award Winners:

“Under Act 722, NLA conduct or operate lottery in Ghana is NOT the same as NLA to Sell or Retail lottery in Ghana. According to Section 4(1) of Act 722, “a person other than the Authority shall not operate any form of lottery”. However, according to Section 35(2), “the Authority shall NOT retail lotto coupons to lotto stakers.

“To operate or conduct lotto simply means to organize Lotto Draws for the public, and this has nothing to do with selling or retailing lotto”, Mr Opoku emphasized.

“This reaffirmed the notion that Sulemana Briamah is clearly ignorant about the laws and their interpretations governing the operations, or conduct, retail, and management of 5/90 national lotto.

“We thank God that, finally Sulemana Briamah has admitted that KGL is indeed a licensing Lotto Marketing company(LMC)”.

The statement said Section 28 of Act 722, “A Lotto Marketing Company of National Lotto shall be paid commission determined by the Board.

“Per Section 28 of Act 722, would NLA be able to pay a commission to Lotto Marketing Companies trading via USSD and Web Online since the pre-financing arrangements for selling of lottery products via Online (digitalized lottery tickets or digital lottery tickets or online lottery tickets) are completely different from selling lottery products via Point of Sale Terminals(POSTs) in the Lotto Kiosks? As a matter of fact, Section 28 of Act 722 is ONLY applicable to the Lotto Marketing Companies in the kiosks”.

The statement said lotto Marketing Company selling lottery products via Online need the partnership of Mobile Network Operators(MNOs), and specialized ISO Certification for its own infrastructure.

“However, a Lotto Marketing Company selling lottery products only needs the assisted services of NLA partnered Technical Service Providers such as Lots Services Ghana Limited and Simnet Ghana Limited, as well as NLA partnered Banks across the Country where they would pre-finance the sale of Lotto through loading of credits in exchange for money at the accredited Banks.

“Also, per Section 28 of Act 722, how practically possible would NLA be able to pay a Commission to a Lotto Marketing Company whose nature of license is also seen as a collaboration under Section 2(4) of Act 722 where losses from the game of chance, the collaboration, partnership or joint venture ‘shall not’ be compensated for by the State or from the Lotto Account provided for under Section 32.

“According to Section 32(2) of Act 722, “The proceeds of sale of coupons of National Lotto, any administrative fines imposed on Lotto Marketing Companies and proceeds of any forfeiture made under this Act shall be paid into the Lotto Account”.

Per Section 32(3) of Act 722, how would NLA be able to practically apply this provision to Online Lottery since Coupons are NOT the same as digitalized lottery tickets or digital lottery tickets or online lottery tickets?

“How practically possible and which other existing laws can NLA use to directly control, supervise, regulate, manage, and monitor the platforms of Mobile Network Operators(MNOs)?

“According to Section 32(3) of Act 722, “The Authority shall pay out of the Lotto Account prize monies for winners of National Lotto and Commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies licensed by the Authority”.

Per Section 32(3) of Act 722, how practically possible would NLA be able to directly pay winners of National Lotto via digitalized lottery tickets or online lottery tickets or digital lottery tickets since NLA has no jurisdictional powers and supervision over the Mobile Network Operators(MNOs)? Can National Communications Authority(NCA) even have regulatory power to directly transfer monies to momo vendors and beneficiaries of momo transactions per National Communications Authority Act, 2008(Act 769)?

The Section 32(3) ONLY applies to Lotto Marketing Companies who are selling lottery products via Point of Sale Terminals(POSTs) in the Lotto Kiosks. Administratively, the NLA has existing Revenue Sharing Formula with Lotto Marketing Companies using Point of Sale Terminals in the Kiosks, Technical Service Providers such as Lots Services Ghana Limited and Simnet Ghana Limited which is NOT even stated in Act 722 and L. I. 1948.

The Section 32(3) is NOT applicable to KGL Technology Limited and other Lotto Marketing Companies whose licenses are also considered as a collaboration, partnership or joint venture.

Also, per Regulation 13(3) of Lottery Regulations, 2008(L.I. 1948) under Procedures for Claim of Online Prize, “If the ticket is determined to be a winning ticket, the Lotto Marketing Company or partner bank shall make payment of the amount due the claimant”. Again, under Regulation 13(11), “The Board may authorise the Director-General to designate a limited number of Lotto Marketing Companies to act as agents to validate any claim and pay winning prizes in excess of the permitted amounts but not more than the specified amount authorised by the Board”.

“Section 32(4) of Act 722 can ONLY be fully implemented if Section 32(3) of Act 722 has been fully implemented.

According to Section 32(3) of Act 722, “The Authority shall pay out of the Lotto Account prize monies for winners of National Lotto and commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies licensed by the Authority”. This provision must be satisfied before you can proceed with the implementation of Section 32(4) of Act 722 which states that, “The Authority shall transfer the net balance in the Lotto Account on monthly basis to the Consolidated Fund”.

So, what if there is NO net balance in the Lotto Account after the payments of: Prize monies for winners of National Lotto as stated in Section 32(3) of Act 722?
“ Commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies licensed by the Authority as stated in Section 32(3) of Act 722, Operational and capital expenditure from the Lotto Fund as stated in Section 50 of Act 722”?

The statement said the revelation above based on Facts and Data, it was clear that, for NLA to transfer money to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with Section 32(4) of Act 722, there was the need for the NLA to breach Section 32(3) of Act 722.
“This has always been the case from enactment of National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722).

“From 2012-2020(9years), NLA transferred a total amount of GHS 209, 409, 495.24 to the Consolidated Fund yet within that same period of 2012-2020, NLA was indebted to winners of national lotto, Lotto Marketing Companies, Technical Service Providers, Suppliers etc. to the tune of GHS 233, 121, 889.28

“So what is the justification for the Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah blaming KGL Technology Limited as the cause of NLA’s inability to transfer money to the Consolidated Fund in accordance with Section 32(4) of Act 722? Completely no basis at all”.

The statement wondered why NLA necessarily transfer money to the Consolidated Fund if they haven’t been able to pay winners of national lotto, commissions to Lotto Marketing Companies, Fees to Technical Service Providers, Salaries and benefits of NLA Workers etc.?

“The alleged troubling and systemic pattern of decline in NLA’s contribution to the Consolidated Fund since 2019 had absolutely nothing to do with KGL.

“Since 2019, KGL has paid over 500 million cedis to the NLA, and how do you blame KGL if NLA is unable to transfer the money paid by KGL to the Consolidated Fund? Is that how Fourth Estate understands public accountability?

“You forgot to write something under point 8 before moving on to point ,
Please, next time, peruse your Articles well before sharing them.”

“In 2018, NLA transferred approximately GHC 33.9million to the Consolidated Fund. It is NEVER true that NLA transferred GHC 37.1million to the Consolidated Fund.

“In 2019, the NLA-KGL deal was signed in November 2019, so how could the operations of KGL affect the profits of NLA, as well as the amount transfered to the Consolidated Fund?

It said it was quite surprising how application of wisdom and knowledge were always lacking in the intellectual arguments put forward against KGL.

“ KGL was operating under a provisional license from 2019-2021, so on what basis can anyone blame KGL for the inability of NLA to transfer money to the Consolidated Fund?

“Is KGL the only company licensed by NLA to retail 5/90 lottery products in Ghana? Are you aware that NLA has licensed over 20-50 companies running lottery products in Ghana. Have you found out how much NLA also gets from these licensed companies?

“Have you considered the Administrative and Operating expenditures of NLA from 2019-2024?

“In 2014, NLA transferred GHS 11.8 million to the Consolidated Fund. Was KGL responsible for the decline in 2014?

“Are you jealous of the performance of KGL or you were expecting KGL to fail?

“KGL makes profits lesser than what the company pays to NLA, and GRA.

“KGL judiciously uses its profits to undertake impactful Corporate Social Responsibilities and Corporate Social Investments across the country.

It said in 2024, KGL paid NLA GHS 157.6 million while KGL only made GHC 70 million. That’s fact. NLA earned more than KGL in 2024. The question any sensible person would ask is that, how did NLA use the GHS 157.6 million that KGL gave them in 2024?

“GHC 3 billion revenue now the same as profit? What a joke of analysis. Take the costs of payments of winning tickets, marketing, I. T. infrastructure and systems, fees to Mobile Network Operators etc out of the GHS 3 billion, and come back again with sensible analysis.

It said KGL was here to stay, grow from strength to strength, and support governments to deliver value to the good people of Ghana.

“It is NEVER true that, NLA will bear all the responsibility of paying all winners who may have bought their NLA 5/90 coupons through the KGL platform if KGL is nowhere to be found”.

The event, organised to provide a direct link between farmers and consumers, drew a massive turnout from the public, with many arriving as early as 7:00 a.m. on the final day to secure affordable poultry products ahead of the peak Christmas season.

Jointly organised by MGL and the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GAPFA), the initiative aimed to address the persistent egg glut confronting local poultry farmers while offering consumers affordable access to eggs and poultry products.

What was planned as a steady two-day sale turned into a high-octane scramble for stock.

By the midpoint of the first day, several major poultry farms reported that their initial supplies had been completely exhausted, forcing them to call for emergency replenishments from their warehouses.

READ ALSO: Eggs-travaganza: Multimedia Group’s Christmas Egg Market reaches grand finale today

At the end of the two-day market, several truckloads of eggs had been sold, bringing relief to many farmers who feared their products would be stuck in storage.

Volume Sold: Over 2,000 crates of eggs were sold within the first six hours of operation on the first day, with several multiples recorded at the end of the period.
The “Bird” Rush: Live chickens were snapped up so quickly that some farmers ran out of stock.
Pricing Relief: With eggs retailing at significantly lower prices than traditional open markets—saving consumers up to half of the market price—the economic incentive was undeniable.

The atmosphere was one of mutual satisfaction. For the farmers, the market eliminated the middleman hurdle, allowing them to move large volumes of perishable stock rapidly while maintaining healthy profit margins.

Speaking to Myjoyonline.com, a veterinary technician with GAPFA, Felicia Antwi, who supported KNS Farm, was elated about the high volume of sales.

She noted that sales were particularly brisk in the morning, with buyers trooping in to stock up, although patronage slowed slightly in the afternoon. Despite this, she described overall sales as “massive.”

“This is the fastest I have ever sold out a flock,” said one of the vendors. “Usually, we spend weeks trying to move this volume to wholesalers. Here, the customers are ready, and the cash flow is instant. It’s a win for the local farmer.”

Consumers were equally enthusiastic, though many expressed a pleasant frustration at how quickly the goods were disappearing.

“I came all the way from Kasoa because I heard the prices were unbeatable,” Auntie Beatrice, a regular Joy FM listener, shared. “The quality is fresh, and the savings are real. My only complaint is that the market is too short! We need this to be extended by at least three more days.”

As the sun set on the second day, a common refrain echoed through the stalls: “Don’t stop now.”

A number of patrons who missed out on the morning rush, along with satisfied early birds, have petitioned The Multimedia Group and the poultry farmers to extend the duration of the market.

Social media platforms were awash with requests for the event to become a regular fixture, rather than just an annual Christmas special.

Proponents argue that such “Pop-Up Farmer Markets” are essential in the fight against food inflation, providing a buffer for the average Ghanaian household.

The success of the Egg Market underscores The Multimedia Group’s commitment to community-centred projects and social impact.

By leveraging its massive airwaves, the subsidiaries effectively mobilised a purchasing army that provided immediate relief to both producers and consumers.

Head of Marketing and Sales at The Multimedia Group Limited, David Max-Fugar, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to improving food accessibility for Ghanaians, particularly during the festive period.

“This is our way of giving back to our audience,” he stated. “We know the economy is tough, and if we can help a family have a better Christmas meal by providing affordable eggs, then our mission is accomplished.”

With more customers expected to stay home during the Christmas holidays, electricity demand is projected to surge, placing added pressure on power sources and distribution infrastructure.

The Company says standby technical staff have been deployed, while some selected offices will remain open to provide specialised assistance to customers throughout the festive period.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti South Region serves six major districts, including Obuasi, New Edubiase, Bekwai, Asokwa, Dunkwa, and Manso Nkwanta in the Ashanti region.

The significant usage of electricity within these areas has informed new strategies to ensure a consistent supply and prevent power disruptions during the 2025 Christmas festivities.

Ashanti South Region General Manager, Ing. Jonathan Adjabeng, has admonished customers to also rely on its cashless and modern payment systems, including mobile money and power app.

“Now a lot of customers will be home, which means demand of loads will shoot up and pressure on our sources and infrastructures. In this vie,w we have put in place measures to accommodate the pressures.

“We have put standby staff to provide complimentary services, some of our offices will be opened to provide specialized assistance to customers so everybody will be served. And with complements from our cashless systems and modern payment systems, we are hoping that power cuts will not mar the Christmas celebration,” he said.

The power company in 2025 intensified reforms across four key operational areas to strengthen electricity delivery and boost revenue performance nationwide.

At the commercial level, the company targeted improved customer service and reduced losses through the loss reduction project (LRP) that replaces old meters with modern ones.

Its network operations have also been scaled up, with 35 infrastructure projects valued at about 20 million dollars implemented since the beginning of the year to ease pressure on feeders and improve voltage quality.

Ing. Adjabeng indicated that proactive fault detection systems are now being deployed to prevent outages before they occur.

Meanwhile, he asserts that cashless payment platforms, QR codes and short codes played a major role curbing extortion and enhancing revenue mobilization.

“Some of the projects include additional feeder acquisitions to offload pressured ones, and inject transformers for areas experiencing low voltages.

“The current ongoing on is fast and proactive detection of fault in our networks to prevent power cuts. Our mandate is to simply supply reliable, safe and quality electricity to support socio-economic development of this country,” he said.

As part of the anniversary activities, the Club will host the 8th edition of its flagship Opemsuo Lecture Series today, Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.

Speaking on Badwam ahead of the event on Friday, December 19, former President of the Club, Prince Opoku Edusei, highlighted the significance of the lecture series, describing it as a platform aimed at promoting development-oriented discussions that contribute to the progress of Asanteman and Ghana at large.

The Opemsuo Lecture Series is an annual intellectual forum organised by APC to deliberate on topical national development issues. The name Opemsuo is an appellation of King Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Asante Kingdom, whose leadership combined military strength with consensus-building to establish a prosperous and enduring kingdom.

He said this year’s lecture, themed “Impact of Ghanaian Languages on Sustainable Development in Ghana,” will be delivered by Dr. Emmanuel Antwi Fordjour, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Language and Communication Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Dr. Fordjour is expected to draw on his extensive experience in language and communication studies to examine how indigenous Ghanaian languages can drive national development. His keynote address will be followed by a panel discussion featuring four distinguished personalities: Mr. Ivor Agyeman Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum; Dr. Luther King Kwame Adinkra, a broadcast journalist; Ms. Dorinda Appau, popularly known as Aku Sika, an oral traditional poet; and Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka, a renowned historian and educationist.

The Guest of Honour for the event will be Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Minister for Energy and former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.

The lecture is expected to attract a diverse audience, including politicians, students, traditional leaders, members of the clergy, and representatives from various professional and social groups.

Following the lecture, members of the Club will proceed to Ohwimase M/A Junior High School in the Kwadaso Municipality, where they will cut the sod for the construction of a modern ICT laboratory, which forms part of the Club’s anniversary legacy projects.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Asante Professionals Club has undertaken several impactful initiatives, including school outreach and mentorship programmes, renovation of the Ashanti Library in Kumasi, and support for the maternity ward at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

In 2019, the Club organised the Asanteman Development Summit, which brought together government officials, development practitioners, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional authorities to discuss the formulation of a 10-year development plan for Asanteman. The summit culminated in the launch of the $100 million Asanteman Development Fund by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

That dedication has earned her the Best Nurse of the Year 2025 award at the Ga North Municipal Hospital.

Beatrice was honoured during the hospital’s annual staff recognition ceremony, a moment that drew applause from colleagues who have witnessed her compassion and commitment firsthand. Known for her calm demeanour and reassuring presence, she has become a source of comfort to countless patients and their families.

Many at the hospital describe her as someone who goes the extra mile — staying beyond her shift when needed, listening attentively to patients’ concerns, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. Her work ethic and empathy, hospital management noted, have significantly contributed to improved patient care and a positive working environment.

Receiving the award, Beatrice expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating. She dedicated the honour to her fellow nurses and healthcare workers, acknowledging their teamwork and shared sacrifices in delivering quality healthcare to the Ga North community.

The recognition of Beatrice Odame serves as a reminder of the quiet heroes within the health sector — individuals whose daily acts of kindness and professionalism make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

The students, who attend Asankare Technical Youth School, were returning home for the Christmas holidays when the accident occurred. They had boarded a taxi from Asankare to Juaso.

According to eyewitnesses, the taxi driver attempted a wrongful overtaking and collided with an Asante Akyem towing vehicle, while a cargo truck that was parked by the roadside was also involved in the crash.

Two of the students sustained minor injuries, while the third student was left in critical condition. The taxi driver reportedly fled the scene after the accident.

The injured students are currently receiving treatment at the Juaso Government Hospital and are said to be responding well to treatment.

The cargo truck involved in the accident bears the registration number AS 8210 P, while the taxi’s registration number is AS 5221 F.

Police arrest 4, seize drugs and illegal gaming machines in Paga…

The two-day initiative, held at the Joy FM car park, was jointly organised by The Multimedia Group Limited (MGL) and the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GAPFA).

It aimed at addressing the persistent egg glut confronting local poultry farmers while offering consumers affordable access to eggs and poultry products.

Speaking to Myjoyonline.com, a Veterinary Technician with GAPFA, Felicia Antwi, who supported KNS Farm, said the farm brought about 1,700 crates of eggs, with only about 150 crates remaining by the end of the final day.

She noted that sales were particularly brisk in the morning, with buyers trooping in to stock up, although patronage slowed slightly in the afternoon. Despite this, she described overall sales as “massive.”

Farm Manager for Fresh Yield, Isaac Manful, also reported strong patronage, disclosing that more than 300 crates of eggs had been sold by the close of the day.

He said buyers showed keen interest early in the day, even during periods of slower movement.

At Akoko Foto, farm assistant Nana Kwadwo shared a similar experience, saying that although sales appeared slow at certain points, customer turnout remained steady and overall sales had been impressive.

Consumers who visited the market expressed satisfaction with the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially amid rising living costs ahead of the Christmas festivities.

Many said the quality of the eggs and poultry products, coupled with the reduced prices, encouraged them to purchase in larger quantities for household use.

Beyond the benefits to consumers, the X’mas Egg Market also provided much-needed relief to poultry farmers, many of whom have struggled with excess egg supply, declining prices, and rising production costs in recent months.

The strong turnout and near sell-out on the final day underscored the importance of such collaborative market interventions in supporting local agriculture while easing the burden on consumers.

Mr Bentil, speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, December 20, while discussing the case, described the filing of 78 separate criminal charges as inappropriate.

According to him, no seasoned prosecutor would pursue such a voluminous indictment, arguing that it could imperil the smooth progression of the trial and the integrity of the eventual verdict.

“Any prosecutor involved in a serious case who put up 78 charges is not serious because you and I know how long it takes to prove them, to trial each of them.”

He argued, “In a matter like this, when you have a very laser focus on one person, and you dump all these people in, and you don’t focus, and you bring 78 charges against the person, you are not serious. Because if you are serious, you will know that these plenty things (charges), fewer than ten are going to hook him.”

The OSP initiated the comprehensive indictment earlier this year, alleging a pattern of criminal conduct in the controversial dealings between the Government of Ghana and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

Mr Ofori‑Atta, alongside a cohort of business figures and former public officials, stands accused across a broad spectrum of counts ranging from corruption to breach of public trust.

While the Special Prosecutor’s office has maintained that the breadth of the charges reflects the complexity and gravity of the alleged misconduct, Mr Bentil believes the strategy may prove counter‑productive.

“These are the things we do, and then we will lose the case. Read through the charges against Ken; he will walk with most of them, and he will use that to stretch this case,” he said.

“I repeat, any prosecutor who is faced with this kind of high-profile case where there is a primary focus on one person (is not serious),” he added.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, December 18, 2025, led to the arrest of Kofi Boateng, Eric Owusu, and Godwin Agosa, all porters, together with Abdul Aziz Bukari, a driver’s mate.

The suspects were picked up at different locations along the Paga border following intelligence-led police action.

During the exercise, officers retrieved several exhibits believed to be linked to criminal activities. These included eight jackpot gaming machines, 13 rolls of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, three mobile phones, three pairs of scissors, three lighters, a power bank, an empty phone case, and an amount of twenty-five Ghana cedis.

Police say the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit activities, particularly drug trafficking and unlawful gaming, within border communities in the Upper East Region.

The suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations. The Police Command has indicated that those found culpable will be arraigned before the court to face the full rigours of the law.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and urged residents to continue cooperating.

They were received by President John Mahama’s Special Envoy for the Sahel, Lt Col (Rtd.) Larry Gbevlo Lartey.

The handover took place on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

In a press statement, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said Lt. Col. (Rtd) Gbevlo Lartey welcomed the crew on behalf of President Mahama and commended the Nigerian and Burkinabe governments for resolving the matter amicably through diplomatic channels.

He described the incident as a demonstration of fraternal relations within the West African subregion and an example of resolving differences in a neighbourly manner.

The Nigerian crew will remain in Ghana to rest, conduct technical checks, and await clearance to continue their flight to Portugal, where the aircraft is scheduled for servicing.

The two flight crew members and nine passengers on the Nigerian Air Force flight were detained on Dec. 8, 2025, after their aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso, Nigeria’s foreign minister said.

“Through sustained dialogue, we also resolved the matter concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, reaffirming the effectiveness of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues,” Foreign Affairs Minister for Nigeria, Yusuf Tuggar, said on Thursday.

Burkina Faso’s military regime, led by Ibrahim Traoré, released the personnel after meetings with a Nigerian delegation.

The Nigerian Air Force said last week that the aircraft was headed to Portugal for scheduled maintenance when it made the emergency landing in western Burkina Faso. The air force said the landing was done in accordance with international guidelines and standard safety procedures.

The emergency landing prompted the Alliance of Sahel States to place its air and anti-air defences on maximum alert with authorisation “to neutralise any aircraft that violates the confederation’s airspace,” according to a statement by Gen. Assimi Goita, leader of Mali’s military junta. The alliance includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The crew will now fly the aircraft to Portugal for the scheduled maintenance, Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said on Thursday.

The emergency landing occurred at a time of fractured relations between the Alliance of Sahel States and Nigeria, which was involved in intervention efforts that helped reverse a short-lived coup earlier this month in Benin, where the Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting the coup plotters. Burkina Faso is on the northwest border of Benin and Nigeria is on Benin’s eastern border.

Nigeria and Ghana are leaders in the 15-member West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formed the Sahel alliance after withdrawing from ECOWAS, which the alliance accuses of inhumane, coup-related sanctions and working against the interests of citizens in alliance countries.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, December 20, Bentil said Parliament ought to have exercised restraint once the affected Member of Parliament, Nyindam, lodged an appeal.

According to him, the filing of an appeal automatically places the High Court decision in abeyance until the appellate court determines the matter.

“Once an appeal is filed, the effect of the judgment is suspended. Parliament should not have gone ahead to declare the seat vacant,” he stated.

Bentil explained that the constitutional and legal framework governing election disputes requires institutions to respect the hierarchy of courts and ongoing judicial processes.

He warned that acting on a judgment that is under appeal risks creating legal and institutional confusion.

“You cannot enforce a decision that is being challenged. That is basic law. Otherwise, you undermine the authority of the appellate courts,” he noted.

The IMANI-Africa Vice President further argued that Parliament’s action contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Kpandai case, which has now escalated to the Supreme Court. He said such premature decisions can inflame political tensions and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

“When institutions rush ahead of the law, they create instability and open the door to avoidable conflict,” Bentil added.

His comments come amid the Supreme Court’s suspension of all processes relating to the proposed Kpandai parliamentary rerun, as it considers a legal challenge seeking to overturn the High Court judgment that annulled the 2024 election.

The apex court has adjourned the matter to January 13, 2026, and until a final ruling is delivered, all actions connected to the rerun remain on hold.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Regional Headquarters, Regional Police Commander DCOP Osei Akoto Arthur said the increased visibility of personnel is meant to deter crime, ease holiday traffic, and ensure a swift response to emergencies.

“We are on the ground to ensure the free flow of vehicles and to deter criminals who often exploit crowded markets and festive gatherings,” he said. “Our presence is meant to reassure residents and visitors that we are ready to act.”

The commander also outlined key safety tips for the public, urging residents to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and to remain alert while moving through busy shopping zones. He emphasised that public cooperation remains crucial to the operation’s success.

“We urge all Ghanaians to take these precautions seriously,” he noted. “By working together, we can make this festive season peaceful for everyone.”

According to the Command, officers will maintain a strong presence at shopping centres, transportation terminals, and major public events. Additional patrols have been deployed to high-risk communities, with temporary checkpoints set up to intercept illegal firearms, stolen items and suspicious movements.

Personnel have been directed to conduct random spot checks and engage community members to gather intelligence and address concerns.

Citizens have been encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately. “Your vigilance helps us act faster and prevents crime before it happens,” DCOP Arthur added.

The visit, which took place on Friday, December 19, aimed to assess the factory’s operations and explore ways it can leverage the government’s industrialisation agenda to boost production, create jobs, and add value to locally produced fruits.

Addressing the press during the tour, Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local agro-processing companies, describing them as critical to reducing post-harvest losses, improving farmer incomes, and driving sustainable economic growth.

She noted that the 24-Hour Economy initiative presents significant opportunities for factories such as Ekumfi Juice to scale up production, operate more efficiently, and meet both domestic and export market demand, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Operations Manager of Ekumfi Juice Factory, Frederick Kobbyna Acquaah, briefed the Minister on the company’s production processes, capacity, and operational challenges.

He highlighted issues including access to finance, reliable power supply, and consistent sourcing of raw materials, while expressing optimism about the factory’s growth prospects with sustained government support.

Mr Acquaah also commended the government for prioritising agribusiness and local manufacturing, noting that targeted policy interventions would enable the company to expand operations, create employment for more young people, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

As part of the visit, the Minister and members of the press toured the factory’s farms, where fruits such as oranges, guava, and passion fruit are cultivated in large quantities to support juice production.

Management also disclosed plans to establish a new fruit juice processing plant in the Central Region in 2026.

Ofosu-Adjare assured the company of the Ministry’s readiness to work with relevant agencies to address its challenges and create an enabling environment for agro-industrial firms to thrive.

The visit forms part of the Ministry’s broader engagement with local industries aimed at promoting inclusive industrial development and advancing the government’s economic transformation agenda.

Ghana’s Special Envoy for the Sahel, Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (rtd), received the crew on Saturday, December 20, describing the resolution as a testament to West Africa’s shared brotherhood.

Welcoming them on behalf of President John Mahama, Col. Gbevlo-Lartey praised both Nigeria and Burkina Faso for opting for dialogue instead of escalation.

He said the peaceful settlement reflected the region’s commitment to cooperation at a time when security tensions are still high in the Sahel.

“This incident is an indication that we are brothers and sisters in the West African subregion and can resolve our differences in a neighbourly manner,” he stated, commending the two governments for their restraint.

According to the Presidency’s communications office, the crew will remain in Ghana temporarily to rest and conduct mandatory technical checks on the aircraft. Once cleared, they will continue their journey to Portugal, where the plane is scheduled for servicing.

The mediation underscores Ghana’s active diplomatic posture in the Sahel, where instability, military takeovers, and tightened airspace controls have heightened sensitivities around aviation and cross-border movement.

Col. Gbevlo-Lartey—appointed earlier this year as the President’s Special Envoy for the Sahel—has been spearheading Ghana’s engagement with neighbouring states amid growing regional fragmentation.

The standoff between the aircraft and Burkinabè authorities comes at a time when several West African countries are recalibrating their security protocols, particularly within the Sahel belt.

In a press release dated 19th December 2025, the Board’s Acting Executive Director, Kwest Essel-Blankson, stated that the closure of the facilities is to “allow for essential maintenance work, safety assessments and ongoing conservation activities aimed at preserving the structural integrity and historical value of these significant heritage sites.”

The affected sites are Fort Apollonia at Beyin in the Western Region, Fort St. Anthony at Axim, Fort Orange at Sekondi, James Fort at Jamestown, Accra, and Ussher Fort in Usshertown, Accra.

The closure took effect from Thursday, 18th December 2025, and will remain until further notice.

These forts, which are pivotal to Ghana’s history and major tourist attractions, form part of the string of European trade and slaving posts dotted along the country’s coast.

Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and serve as sobering reminders of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The GMMB, which is the state agency responsible for preserving Ghana’s material heritage, often undertakes periodic conservation work on these centuries-old structures, which are constantly exposed to the harsh coastal weather.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the public,” the statement from the Acting Executive Director added.

The temporary closure is likely to affect tourism itineraries, especially for visitors exploring the country’s “Castles and Forts” trail—a key component of Ghana’s cultural and heritage tourism drive. The government has in recent years invested in promoting these sites both for their historical significance and their economic potential.

According to Dr. Boako, Acheampong’s assertion that he advised former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to stay out of the contest is entirely untrue. He insisted that no such conversation ever took place and dismissed the claim as a fabrication.

The Tano North MP questioned the motive behind the alleged falsehood, saying it “beats imagination” why anyone would think spreading lies could advance their political interests.

He warned that misinformation undermines trust within the party and among the public, urging political actors to engage honestly and responsibly.

Dr. Boako further emphasised that leadership contests should be based on truth, ideas, and mutual respect, rather than deliberate attempts to mislead party members and Ghanaians.

The fire broke out around 7:28 p.m., quickly consuming a cluster of wooden structures and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.

Despite the community’s narrow alleys and makeshift construction, a multi-agency task force successfully prevented what could have been a Christmas catastrophe for dozens of families.

Led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Matthew Y. Quaye, the first team from the Trade Fair Fire Station arrived within minutes to find a fully developed fire, according to a release from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

In settlements like Abafum, wooden structures act as tinder, allowing fires to spread rapidly from one building to another.

The initial response was reinforced by two heavy-duty engines from the Military Fire Unit and the Parliament Fire Station, showcasing proactive coordination.

As firefighters laid hoses, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) moved quickly to isolate power in the area, mitigating the risk of electrocution from sagging live wires.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service cordoned off the scene and managed onlookers to allow the fire crews to operate without obstruction.

“While four single rooms and their contents were damaged, several adjoining residential buildings were successfully saved,” the GNFS reported.

Remarkably, there were no casualties.

In a year when Ghana has seen a 33% rise in fire-related injuries, the swift and coordinated response at Abafum stands as a major success for the GNFS.

GNFS leadership commended Lima Wun, supporting officers, and partner agencies for their “professionalism, coordination, and rapid operational support.”

In his concluding remarks as the House rose for the year, Ayariga said he has never witnessed such practices in his nearly two decades of parliamentary service.

“I have been in this House for close to two decades—as an opposition member, as a minister, and now as Majority Leader. I have never seen anything like that,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin used his closing address to urge Members of Parliament to prioritise their health and spend quality time with their families.

He emphasised the importance of self-care and being proactive about medical conditions, highlighting the inevitability of life’s uncertainties.

“To all honourable members, please spend time with your family. We’ve worked hard enough. Let’s use this period to check our health,” he said.

“When we leave this House, the Constitution requires that there must be a replacement. Life will go on without you. Don’t be afraid to know your medical condition. It is better to know and treat it than live in fear of the unknown, only for it to worsen.”

The decision follows concerns raised by stakeholders, including traditional authorities and community leaders, who argued that the current name of the university was exclusionary and potentially divisive. These concerns were formally communicated to the Ministry of Education, prompting government action.

According to the government, the amendment aims to promote inclusivity, strengthen national cohesion, and align the institution’s name with global naming conventions commonly adopted in higher education systems.

Established in Navrongo in the Upper East Region, the university is one of Ghana’s newest public institutions. It is mandated to provide practical, technology-driven education with a strong focus on applied sciences, innovation, and skills development to support national growth.

The government believes the name change will help position the university as a truly national institution, foster broader stakeholder ownership, and enhance its appeal to students, researchers, and development partners both locally and internationally.

She explained that emergency contraceptive pills contained significantly higher levels of hormones compared to standard daily contraceptives.

Ms Ocansey noted that while regular contraceptive pills were designed to be taken over a 28-day cycle, emergency pills were intended strictly for use within 24 to 48 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

She cautioned that repeated intake of such high hormonal doses, which the body did not require on a regular basis, could result in menstrual irregularities and possible fertility challenges.

Ms Ocansey emphasised the need for health personnel to continue promoting abstinence among adolescents and young people, even though many were sexually active.

She said that while condoms and other contraceptive methods were available, condoms remained the only option that provided dual protection against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. She added, however, that condoms did not offer 100 per cent protection.

According to her, abstinence remained the only guaranteed way of preventing both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Touching on defilement and rape, Ms Ocansey said healthcare providers were often the first point of contact for victims of sexual abuse.

She explained that while medical personnel provided immediate care, including testing and treatment for infections, responsibility for social interventions such as reporting cases to the appropriate authorities fell within the mandate of the District Social Welfare Office.

On abortion, Ms Ocansey highlighted the health risks associated with the practice, particularly among young girls.

Responding to questions about allegations of healthcare workers performing abortions privately in their homes, she clarified that such acts were illegal and constituted a criminal offence.

She urged health professionals to report colleagues found to be engaging in such unlawful practices.

Ms Ocansey advised young people against unsafe termination of pregnancies and encouraged them to seek care from recognised health institutions for their medical needs, rather than resorting to harmful concoctions and presenting at hospitals only when complications arose.

His statement comes in response to a formal complaint lodged by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee. Ayariga alleged that Afenyo-Markin had defied a parliamentary resolution seeking to remove him from Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.

The dispute reached a diplomatic flashpoint in November when the ECOWAS Parliament, convening in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, initially refused to swear in Ghana’s new delegation following Afenyo-Markin’s appearance. The impasse was only resolved after Ghana reportedly threatened to withdraw entirely from the sub-regional legislative body, restoring normalcy but leaving tensions unresolved domestically.

Speaker Bagbin has since directed the Privileges Committee to investigate the matter, urging MPs to refrain from public commentary until the committee concludes its work.

Yet in a speech on the floor of Parliament as the House adjourned for the year, Afenyo-Markin publicly challenged the legitimacy of the complaint and insisted on his right to remain in office until the end of his term in April 2028.

“May we return in the new year with renewed energy, clearer purpose and deeper commitment to serving the people who sent us here, and hoping that the honourable First Deputy Speaker will resist the temptation of hauling the Minority Leader before a so-called Privileges Committee,” he said.

“The Minority Leader will insist on his rights to serve his full term as a Third Deputy Speaker at the ECOWAS Parliament. It is our prayer that the First Deputy Speaker and his committee will resist all temptations to do that which is never done in any democracy,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin dismissed accusations of insubordination, stating that the ECOWAS Parliament had rejected the resolution seeking to remove him from Ghana’s delegation.

“The Minority Leader has not disrespected any order of this House. Indeed, the ECOWAS Parliament rejected outrightly the resolution that sought to remove the Minority Leader from his seat as an ECOWAS MP,” he said.

He further emphasised that his position as an elected deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament is not a political appointment subject to domestic parliamentary interference. Drawing parallels with constitutional office holders, he noted:

“You can remove the Chief Justice, you can remove others who are political appointees, but not my bona fide right as a member of ECOWAS Parliament and Third Deputy Speaker. I shall remain until April 2028 when my tenure ends,” he insisted.

Addressing the final 2025 meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, December 19, 2025, the King of the Asante Kingdom kicked against the move, citing precedence and customs.

The controversy centres on proposed amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), pushed by the National House of Chiefs, led by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.

The proposal seeks to establish a ‘Chamber of Queenmothers’ and grant them seats alongside chiefs in formal sittings to promote gender equity.

However, JoyNews’ Ashanti Regional Correspondent Nana Boakye Yiadom reported that the Otumfuo described the move as a dangerous overreach that threatens the unique fabric of Asante custom.

While acknowledging the “critical role” queenmothers play—particularly in the matrilineal Asante system where they hold the veto power to select a chief—Otumfuo argued that the status quo must remain.

• Customary Precedent: In Asante tradition, the queenmother (Ohemaa) is the “mother” of the stool, but the chief acts as the public voice.
• Matrilineal Distinction: Otumfuo warned against mixing patrilineal and matrilineal systems into a one-size-fits-all law.

Speaking in the Twi language at the meeting on Friday, the Asantehene stated, “We have to let Ghanaians know that traditions and customs differ across various areas. No one should create rules that bind everyone… Our tradition is that they [queenmothers] offer advice behind closed doors,” he stated. “I will not allow anyone in Ghana to change my culture.”

“We respect them for selecting chiefs. All of us in this room were selected by women who are queenmothers. Our tradition is that they offer advice behind closed doors,” he explained.

The Rising Tide of Advocacy: The Queenmothers’ Case

The Asantehene’s fierce stance comes amid a growing national movement for female inclusion.

The All Regions Queenmothers Association, led by Nana Otubea II, has been advocating for representation on the Judicial Committees of the Houses of Chiefs.

They argue that it is “unfair and discriminatory” for cases involving queenmothers to be decided by all-male panels.

Their campaign has gained momentum following the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates a 30% quota for women in decision-making bodies.

Legal experts suggest that Otumfuo’s remarks set the stage for a constitutional clash between the Chieftaincy Act and Article 270 of the Constitution, which guarantees the institution of chieftaincy as established by customary law.

If the government moves forward with the amendments to Act 759, it may face a traditional rebellion from the Ashanti Region, the most influential traditional bloc in the country.

For now, the King has made his position clear: the doors of the House of Chiefs remain closed to public debate by queenmothers.

The Sunyani District Court B sentenced the main culprit, a student, to two years’ imprisonment, while three others were handed heavy fines for receiving stolen property.

The ruling brings closure to a high-value theft case involving state-owned equipment intended for national registration exercises.

Investigations revealed that the NIA warehouse at Newtown, a suburb of Sunyani, was broken into on two separate occasions between January and October 2022. During the break-ins, the suspects stole 26 HP laptops and other office equipment.

The stolen items were valued at GH₵405,570.00.

The case remained unresolved until March 4, 2023, when a tip-off from a member of the public led police to Asante Anthony Junior, a student, who was arrested at Newtown.

At the time of his arrest, police found him in possession of items later identified by the NIA as stolen property.

Further investigations established that the laptops had been sold to three individuals: Ameyaw Eliezer, a mobile phone repairer; Jovies Amoh Afriyie, also known as Lord; and Dodzi Kwaku Gordon.

Delivering judgment, the court emphasised deterrence in sentencing.

Asante Anthony Junior was convicted on multiple counts of stealing and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Ameyaw Eliezer, Jovies Amoh Afriyie and Dodzi Kwaku Gordon were convicted of dishonestly receiving stolen property and each fined GH₵20,000.00.

The court further ruled that any of the three who fails to pay the fine will serve an 18-month prison sentence in default.

In a statement signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, the police said investigations are still ongoing, as other accomplices involved in the warehouse break-ins remain at large.

“The Command encourages members of the public with relevant information to assist the Police in bringing all persons connected to the crime to justice,” the statement said.

The police assured the public that efforts are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the laptops yet to be retrieved.

The price cuts, which took effect today, Friday, December 19, 2025, come at a time when travel demand is surging ahead of the Christmas season.

However, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has coupled the relief with a stern warning, cautioning fuel retailers against hoarding, adulteration and other illegal practices.

According to the regulator, any operator found creating artificial scarcity through hoarding or engaging in the sale of substandard petroleum products during the high-demand festive period will face immediate prosecution and possible jail terms.

Star Oil Leads Fresh Price Cuts

Market leader Star Oil has set the pace with some of the most competitive reductions, undercutting several international competitors to ease the burden on consumers.

The company has reduced the price of petrol to GH¢11.35 per litre from GH¢11.97, while diesel now sells at GH¢12.45 per litre.

In a further move to capture the festive travel rush, Star Oil announced deeper discounts at selected outlets nationwide.

“Selected Star Oil outlets are offering additional reductions, with petrol selling at GH¢10.97 per litre and diesel at GH¢11.79 per litre,” the company said.

GOIL and TotalEnergies Follow Suit

State-owned GOIL has also adjusted its prices, with petrol now retailing at GH¢11.99 per litre and diesel at GH¢12.94 per litre. GOIL’s premium Super XP 95 is selling at GH¢14.95 per litre.

International oil major TotalEnergies has likewise reduced prices, with petrol now selling at GH¢12.50 per litre, down from GH¢12.69, while diesel has dropped from GH¢13.22 to GH¢12.99 per litre.

Star Oil officials attributed the price reductions to the relative stability of the cedi and declining international petroleum product prices, which have lowered landing costs for bulk distributors.

NPA Warns of Jail Terms for Violators

While the price cuts have been welcomed by consumers, the government has intensified enforcement of the National Petroleum Authority Act, 2005 (Act 694).

Industry sources note that price reductions often tempt some unscrupulous operators to hoard fuel or mix quality products with cheaper, adulterated alternatives to maximise profits.

The NPA has warned that under Section 31 of Act 694, individuals or companies found guilty of fuel smuggling, adulteration or the illegal sale of petroleum products face jail terms of between 5 and 10 years, in addition to heavy financial penalties.

Hoarding and Price Gouging: Hoarding fuel to exploit future price movements is a criminal offence under emergency regulations.

Adulteration: Diluting or tampering with fuel attracts a minimum two-year jail term for first-time offenders.

The Authority has deployed monitoring teams nationwide to ensure the new prices are reflected at the pumps and that fuel quality is not compromised.

Festive Economic Impact

Economists believe the fuel price reductions could help stabilise transport fares, which typically rise sharply during the third week of December.

By lowering operational costs for commercial drivers, the development is expected to boost consumer spending across other sectors of the economy.

With inflation recently easing to 8.0% in October, analysts say stability in the petroleum sector will remain a critical pillar of Ghana’s 2026 “Reset” economic agenda.

Table: Current Pump Prices (Dec 19, 2025)

The US Central Command (Centcom) said fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery “struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria”. Aircraft from Jordan were also involved.

It said the operation “employed more than 100 precision munitions” targeting known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.

President Donald Trump said “we are striking very strongly” against IS strongholds, following the 13 December IS ambush in the city of Palmyra in which two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter were killed.

In a statement on X, Centcom, which directs American military operations in Europe, Africa and the Indo-Pacific, said Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched at 16:00 Eastern Time (21:00 GMT) on Friday.

Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that the US “will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation “is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance.

“If you target Americans – anywhere in the world – you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.

“Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue,” the US defence secretary added.

Posting on Truth Social, President Trump said the US “is inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible”.

He said the Syrian government was “fully in support”.

Meanwhile, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OBHR) said IS positions near the cities of Raqqa and Deir ez Zor were targeted.

It said that a prominent IS leader and a number of fighters were killed.

IS has not publicly commented. The BBC was unable to verify the targets immediately.

Centcom earlier said that the deadly attack in Palmyra was carried out by an IS gunman, who was “engaged and killed”.

Another three US soldiers were injured in the ambush, with a Pentagon official saying that it happened “in an area where the Syrian president does not have control.”

At the same time, the SOHR said the attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the identity of the gunman has not been released.

In 2019, a US-backed alliance of Syrian fighters announced IS had lost the last pocket of territory in Syria it controlled, but since then the jihadist group has carried out some attacks.

The United Nations says the group still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.

US troops have maintained a presence in Syria since 2015 to help train other forces as part of a campaign against IS.

Syria has recently joined an international coalition to combat IS and has pledged to co-operate with the US.

In November, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa – a former jihadist leader whose coalition forces toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024 – met Trump at the White House, describing his visit as part of a “new era” for the two countries.

In a statement issued on Thursday, December 19, 2025, the Service explained that the coordinated response will focus on completely removing the bees’ habitat and strengthening safety protocols around school environments to avert similar incidents in the future.

The update follows a tragic bee attack at the school on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, which affected a total of 30 people within the school community.

According to the GES, the injured included five teachers who were stung while attempting to rescue learners, three school feeding cooks and 22 pupils. Two of the affected learners later died from their injuries.

Management of the Service expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and sympathised with the Anloga E.P. Basic School community over the loss.

For victims who sustained varying degrees of injury, the GES wished them a speedy recovery and assured them of the Service’s full support throughout the recovery process.

The Service also commended teachers, officials of the Ghana National Fire Service and community members for their swift intervention, which it said helped to avert an otherwise more devastating situation.

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The initiative, organised by the media giant, has been embraced by poultry farmers and consumers, offering a rare opportunity for the public to bypass retail outlets and purchase fresh poultry products directly from farm-gate suppliers at low prices.

Record Turnout and “Cracking” Prices

Day one of the market saw a massive turnout, with hundreds of households, bakers, and catering businesses taking advantage of the significantly reduced prices.

Amidst high food inflation and the seasonal hike in poultry prices, the Egg Market has provided a much-needed financial reprieve for many Ghanaian families preparing for Christmas festivities.

Currently, a crate of eggs at the market is retailing at prices significantly lower than those found in traditional markets like Makola, Agbogbloshie and Mallam Atta, where seasonal demand typically pushes prices to their peak.

Supporting the Local Poultry Value Chain

Beyond the benefits to consumers, the market serves as a strategic platform for local farmers to move large volumes of stock before the year ends.

According to representatives from the poultry farmers’ associations present at the event, the initiative helps mitigate the “middleman effect”, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation while consumers pay less.

“The response on Day 1 was overwhelming. We brought in thousands of crates, and we had to restock by midday,” remarked one of the lead vendors. “Saturday is the final push, and we are ready for the rush.”

Final Call to Shoppers

The market officially opens at 8:00 AM this morning and is expected to run until the final crate is sold. Given the high demand experienced yesterday, organisers are advising the public to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Head of Marketing and Sales at The Multimedia Group Limited, David Max-Fugar, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to improving food accessibility for Ghanaians, particularly during the festive period.

“This is our way of giving back to our audience,” he stated. “We know the economy is tough, and if we can help a family have a better Christmas meal by providing affordable eggs, then our mission is accomplished.”

Dr Kumah passed away at the age of 45 on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

He was widely remembered for his dedication to public service, his strong advocacy for economic development, and his close connection with the people of Ejisu.

His death was met with nationwide tributes from political leaders, colleagues and constituents, who praised his commitment to national development and his impact on public life.

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